Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Steven loved many things about Connie.

She had the softest hair Steven had ever felt. She always managed to look and smell great. She was funny, smart, kind...

However, she struggled with spontaneity, which was mildly disappointing.

She was a lot better from when they were kids. She didn't make a million lists anymore, and she'd recently started showing affection without asking beforehand. She was trying to get better, and Steven appreciated that.

But...right now, after the two of them had put up their Christmas tree...she was making a diagram on how to decorate it.

"We should put the garland on first," Connie murmured. "Then, the heaviest ornaments should be on the bottom, and the lighter they are, the higher up they should go..."

"Connie," Steven snickered.

Connie looked over and smiled awkwardly. "Yeah, Steven?"

"You're doing it again."

"What? Oh, wait. I am, aren't I?" Connie laughed. "Sorry. I'm just so used to my parents always doing it this way that I just...began doing the same."

"It doesn't have to be perfect," Steven explained. "We're supposed to be having fun. Here."

Steven picked up a large, glittery, and red ornament. "Put this wherever you want on the tree, except for the bottom."

Connie took the ornament and looked at the branches, trying to decide rationally.

She felt Steven's hands on her shoulders. "Don't thiiiiiiiiink," Steven whispered.

Connie giggled lightly and closed her eyes, stepped forward, and placed her hand on a random branch. Opening her eyes, she hooked the ornament onto it and stepped away, proud that it was somewhere near the top."

"There we go!" Steven cheered, clapping. "I'm so proud of you!"

Connie bowed. "Thank you, Steven!"

Both of them cracked up, and Steven reached into the box of Christmas things. He pulled out garland and draped it around his shoulders, then flipped one end over the other, like a boa. He put a hand on one of his hips and pantomimed smoking a cigar. "And how do ya do, darlin'?" he asked in a terrible Brooklyn accent.

They both dissolved into laughter again, and Connie picked up the old top hat that belonged to Steven when he was younger. She placed it on her head and picked up the fire poker, leaning on it as though it were a cane. "I am quite well, my fair lady," she replied with a horrible British accent of her own. She bent down and took one of his hands. "Better now that you're here~" She kissed the back of it with a wink, stifling her laugh.

"My!" Steven swooned, placing his free hand on his chest. "What a charmin' sir you are! Are you free this holiday?"

"Why, I do believe I am, ma'am," Connie answered.

The two of them couldn't hold back their laughter anymore, so they both just leaned into each other, the top hat falling off of Connie's head and Steven's garland-boa coming undone. After their giggles stopped, Connie began taking ornaments and placing them on the tree. Steven followed suit, and they worked in comfortable silence, the only sound being the voice of Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas."

This is nice, Connie thought, placing some candy canes on the tree as well. This is a lot easier than I thought it'd be, seeing as it's our first Christmas as two adults living together. Well, I mean, it definitely helps we've known each other for years, but—

"Hey, Connie?" Steven's voice cut through Connie's thoughts.

"Yeah?" Connie looked over at him. "What's up?"

Steven held up a tangled mess of lights, smiling sheepishly. "Help."

"Steven," Connie sighed dramatically, sitting beside him and taking the job over. "This is what happens when you don't follow my advice when it comes to stuff like this."

"I know, and I'm sorry," Steven apologized. "I was just really tired, and—"

"I know, but still," Connie murmured, leaning her head against Steven's shoulder. "You couldn't leave the tree up until you were more awake?"

Steven's arm wrapped around Connie's waist, pulling her closer. "Nope."

Connie buried her face into Steven's shoulder. "You are such a dork."

"So are you," Steven shot back, but he was hiding his own face in Connie's hair. "That's why I love you."

"I love you, too," Connie smiled.

Steven held her even closer.

Chapter Text

Connie looked into Steven's eyes with a wide grin on her lips.

"Okay, ready to shop!?" Connie exclaimed.

"Yeah!!" Steven pumped a fist in the air, obviously excited.

"Ready...! Set...!! GO!!!" Connie yelled, and the two of them went in opposite directions.

