Continuing To Heal

Confession

After lunch, Steven and Pink went back to competing while taking turns on video games. Pink had tried to focus on thinking more toward a solution to the tear issue, but Steven had convinced him he should take a break to give his mind time to marinate on the problem.

While trying to beat Pink's time in a motorcycle race, Steven said, "I'm sorry I kept you from them for so long. I was being selfish and I regret not giving more priority to your needs."

*It's ok. I know all the stress you've been under and it's understandable that you'd want to keep me all for yourself.* There was a touch of humor in his 'voice'.

"That's right," Steven went along with this conversation path, "Don't forget you were mine first and I get first dibs on your time. And actually, on the side of trying to be a little selfish, our birthday's next week and they owe you back presents."

*For last year?*

"Heck, no, you deserve 16 years of back presents, and that includes from me, so you better start working on a wish list.

*Then don't I owe you back presents, too?*

"Nope, you've kept me safe and healed me a bunch of times and helped me save everyone I love and even helped in my first introduction to Connie... and you've put up with me being a jerk to you..." Steven paused the game, "In fact, we need to start prioritizing more of your needs and wants."

*That's not necessa-*

"No, I mean it. What's something you'd want right now if you hadn't needed to share a body with someone?"

*...I've never really thought about it... I... I don't know...*

"Well think on it, ok?"

*Okay*

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Connie came by after school. Since she wanted more than 40 minutes a day with Steven while he was on bed rest, she'd started sharing dinner instead of lunch but still having both on the weekends. When she entered, Pink was in the middle of an amazing run through tournament mode of Lonely Blade VII where he was demolishing Steven's previous record. Pink paused the game, "Want me to switch with Steven?"

Connie climbed up on the bed from the opposite side of the TV and sat beside them. "No, that's ok. I'm here to visit both of you and I don't want to wreck your flow on what appears to be you dethroning Steven as Lonely Blade champion."

Pink got a little grin and said, "Steven wants you to picture him dropping to his knees and dramatically yelling 'Nnnnooooo!!!' towards the sky."

"Sorry, Steven, records are meant to be broken," Connie then watched Pink do just that. "Impressive, but you know Steven will now make it his life's goal to retake the top spot, don't you?"

Pink gave her a sly smile, "As intended," before swiftly switching with Steven.

"Hey, Berry," Steven gave her a quick kiss of greeting.

"Hey, Biscuit."

"I've been talking to Pink about our birthday coming up. He's never thought about gifts he might want or activities he might like to do and we need to help him learn to think of his own needs and wants instead of caring about mine."

Connie hesitated for a moment at how Steven ended that last sentence. "I don't think we need to teach him not to care about you, but we could help him expand his interests."

Steven was wrapping up and putting away the controllers and video game system.  Before sitting back on the bed next to Connie. "Whatever you think we should do," he said and then leaned in for another kiss. Connie obliged but then put her hands on Steven's shoulders to hold him back enough to look in his eyes, "What?"