Seven Minutes

by Willow_bun

Summary:

Connie drags Steven to a high school party in an attempt to have a normal teen experience for once. She quickly rethinks her decision when they are roped into a certain popular party game involving bottles and closets...

Notes:

I have awoken from the dead... and whoops I joined a new fandom. Better late then never!

I now live and die for connverse so have some tooth rotting fluff to brighten your day because I don't know how to write anything else.

Enjoy!

Connie was seriously regretting coming to this party.

Sure, it had been refreshing at first, to just have some semblance of normalcy in her usually hectic, magic-filled life. And Steven was thriving in a way she hadn’t seen him since long before his incident months ago. This party seemed to be the perfect distraction for him, allowing him to let loose and engage with other teenagers like the social butterfly he is, without all the oppressive worries hanging over his head as they are won’t to do these days. Connie was very much enjoying watching him be himself and having fun throughout the night.

Until now.

Now she wanted nothing more than to run to the nearest exit.

And apparently so did Steven if the panic on his face was anything to go by.

It had been Patricia’s idea. Something about how all teens played this game at some point and it was a party after all. Not to mention her parents would be out for the remainder of the evening and she felt like entertaining her rebellious side for once. Everyone readily agreed with laughter and excited murmuring.

Everyone except Connie and Steven.

And that was how they found themselves seated in a rough circle on the floor in Patricia’s basement, an empty glass wine bottle centered neatly in front of them. The ten or so teens snickered and chortled as Patricia explained the rules of the game.

Connie glanced at Steven who was seated on his knees almost directly across from her. She wanted to ask him if he knew what was about to happen, considering bis rather unique upbringing and lack of social interaction with other kids his age, which meant little to no experience with teen parties. She hadn’t had a chance to speak to him before they were all ushered down to the basement and commanded to sit in a circle. She judged by the look of sheer uncertainty he gave the glass bottle between them that he knew exactly what this was. She guessed he had seen it before in a movie or something. Well, at least he wouldn’t be embarrassed by not knowing what he was getting into. Though he would be dying of embarrassment about other certain aspects of the game soon enough. And so would she.

Connie tilted her head back, glaring at the white, tiled ceiling and sending a silent prayer to whatever gods may be listening that the bottle wouldn’t choose either of them. Though she knew that was incredibly unlikely considering there were only ten of them total in their small circle. And of those ten she really only knew a handful of faces. There was Steven, of course, Daniel, Patricia, Jeff...and the rest other friends of Patricia and Daniel that she had only seen in passing at school. She hadn’t minded not knowing most of the other party-goers since she was having fun just being there. At least not until the very likely possibility of having to plant her lips on one of those unfamiliar faces became imminent.

Oh stars above, how was she going to make it through this night?

“Alright, alright!” Patricia’s laugh cut through to her racing thoughts the chattering of the group died down. Connie faintly realized she had missed the entirety of her friend’s rule speech. “Remember,” Patricia continued, “Whoever the bottle lands on has to go into the closet for seven minutes! No more, no less. I’ll be keeping a timer. So keep your clothes on!” The room broke out in a fit of chortling and badly concealed snickers. Connie rolled her eyes. She snuck a peak at Steven again. The boy’s cheeks had turned an interesting shade of red. She couldn’t help but crack a smile at how incredibly adorable he looked.

Steven's gaze raised from its position on the floor and met hers. He smiled shyly in return. She mouthed an “I’m sorry” at him. This was her fault after all. If she hadn’t insisted on dragging him to this party for a night of “normal”, they wouldn’t be in this mess. And a game of ‘Spin the Bottle’ was pretty normal for teens at a party, she supposed.

That didn’t change the fact that she was completely and wholeheartedly opposed to it.

Patricia took her place in the circle, settling down between Daniel and some other blonde-haired boy whose name Connie couldn’t recall. Josh? Joshua? Jeremy? Jeremiah?

“Since it’s my party, I will be going first!” Patricia announced gleefully. “We will go clockwise, so Daniel will be next.”

Daniel was seated next to her. That meant Connie would be third turn. The thought made her cringe inwardly. Less time to mentally prepare herself. Less time to make a hasty retreat. She wondered why she hadn’t done so already.

