By Your Side: Steven Universe x Reader

?Episode 3: Part 2?

"You know," C.R.Q. said, "if I had a pearl, I would've wanted her to be just like you." She slid a plate of butter in front of Pearl. "Have you tried this butter stuff?"

"O-oh! It's okay, but thank you, Ro–o–-oose," Pearl said, her discomfort increasing by the second.

"Excuse me, Pearl," S.R.Q. said with her soft voice. "Are you feeling okay?" The sincerity and concern shining in her eyes was potent, not to mention she already looked like a replica of Steven's mom– or Steven's mom looks like a replica of her? Either way, I decided to snag the extra long hand towels too in case the Crystal Gems needed blindfolds to compliment the gags.

"I am going to the bathroom!" Pearl announced and left the table. Steven frowned as he watched her walk away. Knowing Steven, he was probably worried about her and wanted to comfort her.

"Hey, you're looking kinda tense," C.R.Q. said to Garnet. "Why don't I give you a nice, relaxing massage while we talk?" She held up her hands, ready to start massaging, and Garnet leaned away from the gem.

Garnet suddenly stood up. "I'm also going to the bathroom," she said before joining Pearl in the bathroom which had apparently become a sanctuary from this awkward family dinner. Now, Steven and I were the only ones left to keep the Rose Quartzes occupied.

"Okay, Steven! I totally got this whole eating thing down! Here!" H.R.Q. exclaimed. She stabbed a piece of carrot with her fork and held it up to his mouth. "Open your face-hole~" Steven eyed the carrot, but he reluctantly let the gem feed him. "Oh, wow! Good job!"

"Thank you? ...I should probably see how they're doing in there," Steven said, pointing to the bathroom behind him with his thumb.

I couldn't blame him. Steven was having a difficult time, too, but he was sticking it out because he had his family, his emotional support, with him. No matter how much I want to be that for Steven, I can't do that with the relationship we have now. I'm just another gem he thinks he needs to help. Another person to show his happy facade. With that being said, I couldn't help but feel disappointed in Pearl and Garnet for leaving Steven to face this nightmare on his own.

"We'll come with you!" H.R.Q. said.

"No," I said, drawing the Rose Quartzes' attention to me and my pockets stuffed with kitchen towels. "They need to have a family discussion. It's a human thing."

"Wow! Is that why humans homes have bathrooms?" H.R.Q. asked. I looked at Steven and tilted my head in the direction of the bathroom.

He gave me a relieved smile, and suddenly, the world looked a little brighter. Every new side of Steven was like a dose of sunshine in my veins. It made everything leading up to now worth it because he was worth it. "You guys wait here. I'll be right back," he said. Before entering the bathroom, I heard Steven sigh and mutter something under his breath. "They're not her. It's not weird."

Oh, Steven, I thought.

"Let's check it out when they're done," C.R.Q. told the others. I walked up to the bathroom door and leaned against it like a proper protecter.

"I thought the 'family discussion' happens on the other side of the door?  Why aren't you going inside? Do humans prefer communicating through doors?" H.R.Q. asked, each question stinging me like barbed wire.

"Isn't this super weird!" Pearl yelled on the other side of the door.

"Because I'm not a part of their family," I said, wishing my voice didn't sound as harsh as it did, as harsh as the words felt.

"Oh," H.R.Q. said. I was almost surprised she could be anything other than happy, but being around Steven taught me that people have more emotions than the ones they project.