Chapter 9: A Day for Girls

Summary:

In which Connie and Blue hang out.

As she walks across the kindergarten, Blue curls in on herself, unused to this frigid weather. It seems to grow colder with each passing day. She considers moving her ship closer to the warp pad but hesitates, not wanting to risk one of the Crystal Gems discovering it. Five Earth days have passed since she arrived on this planet to spend time with Steven and explore Earth's many mysteries. She knows she should leave soon, just to be on the safe side. Blue clenches her hands together beneath her poncho, steps onto the warp pad, and quickly activates it, arriving at Steven's abode within minutes.

He doesn't seem to be home. "Steven," she calls out, walking toward the bathroom. There's no response, and he's not in the citrus-scented room. Perhaps he's on another mission with the Gems, or maybe he's out doing—what was it called? Shopping? Blue moves toward the front of the house and looks out the window. He isn't outside either. Tilting her head in thought, she wonders if she should explore on her own. Although she enjoys Steven's company—he explains things so well—it's been all about Steven for the past few days. Maybe it's time for a change. A new playmate, a new friend. Connie seemed like a good candidate—she's nice. Blue has friends and playmates on Homeworld, of course, but none here on Earth, though she knows her time here is brief.

As she considers her options, Connie suddenly appears, running across the beach toward the house. Spotting Blue through the screen door, Connie waves. Blue returns the gesture and steps aside, allowing the Earth girl to enter.

"Hey, Blue. Is Steven around?" Connie asks, rubbing her cold hands together to warm them.

"No," Blue answers. Her face lights up.

"Awesome, just wanted to check. But actually, do you wanna go to the mall? Just me and you?"

Huh. This was unexpectedly convenient—Blue had just been thinking about spending time with Connie. For the past few days, it's only been Steven and Blue. Connie didn't mind, of course—she often came over to hang out or train with Steven as Stevonnie. But there hadn't been a single day where it was just her and Blue. From what Steven said via text, none of the Gems—except Amethyst—seemed to like Blue. Garnet avoided her, Pearl seemed terrified of her for some reason, but at least Amethyst joked with her.

Steven never asked Connie to hang out with Blue, but with all the texts, Connie started to feel bad. Plus, she didn't have many female human friends outside of cram school.

"Okay," Blue answered, smiling brightly.

Blue moved to open the door, but Connie stopped her. "Wait, you're really going out like that? It's cold."

Blue looked down at herself—silk dress, slip-on shoes, and her poncho, which she'd been told humans wore for cold weather. Then again, Connie wasn't dressed like that. "Is it not appropriate?" she asked, lifting her poncho slightly to gesture to it.

"Not really. Do you have anything else?"

Blue shook her head. The poncho and shoes were new, but she'd been wearing her dress for as long as she could remember.

"You're gonna get sick." Connie perked up, an idea forming. She hadn't brought any extra clothes, and wasn't sure if they would fit Blue anyway—Blue was slim but curvy, while Connie was slim but toned from years of training. She asked Blue to wait, then went to Steven's room to grab a winter jacket. It was blue, at least, so it matched. Returning, she handed it to Blue.

"You can borrow Steven's jacket. I'm sure he won't mind, especially since it's going to get colder later."

Blue had often seen Steven wearing his pink jacket. She put it on over her poncho and zipped it up, mimicking what she'd seen him do. Connie giggled; at least Blue looked warmer now.

"Okay, let's go."

They walked out. Blue felt a little stiff from the layers, but she was much warmer than before. The bus stop wasn't far, and thankfully, they didn't have to wait long for the bus to arrive.

Blue had no idea what a mall was or what to make of it. She didn't even know what she was expecting, really. What she did know now was that it was big—nowhere near as big as some of the structures on Homeworld, but it certainly felt massive. There were so many people too. Blue followed Connie, watching her reactions with curiosity. Connie seemed unsure about this quest, whatever it was.

Connie guided her toward a store with a sign that read "ANIME HEAVEN." Blue was dumbfounded, not sure what in any galaxy that could mean.

"This is Spiro, from a TV show called Cowboys in Space," Steven had once told her. Blue didn't seem to have many interests, though she liked painting and similar activities.

"He's really cute, but also…" Connie began, launching into a small rant about the TV show. She hoped to spark a new interest in Blue.

Blue smiled, finding the discussion interesting. She enjoyed Connie's company. Connie had so many fascinating things to share about what humans did in their free time. Halfway through her explanation, something caught Blue's eye. She wandered a few feet away, stopping in front of a poster.

