Proof that the remaining 10% is worth getting shattered for.
These are recommendations made by tropers for Steven Universe fanfics, all of which have to be signed to stay on the page. No-name recommendations will be zapped. No self-recommendations, and do not copy the fic's summary word-for-word. After a few samples, you will be able to note the interests of the tropers recommending them, and judge whether you might be also interested in a certain fic.
You can also add to the current recommendations if you want, but just make sure to use the template found here. Refrain from posting Conversation in the Main Page though; that goes in the discussion page.
Do warn when a fanfic may head into shipping or non-canon territory. Some people just don't like it, and as we all know, Shipping is Serious Business.
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Authors and Websites
Any notable creators/writers/fanfiction sites. Note: Please make sure that the author in question has made more than one (1) story. Authors and Sites
- Recommended by: Awesome Waffles
- She quit, but came back.
- Recommended by: guardianemessiah
- Recommended by: Ariel Lightning
- Recommended by: Westing 1992
- Recommended by: A Very Gay Earl Grey, Corey W Williams
- Well written stories usually centered around the teens of Beach City. Chock full of good humor and emotion.
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus, nixlheimr, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Makes a good fraction of the stories on this page.
- Recommended by: Unfamiliar Familiar
- Amazing prose, a repertoire of both canon and AU fics exploring a variety of relationships. Amazing take on Lapis in particular.
- Recommended by: Unfamiliar Familiar, nixlheimr
- Mostly pre-series fics focusing on Pearl and Rose, but there's some really excellent Garnet-centric stories as well.
- Recommended by: Unfamiliar Familiar, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Prolific author of the popular fic Tourmaline
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- Prolific author of the popular fic Tourmaline
The Steven Universe Fanon Wiki
- Recommended by: Fae-the-Pixie-Queen
- The entire wiki itself is dedicated to fics. While there's a great number of OC-centric fics, they do have a lot of world building there's a lot of depth to some of them. There are some great canon-centered fics, a lot of shipping, and an overall diverse range of stories.
- Recommended by: mariic, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Exactly What It Says on the Tin.
- Seconded. The episodes summaries that come out of this blog are either hilarious concepts or things that sound like they could be actual episodes, and are all worth a look.
- Recommended by: just_the_worst, Shadowedstormy, Unfamiliar Familiar, fsdfsdfsd
- This author is writing an excellent series of ficlets centring around the pre-series plight of Pearls in general, as well as an origin story for our Pearl. Extremely haunting and well written, focusing on Pearls on Homeworld, and Rose Quartz slowly becoming disillusioned with Homeworld. The worldbuilding is excellent, the ideas are sound, and it's fascinating to read.
- Warnings: Although her work is never graphic, several of her stories cover triggering subjects such as slavery, Body Horror, objectification, and non-con.
- Recommended by Shadowedstormy
- This author is writing an ongoing series of fics focusing on Pearls on Homeworld, and Rose Quartz slowly becoming disillusioned with Homeworld. The worldbuilding is excellent, the ideas are sound, and it's fascinating to read.
- Recommended by Ruise
- For all your Pearlnet needs.
- Recommended by Crossover-Enthusiast
- It's a Review Blog, reviewing the fake Steven Momswapverse. The "episode reviews" are very well written, even if it isn't exactly a fanfic, and has very interesting ideas for everything. Is unfortunately discontinued, but still worth a read.
- Recommended by: nixlheimr
- a joint account of several authors recommended here, including but not limited to: airamcg, CompletelyDifferent, CoreyWW, DrJekyl, FourFaces, SwordTheGuy, and TheBlindBandit.
- a joint account of several authors recommended here, including but not limited to: airamcg
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Datis isn't a writer, but rather an AMV maker. Specifically, the AMVs he makes have amazing use of editing and special effects, with very creative scene wipes. The songs he uses all fit wonderfully well.
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- An ask blog focusing on an alternate version of Lars that, in the author's own words, is a complete and utter force of chaos. Very hilarious interpretation of Lars.
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- E350 writes everything from angst, fluff, crossovers, alternate universes, and of course, the main series. Each character is spot on and each story is very well written.
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- An ask blog for an alternate version of Steven that's lived on Homeworld all his life as Pink Diamond. Keeps Steven Steven while still remembering the fact that he's a Diamond, and has a different upbringing as a result. Has an artstyle that both emulates the show and has its own style and is pretty to look at. Also has a story arc that incorporates the asks Steven gets.
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Actually isn't badfic.
- Recommended by Zangoose 28
- Amazing Art, superb writing, consistent uploading, and overall polish. Creator of the “Gone Wrong” AU.
General Fics
Stories focused on the family and the friendly relationships of the cast. Plot-focused stories or light day-in-the-life stories. Pretty much anything that isn't focused on romance. Complete
The Gem Wars, but Pink Diamond is an actual good leader by [1]
- Recommended by: Icabod Crane
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Pink Diamond has been given her first colony, and has taken her best friend Spinel, and her new Pearl with her to start the colonization of Earth. But after falling in love with the planet and all of its living creatures, she decides that it will be better to leave the empire and declare her planet an independent colony from it. This of course does not suit any of the other Diamonds and therefore they will attempt to force her back into submission, as she has always been. But now she will use, not just the Earth's resources, but the entire solar system, barren of life, in an attempt to protect Earth from being annihilated.
Little do any of them know that lurking somewhere in the gem's Homeworld there is another threat that is trying to disrupt the established order and all the Diamond Authority. The off-colors rebellion is about to begin.
Humans have formed factions on supporters and haters of Gems, and Pink must try to keep the peace with them too.
The story gets dark at times but has a good ending.
- Tags: War, power dinamics, science fiction, alternate universe.
a world for the birds by LoonyLupin
- Recommended by: Blaidd Dunn
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis:Andy De Mayo took up birding years ago, but his favorite hobby takes on new meaning when shared with his nephew Steven.
- Tags: Exacly What It Says On The Tin, Fluff and Angst, Angst with a happy Ending
- Comments: This is what I wish 'Gem Harvest' was- a sweet look into Steven's relationship with his grumpy uncle, and how it gives him some much needed normalicy in his overwhelming day-to-day life.
systemREBOOT/stevenv1.1 by aanau
- Recommended by: Phoenix Fire 69
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Spinel's rejuvenator worked a little differently, and Steven is (emotionally) reverted back to his twelve-year-old self.
- Tags: Amnesia, One-Shot
Cleaves, Cuts and Cracks by Breadless Sandwich
- Recommended by: Axorcismy
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Fighting monsters isn't easy, but when you know that those monsters used to be like you, it becomes a whole lot harder.
- Tags: Humor, Drama
Pearl and the Manga of Corruption by Weaver the 8th
- Recommended by: Wolfenlied
- Status: Completed
- Synopsis: A short little scene between Steven and Pearl where she feels a certain series of manga Steven reads is corrupting his sense of what is proper to do when defending innocence.
- Tags: Humor
- Comments: This truly was a rather hilarious story of Pearl's absurd reasons for disapproving of Steven's choice in reading. It truly sounds like something from the show. It's a short little scene, but is well worth the read.
- Recommended by: powerespect
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Buck Dewey's always wanted a sibling. But best not to get greedy with the universe, you know? A Buck and Steven bonding fic.
- Tags: Friendship
Broken Pencils by BarracudaHeart
- Recommended by: A Very Gay Earl Grey, Corey W Williams
- Status: Complete
- Pairing(s): Lars/Sadie
- Synopsis: Steven and Sadie learn Lars is suffering from depression in the most unfortunate way, and struggle to make sense of it all while trying to help him.
- Tags: Angst, Hurt/Comfort
- Comments: A surprisingly sophisticated approach to mental illness and suicide in fanfiction, well written and with fantastic character representation. Very heartbreaking sometimes, but it still keeps that Steven Universe sweetness without getting in the way of the darker subjects. There's a tiny bit of shipping in it with Lars and Sadie, but it's not a main focus, and is very subdued (So I put it in general, if that's ok)
Forging Ahead by BarracudaHeart
- Recommended by: A Very Gay Earl Grey, Corey W Williams
- Status: Complete
- Pairing(s): Lars/Sadie
- Synopsis: A continuation of "Broken Pencils", set months after the first story, with Lars still struggling with depression on a day to day basis. During a rougher day, he stays home, and Steven spends the day with him, in hopes to help him move forward in the long run.
- Tags: Friendship, Hurt/Comfort
- Comments: A really good sequel to a really good fic, I just read it all in one night. I think the author is writing from a personal standpoint, because how he/she writes out depression and mental illness hits me really close to home and feels really accurate to how it feels for someone who's suffering from it. We get some nice character development from Lars, and I guess the author wanted to add Ronaldo Fryman in after that big history reveal in Horror Club, because he plays a big part in this story. A lot of the story's plot is run by personal headcanon it seems, but it's pretty sweet and down-to-earth. Once again, a little bit of Lars and Sadie shipping, but it's not crucial to the main plot (though it's really kinda cute in this one).
Aftermath of an Annoucement by HerenorThereNearnorFar
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Pairing(s): Rose/Greg
- Synopsis: Rose Quartz has a boyfriend and a terrible, wonderful plan. As of an hour ago her nearest and dearest know about the former.
- Tags: Rose-centric, character study,
- Comments: Rose deals with each of the Gems' Angst when she makes her relationship with Greg public. Friend Versus Lover scenario, Rose Quartz handles it the way Rose totally would have.
Logic and Emotion by Bookman230
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Hate. Noun. Intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury. Or: extreme dislike or antipathy. Hate. Verb. To feel extreme enmity toward. Hate. Undefinable. My take on Peridot's crash landing to Earth.
- Tags: Anxiety, Panic Attacks
- Comments: The Straw Vulcan dorito has a bit of a Villainous Breakdown. Set roughly fifteen seconds after Peridot escapes during "Jail Break."
Homecalling by GabeTheTrickster
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: It was freezing. Peridot pulled the old rag, she had found earlier, tighter around her body. They would have called or searched for her, if they won over the Crystal Gems... right? But if there wasn't any signal yet, it meant, they were defeated. Or maybe Jasper really did care more for bringing Rose Quartz to Homeworld. At least she would get the respect she wanted then. Yellow Diamond would be satisfied. And then they would get her away from this place.
- Tags: Drabble
- Inspired by: by this fanart.
BEACH CITY'S UNIVERSE: A STEVEN RETROSPECTIVE by Bookman230
- Recommended by: powerespect, Corey W Williams
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Connie makes a documentary interviewing Beach City's residents about Steven.
- {Black. Silence, except for the sound of cars driving past. An artsy beginning. And then, as if someone had said 'Let there be light', large blocked letters, outlined with stars, burst out of the darkness. When they reach the front of the screen, light extends out of them, filling the screen with a purple tinged space.
The crystal gems read Marx and decide to destroy capitalism by PostTeenager
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The crystal gems read Marx and decide to destroy capitalism.
- Tags: Crack Fic, Humor
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Fusions might be a cheap tactic, but they're still a valid one.
- Tags: One-shot
- Comments: A one-shot where Lapis, Jasper and Peridot are in the middle of some kind of redemption arc and they’re forced into a situation where they have to Fuse with the other Crystal Gems to overcome the odds. This is how they decide who Fuses with who.
that which they defend by underoriginal
- Recommended by: completely different, nixlheimr
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: You never really thought much of Connie Maheswaran. She was just that one shy, nerdy girl. Then, she comes back in seventh grade and it's like she's a completely different person. And this person has a sword.
- Tags: Character study, one-shot, Connie-centric
Maheswaran Approved by sparksofwrite
- Recommended by: completely different
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: With him, it's easy to pretend you aren't choked with fear around people. It's easy to forget that you're expected to be mature but still treated like a child. He doesn't just make you happy; he makes you want to be happy.
- Tags: Mother-Daughter Relationship, Family Issues, Light Angst, POV Second Person, Resentment, Insecurity, Happy Ending, Post-Season/Series 01, Pod-fic Available
You Miss Rose by telekinesiskid
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Your name is Pearl and you miss her.
- Tags: Pearl-centric, POV Second Person, Heartbreak, Resentment, Homesickness,
- Comments: I read this back when it was first published (after the airing of "Rose's Scabbard"), and I first dismissed it, thinking that it portrayed Pearl's relationships with Rose and Steven a little too harshly. However, at the time of this writing (after such episodes like "Sworn to the Sword" and "We Need to Talk"), the fic has aged beautifully, describing how Pearl sees Steven with painful accuracy.
Learning to Breathe Underwater by Roads and Burrows
- Recommended by Ruise, Unfamiliar Familiar, Happy Man, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A mysterious break-in at an underwater lab facility leads to Steven and the Crystal Gems recovering an injured, hurting, and mistrustful Lapis Lazuli, and Steven insists on enlisting his family to try and help Lapis get back on her feet and deal with the loss of everything she's ever known. But with Peridot on the loose playing mad scientist, a swarm of Homeworld robots gunning for the Crystal Gems and any Gem associated with them, Jasper still at large, and evidence piling up that Malachite is still badly affecting Lapis, will Steven be able to help his new friend without exposing his loved ones to a whole host of terrible dangers? Good thing Steven's loved ones are no slouches when it comes to dealing with serious trouble...
