(Y/L) - Your last name

Ok, I was totally wrong about Steven. He's actually a pretty cool kid. He was really entertaining and derpy. He would talk about things I've never heard a human being talk about. It's not a bad thing. Just a little unusual, I guess. Supposedly, he had a pet lion. But, I don't think that's true. He must be pulling my leg. Despite how nice he's been, he still hasn't explained what happened with the giant flower trying to take away the only life I had left and the shield, and the crystal sword and--

The ball bonked off the top of my head as I did a protracted resistance pose. The rubbed my temples, astonished, as I shot Steven a scowl. He did his adorable laugh at my frustration. God! Why is he so painfully cute? He's a puppy that stands on two of its legs. "I thought you were good at volleyball", Steven reverberated what I boasted about earlier with a teasing smirk on his plump face. I stuck my tongue at him as I recomposed myself. "I am!", I saltily corrected him, pointing a dangerous finger towards his smug face. I'm usually really focused when it comes to these things. This was probably the first time I've ever been this distracted. This unattentive. " I just got...distracted". Steven showed an unbelieving smirk, before shrugging it off, flipping the ball into the bright, sunny air. "Whatever you say", he shrugged, getting ready to serve the ball. I whimsically advanced up to him and propelled a pile of sand into his torso. Steven chuckled, using his free hand to shield his face. "Hey! No kicking sand. This my favourite shirt", he chortled, kicking sand into my body as retaliation, which made me lurch back to where I was originally standing.

Before Steven could serve the ball again, a fluorescent glow shined from inside Steven's house. It was an unusual flash that radiated from the inside and outside of the house. I wasn't sure what it was. Steven released the ball from his grasp, in either excitement or hysteria. "They're back!", he exclaimed eagerly, before he sped towards the house, bunglingly tripping over his own feet that was descending in the sand. I ogled at him, wondering if he wanted me to follow or not. Steven, hurried up the wooden stairs, almost piercing his foot through the planks. Before he twisted the doorknob, he shifted to face me. "Are you coming? Or are you just going to stand there and gawk at me", he asked, gesturing me to follow him. I pouted, crossing my arms in impediment. "I'm not--!". I grumbled under my puff as I tenderly bit my lower lip. I didn't want to associate with anything I didn't understand. Especially after the last time I made that stupid mistake. Steven sceptically stared at me, before rolling his restless orbs. He hastily leapt down the stairs to where I was standing, clutched my wrist and hauled me against my own will. I strived to get my wrist out of his grasp, but he absolutely refused to let go of me. He looked back at my irritated face and smirked, tugging me to the front door.

Steven threw open the door and mildly pulled me inside. In the middle of the living room, there was some sort of gem pad. It gleamed so brightly, that I needed to squint my eyes in order to see what was in front of me. I was somewhat worried that I'll probably likely go blind due to the bright light. Which meant I'll most likely never graduate or get a job, which will result in me living in a damp alleyway, eating off people's scraps. Suddenly, 3 random strangers stepped out of the beam and stood proudly on top of it. I nimbly blinked a few times, just so I can process what just happened. Where did they just come from? Am I hallucinating, or did I really just see that? "Yo! Steven! What's up!", one indolently greeted Steven, pointing two finger guns at him. She was approximately his height, with a somewhat stout build. Her skin was an unusual bright lilac, and she had thick, messy pale lavender hair that went down to her ankles, with a large bang that covers her left eye. What really intrigued me about her was the gem, YES, an actual gemstone located on her chest. It looked real. Each person had a jewel positioned on them and a weird skin tone that was completely unnatural. Are these people cosplayers? They must be. If not, I don't know how to explain that.

"Hey, Amethyst", Steven commonly waved at her. The girl began stretching her biceps as if she just ran a marathon. Wonder what they did all day? Her eyes, however, stopped on me as her mouth turned into an upright smirk. Oh no."Is this your girlfriend?", she asked, slightly sniggering and slightly serious. A small blush crept up Steven's cheeks as he glanced away from the group. He proceeded to turn and look at me. The look he gave me was if he knew the response I was going to give. "Why does everyone--No! I'm not his girlfriend", I stated, with a petite, red radiance on my face. Am I blushing? No. The sun probably got my face. Yeah. It was the sun. I grunted, wondering why everyone thought we were together. The statement of them thinking Steven and I were dating gave me thoughts. Thoughts I've never had of anyone. Especially Steven. It made my entire face turn red and puffy, while my head was spinning around in circles. I could even feel the tips of my ears glowing a dangerous colour of red. Please don't let Steven notice the state I'm in. I didn't want him to get the thoughts I was. To even know I was having those thoughts in the first place. The embarrassment would be unthinkable.

