mindareadsoots:

That always has been Steven’s greatest advantage, the difference between him and Homeworld. The difference between Steven and Rose even. Rose eventually found something like a family with Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, but it was after a lifetime of abuse under the Diamonds.

The root cause behind almost all of Rose’s flaws is that she never truly understood Love. She understood that it was important, but she knew that because the absence of it left a hole in her life that she was keenly aware of.

That’s why she could never quite got it right when she tried to experience it herself. Pearl was nearly destroyed by her relationship with Rose, loving though it was. And Steven has been struggling to deal with her legacy for his entire life. It’s the whole point of the series closing song: Love Like You. 

If I could begin to be
Half of what you think of me
I could do about anything
I could even learn how to love like you

But the lesson Rose wanted to learn is a lesson Steven didn’t need to learn. He’s known it all his life. It’s been a part of him, always. And now it’s time to bring that lesson back home.