Humanity - A Steven Diamond X Reader AU

Prisons

Warning: Abuse.

"Hey princess, are you going to help me or not?" Connie teases, her arms full of supplies.

You rush over to her, relieving her of some of the load. As you enter the safe house, you can't help but smile. "You know, I'm starting to like that nickname. Maybe I need to think of one for you too!" You propose.

Connie rolls her eyes. "I'd like to see you try. No nickname could be cuter than princess. I'm the supreme 'nick-namer' here!"

You smirk, knowing full well you already have the perfect nickname for her. You decide that you'll save it for the right moment. "So, what do we do now? Looks like we've got enough supplies here to last us at least a week." You hum as you wipe your forehead of sweat.

"Please don't tell me you forgot what today is." Connie pouts as she taps her foot.

You look at her with confusion. "What? Am I missing something?"

She sighs with disappointment, "It's your birthday y/n! Remember?"

Your eyes immediately light up. "What?! When did that happen? I thought it was next week!"

Connie giggles, "You said that last week silly! Today's your thirteenth birthday! Happy birthday!"

You say sarcastically, "I'm guessing you didn't get me anything?"

Your friend scoffs, "I got you something so amazing, your mind will explode!" She gestures to the floor. "Now sit down and don't peek!"

You do as she says, shutting your eyes and waiting patiently for your gift. You hear the sound of her kneeling down in front of you, and you hold your hands out eagerly.

Connie lets out a quiet laugh, placing her hands in yours. Before you can process what's happening, you feel her lips kiss yours sweetly.

Your eyes open wide in shock, Connie's expression full of affection.

"You mean- you actually-" You try to say.

"Yes! I like you! Don't make me say it more than once!" She turns away and holds her cheeks like an embarrassed child, barely believing herself that this kiss really just happened.

You can't help but giggle uncontrollably, pulling her into an awkward hug. "I was so afraid you wouldn't like me back! This is the best birthday present ever!"

Connie happily embraces you, feeling relieved at your response. She has been dying of nervousness all week thinking about this moment.

"Thank you... my knight!"

Connie chuckles, "Knight? Is that the nickname you're giving me?"

You blush, "Well, every princess needs a knight to protect her, right? And I can't think of anyone better than you! You're so cool and strong and... p-pretty!"

Two thirteen year old girls sit on the floor, both embarrassed and laughing like idiots. Is this love? Neither is sure, but the path ahead of them seems much brighter now that they're together.

———————

Your eyes slowly open, the memory of that dream becoming fainter by the second. By the time you sit up in bed, you can barely even remember what it was about. All you know is that it brought you a feeling of warmth and joy. You turn and see Steven laying next to you, your body immediately tensing as you recall the horrible events of yesterday.

Carefully, you get out of bed, dressing yourself and moving over to the window to slowly open the curtains. It's sunrise, the usual time you wake up.

Surprisingly, the sunshine on Steven's face doesn't stir him. Upon getting closer, you notice his eyes are clenched tight and his expression full of... pain?