Steven's Choice

Among the Ones Who Care

Steven's P.O.V

Training is always my favorite part of the week, by far. I take it as a time to strut my stuff and, in some cases, release any excess anger built up previously. While that last instance hasn't been all that common recently, I still came here when Connie left for college. I was more sad and felt more alone during that point, so I mainly spent my time here to get my mind off the things that bothered me. But today is all about strength and looking good while displaying it, which I must say, everyone is doing well at. After I finished my practice round with the holo Pearls, Amethyst was up next. As she walked by me to switch places, the short purple gem did give me what I'd classify as 'flirty wink and smile', at least I think it is. I pondered this strange behavior as I watched her train. She'd been acting strange all morning, but not in a bad way, mind you. I'm not sure if it's safe to say, but I kinda like the new personality that Amethyst has been showing off.

Amethyst performed wonderfully at her practice and one by one, the rest of the Crystal Gems took their turn in fending off the holographic training projections. This filled up the rest of the morning, lasting until lunch time which I took advantage of to call a break for me. Since the Gems are still familiar with the whole 'humans need to eat, but we don't', they leave me be to go get myself something substantial. I warp back to the Temple and head directly to the fridge, taking out ingredients for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Soon enough, I have my grilled cheese and I'm about to gobble it all up. But then a thought comes to mind. Lapis and Peridot have been distant lately, if this morning was any example, and it's making me worry that something might be wrong with them. Gripping my lunch in one hand, I step outside the front door and walk across the porch towards the waiting barn. Last year, around this time, Lapis had said she was getting lonely with the barn being so far away from the Crystal Gem Temple and wanted to bring her and Peridot's home closer to ours. I guess by closer she meant connected by the same porch kind of closer, but I don't mind. I actually quite enjoy the change since it means less walking involved whenever I want to see those two. The doors are wide open and I can hear noise coming from inside. I casually walk inside and find Peridot going at it on that new PC she built out of spare drill parts. With her technical know-how, she was able to outfit the device with a graphics card and everything, making it something highly valued. The PC sits underneath a wooden desk, which I assume Peridot built using spare wood laying around the barn as Lapis stands behind her, the ocean gem looking over Peridot's shoulder while she's going hard in a FPS game.

"Urggggh! Perish you clods! I'm the great and lovable Peridot and nobody stops me!" The dorito gem rants, rapidly firing her SMG at some attacking pirates.

Lapis chuckles at Peridot's dialogue and I do as well, only silently so I don't disturb them. Just as Peridot got into the game, she was completely hooked. Secretly, I've gotten her the next games in the series for Christmas. I only hope though that she hasn't already looked around and purchased them for herself. I smile at Peridot's obsession and unconsciously bite into my grilled cheese, making a loud crunch that quickly grabs both of the gem's attention. When Lapis looks over, she immediately smiles and blushes furiously, which I find excessively cute. Peridot takes a minute to pause her game, turning around to see what's what, and gives me the same loving expression as her blue friend.

"Oh, h-hey Steven" Lapis stutters, "We didn't hear you come in."

"Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't mean to intrude on your privacy" I reply honestly.

"No, no, it's fine!" Peridot exclaims, before composing herself, "I mean, I don't mind it and I'm sure Lapis doesn't either".

The small gem looks down at her outburst, probably embarrassed at the audacity of it. I walk up to her and lift her chin up, causing a blush to form on both her cheeks.