Patricia placed her hand on the empty wine bottle and gave it a hard shove. The bottle spun wildly in the middle of the circle. Everyone held their breath in anticipation.

Connie’s eyes followed it nervously. What if it stopped on her? Would she be forced to kiss her friend? Sure, she liked Patricia, but not like that! They were friends, and she preferred to keep it that way.

What if it stopped on Steven?

Oh stars, that was worse. She didn’t think she could stomach the thought of him kissing someone else, especially one of her close friends.

Wait. Someone else? Where did that come from? Since when did she care? It’s not like they were—

“Ryan! Into the closet!”

Connie shook her head, clearing away her rampant thoughts. She looked down to see the bottle had stopped spinning, the open end pointing towards a tawny haired boy with black rimmed glasses and a red beanie atop his head. He groaned dramatically before pushing to his feet and a following a smirking Patricia into the nearby storage closet. Daniel shut the door behind them, but not before Ryan whipped his hand out in a peace sign, winking at the teens left in the circle. The group burst out laughing.

Connie breathed a sigh of relief.

Daniel fiddled with his phone for a moment. “Okay, guys. Your time starts... now!” He pressed the start button on his screen, cheers and catcalls echoing behind him.

With the first seven-minute round in session, the group broke off into chatter, some taking out their phones to scroll through whatever social media app caught their interest. Connie could hear the teens around her discussing what the pair in the closet might be getting up to. She grimaced at the perverse ideas her peers were tossing around. She looked over to Steven again, twiddling her thumbs. He was plucking at a loose carpet strand, seemingly lost in his thoughts. He didn’t look up at her this time, instead keeping his gaze fixed on the far wall to his left. Connie bit her lip, eyes dropping to the floor. She felt so bad for bringing him here, for putting him through this. This must be so awkward for him. It was awkward for her!

“Get your cameras ready, time’s almost up!” Daniel whispered loudly to the group, waving his arm to beckon them over. Jeff jumped up with a couple girls, phones in hand, and came over, camera apps open and ready. The others were content to sit back and watch from the floor.

Daniel positioned himself outside the closet, one hand on the door knob, the other holding his phone out to snap a picture the second it opened. “And... time’s up!” The buzzer on his phone sounded as he flung the closet door wide open. The sound of phone cameras snapping erupted from around the room.

Connie didn’t want to look, but she couldn’t help herself from catching a glimpse of the couple in the closet. Fortunately for her, they seemed to be prepared for the inevitable opening of the door, and stood looking much the same as when they went in. They both had smirks on their faces. Everyone whined and booed at not being able to catch a photo of the two of them with their mouths smashed together. Patricia laughed and pushed Ryan out of the closet and back into the circle.

“Sorry guys and gals, you ain’t getting a shot of me today!” Patricia winked at the group. They all laughed in response. Connie rubbed her eyes in exasperation but couldn’t help the small chuckle that bubbled up from her throat. Her friends may be insane but she still loved them.

They all found theirs places in the circle again—except for Connie and Steven, who had never moved to begin with—and resumed the game. It was Daniel’s turn, and he gave the bottle a good slap to send it spinning again.

Once more, Connie’s thoughts raced in her head.

What if it landed on her? Would she really have to kiss Daniel? Could she even do it? What if, what if, what if...

It stopped on the blonde boy next to Patricia. Connie once again breathed a silent sigh of relief. The two guys on the other hand both groaned.

“Alright Jeremiah, you’re up!” Patricia called. Connie mentally gave herself a pat on the back for getting his name right earlier. Sort of.

The pair got up and went into the closet. Patricia shut the door behind them, set the timer, and told them to begin.

The round went much the same as before, with the circle breaking up to gossip or mess with their phones. Connie decided to actually get up and join Steven on the opposite side of the circle. He glanced up and smiled somewhat tensely at her.

“Hey,” she greeted as she dropped to the carpet next to him.

“Hey,” he responded softly, watching her.

“You doing okay over here?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He broke his gaze away from hers to stare off in the direction of the closet, eyebrows furrowing. “Getting a little intense, huh?” he half-laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. That motion alone told her just how uncomfortable and nervous he was to be in this situation.