- Tags: Story-driven, comedy, Character development, Connie Maheswaran Is Not Your Damsel In Distress, Slow Build, Action/Adventure, Steven Universe Adopts Everyone, Lapis Lazuli Is Not Your Perfect Cinnamon Roll, Steven Has The Best Alien Warrior Moms, Greg Universe Best Dad, Robots, Tenuous Gem Magi, Science, Homeworld Is The Actual Worst, Post-Malachite Recovery, Bad Brain Stuff, Implied Past Abuse, Canon-Typical Violence, Redemption Arcs For Everyone, Jasper's Awful Backstory Does Not Excuse Her Being Dreadful, Yes I Mean Everyone, Fusion Shenanigans, Peridot Does Not Want Your Human Friendship Disease, Body Horror
do not fear by CompletelyDifferent
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Throughout her long life, Rose Quartz thinks a lot about death. When the time finally comes, she's still not prepared.
- Tags: Major Character Death, Death, Grief/Mourning, War, Disease
Pearl Steals a Tater Tot by PK1312
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Pearl accidentally leaves the Beach City Breadbasket with a package of tater tots she didn't pay for. It doesn't go well for her.
- Tags: Slice of Life, Comedy
- Comments: Ever wanted an episode where Pearl just gradually becomes paranoid over nothing and freaks out? This one's for you. Played for Laughs.
To Build A Tower, You First Need Materials (The ocean is a good material) by smolfurball
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Tags: One Shot
- Synopsis: "Swimming was a sinch; Lapis now in her element with effortless strokes, feeling the ocean sway to and fro around and with her in her journey. She was free." From the events where Lapis leaves into the ocean at the end of "Mirror Gem" and initiates the battle in "Ocean Gem".
- Recommended by Orbiting, Unfamiliar Familiar
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Steven gets a chance to talk to Sardonyx. She knows a lot more than he's willing to hear."Pearl and Garnet are an act. A real show-stopper. They're a performance that's been going on for longer than you've been alive, kid, and I'm their encore."
- Comments: One of the few fics analyzing Sardonyx as a person in her own right.
Yellow Diamond's Invincible Adventure by TheNotoriousHIV
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Yellow Diamond decides to take a lone tour of Earth in order to kill Rose Quartz once and for all, due to the incompetence of the workers she sent out. When she gets there, she finds that Rose Quartz isn't what she expected. Created pre-Stevenbomb 3.0 when the extended intro was shown at SDCC, and, as such, is only a mere interpretation of what Yellow Diamond is like. Not accurate to her true character...as far as I know.
- Comments: A Villain Protagonist story. If you wanted a story how Yellow Diamond could come to Earth herself, you’ll love this. If you wanted a story how Steven tries to make friends with his mother’s Arch-Enemy, you'll love this. Otherwise, it's So Okay, It's Average.
- Tags: Absolutely brutal character death
blank canvas by puertoricanjan
- Recommended by: Masterweaver
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "Try to look punk," Vidalia says.
- Comments: A nice one-shot about old friends reuniting, as an artist contemplates her muse.
A Story About Grownups by BarracudaHeart
- Recommended by: A Very Gay Earl Grey
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis:Three friends, a writer, a believer, and an artist face the struggles and stresses of adulthood and when reunited, lend advice and support to each other.
- Comments: An interesting timejump fic involving Lars, Sadie, and Ronaldo. The author writes these three quite well.
The Homeworld In My Head by Lady Raven Eye
- Signed by Dragon Elexus, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Lapis reflects on what Homeworld was like before.
- Comments: Very short, but effective nonetheless.
Corrupted, Corrosive by kiiouex
- Signed by Dragon Elexus, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "You don't know your own name?" He asks and he sounds heartbroken on your behalf. You will never let a single bad thing befall this child. (Or, the Centipeetle is the first gem to be fixed once Steven figures out how, but she has been broken so long she is unsure of many things).
- Recommended by: A Very Gay Earl Grey, Corey W Williams
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After getting hit by a car, Lars catches the attention of Dr. Maheswaran, who is both annoyed by him, but also inexplicably concerned about his personal life.
- Comments: Creative story that makes two entirely different characters interact in a very believable way. The development of the two main characters, Dr. Maheswaran, and Lars is great, and the resolution to the underlying conflict regarding Lars' family life and parents, while a little rushed, is believable and made clear that it's not a 'happily ever after' scenario. I absolutely adore the relationship between the Maheswarans and Lars, who is involuntarily dragged into their family, and their individual interactions.
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The events of "Keeping it Together" from the Hand Cluster's perspective.
- Comments: Brief. Creepy. Heartbreaking.
Becoming One: Origins of a Fusion by MadameX818
- Recommended by: Pren, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A series of one-shots about the first formations of Fusions, first going through all the ones from canon before exploring new pairings.
- Comments: Highly recommended for any Fusion fan, with fantastic descriptions of how the Gems' personalities combine, as well as quite creative OC fusions once the author ran out of canon ones.
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Peridot struggles to learn to fuse. The Crystal Gems do their best. Results vary.
- Pairing(s): Amethyst/Peridot
- Tags: Character Development
Astronomy in Reverse by TheBlindBandit
- Recommended by: Unfamiliar Familiar
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Healing, stargazing, and time travel. Or: Steven and Pearl have an important conversation in the wake of Peridot's revelations, and both regain a measure of peace.
- Comments: Touching and sweet story about Steven and Pearl and the state of their relationship as of the Barn Arc.
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The events of the episode "Steven the Swordfighter" told from the perspective of the hologram.
- Comments: It's an old fic, but wonderfully well written, and surprisingly manages to humanize Holo-Pearl.
Fission by Katrina S. Forest
- Recommended by: Pren
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Beyond their fusion experiments, Homeworld was doing something even worse with the opposite, splitting one gem into two. And on a trip to the kindergarten, Pearl stumbles into it...
- Comments: It's a surprisingly character-deep story, with several chapters before we even see just what the two halves of Pearl are like. But it's all well-written enough that you won't mind the wait, and once it comes, it's worth it.
Peridot's Super Stupendous Fanfiction by Mad_Mutt
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In an attempt to let out some frustrations, Peridot makes a AU fanfic of her favorite TV show 'Camp Pining Hearts' and casts everyone she knows as the main characters. What wonders lurk in the mind of a green space rock alien? Let's find out.
- Comments: Peridot's fanfic is completely So Bad, It's Good and OOC that it's just completely hilarious. Also:"What the cloding craptastic fudge sickle!?"
The Ruby Squad's Exciting Fun Earth Mission Adventure by directorhachi
- Recommended by: CCIB, Crossover-Enthusiast.
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After their search on for Jasper on Neptune comes up nil, Navy, Leggy, Army, Eyeball, and Doc embark on a brand new mission from Yellow Diamond herself. Hijinks ensue.
- Comments: Hit the Diamond wasn't enough Ruby Squad for you? This fic is hilarious, and their interactions with Steven are adorable.
Putting It Back Together by Completely Different
- Recommended by: powerespect, Unfamiliar Familiar
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: When some ancient and unknown Homeworld technology accidentally erases their memories, the Crystal Gems assume that the amount of time they're missing is insignificant. After-all, for beings that measure their life-span in millennium, thirteen years is trivial. Or normally it is. But it appears that these last thirteen years have been more eventful than the previous thirteen centuries combined, and it becomes clear that the Gems cannot afford to forget any of it. Now, with their leader gone, and saddled with a half-human boy who claims to be her son, they must somehow find a way to restore what they lost.
Long-Term Memories by SwordTheGuy
- Recommended by: Siempie, nixlheimr
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Over five-thousand years ago, after the dust of the Gem Rebellion had settled, only four Gems still stood on Earth. Steven Universe, the son of the Crystal Gem's heroic leader, Pearl, the determined protector, Amethyst, the Earth-made Gem, and Spinel, the kind-hearted Gem, who tends to fade into the background. And together they continue that legacy, even today. Or at least, that's what Steven always remembered being told. However, as Steven and Connie are quickly finding out, what you remember and what is really true, are sometimes two separate things.
- Pairing(s): Connie/Steven, Amethyst/Peridot
- Comments: This work is very mystery-focused, without being a cliché detective story. Everyone is in character, the OC is very well-written and developed, and the story features a lot of callbacks and Fridge Logic. It is part of a series which diverts from canon after Bubbled, but it can also be read independently.
- Now with a Tropes page!
The Connie Maheswaran Fanclub (Or: How Connie Became the Most Popular Topic in School After She Pulled a Sword Out of Lion in Front of Literally Everyone) by CoreyWWW
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Connie finds out that pulling swords out of magical animals in a school hallway with everyone watching can cause people to treat you differently. A Spinoff/Sequel to the Lion chapter of Xenopology by CompletelyDifferent. A series about Connie dealing with her newfound fame and how it affects her other school friends, Jeff and Peedee, as well as everyone else around her.
- Pairing(s): Steven/Connie, Jeff/Peedee, Dante/Martha, Lapis/Peridot
- Comments: The title rings true.
Sitting With You Don't Cost Nothin' by Cookiez IV
- Recommended by: fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: What started as an innocent conversation about music paves the way to a larger and scarier topic—the conflict between Greg and Pearl. But Greg is determined to get through to his magical girlfriend's buddies, especially the seemingly stuck-up gem.
Don't Even Bother by GlassHawk
- Recommended by: Bored_Man
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Completely overwhelmed with guilt and resentment over Garnet and Pearl's feud, Steven runs away from home. One problem: there isn't exactly anywhere to go. But what if, by pure coincidence, he was to meet the person (or Gem) he least expected, the enemy? At least, who he used to consider the enemy. Begins after Ep. 63 "Cry for Help".
- Comments: While 'Catch and Release' was aired 11 chapters into this story, the characterization of Peridot is spot-on all throughout this fic. If this were how it happened in canon, I would have accepted it heartily.
- Tags: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Family
- Recommended by: nixlheimr
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Whenever Pearl got upset, she would run off to places no one could hurt her. But this time, she had nowhere to go. There was no place on Earth that hadn't been tainted by the memory of Rose. It was Peridot who found her sobbing in the Strawberry Battlefield.
- Comments: Written way before "Catch and Release" aired, it's aged well in terms of Pearl's and Peridot's characterizations.
Little Rebellions by CompletelyDifferent
- Recommended by: nixlheimr
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Not all Pearls have the chance to run off to another planet and take up arms. Not all fights are grand and romantic. These are the little rebellions - little, but just as defiant.
- Comments: It starts out as little oneshots focusing on a different Pearl every chapter, but the stories are masterfully interwoven into a larger narrative.
- Now with its own Tropes page!
- Recommended by: Hello 101
- Status: Complete.
- Synopsis: Pink Diamond's story, from beginning to end. Well, my interpretation anyways.
- Comments: A very well-done fanfic that looks over the life of Pink Diamond, the youngest of the Diamond Authority. The story does an excellent job of presenting all of the characters as people, especially the main character herself.
- Recommended by: Commander Peepidot
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: With Pearl and Garnet out on a special mission, Amethyst introduces Steven to the art of prank calling. While unsure about the morality of it at first, Steven later comes to enjoy it and the two continue at the barn, where Peridot and Lapis get involved in the fun. But Peridot crosses the line when she tries to impress Amethyst by stealing the phone and prank calling Pearl in the middle of her mission with Garnet. Now Pearl teams up with Amethyst for their own prank call for Peridot to teach her a lesson.
- Comments: A humorous prompt turned into what could arguably be mistaken for a real episode due to how well it's written. Notably, it makes sure to avert the problem in "Too Far", that is, Amethyst's encouraging of bad behavior being ignored. Also, the ending is overdone, but hilarious!
Just A Normal Coffee Shop by airamcg, CompletelyDifferent, CoreyWW, and FourFaces
- Recommended by nixlheimr
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: It was Monday, June 19th. Just another normal day at the coffee shop. Lapis is bored. Peridot is having endless struggles with the wi-fi. And Steven is super nervous for his date with Connie. He feels like he's forgotten something — something very important...
- Comments: Things are not what they seem.
- Tags: College AU, Coffee Shop AU, Not Actually An AU
- Now With Its Own Tropes Page!!
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Steven asks Connie for help after he dyes his hair pink... and immediately regrets it. But Connie is more concerned about why he decided to do it in the first place.
- Comments: The fic is actually a continuation of this comic, but can be read on its own. As for the fic itself, it's a short one shot about Steven's issues and Connie reassuring him (after finding out what's wrong, of course). Really sweet ending.
Moving On by Completely Different
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Bismuth has been released from the bubble, and everyone has agreed to try and put certain unsavory past events behind them. In practice, things are rarely this easy.
- Comments: Five 100-word drabbles on each of the Crystal Gems' feelings and thoughts following Bismuth's unbubbling. Spot on characterization for everyone.
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Garnet turned. Jamie the mailman was left in the water, chuckling sheepishly."I, um—this is awkward," he admitted. "I-I seem to still be paralyzed."
- Comments: Set right after Steven sacrifices himself, the fic focuses Garnet attempting to be a leader, Jamie trying to deal with being kidnapped, and their friendship. The second chapter is especially heartbreaking when it finally hits Jamie that he almost got taken into space, and he breaks down.