Running through the mall was fun, but she eventually slowed down and found herself in the men's clothing department.

She wandered around, looking to see if there happened to be anything that Steven would particularly like.

No, it turned out. There wasn't.

Well, that's a lie. If it came from someone Steven loved, he was bound to appreciate it and keep it as well as use it.

But...Connie didn't want to get him yet another pair of jeans or a t-shirt with Dogcopter on it. She wanted to get him something meaningful and beautiful, something precious, something that would show him just how much he means to her.

Glancing around with this in mind, Connie found that nothing seemed to be of appeal. It was like everything looked bland and tacky.

The worst part is, Connie had never truly been indecisive until now. Oh, what to do...?

Suddenly, Connie spotted a mass of familiar Jacksepticeye-green hair that was swept to the side not too far away.

"Yuo?" Connie called.

Sure enough, when the person turned around, it was Yuo.

"Hey, Con," Yuo greeted, throwing up a peace sign. "What's up with you? How ya doin'?"

As always, Yuo was chewing gum, and xe blew a bubble shortly after the greeting.

"I'm doing really good!" Connie replied, smiling widely. "How have you been? We haven't talked much since Space Camp."

"I've been good," Yuo answered. "Still with that magical boyfriend of yours?"

"Oh, Steven? Of course!" Connie nodded. "Actually, hey, are you busy right now?"

"Woah, are you comin' on to me?" Yuo joked. "You know I'm aro, right?"

"Yes, I know," Connie chuckled. "I just need your help getting something for Steven."

"Well, I mean, you know him better than me," Yuo shrugged. "He seemed chill, though."

"He is!" Connie agreed. "He's really, uh, 'chill.' It's just that he's so chill that he would be okay with anything I get him!"

"Geez, I wish I were in your situation," Yuo grumbled. "My partner won't let me buy them anything less than something from the mall."

Connie snorted. "Knowing you, though, you'd probably just buy them a super overpriced Beanie Baby™ from the gas station if they'd let you."

"Not the point! So, uh, what exactly's the problem, Con?"

"I want to get him something he'd really like," Connie replied, looking at her feet. "He always manages to get me something amazing; I want to return the favor, you know?"

"Yeah, I totally get it," Yuo nodded, and Connie focused on the one stray hair on xyr head that bounced along with xyr nod. "Hm...he has some kinda gem thing in his bellybutton, right?"

Connie nodded.

"So then...why not get him a necklace with that same gem?"

"Well, he has friends that are literal beings of light who have the forms of gemstones, so, if I were to get him a diamond necklace, his friends would probably have a heart attack...or five."

"Ah, I see." Yuo tapped xyr chin in thought. "Maybe you should just...get him something from your childhood. That way, he has something that reminds him of you, and he will know it's from the heart or whatever."

Connie contemplated this. "But...what would I get him?"

Yuo shrugged. "Something important to your family, maybe?"

Connie thought, then snapped her fingers. "I know exactly what to get him! Thanks, Yuo!" Connie threw her arms around xem.

Xe blinked, then smiled, their lip piercing lifting as well. "No prob, Bob."

"You sound like him," Connie snickered.

"I feel awkward," Steven stated.

"Trust me," Connie grinned. "I think you'll like it. It's not new or fancy, but it means something important."

Steven nuzzled his face into the crook of Connie's neck. "Okay. I'll trust you."

Connie only smiled more.

Chapter Text

Steven waited on the porch with two mugs of hot cocoa, shivering slightly in the cold air.

It was nighttime and the moon was out, bathing everything in a silver glow. Steven was surprised there wasn't any snow or ice, but he was thankful nevertheless due to the fact Connie was driving tonight.

His phone chimed, and he glanced at it while it sat beside him face-up.

My Berry<3: I'll be home in a few! Got stuck behind some traffic while coming home from Beach City :(

Steven placed his mug down and texted her back with one hand.

That's okay! Just drive home safe!

My Berry<3: Okay! See you soon! Love you❤

Love you too!❤

Steven let out a sigh, smiling from ear to ear. He loved Connie so freaking much...