Connie snorts. “Knowing my friends, things will get a lot worse before this party is over.” She suddenly looked at the floor and cleared her throat. “Sorry if this is... too much for you. I honestly didn’t know they were going to...” she gestured vaguely at the glass bottle, “...do this.”

Steven chuckled. “It’s okay. This is what kids our age do, right?” He looks sort of flustered as he turns back to her. Connie felt even worse about it all, if that was possible.

“You know we can leave anytime,” she murmured, wanting nothing more than to grab him by the hand and pull him out of there and away from the insanity that was the game they were unwillingly participating in.

“And ruin the party?” Steven attempted to joke, but there was fear in his eyes. He really did think if he agreed with her it would wreck her good time. But she wasn’t having a good time anymore. “No, I’m okay, really.” He smiled reassuringly. Connie wasn’t convinced. She opened her mouth to argue when Patricia yelled, “Time!” and threw the closet door open. They both turned to see Daniel and Jeremiah startle away from each other, faces flushed and embarrassed grins breaking over their lips. Cheers went up around the room as pictures were taken and hands clapped in approval.

Patricia laughed and pat Daniel on the shoulder as he and Jeremiah stepped past her, cheeks flaming. “Good job, boys! Seems like you had a good time,” she teased. They ignored her and returned to their respective places in the circle. Patricia followed and the rest of the group shuffled back to their seats.

“Connie’s turn!” Patricia called, smirking.

Connie glanced at Steven one more time and made to stand, sighing in defeat. “Well, see you on the other side.” She headed back over to her spot.

“Heh, yeah...” Steven coughed out, watching her go.

Once she was seated, knees pressing into the carpet, hands clenched against her thighs, she looked down to the bottle in front of her. The light from the ceiling lamps glinted off its sea green surface, as if it were taunting her. She could feel the eyes of every person in the room on her, waiting impatiently for her to send the bottle spinning and decide her fate.

She couldn’t believe she was actually about to do it. She couldn’t believe she was actually about to participate in this silly, ridiculously insane game. The same game she always rolled her eyes at when she watched it in movies. The same game she promised herself she would never partake in.

Well, here goes nothing.

She took a deep breath, slammed a hand over her eyes, and spun.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

Steven felt he had been having a pretty good night.

He was only a little hesitant to follow Connie along to the party. He didn’t know anyone there except Daniel and Patricia, and those two he had only met briefly at their roller rink outing several months prior. Jeff he had heard Connie talk about several times ever since she accidently broke his arm a few years ago, but he had never actually met him in person. The rest were all new faces to Steven.

He didn’t let that stop him from interacting, though. Connie brought him along to have a normal, fun night, and fun he shall have.

He found himself opening up quite a bit, sharing stories and laughing at jokes with people he barely knew. He felt normal, and he liked it.

He did keep the gem stuff on the downlow. He didn’t know how much if their crazy lives Connie had divulged to her friends, and he didn’t feel like finding out tonight. He was pretty certain she hadn’t said much, if anything, to anyone. She wasn’t the type. Daneil and Patricia knew a little after the events at the roller rink, that he was some kind of alien-human hybrid and he and Connie could fuse and create a whole new person. Jeff knew about Connie’s master swordsmanship and battle training, after she flipped him at school and eventually apologized, letting him in on her secret. Steven didn’t want to wreck the good thing he had going by telling everyone the aspects of his life that would seem more fantasy than real, and further alienating himself from this group of normal teens. To them, he was just some homeschooled kid from Beach City that loved music and dressed in star t-shirts, and had been friends with the bookish Connie Maheswaran since they were little. And he was okay with that.

He had hit it off with Jeff early on in the evening, both being friends of Connie thanks to strange yet now hilarious circumstances, and found they had some mutual interests, such as video games. They spent a long while discussing the pros and cons of certain games, and sharing new ones to try with each other. Jeff even provided his online user tag in case Steven ever found himself in need of a gaming buddy. He didn’t typically game online with others, but it was nice to know the option of someone other than the usually busy Connie or Amethyst was open to him.

When he wasn’t talking to Jeff or introducing himself to someone new, he was hanging out with Connie, chatting and just enjoying each other’s presence. They had been spending a lot more time together since his breakdown months ago, and it was nice to be with her. Sometimes he could swear it was just like the old days, before everything came crashing down, and they were just two kids enjoying life together. Jam buds.