"How curious," she murmured, examining the advertisement titled THE LITTLE ALIEN.

Connie perked up, grinning. "That's such a tragic romantic story. It's about this girl named Aries, who was born in space, and she falls in love with an Earth boy named Edward. But their love is forbidden because she's a princess who has to take her mother's throne and conquer her kingdom."

It was indeed a tragic tale. "Does… Aries take over the throne?" Blue asked in an uneasy tone.

Connie smirked, gesturing to the poster. "We could watch the series at my house sometime."

Blue's eyes sparkled at the proposition—it sounded like such an interesting and creative story idea. "Okay," she eagerly agreed, curious to know whether Aries chose the throne or her love.

As they explored more stores, Connie noticed Steven had been right: Blue didn't seem to know much about anything Earth-related. It made her wonder just how sheltered Blue was. She couldn't imagine it being worse than how Connie's mom had been, though—at least Connie had a phone and could go out if supervised. Blue was the complete opposite. No phone, and she used words like playtime and mealtime. It wasn't weird, just… curious.

"Do you think Steven would like this?" Blue asked, holding up a pink-and-white stuffed bunny with large ears that could fold into a strawberry shape.

Connie smiled. Visiting the toy store had been a great idea because Blue seemed to love stuffed toys. Before Connie could respond, a child bumped into her from behind while running.

"MOMMY! MOMMY, LOOK!"

Connie dismissed the interruption and was about to respond when she noticed Blue staring at the child holding up fake flowers. Blue's expression was puzzled.

Why give flowers to a loved one if they're fake? she wondered. They can't be smelled, they have no aroma.

"I think Steven would like it," Connie finally answered, bringing Blue's attention back.

Blue smiled down at the plush toy, but her expression soon turned bitter. She had no currency to trade for it. Connie didn't seem to have any either; they had only been browsing the stores so far.

"We can get it," Connie said.

"No currency," Blue reminded her, placing the toy back.

Connie was taken aback. If Blue traveled, as Steven said, how on Earth did she manage without money? "Wait, no money? Then how do you travel? Where do you get food?" Connie asked, following Blue out of the store.

"The stars," Blue answered cryptically. She paused mid-step, noticing something on the ground. Picking it up, she found it was a piece of currency—a $20 bill. "Food is packed before travels," she added, turning back to the toy store.

Blue had seen Steven trade currency for items before, so while the concept was strange, it was easy enough to understand. The bunny cost $5, which meant she would get $15 back. Satisfied, Blue purchased the toy. She debated keeping it for herself or giving it to Steven as intended—the bunny was just that adorable. Hugging it tightly, she let out a small, held-back squeal of delight.

As they left the store, Blue's reminder went off, signaling mealtime—lunch.

"What are you in the mood for? Chinese? Pizza?" Connie asked.

Earth cuisine was so different from what Blue was used to eating at home. It wasn't bad, per se—just lacking in… flavor. This mall seemed to have much more variety compared to Beach City. "Chinese?" she asked, unfamiliar with the term.

"Whatever you decide will suffice," Blue replied with a sincere smile.

It was decided they'd have pizza—it was cheap, and even a small size would be enough to share. The pizza was different from what Blue had tried before. Not only were the toppings unusual, but the taste itself was distinct. Perhaps it was because someone else had made it. It wasn't bad, but it was something Blue noticed. Maybe she and Steven could come here next time.

"This has been quite an interesting date," Blue remarked before sipping her drink.

Connie, in the middle of taking a sip of her own, did a spit take and nearly choked. "W-what?" she gasped, pounding her chest as Blue stared at her in alarm and confusion.

"W-wait. This isn't a date," Connie hastily corrected, her face red with embarrassment.

Blue tilted her head. "It's not?"

Connie shook her head quickly. "N-no, we're just hanging out."

Blue looked even more confused. "What's the difference?"

Clearing her throat, Connie tried to explain. "Hanging out is platonic—something friends do together. Dating is, um… pursuing a romantic relationship."

Blue's expression brightened in understanding. "Like courtship?"

Connie beamed. "Yes, exactly."

Blue nodded thoughtfully. "I see."

This made Connie wonder—what did Blue think she and Steven had been doing all this time? Did Blue even understand the concept of courtship? Did she not feel the same way about Steven that Connie did? Leaning forward slightly, Connie asked carefully, "Hey, Blue. Do you like Steven?"

