Pearl's P.O.V

It's been approximately two months since the big fight. Ever since Steven proposed the genius idea of us forming a harem, the team and I have been much more peaceful and happy. I haven't felt any jealousy because of that and am glad that Steven loves me just as equally as the rest of the team. Speaking of love by the way, me and him have had some very personal and intimate experiences with each other in the last month. I loved and cherished every single moment, always thanking the Diamonds for his kind heart and caring attitude. Speaking of the Diamonds, though, it was satisfying to see them leave just a day after the fight ended. Yellow and Blue were very sad to bid Steven goodbye, but he told them that they'll see each other again and as long as they keep him in their hearts and minds, he won't truly be gone. It was very well though and heartfelt, and I couldn't help but tear up when both Diamonds hugged and kissed Steven as they were departing.

Luckily, with the help of Bismuth, Peridot, and Jasper, the Temple was able to be fixed pretty fast. I must admit that in our four-way struggle, myself, Lapis, Peridot, and Amethyst did cause a fair amount of destruction. That was all quickly put in the past, though, and the team worked together to clear out the debris and rebuild what was demolished. When all the work reached its conclusion, I do believe the Temple looked even better than before. The living room area was expanded, the kitchen got bigger, and the ceiling was made higher. Other than those changes, though, the look of the Temple remains pretty much the same, not that I'm complaining however. Steven tells me that's bad and unhealthy for me, so being the loyal Pearl I am, I listened to him and closely followed his advice.

"Aren't you a great sight to wake up to?" Steven compliments, flirting with me so bad.

"So I've been told" I answer, winking at him.

We both smile warmly and briefly, our lips peck together. It's a short and sweet one, but when we pull back, both Steven and I are grinning and giggling like a newly married couple. Part of me wishes that he would just propose to me right here, right now in our current position, but I can't quite jump the gun on a serious relationship. The two of us rest in his bed with Amethyst, Garnet, Peridot, and Lapis asleep around us. It's become the new normal sleeping habit instead of going back to our own rooms, but it was only possible thanks to Peridot and Garnet getting a larger bed for us all.

"What do you want to do today?" He asks me.

"I was thinking of just staying in bed" I sigh, nuzzling into him, "We haven't had a day like that in almost ever."

"Sounds like a good idea to me" Steven agrees.

"I agree as well" Garnet muses, her arms wrapping around his waist as she nudges his with her knee, "But let's get something to eat first before heading back to bed. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all, and I don't want my Cutie Pie to go without it."

"Then how about we go make it together?" Amethyst suggests, showing that she's now awake too.

Lapis and Peridot stir, shifting and groaning in their sleep, so the four of us quietly nod, slip out of bed, and head downstairs without waking them up as well. Once we're in the kitchen, I tell Steven to sit down and let us do all the work, even though he protests about helping. Amethyst gets the ingredients out while Garnet and I do the rest of the work of making the best pancakes possible. With us working together, they get done faster than usual, leaving us more time to sit down next to Steven and enjoy his company. But just before he begins eating, his phone gets a notification, Steven checking it and having his eyebrows raise in surprise.

"What is it?" I ask.

"It's Connie" He replies, "She's just outside the door."

I grow tense, glancing at the other members of the team as we exchange looks with each other. None of us are ready to explain the current situation to her, especially since I'm able to recall that Connie was, and perhaps still is, very close to our boyfriend. And, sure, enough, the girl is standing on the porch outside, looking in at us. I'm about ready to head outside myself when Steven holds his hand up.

"I'm gonna go talk with her outside and see how she's doing" He tells us, beginning to turn towards the door, "From what I recall, she left to start college just two years ago and I know it lasts for at least four. Something might be wrong if she's back early."

I must concur with him, but it doesn't make me feel any better about it. Steven walks to the door, opens it, and steps outside, making me shiver because it's getting colder outside and he's only wearing an undershirt and slim pajama pants. I don't want to make it seem like I'm eavesdropping or anything, but my curiosity is still getting the better of me. I can't help myself but to edge up to the door and press my ear up against the cold glass. Due to my form being comprised mostly of energy, I find it fairly easy to hear beyond the occasional wind howls and the thickness of the glass. Garnet and Amethyst come up beside me and listen in as well, making me shake my head at their completely inconspicuous actions before I pay close attention to what Steven and Connie are saying.

"It's nice to see you again, Connie" Steven smiles, embracing my former student with a hug as she opens her arms, "But I'm surprised you didn't text me that you were coming back. Is something wrong?"

"No, no, nothing's wrong" She sighs, trying to smile, "I just..wanted to come back and see you. I haven't been making much of any friends up there and being all alone made me miss you quite a lot, Steven." 

