I didn't want to write this, but it's really important for an upcoming chapter, so...

I hauled the bucket filled with soapy water outside, struggling to keep it above the ground. I had filled it to the brim which I only realised now was a big and enfeebling mistake. I was breathing heavily, by the time I reached Connie and Greg as the sun was beaming down on me. I raised a brow when I saw the closed car door and familiar silhouette inside the vehicle.

I grunted, "Is he still in there?".

Connie nodded, with a somewhat pitiful smile, "I'll get him out".

She gently gripped her hands into a fist and used her knuckles to gently knock on the window of the car. "Steven?", she called out his name.

The window rolled down, as we all gaped at Steven, wearing oversize sunglasses. "Hey, guys. Just practising", he stated, taking the glasses off and hopping out of the car.

I rolled my eyes in incredulity, "I question a lot of my past decisions, and you're definitely one of them".

Steven chuckled, leaving the sunglasses on the front seat of the car.

"Alright everyone", I called them all together, "No lollygagging. We're going to spruce up this ancient mobile".

Greg let out an exasperated gasp as if I just insulted his most prized possession. "This baby's a Dondai Supremo from the era of frosted tips, mood rings, slap bracelets", he explained, rubbing the hood of the car with a proud smile.

I scoffed, "Oh, you mean, excessive hair gel, phoney colour-changing jewellery and hippy safety hazards".

Greg, Steven, Connie and I all took a sponge from the bucket and began scrubbing the vehicle. I used the sponge to scrub off and grim or dirt off the paint. I was careful, not wanting to get any soap on my clothes, or my mum will start asking questions that I don't have time to answer. Out of the blue, I felt chilled liquid hit my back and trickle down my spine. I yelped, instinctively letting go of the sponge and turned to see Steven, guiltily holding a sponge in one hand and a hose in the other that was gushing out water. He tried to hold in laughter subtly, but the grin on his face stood out like a sore thumb. I knitted my brows, marched up to him and attempted to snatch the hose off. It became a tug of war game between us. Giggling together, trying to splash the other one. Steven's poofy hair had damped slightly, and my clothes were completely soaked to the point where I didn't even attempt to avoid the water anymore. However, our game soon came to an end when we noticed a polished, gold-coloured sports car drift and skid in front of the car wash, blowing dust clouds in our faces. I almost coughed up a lung, and I gripped my hands, wanting to give the narcissist behind the wheel a piece of my mind. But my eyes widened and my legs stiffed when the car window lowered to reveal the driver.

"Give me a wash, old man", his conceited eyes glared towards Greg.

Greg, feeling daunted, stuttered, "Uh, right away, young man". He bent over and picked up the sponge I had dropped near the car and dashed towards Kevin.

I narrowed my brows at such a sight, "Don't tell me that's...".

Steven dropped the hose almost instantly, water continuing the drip out until Connie walked over to the pipe to turn it off, still facing the familiar stranger with a horrified expression. Steven's fist gripped tightly as his hands squeezed all the excess water out of the sponge. He gritted his teeth in fury and grunted with resentment, "Kevin...!".

I turned to Steven, noticing how hostile his expression was. Though, I had to admit, I wasn't too fond of Kevin either. I remembered the dance party and how he was practically manipulating Steven and I into hanging out with him. He was just another spoilt, rich kid who's probably used to getting everything that he wants and has never even brushed his own teeth before. He was one of the reasons why the very thought of fusing with Steven again made me gag. I couldn't even dance with anyone because of that guy.

Greg begins scrubbing the wheels of the sports car with the sponge, his face high-strung and his hands slightly trembling. It was almost as if he was apprehensive about messing up Kevin's car. Already succumbed to the feeling of boredom, Kevin pulled out his phone, dialled a number and began to talk to someone.

"I didn't say iron the socks. I said I want my socks pressed", he began to bicker pettily with whoever was on the other line.

I crossed my arms over my chest and nudged Steven, "What's the betting that he shops in the dark?", I chuckled, attempting the lighten the mood.

But for the first time, Steven wasn't taking it. His bitter, narrowed eyes were locked onto Kevin and his tight grip on the sponge didn't falter an inch. His fingers twitched almost violently and he didn't even acknowledge the joke I made. I placed a hand on top of his clenched fist, as he flinched as if he suddenly became aware of me and the fact that he was feeling and looking so tense. I noticed under my fingers that he was starting to relax slightly.

