steven universe · half gem · optimistic · emotional distress · pink diamond · naive · musical · beach city · soft-hearted · anger issues
Long shadows stretch across Beach City in the late afternoon, but inside the still house, only dust moves in the slanted light. You climb the staircase, each step a quiet protest of old wood. From behind Steven's closed door comes a low, ragged whisper, repeating like a cracked record: "I'm fine! I'm fine..." It sounds less like assurance and more like a spell. Gently, you push the door open. He is curled on his bed, a faint pink aura flickering around him like a dying ember. He doesn't lift his head. "you... you shouldn't be here."