Trying to Smile Again Continued (Steven UniverseUniverse Fic)

Part Seven Chapter One: You're Safe Now

Spinel sat in the house, as Steven talked with the two Pearls outside. They had just got home from the frightening event at the Reef. So many emotions were rushing through Spinel right now. She thought she knew her. She thought she loved her.
She was wrong.

The door opened, and Steven walked through. He went over to the fridge, and grabbed a bottle of water. He noticed Spinel, huddled on the couch, with her legs in her arms. He walked over and sat next to her.

"Hey, what's up," he said.

"Hm," she hummed softly.

"Look, I know something... weird happened at the Reef... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"That's not the problem," Spinel softly spoke.

Steven raised a brow, "oh... then what is?"

Spinel slowly turned her head to look out the window. Steven turned with her, spotting the two Pearls outside, enjoying each other's company.

"Pearl and Pinky? Why does they make you upset?"

Spinel sighed, putting her legs down, and holding her head.

"It's... well... I sort of had a thing for her," she whispered.

Steven smiled brightly, but then quickly dropped it when he realized the situation.

"Oh... I see. Although," he said, staring at the two on the beach. "I don't think they're in love... at least, not in the way you're thinking."

"You think so," Spinel asked.

"Yeah! Trust me, you still have a chance-in fact," he said fixing his posture. "Pretend I'm Pinky! Practice with me!"

Spinel blushed. Surely he was joking. She did love Pinky, and had always thought of Steven as a friend. Why would he ask something like this?!

"Uhh... why would you ask that?"

"Y'know, so you can pick the perfect approach."

"Umm... yeeeaaah, I don't know Steven."

"Aww, c'mon! You know I don't mind!"

"Don't min-wait," Spinel screamed, blushing intensely. "Do you have a thing for me?!"

Steven blushed, waving his hands defensively. He just wanted to be a good friend, he thought surely she would know that. Besides, he liked Connie... not Spinel. Spinel was funny, and kind... and pretty-wait, no! He didn't like her!

"No no no! You see, I just meant-I like to help people!"

Spinel chuckled at his swiftness in words. She playfully punched his arm.

"Don't worry Steven, I won't tell no one. Besides... I think Pinky doesn't like me anyways... so why should I try?"

Steven thought for a moment, thinking of how to handle the situation.

"Ok... maybe she doesn't like you... but it doesn't mean she doesn't LIKE you."

"What?"

"I mean-maybe she doesn't love you, but she'll still be your friend!"

Spinel looked out the window, noticing Pinky looking back. She waved hello, then turned back around. Maybe Steven was right, he was always right. But after this... would she be able to love again? Surely if Pinky didn't love her, then something must be wrong with her!

She heard a small drip sound, and noticed she had been crying. Steven held her shoulders, rubbing them softly for comfort. Spinel let it out, turning to cry into Steven's shirt. He didn't mind, he just wanted to comfort her, and keep her safe.
She was too precious to hurt.