- Tags: Post "I Am My Mom", Platonic Relationships, Post-Traumatic Stress, Angst
Diamonds are Forever by E350tb
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Steven is changing.
- Pairing(s): Eventual Steven/Connie, Mentioned Ruby/Sapphire
- Comments: Steven's Diamond heritage decides to surprise him on his eighteenth birthday. Everyone attempts to deal with it, some poorer than others. It's an angst fest with lot of wholesome content in between, and it's wonderful.
- Tags: Future Fic, Drabble Collection, Angst, Implied/Referenced Character Death
- Recommended by: fruitstripegum, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In an effort to clean out Amethyst's room, Steven stumbles upon an old planner of Pearl's. It has entries dating back to Pearl's days in Homeworld, and Steven is eager to start using it again. But he can't explain why his birthday has been marked all the way in 2081.
Geometric by hyenalab
- Recommended by: Lyra_Dhani
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Steven has asked her not to watch him sleep. Pearl tries, she really does.
- Recommended by: SuperYoshiFan02
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Stevonnie is the last of the Crystal Gems, but not the last of their family.
- Comments: A beautiful one-shot taking place over a million years after the main series, featuring Stevonnie and the Half-Human Hybrid children of the other Crystal Gems.
- Tags: Distant Future, Fluff, Immortality Actually Isn't Too Bad
- Recommened by: SpiroSpiro
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The Crystal Gems and Connie are watching Steven's dream via a projection machine Peridot has built. What could've possibly gone wrong?
- Tags: Angst, One-Shot
On-going
No Rest for the Weary by Kookywood
- Recommended by: Kamil_Owiec
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Y/n's attempt to be a good person in a world full of evil backfires and is forced to move to Beach City. Unknown to them, they are about to embark on a journey of grand proportion and unlock some underwhelming powers they will use to help the Crystal Gems on their ongoing battle to protect Earth! Of course, they get a little help along the way.
- Comments: Very well written fanfic. One of the best I have read. It remains so even after re-reading. At first, the story seems slow and idyllic, but at the moment when the main character meddles in the affairs of Homeworld things become very interesting and intense. Everyone is in character, and Reader Character is well-written and given their own personality. It is difficult to describe it without spoilers, so I just recommend reading it.
- Also available on A03 (dormant; last updated March 2019)
- Also available on A03
- Tags: Crystal Gems, Homeworld Gems, Emotional, Heartwarming, W.A.F.F., Character Development, Pink Diamond, Angst, Death, Time Travel
No Rest for the Wicked by Kookywood and Jade Thunderhoof
- Recommended by: Kamil_Owiec
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: (Spin off of No Rest for the Weary) They can move the stars with the snap of their fingers. They own the Earth and hundreds of other planets. The very essence of time bends to their will. But Y/n's double from another timeline is still not happy. They are filled with anger, bitterness, resentment, and a thirst for revenge... It all begs one simple question... Why?
- Comments: Spin off/Alternate Universe of this from No rest for the Weary. Point of divergence in alternate timeline is around the episode "Steven's Dream". This fanfiction shows the relationship of the main character with homeworld gems, like Diamonds, Amethysts and Peridots. Just like "No Rest for the Weary" it's a well written fanfic, although a bit darker.
- Tags: Homeworld Gems, Emotional, Torture, Time Travel
- Recommended by: Hello 101
- Status: In-Progress
- Synopsis: It is impossible. It is unthinkable. Only a diamond can cut another diamond. But Rose Quartz kept so many secrets. As the Corruption song rings out across the beach, Steven steps forward and, in desperation, he sings back. And the Corruption...stops. To save the Earth and find out what he really is, Steven makes a deal. Fourteen years of his life. And, oh. What can happen in fourteen years...
- Comments: The story has yet to reveal a great deal of the finer details on what happened during Steven's years away on his side of things. Almost none of the Crystal Gems react well to Steven leaving, also (okay, that's a lie. None of them, or Connie, or Greg, react well).
- Now has its own page Here!
A gem's glow by Alphomega Master
- Recommended by: mkmlp
- Status: Dead; last updated June 2019
- Synopsis: Steven goes to bed after the events of "Change Your Mind", only to find himself in a dream like he never had before. A dream where he finally gets to have a long overdue heart-to-heart with someone he always wanted to meet, and who always wanted to meet him. A dream where he finally meets Rose Quarts, Pink Diamond, his mother face to face.
- Comments: A beautiful and very emotional piece, where Steven and Rose/Pink Diamond both help each other find closure and piece, with Pink Diamond finally getting to explain her actions to her son in person.
- Notes: It should probably be noted that this started before "Change Your Mind" was aired and was reworked to better fit into canon after said episode confirmed once in for all that Rose/Pink Diamond is truly dead and not just living within Steven's/her gem as many speculated.
Professionals by Demyx(Scala Spiral)
- Recommended by: powerofone65
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Peridot: Chief Technician and perpetual disaster zone. Bismuth: Chief Builder and voice of reason. Zircon: Full-time Court Lawyer and part-time nervous wreck. Lapis Lazuli: No title, just here to provide protection, morps and snark.Steven Universe brought them here. A shared love of Little Homeworld and questionable TV bonded them together. A little messy drama isn’t about to pull them apart.
- Comments: A really interesting story which features the Crystal Gems B Team (and Blue Zircon from the Trial) as they try to keep Little Homeworld running, while balancing their own emotional dramas and adjust to the dawning Era 3.
- Notes: Takes place during Steven Universe Future, though not much knowledge is needed to keep up. Also has short stories that take place in, but aren't always canon to this Fic.
The 100 Words A Day Series by E350tb and realfakedoors (Volume V only)
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Volumes I - V are Complete, plus one special edition, also Complete; series is Dead (last updated September 2019)
- Synopsis: One hundred words a day, every day, until the show comes back.
- Pairing(s): Amethyst/Peridot, Pearl/Rose, Connie/Steven, Lapis/Pearl, Lars/Sadie, Mystery Girl/Pearl, Rose/Greg, Blue Diamond's Pearl/Defense Zircon, Sadie/Peridot, Doc/Eyeball, Emerald/Sadie, Leggy/Padparadscha, Lapis/Pearl/Bismuth, Ruby/Sapphire, Bismuth/Pearl, Sadie/Doc/Eyeball/Army/Navy/Leggy, Eyeball/Jasper, Lars/Lapis, Sour Cream/Buck
- Comments: Exactly What It Says on the Tin. A series of drabbles that start up each time the show goes on hiatus, with one posted every day until the show's return. The drabbles can be anything from sweet, to sad, to funny, and there's definitely something for everyone. Note: while the fic does contain multiple ships, Alternate Universes, and crossovers, most of it is set in the main verse with little shipping happening outside of ship-specific chapters.
- Tags: Drabble Collection, Pink Diamond Theory, Crack, Crack Pairing, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Alternate Universe, Crossover
Fire Lilies by treegirl5
- Recommended by: Prinnyramza
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Gems could never die in any true sense. Shattering destroyed the body but the mind still suffered. That is until gems started interacting with humans. By having a hybrid child with a human a gem can finally escape eternity. Once this is discovered gems start flocking to Earth for this peaceful release from existence. But what about the hybrids that their deaths leave behind?
- Comments: This is a concept I've never seen before. This makes use of a quirk of the gem species, that they technically can't die to it's advantage while also continuing Steven's story in a logical way and expanding on how human-gem diplomancy has been developed years after the series finale.
Hiatus/Dormant/Dead
Raising Steven by Crystal-Gem-Goddess
- Recommended by: Awesome Waffles
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: Set 12 years before the start of the series, the Gems must take care of the newest addition to the team while dealing with the loss of their leader in a series of laughs and even a few tears.
- Comments: It's a very cute take on the Gems raising Steven from infancy. The character interactions are endearing, everyone is in character, and it deals with the ups and downs of raising a baby. It was cancelled for a time because the author couldn't deal with out of site backlash, but she has returned and the story is back!
Book of Onyx by Weaver the 8th
- Recommended by: Wolfenlied
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis The Gems travel to a decrepit old magic library where they come in search of a book called Onyx. The book of Onyx proves to be more then just any old magic book like Steven assumed it was. Something far more alive, and far more important.
- Comments: So far its an interesting little adventure story between Steven and the Gems. A pretty action packed opening to the story, followed by some fun interactions from Steven and the rest of the cast. Not sure what's going on with the book yet though. All will be explained later one must assume.
Well, It's Just A Theory by PlotPoints
- Recommended by: Syrika
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Alan had just four things to his name. One, a beat-up old sedan. Two, a wallet with his last fifty dollars. Three, a recent doctoral degree in theoretical high-energy particle physics. Four, an opportunity in Beach City to research something fantastic.
- Comments: Very creative and fun, with a great OC. All the Gems and Beach Citizens that have been shown so far are very in character, especially Pearl. The very first chapter is a bit choppy on a first impression, but it instantly picks up from there. Alan is smart, awkward, and likable; it's easy to get sucked into his relationship with the canon characters, his inner monologues, and his quest to figure out Beach City's mysteries.
Baby Steven and the Gems by HailSam
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: We all know how Steven is when he's about 9 or 10 (I'm not sure) but what about just starting out? How did the Gems and Greg act around the newborn baby of Rose's? Let's find out!
- Pairing(s): Ruby/Sapphire, Toddler Steven/Toddler Connie, Garnet/Amethyst/Pearl, Rose/Greg
- Comments: An Archive of Our Own version of Raising Steven, this deals with Baby Steven having some one-on-one time with each Crystal Gem (along with Greg), and then gradually aging him up each chapter.
- Tags: W.A.F.F.
Combined Perspectives by carolnegate
- Recommended by: Tangerineandpuce, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: A look into the thoughts and feelings of each Fusion that's appeared in the series.
- Comments: The author does a skillful job of writing from the perspectives of each fusion, portraying them as their own composite beings, not quite single individuals, yet more than just multiple beings sharing one body. They also do a really great job of highlighting the differences between each fusion based on the personalities of and relationships between their component individuals. It should also be noted that the first six chapters of this fic were written just before Stevenbomb 2.0, which gave us alot more insight into the nature of fusion, yet the fic still makes sense, and in some ways, even more so afterwards.
'On the Care and Maintenance of Human Bodies' by Steven Universe and Connie Maheswaran by Completely Different
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: If you're an ageless magical space gemstone, accidentally switching bodies with a human teenager can come as a huge shock. But thankfully, this excellent how-to guide has your back! With advice on such essential topics such as 'organic bodily functions', 'pain management' and 'social faux pas avoidance', On the Care and Maintenance of Human Bodies is a must for anyone trying to navigate the confusing world of organic life! Related Titles: How Not To Kill Anyone (Including Yourself!) With Newly Received Gem Powers and 'Super-Heroics for Newbies''.
- Comments: "Freaky Friday" Flip time with the Crystal Gems and the Cool Kids.
- Recommended by: Unfamiliar Familiar
- Status: Dormant (last updated January 2017)
- Synopsis: Even the smallest things can send ripples throughout the cosmos and cause the Great Gem Rebellion. —a collection of interconnected 100-word drabbles and poems about the gems before they were The Crystal Gems.
- Comments: Has an interesting take on Homeworld and gem fusion lore, while building up a plot on how the rebellion came to be. Chapters are really short, but packs a lot of punch and info in those 100 words.
The World is Your Oyster, The Universe is Your Namesake by MHD
- Recommended by: Perlen297
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: In their misadventures Steven threatens to leave the Crystal Gems, Connie kills herself sixty times, Garnet splits up, Amethyst acts as a voice of reason, and Pearl comes to find humans interesting; all the while dealing with the looming threat of alien invasion, the perils of social obligations, and the infinite complexities of the modern world. In the face of all that, they are going to need a lot more knowledge and a lot more magic to get the job done, and there are a lot of problems that need solving and a lot of questions that need answering first. But most importantly? They are not going to do it alone.
- Pairing(s): Steven/Connie
The Quartizine Trio by Spatial
- Recommended by: Perlen 297, nixlheimr
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Gem bubbles, homework, and freaking out your parents one magical-sibling-adventure at a time... Life is an Experience for the next generation of Universes: Steven and Connie's three children: Citrine, Cairngorm, and Morion. Episodic series of slice-of-life moments, coming of age journeys, and family drama set in Beach City roughly 20 years after current canon.
Pleased To Meet Your Acquaintence by zoopdedo
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: We're all aware of Steven's adorable ability to squirm his way into anyone's heart, no matter how cold and dank the being stands to be. So what happens when he's accidentally teleported to Homeworlds most feared authority, Thine Golden Diamond? FanFiction.Net link here.
- Comments: Two things about this fic the reader needs to know: 1) Yellow Diamond is only above two meters tall in this fic. 2) Yellow Diamond is the perfect Straight Man for Steven.Steven: I'm a Crystal Gem!Yellow Diamond: Elucidate this concept.Steven: *Tears of Joy* With... pleasure. *Air Guitar* If you're evil and you're on the rise, you can count on the four of us taking you down!Yellow Diamond: ...I beg your pardon?Steven: Cause were good and evil neeeever beats us!Yellow Diamond: ...stop this at once.Steven: ...we'll win the fight, and then GO OUT FOR PIZZA!