The tall, skinny one, however, squinted her eyes, taking a closer look at me. That was before she revealed a dismayed expression. "Wait a minute! I know you! You're the girl who had the ridiculously rude and bitter attitude towards Steven", she pointed out, with a small frown to top it off. I sheepishly rubbed the back of my neck. Not knowing what to say. Should I defend myself? Should apologise? Should I blame Steven?

"I...I was--". " She was just feeling a grouchy that day. But, it wasn't her fault, Pearl. I agitated her", Steven cut in, felicitously defending me. I was honestly surprised Steven backed me up like that. You don't find many people like that nowadays. N-Not that I wouldn't back up Steven, I was just shocked. Pearl (at least, I think that was her name), took a swift glance at my figure as I gave her a nervous smile. She crossed her arms, with her eyebrows still narrowed and her face still unconvinced. "If you say so, Steven. What's your name, human girl?", she asked, neutrally, with her hands on her hips. Human girl? Their way of speaking almost concerned me. I peered up at Pearl who crossed her arms, impatiently. I brushed my two thumbs together, incompetently. God, why am I such a mess today? Not even today, ever since I moved here I lost my previous demeanour. " (Y/N)", I answered, bluntly. "My name is (Y/N)". Pearl took a few steps towards me, as her hands, once again, slid down to her hipbones. She bent down so that she was practically my height, but that didn't make her any less intimidating. "Does Miss (Y/N) have a surname?", she asked, tilting her head. I nod moderately and tentatively. "(Y/L)", I tranquilly replied, with my gaze aiming at Steven. "(Y/N), meet Pearl, Garnet and that one who's currently eating all my ice-cream sandwiches, which I specifically told her to NOT touch, but she is anyway, despite my current instructions to her, is Amethyst", Steven grunted at the last part as his ardent eyes darted to the kitchen.

The girl, supposedly called Amethyst, slackly waved from behind the fridge door but didn't bother to take one look at me as she was too interested in eating. Garnet placed a finger on her chin and murmured in concern. "You remind me of someone", she asserted, curiously, studying my appearance while tapping the finger on her chin. " You just look, strangely familiar. I can't my finger on it, however". What's that supposed to mean? We haven't even met before. If I met an abnormally tall person with actual gemstones in the palm of her hands, I would remember. I assure you. I would remember. " (Y/N) just moved here, I don't think you two have met", Steven gushed, stepping in between us. Garnet drifted closer to take a better glimpse at me. My confused and quite frightened figure reflected on her shiny, diamond glasses. Although I couldn't see her eyes through them, I knew they were as tense as I was. "Must be a coincidence", she admitted, imperceptibly tweaking her glasses and taking a step back. I moderately rubbed my chin in thought. "So, what's with unnatural skin colour and weird gem piercings?" I sceptically claimed. "Are you guys cosplaying for something. Although it looks pretty real". Steven glanced up at Pearl, anxious, as Pearl utterly glimpsed back at him. I've never seen Steven troubled about talking. It's the only thing he knows how to do.

"They're not human", Steven bluntly told me, shrugging imperceptibly. At first, I thought he was pulling my leg. But, he looked dead serious. " We're the Crystal Gems", Pearl indicated, contemptuously, clenching her fist in the air. "We protect all you weak and vulnerable humans from invasions and deadly gem monsters". I didn't know whether to be offended or grateful. But, believe or not, I believed them. They sure didn't look like normal, everyday humans. I turned my head to peep at Steven, who was flinched at my gaze. "So if you can form that magically, bubble-thingie and pull out a diamond sword out of nowhere, does that mean you're not human either?", I babbled, kind of uptight about his answer. Steven glanced to the side, grieved. Crud! Mum is going to kill me if she found out I was friends with someone who is not from this planet." Well...sort of", he arose, rubbing the back of his neck, still protesting to look at me, despite the fact that I really want him to. He looked nervous. As if he was hoping I wouldn't ask. I guess the subject was hard to talk about. Which I understand. But, I still needed an answer. "I'm half human". I narrowed my eyebrows, sort of adjusted. "And the other half?", I asked, leaning back insignificantly. " Half gem", he typically spoke. He clutched the bottom of his shirt and lifted it up to reveal a beautiful, shiny gem on his stomach.

