Steven's P.O.V

I wake from sleep, feeling the early morning sun shining through my window. Yawning, I sit up, stretch, and get out from under my covers. Being 22 surprisingly doesn't feel that different from being 14 or 19, but perhaps the main reason is due to how tired I feel in the mornings. Even though life around the house or just Beach City in general hasn't changed too drastically in these past handful of years, it almost always seems like I'm doing enough to keep busy. I prefer it that way, though, because merely sitting around and doing nothing gets quite boring and feels like I'm wasting my life away. Despite the fact that I've spoken with Pearl about this before already and she confirmed that I'll live for a lot longer than most average humans, I want to make sure I'm making something of myself.

My mind then shifts to what it usually searches for right after waking up. Breakfast. Staying in my undershirt and black with red sweatpants, I embark down the steps that lead into the living room and walk on over to the kitchen area. But I frown when I see that Garnet, Pearl, Amethyst, and Jasper aren't up and about like they usually are at this hour. Maybe they caught wind of a corrupted gem attack or something, I don't know. But I would suspect not since we cured them all five years ago. I was there after all. Standing in front of the fridge, I open both doors and grab the ingredients for my typical breakfast. A carton of milk, a bowl, a spoon, and one box of cereal later, I'm ready to fill my stomach with something substantial. Me and the Gems would eat at the bar counter and discuss the details of the day's mission, but since they're MIA, I'll take advantage of the opportunity and continue my new favorite show.

Clutching my breakfast in one hand, I excitedly bound back up the steps built into the side of the wall and sit down in front of my television set. It had been upgraded to a 60" a short time ago to better suit my preferences, not to mention that the old one would get damaged quite frequently from my shield misfiring around the room sometimes. I take out the box from my DVD set collection and pop in Total Drama Island. From the menu selection, I pick the episode I left off on and hit play. The episode is the one where Duncan, Jeff, DJ, and Owen form a 'dudes alliance' to better their chances of not getting voted off the island. I discovered this great show when Dad told me about it around my 18th birthday and after previewing a few episodes, I quickly got hooked. Guess this is how Lapis and Peridot feel about Camp Pining Hearts. Can't say I really blame them, but right now I do miss their company. 

The Diamonds themselves have become a lot more caring towards me, having visited a couple times to simply check in and see how I'm doing. They've actually grown to miss my company, something I definitely didn't see coming. I really like how far they've come since we first met, just like with Jasper, Lapis and Peridot. Ever since Jasper was cured of the corruption, she's moved into the barn with Lapis and Peridot, pretty much best friends with them now. Both of them, have only continued to be the kind and loving individuals they've grown to be, always liking whenever I'm around. I love them for that, just like I love all the people that have helped me grow over the years.

The rumbling of my stomach acts as a wake up call to me, bringing my attention back to the present situation. I quickly scoop up some cereal and stuff them in my mouth, enjoying the rough texture of them on the top of my tongue. Luckily, the cereal's still at that point of not being too soggy from the milk. I hate it when my cereal's too soggy. As I eat, though, one defining thought lingers in the back of my head. Pearl, Amethyst, and Garnet have been more quiet around me recently, not to mention the frequent blushing they do whenever I look in their direction. I still feel confused about it. Are they embarrassed by some stuff I do or is it something else?

The sound of the Temple Warp Pad activating tears my attention away from my cereal and from the Total Drama Island Episode. The beam of energy sets down on the circular platform, but disperses a second later, revealing that it's Amethyst. Her outfit is wet from something, though, and unfortunately, it makes some of her...body aspects stand out more. This odd but tempting feel spawns in my chest as my cheeks begin to heat up. I really don't understand myself during times like this, so I stay content with rubbing the side of my face with my free hand while continuing to spoon myself my cereal with the other. Down below, Amethyst walks off the Warp Pad, muttering to herself about something that's incomprehensible. I want to get her attention to see if she'll enjoy sitting with me and eating breakfast, but turns out I don't need to. After walking a few more steps in my direction, Amethyst looks up and sees that I'm awake.

"Steven, you're awake!" The short purple gem cheers, rushing up and hugging the living daylights out of me as I stand to greet her. 

I smile as she does so, being sure to hug her back and bask in the warmness of her embrace. Sure, we see each one another about every other day, but Amethyst has been more affectionate recently and I have to say that I like it a lot.

"What's going on, Amethyst?" I say, pulling back from the hug after a bit.

"Oh, just me, Pearl, Garnet looking around for more corrupted Gems" Amethyst sighs, clearly disliking the all-familiar task, even though it also confirms my suspicions of where they were, "P seems to think that we weren't looking hard enough or weren't looking in the right places. If you ask me, she's just overly paranoid, as she always is."

"Yep, that's Pearl for you" I laugh, trying to even out the uneasiness I'm feeling in the atmosphere, "But I don't think it's bad all the time."

