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Sadoderes. What are they? What is their personality? Are there deres and tropes similar to this anime archetype? Is redemption possible? This post will show you just that.
What is a Sadodere?
For those who aren’t familiar with the archetype or have never visited my blog, a sadodere is someone who loves to toy with the emotions of their love interest. It’s like teasing but taken to a new level, they love to manipulate and play with their crush’s feelings and humiliate them for their own pleasure.
Basically they are just sadists with a lovey-dovey side.
Personality
Aside from the sadism, sadoderes are known to be cruel and manipulative, most of them lacking in empathy. Depending on their level of sadism, some characters may even turn violent. What lead to them doing that can involve a tragic backstory, but in some cases, some people are born sadist.
Tropes Similar to Sadodere
Yandere
Surprisingly, some people confuse sadoderes with yanderes. While some yandere characters can be sadist, not all of them are. But here is what really distinguishes them from sadoderes.
It’s how their sadism is used. When a yandere displays sadistic tendencies, they would use their sadism on someone who tried to take their love away from them. With a sadodere, their sadism is leaned towards their significant other. In other words, a yandere would take pleasure on punishing those around their relationship while a sadodere would take pleasure using their sadism on their significant other to cope with their romantic feelings.
Yangire
Yangires commit atrocities for non-love related reasons, namely out of trauma. A lot of yangire characters happen to be sadists as well.
There are a few similarities. Both sadoderes and yangires seem to be characters with a normal personality until they reveal their true colors. They can both be charming and charismatic. After comparing the two, I have found some differences. Sadoderes are sadist towards their s/o due to their twisted love towards them, while yangires would perform sadism for other coping mechanisms that aren’t related to love.
It’s no surprise some yangire characters are also sadodere. The top example of a character who’s both would be Kurumi Tokisaki from Date A Live.
Teasedere
A teasdere is someone who teases their love interest playfully. They’re mischievous and they like to tease someone they’re romantically interested in. They’re like a toned down sadodere, except a teasedere’s love is healthy.
The overall diference is they do not manipulate, nor do they want to cause pain towards their love and others around them. Unlike sadoderes, teasederes truly care about their loved one, despite their mischievousness.
Redemption, Is It Possible?
According to The Dere Types Wiki, yes. However the wiki didn’t explain on how their redemption would happen. My take is that it varies. It would depend on their level of sadism and level of empathy. If they have a high level of empathy and a high level of sadism, they would want help due to their extreme guilt for taking pleasure in someone’s suffering. If a character has a low level of empathy and a high level of sadism, then their redemption is near impossible. The level of empathy is what I believe would really influence their decision making in the future.
So that’s it on the post dedicated to the sadodere archetype. Let me know if you want more posts relating to this Let’s Talk! I’ll probably even do a series on that in my new tag Anime Archetypes Let’s Talk. If you want a post dedicated to a specific anime archetype, don’t be afraid to ask. Take care everyone!
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"Hmm?" Connie droned in concentration, looking at the assortment of choices in front of her, laid across her bed, arms crossed and head slightly hanging to the left."What would get him really, really rev him up?"
She picked up a small black mesh teddy with a lacy ribbon before sighing and putting it back down. Her eyes caught an Icy blue babydoll with pink tanga panty. "Hmm..No."
Maybe the green and blue corset, No. She turned, and her eyes broadened at the red ribbon bra and panty set. "Oh... That was a good time...The body painting, touching...So fun, but...This is a holiday special." She placed it down, fondly looking at it...
It was one of her favorites...
"Dizzy? Jacko, maybe?" she'd put both costumes into consideration…"Doesn't feel right without him being Ky or Sol...or a camera."
Connie groaned. He has been gone for a whole month and was coming back tonight...Hell, he might be on his way now, and she couldn't decide on what sexy thing she could put on go tease and please the love of this and every other one of her lives.
"I know Mister won't care. I could be coming out of work at R&D...Wearing work from R&D, and he'd still see me as desirable... It's only right that I live up to it." She sighed as she fell back on their bed before turning to the closet...
Her eyes widened as she saw it. "That's it.."
It was sexy on her; it made her feel good when she wore it; it drove him batty with loving lust, and..it meant something to them both—one of their most precious remembrances. She smiled as said memory hit her and made her heart and pelvis warm. With a giddy smile, she bounced and from the bed to get the outfit.