I was still intrigued to hear more until the fridge door slammed shut followed by an irked groan. "Steven, do you have any fry bit? I'm still hungry!", Amethyst wined, indolently, closing her eyes and stomping around like she was a 5-year-old having a hissy-fit. Steven swirled his eyes, both bothered and amused. "Amethyst, you can't even get hungry", Steven carelessly stated to his obnoxious friend. Amethyst still proceeded to sulk, not changing her childish character. " But, I like eating! It feels amazing", she clenched her cheeks showing a contented face. Pearl began to gag and shiver, grating her teeth together. "I hate it!", she throttled after I gave her the most bewildered appearance. "Chewing the big pieces and the small pieces before it turns into a pulpy combination and then you have to swallow that mess whole, before it comes out the other end as a pile of manure!". I never knew someone could have so much hatred for food. I mean, come on! It's food! Abruptly, a deep vibration came from my pocket, that gave me a little fright. I nonchalantly reached into my back pocket, extracted my phone from my pocket and scrolled through my notifications. I read my recent message as distress indicated on my face. " It's my mum", I remarked wistfully, shoving my phone into my rear pocket. "She wants me to come home now". Steven's face instantly fell, as he dangled is shoulders and arms, dejectedly. "Already? I wanted us to bake a cake together", he grievously unveiled, revealing a box of cake mix from the counter behind him. "It was going to be chocolate, with a chocolate filling and chocolate icing topped with chocolate sprinkles". I beamed at him, using my hand to scruff up his hair, as he let out a miniature giggle. "We'll get cavities another day", I endorsed bestowing a big, toothy smile, not willing to lose all my pearly whites. Well, they're not exactly pearly, but they're decent. "I'll see you...uh..."Crystal Gems" later", I inelegantly dismissed, trying to turn open the doorknob while still facing the gems. I managed to unlock the door and deliberately shut it behind me. Although there was a door between us, I could still hear Amethyst mutter, "Are you sure she's not your girlfriend?".

I spontaneously got red again, as I attempted to persuade myself that it was just the sun getting to my face, even though the sun was just about to start setting.My eyes abruptly jolted open, as I eyed at my surroundings. White. That's all I saw. Nothing but radiating white shade down an infinite path of nothing. "Hello?", I called out, frantically glimpsing around me studying for some form of life. I didn't know what else to do, other than move forward. I trudged forward down the endless, white and ominous pathway. Although there were no walls, I felt as if I was being closed in on with every step I took. I hugged myself tightly, hopelessly looking for a way out of this void. Will I just keep walking forever? Will this path lead me anywhere? And if so, where? Questions and inquiries kept hoarding in my head as I sought to get myself to shut up! Ultimately, the route came to an end. At the edge of it, grew a beautiful, dawn-tinted rose. How peculiar. A single bud originated at the end of a lengthy pathway I stood on. The rose commenced growing taller and taller until it was triple the size of me. I glimpsed at it, overawed and frightened, with my eyes almost bulging out of my sockets. It shifted around and stretched into various directions until it gleamed vividly and transmuted into a woman. A female stood before, who was once a natural, pink rose. That's not normal. She had bright-peach skin, black eyes, very long, wavy pink hair styled in thick, tube-like twists, and outlined lips with a pale pink colour. She wore a rosy gown with multiple layers, resembling the petals of a rose. The rose that was laid in front of me.