Amethyst turns her gaze to me and, whether accidental or not, makes direct eye contact with me. She looks away fast, a blush spreading across her cheeks. Weird. It almost seems like the same sort of feeling that I just had a second ago. But I still don't know the direct cause of such a thing or if it's even a common thing. Maybe Amethyst just caught something while she was out? No, no, gems aren't capable of contracting colds or viruses. Ugh, I need to figure this out. But in the meantime, I smile and place a gentle hand on her shoulder, making her jump even though she knew I was standing right there.

"Want to sit and watch Total Drama with me while I finish the rest of my breakfast?" I offer, shaking the half empty bowl around playfully. 

Amethyst doesn't respond, instead opting to nod and come over to my spot in front of the TV. I sit down next to her and feel our hips graze each other. Oh, no, the feeling's coming back again. And now that I stop and think, I used to have a similar kind of feeling whenever Connie was around before she left for college. What does this mean?! I sigh and sit back as the animated reality show plays out. As it's going, I feel Amethyst scooch closer and rest her head on the top of my shoulder. I gaze over, smile, then turn back to my cereal, stuffing another mouthful in. The moment feels perfect, but then an all-familiar voice breaks my attention span on the show.

"Ah, there you are, Steven."

Amethyst's P.O.V

"Oh, hey Jasper, I didn't see you there" Steven grins, glancing over my shoulder.

I follow his gaze and sure enough, the tall brutish tiger gem stands right behind us. It feels like she just popped up outta nowhere, but I know that's not true because of Pearl and Garnet now arriving on the Warp Pad. After the beam fades away, I can more clearly make out their shivering forms, which is, you know, due to all the snow caked on their clothing. We had gone on a scouting mission in that area where Steven, Connie, and Pearl encountered Jasper and the corrupted gems some time ago. Although I had tagged along on their little 'misadventure', I kept mostly to myself. Pearl came across an unexpected snow mound and fell in, so Garnet had to go in after her due to oblivious depth perception. I eventually got tired of all the bitter cold and the fact we were making no progress of any sort, so I just warped back here. And what better way to return than to receive an inviting and pleasant hug from Steven.

"Yeah, I developed a habit of sneaking up on my enemies to catch them by surprise during my time serving the Diamonds. But, seeing as you and I are now buddy-buddy, who's to say I can't still use those tactics for a bit of fun?" Jasper grins, wrenching Steven from my grasp and hugging him.

Even though I know the gesture is purely generous, I can't help but feel some jealousy pang in my gem. My fist clenches at the sight and, deep down, I feel ready to summon my whip if she tries anything else affectionate with him. But why am I feeling jealous in the first place? This question swirls around in my head like a batch of hot stew. I know that a part of me really does care for Steven, but that's in like a protector kind of way. But then there's this feeling of an other half that loves Steven in a more intimate and romantic fashion. Is that really me, though? And even if I were to accept that and admit as much to him, would he get weirded out by it? I'll need to think on this more to determine the truth and then talk to Steven directly about it.

Relaxing my fists, I sigh in defeat. I think I really was liking the close contact with Steven just a second ago, but I can't act on anything further until I know. But I know that wasn't the end of my chances. Jasper doesn't usually stick around in the Temple all that often, so I should have many more opportunities to get Steven all to myself and better figure this whole situation out. Thankfully, Steven and Jasper's little bonding moment is thankfully brought to an end a second later by the voice of one over chilled Pearl.

"E-Excuse me, could one of you fetch us something w-warm? As little a pain as snow can be, I'd prefer not to be covered in it for too long!" P stutters, glaring at me in frustration. 

I roll my eyes and cross my arms, shrugging off her little temper spout since I'm in no mood to be dealing with her.

"Well, why didn't you just say so?" Steven remarks, releasing himself from Jasper's grasp and running over to where Pearl and Garnet stand. 

At first, I'm confused as to what Steven's intentions are, but I think for a second and realize what he's planning. Pearl realizes it too and seems like she wants to protest, but after Steven wraps his arms around her and embraces her with his sleepy warmness, P just closes her eyes and relaxes into his touch. My best bud goes right on ahead and warms up Garnet with his hugs next. Our tall and stoic leader is more open when Steven comes to her, accepting his embrace almost immediately. Her actions, though, make me wonder if she's thinking about Steven like I am right now. No, no, that's absurd! Garnet is made up of two married gems. There's no way something like that would happen.

"Thank you for that, Cutie Pie" Garnet says, releasing Steven from her arms. 

But as she does so, I swear I can see a faint blush on her dark cheeks.

"Yes, it was quite a thoughtful gesture, Steven" Pearl compliments, making the boy himself look a bit embarrassment.

"Oh, you know, anything for those I love, right?" The handsome hybrid chuckles, glancing down and scratching the back of his neck.

"Hey, Steven. Remember that today is the weekly training session" The orange and red gem reminds him, "And last I recall, you were going to give it your all."

"Oh, right! I had nearly forgot!" He replies, smiling and shaking his head, "If that's the case then, I better go change into something that I don't mind getting torn, burnt, or just destroyed all together".