They still were Jam buds, forever and always. But Steven found himself wanting something... more. He wanted a proper relationship with Connie, to make her his and his alone. He wanted to hold her hand and tell her how beautiful she is and hold her close and kiss her... But ever since his botched proposal on the beach, he had been unable to make any moves towards her, to tell her how he truly felt. And so they continued on as they always did. Best friends. Nothing more. Steven tried not to let it bother him. He wasn’t even sure if Connie felt anything more for him than close friendship. She certainly hadn’t hinted at it, anyway. And that was okay. Or so Steven tried to tell himself. He would never force his affections on her. Though the selfish part of him desperately wished there could be more between them. He always shook the thoughts away quickly.

All in all, Steven was having a successful teen experience.

Until he wasn’t.

He once again found himself with Jeff, discussing the newest gaming console that was set to hit stores in a few weeks, when suddenly Patricia was ushering everyone to the basement. Steven, confused, hurriedly tried to locate Connie to see if she knew what was happening. She was nowhere in sight. He glanced back to Jeff, eyebrows raised questioningly. Jeff just shrugged and turned to follow the rest of the party guests down the stairs.

There was quite a lot of laughter and exciting murmuring as Steven joined him. He figured it couldn’t be anything bad if everyone was giggling about it. It was probably some cool thing that Patricia wanted to show them. Maybe she had a dance floor in her basement? Or a home movie theater? That would be super cool.

Boy was he wrong.

Now stuck on the theories he had come up with, he was rather surprised—and disappointed—when neither was what he found at the bottom of the stairs.

Instead, all he found was a modestly furnished living area with light grey walls and beige carpet. There was nothing remotely interesting about the room itself. What was interesting however, was the rough circle being formed by the group of chortling teens he had followed. Patricia was calling for them all to sit. Steven looked around for Connie, and moved to sit by her when he finally found her next to Daniel. But before he could get there, Jeff sat down next to her, taking the open spot. Steven pursed his lips in mild irritation and looked around for another open seat. He found himself kneeling down between two girls he had yet to talk to. Not that they looked like they wanted to talk to him. They were both chatting excitedly with the boys on their opposite sides.

Steven gazed across the circle at Connie. She was staring at the wall somewhere behind him, seemingly lost in her own world. She looked extremely concerned, eyebrows furrowed, fingers clenched in her jean shorts. Steven wondered worriedly was causing that expression from her. It couldn’t be anything good. He tugged nervously on the sleeve of his pink jacket, wishing he could just go over and ask her what was on her mind.

Before he could act on that desire, Patricia walked into the circle, a large, empty green wine bottle in hand. She set it down in the center of the circle on its side. Steven’s eyes locked onto it, pupils shrinking and sweat forming on his brow as the realization hit him.

He had seen enough television, heard enough stories. He knew what this was.

Connie’s bothered look made sense now.

They were going to play ‘Spin the Bottle’.

Or ‘Seven minutes in Heaven’. They were both the same, really. They both involved... kissing.

Kissing random people. In a closet. For seven minutes.

Oh Stars.

Steven wasn’t listening as their host explained the rules of the game. He was too busy trying to figure out a means of escape from this terrifying situation he suddenly found himself dropped into. How could he get out of there without making a scene? Without embarrassing himself? Without embarrassing Connie?

Though by the look on her face, she wanted out just as much as he did. His frantic thoughts switched to how he could get both of them out of there discreetly, knowing full well in the back of his mind nothing would work. At least not without outcasting themselves and possibly ruining any chances of getting invited to parties in the future. Though if this was the turn teen parties took, he wasn’t sure he wanted to be invited to any more.

Stars, how he wished he could just poof himself like a normal gem. Then he could hide until this was all over. Maybe. Although he would have to face the consequences when he reformed. He figured it would be worth it, if it meant getting out of this game he so desperately did not want to be a part of. Except Connie would still be here, being forced to play. He wouldn’t want to leave her alone, that wasn’t fair. Well, maybe they could—

“Since it’s my party, I will be going first!” Patricia’s voice interrupted the thought. Steven exhaled through his nose, trying to maintain his composure. She said something else he didn’t catch, drowning in his panic as he was. Then he saw her reach down and shove the bottle into a spin. His gaze zeroed in on it, hands fisted in the carpet on either side of him, not daring to breathe.