"Woah, calm down there feisty-pants", I consoled him with a snicker as Steven's eyes widened when he noticed how agitated he was. His face flushed with embarrassment, but his annoyance didn't simmer down.

Kevin scrunched up his nose and leaned his head out the window to scowl at Greg, "Whoa- Wait, wait. Careful with the tires, Grandpa", he scoffed, though Greg attempted to keep his cool and look unfazed by Kevin's attitude towards him. "I got a big race today, and my car has to look as beautiful as me". He sent a domineering wink that caused me to be sick to my stomach. His arrogance will never wither and I barely could restrain myself from kicking in out his fancy headlights.

Steven didn't even think twice about restraining and rushed over to defend his father. "Back off, Kevin!", he argued, his eyes looked tainted by rage, "He's not a Grandpa! He's just a regular Pa!".

Kevin narrowed his eyes intensely at Steven and hung up his phone call without taking his eyes off him. "Have we met before? I think I'd remember a twerp like you".

Steven's face was tinged with resentment. If he clenched his fist any tighter, his nails would cut through his skin, "You do remember a twerp like me!".

Connie broke into a sweat, "I think we should diffuse the conflict...", she whispered nervously, jogging up to Steven with me following suit. "You- You just look like another guy we know".

I planted my hands on my hips, "Yeah, another self-absorbed guy".

With a suspicious glance, Kevin scoffed, "That's impossible. There's only one... Kevin!".

He pressed his foot hard on the accelerator and sped off in his sports car, leaving us in the dust. He didn't even spare Greg a nickel before he drove off.

"Hey! He forgot to...", Greg stopped himself before glancing down gloomily, "Eh, what do I care?".

Steven, who only scowled off in the direction that Kevin drove off, growled bitterly and spat out three words that I never would've thought he was capable of saying, "I hate Kevin!!".

It caught me completely off guard. He switched into a different person, his voice was so loud, so thunderous, that I could barely concentrate on what he said. The anger roared like a blazing inferno in his gut, curdling in the pits of his stomach and craving to consume him as his face began to redden. I had never seen such rage seeping out of him before and I wasn't the only one shocked by his distaste in Kevin.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Watch the four letters, Schtu-ball", Greg reprimanded his son with disappointment written on his face, "Hate's a strong word".

Steven pouted, his eyes cast to the ground. His face was filled with hostility as he exhaled an uncontrollable huff in response to his sudden outburst. "It's a strong feeling too", he sulked.

Greg raised a brow, "Do you know that guy?".

I rubbed the back of my neck, a disgusted look crept onto my face, "I wish we didn't. When Steven and I fused, we met him at the dance and--".

"He was a creep!", Steven spat out, looking more appalled than I did.

Greg folded his arms over his chest, "Steven!".

"That's five letters!", Steven pouted, holding up the same number of fingers. "He made (Y/N) so uncomfortable asking us to dance and he wouldn't take the hint to just leave us alone!".

Connie shifted awkwardly on the spot, "I only met him once. I had to stand up to him when he began mocking Ronaldo at his workplace".

Steven glowered, "He doesn't care about anyone else's feelings! He's so shallow!".

That's when I had to step in, "Ok, seriously. This kind of language really doesn't suit you".

Greg sighed in exasperation, almost as if he had dealt with guys like Kevin in the past. "I had no idea that happened. I'm... really sorry", he consoled us, causing Steven's body to relax a bit. "That guy, he's not even worth the time of day. Don't even give him the satisfaction of thinking about him".

Connie smiled, "You're right Mr. Universe". She glanced up, noticing the sun has now disappeared over the horizon. It was getting dark.

Greg took the two buckets of water and went to the back of his car wash to empty them out. Meanwhile, Steven, Connie and I lingered by the newly washed car, still annoyed by what happened. But no one was as angry as Steven, who looked like he was about to pop a vessel. Dusk approached as we all sharply looked at the stars above us.

Steven was first to break the silence, sighing deeply in frustration. Connie turned to him with empathy, "Still mad about Kevin?".

He furrowed his brows, "Yes...!".

"Me too", Connie sighed, glancing away. If anything, she looked like a displeased parent rather than angry.