"Do it quick though, cause I think Pearl and Garnet here might faint if you stand around too long" I joke with him. 

Why I say that is because his shirt is now wet from all the snow, sticking to his chest underneath and giving off an admirable view of his muscles. Such features are being especially noticed by those two, both clearly getting a tad bit flustered at the sight. Though Jasper is still stronger looking, I was quite surprised when I noticed them developing on him, mainly because I didn't think he'd ever get them.

"Sure, sure" Steven smirks before going to the bathroom. 

Sounds of pants hitting the floor can be heard not long after and that alone sets off Garnet and Pearl, leaving me and Jasper to watch with curiosity.

"You just can't help yourself, can you, Garnet?" Pearl accuses, crossing her arms.

"I have no idea what you mean, Pearl. Steven merely hugged us until we weren't cold anymore. A kind gesture on his behalf" The fusion replies calmly. 

I get up and stand next to Jasper, crossing my arms at the sight of the two arguing about Steven.

"Please, Garnet, even I could see that you were wishing that he didn't let go!" Pearl scoffs, stamping her foot in frustration.

"So, what? Your explosive comeback only proves that you feel exactly the same" Garnet smirks, leaving Pearl stuck since she knows she can't argue.

I positive that P knows that what Garnet said is right. Crossing her arms in defeat, Pearl turns away from Garnet and looks at the floor. 

"Whatever" I hear her mumble under her breath, "It's not like it means anything."

Steven then emerges from the bathroom, having changed out of those sweatpants and undershirt into black t-shirt, some faded jeans, and those new grey shoes he got last week. I always liked it when he wore short sleeved shirts because it showed off more of his bicep muscles.

"So, are we ready to get this gravy train rolling?" Steven asks playfully. 

I smile at his laid back personality and look at all the other Gems in the room, who are grinning right alongside me.

"Absolutely" Garnet speaks up, "But it appears Lapis and Peridot won't be in attendance today. They called earlier and said that they had more important business at hand."

"Ah, well, their loss. I love training days!" The hybrid says, enthusiasm radiating from his voice.

Steven then goes to stand on the Warp Pad, waiting patiently for myself and Jasper to join him. Her and I quickly get the message and step onto the circle behind Garnet and Pearl, Steven then activating it and whisking us away to the training arena. Steven is the first off the Pad when we arrive and, knowing him, he'll want to train first, so I go and find a seat in the stands. I pick one close by the the edge and sit calmly, Garnet and Jasper coming to sit above me. Pearl and Steven then go to the center and begin discussing the strategies he will be practicing today. Some nodding and side chatter a bit later, Pearl thumbs up my best bud and walks to where the rest of us are sitting. Once P is seated next to me, four hologram Pearls phasing into existence around Steven in a circle formation, each approaching with caution.

Steven won't hold back, that much I know. To start off, He summons his shield and throws it like a boomerang, the weapon curving through the air toward the holo Pearl on his right. It ducks and charges at him now that he's exposed. Steven most likely anticipated this, though, and delivers a right handed blow, followed by a left handed blow, to the hologram. His hits stun the projection, but Steven isn't finished, calling his shield and backhanding the hologram so hard it fades. Three holos remain, each of them now charging at Steven. All swing their sabers at him, but Steven moves fast to block their strikes. I can tell that it's a bit overbearing for him, and he probably recognizes it too, but Steven holds strong by swiftly knocking one hologram of its feet, causing it to fall backward. He then gets a smart idea and bubbles himself, shortly causing the bubble to grow spikes. Steven then spreads his arms and expands the bubble, popping it but also sending a shock wave of pointy annoyances at the other two holo Pearls.

Since he had to unsummon his shield for the bubble to work, Steven recalls its and brings it down on the closest hologram, causing it to fade away. However, his stun from before was merely temporary and the last two projections have recovered. One jumps at him, but Steven chooses to unsummon his shield, instead grabbing the saber as its coming and yank it out of the hologram's grasp. Then, with one felled swoop, Steven slashes and makes the projection disappear. The last holo Pearl then sneaks up behind Steven and trips him, causing him to fall backwards. I gasp in surprise, as does Garnet and Pearl herself, but Steven was ready and dodges the stabs made by the holo saber. I was about ready to go out and help him, but I restrain myself from doing so. He gets back up and just as the holo Pearl is ready to slash at him, Steven summons his shield. The moment is just right where the shield catches part of the saber in its body, making both weapons shatter. The projection appears confused, but Steven is ready and picks up the hologram by its scrawny neck and bashes it against the pillar behind him. The projection fades away and leaves Steven victorious.

We all clap, though I do my best to be the loudest. Steven smiles at us and out of everyone, catches my eye. Could it just be a coincidence? I don't know how Steven has this effect on me, but given how this feeling is still in my chest and is only activated when his attention is solely on me, it must be real. Yeah, it must be.

So I guess that means that I'm in love with him.