Nothing but Lies and Stories (Steven Universe AU)

Steven stormed upstairs and with a sigh he went to grip the side of the door in order to slam it out of frustration but he seemed to take a breather and stop for a moment, stopping himself from doing so. Running his hands through his curled locks, he stood still in the middle of the room, throwing all of his things onto the bed. His heart raced, he clutched his shirt as he scanned around the room. 

He felt uneasy. He needed a breather as he felt like he shouldn't be around his caregivers at the moment after possibly starting another family fight. Again, he blamed himself or rather should he blame his mother? She's a recurring topic that seems to put everyone on edge lately. Why couldn't it just be a simple topic to discuss? He wondered.

Steven went to ruffle out his jacket, momentarily forgetting that he had passed it onto his dear friend from school. Steven looked down at the homework he was previously doing. He groaned, not really feeling like finishing it up. 

I'll finish it later

He quickly pulled on a blue sweater, and stepped outside in the small balcony that was outstretched from his room. The sun was beginning to set in the distance, his warm breath appearing briefly in the air before disappearing. It was starting to get pretty chilly lately at night as the year grew closer as the days passed by. Steven stared out into the horizon, seeing the waves move around, pulling back and forth. Steven felt himself feeling uneasy, like he should be doing something. He groaned, rubbing his eyes.

He needed a distraction. 

He looked down, seeing the solid ground feet below him. Without a second thought, he steadied himself and jumped down from the balcony, onto the sand and he walked right down the beach. A nice walk always managed to clear his head, it seemed like all he's been doing was taking walks to avoid any sort of confrontation about his mother. She just seemed to be causing more harm than good despite being gone for over 15 years. 

Steven felt himself relax but it was short lived when a car ended up pulling around the corner, missing him by inches. Steven yelped in surprise and stumbled backward, avoiding getting hit. The lights seemed to blind him momentarily until the lights shut off and so did the vehicle. His heart raced and not wanting to make a scene, Steven waited for the driver to come out from the car screaming and yelling but in fact the passenger's door opened and out came Connie.

"Steven!" Connie looked at the boy worried. Holding the jacket in hand, she hopped out of the car and towards the boy, forgetting her mother was harshly whispering for her to get back into the car. 

"Connie? What are you doing here?" He questioned, surprised. Connie smiled, holding up the pink varsity jacket he had left her with. Connie glanced back quickly, walking towards the boy and slightly pushing him backward, away from her mother. She would feel a lot better if her mother wasn't in earshot of them both. 

"Mom wanted me to return your jacket" she kissed her teeth, feeling a bit awkward. Steven's eyebrows lifted in confusion but he shook his thoughts away and decided not to question it. It had only been a couple of hours since he last saw her, she was already giving him back his jacket? Something in him wanted to wait until school to get it back, it might have just brightened up his day. 

"Reason being, they got a bit sensitive knowing a boy lent it to me" She whispered gently. "Also, your phone was in one of the pockets, i think that's a bit important for you to have" Connie handed over the jacket and the phone. Steven nodded and sighed, feeling dumb he had even forgotten it in the first place. 

"Yeah…right" Steven chuckled. "Thanks for returning it" he rubbed his neck and scratched behind his ear. "How did you even find out where i live?" he laughed. Connie bit her lip and her cheeks flushed slightly. Right, it did seem a little weird she knew where this boy, she just met days ago, lived. 

"I called your mom, Pearl? since she was your emergency contact, she sent me your address so i can return your things" Connie explained. Steven flinched, hearing her call Pearl, mom. But it is usually an honest mistake that others make, but talking about mothers was a sore subject right now and he would gladly not involve a cute girl with his problems. She might think he's got a ton of issues.

Ok, maybe he does but it's nothing crazy as of yet, it's more just complicated feelings about his dead mom.

Seeing how visibly upset he had gotten, she panicked slightly, thinking she had gotten him in trouble somehow she frowned but looked at him worried. 

"Sorry, did i say something wrong?" Steven blinked in confusion, momentarily forgetting that the girl was there. He seriously needed to get a grip.

Steven shook his head frantically. 

"No! No, you're fine I kinda spaced out a bit there." he laughed awkwardly. "Pearl isn't my mom, she's more like a caretaker while my dad's out of town"

Which is most of the time

Connie could sense there was a deeper meaning behind those words and seeing as she sometimes over analyzes things, she was convinced something was wrong. Connie hummed, wanting to acknowledge Steven's statement. Connie wondered if Steven's father was around half the time considering his caretaker Pearl was his only emergency contact on his phone. It seemed a bit concerning on her end but she could just be misreading the situation 

Of course, Connie didn't want to ask. It seemed like a very touchy subject for him. On one hand, Connie's brain bugged her to ask him and lend an ear to listen to. She, afterall wanted to make friends, what other way than to be there for them and help out when problems arise?

