Steven Universe: The Diamond Legacy

Beach City Drift: Grandpa Greg's Greatest Hits

I went in the guest bedroom holding my guitar. "Hey Grandpa?" I called. "Be right out Nora Beans!" his voice called from the bathroom. It took a few minuets  for him to hobble out. "Hey kid what's up?"

"Do you have an extra guitar string?" I asked, showing him a gap in my guitar where one of the strings snapped. "Oh sure! It's in the bottom shelf over there." He pointed. I found the case and replaced the string while I sat on the bed with him. "Still working that guitar Nora?" Grandpa asked. "Yeah." I fine tuned it. "But not as much since the whole Genesis adventure. You know this was the best birthday gift you ever gave me."

"Aww thanks Nora." Grandpa said. "I'm glad you really love it.  Great to see you've inherited the Universe music skills. I wish I got the chance to play music with you more often. "

"Me too." I agreed. "It's been so crazy with all the Gem stuff going on, and when I'm home you're at work."

"I know, we always seem to miss each other." Grandpa nodded. "Hey! How's about you spend a day at the radio station with me?"

I blinked. "Really?"

"Sure!" Grandpa smiled. "I'll give you the VIP treatment! You'll drive in with me  and get a behind the scenes look at the studio. Sound like a fun idea?"

"That sounds awesome." I excitedly tapped my foot. "I don't think I ever  been to your radio station."

"You did." Grandpa said. "Your parents used to stop by and visit after taking you home from speech therapy classes. It was a long time ago, back when I first bought the radio station and you were really little. It doesn't surprise me you  don't remember."

"When can I go with you?" I asked.

"How about tomorrow?" Grandpa said.

"Yes!" I wiggled my foot. "I'd love too."

I set my alarm before I went to bed. "I think it's wonderful you'll get to spend the day with your grandfather." Selene said. "Yeah. Grandpa's a really cool dude. You'll be okay on your own right?"

"Of course." Selene assured. "I'll be training with Pearl and Garnet." I thought it was nice she was able to spend time with my Aunts and got to know them. "Goodnight Nora, have a great day tomorrow."  She gave me a quick kiss before curling up on the couch tucking the blanket over herself. The urge to cuddle  her was overpowering, but one thing held me back: The sound of my father's footsteps walking towards the bedroom.

"Goodnight Nora." Dad walked in settling in on the inflatable bed next to me. "You excited about spending the day with Grandpa tomorrow?"  "I am." I looked away from him trying to hide the blush from Selene's kiss. "Goodnight Dad."

Though she rested on the other side of the room,  a warmth flushed over me mimicking the sensation of cuddling her in my arms.

                                                             ....

I woke at the chime of my alarm, quietly getting dressed behind a covered nook in the wall. I wore my black and gold SpaceTrek T-shirt, my purple jacket (my favorite one with the gold star), sensory friendly capris, and sandals. Slinging my bag across my shoulders I heard a low knock on the door. "You ready Rosebud?" "Yes I whispered. Before I left the room, Dad spoke from his bed. "Have a great day Nora, I love you." "I love you too Dad." I said quietly walking down the stairs I passed Selene, brushing  her side. "I'll see you later Selene." Selene squeezed my hand. "I'll see you later too. Have fun."

I helped Grandpa downstairs. "Thanks for taking me along. I'm so excited to spend the day with you."

"You're welcome." Out on the beach Grandpa unlocked the doors to the van, a retro painted vehicle with 'Mr. Universe' emblazoned on its side beneath an outer space mural of stars and galaxies. Grandpa had that van for nearly fifty years and it used to be his home until he moved in with the Gems when Dad left Beach City. Even now, he'd occasionally camp out in it for old times sake, sleeping under the stars (Sometimes I'd stay with him too. I have a lot fun childhood memories of 'camping' on the beach.)