Elastic Hearts

Dancing Beneath the Stars

Steven's P.O.V

Immediately upon entering, I feel a sense of nervousness creep into my stomach. There's much more gems in here than I had anticipated and while I usually don't mind large crowds, having a secret that I'd like to keep hidden for the time being makes it more nerve-wracking to talk to people. Besides, these gems aren't stupid. If they see me and Spinel walking so close to each other for extended periods of time, they'll connect the dots sooner or later and start congratulating us, exposing what they probably think is already common knowledge.

"Wow, this is quite something" Spinel remarks, gazing around at the thousands of gems mingling around and chatting in small groups.

The setting is vaguely similar to the Era 3 ball, members of White's, Blue's, Yellow's and even Mom's court in attendance. However, this ball has a more free, relaxed, and talkative environment whereas the previous event had a stressed calm and forcefully obedient vibe to it. In other words, this is a lot like those big, fancy receptions and celebrations that Connie and I used to see in the movies we watched together. The resemblance is shocking, but something else I just thought of is just how shocking it is that the Diamonds were able to set this up all by themselves. Sure, they might've had their Pearls instruct other gems to do it, but as an experienced wedding planner myself, I know something big as this had to have taken a ton of effort, so props to them.

"So..uh, what do you want to do first?" I ask, scratching the back of my neck nervously.

"I'm not sure" Spinel answers, "I've honestly never experienced a ball before. When Pink was still around, my time was spent in the Garden or in her room. I never even saw the inside of the Palace until recently, so my know-how of this kind of situation isn't probably as up to par as everyone else's".

"Don't worry, I know how you feel, Nelly. I spent most of my childhood away from parties and social gatherings, so you and I are in the same boat, so to speak" I reply.

I see her shift uncomfortably in her dress, unsure of where to begin.

"Well, what do you suggest then?" Spinel asks.

"Maybe we should find some people to talk to, you know, socialize a bit. Get to know a few gems before the dances start up" I suggest.

"Yo, Steven! Over here, man!" An all too familiar voice calls.

Me and Spinel turn our heads in synchronization to find none other than Amethyst herself standing a short distance away, dressed in her usual attire of a ripped tank top and grey jean shorts with black stars. Next to her, smiling widely, is Pearl, wearing her same attire as well. Then Garnet completes the set by a small grin and a tiny wave. Questions immediately fill my head. What are they doing here? Why are they here? Are they gonna try to get me to come home? And are they gonna not approve of me and Spinel dating? My stomach is stirring with anxiety and I almost feel like I wanna vomit from overwhelming nervousness, though that also could be what I had for lunch instead. Swallowing these feelings, I shove aside my hesitance and guide Spinel with me over to the Gems.

"Oh Steven!" Pearl cries, hugging me from the side, "It feels like forever since we last saw you!".

"C'mon, Pearl, you know I'm just a phone call away" I reply.

"But that doesn't even come close to seeing you in person, Cutie Pie" Garnet interrupts, Pearl stepping back to allow the fusion to hug me herself.

I pout, embarrassed about having to hear that particular nickname brought up yet again. Everyone else is just laughing at my reaction, Spinel being the worst of them.

"Cutie Pie? Ahahahahahahaha....oh, you're never gonna hear the end of that from me, Steven!" My girlfriend belly laughs, wiping away a few tears.

I roll my eyes at the unfairness. Why does life hate me so?