Steven's P.O.V

"AMETHYST!" Pearl squawks, her hair standing straight up, "WHAT DID YOU DO?!"

In response, Ame just rolls her eyes and crosses her arms at Pearl.

"Getting a piece of my precious Steven, of course" Amethyst replies flatly, hugging my arm tightly, "Why? Did you think you could have him all to yourself? Shows how wrong you are, P".

Pearl looks like she wants to explode, but somehow keeps it together, huffs, and merely turns back to her preparation, leaving the rest of the Gems to blush at my situation minus Jasper. She smirks and nods in my direction, giving her indirect approval. Amethyst soon grows tired of all the stares, though, and phases her clothes back on, allowing me to let her stand. However, she then starts holding my hand, leading me over to the kitchen area where, together, we take a seat next to a very flustered Lapis and an equally blushing Peridot.

"This doesn't relate to that little 'disturbance', but the team and I are going out on a grocery run" Pearl says, fixing her gaze upon me as she finishes up some pancakes, "Peridot and Jasper have elected to stay, but you're more than welcome to come with me- I mean us".

She corrects herself quickly at that last part, letting some of her inner desires show.

"As much as I would love to, Pearl, I have something scheduled that I must attend to" I politely decline, taking the pancakes as she offers them to me.

I see her pout from sadness, but then try to show some understanding.

"Well, alright. But, you'll have to do something for me in return" Pearl says, leaning forward.

Clearly seeing what she's after, I smile and quickly kiss her. It's mere milliseconds later that our mouths separate, but there's more time for that stuff later.

"Catching on quick, my Diamond" Pearl muses while smiling.

I wink at her, causing a blush to form immediately. Shaking her head, Pearl then walks out from behind the kitchen counter and heads toward the front door. Sighing with minor frustration, Lapis and Amethyst get up from their seats and follow after Pearl, who now stands next to Garnet.

"I love you, Steven. We'll be back soon" Pearl calls, Garnet, Amethyst, and Lapis repeating Pearl's words as well.

I smile gratefully and wave, watching as they all step outside and head down the stairs. Soon, they're all out of sight and I'm left in the now quiet kitchen with Jasper and Peridot. After scarfing down the rest of the pancakes, I place the dirty dishes in the sink and go for the door. I wish both of the remaining two gems a good day and then step outside myself, the interview weighing down on my mind. Time to do this.

Lapis' P.O.V

"What do you think he would like?" I ask Pearl as we walk through the aisles of the store.

"I'm not really sure" She replies, "When I did this when he was younger, I always defaulted to picking out the healthiest things for him. He couldn't make his own decisions around that time, you see, but now it's completely different. And while I do appreciate that he isn't picky on what he likes to eat, it makes it harder to buy stuff that he actually likes."

"I could always text and ask him" I suggest removing my phone from my gem.

"Since when did you have a phone?" Pearl questions.

"You know who I live with, right?" I reply with a smart alek glare, "Sure, I could've settled for the cellular devices sold around the city, but Peridot said she could make me one that was leagues better. Besides, the phones humans sell are always over expensive and they always have to come out with new ones every other year or so with only minor improvements. Best to skip all that nonsense and have one that is already the best there can be."

"I suppose I see your point" She nods, Amethyst and Garnet coming up to us with the grocery cart.

"Have you two come up with anything?" The fusion asks us.

"From the looks of it, no" Amethyst interrupts, making me glare at her for answering for us.

"Is there just some stuff he always likes, like cheese or bread or something?" I ask, feeling like we're overthinking this whole thing.

"Well he definitely likes candy, but apparently, P says it's 'unhealthy for him' or some such stuff" Amethyst says.

"Because it is!" Pearl insists, "He's stronger and much more muscular than before! No need to ruin that by feeding him sweets that'll only increase his weight!"

"Try to keep it down, you two. We're attracting a lot of attention" Garnet muses, making the two gems look around at all the humans glancing in our direction.

"Sorry, G" Amethyst apologizes.

"Ugh, this is getting us nowhere!" Pearl huffs, crossing her arms and scanning the contents of the shelves closest to her, "I still don't know why humans like this stuff."

"Because when it comes down to it, it's a matter of life and death since they need it to survive?" I point out flatly.

The three gems stare at me silently like I said something wrong.

"What?" I ask, not sure what they're so quiet about.

I ultimately shake my head and walk away unnoticed since their arguing just picks up right where it left off. I get that they want to choose only the best for Steven, and I'm definitely not an exception to that, but they forget that the situations that work out the most often are those spent working together and not apart. Ironic how they were also the ones that told me and Peridot that.