"Everything alright?" she asked. Connie cursed at herself internally for even asking. She could see the hesitation in the boy, but she remained silent hoping he would talk. Steven sucked the air in between his teeth and glanced around. He seemed to be debating if to tell a lie or not, but ultimately gave a sigh, knowing he could never lie, especially to her. 

You can trust her Steven, she's new around here, who would she tell anyways?

"Sorta, family stuff is getting a bit too much too handle" 

Connie giggled slightly and nodded in agreement. 

"Right, I know what that's like. You know if theres something you need help on, i'm here for you"

Steven's heart melted a little seeing her smile and sincere and compassionate will to help him out. Something about Connie just gets to him. Gosh if Amethyst saw how much power this girl had over him after hardly knowing the girl for so long she would be mocking him and saying "I told you so". Connie was just completely different, she caught his attention and he himself couldn't fully understand how. All he knew was just that he was

He figured it would be a good idea to talk to someone about it eventually. 

"Thanks Connie, there's actually something that has been bothering me" he laughed nervously, "But your probably a bit busy-"

"STEVEN!" 

He heard a shriek, specifically Pearl's which he recognized all too well, in the distance. Steven gave a slight eye roll and mumbled an "oh great". Both Steven and Connie glanced up to the beach house where they saw a tall woman along with two others standing on the house stairs. 

"Steven Universe, you get back here right this instant!" Pearl shouted, "You did not have permission to leave the house" Although she was screaming, her voice only seemed raised. Really calm and polite unlike having an angry tone like her parents had whenever she did something they didn't agree with, Connie observed. Steven let out a frustrated grunt but he didnt wanna cause any more issues so he decided to walk back in the direction of his house right after having a quick discussion with his friend in front of him. 

So that's when he took her wrist in his hand, he pulled her into view and he waved towards Pearl.

"I'm talking to a friend, be right there!" he shouted back. Pearl and the other two who stood on the steps, chose to walk towards him anyways despite his excuse. Not expecting that, Steven panicked slightly and pulled Connie along, running the opposite direction. Connie let out a slight noise of surprise and unevenly stepped into the sand as she trailed behind him. 

Connie's mother scoffed and struggled to step outside the car seeing a teenage boy run off with her only daughter without parental supervision, but once she did, she was too late. They had already ran off down the beach. 

Steven knew that side of the beach well, there was a big boulder structure which they were able to hide behind. Steven pulled his friend Connie behind it, the two slightly out of breath. 

"Sorry Connie, I really didn't wanna deal with Pearl, so I panicked and ran" Steven apologized, Connie seemed to be unbothered. Her heart was racing and the adrenaline running through her. She never, ever ran away, not while her mother was around. This was new, exciting and she loved the rush. She was stuck doing the same thing every day, nothing new or interesting and just plain boring. With Steven? It seemed like it was anything but.

"You're fine Steven, did you wanna talk about it? My mother is bound to find me soon and probably kill me for running off" she laughed slightly. Steven gave her an apologetic smile and paced back and forth between an open space and the rock. 

"Right, i'll do my best to summarize so you don't get in trouble because of me" 

Connie stood silent and waited for him to speak. He took a few moments before he did. 

"Right, okay, my mother is dead" 

Connie's eyes widened at his sudden bold statement. She stared at the boy who waved his hands in front of him in an attempt to get words out to further explain. Connie did her best to hold back a laugh and because of this attempt her lips simply quivered between a frown and a grin. 

"That's not what i mean, sorry, let me start over. When I was born, my mother died after birth, up until recently I didn't know much about her. Dad didn't really talk about her much and seemed to be a bit of a sore subject to talk about in the house it seems" Steven pouted slightly as he explained. He kicked around the sand with his feet, taking a break from speaking and waiting for her response. 

Surprisingly enough, Connie was flickering her eyes back and forth as if thinking for a response. 

"I Wonder why your mother is so hard to talk about, I get mourning over a loved one is difficult but..it's been awhile right? Not that I'm judging!" Connie said quickly. Steven nodded his head gently. 

"No problem, and I know right! I total understand it's hard to talk about. But it just seems like I'm out of this whole loop everyone seems to be in. I didn't really know who she really was until i read her journal which apparently was kept in secret in the attic for who knows how many years" Steven ranted 

"You read her journal? What did you find out?" Connie gasped slightly, her interest peaking. Connie felt like she was living in one of her books and the drama that the books hold within them. 

"Well for one, she seemed to be a great person. She really seemed to be happy based on her entries. Of course, i didn't finish reading all of them, i haven't had the time. It just seems...weird why she's hard to bring up, seems like they're trying to hide something ya know? Or maybe I'm just a little paranoid?" 

