Steven sat on the couch holding Spinel's rabbit in his hands as he waited for Connie to return with the gem, he wanted to talk to Spinel that morning, tell her that he was sorry, that he didn't mean to make her uncomfortable and he wanted to thank her.
But Connie had stolen the gem away before he even realised it.

He stared at the soft rabbit, rubbing its heart shaped stomach with his thumb, contemplating how we would word his thoughts when she returned.

"She hates you."

Steven jolted upright, startled by the familiar voice, he searched the room for the owner. No one. He was alone.
The gems were all under the temple. He was alone in the house.

"And she should."

Steven shuddered, standing up as if it would help him confront the echoes of his mother's voice.

"No wonder she left."

"Pearl? Garnet?!" Steven called, hoping the gems could hear him.

"All you have ever done is cause harm, all your choices are wrong, all you do is wrong." The voice grew louder, Steven cupped his ears, hoping it would alleviate his mother's growing anger.

"Okay we're back!" Connie's voice cut through the screams, forcing Steven back into the present.
She stood with Spinel by her side, who had a small nervous smile on her face as she waved at him.

"You- did you guys have fun?" He asked, unsure if he should mention the calls of Rose Quartz. He shook the thought from his head, deciding that it was his guilt that plagued him. Connie nodded, staying at the door and nudging Spinel forward.

"It was great, but I've gotta head back so..bye!" Connie smiled, stepping out the door and letting it close before Steven had time to object.

Spinel stood awkwardly in front of him, quietly shuffling her feet as she looked at the floor, what was she going to say? Connie had helped her work up the courage to try and explain her feelings, but now she was gone and Spinel was face to face with the person who made her feel all of those feelings.

"Spinel, here's-"

"Steven I'm sorry!" She blurted, Steven stared at here, lowering the rabbit he had held put for her in confusion.
The gem tugged lightly on her pigtail and began to pace, trying to find her words while the boy stood watching.

"I'm sorry I've been making you think that I'm all hunky dorry with being left in the garden when I'm not, and I'm sorry that I keep letting you think that I'm not upset because I am, and I'm having a really hard time using my words!" She exclaimed, beginning to ramble to herself as her pacing grew quicker.

"I've been trying to be away from you because I don't want you to think that I like you? But I do- and I don't want-"

"Spinel, I-it's okay." Steven smiled, raising his hand apologetically. The gem  halted, turning to face him, confusion written all over her.

"I know you're still upset with me," he sighed, looking down at the rabbit in his hands. "I don't expect you not to be..but I wanted to tell you that I haven't been doing all of this to make you forgive me."

He moved to the couch, sitting down and resting his chin in his hands, not looking at the gem.

"I just don't want to lose you, I like...being close."

His voice was soft, and he almost didn't want her to hear his words.

Spinel let go of her hair, moving to sit next to him. Her hand gently reached for the rabbit in his and she pulled it from his grasp, nuzzling it softly against her cheek.

"I gotta lotta of different feeling in my head and none of them make sense." She whispered, holding the stuffed toy close to her gem. "But I know I don't want you to think I don't like you, cause I do."

She leaned into Steven's shoulder, her hair tickled his nose and he patted her head as she slowly dropped into his lap.

"I like being close to you too."

She stared up at the boy as their eyes met. Steven smiled, tears beginning to well in his eyes at her words.
She didn't hate him. She liked him, she was upset, but she still liked him and still wanted him around.
He didn't deserve it, but he had it.

Steven bent down, gently kissing Spinel's forehead before sitting straight again and leaning back against the couch.
Spinel blinked, confused by the unfamiliar gesture, but pleased nonetheless. Maybe now they could move on. No more confusion, no more fighting. Just being close.

She liked the idea, it settled her thoughts, as she lay in his lap with her eyes closed, slowly drifting off to sleep.

Steven stared up at the ceiling, hiding the bright blush on his face from the gem. He held his breath, waiting for her to sit up and ask him what he did.
But she didn't, she simply laid on his lap, slowly sinking into him.
In fact, she didn't move at all.
He looked down, Spinel was sound asleep, clutching her plush close to her with her mouth partially open in the serenity of her slumber.

He hesitated, leaning forward ever so slightly to steal another kiss, this time, from her lips.