- Recommended by: Sean Devine, Pren, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: Garnet gets a surprise visit from a Homeworld Gem who's looked long and far for her master. And now that she’s found her, nothing short of getting poofed is going to get her to leave!
- Comments: A great balance of humor and drama much like the show itself, with everyone's reactions to the unusual new arrival nicely varied and all in character.
- Also on Fanfiction.net.
- Tags: Original Character
Peridot vs. the World by Lone Erotic Wanderer
- Recommended by: Pren
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: Between-episodes sketches of Peridot being introduced to various aspects of human society, and how it helps win her over.
- Comments: Peridot is beautifully in character, and the author has quite an imagination in coming up with things for her to react to. And much like the show itself, it gradually builds up its own story which is quite involving.
Her Page's Progress by Kaleidoscope Kreation
- Recommended by: Unfamiliar Familiar
- Vanished from the internet. Please post a link if found.
- Synopsis: After 'Sworn to the Sword', Connie continues to train under Pearl's tutelage. But neither teacher nor pupil would have guessed that a shared love of stabbing holograms could be so conducive to emotional growth. A series of loosely connected one-shots, progressing along with the series.
- Comments: Wonderfully written Connie and Pearl interactions and mentor-student relationship.
- Recommended by: fruitstripegum
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Pearl used to tell herself she'd be happy as ever if she saw Rose again. 700 years into the future, Steven's physical form passes away, and Rose is suddenly back. Many things have changed, and expectations end up not matching reality. At all. An account of the first seven days after Steven has passed away and Rose has abruptly returned.
Connie and the B Team by Feraligreater 328
- Recommended by: Pren
- Status: Hiatus
- Synopsis: With Steven being especially busy with Gem missions, Connie takes to hanging out at the barn with Peridot, Lapis, and a recently redeemed Jasper. And soon they're all embroiled in their own mission to protect the Earth when a bunch of Gem tech starts attacking the city.
- Comments: If you can get past the vagueness regarding what Jasper's doing therenote , this is quite a fun story with tons of great development for all four characters. It also has one of the better takes on a post-Heel–Face Turn Jasper out there, portraying her as still very rough around the edges and constantly struggling to not revert to bad habits. Plus, all the Gem tech is quite creative and leads to some very unpredictable and engaging fight scenes.
- Now has its own trope page.
Fusion Family by TheOneAndOnly1993
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Dormant; last updated August 2018
- Synopsis: In a freak accident, the Crystal Gems obtain several new members to their team: their Fusions! From Ruby and Sapphire, to Smoky, Sugilite, Opal, and even Alexandrite, they're all free and their own independent Gems. But in spite of their nature as Fusions, these radically different personalities will need to work together and learn how to function not only as a team, but as a family too.
- Comments: This fic takes the idea of "what if the Fusions could exist at the same time as their components" and runs with it, creating a wonderful and funny story about the Gems and their Fusions, and how they react to the sudden appearance of their new "teammates". The fic itself has incredible promise: Everyone's in character, how they act around each other is quickly established, everyone is given some spotlight (even Peridot and Lapis, who have nothing to do with the Fusions, are included), and "Fusion" is capitalized. And this is just the first six chapters, which the author says is only the prologue.
The Title of This Story is "Friend Fiction." It's Fiction About My Friends by TheGreatAndLovablePeridot (not CoreyWW
- Recommended by: CCIB
- Status: Dormant (last updated January 2017)
- Synopsis: My name is Peridot and I have decided to write fandom fiction! I discovered you can write "real person fics" so I decided to write stories about individuals I know from my time trapped on this wonderful and horrifying planet! I hope you derive enjoyment from these stories as I feel they are the pinnacle of art and culture in the universe!
- Comments: Peridot attempts various types of fanfiction and gets them wrong in the most hilarious and adorable ways. And of course, most of them star her, the most awesome Peridot to ever live.
Log Date: 7 46 2 and The Monster Behind The Visor by FanGirlFreak16
- Recommened by: SpiroSpiro
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: While Peridot goes on a mission with the Crystal Gems, Lapis gets bored at the barn, decides to sneak into Peridot's room for the first time, and finds Peridot's tape recorder. Meanwhile, Peridot has a nightmare and panic attack for the first time. Takes place before the episode "Raising The Barn".
- Warning: While the first fic has no offensive content, the second fic has blood.
Collider by Flitty
- Recommended by: SilverBrick
- Status: Dormant (Author has stated that they will continue to add chapters slowly, but so far haven’t followed through)
- Synopsis: Steven finds himself in the past with no explanation. With knowledge and abilities that he shouldn’t have, can he steer the ship alone?
- Comments: This fic takes the standard premise of Peggy Sues, and applies it to Steven Universe; Steven goes back from just after the events of "Mindful Education". Starts off a little shaky, but quickly grows into itself. A few things make this fic stand out: First, Steven doesn’t remember the events of each episode (each chapter is dedicated to an actual episode by the way), so he makes wrong choices and even skips some plots entirely or makes them worse. Second, the Gems seem to be acting a little off, like they were also affected by the time travel. Finally, Flitty provides neat little commentaries at the end of each chapter, explaining a bit of their thought process while writing the chapter, as well as their headcanons.
Selaginella Lepidophylla by 0TheCluster0 Or DrJekyl, CompletelyDifferent, TheBlindBandit, airamcg (also featuring a chapter bySwordTheGuy)
- Recommended by: nixlheimr
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: The Crystal Gems have often thought that everything would be so much easier if Rose had never left, that everything would be so much better if she could somehow come back. Unfortunately, reality isn't quite that simple.
- Comments: An original flavor deconstruction of the "What if Rose Quartz comes back?" plot.
- Recommended by: powerespect, Malconvoker, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Dead; last updated September 2018
- Synopsis: After the events of "Jail Break", Peridot is captured by the Crystal Gems. Steven tries to win her over.
- Comments: Anyone clamoring for a Peridot redemption arc should check this one out.
Alternate Universe
Alternative Universe. The characters are written into a different world/universe than the one they are typically from. Complete
Inferior Blue by hTeDruknenPotaT
- Recommended by: Arualiaa
- Status: Completed
- Synopsis: Lapis Lazuli is a troubled teenager, a skilled musician with a dark past and the remnants of an abusive relationship still fresh in her mind. One summer day she meets a kid that likes her songs and changes her universe.
- Pairing(s): Past Jasper/Lapis
- Comments: It's a wonderfully written story, with lots of angst and flashes of humor. Lapis and Steven's friendship is very cute, and the fic deals with themes like forgiveness of one's self, emotional trauma, acceptance, redemption and moral ambiguity.
- Tags: Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts, Child Neglect, Child Abuse, Dark Themes, Rape/Non-Con, Abusive Relationships, Terminal Illness, Major Character Death, Grieving
Tiger Stripes by Barracuda Heart
- Recommended by: A Very Gay Earl Grey
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In desperate need of money, Jasper has to learn from her mistakes and sins of the past and learn to accept her 'stripes' whilst working as a stagehand at a community theater.
- Pairing(s): Jasper/Amethyst, Lars/Sadie, Peridot/Lapis, Past Jasper/Lapis, Past Lars/Ronaldo
- Comments: A human AU where Jasper's 'stripes' are a result of vitiligo. The story does a good job of portraying abuse dynamics between Lapis and Jasper and still keeps Jasper the protagonist of the story without demonizing the victim (Lapis). The character portrayals are really interesting and different, one sticking out being the decision to make Lars a transgender woman (Lorelei), and incorporating Amethyst's relationship with Jasper into the story too. A little dramatic sometimes, it does have some funnier moments. I cracked up at a scene involving Sadie at a bar (I won't give it away, but the way the author writes it is absolutely hilarious).
Opal, Sapphire, Ruby, and STEVEN! by iamconstantine
- Recommended by: Sean Devine, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Steven had a normal life. He lived in an ancient temple with a four-armed giant woman, a stoic blue future-seer, and a hotheaded warrior, and he had a pink Gemstone where his belly button would be. A walk in the park - that's what he thought. But as of late, he's being proven wrong. With Opal, Sapphire, and Ruby, Steven is determined to protect the planet Earth!
- Tags: Opal AU, Not exactly Pearlmethyst, Alternate Universe
- There's an Ask Blog for the fic, as well. Also has a Tropes page!
I Remember Me by Commander ECH
- Partially vanished from the internet (the only archived site found has fifteen chapters out of sixty four); please post a link if found.
- Recommended by: Pren
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After successfully curing the Centipeetle, Steven starts wondering how many of the other corrupted gems he can fix. The temple soon gets pretty crowded...
- Comments: A ton of great and varied OCs who interact well with the canon characters, and the author also finds room for an epic story on par with the show itself. Has two sequels: I Believe and I Will Stand (both are also missing). First is complete, second is dead.
- Recommended by: qyndox
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A fight with the Crystal Gems has left Peridot cracked within an inch of her life. Trapped on Earth, with no one and no way to get home, Peridot's all but given up hope. But she doesn't know the lengths Steven is willing to go to in order to keep her alive. - Taken from the fanfiction.net summary.
- Comments: A amazingly written and compelling AU tale focusing on Peridot, written before she was featured much after the events of "Jail Break". A bit more emotional and dramatic than canon, but it still keeps everyone in character and it still feels like the show. Kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and is definitely worth reading. Peridot seems somewhat OOC, but this was written prior to most of her appearances post-"Jail Break".
- Seconded. There's also an Archive of Our Own version here.
- Seconded. There's also an Archive of Our Own version here
Diamond In The Rough by citrusella
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Technically Complete (each chapter ends on a Sequel Hook and the author has said they might do more chapters if inspiration strikes them)
- Synopsis: Connie is in the hospital with a serious disorder, and her biggest chance is an experimental treatment combining minerals with blood transfusions. Little does anyone know...
- Comments: An AU where Connie is technically Pink Diamond, by means of her having the latter's crushed shards in her bloodstream. An incredibly interesting idea with a serious air for all chapters, and good characterization to boot. Following "A Single Pale Rose", the author even found a way to make it work with the reveal that Rose (and by extension, Steven) was Pink Diamond, with the crushed shards instead being the fake ones Pink created.
- Tags: Connie is Pink Diamond, Crack, Crack Treated Seriously, Angst (maybe)
The Darkness Between Stars by A_Friendly_Irin and Farla
- Recommended by: The_Reeds_of_Enki
- Status: Completed
- Synopsis: The diamonds are coming, and Steven is so afraid. He doesn’t want to kill, but he doesn’t want to die. He’s always been able to save everyone, but the gulf between himself and his enemies now seems impossibly vast. To bridge this distance, what will he have to sacrifice? (Rose Quartz is Rose Quartz AU, rewrite of Diamond Days)
- Comments: A darker take on the SU finale. The characterization is satisfying and believable and the plot handles complex struggles, like balancing one's personal code of honor versus the needs of many. The Diamonds' genocidal policies are addressed, this AU being a response to how the ending addressed their character arc and subsequent redemption.
- Tags: AU, Rose Quartz is Not Pink Diamond, Rose Quartz Shattered PD, Countertextual Readings
- Now has it's own trope page!
Flawed Crystals by A_Friendly_Irin and Farla
- Has a wiki page
- Recommended by: The_Reeds_of_Enki
- Status: Completed
- Synopsis: The gems leave Steven for one final mission. They come back corrupted. To save them, Steven will have to face uncomfortable truths about his friends, his family, and himself. (Rose Quartz is Rose Quartz AU, canon divergent from A Single Pale Rose)
- Comments: Game fanfics are really interesting and unusual, to boot. This game is text-based, so it's light on graphics, but the exposition and accurate characterization makes everything move smoothly without want for pictures.
- Tags: Fangame, AU, Rose Quartz is Not Pink Diamond, Corrupted Crystal Gems, Stevonnie In Charge
Everything In The World Was Standing Still by Captain JZH
- Recommended by: E350
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: It's 1912. A diverse cast of characters— A wealthy boy and his caretaker moving to America after the death of the former's mother, an unlucky drifter finally heading home after an extended stay in Europe, a young engineer getting her first big assignment, an Indian family traveling to America, two lovers from wildly different classes, a stoker just doing her job, an architect with a humble past, and a scarred young woman finally getting the confidence to go to sea again —are all sailing aboard the maiden voyage of the largest, grandest ship ever built: The RMS Titanic.
- Pairing(s): Ruby/Sapphire, Amethyst/Peridot, Bismuth/Pearl
- Comments: It's Steven Universe on the Titanic. It's a wonderfully researched story by someone who's clearly passionate about the history of the Titanic, and all of the characters are adapted perfectly to the setting. Of particular note is Amethyst, who is hilarious but also incredibly richly portrayed.
- Tags: Past Pearl/Rose Quartz, Titanic AU, slow burn, major character death happens farther down the line.
On-going
The Harvester by Nyum_Nums/VT and Corriezodori
- Recommended by: Hema4ever
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Follow Hematite, a new Harvester Gem, and the Diamond Authority as they try to learn how to work together.
- Comments: To be honest, I was hesitant about reading this story at first, but once I started reading it, I was hooked from the get go. It has it all, and it will blow you away. As a reader, I have to say that there are many twists and turns in this story, so give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
- Tags: Alternate Universe - Fantasy, Adventure, Worldbuilding
- Now has a Tropes Page.
