Mr. Corruption *Steven Universe Fanfic*

She Never Left

Third-person POV:

Steven and Connie sat there for what seemed like hours in complete silence. The clouds and sky around them slowly turning pinker by the minute. Finally, the quiet ended.

"So... how? How did she become corrupted? How did you know she was corrupted? Where are we again? I... I... I'm really confused."

Steven sighed, the wounds on his body were still festering, but he showed no sign of pain.

"Do you remember when I reformed?"

Connie nodded.

"And remember when I said I didn't remember anything from when I was inside my gem?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I lied. I did remember. Connie... this isn't a memory. Her,"

Steven pointed to the figure of Rose Quartz who was crouched over near the mirror.

"She's real, Connie. That IS Rose Quartz. She never left my gem."

Connie stared at Rose Quartz in disbelief. What was Steven saying? That his mom never left? That she was inside his gem this entire time?

"Then why did she say she was going to give up her life for you?"

"She thought that's what she was doing. When my gem cracked, that's because she found out that her "afterlife" was really just my gem. She got angry or something. I don't know, but she's losing herself. Losing control of her emotions. All those markings in the cave, that was her. Every now and then she takes control over the gem and makes a mess of things."

"You're letter, you didn't think you would hurt me, you thought she would."

"Yeah. I couldn't let her do that."

"So what? What are you going to do now?"

Steven sat there and thought, his mind weighing heavily on the troubling turn of events. Just a few months ago everything was fine. He was still traveling across the world, he had finally gotten control of his powers, and he and Connie were becoming something more than friends. Why can't anything just be normal? Why is there always something bad going on?

"I don't think there's anything I can do."

"Well, if that's really her, then have you tried talking to her?"

"I've tried, she won't talk to me."

"Then how did you find out she was corrupted?"

"It's almost like she showed me. She showed me her memories, but that's all she'll do. I can't get her to talk, I know she can hear me, but she won't speak."

"Do you want me to try and talk to her? Maybe she feels a little guilty and just doesn't want to talk to you."

"Connie, what if she hurts you?"

"Then you'll save me. You can pull me out of this place, right?"

Steven looked worried, but he knew that Connie might be able to get through to his mother.

"Ok, but be careful."

Connie stood up and walked over to Rose Quartz. Her head was bent down towards her knees and she was slowly rocking herself.

"Hello. My name is Connie. Do you mind if I sit next to you?"

Rose shook her head and made space for Connie. Connie sat down and fiddled with her fingers, nervous about what to say.

"Why are you sad?"

Rose didn't say a word, she just looked at Connie very curiously.

"You're a human, aren't you?"

"Yes! Yes, I am."

"I always liked humans. Greg was a human. I like Greg."

"I know him! He's very nice. And he likes you a lot too."

"He's probably found someone else by now."

Rose looked like she was ready to cry.

"Actually, he's still single. He has been ever since you left."

Rose's face brightened up, a big smile spread across her face. She hadn't thought of Greg in years.

"I'm glad. I miss him."

"He misses you too. Very much."

Rose scooted closer to Connie. It was obvious that Rose had warmed up to her. They sat there for a while, not talking, while Steven sat a short distance off.

"You know, Steven really wants to help you. Do you think you could talk to him and let him help you?"

Rose quickly glanced towards Steven, a worried look in her eyes.

"No, no. I could never do that. He hates me."

"Did he tell you that he hated you?"

"No... but I can just tell."

Connie motioned for Steven to come and sit with them. So he stood up and took a seat on the other side of his mom.

"I don't hate you, mom. I am just a little confused. I want to help you! Because you're my mom and I love you."

Rose didn't look at her son but still replied.

"But what about all the terrible things I've done?"

"I've already forgiven you. That's in the past. Let's work together to make a better future."

Steven held out his hand to her, she was hesitant at first, but slowly she placed her hand in his.

"First, you need to tell me what happened."