Artemis was not amused.

Greg sprayed her with the water hose (on purpose). She gave a death glare to the man, earning a chuckle from Steven. "Lighten up, Artemis. Don't you like jokes?"

The girl gave a mischievous chuckle and a sarcastic smirk. "I enjoy a good laugh, but I was not aware that 'helping' with such a task would involve this.", she angrily rung out her hair.

Steven hopped back onto the van, as the tape stopped. Putting in another, he happily sung along while strumming his ukulele.

I may not be that tall
I know I'm not that smart
But let me drive my van into your heart
Let me drive my van into your heart.

"C'mon, Artemis, sing along!" he called. The girl shook her head. "I don't sing and you know it Universe!", Artemis responded, slightly peeved. She walked back over to soap the sponge yet again.

"Hey, thanks for doing this.", the older man said as she returned.

The girl froze, surprised. That may have been the first time anyone's ever said 'thank you' to her. Blinking her eyes for a second, she shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. "It's not like I was doing anything anyway. Happy to help."

--------------------------------

Steven looked over, chuckling. Clutching his small instrument, he blushed slightly.

There was no point denying it anymore. Steven had fallen hard in love. Everything she said, everything she did, it was said with such precision and coolness that can't be controlled. SHE can't be controlled. And it was enticing. 

Putting down his ukulele, he picked up a towel to dry the car. Once the driver claimed it and drove off, Artemis wiped her brow. "Whelp, I'm no longer needed. Time I head back." She walked off calling, "Bye Mr. Universe! Bye Steven!" 

Watching her leave, Steven waved timidly. Huh. That was the first time she's ever called him by his first name. 

-----------------

Walking back to the lighthouse, Artemis stuffed her hands in her pockets. The sun had dried her off, but she still strayed from the water.

Feeling the wind in her hair sure felt nice. It was almost soothing; to feel, to listen. To listen to the waves, the seagulls. The people. To feel the sand, the heat. Homeworld didn't have a sun. That's probably why she's so pale.

She took a deep breath, taking it all in. Maybe.... it was a good thing she stayed after all. That's the reason she ran, wasn't it? To get away from all of the stress?

Maybe not, Artemis reminded herself. All of this seems nice,  but nothing's perfect. This happy little image is going shatter one day, and she didn't want to be around to see it.

But...

Artemis rubbed her eyes. She didn't need this right now. She wanted to stay here... because it felt right. This comforting, this peace, this silence. It may not be home, not yet anyway, but it sure is close.