"Yeah, i'll admit it is a bit odd. Maybe look into her journal more, you might be able to find out more about her" she consoled. 

Steven snapped his finger and pointed it towards her as the lightbulb practically shot out of his head, Connie put on an amused smile and copied him back with the same finger guns. 

"That is an excellent idea, which I had planned to do but Pearl probably took the journal back" Steven sighed, though he doubted it, she never took anything back from his room but if she was so protective about this journal and his mother, then she's bound to do anything. Pearl is very determined like that. 

"Then take it back" Connie responded and shrugged. "You have every right to know just as much about your mother as they do. If there really isn't something going on, there's no reason not to talk about it right? So I'm sure they'll include you in everything eventually" she consolidated. 

To that Steven could agree. She definitely understood him, he loved it. How she stood there and listened and even responded back to him without getting irritated or mad. She was definitely someone he could trust, and he was relieved to say the least. 

"Besides, even if they did have something to hide, how big could it really be?"

 Connie's question stuck with him for the rest of the night. After a few more minutes of talking about the subject it quickly changed to Beachapalooza festival. Steven got an alarming freak out text from Sadie, her sending multiple text messages about her costume and song choice and apparently has had no luck and needed help.

Steven let out a groan and a facepalm as he recalled the conversation he had earlier with her about coming over today if she really needed it. He shot a quick text back that he was busy at the moment and would call her at a more convenient time. 

The two came out of their little thinking rock and walked right back towards the direction of the beach house, where Connie's car was still in view, unmoved. Steven's guardians seemed to surround the car, seeming to wait for the return of the two teens. Connie laughed as Steven explained the events of the festival 3 years prior. Low key trying to impress Connie that he in fact was musically talented and participated every year. 

"You were kid on the car with that carwash sign right? No way! I remember that year, we came to visit my grandparents and sat in to see it. It was the only festival i've ever attended since" Connie's laugh diminished slightly and her tone grew quieter. God talking about it outloud made it seem like she was a boring person and never seemed to really have fun or go anywhere outside of school. 

Steven laughed, trying not to notice her sudden change in tone but he decided to carry on the conversation. Steven noticed how bright her smile was as she talked and her expressions changed between excitement and pure amusement. It warmed his insides. He definitely enjoys Connie's company now more than anything after telling her everything. She was so easy to talk to and so likable and so beautiful in the sunset- 

Steven blinked and stopped himself. Steven, she was talking, answer her . He panicked. 

 "Yeah! Yeah..., I was the kid on that float, looked pretty ridiculous but it was one of the years my dad was in town, so we participated in it together" 

"That's cool Steven, well, we're getting closer to my mother and knowing her I'm gonna be grounded for the next week or so" Connie sighed, worried. "Let me know how it goes with Pearl, I'd like to hear anything new about your mom too" she beamed. 

The two locked gazes, smiling at each other. Steven's cheeks warmed up slightly, as he stared at her. He turned away, before things got too awkward. 

"Yeah! Yeah I will, mind if I...get your phone number? Ya know to message you updates" he said quickly. Connie hummed and took out her phone quickly, a bit too quickly but Steven didn't seem to notice. 

"Right, uh, how bout you tell me yours and I'll send you a text?" 

Taking the phone he typed it in and handed it back. Once the others came into view, an very angry Priyanka stood with her arms crossed, glaring down her daughter as did Pearl with Steven. 

"You are so grounded!" Both adults huffed angrily. 

"Connie, get in the car. We'll talk about it with your father at home" 

"Steven, I'm insanely disappointed in you. You always let us know where you're going. I understand you're not happy with me but that doesn't give you-" Steven flinched at the raised tone of voice, he held his hands up in defeat, wanting to avoid being screamed at, especially in front of Connie. 

"Pearl! Pearl, I'm sorry but could we talk this out at the house" he felt the nervous sweat coming on. Amethyst grinned and let out an extended ooohh. 

"Come on Pearl, don't embarrass him in front of his girlfriend" she whispered towards the pale woman.

"This your girlfriend Stevo? See I told you a girl would catch your eye eventually, was I right or was I right" Amethyst cackled. Steven shook his head furiously, and blushed. 

"Amethyst no!, Connie is just a friend-" 

Pearl's angry expression was wiped completely into an excited one. She gasped in an exaggerated fashion. 

" This is Connie?! Oh my gosh nice to meet you! I'm Pearl, this is Garnet-" 

The curvy woman who stood still and silent nodded her head. 

"Hello" she said, with a bit of an accent curling off her tongue and nodding her head at the rest. Connie politely you gleamed and smiled at everyone and waved back. 

"-and this is Amethyst. We're Steven's aunts" 

Steven glared at the three women. Yeah, saying Aunts seemed a lot easier as introductions. Maybe he should just go with it and not correct them. 

"Oh nice to meet you all" Connie giggled. 