"I'm sorry to hear that" Steven frowns, two of them going to lean on the railing and, unknowingly, put their backs to us, "I wish I could help, but I'm not really sure how I would do that given the situation. Do you have any ideas?"

"Not at the moment, no" Connie shakes her head, "But for now, let's not think about that. How have things been around here?"

"Pretty quiet and peaceful. Nothing out of the ordinary at all, which honestly makes me worried that something is bound to happen that I won't be prepared for" Steven says, "Beach City has never been a completely normal place, so the fact that no threats have popped up only means that there is a threat lurking around here somewhere that I just can't see." 

"You'll figure it out, though, Jam Bud. You've always been good at it" My former student assures him, putting her hand on top of his and making me begin glaring at her, "How are the Gems?"

"The gems are doing really well. So well that, uh, we've gotten even closer" Steven admits, scratching the back of his neck nervously, "Do you mind if I tell you something?"

"Of course, Steven. You can tell me anything and I promise to not be mad" Connie smiles.

"The gems and I are dating" Our boyfriend reveals to her.

The girl goes quiet, but keeps the smile on her face. But the more I look at her, the more I get the sense that this smile isn't a genuine one.

"Really? I wouldn't have guessed that that would happen" She says after a minute, her voice also sounding a bit strange since it sounds like she's restraining herself, "But do you mind if I also tell you something? Because now that I think about it, it ties into something I just now thought of that you could help me with."

"Why, sure, Connie. What is it?" Steven asks, turning towards her.

My former student then surges forward and kisses him, her hands clamping onto his shoulders. My eyes widen and I grit my teeth, my trident getting summoned almost as immediately as Garnet's gauntlets and Amethyst's whip. As Steven puts his hands on her shoulders and pushes her back, the three of us rush outside, Connie coming right back and kissing him again. Garnet pries her off of him as Amethyst and I stand guard next to Steven.

"You could stay with me, Steven. I love you" Connie admits, Steven sighing as he knows he has to turn her down.

"I'm sorry, Connie, but my feelings are for Lapis, Pearl, Amethyst, Peridot, and Garnet. I'm afraid I can't help you in the way you want" He tells her.

Connie's face contorts into one of growing sadness, Steven not wanting to see her this way as he heads back inside. Fortunately, she doesn't try to follow him inside, instead just going down the stairs and back toward her car waiting at the bottom. Garnet, Amethyst, and I don't stop glaring at her until her car has turned around and is heading away from the Temple. I sigh in relief and follow Garnet and Amethyst inside to comfort Steven.

"That did not go how I thought it would" Steven sighs, sitting at the counter.

"Don't worry, Cutie Pie. If she ever tries anything like that again, I'll be sure to knock some proper sense into her" Garnet says, putting her hand on his shoulder.

Steven slowly begins to smile again and grips onto the back of her thighs.

"When you talk like that, it makes me want to have you for breakfast instead of these pancakes, Garnet~" Steven jokes.

The fusion blushes, but also grips Steven's hands that are cradling her backside.

"No need to be subtle, Steven. We go have fun anytime you want" Garnet grins, obviously anxious for more sex, "And, you know, I can think of a different place where some of this syrup can go, if you get my meaning~."

"Well alright then~" Steven grins, Garnet fetching his plate and the syrup while Steven leads her towards the Temple Door.

Amethyst and I definitely want a turn after Garnet, so the pair of us follow Steven and Garnet through her room door.

~~ Five Hours Later... ~~

Steven's P.O.V

Peridot and Lapis grip my shirt in their sleep, both gems cuddling close to me in bed. After a long and exhausting breakfast sex session with Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst, I went to lie back down with my other two favorites. The three are now out getting massages, even though they wanted me to come along so it'd be couples massages. But I also had to give my beach summer fun buddy and my Pebble a bit of loving so they wouldn't feel unimportant. Now, doing my best not to disturb Lapis and Peri, I tiptoe down the steps and carefully slink across the living room floor, the Temple quiet and empty. Jasper now spends more of her time out in the barn these days, even though I've told her that she can partake in activities with the rest of the team. Nevertheless, this still gives me the chance to enact a very important plan I've been concocting.

Being as stealthy as possible, I head on over to the Warp Pad and activate it. The stream takes me away and sets me down mere moments later near the Forge. It always feels quite hot and steamy in this area, prompting me to tug on the collar of my shirt. I then soldier onward and venture down the rocky paths and into the bowels of the weapon workshop. Once I'm deep enough inside, I head right for where Bismuth stands, hoping that she's done that little 'request' I asked for.

