Lapis started doging practice pretty soon after that, which had a handful of people, including himself, in a little bit of an anxious tizzy. For them, it was because performance week was only four days away, and Lapis hadn't shown her face for about two.

Feeling guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated, overhearing some conversation about Lapis's irresponsible behavior, ditching on her crew like that, Lars has to get out of the tent as he feels his throat close and his chest tighten. He exits out the back of one of the smaller tops they're doing practice in, and plops down roughly on a bench, thereafter heavily cradling his head. He takes a deep, staggering breath, feeling like it's his fault.

And, of course, this is the perfect opportunity for Steven to scare him shitless—which he does, with a little touch of his paw on Lars's shoulder. Lars hollers, his tail almost slapping Steven across the face.

"Steven, what the heck, man?!"

"Lars, are you alright?"

Lars's angry disposition immediately vanishes, replaced with a sort of wounded, lost expression—followed then by an uncomfortable scowl. He folds his arms, looking away, fingers gently caressing his own upper arms for comfort as his knees come together.

"Did...something happen?" Steven ventures carefully, and Lars tenses. He doesn't respond. "With Lapis," Steven clarifies, and Lars makes an exasperated groan, ruffling his hair in frustration.

"Dagh, I don't know!!"

Steven recoils, then blinks his wide eyes at Lars. He pauses, and carefully sits beside Lars. Lars allows it; he and Steven have gotten closer. Five months ago or so, Lars would have stormed off.

"We—we were practicin', right, like... just she and I..."

Steven nods, placing his paws on his own knees, listening politely. He knew that Lapis and Lars did their own thing, sometimes.

"And... I dunno what happened, I just—" Looking desperate and confused, Lars splays his palms outwards helplessly. "—I misstepped, because she got kinda—stuck, in this dip, and I fell on top of her. She looked... really freaked out," Lars went on, holding his arms again as he narrowed his eyes in embarrassment and shame. "I told her it was an accident, but I'm worried she thinks I was tryin' t'like—attack her..."

Lars doesn't want to specify how to Steven, and sinks his head completely, trying to hide. He's too upset and ashamed to even feel embarrassed about the state he's in, in front of Steven, of all people. Which is saying something.

"Oh," Steven says, touching a paw to his chin. His other paw extends, touching Lars on the arm, Steven's eyes large and watery. "Oh no, Lars! Lars, that wasn't cuz of you," he reassures him.

Lars sniffles, lifting his head as he glances at Steven with hesitation. "Huh?"

Steven sighs. "I...I feel bad telling you this," he says uncertainly, sort of fussing his paws nervously. "But I also feel bad seeing you guys like this. It's a misunderstanding. I should talk to her."

"No," Lars pipes up, lifting his head with wide eyes. "Lemme talk to her. Tell me."

Steven makes an uncertain face, and Lars twists over him, clutching his shoulders.

"Steven, c'mon, man!"

"Okay, okay! Alright," Steven relents, more than half having wanted to explain anyway.

And so...well, he does.