"The air is just so fresh!" Steven Universe smiled, letting the breeze hit his face as he poked his head out of his car. Adventure Bay was truly calm. It was a coastal area that brought this feeling of happiness to him, nostalgia for the teen born in another coastal city. It felt nice to be near the ocean again after travelling for so long.

He had something to do, though, so he wanted to get to know this place better, the place that could be his new home.

But he had to meet the protectors of this peaceful town.

At least, if he could navigate his way around this place and get to this destination in time.

"Alright, Adventure Bay, here I come!" He exhaled, a smile forming. He was starting to look forward to his time here!

He then buckled up again, starting to drive around the unfamiliar area, but the sea air was familiar and he welcomed it.

Despite this, it didn't change the fact that he was still hopelessly lost.

He mentally facepalmed as his car came to a stop. What should he do now? He could ask around right? Would they be okay? Sure he had heard the people here were kind but still–

"Hey, you okay?"

He blinked and looked out to see a bulldog wearing a construction outfit, tilting its head ever so slightly at him, half of its paws on a skateboard.

He had to process this for a while, to be honest. He had seen aliens, crazy magic, and had fought a war.

Still, a talking dog.

Wait, his entire life was strange. What was wrong with a talking dog?

"Helloooo?" The dog brought him back to reality, chocolate eyes staring into his soul.

"O-Oh, sorry," he finally found his voice and apologized. "I-I was a bit surprised."

"I'm guessing you're not from around here?" The dog tilted its head.

"You got that right," he agreed.

"Well, welcome to Adventure Bay, then! I'm Rubble! I'm a bulldog with a male charm!" His tail wagged in excitement.

"I'm Steven. Steven Universe," he introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you, Steven!" Rubble smiled. "Are you lost or something?"

"Ah yeah," he nodded. "I'm looking for the Paw Patrol HQ, the Lookout I think?"

"Oh! So you're the visitor! So sorry I didn't remember your name," Rubble gasped. "I'm part of the Paw Patrol! Really cool to meet you like this, Steven!"

"Woah really? That's awesome!" Steven grinned, thankful that he wouldn't be going on a wild goose chase in a city he barely knew. "Can you please lead me there? I'm kinda lost."

"Obviously," Rubble laughed, causing Steven to sheepishly rub his neck. "But okay then! Follow me!"

"Thanks!"

With his skateboard, Rubble guided Steven through the slightly bustling town, letting him see the sights while introducing him to some of them. The fresh salty air filled his nostrils, and his breathing slowed as his muscles relaxed.

A tower soon came into sight. He had to marvel at this sight, feeling tiny compared to this huge tower.

'Well, your Corrupted form is much bigger than this puny tower,' His mind whispered.

His grip on the wheel tightened. Never again. He wasn't going to let his emotions get the better of him. Not after the damage he had caused.

Rubble's speed slowed as they approached the tower. From inside his car, Steven could see some more puppies and a kid seemingly younger than him gathered in front of it.

Steven assumed the kid was their leader since they were all standing to attention in front of him, and he would be proven right as they neared the location.

Rubble soon stopped and got off the skateboard as he headed over to them, calling out, "Sorry, I'm late!"

Everyone turned over as Steven parked his car nearby, letting them have their time before he came out.

"Thank goodness you're here!" One of them chided, a frown evident on the police dog's face. "We're supposed to be waiting for the guest today!"

"It's fine, Chase," the kid waved it off. "I'm sure he has a good reason."

"Actually, yeah I did," Rubble agreed. "Ryder, guys, I met the guy who we are supposed to meet today!"

"Huh?" They all blinked, heads slightly tilted in what he guessed was confusion.

Steven took that chance to turn off the engine and stepped out of the car as he rubbed the back of his neck with a smile, "Erm, hi there! I'm Steven Universe–"

Before he could finish, the pups surrounded him, buzzing about with grins and chattering. Something about them reminded him of Lion, and he had to chuckle before what they were saying registered.

"You're so awesome!"

"You're cool!"

"Can we play together?"

"You're handsome!"

The final one from the smallest pup made him flush and it was big enough. He was complimented by his family way too much for being their baby so this still embarrassed him.

"Alright pups, stop it," their leader cut them off as he stepped forward, giving him an apologetic smile. "Sorry for the pups. They're easily excited. I'm Ryder, by the way."

"Nah it's cool," he waved it off, shaking Ryder's outstretched hand with a smile of his own. "You already know me I guess."

"I can tell," he chuckled. "Nice to meet you Steven."

"You the leader or something?"

"Yep. Was it obvious?"

"Very. As a fellow leader, at least," he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. He had to take back the slightly arrogant statement he had made just in case. Wasn't really his style.

"Nah, that's cool," the other laughed. "Anyway, want a tour of the Lookout?"

"Sounds like a plan," Steven agreed while grinning, "Let's go then!"

'Yay!" The Dalmatian cheered.

"Let's introduce ourselves first, though," Rubble reminded them. "It's a bit embarrassing if we don't."

"Right..." the rest scratched their heads sheepishly.

Steven snorted, "Oh don't worry, I forgot as well, so you're excused."

Ryder grinned, "Well then, you know I'm Ryder and that's Rubble. The police dog's Chase, smallest is Skye, recycling lover is Rocky, water lover is Zuma, and firefighter is Marshall."

"Nice to meet you, Steven!" Chase smiled.

"Welcome to Adventure Bay!" Skye cheered.

"We should go swimming in the water some time, dude," Zuma offered.

"Not my type of idea, but I get the point," Rocky shrugged.

"Can we play some soccer when we have the chance?" Marshall asked, his blue eyes wide in excitement.

"Cut it out, guys!" Ryder laughed. "He's new here, so let's give him some breathing space!"

"Hey, it's fine," Steven waved it off. "Soccer sounds like something we can play once I've settled into my room. Wherever it is."

"Mayor Goodway said that you're staying with us in the Lookout," Zuma excitedly answered. "We already set things up for you inside, dude!"

"Woah, you're kidding!" He gasped.

"Nope! We all pitched in!" Skye grinned.

"Well then, come on in. Best to let you see for yourself," Ryder winked at him.

He laughed, though there was a slightly red tint on his face. He was just so cute! It reminded him of Connie, honestly. Well, Connie before she got mad at him and stood him up...

He sighed as that painful memory came up again. He didn't like that memory at all. It hurt too much.

"Hey, you okay?"

He looked down to see Skye, who seemed worried for him, and he smiled as he picked her up gently and said, "Nah, I'm good. I was just thinking of certain things."

"Really? How so?"

"It's a long story. I rather not say much."

"Oh okay then. But if there's anything, you can tell us. We care for you, okay?"

He rubbed her head, feeling touched that they would do that even if they had just met, "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

"No problem!"

"Hey, come on in dude!" Zuma called out to them, causing Steven to let Skye down as the two soon went to join the others in touring the PAW Patrol base.