A minute later, Connie's car pulled into the driveway. Steven immediately jumped up, unable to hide the wide grin on his face.

Connie stepped out of the car with a gift bag. She held it away from Steven as she leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Hey, Steven! Missed you."

Steven kissed Connie's cheek as well. "Missed you too! Whatcha got there?"

"Your Christmas present," Connie smiled.

"Ooh, I wonder what it could beee?" Steven hummed. "Here's your hot cocoa. Sorry if it's not so...hot."

Connie took a sip. "Mmm. It's perfect." Connie looked up. I'm surprised it hasn't snowed yet."

"Same here. I was just thinking that, actually. Anyway, let's go in—I'm freezing!"

The two of them went inside, and Steven was just about to take off his coat when he spotted small, white flakes falling outside.

"Oh my Gosh! Connie!" Steven gasped.

"I see!" Connie replied. "Want to go outside for a few?"

Steven placed his cup of cocoa on the coffee table and ran outside, looking up at the sky.

Connie joined him, and their hands held one another.

Steven's eyes slipped shut, and he took in a deep breath.

It was quiet. Peaceful.

Absolutely wonderful, yet freezing.

Despite the cold that bit his bones, Steven felt so, so warm inside. It was moments like these that made going through all of the stuff he had worth it.

"Steven?" Connie's voice was soft.

"Yeah?" Steven's was just as soft.

"...I hate to do this, but can we go inside? I'm freezing."

"...Yeah." Steven smiled a soft smile. "Let's go in."

Chapter Text

"I'm, um, not sure how to ice-skate," Steven admitted as Connie helped him tie the laces.

"It's really similar to rollerskating," Connie explained. "You just have to practice. I'm here, so you won't be alone."

"I know, but still," Steven murmured, latching onto Connie to help him stand. "I don't want to slow you down."

"It's fine," Connie smiled. Then, she got an idea.

Grinning, she pulled Steven closer by his waist and put her face really close to his. "I'll hold you as long as you need~"

Steven's lips stretched into a wide smile as he blushed. "Well, what if that's forever~?"

"That can be arranged~" Connie replied.

Both of them dissolved into giggles.

"Okay, okay, let's go," Connie chuckled, taking Steven's hand and leading him onto the ice.

Steven's legs were shaking, so Connie was sure to take his other hand to help him keep balance. He almost fell several times, but Connie made sure to put the training that she and Pearl did to good use.

"Okay, look at me feet. See how they're angled? That's how you stop. Now, just follow my lead."

Connie got to where she was beside her boyfriend and began to skate slowly. Steven copied her movements, and the two of them were skating inch by inch across the frozen lake.

"Aw, how cute! Get out of my way. Some people are trying to skate here," a voice snapped from behind them.

Connie turned and immediately narrowed her eyes, whirling around to face the owner of the voice.

Steven almost fell by the sudden pull, but Connie caught Steven by the back of his shirt and pulled him up.

"Kevin," Connie growled, her free hand curling into a fist.

"Ah, it's you two," Kevin spat back. "You know, you two should go to the kiddie pond. Maybe you won't be outshone there."

"No." Connie's voice was cold.

"Connie, c'mon...he isn't worth it," Steven muttered, tugging on Connie's coat sleeve.

"Tell you what," Kevin said, bending down so he was eye-to-eye with Connie. "I'll leave you two alone if Stevonnie wins in a competition against me. If I win, you two leave. Sound fair?"

"You're on," Connie said, and Steven stared, worried.

"Connie, we agreed that we'd fuse for us, not anyo—"

Connie pulled Steven close, and the two of them fused.

Stevonnie glared at Kevin with all their might. "You're going down!"

"Hmph. Let's see about that," Kevin replied.

Stevonnie pulled their coat closer around them, breathing heavily and trying to stay together.

They took a deep breath. "C'mon, let's just...just this once."

Stevonnie turned and skated to the center, still fighting to keep themself together. They knew that if they were unstable at any point, the deal would be off and Kevin would win.

