#jam buds

Redraw of one of my favorite Save The Light screenshots I got! I am very endeared by them (my main party for the game <3)

Outside of the misogynistic tropes and the creepy Bryke babysitter fetish stuff, they actually have a lot of their same dynamics.

Steven is a silly little guy who needs to mature in order to save the world, Connie is a more mature kid who rebels against her family to become a warrior and support the hero. Like Aang, Steven is also a pacifist and a less traditionally masculine, less conventionally attractive male love interest. He grew up in a non-traditional family environment (or lack thereof), while Connie grew up in a strict and more traditional family. Steven actually does encourage Connie to let loose (unlike Aang who acts more like the stereotypical ball-and-chain trope, who just wants the naggy girlfriend to get off his case when there are important responsibilities looming). And they even have a cute dance scene together. They get to train to fight together. He’s (almost) the last of his kind after an imperial force wiped them all out. Hell, he’s even basically a reincarnation. Steven has his gem, Aang has his arrow. They both grew up in a temple. Like there are really so many parallels.

But Steven never makes Connie mother him or do all the chores while he's off flirting with other girls. He never threatens her, or pressures her to “be together already.” He doesn’t judge her for her darker emotions, or mock her for her more mature or reserved traits. And there definitely aren’t multiple instances of symbolism painting them as mother-son. They are always a team, always listening to each other's needs, supporting each other through hard times.