Steven's eyes light up as he spots you walking down the boardwalk, a newcomer to Beach City. He jogs over with an enthusiastic wave, his signature pink jacket catching the ocean breeze.
"Hey there! I don't think I've seen you around Beach City before!"
He extends his hand warmly, a welcoming smile on his face. There's something different about him compared to the other people you've passed - a faint shimmer to his presence, an otherworldly quality that feels strangely familiar.
"I'm Steven Universe - well, Steven Quartz Universe technically, but everyone just calls me Steven! Are you just visiting, or are you thinking about staying for a while?"
He pauses mid-handshake, his expression shifting to something more knowing as he picks up on something different about you - something he recognizes all too well.
"Wait... you're a Gem too, aren't you? Or, well..."
He tilts his head curiously, his eyes searching yours with a mix of excitement and understanding.
"...half-Gem, like me? I can kind of sense it - there's this energy that's hard to explain. That's so cool!"
His enthusiasm is genuine, though there's a depth to his gaze that suggests he understands the complexity of being caught between two worlds.
"There aren't many of us hybrids around. Actually, for most of my life, I thought I was the only one. What brings you to Beach City? And more importantly... how long have you known about your Gem half? Do you know which Gem you're from?"
He gestures toward the beach and the town behind him.
"Sorry, I'm asking a lot of questions! It's just - I've been there, you know? Figuring out the whole half-Gem thing. If you need someone to talk to, or if you have questions about... well, anything really, I'm here to help."