[The Crystal Gems, having remained fused for an extended period, are visibly drained. Amethyst slumps against a nearby rock, her breaths ragged and uneven.]
Amethyst: Man, I-I'm wiped out. Feels like I'm about to pass out any second.
[Pearl, equally worn out, clutches her side as she pants heavily.]
Pearl: *breathing heavily* S-Same here. That was incredibly taxing. H-Honestly, if we'd stayed fused for even a minute longer, we'd be dead right now, no question.
[Garnet, her usually composed demeanor marred by fatigue, nods in agreement.]
Garnet: We-we pushed ourselves too far this time. We shouldn't have overextended like that.
Steven: Are you guys really that wiped out? I'm feeling pretty good, actually.
Garnet: Don't gloat, Steven. You're half-Diamond. It's natural for you to have more stamina than us.
[Steven's face flushes slightly with embarrassment as he takes in their state.]
Steven: Oh, sorry, didn't mean to sound like I was bragging. If you need a break, we can totally take one before we-
[Lapis' voice interrupts the moment as she lands beside them.]
Lapis: Yo, Steven!
Steven: *turns to Lapis* What is it?
[Lapis sets the chained Gems and the ice ball encasing Spinel onto the ground with a soft thud.]
Lapis: So, what now? What am I supposed to do with these guys?
[Lapis gestures to the captured Gems, who are struggling hard against the water chains, their movements frantic and desperate.]
Steven: First things first-are you okay, Lapis?
Lapis: *with a small smile* Yeah, I'm good, thanks to all of you. I owe you one.
Steven: *smiling back* Glad to hear it--
[Bluebird's voice cuts through the moment like a knife, enraged and shril.]
Bluebird: Listen up, you clods! I demand my immediate release!!
Steven: Sorry, Bluebird. We can't let you go. None of you.
Bluebird: Would you at least have the decency to ask your lackey to unchain me? This is humiliating!
Lapis: *glances at Steven, unsure* What do you think, Steven? Should we...?
[Steven thinks for a moment, then shakes his head slightly.]
Steven: No, I think it's best not to, at least for the time being.
[Lapis nods, turning back to Bluebird.]
Lapis: You heard him.
[Bluebird shouts, her voice shaking with rage.]
Bluebird: You're the absolute worst, Steven Universe! I swear, I'm never gonna stop hating you!
Steven: It's kinda ironic, you know. Your hatred for me... well, it seems like it only makes Aquamarine and Eyeball love each other more, doesn't it?
[Bluebird blushes, her anger momentarily giving way to embarrassment. She stammers, her voice losing some of its edge.]
Bluebird: That's not... that's not true, you imbecile!
Steven: Hey, it's okay, Bluebird. No need to hide from your true feelings. The sooner you accept them, the better you'll feel. Trust me.
Bluebird: SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!
YOU ARE READING
Steven Universe: The Return [English FanFiction]
FanfictionIt's been nearly a year since Steven set off on a journey across the country, fully committed to therapy to address his emotional struggles and rediscover himself. During this time, he hasn't seen his loved ones in person, and the longing to reunit...
![Steven Universe: The Return [English FanFiction]](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/223296272-64-k530356.jpg)