It took about thirty seconds for the bottle to finally slide to a stop, choosing its first victim.

Steven let out his breath. It wasn’t pointing at him.

“Ryan! Into the closet!”

And so it began.

Steven spent the rest of the session once more lost in his thoughts, still trying to figure a way out of this. By time the couple emerged from the closet, he still hadn’t come up with anything.

Maybe he really should just get up and walk out, Connie in tow.

But what if she actually wanted to stay?

He wasn’t a mind reader. Though he liked to believe he was a good judge of other people’s feelings, there was no possible way to tell just what Connie was feeling in that moment.

No, he would stay and tough this out.

Even though he was about ninety percent certain if the bottle stopped on him, he would go pink.

Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.

Daniel’s turn went much the same as Patricia’s. Steven felt the familiar surge of anxiety as the bottle spun. He sighed, relieved, when it once again did not choose him. Then he got lost in his thoughts again as the couple disappeared into the closet.

This time he was interrupted by Connie moving to sit near him. He gave her a small smile that was meant to look calm and collected but came out a little forced.

“Hey,” she said, smiling back at him.

“Hey.” He wasn’t sure what to say in the midst of his swirling thoughts. She looked concerned.

“You doing okay over here?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he lied. I’m just stuck playing a game that makes my anxiety go berserk. He looked away distractedly. His eyes landed on the closet door. “Getting a little intense, huh?” he tried to joke, but it sounded strangled to his ears. He rubs his neck, a nervous tic he picked up at some point over the past couple of years.

Connie snorted, and says something that in all honesty he is too preoccupied to catch. But then she’s apologizing and he is snapped back to the present.

He laughed a bit, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s okay. This is what kids our age do, right?” He didn’t believe he sounded convincing. He’s right, if Connie’s sympathetic frown is anything to go by.

“You know we can leave anytime.”

Yes! Let’s go!

“And ruin the party?” He couldn’t do that. He would never forgive himself if he dragged Connie away from her first real party all because he got cold feet. “No, I’m okay, really.” He smiled brightly at her, not feeling okay in the slightest.

But it was fine. Everything was fine.

And then Patricia’s yelling and the closet door is flung open and the whole party is cheering and then suddenly their host is announcing Connie’s turn.

Connie’s turn.

Oh no.

Connie stood up with a sigh. “Well, see you on the other side,” she said warily.

“Heh, yeah...” He felt his throat constricting as he stared after her.

Panic overtakes him once more as she seats herself on the opposite side of the circle, except this time it is for a very different reason.

Connie was going to kiss someone. His best friend was going to kiss someone. The girl he loved more than anything in the world was going to kiss someone. And he had to sit there and let it happen.

Steven felt like he might be sick.

He didn’t want to watch as Connie grabbed the head of the bottle and spun it. He couldn’t bring himself to look away.

The bottle spun in the center of the circle for what seemed like hours, but in reality was only about half a minute. Steven couldn’t breathe. His heart felt like it was going to beat right out of his chest and land flopping on the floor in front of him.

The bottle slowed. Steven was frozen, eyes locked on it, hands clenched into tight fists on his knees. This was it, the moment of truth. The moment he would rather hurl himself over a cliff than see who the bottle chose. Who would be going into that dark closet with Connie...

The bottle came to a halt. And it was pointing at...

Steven’s jaw dropped, his cheeks flushing, and he swore his heart stopped.

It was pointing...

Right.

At.

HIM.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

A chorus of “Oooo’s” went up around the room. “I don’t believe it,” whispered Daniel.

Connie warily peaked through her fingers, then promptly dropped them to her lap in shock.

She followed the line of the bottle’s direction until her stare met up with a very red-faced Steven’s. She felt her cheeks flush deeply in response.

Of all the people in the circle. All the people it could’ve been pointing at.

And it was pointing at Steven.

Connie was awash with emotions. Confusions. Nervousness. Slight panic. Relief? Excitement?!