"Ah, Steven, I was wondering if that was you" The builder gem muses, hammering out a lump of hot metal into a dagger.

"Hey, Bismuth. I don't want to interrupt you from your work there, but did you, by any chance, complete that order I asked for?" I ask politely.

Bismuth pauses mid swing and frowns, thinking hard about what I'm referring to. After making so many creations, it does make sense why she'd have trouble remembering which goes with what and who would like them.

"Oh, yeah!" The gray gem exclaims a second later, "I got them right here."

She morphs her hand out of its hammer form and reaches down underneath her anvil, bringing out six rings. Each are infused with a smidgen of a Rose Quartz that I found and have a silvery grey lining, one for each member of the harem.

"Here you go" Bismuth says, pouring the jewelry into my outstretched palm, "Don't have too much fun and try not to break them. Not all these materials are easy to come by."

I nod in thanks to her and then turn around to run right out of the Forge, feeling all too eager to get this plan of mine underway. I run right up to the Warp Pad and have it take me home. Just to be sure that the surprise won't be foiled, I place the rings in my gem and go right back to lying down with Lapis and Peridot. I figured that the best time to pop the question is when all of them are gathered, so I'm willing to wait until Pearl, Garnet, and Amethyst are back from their massage. I spend the next few hours fading in and out of consciousness, taking brief periods of naps. A couple of times when I woke up from these naps, I could've sworn that a flash of brown passed by my bedroom window. Each of those times, I looked outside to see if someone was lurking around. But, fortunately, there wasn't anyone there. I just kept myself calm as the Sun rose higher and higher in the sky, indicating the very slow passage of time. Then finally, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, the front door creaked open.

"Steven, we're home!" Pearl calls.

I happily shake off the sleepiness that crowds my mind, Lapis and Peridot groaning and sitting up as I eagerly head down the steps to hug my three girlfriends. They all hug back, each of them feeling a bit oily from their time at the massage parlor. Pearl kisses me on the forehead while Amethyst attacks my cheeks with her lips. Garnet, being the feisty one, gets lucky enough to go right for the lips.

"So, what happened while we were gone, Ste-Man?" Ame asks, flipping her hair over her ear.

"Oh, not much" I reply, trying to hide the eagerness in my tone, "But if you three wouldn't mind coming with me, I'd like to surprise you with something".

All three of the Gems look intrigued and anxious, nodding as they follow behind me. I sit them all down on the couch and look up to see Lapis and Peridot down the stairs, the two soon noticing what's going on and hurrying down to sit with the others.

"What do you have in store for us, Steven?" Peridot asks, her visor still off.

I smile at my cute girlfriend and gaze over each of the seated gems in turn.

"You five have been the best possible things that could've happened to me. Without all of you, I don't know where I'd be right now. The love and care that you all brought to me as beyond what any person like myself deserves and, for that, I thank you greatly. Now, if you remember when I asked for the formation of the harem, I also agreed to be your boyfriend and for you to be my girlfriends. We've had so many adventures together and we're far from done" I say, getting on one knee after that last sentence.

The Gems have been around humans long enough to know what I'm doing and all of them cover their mouths in shock.

"So, my Crystal Gems, how about we continue this adventure together in a new way? Garnet? Lapis? Pearl? Amethyst? Peridot? Will you marry me?" I finally ask, pulling the six rings out of my gem.

The room goes so silent that you could hear a pin drop if it happened. Each of the gems are crying, their tears being happy rather than sad.

"YES!" They all shout in relative unison.

I grin widely and place the rings back inside my gem, going to hug all of my lovely fiancee's. By looking in Amethyst's, Lapis', and Garnet's eyes, I can tell that they can't believe this is happening right now. My clothes then shift, morphing into a nicely tailored suit with matching socks, shoes, and a comb over hairstyle.

"Then how about you say we make it official" I hint, gesturing toward the open door Rose's room, which I just now opened with my gem.

All nod in turn, their outfits shifting like mine to match something in wedding attire. Amethyst, Pearl, Garnet, and Peridot wear the same suits/dresses they had on when celebrating Garnet's wedding while Lapis shifts into a sky blue dress with white trim on the bottom. Everyone's ready, and probably nervous out of their minds, I lead the way inside Rose's room. As soon as I step inside, I help my fiance's as they come in behind me. Once everyone's inside, I summon a wedding setting with marble columns, an archway, and a dance floor. A minister, which looks a lot like a Zircon, then forms out of the clouds. Using my powers, I float over and stand at the ready as each of the gems, in turn, come up to the stage, a bouquet of flowers appearing in their hands. One by one, with the swaying of their hips, the Crystal Gems walk up and stand in a line in front of me. The Zircon then starts the procedure, her lawyer-like attitude perfect for this role.