She just stood there. Gaping at me. I stood there trembling at the daunting lady who protested to interact with me. "Who are you?", I solely asked, yet imperceptibly studdering, taking a few steps back to put distance between us. Although she appeared gentle and tender, she seemed as if she could undoubtedly over-power me. She leisurely nictitated, but the rest of her body didn't move. "What's going on?", I asked once more, desiring to get an answer if I was more direct. She moved both her hands to her thorax. When she withdrew it, a tiny pillow laid in her hand. White, fluffy, and luxurious, like the one I usually sleep on. A pillow? Why a pillow? "I...don't understand?". Swiftly, a powerful, beeping oscillation reverberated through the area. I abruptly glanced at the woman, who pitched forward towards me. The woman tranquilly beamed at me, before dissolving out of my sight. Before I knew what was happening, a colossal gap formed under my feet, and immediately, I began falling. The white, ominous surrounding turned into a murky abyss that made my perception faltering as I fell deeper and deeper.My alarm clock still proceeded to blare in my ear reminding me that nighttime doesn't last forever. I used my right hand to thump my fist on the clock to stop the vibration! I succeeded and thought I could spend a few more minutes sleeping. But, I couldn't. For, the moment I settled my head on the pillow, I jolted back up. "Ow! What the heck!", I snapped, grazing the side of my throbbing crown. A large chunk was in the middle of my pillow which made it very agonizing. Almost if, something was under it. If it was a pea, I'm not getting married to some arrogant prince who thinks putting vegetables under someone's cushion is attractive. Although last I remembered, I wasn't a princess. I deliberately reached beneath my pillow and clutched whatever was under there. It was large and jarring, yet it still had a lustrous texture. I nonchalantly drew it out, worried it might be a missile or a bomb. Luckily, someone up there liked me, because it wasn't. It was a gem. A glistening, radiant jewel. It looked like a diamond. A pink diamond. I brushed my tender fingers against it. It was unquestionably real. Probably costs more than that house. Where did it come from? My vision instantaneously reflected in the shade when I blinked. The woman. The cushion. It can't...It isn't. That was just a dream. It must be a dream. It has to be a dream.

It was must have been mum. She probably bought this for me and left it under my pillow while I was asleep as a moving gift. She can be perplexing sometimes. A melodious quiver ran through my charging phone. I benevolently placed the gemstone on my bedside table, unplugged my phone, and read the message I received. It was from Steven. Should've known. Giving that boy my number was a mistake. Now he'll be messaging me in the middle of the night, due to his hyperactiveness.

Steven

Hey, (Y/N) are you free later today?

You

No, I'm expensive

Steven

Ha Ha. Very funny.

Steven

Anyways, do you want to come over? Pearl and Garnet went on an important Gem Mission, so I'm alone with Amethyst. And I need help entertaining her

Steven

Plus, I want to spend time with you

You

I don't know. I might have something on today

Steven

All right, that's fine. Amethyst and I will bake and eat the chocolate cake ourselves

You

....

You

I'll be there at noon

Steven

Cool beans!

Steven is so charismatic. I don't know if it's dainty or just plain vexatious. Or a mixture of both. He has this weird persona you wouldn't normally find in boys his age. Depending what his age is. I haven't asked yet. Call me discourteous, I just haven't gotten to it. I promptly removed my bedsheets and speedily leapt out of bed. I twisted the doorknob, but when I unlocked the door, my mum stood there, crossing her arms with a very austere look on her face. Please, don't tell me to-- " Shower", she utterly spoke, stiffly aiming towards the bathroom."You smell like contaminated sea water". I snorted, shaking my head doubtfully, tenderly shoving my mum to the side in a respectful manner. She huffed friskily, mildly propelling me forward. " Thanks for being so brutally honest", I scornfully praised her, advancing to the bathroom as I took a quick whiff of myself. I stiffed. Yep, that's definitely the smell of contaminated sea water, mixed with sweat, filthy sand and other unspeakable things. I really need to take better care of my personal hygiene. Or I'll be mistaken for a hobo.

I pounded mildly on the front door, waiting impassively with my arms crossed for it to open. After a moment of silence, I heard a loud, yet muffled thud, followed by an agonising grunt. I tilted my head trying picture in my mind what could've made such a tender sound. Whatever it was, it sounded painful. The knob swiftly clicked and the door opened. Steven sheepishly peeped through, seeming rather flustered. What did he do this time? "Hey, (Y/N)!", he chirped, with a rosy aspect and pink cheeks. I narrowed my eyebrows, shooting Steven a inquiring expression. " What was that sound?", I blandly asked, confused as well as worried. Steven chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck as his face glowed even more. "What sound?", he tenderly asked, glimpsing to the side, completely disconcerted. This boy needs more lessons on how to lie. I granted Steven a consequential appearance before his arms