"So this is the boy you told us about? The one that lent you his jacket? I thought we agreed on no boyfriend's young lady" Connie's mother scolded, with crossed arms she glared at her child. 

Alright, Connie's turn to panic. 

"No! Mom, he's not my boyfriend. We're just friends I promise you" she flushed.

Somehow that statement hurt Steven just a bit deep in his chest, but he ignored his feelings for the time being. He simply agreed and wanted to end this conversation. 

"Right, we're only friends and I was just being nice Amethyst, don't start spreading information" he warned. He then turned to Connie's mother. "I'm sorry to cause any problems Mrs. Maeshwaren, Connie and I are only friends" 

The Indian American woman stood her ground, not making a single change in facial expression except her eyes raising up and down as she looked at the 17 year old. 

"Right, and I suppose you ran off with her to discuss homework as opposed to sneaking off and kissing or something of the matter?" 

Connie fought the urge to scream, biting down her tongue in her mouth. Steven on the other hand, besides feeling embarrassed but stood his ground. 

"No ma'am Connie was just...helping me through some family matters. I simply asked for her opinions, nothing more" 

Yup, that's basically the truth. He thought. 

Hearing those two words put a frown and guilty expression on the other three as they looked at each other. Priyanka softened her hardened face upon feeling nothing but tension between the four. She could tell he was telling the truth, some she decided to not linger about it any longer. The doctor sighed and loosened herself a bit, making her way to the driver's seat. 

"Right then that's good to hear. I think it's best we get out of your way. Have a goodnight everyone" she excused herself. Connie let out a relieved breath and followed her mother. The two teens locked eyes, and smiled at each other, giving silent goodbyes. Connie's eyes flickered down to his phone to which he understood as her saying 

" Text me later" 

He gave a final nod and she disappeared into the car. 

Once the pair drove off, the family of four made it back silently to the beach house.

"Listen guys, I'm sorry for sneaking off. I just wanted to clear my head, I didn't mean to feel everyone out" 

"Nah dude, it's all good. Seems like you're all cooled off right?" Amethyst hummed as she trailed into the kitchen. Garnet simply gave Steven a hug from behind and an encouraging smile. 

"Yeah, talking to Connie seemed to make a difference" Garnet teased as she chuckled. Steven rolled his eyes but internally screamed. He was not gonna hear the end of it. 

"Steven I'm sorry we got worked up about things" Pearl started out. "There's just a lot about your mother we would like to tell you and we will. We didn't think you'd be ready just yet but it seems like you are now. You're more than welcome to keep her journal and we'll be more than welcome to answer any questions you might have. Sound fair?" She proposed, her eyes shining with tears that refused to fall. Her caring voice ringed in Steven's ears, like a motherly tone, similar to what he thought his own mother would use. Steven hummed in agreement and pulled Pearl into a hug. 

"I promise to talk it out instead of going off again, I wouldn't want you guys to get so worried" he laughed. The others joined in with a chuckle. 

"Sounds great, now off you go. You have homework to finish and school in the morning" Pearl clapped, pointing up towards the staircase. Steven then trailed back upstairs, untying the jacket from his hips. He pulled out his cell phone and unlocked the screen, quickly glancing over the text messages he might have missed. 

Thanks fully there was only message and it was from PeeDee about some " dumb" thing his brother started to blog about. Though in all honesty Steven found his blog pretty funny yet informative. Sending a quick message back, his eyes traced back to the unknown phone number 

(xxx-xxx-2199)

Hey Steven, this is Connie 

Steven quickly saved her as a contact and replied to the message. 

(Steven Universe) 

Hey Connie, made up with Pearl and the rest of the gang. Everything's good, just thought I'd let you know. 

(Connie M) 

That's good to hear, let me know if you need anything :) 

Steven chuckled seeing the smile emoji. He could practically just picture it. 

(Steven Universe) 

Your services are very much appreciated Mrs. Maeshwaren. Thank you for today :D 

Steven cringed, a second later regretting his text message. Would she think i'm weird for saying that? Nah, Connie isn't like that...at least...I hope not. 

(Connie M) 

Haha anytime! Well, goodnight see you tomorrow at school. 

Steven grinned and held his phone to his chest for a quick second. He felt the butterflies flutter in the pit of his stomach, almost like a nauseous feeling but instead it was from something good. Gosh maybe Amethyst was right, maybe she did have an effect on him. He sighed, the grin still not leaving his face. He looked down at his phone once more before replying. 

(Steven Universe) 

Good Night :) 

But of course, being the popular man he was Steven received another text message, this time, seeing the name sent him into a pit of excitement and adrenaline. 

(Father Universe) 

Hey little man, guess who's back in town? 

Steven let out a small cry in delight and at the top of his lungs he shouted while running down the stairs. 

"Dad's back!"