Was she relieved that the bottle stopped on Steven? Was she excited?

She didn’t know if she was ready to answer that.

Steven made her feel a lot of things. He was her best friend, her partner in crime—or justice, as it were. He helped her find herself. She brought him back from the brink of self-destruction. They were a team, hand in hand, Jam buds. But she knew something shifted after his breakdown months ago. They had seemed...closer somehow. Laughing and touching more, shy smiles reserved only for each other. They took long walks together, talking about nothing and everything, several times a week. She found herself at the beach house more often than not, curled up in his bed studying or reading a book while he played a videogame or also read, reclining next to her, shoulder to shoulder.

Whereas before... everything... that was just the norm for their deep friendship, now Connie felt her heart jump and race when she was near him, a giddy feeling settling in her stomach. There were even days where she felt downright shy around him! She couldn’t explain it.

And when he would grab his guitar and softly start up one of his songs in that lilting tone of his, voice flowing over her like warm, melted chocolate... oh stars. And suddenly her attention was no longer devoted to whatever book she was studying from, instead completely focused on him and that gentle, melodious voice he was gifted with.

Connie liked him. Really liked him.

But she couldn’t admit it. Not to him, or even herself most days. She wasn’t entirely sure he felt the same towards her, and that scared her too much to bring it up. She knew he liked her on some level—he had proposed after all—but she wondered if her rejection that night had ultimately led him to lose interest. He was still her best friend obviously, but he hadn’t brought up their relationship in any way, shape, or form since. They were closer than ever before, sure, but that didn’t necessarily mean he still liked her in that way.

And honestly, she wouldn’t blame him. She knew she broke his heart that day, even if she technically was right in turning him down. They were too young, and Steven had been too mentally unstable, though he was on the road to recovery now. It still ate away at her conscious, regardless.

Someone was tugging on her arm, pulling her out of her dazed reverie. She shook her head, but continued to stare across the circle at Steven.

“Up you get,” said Daniel, pulling her up. She didn’t resist, still too shocked to do much of anything but allow herself to be drawn to her feet. Steven was in much the same predicament with Patricia tugging on his hand. He returned her stunned gaze.
“Into the closet, lovebirds!” Patricia chirped, nudging Steven in front of her. Daniel pulled Connie along behind him, halting in front of the open closet. Steven was pushed right up to her, eyes still locked on hers. And then they were both shoved unceremoniously into the closet. Connie finally made her brain work enough to voice a protest at being pushed around, but it came out rather high-pitched and squeaky. The door slammed shut behind them as Patricia’s and Daniel’s laughs rang out.

“Time starts... now!”

Connie was left facing a very awkward Steven, who had finally broken eye contact and was staring up at the ceiling, hand rubbing his neck. She couldn’t see his face very well, with the only light being that which seeped through the edges around the door, but she imagined his cheeks were still very red. She knew hers were.

Steven cleared his throat nervously. He still wasn’t looking at her. “So... uh... I-ah...” he stammered.

Connie folded her arms, cracking a bemused grin. “We don’t actually have to... do anything, y’know,” she said, chuckling.

“Oh.”

Did she imagine it, or did he sound... disappointed?

Did he want to kiss her?

Connie’s brain started to go into overdrive. Before that could happen, she decided to be brave. She glanced shyly at him, tucking a loose strand of raven-black hair back into place behind her ear. “Unless... you want to,” she murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

She could see Steven’s eyes widen in the dim light as they finally returned to hers. His mouth opened and closed a few times, unable to formulate a proper reply.

Then with a deep exhale, he finally said, “Do you want to?”

Connie’s heart rate quickened. This was it. She was going to make the jump. She inhaled deeply to calm her raging emotions, then let it go. “Yes,” she breathed.

Steven didn’t say anything more as he stepped closer to her. His eyes glinted with a sudden longing. He raised a trembling hand to cradle her cheek. He leaned in, their breaths mingling. Connie’s stomach fluttered with butterflies, wishing for nothing more in that moment than for him to close the distance between them. Her eyes darted down to his slightly parted lips as he hesitated, then back again. That seemed to do it. He lunged forward, pressing his lips to hers. Connie sighed blissfully, raising her hands to grip the lapels of his jacket. His arm wrapped around her waist, tugging her close until they were pressed snugly together. She let out a muffled squeak, but didn’t break the kiss.