"Alright, everyone!" Sour Cream called from the sidelines, placing a hand on his speaker. "Get off the ice unless you're Kevin or Stevonnie! We're about to have an awesome competition going on!"

Stevonnie felt their other half stop struggling, and they breathed a sigh of relief. Okay, let's do this.

Stevonnie skated out to the center of the ice where Kevin stood, smirking at their concentrated expression.

"Alright! Let's go!" Sour Cream hyped, and the crowd cheered and clapped.

Kevin went first, and Stevonnie swallowed. He's...really good. There's no way we can win.

Finally, once the song was done, Kevin stopped directly in front of Stevonnie, smirking proudly. "Scared?"

Stevonnie felt themself beginning to come apart, so they pulled their coat closer to themself, glaring at Kevin with such intensity that it almost scared them.

"No, actually," Stevonnie said, forcing a smile of their own. "We're about to kick your butt."

Stevonnie struck a pose as the beginning of the song they were to skate to began, and they felt the other half of them stop struggling again.

Sorry, other half, Stevonnie thought sadly. I just...I have to do this.

Stevonnie glided at first, but there wasn't that...spark. That thing that made Stevonnie...Stevonnie. Their skating was immaculate, but...

"Can I have a minute?" Stevonnie asked.

Sour Cream shrugged. "Go ahead. Let me know when you're ready."

Stevonnie nodded once and got off the ice. They separated, and Connie looked at Steven with concern.

"Steven? Are you okay?" Connie asked.

Connie almost jumped when she saw Steven glowing pink.

"I'll meet you at home," Steven said calmly, changing into his boots.

"Wait, Steven! What about the—!?"

Steven stared back at Connie with cold eyes. "You forced me into fusing with you. For Kevin. Figure it out. I'm too tired for this."

Connie watched as Steven go, and she swallowed, feeling absolutely horrible about what she'd done.

Chapter Text

When Steven got home, he stayed in the guest bedroom the rest of the day. When he and Connie saw each other at breakfast, Connie made up the excuse of getting groceries and left, leaving Steven to his own devices for the day.

It had been three hours since then.

Steven pulled the blanket that was wrapped around his shoulders closer, tears in his eyes.

He never thought Connie would do that, forcing him into a fusion.

He remembered Lapis and Jasper and shuddered, suddenly colder than usual.

He didn't want to end up like them.

Steven took a sip of the hot cocoa he had prepared for himself and looked at the thermos that sat on the table.

Why did he go ahead and make Connie hot chocolate in spite of what she did?

Steven sighed, letting some of the tears fall.

He loved her. He truly did.

But...did she love him?

At that moment, the door opened, and Steven didn't need to look to know it was Connie.

"Made some hot cocoa," Steven said. "I put it in the thermos so it would stay warm."

"Thanks."

Steven couldn't look when Connie sat on the other end of the couch.

A bit of silence passed, and Steven continued to stare into the fire.

"I'm sorry," Connie said softly. "I...really am. I didn't realize how horrible and messed-up I acted, forcing you to fuse. I...I wasn't thinking at all. I was so focused on Kevin and proving him wrong that I forgot that fusion is more than just being Stevonnie. It's the physical embodiment of our relationship, and I...took advantage of that. Not to mention, fusion is especially important in Gem culture."

Steven listened carefully.

"I...I get it. I forced you into something that you were willing to ignore, and I just...gosh, I feel awful. If you...if you want some time alone, I get it. If you're really upset, which I'm assuming you are, I...I can leave the room until you're ready to face me again."

Steven didn't say anything.

"...Alright. I guess I'll, um, go, then."

"...No, it's fine." Steven looked up to see Connie's surprised expression.

"...What?"

"...A healthy relationship is built on communication and trust, right? So...let's communicate." Steven turned himself to face Connie fully. "You know that what you did yesterday really upset me."

Connie nodded.

"And...you know that I feel extremely uncomfortable with the fact that you forced me into fusing."

Connie nodded again.

"Also...you know that I would have fused had you asked?"