Steven stood upright, his face finally relaxing after he had his brows furrowed the entire time, "You don't seem mad", he pointed out.

"I'm thinking mad", she responded, her finger linking together.

Steven turned to me, as I rested my elbows on the hood of the Dondai and comforted my head with my hands. "Are you mad, "(Y/N)?".

I scoffed, holding in the urge to slam my hands on the hood as I didn't want to cause a dent, "Mad would be an understatement! That spoilt, narcissistic jerk doesn't deserve a fancy car or those dumb hipster clothes he always wears".

Steven had to hold in a chuckle. He always admired that about me. How I didn't hesitate to speak what was on my mind. If I was angry at someone, I would make sure that person knew it. He could only imagine that if Kevin stayed even a moment longer, I would've told him what they all were thinking; that he was a jerk.

"I still feel like there's something big I want to say to him, you know?", Connie pressed the back of her hand on her forehead from exasperation. "Something to make him think like we're thinking".

I shook my head, "Kevin doesn't think. He only has the mental compacity to gloat about his sports car".

A beat passed as Steven sighed, "Yeah. Too bad we can't just... race against him. To use the first place ribbon to wipe that smug look off his face!".

"But we're kids. Kids can't drive. That's against the law", Connie grumbled.

Steven thought about it. He didn't want to give up, there had to be a way he could teach Kevin a lesson. He suddenly glanced at me with an inspiration, "(Y/N) and I weren't kids when we met Kevin".

I raised a brow, "Are you suggesting that fuse and race against Kevin?".

Connie's eyes widened slightly, "That's...Not a bad idea! Assuming your ages combine when you fuse, you two can beat Kevin at his own game!".

Steven cheered, "It's the perfect plan! Come on, (Y/N)! It's been ages since we fused!".

Connie smiled, "Let's do it! I've never seen you two fuse before!".

He took my hand and lead me into an open space to give us room to fuse before I could respond. Terror struck my chest, raising the hair on the back of my neck. Horrible memories relapsed through my head of the time Steven and I fused. That feeling. I promised myself that I didn't want to feel that feeling ever again. It was traumatising, like all of my comfort and happiness was slowly unravelling at the seams and being pulled straight out of my body.

"No!!", I ripped my hand out of Steven's aggressively as we all stood there in silence and shock, including me. I didn't intend to respond with such hostility and I don't think Connie and Steven expected it either. It was too quiet, I had to come up with an excuse.

I backtracked my sentence and corrected myself, "I mean, I hurt my wrist. I wouldn't be able to drive".

I felt a small lump in my throat when Steven's face was mildly confused, "Really? Your wrist seemed fine when we were washing", he pointed out with a hint of suspicion in his voice.

A scowl crossed my face, "I hurt it while washing the car, stupid!", my voice was shrill. I inhaled sharply through my nose, crossing my arms over my chest and turning away so I wouldn't have to lie right to their faces, "I can't drive".

Connie and Steven eyed each other sceptically. Steven wasn't completely oblivious. He knew something wasn't right. He had stayed by my side the entire day and he can't recall anything that could've triggered wrist pain so bad that I can't hold a steering wheel. He felt something offputting.

"Why don't we--", An idea popped into my head, " You two can race! You can fuse into...What's it called again?".

"Stevonnie?".

" Ste-Donkey!".

Connie quirked an insulted brow, "Ste-VONNIE", she emphasised and sounded out the name.

"Whatever, you and Steven can race against Kevin", I explained to them. "You'd be way better at it than me".

Connie tapped a finger on her chin, "I'm ok with it if Steven's ok with it".

She looked at him expectantly, waiting for approval. He eyed me, still uncertain, then showed a smile, " Let's do it!"

~

Stevonnie drove the Dondai into the parking lot, the driving a little rough as it was their first time. I sat in the front seat, ready to confront Kevin. We grab the attention of all the bystanders gathered around Kevin's sports car as they all eyed us, curiously. We both stepped out of the car and turned to Kevin with a firm look.

"I'll race you!", Stevonnie spoke.

Ronaldo was the first to acknowledge us as he eagerly rushed over to the car, going on and geeking about how awesome the Dondai was. I guess it wasn't an ancient mobile after all.