"Marriage is an act of faith. It binds together those that have chosen to live with each other and belong to each other for the rest of time. The reasoning behind any kind of marriage stems directly from clear and direct feelings of love. Now, I ask you this, Steven Diamond Universe, do you love these women and will take their hand in marriage?" The gem says.

"Yes, I do" I answer.

Smiling, the Zircon then looks to the Crystal Gems.

"And do you, Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, and Lapis, take Steven to be your lawfully wedded husband, to hold in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?" She asks.

"I do" Garnet says with confidence.

"I do" Pearl seconds.

"I do" Lapis thirds.

"I do" Peridot adds cheerfully.

"I do" Amethyst finishes.

"What token of love do you have to offer? Please place the rings on your fiance's" The Cloud Zircon instructs.

I follow her directions and summon the rings from my gem, then going down the line and placing them on each of the Gem's ring fingers. When I get to Garnet, she's unfused, but that makes it all the more easy to put a ring on both Ruby and Sapphire's hands.

"Now, by the power invested in me, I name you husband and wives. You may kiss the brides" Cloud Zircon finishes.

All formalities go out the window at that and I'm dog-piled by my group of wives, all six of them kissing me like crazy. I laugh and giggle, feeling tickled but also incredibly happy. I do my best to match the ferocity of their kisses but still don't even come close. Once the lovey dovey moment is over, though, the music cranks up and tables of snacks and refreshments form out of more clouds.

The mood then goes from happy and light-hearted to crazy. Amethyst chows down at the snack table while Garnet and Pearl dance on the dance floor. Lapis and Peridot then glance at me and before I can that I can't dance, my blue and green wives are dragging me onto the dance floor with them. At first, I feel kinda odd, but after seeing how loose and carefree the others are with their dancing I just for it and let go of my nervousness.

It all gets better after that.

Connie's P.O.V

Steven, my biscuit, can't you see how much I love you? I've loved you ever since the moment we met and haven't stopped all these years we've been apart. Why do you choose to put your compassion towards those that will outlive you and forget about you? I'm the only one who will be there and love you, Steven. I am. He won't ever see that with those perverted gems around, though. Now I have to do something to them so that Steven can see his love for me. We will make sweet, sweet love and live happily ever after wrapped up in each other's warm embrace. We were meant to be, after all, and I refuse to accept otherwise.

In truth, I've been back in Beach City for almost six months now. But I've made sure that nobody, not even my parents, knows that. Well, except for Steven, since we talked about it somewhat. I wasn't lying when I told him I missed him, but he doesn't know the full extent of what it translates to. I've been spending every day since I've returned planning on getting him to love me. I stopped by his house not long after returning, but merely spied on what he was up to. When I saw those gems acting all seductive and Steven being oblivious to it, that's when I knew I had to save him from them. I had to be patient, though, and plan it correctly so that I wouldn't scare my Jam Bud off. But now that he's refused me and things have drastically escalated with him and the gems, I need to speed up my plans and take drastic measures to ensure I can still have him. If he won't love me willingly, well, I'll just have to train him to love me.

I watch from behind one of the wedding pillars, my anger and hate only growing towards the Gems. I don't get why Steven would want to marry them instead of me?! What do they have that I don't?! Our marriage would be much better! I turn away from the horrendous sight and carefully unfold the butterfly knife hidden away in my sleeve. While Steven's been getting wrongfully pleased over the past two weeks, I've been planning more and more and gathering everything that I'll need to make this work. And now, I have almost everything I need to begin.

Once the Gems are shattered, all will be ready.

Steven's P.O.V

Never in all of my life have I ever been this happy. I've finally found who I'm truly and most deeply in love with, and they've been closer to me than I thought. Just being here with my Crystal Gems, in all their immortal beauty, is the greatest gift a lonesome hybrid like myself can ask for. I could be offered the entire universe as a gift, but I'd still choose my five wives over that. Because to me, they are my universe. My everything.

We've been dancing and celebrating for quite some time now and I'm beginning to wonder when, or even if, my wives will tire out. Being made of energy doesn't give you the vibe that they'd grow tired, right? I mean, it would make the most sense logically, but since when does a race of everlasting goddess from their very own planet ever fall into a logical category? Pearl, Amethyst, and Lapis are starting to look worn out, so I halt the music and draw everyone's attention. Garnet and Peridot also come to a halt, though they've mostly claimed the snack tables as their territory. I stand on the platform that we said our vows and then delivered what I would later call a short, but sweet declaration of love.