Connie nodded for a third time, looking ashamed.

Steven thought for a minute. "Please promise me you'll never fuse without consent again."

"I promise."

Steven nodded once to himself. He nodded again, this time with a smile. "Alright. I forgive you."

Connie gave Steven a small smile in return. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," Steven replied, moving closer.

Connie curled up against him and murmured, "I actually went out for more Christmas presents for everyone else."

"I figured." Steven kissed Connie's forehead. "Love you."

"Love you too."

The two of them watched the fireplace together.

Chapter Text

Connie awoke to an amazing smell.

Rubbing her eyes, she trudged downstairs with a yawn. She spotted Steven smiled.

Steven looked over at Connie, and Connie spotted the "Kiss the Cook" apron as well as the sheet of chocolate-chip cookies.

"Good morning, Connie!" Steven chirped.

"Those smell great," Connie mumbled, collapsing into a chair. "Why are you up so early, though?"

Steven shrugged. "Dunno. I woke up with the sudden urge to bake." He placed the pan on the table. "Be careful; they're hot."

"You're hot," Connie muttered, and she smiled at Steven's progressively redder cheeks. She picked up a cookie, completely immune to the burn that she was sure to get due to her drunk-slash-sleepy state. "Please do that more often."

Taking a bite, she closed her eyes and let out a hum. "That's amazing, Steven."

Steven chuckled. "Let's get you back to bed, okay? It's too early for you to be up right now."

Connie pouted sleepily. "It's three in the morning. You need to sleep too, Biscuit."

Steven laughed lightly at the pet name. "I'll be okay. C'mon, Berry."

Connie's eyes slid shut as Steven picked her up like one would a child. Connie's arms wrapped around Steven into a hug, and the last thing she remembered was Steven prying Connie's hands from his shirt.

Chapter Text

Steven tapped Connie on the shoulder. "Hey, Connie?"

"Yes, Steven?" Connie didn't look up from her book.

"You're like Christmas lights."

Connie looked up, raising an eyebrow. "What—"

"You light up my life!"

Connie blinked, then snorted. "That's...thanks."

"Wait, wait, I have another!" Steven grinned. "How do elves keep their hands clean?"

Connie sighed, closing her book and setting it aside, an adoring but exasperated expression on her face. "I dunno, Steve. How do elves keep their hands clean?"

"They use...Santatizer!"

Connie giggled. "That was a good one."

Steven held up his phone and scrolled. "What do you call a Christmas rom-com without bread?"

"I don't know. What?"

"Loaf Actually."

Connie began to laugh, but then Steven gasped.

"We need to watch that!" Steven said excitedly.

Connie chuckled. "I was waiting for you to ask."

By the end, Steven was sobbing into his pillow.

"There, there," Connie hummed, rubbing the middle of Steven's back in small circles. "It's all going to be okay."

"B-But, some of them are too cute!" Steven wailed. "And that one guy who cheated on his wife? I wanna slap him! A-And the guy who learned that whole other language—"

"Portuguese, I think."

"A-And the girl who learned English! They are gonna be married!" Steven sobbed. "They're so adorable I'm gonna die!"

He heard Connie laugh quietly. "Let's get you to sleep, okay?"

Steven leaned on his girlfriend and laid his head on her shoulder. "Connie?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

Connie smiled. "Steven?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you too."

Chapter Text

Connie lifted her hands from Steven's eyes. "Voila!"

Steven gasped, covering his mouth. "Connie, this is...!"

Connie sat down on the blanket she'd laid out for the two of them. A basket of pastries sat beside her, and there were two jars of jam as well as a loaf of bread and a bag of chaps. She also had a cooler beside her with soda and Cookie Cats.

"I figured that, you know...I could maybe plan a little thing for us instead of you having to do it all the time," Connie explained. "Do you like it?"

"Are you kidding!?" Steven plopped onto the blanket, smiling from ear to ear. "I love it! I love you. Thank you, Connie!"

Connie gave Steven a warm smile. "I'm really glad."