With a basket over my arm, I tread lightly past other humans, one small child pointing at me and remarking how pretty I am. I chuckle at this, but don't say anything back, instead moving on to an aisle labeled 'Snacks'. This sounds pretty low-key and there are many colorful bags to choose from. And the more I look, the more labels I see that exclaim how these snacks are made from healthy minerals. This will be a perfect middle ground! But I also want to pick out something that Steven and I can share together, preferably under a blanket near a fireplace where we hold and kiss each other after having just gotten done having sex. My legs rub together as I recall our moment on the beach, my 'lust', as Amethyst tells me, re-surging in my chest.

Shaking my head, I comb the shelves on both sides of me multiple times, carefully selecting about four items from each side and putting them in my basket. I then hear the voices of the Crystal Gems coming this way, but I turn the corner and enter the aisle they just passed by. No doubt they get arguing again if they saw my haul, so I think I'm just going to leave without them. All these humans around that I don't know is also raising my anxiety the longer I linger here. But Pearl has the money, so I'll need to leave using a way that's not the front entrance, since she stated an alarm would go off if we tried leaving with anything we haven't payed for. I wonder why, though, since humans just walk out of the stores with these things anyway.

Shaking my head and summoning my wings, I float towards the closest end to the store I could find, then hugging the walls until I find a door. Where there's a door, there's an exit. I try one door, but that leads into someplace cold that makes my wings freeze and shatter, so I quickly leave that room. I then try another and that leads into some sort of processing area where there are larger square holes in the walls, one having a large rectangular vehicle backing into. The others show daylight, so I fly over the heads of the humans working in this area and glide out the exit. No alarms, no nothing. Easy. I should come shopping with the gems more often.

Peridot's P.O.V

Ugghhh! Why didn't I say anything?! He was right there next to me! I could've told him how I felt and now he's gone! A tear slips down my face and I reach under my visor to wipe it away. I should've spoken up when Steven was eating his breakfast, but having Jasper in the room just makes me feel so nervous for some reason. I sigh angrily and lightly bang my head against the bar counter. It's structural integrity is stable enough to endure collisions with my cranium, so the wood did not break from the force of impact. Still, the leftover pain from said action lingers on my forehead. It hurts, much like Steven leaving without me saying anything, and with both of those combined, I feel like I want to be alone.

"I'll be in the barn" I mutter incoherently to Jasper, heaving myself off the stool and sauntering out the front door.

I continue such sorrow-driven walking techniques all the way into the barn, stopping at my computer. Sitting down with a "thump", I rest my chin on my fist, letting more tears work their way out of my eye ducts. My Pebble, if only you knew how much I cared about you. A buzz then sounds from my tablet, causing me to look down at my arm and see a video notification. Frowning with curiosity, I bring up the website and select the very video I was notified of. Up pops an image of Steven sitting in a chair and being surrounded by a completely white background. My eyes widen, though, when I come to the realization that this is live.

"Hello everyone, I'm Steven Universe. And today, on behalf of Beach City Local, I'm going to be answering your questions" Steven explains.

That alone intrigues me and after a couple seconds, the video transitions to Steven holding a foam board with bits of paper over the questions. One by one, he reads them off, ripping away the paper coverings on each as he answers them.

How is Steven Universe so handsome?

"I'm, uh,  very flattered by this. Personally, I don't think of myself as handsome, but I do appreciate that you guys and gals think of me like that" Steven smiles, part of me territorial at the idea of human females typing that question while another part of me disagrees with his statement.

How is Steven Universe doing?

"I'm doing pretty well, actually. I would've never guessed that I'd be answering questions about myself one day and, yet, here I am." He replies.

How old is Steven Universe?

"I'm 22 years old, as of a few months ago" Steven answers quickly.

Is Steven Universe available?

"Hmm, depends on what you mean by 'available'. If you mean available to go have ice cream with, then yeah I'm available. But, if you mean the other kind of available, then no. Sorry ladies, this dude is taken" He elaborates as I growl at the screen, knowing all too well that those human females are trying to subtly get through to my Pebble that they're looking to date him.

Is Steven Universe a Diamond?

"You betcha. Since my mother was a Diamond and she passed her gem onto me, it does make me a Diamond. Don't worry, though, I won't start blasting things into smithereens just cause I feel like. That's not how I roll" He jokes as I let out a little chuckle myself, thought it also reminds me of how Yellow Diamond used to be in the past.

Is Steven Universe a good singer?

"Personally, I don't think so" My Pebble shakes his head, making me frown since I completely disagree, "But, that's just my opinion. If you guys think so, then I appreciate it."