- Recommended by badapple1020
- Status: Temporary Hiatus, technically Ongoing
- Synopsis: Ten years ago, on a solemn hour, one trivial mistake breaks Lapis Lazuli free. Fueled with hatred, she seized the Crystal Gems' most prized possession; their legacy; their Steven, and fled into the night. History as you know it, has been rewritten since then.
- Comments: This is one of the best SU fanfictions I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The OCs are characterized extremely well, and it really hits the soul.
- Recommended by ALavonPapillon1
- Status: Dead; last updated August 2019
- Synopsis: A five-year old Steven is separated from his family. He meets Blue Diamond, still mourning over Pink Diamond, and takes him with her, adopting him as her son.
The Red Sadie Series by E350tb
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: The Eye of the Storm is complete, Ruby Stars is ongoing.
- Synopsis: When Barb and Clancy Miller split up, they both thought that would be the end of it. Twenty years later, Clancy comes back for work, and Barb wants nothing do with him. Sadie, however, uses it to learn more about her dad... But sometimes, it's best to leave the past in the past, and she might not like what she finds.
- Pairing(s): Past Barb/Clancy (OC), Past Barb/Kay (OC), Eventual Amethyst/Peridot
- Comments: A fic that takes a very interesting spin on Sadie's Disappeared Dad, leading to a lot of shake ups for everyone involved. Takes old fandom ideas ([x] is a secret agent, [y] is actually a Gem/Gem hybrid, ect.) and uses them to craft an excellent story. There are OCs, but they're well-written and enjoyable. Wonderful characterization for everyone, especially Sadie, as the narration goes into detail on her thoughts and feelings as the fics go on. Note: it is highly recommended that you read The Eye of the Storm before even looking at Ruby Stars, as a reveal in the former is a major part of the latter. Has a tropes page here.
- Tags: Original Characters, Blood and Injury (but not in great detail)
- Now with a tropes page!
- Recommended by rodsantos
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: What if Pearl had a secret, something she was both proud and ashamed of? What if, during the most turbulent and formative years of the modern era, a Crystal Gem once again watched the rise of evil setting the world burning in war? What if, against the wishes of her friends and beloved leader, she decided to do something about it? (Based on real-world history with an SU twist.)
- Comments: An amazing story where Pearl shares her experience with World War II with the cast. The author did his homework on the history. In Alternate Universe because World War II never happened in the show's world. Currently under a rewrite as of March 2020 to clean up typos and correct a few grammatical errors.
- Recommended by: Midello_Felteve, Crossover-Enthusiast, RacattackForce
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Blue Diamond, who had sat in a room filled with bubbled Rose Quartz gems for thousands of years and stared at them until Yellow Diamond arrived to drag her away, noticed something she should have seen before. The gem was too light to be a Rose Quartz. The gem was too clear. It shined too brightly, the light catching it perfectly. But she remembered a gem similar, a gem that haunted her memories. She saw it when she cried. She knew that gem.
- Comments: Diverging from canon as of "The Trial", which incorporates major elements from "A Single Pale Rose". Revelations is a promising 'for want of a nail' story where every update leaves you wanting more.
- Seconded. The writing's a bit shaky, especially in the first few chapters, but the characters are either spot on or very close to their canon selves, particularly Steven.
- Tags: Rose Quartz is Pink Diamond Theory, What-If, Diamond Steven, Temporary Character Death, Minor Character Death, Alternating POV, Original Characters, Non-Canon White Diamond, Non-Canon White Pearl, Non-Canon Squaridot, Implied/Referenced Non-con/Dub-con
The Results Are In by citrusella
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Sadie gets a piece of mail from her dad. For most people that'd be pretty mundane, but it's a little more complicated considering who exactly her dad is.
- Pairing(s): Barb/Blue Diamond
- Comments: If the pairing didn't tip you off, this fic has Sadie as Blue Diamond's daughter... Somehow. It's not really explained and doesn't need to be. There's a strange balance where the fic is kinda serious but doesn't take the situation seriously, sprinkling humor throughout. The third chapter, posted after "A Single Pale Rose", is an especially good read.
- Tags: Crack
- Recommended by: Vulgar Bee
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Everyone knows of Steven Universe, the hybrid human-gem kid with a loving family and a bright future. But what if someone else like him, wasn't as fortunate? Follow Marcus as he meets the Crystal Gems and realizes that he isn't the only gem anymore. He is not alone, and he'll work to keep it that way.
- Pairing(s): Slight Pearl/OC and Lapis/OC.
- Comments: The Original Character in this fic is quite entertaining and interesting. The fact that he's the same as Steven but with a troubled past makes him even better! This author even got the characters' personalities right and connects the story with the canon so well that the OC hardly does anything to change the story. Only a slight AU with an OC-insert.
- Tags: Original Character, Steven has a big-brother figure, another gem-human hybrid, and monster transformations.
- Has a sequel - The Sons Journey (Ongoing)
Heir of the Flowers by Fullmusicbard and ghostadventurespiritorb
- Recommended by: SuperYoshiFan02
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Steven didn't think this day would end with giving himself up to Peridot and Jasper to save the rest of the gems, Beach City, and possibly the world, but it did. Now the only Crystal Gem onboard a green warship, Peridot begins to notice signs that he's not a gem, putting them to flukes. But then, she discovers something strange, something none of them expected, throwing Steven into a new world where none of his family can help him. And while there, the discoveries made turn everything upside down.
- Comments: Canon divergent after "Jail Break". This is essentially the Diamond Days arc but Steven has absolutely no idea what's going on because he knows nothing about Homeworld nor why all the Homeworld gems keep calling him "Pink Diamond".
- Tags: Angst, Failed Escape, Self-Sacrifice, Steven's ongoing identity crisis, Alternate Universe–Canon Divergence, Homeworld is Horrible, Misgendering, Dramedy
- Recommended by: Mercury Penny 1
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Its files were corrupted, fragmented, broken. It found no template, no instructions. Only broken and unusable imagery. A substance was found, foreign but usable. A piece of template to manufacture form, a piece of life to use for vessel construction. It analysed the foreign substance trapped within its crystal. It generated itself from fragmented data and DNA, and used it to mend the microscopic pieces missing from itself like mortar between bricks. It…he, he was.
- Comments: The spelling and grammar can be iffy, but despite hitting many of the same story beats as the show, it almost never reiterates storylines verbatim. The writing and characterization is excellent, the pacing is slow, yet engaging, and the story never seems to go exactly how you'd expect.
- Now has a sequel: Renascence: The Movie (Ongoing)
Hiatus/Dormant/Dead
The Perks of City Living Series by catalyticGenesis
- Partially vanished from the internet (the only archived site found is missing A Dangerous Mission, Close Encounters of the Natural Kind, and The Perils of Spring Cleaning); please post a link if found.
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: There are many kinds of families. There are the perfect families that you only see on TV, the charmingly imperfect families, charmingly dysfunctional families, and flat-out dysfunctional families. And then there's my family, who are a totally different story.
- Pairing(s): One-sided Lars/Lapis
- Comments: Human AU where Peridot is sisters with the Crystal Gems (including Steven and Lapis), with apparently no parents. Garnet seems to be in some position of authority, though, and with Pearl to a lesser extent.
- Tags: First-Person Perspective, First-Person Smartass, Alternate Universe, Slice of Life, High School AU, Lion is a cat who is still pink and named 'Lion'
Connie Parallel by CuddlyFish (aka KitChat)
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: In Connie Parallel, a girl learns to live with her heritage as a human-Gem hybrid and try to live up to her mother's legacy as a fearless leader while she slowly learns more about the three Gems she lives with. (An AU Role Reversal, where Connie is Yellow Diamond's half-human daughter and Jasper, Peridot, and Lapis try to raise her as a Gem.)
- Comments: The Homeworld Gems don't get much characterization, but then again, there's only one chapter so far. The one who does get clearly defined is Connie, and it's surprisingly done well. You can sense that it really is Connie if she was a half-Gem trying to develop her powers. It's both in-character and a unique adaptation at the same time, catching the mood of the show well. (And in case you didn't get it yet: Steven Universe. Connie Parallel. Parallel Universe.)
Buck Dewniverse by sighcosahedron
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Buck Dewey, half human, half gem, all overblown cynicism and feigned disinterest, goes on adventures with his friends, worries his magical alien caretakers, and ignores his father as much as he can.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Mayor Dewey. For obvious reasons, Pearl does not appear in this fic.
- Comments: AU where Pearl was the one that made a baby with a human instead of Rose. The most jarring difference from canon is that Mayor Dewey is much, much less in touch with his son and the Gems than Greg would be, which kind of makes sense for a guy like Buck.
Stop Singing by Artdirector 123
- Recommended by: Ruise
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: A series of drabbles based off of the Historical Jasper AU, Where Jasper was left on Earth after the war and wanders it as she tries to avoid the Crystal Gems, and slowly comes to enjoy humanity.
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: In which Peridot travels to the rival Quartz Kingdom with a moxie to acquire the information Queen Diamond is so desperate for in the most infallible way possible. And, in which, she is in no way prepared for the emotion-struck fairy tale her life is about to be thrust into; she'd grown up, after all, being told to fear the world outside kingdom lands, to fear the danger and the volatile magic that seethes there. She's beginning to think she should have listened better.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Peridot, Implied Lapis/Amethyst
- Tags: Alternate Universe - Fantasy, Magic, Adventure, Worldbuilding, Slow Burn, Fantasy AU, Enemies to Friends to Lovers
Beyond your Star by alixiecivet
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Indefinite Hiatus
- Synopsis: An alternative glimpse into the life of Homeworld gems before Rose's rebellion. Pearl has been abandoned by her master and dropped off to do hard labor with the technicians. Peridot, staying low-key in a world that never fails in mediocrity, finds herself the begrudging acquaintance of the new outcast. A quiet, often confusing, often challenging -but always surprising- relationship develops between the two gems, both of whom will have a very difficult time seeing themselves outside their given roles. As their friendship evolves,the world they inhabit experiences a shift of power. Yellow Diamond is taking her time preparing for an era that will be unlike anything the gems could imagine. Peridot and Pearl, as well as some other familiar gems, have their role in the advent of her rise to power. A rise that may come effortless at first, but prove more volatile than anticipated.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Peridot, Pearl/?, Yellow Diamond/?
- Tags: pearlidot - Freeform, spearmint
Built of Dirt and Earth by Dragon Elexus
- Recommended by: Pren
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: After some time spent wandering Earth and bubbling leftover gems, Rose and her teammates Garnet and former Homeworld gladiator Amethyst discover movement in the kindergarten where the war ended. Inside they find a Pearl who only wants someone to belong to, and invite her to join them.
- Comments: A very intriguing AU setup with tons of great thoughts into the different versions of both Pearl and Amethyst.
New Home by Kibble Bits/Moo Moo
- Recommended by: RacattackForce
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Canon divergent after "Catch and Release", when the Crystal Gems fail to stop the Cluster with their drill and Yellow Diamond comes to Earth to retrieve the geo-weapon, Steven gives himself up to her in exchange for her help in saving the Earth. The comic follows Steven and Peridot's exploits on Yellow Diamond's ship, while Yellow Diamond has her own secret plans.
- Comments: This is actually a webcomic, and it's just as charming as the show. The writer takes full advantage of Steven learning more about Homeworld and the war from those on the other side of the conflict, making the whole debacle feel more fleshed out at a time when we knew so little. Steven and Peridot are always in-character, and the comic's version of the Diamond Authority is an interesting one that manages to turn Yellow Diamond into a snarky, ambiguously evil, and sympathetic figure.
Shipping
Stories focused on the romantic relationships between the cast. Complete
A Not So Very "Play" Date by Tangerine_Catnip
- Recommended by: Starbrand Fan
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: For the last year and a bit, Spinel had been visiting earth on a weekly basis to get together with Steven and improve their relationship. She’s learned a whole lot, but there’s still a few things she needs to work on and a few things that he doesn't know about. A few bad things.
Tags: Friends to Lovers, Love Confessions
- Recommended by: Starbrand Fan
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Steven and Spinel's daughter wakes up in the middle of the night, and Steven comforts her back to sleep.
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Lapis is a master of puppy-dog eyes and Peridot has trouble saying no.
- Pairing(s): Lapis/Peridot
- Comments: Don't worry, they're talking about dancing.
- Tags: W.A.F.F., Classic Lapidot
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Peridot has a filthy habit and Jasper enjoys it.
- Pairing(s): Jasper/Peridot
- Comments: Not porn, but still nsfw. Very in-character.
- Tags: Oral Fixation
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "Your mother saw the beauty in everything." How the Crystal Gems came to be, from Pearl's perspective.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Rose, Rose/Greg later on
- Comments: This is less of a Pearl/Rose fic and more of a story about how Rose helped Pearl realize that You Are Better Than You Think You Are.
Love that Boy by Barracuda Heart
- Recommended by A Very Gay Earl Grey
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A human AU that takes place in the 1980s. Lars, a Chinese-American student teacher, is killed near Tiananmen Square on June 4th, 1989, and Sadie, his ex-girlfriend and longtime best friend, is struggling to move on.