Steven picked up a piece of bread and spread some strawberry jam on it. Connie followed suit, and Steven gasped.

"Cannibalism!" he cried.

Connie froze mid-bite. "Wot?"

"My Berry is eating a berry! Strawberry, to be specific!" Steven exclaimed. "This is cannibalism!"

Connie giggled, smacking Steven on the arm lightly. "Shush, you."

Steven laughed as well, and the two of them sat in comfortable silence whilst Christmas music played in the background.

Steven's phone chimed, so he picked it up. "The Gems and Dad are hosting a Beach City Christmas Party and invited us to go."

"Well, we should probably do that, right? What day?"

"Christmas Eve," Steven read.

Connie thought, then nodded. "That sounds good. Do you want to go?"

Steven nodded excitedly. "Of course! It's been forever since I've seen Dad and the Gems."

"So," Connie murmured, "we are going to a Christmas party..."

Chapter Text

Steven was taking a stroll when he heard the soft mewls.

He just-so-happened to be passing by an alleyway, so he looked down it, his heart shattering when he spotted a kitten shivering all alone.

"Poor baby," Steven cooed, squatting and tapping the ground with his fingers. "C'mere. I'm not gonna hurt you."

Cautiously, the black-and-white kitten walked forward, its ears laid back. It sniffed Steven's hand, then rubbed its face against it.

Steven carefully picked up the kitten and gave it a small kiss on the top of its head. "Your fur has little icicles on it. You poor thing...come on. I'll take you home. I'm sure Connie won't mind!"

"Steven? Is that a kitten?"

Steven nodded, keeping the kitten he had just washed and fed close. "Yeah. He was freezing outside near that coffee shop we like."

"Awww." Connie sat beside Steven and lightly scratched behind the kitten's ear. "Do you know if it belongs to anyone?"

Steven shook his head. "I don't, actually."

Connie held up her phone. "Smile for the camera! And get the kitten to where we can see him better."

Steven sat up and held the kitten in front of him with a wide grin. Connie typed something on her phone, then put it away.

"There. The picture's on Facebook, so if I get any messages telling me that they recognize him, we'll know where to go to get it back."

It had been an hour, and there were no responses.

Steven wiggled a string in front of the kitten, trying to get him to play. "C'mon, boy!"

The kitten stared, yawned, and curled up into a ball.

Steven sighed, petting the kitten with a smile. For a moment, he wished Lion was there, too.

"Hey, Steven?"

Steven looked up to see Connie standing there with a little girl.

"Yes?"

"Moni!" the girl cried, and she rushed forward and scooped the kitten out of Steven's hands.

"Turns out that Preslee here is the owner of the cat," Connie murmured.

Steven's heart sunk, but he smiled. "That's...that's good."

"Oh, Moni, I missed you!" Preslee whimpered. "I'm so sorry about the trouble. I left the door open for a minute and Moni just...he just left."

"It's fine," Steven smiled, tearing up. "I'm just glad you came for him."

Preslee kissed the top of Moni's head. "Of course I do. Thank you, truly. I can come by with Moni sometimes if you want," she offered.

"That would be great," Steven replied. "Happy holidays, Preslee."

Once Preslee left, Steven slumped over.

"I know," Connie muttered sympathetically. "Look at the bright side, though. You made a little girl very happy this Christmas."

Steven leaned into Connie. "I guess so. I just...I got really attached is all."

Steven felt a kiss on his forehead. "I did, too."

Chapter Text

Connie went into the mall, searching for a good gift for Steven.

She already had the family heirloom sorta thing, but she wanted to get him something else that he'd like. But what...?

Connie spotted a long line and got near curiously, her jaw almost dropping when she saw a familiar face but with a fluffy beard and a Santa suit.

"Steven's the mall Santa!?" Connie exclaimed.

Suddenly, she grinned.

Oh, he was definitely hiding this from her.

Time to tease him relentlessly.

Connie got home with her other gifts, and she spotted Steven on his phone on the couch, as if he hadn't done anything at all.