Meanwhile, Steven couldn’t believe this was actually happening. He almost wanted to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Stars know he’s fantasized about this scenario hundreds of times. And now it was real. He was really kissing Connie. And she wanted him to kiss her!

It was perfect. Her lips were perfect. The little soft sounds she made were perfect. She was perfect.

He loved her so much.

He felt a warmth spreading through his stomach, and was acutely aware that his gem had started glowing. Not in the way it did when they were about to fuse, but a softer, more tingly way. He felt insanely happy. He was certain he would be floating to the ceiling by now if it weren’t for her keeping him grounded.

When they finally broke apart, he laughed breathlessly, touching his forehead to hers. “I... have wanted to do that... for so long.”

Connie smiled, gazing into his lidded eyes. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Me too.”

Steven’s grin was as bright as the sun. He leaned forward to kiss her again. She met him eagerly.

This time was more passionate as he wound both arms rightly around her and angled his head slightly to deepen the kiss. His tongue darted out to tease her lips, and she opened for him, wondering all the while where on earth he learned to kiss like this. She threw her arms around his neck to hold herself up as her legs threatened to melt into a puddle.

Steven grunted softly, and suddenly she was being pushed into the wall of the cramped closet. His hands roamed over her back and hips, leaving trails of warmth wherever they went. She hummed, nails digging into his jacket collar. Their tongues wrestled, seeking the intense heat of the other’s mouth.

Steven pulled away after a little, causing her to whine in protest, until he pressed his lips to the sensitive juncture between her neck and collarbone. She gasped in surprise and pleasure, fingers curling against his neck. Taking that as a sign of approval, Steven trailed open-mouthed kisses up her throat. She continued to make little noises as he went, and stars it was driving him crazy. He honestly didn’t know where this sudden bout of confidence had come from, but he was going to take full advantage of it.

He reached the delicate underside of her jaw and grazed the skin there with his teeth. Connie moaned low in her throat. Steven felt his control slip at that, and pressing himself against her until he could feel every curve, he bit down. She squealed.

And if that wasn’t the most amazing sound he’d ever heard, he didn’t know what was.

He broke away from her throat to return to her mouth, needing to taste her sweet lips again. He felt heat rushing through his whole body, settling somewhere low in his abdomen. His gem was glowing bright enough to light up the tiny room. His growing desire was making his head foggy, and there was only him and Connie. Stars, this felt so amazing. She felt so amazing.

If only they could stay right here in this moment forever, so full of feeling, emotions running wild, his hands exploring her heated body—

The door flew open.

“Got ’cha!”

Their eyes snapped open, blinded momentarily by the harsh light flooding into the dark space. They turned their heads to see Patricia and Daniel smirking knowingly. Past them, they could see the rest of the party staring open-mouthed. Their faces burned as they stood in their awkward position against the closet wall, frozen in sheer embarrassment.

Connie wanted to smack herself. How could she have so easily forgotten where they were? They were only in there for seven minutes! Though it had felt like much longer, with Steven’s mouth all over her... She groaned, pushing Steven off of her. He jumped back quickly to give her space. She immediately missed his warmth, but forced herself to focus on straightening her disheveled shirt.

“Wow,” said Daniel with a shit-eating grin. “Intense.”

Connie glared at him while Steven coughed and tried to compose himself. Daniel just continued smirking at them.

Connie grabbed Steven’s hand and stepped out of the closet. Everyone’s eyes were on them, making her extremely uncomfortable. Steven didn’t seem to be faring much better, his face bright red and a tight smile on his lips.

Patricia walked back to the circle. “Alright, next round! Everyone sit down!”

As the group shifted back to their seats, Connie and Steven remained standing, still holding hands. Patricia glanced questioningly up at them.

Connie had zero desire to continue participating in the game. The only thing she wanted to do in that moment was drag Steven somewhere where they could be alone, no interruptions. They had a lot to discuss after... whatever that was. A lot to discuss, indeed. She felt her face burning again. She cleared her throat. “I think we’re going to head out. I just remembered I have a, uh... project due Monday! And Steven is... ah—” She shared a look with him, raising her eyebrows dramatically to prompt an answer from him. He furrowed his back at her, confused, until she cleared her throat again and tugged his hand ever so slightly. Understanding donned on his face.

