Trying to Smile Again Continued (Steven UniverseUniverse Fic)

Part Six Chapter Five: The Stars Don't Compare

"Three pink icing donuts with sprinkles please!"

"Ok, but why not call them by their actual name Steven," Lars asked.

"What, you mean The Lars Special. I think you only want me to say that to inflate your ego," Steven joked.

Lars laughed while stuffing the three donuts into a bag, "you're right, like always."

Steven waved goodbye to his pink haired friend, and met up with two of his other pink friends outside the bakery shop. He sat down at the table, taking out his donut, then handing the bag to the other two.

"Ooh, The Lars Special, my favorite," Spinel said, digging into the bag for her donut. "Thanks Universe," she said through a massive bite of her donut.

"Hehe, you got a little on your face," Pink Pearl chuckled.

Spinel blushed slightly, licking the icing off her lip. Pink Pearl looked into the bag, taking out the last donut. She studied it carefully, inspecting it from all angles.

"Um... are you sure it's good," she asked.

"Of course! Earthling's food is the best, I'm sure you'll love it," Spinel beamed brightly.

"Ok," Pink Pearl agreed, blushing ever so slightly. "If you think so, then it must be worth it."

Steven and Spinel sat on the edge of their seat, waiting to see her reaction to the food. Pink Pearl made a face of disgust, which after swallowing, quickly changed into one of utter amazement.

"Oh my stars, this is great," she laughed, taking another bite.

Steven and Spinel laughed, glad to see she enjoyed it. They finished their donuts, talking all the while. After they finished, they decided to go down to the beach. After all the rebellion stuff, it would be a good time for a break.

They ran around playing tag. They also played some volleyball, and frisbee. Then Steven came up with the idea of having a sandcastle contest. Spinel immediately agreed, and since Pink Pearl had no clue what they were talking about, she became the judge. In the end, Spinel won, but Steven already knew that was coming.

After a long day of fun on the beach, the sun was beginning to set. Steven was out in the ocean, begging for the other two to join him, but they politely refused. Spinel and Pink Pearl sat next to each other, watching the beautiful sun set. Spinel turned to Pink Pearl, she was going to say something, but she forgot. Spinel was distracted by how beautiful Pink Pearl looked. The way her eye glistened in the light. The way she laughed whenever Steven got hit by a wave. Spinel could get lost for hours in that laugh. That amazing, wonderful laugh.

"Spinel... Spinel," Pink Pearl quickly snapped Spinel back to reality. "You've been staring quiet a while, is something wrong?"

Spinel blushed intensely, glad that at least she didn't catch on. Spinel smiled brightly, sighing in relief.

"Never better Pinky."

"Pinky," Pink Pearl laughed.

Spinel wanted to slap herself so bad for accidentally calling Pink Pearl her nickname she made for her.

"Uh-Oh, I'm s-sorry! I didn't mean to-"

"I like it," Pink Pearl said, calming Spinel down.

They caught sight of each other, both knowing what they wanted to do. But they were too afraid that the other wouldn't feel the same. They both, sheepishly, looked away. Embarrassed at staring a long time. Spinel turned her head slightly, reaching out a hand, but quickly retracting it.

"Hey... Pinky."

"Yes Spinel."

"Well... I just wanted to say... thank you."

"Thank you? For what?"

"For giving me a good time today... and," Spinel hesitated. "And for risking yourself for me back at the palace... no one's ever done something like that for me."

Pink Pearl smiled, rubbing the back of her neck. She looked away, staring off into the now, starry night sky.

"Oh, no need to thank me. I was just doing my duty as a Pearl, you know. Protecting gems, and all that, hehe."

Spinel smiled, seeing the obvious blush on her friends face. She stared off into the night time sky, gazing at all the beautiful stars.

"You know Pinky," Spinel said, scooting closet to her friend. "Out of all these stars... I think you're prettiest."

Pink Pearl turned to look at Spinel, who held a goofy smile. Pink Pearl smiled a small passionate smile, followed by hugging her new friend. Spinel gasped from the sudden touch, Pink Pearl being cold from the wind. Spinel hugged back, savoring the moment.

"Thank you... you truly are wonderful," Pink Pearl said.

They hugged for a while, each one not wanting to let go. They held each other tight, and closed their eyes. Not needing to see one another, just accepting their warm embrace.

Finally they let go, staring into each other's eyes. They started to lean their faces closer, Pink Pearl guiding Spinel with her hand on her cheek. Just when they thought the moment was perfect, they heard a small squeal. They swiftly backed away from one another, and turned to the giddy boy who was watching them.

"Steven," Spinel screamed. "How long have you been there?!"

"Not that long, but long enough to know you too like each other!"

"Hehe, we do not," Pink Pearl interjected. "Why would we?"

Spinel turned to her friend, hurt and confusion in her eyes. Was she wrong? Did Pink Pearl not feel the same? Was she moving too fast?! She was so certain that Pink Pearl loved her... guess it was a lie. It made sense though, how could anyone love a broken gem like her?! Spinels are meant to be perfect friends, and Spinel is anything but perfect. No wonder Pink Diamond left her alone on a floating rock in space, SHE WAS STUPID!!! DEFECTIVE!!!

Spinel started to cry, catching the attention of the other two. Pink Pearl's eyes grew wide, and she tried to comfort her friend, but Spinel moved back.

"Spinel," Pink Pearl started. "I didn't mean to... I-I-It wasn't true, it's just-"

Pink Pearl tried getting closer to her friend, but this time Spinel pushed her away. Pink Pearl fell onto her back, and Spinel stared in hatred. Quickly realizing the situation, Spinel covered her mouth, and ran off back to the temple. She ignored their calls to her, and definitely didn't notice the bright light as she closed the screen door behind her. And she definitely didn't hear Steven's scream of horror. And she definitely didn't hear Pink Pearl's cries of pain... and horror.