"Of course I do," Blue answered immediately.

That answer was too fast—it wasn't quite what Connie was asking. "No, I mean… do you romantically like Steven?" she clarified.

This time, Blue fell silent. She stared at Connie—no, her eyes were glazed, as if lost in another world.

Do I romantically like Steven? she wondered. Has he been courting me this whole time?

"How… does one know if they do or not?" Blue reluctantly asked, refocusing on Connie.

Connie thought about it for a moment, reflecting on her own experience. "Well… you think about that person a lot. You want to spend time with them more than you did before. You value their interests and want to do things together. Maybe…" She hesitated, "you think about kissing them."

Blue clenched her fists under the table. She had thought about kissing Steven—many times. And not just that—she thought about spending time with him, doing things together, and even leaving her responsibilities just to be with him. The realization dawned on her: Steven had shown romantic interest in her, and she had been too naïve to notice it sooner.

Bit by bit, Connie saw Blue's face turn red as the truth sank in.

"I want to kiss Steven," Blue admitted, raising a trembling hand to her flushed cheek and avoiding Connie's knowing gaze. "Does that count?"

Connie smiled, relieved her best friend wasn't trying in vain. "Yup," she chirped.

Blue should have felt happy, but instead, doubts began to cloud her mind. Is this right? she thought. I'm a Diamond, and we're from opposite sides of the war. Can this even work?

Before Blue could delve further into her thoughts, a shadow loomed over their table, drawing both their attention. Three boys, around their age, stood before them. Connie scowled, clearly recognizing them.

"What do you want, Scott?" Connie asked, her annoyance evident.

There were three boys, but Connie's glare was focused on the blonde in the center—Scott. Blue looked at each of them curiously.

"Didn't know you'd be here. Guess you finally decided to see me," Scott said smugly.

Connie rolled her eyes at his narcissism. "I'm hanging out with my friend. So leave," she snapped, turning back to her pizza and deliberately ignoring him.

Scott's scowl deepened as he glanced at Blue, finding her more appealing. "Hey, girlie, what's your name?" he asked, leaning over her seat.

Blue looked up at him with a puzzled expression. "Don't answer. He's a jerk," Connie warned, glaring at Scott, already guessing his intentions.

Blue blinked, noting Connie's hostility and the boys' behavior. It was clear they were ganging up on her friend. Connie's trembling fist hinted at her restraint—perhaps she didn't want to escalate things without her sword.

"Leave," Blue said coldly, catching them all off guard.

Scott took a step back, suddenly feeling a chill—literally. "What?" he stammered.

Blue's sharp gaze pierced him. "Leave. Now."

Her tone was commanding, almost regal, and it reminded Scott of his grandfather telling war stories. Yet, she was just a girl… wasn't she?

"Or what?" he challenged.

Blue's eyes narrowed further. No one had ever challenged her authority before, and she wasn't about to tolerate it now—especially from someone disrespecting her friend. But she had to be careful; humans were fragile. She unzipped her jacket, giving herself room to move. The boys watched warily, expecting her to pull something out. Instead, in one swift motion, Blue grabbed Scott's ear and twisted it painfully, forcing him to bend down.

"Leave. Now," she commanded again, her voice icy.

Scott yelped and whined, trying to free himself, but Blue's grip was unrelenting. "Fine, fine, fine!" he cried, yielding. She released him with a flick of her wrist, and he stumbled to the ground. Scrambling to his feet, he muttered, "Bitch," before scurrying off. His companions, unnerved by the display, quickly followed.

Blue watched until they disappeared into the crowd before turning to Connie. "Was that excessive?" she asked calmly.

Connie, still processing what had happened, broke into a lopsided grin. "Nope."

By the time they returned to Beach City, it was dark. Blue waved goodbye to Connie with a smile before walking toward the beach house. Today had been a long day, filled with revelations and unexpected events. Blue only hoped Connie didn't suspect her of being from another planet, despite her mention of the stars.

Yawning, she noticed the house lights were off—Steven must still be on a mission. She entered the house, leaving the door unlocked in case he returned. Placing the strawberry-stuffed bunny on the table, Blue looked at the identical blueberry one she had bought for herself. Connie had paid for lunch, leaving her enough leftover currency to buy two smaller stuffed animals as well.