“Oh! And I am...er.. helping her! Yes.” He cracked what he hoped was a convincing smile, squeezing Connie’s hand.

Connie had to restrain herself from facepalming. Instead, she smiled nervously and started backing towards the stairs, Steven in tow. “Right! So we should really be going now... See you all at school!” She turned quickly to scramble up the basement steps.

“Thanks for inviting us! It was a lot of fun!” Steven waved as Connie pulled him out of sight.

The rest of the party-goers stared after them. Daniel and Patricia shared a look before shrugging and turning back to the circle.

“Jeff, you’re up!” said Patricia.

“...Was he glowing?” someone whispered loudly. Noone answered.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

“Real smooth, Universe,” Connie teased as they walked hand in hand down the driveway to the Dondai parked in the street.

“Says you!” Steven shot back playfully. He swung their hands, relishing in the feeling of her skin on his. “So,” he drawled, “A project, huh?”

Connie sighed exaggeratedly. “It was all I could come up with. I just really needed to get out of there.” She blushed and looked at her feet shuffling along the pavement. “And... we should probably talk about... what happened,” she mumbled.

“Right...” Steven was certain his face was doomed to stay an embarrassing shade of red forever at this point. He fumbled in his jacket pocket for his keys as they reached the car. He moved to go around to get in the driver’s side, but Connie held fast to his hand. He looked back at her, a question in his eyes. She kept her gaze on the ground, silent for a long moment, expression pensive. Then suddenly she whipped her head up to face him.

“I really, really like you, Steven,” she blurted.

Steven’s pulse sped up at her words and a wave of joy stronger than any other before washed over him. His breath caught in his throat. Connie liked him!

Logically, he knew that to be true already, but it was something else to hear her say it out loud. The biggest smile broke out on his face as he stepped toward her and took both her hands in his. She smiled hesitantly.

“I really like you too, Connie,” he murmured, leaning closer. “In fact,” he touched her lips gently with his before continuing, eyes sparkling and full of adoration, “I... I love you.”

Connie’s heart skipped a beat. The butterflies in her stomach threatened to burst out her chest. Steven loved her?! Did she love him?

Of course she did.

“I love you, too,” she breathed.

Steven’s face lit up like the stars and he leaned forward to kiss her again, longer this time. It wasn’t wild and hormone-driven like their kisses in the closet had been, but gentle and sweet and full of the love overflowing from both of them.

As they broke apart, Steven pulled her into a tight embrace, which she returned affectionately. She buried her face in his shoulder and breathed in the scent of strawberries and vanilla and Steven. He nuzzled into her neck, humming softly in contentment. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered in her ear.

She sighed in happiness. Stars, she loved this boy. “So are you,” she murmured back.

He laughed softly and pressed a kiss to her skin. Connie shivered pleasantly. “We should drive somewhere secluded and just...” she trailed off, feeling somewhat embarrassed again.

Steven pulled away from her, cocking an eyebrow slyly. “Make out?”

“Yes. Please,” Connie giggled.

Steven grinned and started guiding her to the Dondai. “As my lady commands.”

They laughed and got into the car. Steven put the key in the ignition, shifted the gear, and headed down the dimly lit residential street. Connie wrapped her arms around his over the center console and lay her head on his shoulder, so incredibly happy and head over heels in love. Steven smiled down at her and drove them away somewhere quiet where they could spend some quality time together as a true, official couple.

The night hadn’t gone exactly as expected—or even close to it—but it had ended very well nevertheless.

Though both silently agreed to never play ‘Spin the Bottle’ again as long as they lived.

Notes:

Thanks for reading!

Please check out this amazing art by @creathechiboi over on Tumblr! I am so honored to receive fanart for this fic and I hope y'all love it as much as I do!

https://www.tumblr.com/creathechiboi/736705394070749184/seven-minutes-connie-was-left-facing-a-very?source=share
https://www.tumblr.com/creathechiboi/738523843088596992/seven-minutes-alt-cover-the-door-flew?source=share