Corrupted Heart - Steven Universe x Reader

Chapter 22

"D-Dang it!", I hunched over, planting my hands on my knees, panting profoundly, coated in sweat. My eyes narrowed at the sight of the bus taking off and the empty bus stop it left me at. At the point of exhaustion, I collapsed onto the bench, trying to catch my breath. I slipped my backpack straps off my shoulder, resting it in my lap as I waited impatiently for the next bus to arrive. Feeling bored, I glanced down at the time on my phone, almost positive I was going to arrive late. A groan left my mouth.

"(Y/N)?".

A voice startled me as I immediately sat up straight. Steven approached me, sitting comfortably on the back of his pink Lion. He greeted me with a warm smile, "What are you doing?".

Raising a brow, I tilted my head up at the bus stop sign. "I missed the bus, so now I have to wait here for another 15 minutes", I explained to him.

"I can take you!", he offered, his smile getting wider. "We can use Lion".

The corner of my mouth lifted, eyeing the giant cat. It never seemed hostile or dangerous, I wasn't sure what it was, but the idea of riding a lion didn't agree with me. I rode him once when Peridot and Jasper came to Earth, and even then I was slightly anxious.

"Eh, I don't know".

"Come on! He doesn't bite--", Steven rubbed the back of his neck, sheepishly, "--Usually".

I still wasn't convinced, but I was already on strike two with the principal. The last thing I needed was her to add tardiness to my already "Spotless" record. In a moment of desperation and frenzy, I submissively gave in. I put my arms through my backpack sleeves and went around to approach the side of Lion. Steven stretched down a hand, "You need help?".

"No thanks", I responded, causing him to retract his hand. Gripping onto Lion's fur, I attempted to lift myself over, but my feet met the floor when I was unable to do so.

Steven cracked a tiny smile that I was lucky enough to not see, "How about I--".

"No! I'm fine!", my voice raised higher than I wanted it too. Copying that same technique, I once again lifted myself, pushing against Lion's fur as I swung my other leg over before I fell back down. I was lightly panting by the time I managed to get on, but I felt proud that I was able to saddle myself on a lion without anyone's help. Steven bent down to look over at his pet, stroking his pink mane that lightly tickled his nose.

"Come on, Lion! Let's go!", he patted his Lion to move. He opened his mouth to let out a yawn, but other than that, he refused to take a step forward. Steven glanced over his shoulder to chuckle apprehensively, "He's like this sometimes".

Narrowing my eyes, I reached into my backpack, reaching into a container and pulling out a tiny sushi roll. The tangy smell caused Steven's head to whirl around. "Maybe he just needs some motivation", I suggested, handing Steven the sushi roll. "Give him this".

Without doubt or hesitation, Steven waved the tasty treat in front of Lion. His eyes widened with sudden desire as he opened his mouth with anticipation. After Steven plopped the roll in Lion's mouth, his eyes began to glow an eerie white. Steven gripped tightly onto his fur, as I did the same. Lion let out a roar that shot in front of us and transformed into a white portal with a pink edge. Lion immediately took off, running straight towards the portal and diving into it.

After a quick warp, we emerged through a second portal as Lion skid across the floor. My eyes darted around, noticing the familiar environment which looked like the outside of my school. Feeling my stomach slightly twist from the experience, I hopped off Lion's back, "I don't think I can ever get used to that".

The dull-sounding bell rung from the inside, causing me to start approaching the school at a rather swift pace without giving Steven so much as a 'Goodbye'. Before I could approach the entrance, however, the sound of footsteps followed behind me. Glancing back, Lion was almost right against my back.