Finally, Blue stepped onto the warp pad, returning to the Kindergarten and her ship. The corrupted gems, her feelings for Steven, her worries about being discovered—those could wait for another time. As Blue drifted off to sleep, her last thought was, How are Pearl and the others doing?

Between Moments: More Than Meets The Eye

Connie POV:

Connie's face lit up. "Awesome, just wanted to know. But actually, do you wanna go to the library? Just me and you?"

Blue blinked at the unexpected invitation. Convenient timing—she had just been thinking about spending more time with this human. "Okay," Blue agreed, stepping out the door with Connie gleefully following behind.

Connie couldn't wait to share her current favorite book with Blue—the same one Steven was already hooked on. She hoped Blue would enjoy it just as much.

When they arrived at the library, Blue took in the space curiously. It wasn't what she had expected, though she couldn't quite say what she had expected. Warm and quiet, the library was a pleasant surprise. Connie led the way toward one of the shelves marked Fantasy.

Blue browsed the titles, intrigued by the colorful depictions of dragons, witches, and other fantastical creatures. She picked up a book from the shelf—one about outer space.

Connie frowned, surprised. The book clearly didn't belong in this section. Some people really couldn't be bothered to put books back in their proper place. With a small sigh, she set aside her own book about a vampire and a witch to focus on teaching Blue about space instead.

"It's probably a good thing," Connie thought. Since Steven was half-alien, it couldn't hurt for Blue to learn a bit about space. Maybe it would even help her understand him better.

But as Connie began explaining, she noticed something unexpected. Blue wasn't just familiar with the topic—she was correcting details with startling accuracy.

Connie blinked, trying to process. "Wait, you already know about space?"

Blue nodded casually, flipping through the pages. "Of course. I've been there." She laughed, pointing out an inaccurate depiction of a star cluster. "This is all wrong."

Connie stared, her thoughts spinning. Blue didn't seem to know much about everyday life on Earth—she barely understood phones, movies, or even books. But she spoke about space like she had firsthand experience.

It was… unsettling.

Connie thought back to everything she knew about Blue. She hadn't seemed overly surprised by the existence of Gems, but she had been shocked about fusion. That was odd. When Connie first learned about Gems, she'd been completely awestruck. Eventually, it became her new normal, but for Blue, it was like she already understood part of it and found the rest strange.

Connie glanced at Blue, who was now flipping through an astrology book, laughing at its inaccuracies.

And then, a thought struck her like lightning.

Is Blue a Gem? Or… could she be a hybrid, like Steven?

The idea felt absurd. Steven was unique—he had to be. But the more Connie thought about it, the more the pieces began to fall into place.

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. "No, that's impossible… right?"

But the question lingered, heavy and unanswered, as Blue continued to flip through the book with a small, knowing smile.

Still, there was just something… off about Blue.

They spent hours reading books, with Blue quickly moving through each one. Her speed was remarkable, and soon she came across a book about flowers. As she flipped through the pages, she remembered her first time on Earth and seeing a sunflower. That memory sparked an idea—she wanted to grow more flowers. Perhaps she could plant some in the zoo.

The book also revealed the symbolic meanings behind different flowers. How fascinating. Blue's mind began racing with ideas—what if she gave Steven a bouquet? Not roses, though; she doubted he'd appreciate the reminder of his mother. A daisy, perhaps? It symbolized innocence and loyal love. But then she found the red tulip: love, passion, and the perfect lover.

Yes, she thought. This will be perfect to prove I am a suitable mate for Steven.

She turned to Connie, who had been lost in her own book. "Where are these flowers grown?"

Connie blinked, startled from her thoughts. "Oh, um, you can get them at a flower shop. They sell bouquets and seeds." She grinned. "Wait—do you want to grow flowers?"

Blue nodded. She already knew how to grow things, of course. As someone who had conquered planets and cultivated Gems, planting and nurturing life came naturally to her. She explained her plan to give Steven a bouquet, and Connie gasped with excitement, immediately on board.

They worked together to jot down exactly what Blue wanted. Although Connie couldn't read the strange symbols Blue wrote—some sort of code—Blue assured her it was a list of flowers in the language of her people.

The pair visited a flower shop, though Connie remembered some of the flowers Blue wanted grew naturally around Beach City. They gathered the wild ones for free before purchasing the rest, along with pots, using Connie's allowance. Blue tried to pay with foreign currency—Korean won, she called it—but, of course, it wasn't accepted in America.