Kevin eyed us questioningly, his gaze switching between me and Stevonnie. That's when it clicked, "Huh! That's why I knew you brats at the car wash. our whole "two kids in a beautiful trench coat" routine won't fool me this time, so don't even try it!".

I couldn't believe Kevin was such a playboy that he couldn't even tell the difference between Quartan and Stevonnie. All he saw was the appearance of a woman and apparently, that was good enough for him. Kevin shrugged innocently, with that same arrogant smile he always wore, "Heh. I see what's going on here. You've had a taste of Kevin, and now you're obsessed".

We both paused, Stevonnie and I at a loss for words. I squinted disdainfully, feeling the disgust bubbling in my throat, "Were you dropped on your head as a kid?".

He sent us an alluring glance, stepping closer in a way that makes me uncomfortable. "I get it. I have that effect on people", he smirked smugly.

Stevonnie stood in front of me, almost as some kind of barrier. They growled furiously and pointed to Kevin, "Do you want to race or not?".

Kevin's smug look didn't falter. He almost got a kick out of making Stevonnie angry. He pointed upwards, "The start is at the top of the mountain. First one to the bottom wins".

Steveonnie shifted their car gear and took off up the mountain, trailing behind Kevin, as I saw his smug and confident look in the rearview mirror. I didn't have time to buckle my seatbelts as Stevonnie was determined to catch up with him. I gripped my nails on the the car cushion underneath me. I part of me got worried when I spotted a sharp turn on a cliff up ahead.

"Guys! Watch out!", I called out, leaning forward, putting my hand on the front seat and pointing out to the cliff. As Stevonnie dropped the gear, they instantly slammed their foot violently onto the brake pedal and pulled at the hand brake. My body almost flew to the right, the side of my head hitting the window frame as they yanked the steering wheel to the left, drifting the Dondai through the sharp turn. Luckily, they succeeded and let out a relieved chuckle. They couldn't believe that they managed to do drift the car themselves.

They readjusted the rearview mirror, to face me, rubbing the side of my head which had a mild burning discomfort sparking through it. I was too pumped on adrenaline to give it a second thought though. "(Y/N)! Seatbelts save lives!", they gently scolded me. I didn't even have to guess that it was Steven talking. I rolled my eyes, and pulled at the belt, clicking in the buckle. I glanced to the side, noticing the Kevin was right beside us.

He laughed tauntingly, "So you do know how to use that thing. That's cute".

Kevin changes his car gear using paddle shifters and sped ahead, drifting through another sharp turn. Stevonnie frowned in his direction, ensuring that they stayed right behind him.

"You alright?", I asked them, sentimentally.

They nodded, their head movement appearing a bit weary, as they muttered unconvincingly, "Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, we need to win".

The two cars eventually begin drifting side by side at another sharp turn. A mere sound of Kevin's car was enough to make Steveonnie's face scrunch up in revulsion. His headlights beamed brightly in my eyes, which only highlighted and emphasised Stevonnie's appalled appearance.

"I know you want to be close, but this is a little clingy", A conceited grin remained on Kevin's face. He rested his forearm on the window sill, "Feel like giving up yet?".

I stuck my tongue out in repugnance which he only shrugged complacently in response. Stevonnie, upbraided, completely sick of his behaviour, "Ugh! Why do you have to be such a jerk, all the time?".

Kevin didn't respond, which only fueled Stevonnie's wrath like adding sticks to a flame. Their grip on the wheel grew tighter as they glowered in fury at Kevin's car beside them. Sweat was dripping down their face and I could tell that they were struggling to maintain their form. Their entire body was trembling and they began muttering hateful words to themself. The gem on their stomach was glowing an indignant shade of pink which couldn't be good. Kevin by now was ahead of us, and I leaned forward, about to encourage them to catch up to him. The only reason we're doing this is because he deserves to lose. Someone like Kevin doesn't deserve to win. Someone like Kevin deserves to lose!

But then, it began to dawn on me. I glimpsed back up at Stevonnie's face and noticed that it wasn't filled with the perseverance it once was. It was more of an unhealthy determination. And I could tell it was making them feel sick. This whole race didn't feel right anymore. I thought back to the time I caught Pearl tricking Garnet into fusing with her. She thought she was doing a good thing, sharing victories with her, but really she was just forcing herself into this toxic loop. Was that what we were doing? Would beating Kevin really be as