- Pairing(s): Lars/Sadie
- Comments: This author is Satan. How dare they write something so good and so sad.
That Is To Say, You'll Do It For Him by ceralynn
- Recommended by: completely different
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Fusions never truly disappear.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Rose
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Sugilite meets a smoking hot hair dresser when she least expects it. They hit it off right away and can't seem to stop flirting for five seconds.
- Pairing(s): Malachite/Sugilite
- Comments: Trying to imagine these characters with a normal number of arms was hilarious.
- Tags: Crack Pairing, Human AU
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Mayor Dewey didn't remember the last time he had felt this hurt.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Mayor Dewey
- Comments: The first Pewey fic posted on Archive of Our Own. It cops out on a Disney Death, but I think it's worth the read.
Locked inside words by HyourinmaruIce
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Anonymous asked: YO FIC ABOUT WHAT DA HELL PEARLMETHYST WERE SAYIN TO EACH OTHER ON DAT HAND SHIP. YO I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Amethyst
If We Meet Again by The_PalletShipping_Ninja
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Rose breaks the news to Pearl; Pearl doesn't want to believe in a life without Rose.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Rose
- Comments: Not a happy one-shot.
Laundromat by Insominiac Arrest
- Recommended by Doing-it-for-the-dishes
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Two stubborn girls with some issues meeting at inconvenient times in their lives, mostly to do some laundry.
- Pairing(s): Peridot/Lapis, Past Jasper/Lapis
- Comments: A cute Lapidot story, good characterization and setting, worth the read.
- Tags: Human AU, Abusive Relationships, Eventual Smut, Trama
- Recommended by: A Very Gay Earl Grey
- Status: Complete (The author says it's unofficially complete, at least)
- Synopsis: Drabble collection using various prompts, aus and ideas.
- Pairing(s): Lars/Ronaldo
- Comments: Didn't even ship these two before reading these, but now I am. The prompts are all a good read, some hilarious (Like "Neighbors") and others tearjerkers (Like "Pear Tree" and "The Lost Boys"). Definitely worth a read, especially for a rarepair.
- Recommended by: Perlen 297
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Steven and Connie have their first sleepover, but during their sleepover a power outage takes place. During this power outage many things happen and leads them to become even closer.
- Pairing(s): Steven/Connie
The Talking Head Game by Predominantly Normal
- Recommended by Microwave Ovens
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: When Peridot falls into a secret relationship with her taken best friend, she's already well aware that it can only end in disaster. but if she gets the one thing that she's always wanted, then who cares about the minor casualties along the way?
- Pairing(s): Peridot/Lapis, Lapis/Pearl
starwalker's birthday by the_sockpuppet
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Garnet wonders if she is Rose's replacement. Pearl wonders how Garnet could love her. Written with "Rose's Scabbard" in mind. Written for sukinkmeme, though there is nothing explicit. This story is complete, with all chapters posted.
- Pairing(s): Garnet/Pearl
- Tags: Relationship(s)
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Nerd. n. a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious; a single-minded expert in a particular technical field. Peridot knows she's going to die on Earth. Now she has only to decide how she'll spend what little time she has left.
- Pairing(s): Amethyst/Peridot
- Recommended by: Sean Devine, Ruise
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Wasn't the January 2016 Stevenbomb awesome? Off the back of "Log Date 7 15 2", I came up with a small happy silly ficlet for my current favorite gay space rock ship. Then it grew into a whole big thing.
- Pairing(s): Amethyst/Peridot, Jasper/Pearl, Pearl/Lapis, Jasper/Lapis, Jasper/Pearl/Lapis
- Tags: Fusion Dance, Ficlet, fluffy Fusion
- Comments: Really good characterization of a reformed Jasper, with a lot of introspection and tons of media references. Jasper thinks a lot in Star Wars and Sailor Moon allegories, and it is fantastic, and her interactions with the rest of the cast are really heartwarming and often rollicking fun. Has a dormant NSFW continuation in the form of Side-Step.
- Recommended by Sean Devine
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Inspired by tumblr user Quettzal's adorable comic, First Snow. Peridot was spooked when her relationship with Pearl started to get a little more serious. Lapis wants her to quit hanging around and talk to Pearl. Pearl gifts the small gem with a new set of limb enhancers, and though ecstatic at first, Peridot questions Pearl's intentions. There's a ridiculous snowball fight, and at some point Pearl is trying to get to tell her first snow memory to Peridot, whose opinion about the white stuff isn't very high. A two-part piece
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Peridot, some incredibly vague Peridot/Lapis
- Tags: pearlidot - Freeform
Stuck With You by hTeDruknenPotaT
- Recommended by Ruise
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The fact that Peridot is betraying Homeworld and will probably be killed by them hits her like a train. When she politely runs off to have her nervous breakdown, Amethyst does her best to calm her down.
- Pairing(s): Amethyst/Peridot
- Comments: A short, cute fic, told in second-person perspective from Peridot's POV.
sit, stay, good girl by emissaryarchitect
- Recommended by: belarin, Ruise
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Love and loyalty aren't the same thing, but they're close enough.
- Pairing(s): Blue Diamond's Pearl/Blue Diamond
- Comments: The rebellion told from Blue Pearl's perspective. Some really good worldbuilding about the conditioning and treatment of Pearls.
Yellow Textbooks by The_Scent_Of_Rain
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Peridot finds herself with a hopeless crush on her teacher, Professor Diamond. However, her friend and roommate, Lapis and Jasper, seem to get a little worried when Professor Diamond starts getting a bit too involved with Peridot.
- Pairing(s): Yellow Diamond/Peridot, One-sided Jasper/Lapis, One-sided Lapis/Peridot
- Tags: College AU, human AU, Friendship, Angst, Fluff, Manipulation, cursing, Drinking
It Was an Accident by oisiflaneur
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "We'll start with the pilot. You gotta do them in order." "Sssssstaaaart?" The smaller gem tilts her head and hisses the word out, as though it's foreign to her. "Theeeeeeeemmmm?" Amethyst sighs and smiles, throwing her arms out casually. "Yeah! There's like, five seasons, dude." When that doesn't seem to sink in, she just sighs and counts off on her fingers. "'Bout twenty episodes a season, that means it's... I dunno, like. More than a hundred episodes." The look on Peridot's face is worth, in Amethyst's humble opinion, every dollar spent in five seasons' worth of budget.
- Pairing(s): Amethyst/Peridot
- Tags: Series Spoilers
Fusion Impression by John Cribati
- Recommended by: Joe G
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Dr. Maheswaran and Stevonnie meet for the first time.
- Pairings(s): Steven/Connie
- Comments: Sweet and funny, and everyone is in-character. Also on AO3.
Blue Skies Smilin' at Me by Whimzette
- Recommended by: Ruise
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: When she sees Lapis dance though, she feels like her own moves can't even compare. She feels like a rock jostling from side to side in comparison to how the blue gem sways and shimmies, her hands sliding up and down her thin body and into her hair. Lapis clearly has no care in the world, not even taking notice that she’s getting quite a bit of attention from other dancers surrounding their small group of four. (Within the Home is where You Are universe!)
- Pairing(s): Jasper/Lapis, glimpse of Amethyst/Peridot
Do as they Please by Ellimac
- Recommended by Ruise
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Amethyst has been volunteering at the local animal shelter for more than a year now, and she's perfectly happy doing it on her own. But one day, she comes in as usual, and there's already someone there. Her name is Peridot, and it's not long before she and Amethyst start getting along like a house on fire. Of course, since houses on fire are generally considered bad things, it might be a bumpier road than Amethyst anticipated.
- Pairing(s): Amethyst/Peridot
Steven Universe: Return of Cinnabar by ThatGuyPlaton
- Recommended by Erin Tesden
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: When a Pre-War Gem Commander is found on Earth, Steven and the Crystal Gems have to convince her that Earth is still a loyal Homeworld colony. Yet as Steven learns more about Earth from before the war, he must struggle with the truth of his mother, newfound powers, and whether or not every enemy can be defeated with love.
- Pairing(s): Steven/Peridot
- Comments: Feelings on the ship aside, the development between Steven and Peridot's relationship is actually pretty good, and feels a lot like something out of the original series. AO3 link.
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Before leaving Homeworld, Sapphire talks to a close friend. A 100 Words A Day bonus story.
- Pairing(s): Lapis/Sapphire
- Comments: A bonus story that came about during II's "Unusual Ship Week", it offers a short, interesting idea on what Lapis and Sapphire's lives might've been like before the Rebellion kicked up, something that isn't really explored in the show or the fandom.
- Tags: Pre-Canon
Words Optional by realfakedoors
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Topaz always had Topaz, but that was before. After a strange encounter with an even stranger man, she starts to wonder if Earth has more to offer than meets the eye.
- Pairing(s): Topaz/Suitcase Sam
- Comments: The author somehow manages to make this work. Topaz is in the middle of a redemption arc and the town is rightfully suspicious of her, and while her components have each other, she feels alone. Her interactions with Sam are cute and interesting despite them never saying a word to each other, and Topaz is wonderfully in character.
- Tags: Crack Pairing, Fluff and Crack
On-going
The Art of Love and Friendship by iggychan89
- Recommended by: Starbrand Fan
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: In a garden many light years away from Earth, Steven comes across a lone pink gem by the name of Spinel when he accidentally warps himself there. After convincing her to return with him, Steven and Spinel's life changes for the better.
- Pairing(s): Steven/Spinel
No Rest for the Weary by Kookywood
- Recommended by: Kamil_Owiec
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Y/n's attempt to be a good person in a world full of evil backfires and is forced to move to Beach City. Unknown to them, they are about to embark on a journey of grand proportion and unlock some underwhelming powers they will use to help the Crystal Gems on their ongoing battle to protect Earth! Of course, they get a little help along the way.
- Pairing(s): Reader/Various
- Comments: Very well written fanfic. One of the best I have read. It remains so even after re-reading. At first, the story seems slow and idyllic, but at the moment when the main character meddle in the affairs of Homeworld things becomes very interesting and intense. Everyone is in character, and Reader Character is well-written and given their own personality. It is difficult to describe it without spoilers, so I just recommend reading it.
- Tags: Crystal Gems, Homeworld Gems, Emotional, Heartwarming, W.A.F.F., Character Development, Pink Diamond, Angst, Death, Time Travel
No Rest for the Wicked by Kookywood and https://www.quotev.com/PurplePegasus Jade Thunderhoof]]
- Recommended by: Kamil_Owiec
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: (Spin off of No Rest for the Weary) They can move the stars with the snap of their fingers. They own the Earth and hundreds of other planets. The very essence of time bends to their will. But Y/n's double from another timeline is still not happy. They are filled with anger, bitterness, resentment, and a thirst for revenge... It all begs one simple question... Why?
- Pairing(s): Reader/Homeworld Gems
- Comments: Spin off/Alternate Universe of this from No rest for the Weary. Point of divergence in alternate timeline is around the episode "Steven's Dream". This fanfiction shows the relationship of the main character with homeworld gems, like Diamonds, Amethysts and Peridots. Just like "No Rest for the Weary" it's a well written fanfic, although a bit darker.
- Tags: Homeworld Gems, Emotional, Torture, Time Travel
Hiatus/Dormant/Dead
Over Their Garden by Monsterritory
- Recommended by: Starbrand Fan
- Status: Hiatus
- Synopsis: The point of the fanfic is to have Steven be the one who desperately needs Spinel, and cares about her, noticing slightest changes in her mood and caring to keep her happy. Just like she did about him, and just like she wished he did about her. But he never did, and now...
- Pairing(s): Steven/Spinel
Soul to Squeeze by Trollface-Mastah
- Recommended by Ariel Lightning
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Greg Universe just might have another shot at love when a new woman comes to town.
- Pairing(s): Greg/OC
"An Unnamed Pearl/Rose Fic" by Steven Universe Fic Prompts
- Recommended by: completely different
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: The story of how a young, broken Pearl is taken in as the personal secretary (and eventually, friend) of the illustrious Rose Quartz.
- Pairing(s): Exactly What It Says on the Tin
Skies I'm Under by The Blind Bandit
- Recommended by Ruise
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Rose leads, Pearl follows. The early days of the Rebellion.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Rose
- Comments: A gem war era fic from Pearl's perspective. Fluff and angst in equal measure (extreme).
All That Glitters by Evaunit02mark1
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: With relationships she never needed nor wanted crystallizing around her, Peridot discovers that emotions are sticky, tangled things that are going to come with a price no matter what she does. And when one day the ocean boils over with the long-forgotten secrets of an ancient war, and a color-coded spectrum of mysteries forcibly unearths itself to face something that threatens a planet she's only just grown to feel a part of, she'll find that the price may be higher than she ever could have imagined.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Peridot
- Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, War, redemption fic, Fluff and Angst, Post-Steven Bomb 3.0 Canon-Divergent, Slow Burn, takes place after "Friend Ship", double canon-divergent as of "Catch and Release"
We Ate the Birds by trashtierhyena
- Recommended by Sean Devine, Ruise
- Status: Dormant (last updated August 2017)
- Synopsis: Lapis was wearing the same face in spite of it all, nearly statuette as she stared at Jasper. This only seemed to goad the larger gem onward. Right up until Lapis took a step forward, water parting around her as her bare webbed feet pressed forward onto the sea floor. Jasper took a step back as the gem just over half her size invaded the dome, her prison, without a noise. Lapis stared at her with seemingly no intention, stared directly at the gem on her face, the silence weighing heavily until Jasper finally spoke. 'What do you want Lazuli?'