Blue considered painting the pots but decided to save that for later. First, she needed to plant the seeds. When it grew late, Connie had to head home but wished Blue luck.

Back on her ship, Blue planted the flowers and used her powers to accelerate their growth. After carefully arranging them into a bouquet, she tied it all together with a purple bow, following a tutorial Connie had shown her earlier. Pleased with her handiwork, she decided she couldn't wait any longer to deliver the gift.

Using the warp pad, Blue arrived at Steven's home. "Steven, are you home?" she called, looking around.

From somewhere inside, she heard running water stop. "Blue?" his voice echoed.

"Yes," she answered, following the sound.

"I'm in the bathroom," he called back. "I'll be out soon."

Blue, too excited to wait, followed the noise and pushed open the bathroom door. "Steven!" she beamed, proudly holding up her bouquet.

Steven screamed in shock, scrambling to cover himself. "B-Blue! What are you doing?!"

Unfazed, Blue continued smiling, stepping closer. "I made this for you," she said shyly, presenting the bouquet with pride.

Steven's face turned scarlet. "O-oh, uh, th-thank you," he stammered, genuinely touched but utterly mortified to be standing naked in front of her.

"Sweetie," he managed, his voice cracking. "Could you… uh, please step out? I-I need to get dressed, and then I can properly thank you after."

Blue tilted her head but complied, leaving the bathroom with a satisfied smile.

Steven sighed, trying to compose himself as he glanced at the beautiful bouquet she'd left. Despite the awkward moment, he couldn't help but feel grateful—and maybe a little flustered.

This girl, he thought, shaking his head with a small smile. I have to find the perfect way to thank her… maybe even give her our first kiss.

Blue blinked, then glanced to the side where Steven's clothes were neatly folded on top of the toilet seat. "Do… you not dress in the presence of others?" she asked, raising a curious brow.

"Y-yes!" Steven squeaked, his face still bright red.

"How strange," she remarked, before turning and leaving the washroom, carefully closing the door behind her.

Settling herself on the couch, Blue pondered the peculiarities of human modesty. Back on Homeworld, nudity wasn't a concern. She had often been without clothing in front of her Gems or even the Zoomans during shared bathing sessions—it was simply normal. Why were humans on Earth so… modest? It didn't make sense.

Her train of thought was interrupted when Steven finally emerged from the bathroom, fully dressed, his face still slightly pink. He hesitated before sitting down next to her. "I take it they don't worry about being naked where you're from?" he asked tentatively.

"It doesn't make sense," she said with a small frown, her confusion evident.

Steven bit his lip to keep from laughing at how adorable her perplexed expression was. "It's just the way things are here," he explained with a shrug.

Blue tilted her head, looking even more bewildered. "Humans are strange creatures," she muttered.

Steven sighed, deciding to set a clear boundary. "Just, uh… please don't go walking around naked or anything, okay?"

Blue blinked at him, slightly offended at the suggestion. "Obviously not. It's cold," she replied plainly. "Why would anyone walk around without protection against the cold?"

Despite her logic, she still nodded. "Very well."

Steven chuckled softly, relieved. "Thanks."

He turned his attention to the bouquet she'd made, finally taking it from her hands. "These are really pretty," he praised, bringing them closer to admire the arrangement. Among the vibrant blues and soft pinks in the center was a single purple flower. Something about that choice made his heart flutter.

Touched, he reached out and gently took her hand in his. "Really, thank you, Blue. I love them." His voice was soft and sincere, his gaze steady as he spoke.

Blue's lips curled into a satisfied smile. Seeing him so pleased made her heart swell. She'd succeeded—he loved her gift, and that was all that mattered.

=======

Deleted Scene: The Stars

Connie was grateful she didn't see Scott again after Blue's… discipline. That's the only way to describe what just happened. It was shocking for sure, but it was kind of awesome to see someone who looked so demure actually be calmly ruthless when needed. Connie took out her phone—it was close to 9 p.m. Yikes, time flies when you're having fun. Her grey eyes glanced toward the girl next to her on the bench. Blue was staring gleefully at the stuffed animal, like it was the most fascinating thing she'd ever seen.

"We better start heading home. The mall's about to close," Connie said, putting her phone back in her pocket before standing up. Blue quietly complied, putting the stuffed animal back into the bag that was provided, then standing up herself.

"Ready," Blue said.

