Gems in Uncharted Waters

chapter 4

Steven's POV

Steven asked his best friend out just one week ago. He couldn't believe it was finally happening. After crushing on her for so long, he finally confessed his feelings.

- - -

It was a warm summer day. Steven and Connie were sitting on the beach, watching the fireworks show Mayor Dewey organised as a publicity stunt to get re-elected.

Steven loved everything about Connie. Her long, silky, brown hair. Her laugh. Her bravery, her cleverness, her kindness. He loved the way he felt a spark every time they touched. He felt joy in his heart every time he was near her. And he loved it when they fused. He felt complete with her, and though they had only known each other for three years, he couldn't imagine life without her.

He had no idea to tell this to Connie. He sat on the beach with her, thinking about all this. Connie looked into his eyes.

"Hey Steven, is something wrong?"

His face blushed a rosy pink. Steven gently put his hand on her's. "Connie..." he said quietly, "Have you ever wanted to say something so badly, but didn't because you were afraid?"

"Yeah..."

"Well, I don't want to be afraid anymore," He said, suddenly kissing her. His heart raced faster than a comet shooting through the sky.

Connie's face turned bright red. She was overwhelmed with emotions. "Steven..." She whispered, "I love you too..."

They laid on the beach together, watching the fireworks. They talked about so many things. Their feelings for each other. Connie talked about how she was bullied. Steven told her about how the Crystal Gems fought off the diamonds when they came to Earth, and how he was afraid they'd come back for revenge.

Connie fell asleep next to Steven. It was getting late. Steven carried her in his arms to his car and drove her home. He carefully woke her up.

They walked to the door, holding hands. Mrs. Maheswaran answered the door. She looked at Steven sternly.

"Uh... mom? Steven asked me to hang out next week... is that ok?" Connie said.

"Sure, honey."

"Really? Thanks mom! Well, I'm gonna go to bed now." She headed to her room, leaving Steven and Mrs. Maheswaran in a room full of awkward silence.

"Mr. Universe? Can I talk to you? Outside?" Mrs. Maheswaran said.

"Sure. And, um... you can just call me Steven." Steven said as they stepped outside.

"No. You're almost a grown man, after all. You deserve some respect. That's why I'm going to treat you like a man, not a child." She hesitated before firmly saying, "What are your intentions with my daughter?"

Steven nervously sighed. "I... I just.... I... want to make her happy. I want to be with her, she's my best friend. She's someone I can't live without. I promise I'll never hurt her."