"I just wanted to thank each and every one of you lovely pieces of perfection. You've made me the happiest half gem half human to ever walk these lands and I'll be eternally grateful for that. Now, it seems like we've partied hard enough for today, so why don't you all go back to the Temple and rest while I clean up around here?" I say.

The Gems seem hesitant, especially Pearl, about hearing this but offer no rebuttal to my proposition.

"Are you sure, Steven?" Peridot asks, smoothing a crease in her dress nervously, "You've done so much for us already. Why exhaust yourself further? It doesn't bother us and certainly not me, my adorable Pebble."

In response, I grin and casually step off the platform and approach my small green honey bun, taking her hands in mine.

"You're very right on that, Peri. But as a husband, I do believe that it is my duty and responsibility to make sure my wives are happy. Besides, you and the rest of the Gems catered to my every need when I was young, so I think it's about time I took the reins on this one" I reply, gazing deep into her eyes.

Sighing and shaking her head, Peridot then tears up with happiness and lunges forward to share a brief but passionate kiss. Her lips taste so good, like sour apple Laffy Taffy. Must be the lipstick she's wearing.

"You've got such a way with words, you know that?" Peri mumbles, breaking the kiss a short time later and nuzzling her cheek against my suit.

I softly run my fingers through her thick triangular hair, feeling all it's loveliness.

"So I've been told" I say, letting her go so I don't overload her with snuggles.

I see her lip quiver slightly and faintly hear a whimper from her mouth, like a dog begging for more food. I simply caress her cheek and smile at her. In the end, it's enough to convince her to take it easy for the day, but the Gem's are letting me go so easily without some loving of their own. Before each of them leaves my room, they steal a sweet kiss and a short snuggle moment with me. Once Lapis, who is the last to perform such actions, disappears out the door, I'm left all alone in a messy wedding setting. I don't mind, for I volunteered to do it anyway so there's no room for complaining.

I quickly look around the room and see what I should start working on first. My gaze shifts upward and I find myself gazing at the streamers and banners hung between the columns. I activate my floating powers and get to unraveling the decor, happy still stirring in my stomach from the realness of today's events. I'm married! I'm never letting this go easy!

"I have to say, you look incredibly handsome in that suit, Biscuit" A voice sudden calls out, startling me enough to drop from midair and hit the floor with a 'thud'.

I know that voice well enough to know that when I turn around, I'm face to face with Connie.

"Pardon me, Connie, but just what are you doing here" I demand, standing up and brushing myself.

She smirks and smooths out the dress she's wearing, mocking Peridot in such an annoying way.

"I came to get what I want. And that's you, Steven. You're everything I want. And I need you to know that" Connie says, walking forward to take my hand.

I retract it before she can reach and hold them behind my back. She pauses in front of me and watches me with careful but lusting eyes.

"Be that as it may, Connie, you've crashed a wedding uninvited. And I cannot excuse that. I'm going to have to ask you to leave and as you do, please ask yourself. Why must you try so hard to go for a man that is now married?" I say, ending with sarcasm.

Connie pouts as I walk over to the refreshments table and grab a soda glass of the counter.

"I'd answer that question with this. I know he loves me deep down and he's just pretending to marry these disgusting gems to make me jealous. Now I want him to ask me to marry him, ring and all" Connie responds, approaching me and getting down on one knee.

I internally groan, hoping that she's not going to do what I think she's gonna do.

"Let's be Stevonnie again!" Connie pleads, pulling a ring and clenching it in between her slim fingers, "Marry me, Steven! I love you! I always have and I'll never stop! Please be mine forever!"

The black haired girl tries to complete her look with puppy dog eyes, but I don't fall for it, rolling my eyes.

"Hmm, maybe I need to say this in a way that'll break through that thick cobweb of stupidity wrapped around your brain. I. Don't. Love. You. Now, back off and leave me be, otherwise, you won't like me when I'm angry" I tell her firmly, my impatience towards her only growing.

As I tilt the glass back down, though, Connie gets up, sighs, and looks at me with both sadness and disappointment.

"Oh, Steven. Has anyone ever taught you to not drink something that wasn't prepared by you?" Connie says, her voice dripping with false sympathy.

My eyes widen and I hold the glass up I have in my hand so I can see the bottom. Two white circles are at the bottom of the glass. I then blink my eyes and start to get excessively dizzy, dropping the glass and falling to the ground. The glass shatters and I feel my body begin to shut down. My eyes feel so heavy that they could close at any second and are almost closed as it stands now.

"Sleep, my sweet. And once you wake, you'll be mine forever" Connie's voice echoes, my mind shutting down and my eyes closing just as fast.