The girls barely caught the bus as they left the mall—literally, the bus was pulling away when Connie started screaming and yelling for it to stop. The driver didn't look too pleased, but at least he didn't drive away after seeing them, unlike most bus drivers. Connie let out a big sigh of relief the second she slumped into a spare seat. It was surprisingly packed—then again, it was Saturday. She and Blue weren't the only teens hanging out at the mall.

Next to her by the window, Blue rested against her seat, quietly observing Connie as the vehicle started moving. Blue felt just as exhausted but was mostly apprehensive about the items she had purchased at the market. She wondered if those they were for would like them. She hoped they did.

Connie perked up when she heard Blue humming. Blue was staring out the window, particularly at the sky. She was murmuring words beneath her breath. Though Connie was sitting next to her and could hear bits and pieces, she didn't understand them—they were foreign words she'd never heard before. Steven had never mentioned where Blue came from, nor had Blue said anything about it.

"Hey, Blue." Connie's voice broke through the hum, which turned into a hum of acknowledgment as the younger girl turned toward her.

"Where are you from?" Connie asked.

"Far," Blue replied, glancing to the side before looking back at Connie. "Not on any maps you've seen." Blue hoped Connie wouldn't press for more. She wasn't even sure she wanted to tell Steven, let alone Connie.

"What's it like?" Connie asked next.

Blue tilted her head, considering her words before answering. "There are rules we all abide by, but I have a bit more freedom due to circumstances," she said, repeating what she'd told Steven during their date. She then added, "What about you? Where are you from?" Blue, oblivious to Earth's geography, wouldn't understand Connie's answer regardless, but it was better to shift the conversation elsewhere.

It worked. Connie began explaining, starting with her family's heritage and then moving on to where she was born and some technicalities. Blue listened, confused and only half-attentive. Every now and then, she peeked out the window before looking back at Connie, sometimes asking questions out of genuine curiosity—like, "What is a cousin?"

Connie trailed off mid-sentence when she noticed the highway they were on didn't look familiar. Wait—this doesn't look right. She turned to Blue, concerned.

"Hey, uh, do you know where we're going?" she asked, hoping Blue's travel experience, as Steven described, might help.

Blue looked out the window, taking a moment to scan the night sky. "Away from Beach City," she said. Tilting her head, she glanced at the large green road signs approaching. "Beach City… Morison," she read aloud, recalling Steven's recounting of living in Delmarva all his life.

Connie's heart sank, and she shot up from her seat, nearly falling over. "When's the next stop?" she demanded, anxiety written all over her face. Her hands trembled with fear.

Blue reached out, grabbing Connie's jacket to steady her before she could fall from the moving bus. The driver, seemingly unconcerned by the commotion, answered gruffly, "In seven miles."

Connie slumped back down, pulling out her phone to call her mother. Unsurprisingly, it went straight to voicemail. Ugh, she must be working overtime again. She then tried her dad, only to remember he'd dropped his phone in the ocean last night at the pier.

Blue patted Connie's shoulder gently. "It will be okay," she assured her. Anxiety radiated from the older girl, and Blue didn't need her powers to feel it—Connie's tense body language and expression were more than enough.

Connie nodded. "Yeah, you're right."

Despite her words, she didn't feel confident. What if my phone dies before we reach the next stop? she thought. Then she checked her battery—27%. Okay, seven miles by bus is what, 15 minutes? Maybe 20 at most? Traffic didn't look bad, so they might even get there faster. She resolved not to use her phone until they arrived. No point wasting battery life.

But her thoughts spiraled again. What if we get mugged when we reach the stop? Then I'll have no one to call. She tried to calm herself. If there's a restaurant or store nearby, I could ask to use their phone… Her stomach sank. She hadn't memorized anyone's phone number besides the house line, and neither of her parents would be home. Shit, shit, shit, this is bad.

Blue rested her head on Connie's shoulder, pulling her out of her internal chaos. "You need not be afraid. I will guide us back if you are unable to contact your… parents."

Blue searched her memories for a time when she had felt afraid, before she had developed her happy clouds. Her pearl would often comfort her then—either sitting close or holding her until the fear subsided. Sometimes there was a song, though the lyrics weren't in English.

Unable to remember the words, Blue started humming again. The soothing melody filled the air between them, and she continued all the way to their next destination.

It felt like forever, but the humming was comforting. Still, Connie was glad when they finally reached the next stop. That happiness was short-lived, however, as she looked around and realized they were in the middle of freaking NOWHERE! There were no lights from a nearby town in sight, only the faint smell of the ocean. That wasn't helpful at all—on either side was just the road and a concrete sidewalk, with emptiness stretching behind and ahead of them.

