#cute enough

Crystal Temple (Steven’s Room) 5:25 PM

Of all the ways the first day of summer could have gone for Steven Universe, this was certainly the most unexpected. The boy had spent most of the afternoon at the Gravity Falls pool and did his usual salutations to everyone he had met…until she came along. Pacifica Northwest, the snootiest and most upper crust of all the girls in Steven’s age group, one that hadn’t even bothered to glance at him twice or get his name right.

The half-Gem had fully intended on not drawing attention to himself, but his helpful nature got the best of him again when he noticed that Pacifica was overusing her tanning oil. He tried to warn her, but the blonde heiress refused to listen to him. It wasn’t until towards the end of the day that he noticed that Pacifica was experiencing a severe case of accidental sunburn from sleeping too long. The girl could barely move, and her voice was too hoarse to ask for help, which forced Steven to intervene and offer his services.

As much as it inwardly disgusted her, Pacifica didn’t have much of a choice and allowed Steven to help her. The boy had carried her as if she was his bride all the way until he reached his home and gently laid her on the couch, briefly leaving to find what he needed to help her.

“It’s about time, Universe! Now help me!” Pacifica yelled ungratefully, her voice still hoarse from the pain.

“Don’t worry. I know how to fix this Pacifica,” Steven said evenly as he retrieved a bottle of aloe vera from his bathroom.

“What’s that for?” Pacifica asked tersely.

“It’ll help with your skin. Let’s get your legs working again, huh?” Steven explained as he slathered the substance on his hands, only for Pacifica to intervene.

“Are you stupid?! I’ll apply it myself!” Pacifica declared as she attempted to reach the bottle, only for her arm to cry out in pain mere seconds afterwards, forcing her to set it down. “Ugh, I hate this!”

“Just trust me; you’ll feel awesome in a few minutes,” Steven said evenly as he began the application, despite Pacifica’s light protests.

“Just don’t get any ideas, Universe!” Pacifica whispered angrily as she slowly shut her eyes in embarrassment.

Pacifica inwardly cringed at the unfamiliar sensation of Steven’s hands applying the remedy, despite being fully aware that the boy was trying to help her. However, soon the sensation felt calmer and oddly…relaxing. Of course, the young heiress would refuse to admit that even as the substance began to work. Soon enough, Pacifica managed to move her legs again without crying out in pain.

“Wow, I feel great!” Pacifica said sincerely, only to form an embarrassed expression and then said to Steven, “Just fix the rest of me.”

“Can do, Pacifica,” Steven said sincerely as he repeated the process on her arms and face. Once she regained proper mobility, she took care of the more…awkward areas Steven respectfully avoided, with him looking away as she did so.

“Uh…thanks, Steven,” Pacifica said tentatively after finishing the treatment and handing back the bottle to the young half-Gem.

“No problem, Pacifica. Glad that you feel better,” Steven said with a warm chuckle that unbeknownst to either of them, brought a smile to the young heiress’ face.

Soon enough, Pacifica managed to call her parents and arranged a ride back home, but not before Steven advised her to continue her treatment until her sunburn was gone and recommended chamomile lotion to help as well. The heiress lightly scoffed as she crossed her arms, embarrassed at having to need his help, even though it was an emergency.

“Ugh, I’m glad that you helped, but don’t think that this changes anything, Universe!” Pacifica declared before leaving Steven’s house in a huff, unaware of Steven’s huge smile.