- Pairing(s): Jasper/Lapis
- Comments: Really good drama in this one, with some really twisted psyches bouncing off each other and an intense love/hate relationship. One chapter is NSFW, but it's tagged beforehand and skippable.
- Tags: Dysfunctional Relationships, Minor Emotional Manipulation, hints of Stockholm Syndrome and Lima Syndrome, Toxic Relationships, the author is incredibly cruel to Jasper, Canon Divergent as of "Jail Break"
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Hiatus
- Synopsis: Being punched in the face by a Pearl certainly wasn't something Peridot had expected to happen to her... ever. Seeing as Pearl had bested her at her own game, Peridot decides to get to know the Gem better, however the process is annoying, distracting and filled with the one thing Peridot hates the most... feelings. Pearl, feeling more at ease around Peridot after the drill incident, allows herself to place a slight amount of trust in her. After all, she did risk herself to rescue Amethyst. How bad could it be to get closer to her?
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Peridot
- Tags: POV switch every two chapters, Body Horror, Injuries, Scopophobia, Broken Bones
Just Breathe by the_sockpuppet
- Recommended by: Sean Devine, Ruise
- Status: Dormant (last updated April 2017)
- Synopsis: A story in which Lapis Lazuli is 'redeemed' but still really angry and hurt and confused (she ain't no Crystal Gem!) Pearl's not really the best person to calm her down, but maybe the two of them can work something out (or fight something out, Gem-style!) If you prefer your Lapis 100% kind and well-intentioned, this may not be your thing. If you prefer your Lapis still really pissed about all the shit cards life has dealt her, well, maybe this won't be a waste of your time.
- Pairing(s): Lapis/Pearl
Spring Break by amaet, nedra
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Steven and his father were invited by the Maheswaran family to go with them on Spring Break, and somehow roped Garnet into coming along with; leaving Pearl and Amethyst to confront an issue that's been bubbling for years.
- Pairing(s): Amethyst/Pearl
- Tags: Chernobyl, radiation, Angst, Romance, pearlmethyst - Freeform
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: Human AU. Pearl gets drunk at a bar after a long, horrible work shift and ends up meeting a drummer that she absolutely does not find attractive, what-so-ever.
- Pairing(s): Amethyst/Pearl
- Tags: pearlmethyst - Freeform, Human AU
Guilty by Association by portbleck
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: After the Fusion incident, Blue Diamond takes the other Rubies into custody and starts to experiment. What emerges is a self indulgent poly slow build for some characters who I wanna see more of.
- Pairing(s): Ruby/Ruby/Blue Diamond's Pearl
- Tags: Imprisonment, Polyamory
Song For A Sea Lady by InazumaFrost
- Recommended by: DVB
- Status: Dormant (last updated March 2017)
- Synopsis: Pearl lived her whole life seeing humans as insignificant. All she really needed was the Crystal Gems and an Earth to protect. However, a new factor has entered her life, which might be the start of a new perspective for her. After all, not all humans can claim to have caught her undivided attention. StarBird (PearlxGreg) AU.
- Pairing(s): Pearl/Greg
- Comments: Coining the term "StarBird shipping", the fic functions as a 'for want of a nail' idea on what if Pearl was present when Greg performed in Beach City instead of Rose (and a nail where Pearl resigned herself to the idea of not being with Rose). Everyone is brilliantly in character and portrays the growing friendship (and relationship) between Greg and Pearl.
Dark Fics
Stories focused on making the series darker, and/or exploring the darker aspects of the series. Complete
Pearl byOne Hit Wonders Anonymous
- Recomended by: zanyotaku
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Pearl is a manufactured Gem who finds herself born into cruelty before she knew anything different. When she is found to be a defective model, she is cast aside to be destroyed, as is customary, but a factory worker has a different idea. Suddenly Pearl finds herself locked in Homeworld's underground Gem-fighting rings and must learn to survive, or be crushed.
- Comments: A dark take on Pearl's origin story back on Homeworld. The fic is still in its early stages, but already looks to be an interesting, suspenseful, and dark exploration of what Homeworld might be like, especially for a "defective Pearl". The world-building feels believable, and the OCs are memorable in their own right, and many moments have been downright chilling so far. Definitely worth checking out.
- Update: It's a finished fic now with an equally gripping sequel in the works: Caustic.
- Update: It's a finished fic now with an equally gripping sequel in the works: Caustic
- Tags: Disturbing Themes, Alternate Origin Story, OCs, Dystopia
Shattered Reflections by TigerMoonBETA
- Recommended by theinfamouswordsmith
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Something of equal or greater value. Lapis is worth more to Peridot than anything.
- Pairing(s): Peridot/Lapis
- Comments: This is a human AU featuring drug dealer Peridot and the girl she bought. It's equal parts maddening and heartwreanching.
- Tags: Human AU, Recreational Drug Use, Sexual Slavery, Drowning, Blood, Alcohol Abuse, Violence, Dubious Consent
Three Dead, One Missing by Doc_Cairo
- Recommended by: CCIB
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Detective Zeke Strahm has been on many a crime scene. Even the clean cuts through the burglar's bones don't seem that unusual to him. What bothers him is the unexplained disappearance of the victims' daughter. And more so, the strange beings he encounters while searching for her.
- Comments: Connie goes missing after her parents are murdered, and one detective goes in way over his head trying to find her.
- Before you ask, yes, it's that Zeke Strahm. Sort of.
- Tags: Alternate Origin Story, Major Character Death
The Price of Incompatibility by EvantheNerd83
- Recommended by: Muppet
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: An alternate take on Steven's first Fusion.
- Tags: Body Horror
- Recommended by: CJ Croen 1393
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Steven knew of the second tape her Mother and father had made in case he was ever born a girl instead of a boy. It said Nora on it. What he didn't know where the others buried underneath the sand... (one shot)
- Tags: Both Psychological and Visceral Horror
The Wrath of Topaz by Starcharter-75
- Vanished from the internet (the only archived site found only has the first chapter out of twenty); please post a link if found.
- Recommended by Awesome Waffles
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: An old enemy from the Crystal Gems' past comes back to haunt them in this epic tale of revenge and justice.
On-going
Hiatus/Dormant/Dead
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Bad endings to Steven Universe episodes. ** WARNING - CHARACTER DEATHS ** (Rated T for violence and deaths of course.)
- Comments: A cute series of oneshots where Steven dies horribly (or at least, the Crystal Gems can't save the day) in each canon episode. This troper’s favorite is "Together Breakfast", where Steven gets possessed by the evil smoke spirit and Pearl has to stab him to death. Feel free to review; the author is open to suggestions.
- Tags: Character Death, Major Character Death, Alternate Ending, Bad Ending
Caustic by One Hit Wonders Anonymous
- Recomended by: zanyotaku
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: A sequel fic to Pearl, this fic starts detailing Pearl's new life with Rose Quartz and the slow journey to heal herself, both inside and out.
- Comments: Another fairly dark-toned fic in the works picking up where "Pearl" left off. If you enjoyed the previous fic and feel up for even more pathos definitely make this a fic to read. For fans of dark fics, I really can't recommend this series enough.
- Tags: Alternate Origin Story, Drug Use, OCs, Dystopia
Crossover Fics
A fan fiction which incorporates characters, events, places, ideas, etc from another fandom. Crossovers
A Crystal Heart's Easy to Break, Baby by The Qing
- Crossover with: Space☆Dandy
- Recommended by saltin, meme-asaurus
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: An unwelcome and Dandy face from Pearl's past returns in pursuit of a rare and terrible menace that could spell the end of Beach City. Unfortunately for her, Steven thinks that he's a pretty cool guy. A hilarious and heartbreaking Space Adventure in Space...on Earth.
- Comments: Strong characterization and chemistry among the cast members show that this crossover's got promise.
- Imagine Ronaldo coming into contact with alien robots. Now imagine Ronaldo coming into contact with one alien robot. Imagine that robot was QT. Imagine Ronaldo interrogating QT in the middle of the beach. Imagine QT becoming annoyed with Ronaldo. It all happens in this fic, and it's all wonderful.
- And just in time for the Holiday Season, a completely sincere and heartwarming Christmas special called The Gift of the Dandy.
You Crack Me Up, Steven by (jturne709)
- Recommended by: bluman08
- Status: Complete
- Crossover with: Sam & Max
- Pairing(s): Joke Amethyst/Max, doesn't last more than a few lines.
- Synopsis: When Everyone in Beach City (Except Steven and the Gems) disappears, they must rely on two idols from Steven's past. (Takes place between "Too Far" and "The Answer." and sometime after Season 1 of the Tell Tale Games)
- Comments: You ever come across one of those crossover fanfics between two works that you never would have thought to bring together, yet is written well enough to work? This is one of those fics.
A Conspiracy of Minerals by Completely Different
- Recommended by: meme-asaurus, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Crossover with: Gravity Falls
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: A strange, out of the way town. Supernatural beings. Hidden plots. And plucky children, destined to save the world. Wait, which show are we talking about again? (A series of unconnected, crossover one-shots between Steven Universe and Gravity Falls, to lead up to the shared premiere of Steven Bomb 3.0 and "A Tale of Two Stans".)
- Comments: The Crystal Gems go on mission in the Mystery Shack while Grunkle Stan rips them off. Bill asks Malachite about Steven. That's just the first two chapters. It's all wonderful.
Lars Meets the Groke by BarracudaHeart
- Recommended by: A Very Gay Earl Grey
- Crossover with: The Moomins
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: While wandering lost in the woods of Beach City, Lars encounters a strange, frightening creature that freezes everything it touches. But is there really anything to fear?
- Comments: I grew up in Sweden for four years of my childhood, am all too familiar with Moomins, and was super excited to see my favorite fanfic author was familiar with them too. Mårran, the Groke, scared the hell out of me as a kid, she still does, but I feel bad she's so lonely too. Two charming shows with scary elements deserve to be together!
Gem Tales by Harmonic Halcyon
- Recommended by: Ruise
- Crossover with: Classic fairy tales (Currently Beauty and the Beast)
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: A prisoner in an enchanted castle, bound by a spell that can only be broken by trust in the very person who holds her captive. Golden apples, feasts that never grow cold or stale, and a fatal rose. Transformations: Princesses disguised as monsters, and monsters who become queens. Fairy tales featuring Gems as villains and heroines.
- Comments: I'm not actually sure if this is a direct crossover of some particular version of Beauty and the Beast that I'm unfamiliar with, but it seems to use some of its own plot elements to suit Jasper and Lapis's unique situation in canon, and it's pretty good in its own right.
- Recommended by: Rock Raider, Crossover-Enthusiast
- Status: Hiatus
- Crossover with: Gravity Falls
- Synopsis: What if, instead of Beach City, the Crystal Gems had settled down in a little backwoods town just west of weird? What if, upon coming to Gravity Falls for the summer, Dipper and Mabel were to befriend Steven and Connie? How would they fare against the combined threats of merciless Homeworld Gems and a certain triangular demon? Find out what happens when magic and mystery combine...
- Comments: Has a Tropes page over at Universe Falls.
A Gem in the Rough by drillmaster
- Recommended by: Clipboard Fox 22
- Status: Complete
- Crossover with: One Piece
- Synopsis: When Steven accidentally activates an ancient Gem weapon, he finds himself on the Grand Line on the ship of the Mr. 5 Pair heading for Little Garden. How will they react to a youth that fell out of the sky? How will this impact the quest to save Alabasta? What will the Gems do to get Steven back?
- Comments: Adorable crossover with the world of One Piece that not only keeps everyone in character and in focus, but even manages to redeem several of the Quirky Miniboss Squad of Baroque Works. Has a sequel: Gems Without Measure; A Pirate's Treasure, with a trope page here (Dormant; last updated May 2018).
Transforming The Universe by Dalek Prime
- Recommended by: Enigmus Prime
- Status: Dormant
- Crossover with: Transformers
- Synopsis: The Decepticons have discovered an ancient Gem machine that could could give them total domination across the galaxy and they'll crush anyone who stands between them and their victory to have it. Now the Autobots and the Crystal Gems must unite despite their shared distrust of one another if they are to stop Megatron from achieving his goal of conquest over the universe.
- Recommended by: Enigmus Prime
- Status: Complete
- Crossover with: Transformers
- Synopsis: Steven, through unspecified circumstances, wanders a forest with the company of the brutal but warm-hearted giant robot; his new friend puts on an act of being mean and scary, but Steven knows Sugilite. He knows all about big things that everyone thinks is scary, and he knows how to get through to them.
- Comments: A pleasant character piece between Steven Universe and Grimlock.
The Head and The Heart by twistedthicket1
- Recommended by: Sean Devine
- Crossover with: Sherlock
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: John Watson entered the Gem War not expecting to return home. When he's critically injured and saved by all things by one of his enemies, he must learn that sometimes, sides are not nearly so black and white. Sherlock Holmes is a full Gem, living as a detective in London. He's both in many ways what John (and his newfound powers) need, and yet quite possibly everything they should avoid. A Gem and a half-Gem, living together... They might just possibly be the answer when the uneasy peace is threatened between Gems and Humans by a madman who merely wants to watch everything burn.