Connie sighed. Okay, time to call Mom again. She pulled out her phone but—oops—the night decided to turn into a cliché horror movie. The phone slipped from her hands, bounced on the ground, and then, because the universe apparently had a cruel sense of humor, slid right into the storm drain.

"SHIT!" she yelled, dropping to her knees and reaching into the drain. Come on, come on! she thought frantically. But no matter how hard she tried, her arm wasn't long enough. "Damn it! Why now of all times?!"

She spent a solid five minutes trying to reach the phone before finally groaning in defeat. "Just my night," she grumbled, standing back up and crossing her arms as she tried to think of something.

The road was deserted—no cars in sight. Even if one did show up, was it worth the risk of hitchhiking? Safety in numbers, she thought for a moment, before immediately shaking her head. What if the driver has a gun? Her face turned pale. I should NOT have watched that true crime documentary last night.

"Do you not have any alternative plans?" Blue asked, her gaze fixed on the sky.

Connie let out a tired, frustrated sigh, her face falling into her hands. "No."

Blue nodded as if she'd expected the answer. She glanced toward the storm drain. Definitely broken, she thought. From her experiments, Earth electronics were most definitely not waterproof. The loud splash she'd heard confirmed it.

"Let's go, then," Blue said, starting to walk in the direction the bus had come from.

"W-wait!" Connie stumbled forward to catch up, falling into step beside her. "We're, like, two hours away from Beach City. Do you even know where you're going?"

"I do," Blue answered calmly, her voice steady.

Connie looked up, noticing Blue's gaze was fixed on the sky. She followed it but couldn't see what Blue was seeing. Sure, there was Ursa Major, but so what? "You really use the stars to travel?"

Blue smiled softly, looking ahead. "I do."

Connie glanced back up, spotting the North Star. How does she know where to go using just the stars? Connie could read a few constellations and recognize the North Star, but that was it. "Who taught you how to read the stars?" she asked as they walked across a bridge.

"My guardians," Blue replied. It was one of the first skills she'd been taught, even before she could talk—or so her Pearl had once told her. Blue remembered countless times when she'd gotten lost on planets, wandering far from her base, only to use the stars to guide her way back.

Now on the other side of the bridge, Blue veered off the path, heading into the forest. Connie stopped, glancing down the road and then back toward the dark trees where Blue was disappearing.

"The bus came from down there," she said, pointing along the road.

Blue paused, turning around. "We follow the stars, not the road," she instructed. Back on the bases during colonization, there were no 'roads'—only land.

Skeptical but with no other choice, Connie followed. This is definitely a horror movie now, she thought, her unease growing. She had nothing to defend herself with—against a coyote, another wild animal, or, worse, a gem beast. She shuddered at the thought of facing one without her sword. This was supposed to be a mall adventure, not a survival movie.

Blue moved with calm confidence, her steps deliberate. Connie could only trust that she knew where she was going. The forest was thick and cold. Connie stayed vigilant, constantly glancing over her shoulder, her ears straining to pick up anything beyond the chirping crickets and the crunch of their footsteps.

Blue, on the other hand, didn't appear to share her paranoia. She walked steadily, occasionally glancing up at the stars before making a turn. Connie didn't realize that Blue was vigilant—just in a quieter, more focused way. The hybrid kept a sharp watch for potential dangers but didn't let it show. Being visibly tense would only add to Connie's distress, and that would serve no purpose. Besides, Blue felt no immediate danger.

Connie lost track of time. It felt like they'd been walking for hours. Occasionally, Blue would make another abrupt turn after checking the sky. Connie was mostly convinced they were lost, but as if reading her mind, Blue would reassure her that everything was fine. She would even glance back now and then to make sure Connie was following.

At least there was one bright moment—they came across a fawn and its mother grazing quietly. They were so close they could almost touch them, but out of caution, they didn't try. Connie wished, not for the first time, that she still had her phone to take a picture.

They continued until Blue suddenly stopped. Connie turned and saw the reason—a fast-moving river. She frowned. "It looks deep." The rushing water sparkled faintly in the moonlight, and the cold air made her hesitate. "You're not expecting us to cross that, are you?"

Blue bent down and touched the water, pulling up her sleeve. Connie's jaw dropped as Blue then lifted her dress slightly, removed her shoes, and stepped into the river without hesitation.

