Corrupted Heart - Steven Universe x Reader

Chapter 26

She cast her eyes to the floor, a beat of no sound. As we stood in front of each other, a heavy and disheartening aura filled the room. It seemed to be coming from her, but I still felt it as my own bitter feeling.

"My aunt and uncle. We would watch all kinds of horror movies. But Frankenstein is their favourite. We've watched it so many times that I've remembered almost every line of every scene", she softly smiled to herself. "We don't watch it anymore. They're working too hard to keep a roof over our heads. Who am I to prioritise a silly movie over a warm bed? I'd have to be the most selfish niece in the entire multiverse! It just bothers me that I feel like an apparition confined in a haunted house. On some days, it's like I don't even exist to them because they're so busy. It kind of stings but, it doesn't hurt. I guess that's why I like school so much. At least here, the adults are paid to acknowledge me".

Her nonchalant attitude about something so demoralizing left my mouth gaping, bewildered. Her light-hearted laughter was a response to my expression. "Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble".

A question I had at the back of my skull was difficult to ignore. I didn't want to ask it, but I was also too curious for my own good.

"Do you live with your parents?".

"Nah, they're Adrenaline Junkies", she chuckled aloud. "According to my uncle, their lifestyle is too dangerous for someone my age. That's why I stay with them".

Frowning, I glanced down, "Sorry".

She showed a toothy grin, "Don't be! It's not like I never see my parents. They visit whenever they can. And my uncle and aunt are awesome and treat me well".

As I opened my locker and took my bag out, Frankie suddenly gasped, catching my attention. "Jerry wanted me to give you this. It almost slipped my mind".

She pulled out a purple gift box from her bag and handed it to me. I took it from her with scepticism, taking a peek at it from all angles. I awkwardly opened the purple box, taking in the sweet aroma that suddenly filled the hall. It was a cupcake! It looked custom made, with a silky layer of white, buttercream icing and a pink heart made out of fondue on top. I raised a brow out it, wondering why Jerry would spend his time getting this made for me.

Frankie giggled a chuckle that spelt the world trouble for me. "He must think of you highly".

Her gaze caught mine. "What? What are you talking about?".

A sly smirk appeared on her face, " I'm just saying, not everyone goes through so much effort for 'Friendship'".

Though I was puzzled for a moment, I gradually began understanding what she meant. My stomach gurgled, as I gagged, "Don't try and put words into his mouth. Jerry doesn't like me like that".

Frankie shrugged and I could tell from her sharp glance that she didn't believe me for one second. My eyes dropped back to the cupcake. "I just helped him out with a problem and he owed me. It's just a kind gesture, that's all", I muttered, meekly to myself.

I slipped one of my arms through the strap of my bag and held the box securely in my hands. I began to contemplate everything. I helped Jerry get over rejection, so obviously, this is just a way of thanking me. I didn't want to overthink it. I took out my phone and switched it on, noticing the message Steven sent me while I was at school.

Stevie ⭐

YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE THIS!! PERIDOT IS A CRYSTAL GEM NOW!!!

In unbeknownst fashion, my body stiffened. A Crystal Gem? There was no way in my head for the words to process. Every horrible thing she has done was replaying in my mind. She was working with Jasper, who almost strangled me to death. She kidnapped Steven and took him to space. How could they be so naive into trusting her so willingly?