"Sooo, Steven~" Connie sang, leaning against the couch. "What are you doin'?"

Steven looked up. "Watching YouTube? Have you heard Emily King's new song?"

"Yeah, actually," Connie nodded. "Sooo, what did you do while I was gone?"

Steven froze, then blushed lightly. "Um...I watched YouTube?"

Connie put her face close to Steven's. "Are you sure...Mall Santa?"

Steven went still.

Connie laughed, sitting beside him. "You didn't need to hide it from me, Steven. I think it's nice that you did that."

"But...but you always complained about how Santa was one big lie and that mall Santas were just feeding into the delusion."

Connie internally slapped herself. "I'm not taking all of that back, but I'll admit that what I said was...harsh. Santa is a nice legend based on a real guy, so what's the harm in indulging in the tradition other than immense disappointment?"

Steven chuckled. "I'm glad you're not upset."

Connie kissed the tip of Steven's nose. "I could never be upset about something this silly, Steven."

Chapter Text

Steven laughed. "It feels like I missed a lot these past few months."

"You are welcome to call or visit us at any time, Steven," Pearl smiled.

"Yeah!" Amethyst grinned. "You need to come to Beach City more often! I miss ya, dude."

"We understand you have your own life," Garnet murmured, "but please do come visit us more."

Steven hugged each of them. "I will. I promise!"

"Hey, are you Steven Universe?"

Steven turned to see a girl around his age.

"Yeah! And you are?"

"Oh, sorry! I'm Angelina." The girl held out a hand, and Steven smiled.

"Nice to meet you, Angelina."

At that moment, it seemed like Connie teleported. One minute, she was talking to Peridot and her mother, and the next she was standing beside Steven, gripping his hand and narrowing her eyes at Angelina.

"Angelina," Connie grumbled. "Nice to see you again."

Angelina seemed annoyed. "You too."

"Again? Did you two go to high school together?" Steven asked.

"Yes, we did, my boyfriend." Connie growled, not taking her eyes off of Angelina.

Angelina's eyes lit up in recognition, then darkened. "Oh. Well, I just wanted to say hi. No need to get your tinsel in a twist, Maheswaran."

Connie pursed her lips. "There are children present, Howard."

The two of them glared at each other, so Steven took charge. "Well, it was nice to meet you! Hey, Connie, how about we get some eggnog, yeah?"

Connie nodded, and Steven dragged her away from Angelina with a snort.

"What's so funny!?" Connie exclaimed.

"You're adorable sometimes," Steven smiled, "especially when you're jealous over silly things."

The blush on Connie's cheeks was one hundred percent worth it.

Steven looked up and laughed lightly, leaning in to give Connie a kiss.

After that, Connie blinked. "Huh?"

"Mistletoe," Steven chuckled, and he kissed her again.

Chapter Text

They had exchanged all those gifts, and, finally, it was time for Connie to give him one last gift.

"It's really simple and probably dumb, but it means a lot to me and my family," Connie murmured. "I want to give this to you."

She handed him the box, and Steven opened it carefully, eyes sparkling in both confusion and mystified.

"It's a journal," Steven murmured.

"Not just a journal," Connie explained. "It's a book of every single name of every single person who is important to this family. This includes close friends, family, children...and now I want you to put your name in it, since you will always be important to me."

Steven opened the old pages of the journal, running his fingers across the script. "Jackale Maheswaran, my husband — Lueniva Maheswaran."

"My great-great grandma," Connie said.

Steven looked up from the book, eyes shimmering. "You...you really...you want me to write my name in here?"

Connie nodded with a smile. "Of course. You're my first-ever boyfriend. You'll be my first everything, and I hope that you'll also be my last."

Steven picked up a pen that sat not too far away and scribbled his name in the next empty slot. He handed the journal to Connie.

Steven Universe, who pledged to marry Connie one day; not now, because we have plenty of time.

Connie stared at her boyfriend in awe, so happy she couldn't explain it.

"I love you, Connie," Steven murmured, kissing her forehead. "Merry Christmas."