"It will be fine," Blue assured her, holding her shoes in one hand as she walked across.

Connie stood frozen, watching in disbelief. The water was icy, but it only reached Blue's ankles. Seeing no bridges nearby and realizing she had no other choice, Connie reluctantly removed her shoes and followed.

The cold water stung as she stepped in, but to her surprise, she didn't feel any pressure from the current. The ground beneath her feet felt oddly smooth—no sharp rocks poking at her soles. She couldn't see anything in the darkness except faint ripples illuminated by the waxing gibbous moon.

"How much longer until we're back?" she asked as she stepped onto the other side, hurriedly putting her shoes back on.

"Not long," Blue replied, straightening her dress. "I believe the bus passed a building nearby, and we're close to it."

Connie's spirits lifted at the thought. Renewed with energy, she followed Blue through more seemingly random turns. Just as she was about to suggest a short break, she spotted distant lights.

"I think we made it!" she exclaimed, breaking into a run.

Her excitement was cut short when she stopped abruptly in front of a gated fence. As she approached, her eyes lit up with recognition. A familiar car sat in the parking lot beyond the fence.

"This is the hospital where my mom works!" she said cheerfully, already starting to climb over the gate.

Blue watched her, a soft smile gracing her lips. Connie's fear, which had been almost suffocating earlier, had finally lifted.

Connie hopped down to the other side, and seconds later, Blue landed beside her. It didn't even look like she jumped—it was more like she floated. But Connie was too excited to dwell on it now. In her relief at being in a familiar place, she grabbed Blue's hand and pulled her forward.

Blue's eyes watered as she lifted her sleeve to cover her nose. The smell in this building was overwhelming—sharp and sterile, lacking the faint citrus undertone she'd noticed in Steven's washroom. That had been tolerable; this was not.

"MOM!" Connie shouted, running ahead.

Blue stood still, watching as the older girl embraced a woman who, at a glance, shared Connie's features. The woman had Connie's nose and eyes, as well as a commanding yet soft presence that reminded Blue of Yellow Diamond. Her tone of voice and posture carried an air of authority mingled with warmth.

Connie launched into a breathless explanation, recounting their accidental detour, the bus ride, and how Blue had helped her find her way back. Once she'd finished, she gestured toward her companion.

"This is my new friend I told you about—Bluebell," Connie said proudly.

"Nice to meet you," Connie's mother replied, her tone polite but rushed. A nurse emerged from the hall, urgently calling her name.

"I'll take you two home after my shift ends," she promised before hurrying off with the nurse.

Connie sighed as she turned back to Blue. "Sorry, my mom's usually pretty busy being a doctor and all." She half-joked, leading Blue toward a nearby seat.

Connie dropped into the chair with a sigh, exhaustion from their long walk finally catching up to her. Blue, however, didn't seem tired in the slightest. Instead, she set her bags down and pulled out her stuffed animal, idly playing with its floppy ears.

"What's a doctor?" Blue asked suddenly, tilting her head.

Connie blinked in disbelief. "What do you mean, 'what's a doctor?'" She paused, then added, "A doctor is someone who helps and heals people…and prescribes medicine."

Blue gave a thoughtful hum, still focused on her stuffed toy. "You don't have doctors where you're from?"

She stopped fiddling with the toy and looked at Connie with innocent curiosity. "No," she replied simply. Blue had never needed healing—her body repaired itself automatically. The zoomens on her ship never got sick either, so the concept of someone needing healing was foreign to her. Perhaps this was something unique to Earth. She made a mental note to either look into it when she returned to her ship or ask Steven about it later.

Connie gaped at her in disbelief. "You've never heard of a doctor? You don't even know what they are?"

Her mind reeled. Blue's ignorance wasn't limited to doctors. She barely understood what buses were, was unfamiliar with Earth's currency, and only managed to get money at the mall by sheer luck. Blue was undeniably…strange.

Could she be an alien? Connie wondered. That would explain a lot. How else could Blue navigate using the stars as a map?

Another thought struck her: Could Blue be a gem hybrid like Steven?

Connie hadn't seen Blue display any gem powers, nor had she noticed any visible gem. But what else could explain all of this?

Blue continued to coo softly over her stuffed animal, seemingly oblivious to Connie's mounting questions. The older girl stared at her companion, curiosity and confusion mixing in her gaze.

What is Bluebell?