The board is now finished, so Steven moves on to the other one.

Where did Steven Universe go to school?

"I've never gone to school. I've been home schooled for most of my life. My friend, however, whom I prefer to leave unnamed to protect her privacy, went to school as we grew up together. She would tell me what school is like, but besides that, that's all I know about school" He shrugs, though I know he's referring to the Connie girl.

Where does Steven Universe live?

"Beach City, but any further details about where I live will remain undisclosed. Reasons being that while I love you guys, there are always those that take it a little far when meeting someone they admire and I'd rather not have people parading around in my front yard" Steven answers, which I agree with and personally promise to drive any intruders out should any show up.

Where does Steven Universe go when leaving Earth?

"To this pleasant little place called Homeworld. Thing is, though, is that it's a planet. Home of the Gems and their Diamond leaders. I would not recommend going there, though, because they'll more than likely put you in a zoo than offer you a warm beverage" My Pebble concludes.

And, with that, Steven throws the last last board to the side and delivers a closing address. The live video then cuts to black and I'm left all alone again. Believe me, I'm thrilled to know Steven's perspective on these personal topics, but after seeing this thing end so soon, it makes me feel like he just left again. It hurts again, almost to the point where the tears are starting to return. I don't know how long I sit there and try to fight them, but what I do know is that I eventually hear a vehicle halting outside, a door closing, and footsteps coming up the stairs. They continue my way and actually come inside the barn, coming to a stop right behind me. I dare not look behind me, for I fear that I will be greatly disappointed to see any other gem besides Steven standing there.

"What's wrong, Peridot?" His voice asks, tone laced with worry.

My eyes widen with realization and I spin around to see that it is Steven. Overjoyed, I zip out of my computer chair and hug him tightly, the tears finally breaking past my willpower. He's quickly holds me close to ensure his comfort. I don't regret the words as they slip out, but I can't quite bring myself to look my Pebble in the eye. I feel his hand gently clench my chin and pull it upward, making me look at him.

"You don't have to be scared, Peridot" Steven says warmly, "Because, I can honestly say that I love you too".

This thudding feeling in my chest region vibrates like a drill frequency, it's effects making my cheeks grow hot and my body shake like a clusterquake. I then act without thinking, anxious to test out this human ritual I observed on Camp Pining Hearts, and bring our lips together. The taste of his lips are so enticing, I feel like I never want us to separate. I then start to feel 'frisky' as the humans call it, and decide to escalate the situation. I pull Steven closer, getting him to kiss me more, and yank us backwards, aiming us for the hay mound in the corner of the barn. The two of us collide with the soft collection, but still do not break apart.

"I've never known the fullest extent this feeling could go" I tell him, "And I don't think I have yet, either. Could you show me how to love to fullest, Steven?"

"Well, there is one way I know of" He replies, "But it is a very passionate act that would take our relationship to a level that it could never go back to being anything less."

"I want to try that!" I exclaim excitedly.

"Alright then" Steven smiles, "I'll show you what it's like."

| Lemon Start |

With my emotions the most out of control they've ever been, I do two things that I've never done before. While Steven is still making out with me, I reach up with one hand and take my visor off, the other rubbing over this small section behind my hair. My hair then glitches for a second, then loses its triangular shape to a worn down curly shape that falls down my back. Steven's warm and inviting hands then make their way down to my rear end, grabbing both of my posterior halves in a rough, but sexy manner. 

Not breaking our lip-lock, I phase out of my star uniform and lay back on the hay with all of my green skin visible. Steven, sensing the direction I'm going, then phases out of his clothes as well. That abdominal flesh stick of his, which he calls his member, can certainly be classified as a weapon cause it looks large enough to make it a weapon of drastic destruction. Steven softly clenches my sides and carefully fits that reproduction rod of his inside my lowest entryway.

It's at this point when a sudden rush of new emotions flood my mind and make me go completely limp. Even though the mind of a Peridot is one of the smartest in the galaxy, even mine can handle the feeling of penetration. That rhythm of going in and out, and in and out some more just coats my mind in this hazy cloud of peace and happiness. I'm not quite sure how, but I know I'm loving it and from this, I hastily beg Steven to keep going. He complies like the sweet Pebble he is and goes faster.

