Then, you had an idea. A stroke of genius. The greatest idea to ever idea.

You couldn't stand to let this conflict between Steven and Connie go on for one more second when it was making them both miserable. So, you did what anyone would do. (Not really)

"So, would you wanna hang soon? Get a head start on that goodbye tour we talked about?" You asked Steven.

"Yeah, that sounds nice," he smiled. "My house okay?"

"See you there!"

After hanging up, you texted Connie;

And just like that, your idea was put into play.

You only reconsidered your plan once you were waiting in Connie's driveway.

Maybe this isn't a good idea... is this really my business?

"Hey!" Connie slid into the passenger seat.

Aaand it's too late.

"Hey!"

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah, totes."

Totes. Totes???

Your nerves were showing.

"Are you okay?" Connie asked.

"Yeah, um... so I might've lied a little?"

"About what?" Connie asked suspiciously.

"Well maybe not lied, just... withheld information," you chuckled awkwardly.

"About what."

"We're meeting up with Steven!" You said with forced enthusiasm.

"Oh. Oh, god," Connie looked at the floor.

"It's okay! This way, you guys can finally talk about everything!"

"But- does he want to talk about everything?"

"I... don't know?"

"You don't KNOW?"

"Well, he doesn't exactly know you're coming, either."

Connie's face went pale and she sat in silence for a moment. Then; "this is a bad idea."

"Nuh uh."

"Uhh, YUH huh. Didn't you say he was glowing pink again?! What if when he sees me, he-" Connie stopped herself. "We really shouldn't do this!"

"Well," you put the car in park, "it's a bit late for that now."

"Shit," Connie breathed.

"Hey," you put your hand on her shoulder, "it's gonna be okay."

"Is it? Because I get the feeling that if he wanted to talk to me, he would've," Connie took a shaky breath. "I think we're done."

You thought back to Steven's nightmare. That's not how a normal person would dream about someone they never want to see again.

"No," you said definitively. "Trust me on this, okay? It'll work out."

Connie slowly and hesitantly nodded before following you to the inside of Steven's house.

"Uhh..." you looked around at the empty room. "Steven? You here?"

No response.

You and Connie looked at each other and shrugged.

"Guess we'll wait?" You sat down on the couch.

"Are you sure this is okay?" Connie asked.

"I... no," you replied honestly. "But I am sure that Steven doesn't hate you."

"Oh, good. The bare minimum," Connie said sarcastically before putting her head in her hands.

Just then, the warp pad activated, and Steven appeared.

Connie looked up from her hands and froze as her and Steven made eye contact. Time seemed to stop for a moment while the two stood in silence.

"So.... Hey," you smiled awkwardly.

Steven turned to you slowly with wide eyes that were screaming; what the fuck.

Hey, at least he wasn't pink.

"Steven..." Connie stood up slowly.

Oh, ok. Now he's pink.

"Woah, it's okay! I... I'm here to talk," she explained.

"About what?" Steven asked hesitantly.

"What do you think?" You joked.

The two looked at you and you immediately apologized and shut your mouth.

"Why now?" Steven muttered, coming off of the warp pad.

"Well... this was all her idea," Connie gestured to you. "Look, if you want me to leave, I get it. I know you probably never reached out for a reason, and-"

"What? Uh- no, no, it's fine,"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah... I uh..." Steven sat on the edge of the couch. "I wanted to reach out. I did. I just... had no idea how."

Connie smiled lightly and sat next to him; "Oh. Here I was thinking you wanted nothing to do with me," she laughed nervously.

"What?! No- no way. You didn't do anything wrong, Connie. It was all me," Steven reassured. "As usual."

"Steven... it's okay. I get it," Connie said gently, before jokingly adding; "I mean, I'm awesome. Who wouldn't want to marry me?"

Steven laughed lightly as his pink hue disappeared; "Too soon."

"But you know what I'm saying right?" Connie asked, but Steven didn't seem to get it. "Steven, I was never mad or uncomfortable or upset or anything. I was just trying to give you space. I figured you would come to me when you were ready, but..."

"Right," Steven let his head fall. "Yeah, about that. I sort of got it in my head that I was just a burden to you, and I was holding you back with all my drama- like; the life-threatening gem stuff, to the proposal, and... you get it. It was just... so much, and you always seemed to have everything under control. Like... a normal person."

"Well, you're wrong. About everything. I might not have this crazy, exciting, magical destiny or anything, but that doesn't mean I have everything under control, I mean... I lost my best friend. I fell apart. You're not a burden. You never have been, and you never will be."

Steven felt tears of relief prick at his eyes, and he pulled Connie in for what might've been the world's longest hug.

💫