- Recommended by: Crossover-Enthusiast
- Crossover with: Undertale
- Status: Hiatus
- Synopsis: Your name is Steven Quartz Universe, and you should have listened to Pearl when she warned you against climbing Mt. Ebott.
- Recommended by: N8han 11
- Crossover with: Team Fortress 2
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: The Crystal Gems aren't the only ones who protect humanity. Nine "specialized" individuals have been honorary members of their crew since 1972. It's time for you to meet the team once again, but now they have a new addition.
The Resurrection Stone by Completely Different
- Recommended by: Keeperof Tales, Ruise
- Crossover with: Harry Potter
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: When Steven Universe turns eleven, he's utterly excited for his chance to attend Hogwarts, the school that he's heard so much about from his- well, 'family members' is probably the best way to describe them all. But there's a lot he hasn't been told about the magical world he's finally entering. There's a darkness lurking beneath the surface, and if he is to survive, Steven is going to have to learn just how much of an impact the past can have on the present.
- Comments: Brings in the theme of equality between the two heritages/worlds from Steven Universe and applies it the world of Harry Potter. Memory Charms are still disturbing, magic folk are still somewhat clueless of the muggle world, magic does not solve everything (but the wizarding folk are not rendered idiots), and Steven is still Steven in the midst of it all. Also a point of the author to show how Pearl is in the same position of Canon Snape and does it 1000% percent better.
- Recommended by: Drillmaster
- Crossover with: Harry Potter
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Passing through the Veil to a world not his own, Steven Universe finds himself in a world of wizards, where he is forced to learn a different kind of magic to survive.
- Comments: A cute story that adds Steven to the world of Harry Potter and shows how he would handle the same situations with the main cast of characters. The characters are written well and enough attention is given to a Hogwarts that has been affected with the likes of Amethyst roaming around. Though it sticks rather close to canon initially, it has finally started to add its own twists to the mix starting with the Goblet of Fire part of the story. (Not to say there weren't liberties taken before, but it has truly started to affect the plot by this point.)
Universetale by PitViperOfDoom
- Recommended by: nixlheimr, Crossover-Enthusiast, lettergirlmj, Treguard
- Status: Dead
- Crossover with: Undertale
- Synopsis: When the barrier comes crashing down, the Crystal Gems are the first to notice. As it happens, the world that the Monsters rejoin is fairly accustomed to the presence of magical beings. This can only be a good thing, if Steven is any judge.
- Comments: Don't let the (admittedly strange) choice of Second Person put you off. One of the few fictions where Frisk retains the ability to Save... and some people notice quickly.
- Seconded. It may be abandoned, but the eleven chapters that are there are well worth the read. A quick warning; Lars has been given a slight Ron the Death Eater treatment (there's no way he'd be that rude to someone he's just met, even if they were a different species). He's only in one or two chapters, however, so it shouldn't be that much of a problem.
Gems are Unbreakable by The Black Mage of Phantasm
- Recommended by: Silentghost
- Status: Ongoing
- Crossover with: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
- Synopsis: Steven Universe and The Gems have saved the world so many times in the past, but now a new monster is rising in their town. Steven has to face off against a man unlike any opponent he has battled against so far. And what does a purple-haired teenager have to do with any of this? Steven doesn't know, but one thing's certain. He'll need everyone's help if he wants to save his home.
- Comments: A dark crossover where Josuke Higashikata is transported to the world of Steven Universe along with Yoshikage Kira. Every character sticks to their personalities and each chapter is an absolute blast to read.
- Tropes Page here.
Different Doctors Meet a Most Unique Universe by SONGUE
- Recommended by: TT Fan
- Crossover with: Doctor Who
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Maybe what Steven's universe need is just another rebellious alien dropping by...
- Comments: An ongoing story that gives equal focus to both the Doctor and the Gems, expertly inserting one of his incarnations into the story without making it feel too forced. Characterization is strong, particularly in the second chapter, which features a conversation between 10 and a grieving Pearl that feels ripped straight out of both shows.
The Connie-Ronnie Switcheroo by MrTyeDye
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Crossover with: The Loud House
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: A device borrowed from one of Lisa's colleagues allows Lincoln and Ronnie Anne to take a firsthand look at an alternate timeline. The timeline is almost identical to their own, with the exception of one detail; Ronnie Anne has switched places entirely with Connie Maheswaran of Beach City. How will the brash bully and the bashful bookworm adapt to each others' universes?
Aliens With Trapper Hats by toonfreak
- Recommended by: monsterman42
- Crossover with: Sgt. Frog, with many cameos from different aliens
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Yellow Diamond and her Pearl have brought along a Ruby soldier to the Galactic Council meeting. The debate? A discussion that will determine the fate of that miserable planet-Earth.
- Comments: The Who Framed Roger Rabbit of Sci-Fi fanfictions! Also found here.
- Has three sequels: Aliens With Trapper Hats 2: The Brave Little Toaster, Aliens With Trapper Hats 3: Short Stack!, and Aliens With Trapper Hats 4: Final Frontier. Final Frontier is dormant (last updated October 2019), the rest are complete.
- Tags: OC-centric
A Triangle In The Stars by The Cosmic Troper, AKA Vampire Tails, and Anonymistress
- Recommended by: Monolaf 317
- Crossover with: Gravity Falls
- Status: Dormant; last updated March 2018
- Synopsis: While the Gems are away, one day Steven "stumbles" upon a new roommate... his life will be turned absolutely upside-down.
- Has a trope page here!
The My Little Universe Series and Spinoffs by Equestrian Kirin
- Recommended by: Eric W
- Crossover with: My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
- Fics in the Series: Season 1, Season 2, Season 3, Mindwarp, Season 4, My Little Universe Anarchy, Season 5,Season 6,
, and Supernova.- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: What if, thanks to some off-screen shenanigans by a particular Draconequus, the plunder vines didn't just spread to Ponyville, but also to the grand fountain of Rose Quartz! And what a time for that: the grand gems themselves need it the most. Just how much trouble will both worlds end up in, especially when the worlds become connected? Will there be friends, foes, or both? Let's see where this ride will go. Many songs, adventure, and silliness to come! Ponies and Gems unite!
- Comments: An ongoing story that gives a fair amount of Alternate Character Interpretation to Gems and ponies alike (though more to the Gems). Picking up at episode 24 of Steven Universe and the Season 4 opener of FIM, the author commits to telling a story that's...different from what's expected. Oh sure, there are some similar beats to what goes on in both canons, but thanks to some unique spins, Equestria Kirin ends up taking the overarching plot in a very different direction. Let's just say there's a few more than five active Crystal Gems in this universe.
- Recommended by: Geeky Asari
- Crossover with: Kingdom Hearts
- Vanished from the internet. Please post a link if found. Reboot link here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22493626?view_full_work=true
- Synopsis: Connie Maheswaran: heroine, nerd, jam bud (formerly), knight, part of an experience, and occasionally a scared little girl. When everything she's ever known is ripped away from her one fateful night, Connie finds herself on an isolated island chain, protected from the encroaching darkness by some primordial magic. There, she must contend with the ashes of her past, prophetic dreams, her own insecurities, and a trio of kids determined to drag her out of the dumps by force if necessary.
- Comments: A good one for Connie fans everywhere, even if she is put through hell. The writing can get a bit verbose, but regardless it's quite a good fic, with excellent characterization on all fronts and a frank depiction of PTSD. Definitely worth a read, even if you're not a Kingdom Hearts fan, since the author has written it with the intent of being understood by everybody.
Do You Even Know Me? by REDEADED
- Crossover with: Death Stranding
- Recommended by Queen-Roger
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Peridot is a porter roaming through the countryside delivering packages along with her trusty BB. Her days are filled with dodging B.T.'s and Mull's along with the cold wind at her back. This is her coming to terms with the loss of her wife and their child, Cecilia, becoming her BB.
Add ReviewThe Distant Princess by GMBlackjack
- Recommended by Spectacular Troper
- Crossover with: My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Adventure Time, Samurai Jack, Wander over Yonder, Infinity Train, and Gravity Falls.
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: The world saw the purple comet, and very few knew what it was. Twilight Sparkle was one of those who had no idea, so she decided she was going on a trip to get some answers. With her friends at her side, she sets her sights on the Candy Kingdom, believing she is prepared for anything. But evil brews in the Candy Kingdom, and she is far from the only individual to have seen the comet. Ancient secrets are about to be unearthed and mysteries from very distant lands will rear their ugly heads. Meanwhile, a ragtag group of misfits is going to go on and adventure. Because what else do you do in a world like this?
Infinity Train: The Beach City Car Book Series by Mastered Ultra Instinct
- Recommended by Spectacular Troper
- Crossover with: Infinity Train and Glitch Techs.
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis:
- Infinity Train: The Beach City Car: Steven thinks he is done defending the Earth he, Tulip, One-One, and Atticus are confronted by a strange new force. (Complete)
- Infinity Train: Book Two: Return to the Beach City Car: After Steven's gem bonded with Tulip, a new adventure brings her right back to the Infinity Train, but this time, it's a race against time to save Steven's life while helping a new passenger navigate the train and lower his number while evading the flecs, including Officer Shard and Special Agent Bane in this thrilling sequel to "The Beach City Car". (Complete)
- Infinity Train X Glitch Techs: During one of Apex's routine scavenging missions Grace and Simon find themselves separated from their group, and they realize that they'll have to rely on Tulip, Jesse, Lake, the Glitch techs, and each other if they want a shot at actually surviving the train's dangerous cars, especially with Zenith and Polaris hunting them down, determined to destroy the Apex... (Ongoing)
- Infinity Train: The Beach City Car
Peace of Mind, Piece of Heart by TheLostChimera
- Has a tropes page.
- Recommended by Spectacular Troper
- Crossover with: She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and Infinity Train
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Catra is a soldier at the end of a war, and she's lost everything. Steven is a half-gem who's falling apart in the middle of an era of peace. Both find themselves unlikely companions aboard a mysterious, endless train where each car contains a whole new, logic defying pocket universe. While they struggle to get home, making friends and enemies along the way, an interplanetary war and a desperate search continue in their absence, their worlds spinning along despite their disappearance. It's a long journey home, but where exactly is home, anyway?
Fatherhood by Platon
- Recommended by pikablob
- Has a tropes page
- Crossover with: Epithet Erased
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: When a strange girl and her father arrive in Beach City, Greg can't help but be pulled into their lives. What he's seeing just can't be true, it can't be. He has to be sure, and once he is, he has to put a stop to it. How Molly Blyndeff was saved by Greg Universe.
Infinity Train: The Star Child by RadFish
- Recommended by Spectacular Troper
- Crossover with: Infinity Train
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Steven Universe shattered Jasper. While he was able to fix her, he will never forgive himself. So he runs. He runs until he is whisked away on a train ride he'll never forget.
Infinity Train Book SU: Gem Shards (Steven Universe AU) by JaiCartoons
- Recommended by Spectacular Troper
- Crossover with: Infinity Train
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The events of the past few months have begun to take a toll on his mental health. Steven no longer trusts anyone to help him, but his options become very limited when he is abducted by the Infinity Train, a seemingly infinite train with countless cars that lead into different pocket dimensions. Steven must journey throughout the train and its infinite cars to learn more about himself if we wishes to leave.
Spinel Okey-Dokey! by Peridawesome
- Recommended by Sir Ijona
- Crossover with: Loki (2021)
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Spinel's entire path was laid out before her, and she was never meant to be the main character. But what happens if she accidentally veers off her apparently chosen path?
Steven Universe: The Way to Dawn by Metro XLR
- Recommended by Phoenix Chimera
- Crossover with: Kingdom Hearts
- Pairing: Peridot/Lapis/OC
- Status: Dormant; last updated October 2020 in Fan Fiction.Net/last updated February 2022 in DeviantART
- Synopsis: After 6,000 Years of agony, Lapis Lazuli has finally accepted the Earth as her home, the Crystal Gems as her family, and even found love and the promise of a bright future she never thought possible. But, the brightest future can cast the darkest shadows. And, a great darkness looms that may spell doom for Crystal Gem and Diamond alike.
- Comments: An AMAZING Steven Universe/Kingdom Hearts fanfic that started and continues in DeviantArt.
Not your problem to fix by PinkMuseSundays
- Recommended by Effect 7
- Crossover with: WandaVision, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and What If…? (2021)
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: 6 months after SU Future, Steven stumbles upon a woman in dire need of help. Several weeks after destroying the Darkhold, Wanda finds herself in a completely different universe. The Scarlet Witch struggles between handling her grief, correcting her mistakes, and seeking her children. Steven tries not to be a therapist 24/7 but things can easily get out of hand when the person who is hurting can rewrite reality at will.
Heart and Mind by Scruff the Rat (FF.Net link)
- Recommended by: VictorioMWolff-Haddock
- Status: Ongoing
- Crossover with: Persona 5
- Synopsis: When a new threat descends upon humanity, its hybrid nature forces the Crystal Gems and Phantom Thieves to collaborate in a race against time for the fate of all.