It gets intense, even to the point where it feels like my entrance is sucking off his reproduction rod. I then get this feeling of wanting to take charge, so I log-roll us over so that I'm on top. Then, I stop Steven's actions, push him into the hay, and start riding his flesh stick back and forth. Bobbing up and down further extends the pleasure, my head now thudding with this satisfying feeling. As I'm getting near my breaking point, though, I feel something wet and sticky shoot up my gem hole, attaching to the inner walls of said hole. I let out one loud moan when this happens and then collapse next to Steven.

| Lemon End |

I'm grinning like crazy and feel so very happy. I look over at Steven with heart eyes and nuzzle my head into the side of his chest. I then find myself curling up beside him, this newfound feeling of weariness accompanying the pleasure. I let it come and let it consume me, the sense dragging me into a state of utter bliss. But, through the steady breaths and the pulsing of my head, I can agreed with one very clear fact. Steven is everything I want and that will never change.

Steven's P.O.V

I greatly enjoyed my time with Peridot. To be honest, I never knew that the adorable little gem had it in her to do such things. Yet here she is with me, resting in my arms after the conclusion of our passionate moment. Peri's fallen asleep from the exhaustiveness and I can't blame her really, but I've got to put her down so that none of the other gems will see. At this point, I can see very clear signs of jealousy all around and the growing competition for a favorite among the ladies. I'll need to tackle this issue now before things spiral out of control and somebody ends up hurt. But I'll need advice to be able to confront everybody and get them settled down.

Luckily, an idea pops into my head and I begin to walk out of the barn, the green gem still in my arms. Some loose strands of hay stick to Peridot from the sex in the hayloft, but I leave them on her since I find it attractive. Striding out of the open barn doors, I look to see if there are any gems in sight and, upon finding none, I open the front door and step inside. I take Peridot directly to my bed. Keeping my lustful heart rate down, since my mind is secretly wanting another round with her since we're heading to a bed, I fold the sheets back and gently set Peridot down, carefully draping the sheets over her as I wait to see if she's perfectly comfortable. It seems to me like she's at peace, due the warm smile and cute facial expression, so I silently wish her happy dreams and carefully place her visor on the nightstand next to my bed, tiptoeing down the steps and exiting carefully back through the front door. When I get outside, though, I'm greeted by a new presence and, luckily, this one doesn't want to have sex with me.

"So, Peridot's joined this little intimate activities group of yours, huh?" Jasper remarks, elbowing me as I come to stand next to her near the railing.

I playfully roll my eyes at her response and shake my head.

"That's a fairly labored way of looking at it, but yeah" I reply, "It's certainly turning out to be like that".

Jasper steals a glance over and smirks, but I keep my eyes glued to the horizon line straight on ahead.

"You know, Steven, it used to be that you only came up to my knee and didn't want to hold a sword. Now, you're taller than Pearl and pursuing your companions until they're willing to become tethers of yours" Jasper says, causing me to look over and make eye contact with her.

"Mhm hmm" I mumble, "But a problem I'm running into, Jasper, is that the team is getting argumentative with each other and I'm the cause of it. They can't get along because each of them think that they deserve me more than the others. While it can be flattering at times, I don't want this team to ultimately break up because of this."

"Don't worry, Steven, I won't let that happen. I care about these gems too, after all, and I don't want to see this family divided anymore than you do. But if you're looking for suggestions, I don't think I'd really be the best person to be talk to about it. The two people that I know of that could help would either be your father or Bismuth. Greg can understand this from a male human's perspective and Bismuth knows the Crystal Gems better than I do" The orange quartz responds, explaining the best she can.

I look over and nod, appreciative of her efforts towards this.

"Thank you, Jasper. That really does help" I reply thankfully, straightening my posture when I stand up, "I think I might go talk to Bismuth. I think she can help me sort out this mess." 

Jasper smiles slightly and jokingly does the Diamond salute.

"Of course, Steven. Always good to be of service" The tiger gem says, putting her arms down. 

An idea then sparks in my mind again and I quickly ask her about it.

"Speaking of service, could you do me a small favor? The Gem's will be back any minute now and I don't want them following me while I talk to Bismuth. So, could you please keep them from warping to the Forge?" I ask, really hoping she'll say yes.

"Absolutely. Just say when and I'll be there" Jasper complies.

"Then, how about now?" I say, scratching the back of my neck with anxiety, "The sooner I get this resolved the better." 

"Sure. Let's get you there immediately!" Jasper replies, opening the door for me.

I nod, thankfully, and head back inside. As I head towards the Warp Pad, I look to my left and see my beautiful Peridot still resting blissfully in my bed. I send her a silent "I love you" with my thoughts and then step onto the Warp Pad, giving Jasper one more reassuring nod. I reappear on the Forge Warp Pad a second later, being sent almost immediately and already feeling hotter than before. Taking a glance around me, the rocky environment looks not too different since the last time I'd been here. But I still can remember the path remarkably well, so I set off on my little venture, eager to get the answers to my inquiry.