Steven walked in a few hours later, finished making his rounds around LHW. Smile on his face as he saw the candlelit arrangement with strawberries on the living room table.
"What is all this about?" He pondered, popping a strawberry into his mouth. As he was about to pick another when warm palms blinded him, and another feminine warmth pressed his back.
"Guess who?"
Steven smirked as he heard the teasing sing-song voice of Connie. "Well, either a luscious lioness, a mischievous minx, or my naughty, playful Heartberry. It's a 20-20-60 chance that it is Heartberry, though."
"Congrats," She kissed the back of his head gently and snuggled into his broad back. "Welcome home, Mister."
"It's good to be home," He responded with a smirk. "So what's all this bout, Heart?" He pointed towards the setup. "And what are you hiding by the by…" He reached to remove her hands from obstructing his view.
"Wait!" Connie ordered as she removed her hands before holding him by the chest. "Don't turn around, not yet. I want it to be a surprise for you, Bisky."
"Oh. What's the occasion, Nini?" He popped another berry into his mouth.
She giggled. "Don't you know the date, or has all that traveling made you lost to time?" She kissed his trapezoid tenderly, getting a bit of a shiver from him.
"October 21st?"
"It's midnight," she kissed his spine, getting another shiver and sigh. "You were out all day, giving everyone your attention."
"So? it's October 22nd."
She laughed into his back when the date left his mouth, feeling the shock and excitement run through her Mister.
"The anniversary of our war game." His voice was full of fondness and admiration as he held her hands in his, kissing the palms.
"Also, the anniversary of our time at Empire City." She added, holding him by the waist. "Been a year since then. We've done so much."
"True, we certainly have...We've gotten more intimate with each other."
Connie gave him a bit of a nip on his tail bone due to his pervy tone, making him yelp " That's true," she chuckled. "Gave you a great birthday."
"Yeah, you certainly did. Kept me on my toes, running all over, playing your mad game. Like some birthday Riddler, or Joker."
"I prefer birthday dungeon master." She teased, "Besides, you got some cool gifts, and you loved it all. I got video proof." She retorted with a sigh, "Plus, you gave me one first. Cosplays, photoshoots, parades, chases through the city, meeting Wanda and Alex... "her grip tightened as her voice got a little more sensual, and her lips came close to his ear " The time in our hotel room... The night in our hotel room ."
"Which one?"
"Both."
The two laughed in quiet devotion.
"Well,you did ask me to sink it in." His voice smug and relaxed, getting a slightly tighter grip from her.
"I did, and you certainly delivered...Cocky."
"And you love it."
She sighed, "Stars know I do…" She admitted,
"Provocative Minx." He teased, getting a laugh from the researcher.
"I prefer Lubricious Lioness, thank you. Also, you are not innocent in that issue, hippy ."
Steven scoffed. "Not my fault you have a majestic...Everything."
She smirked, "But you prefer my hips and my ' heart,' more than anything."
"Your fault, since that damn dance in your old room." He argued weakly.
"Oh, you mean the one where you asked to live in between a wall and my butt...My 'heart.' She jest, "Who would have guessed you'd get your wish months after?"
"I figure the answer is you...You did give me keys, after all."
"Best. Decision. Ever." She joyfully laughed. "I always get breakfast, lunch, and or dinner, just in case I miss any one of them." She hummed before going silent.
"Connie-?"
"You take way too good care of me, Mister." Connie gave him another kiss. "I'm so thankful for you."
"You don't have to thank me for that." Steven declared.
She shook her head. "You don't know just how much it means, the things you do for me. Definitely, this year. All the time, you were there for me. Rather it's with a meal, to talk to me, being that person I could lean on and vent to, keeping me from getting to wrap-up in work or reprimand me when I needed it." Connie laughed, sniffing a bit. "For the big things too like my birthday..and actually giving me Valentine's day I want to remember...For unknowingly accepting my invitation and moving in with me."
"Hey, where's all this coming from, now?" Steven asked, a bit concerned by the slight dampness of his back.
"Nothing...No wait, it is something." She wiped her eyes. " It's a lot of things, but it easily boils down to one thing...I love you...You're my best friend, the best thing that ever happened to me. I appreciate you for everything you've done for me, with me- "
"To you." He added with a slightly lecherous lingo.
She chuckled, "Yes. To me as well, my mischievous Mister. Though I always thank you for that."
"You give as good as you get, Naughty Heartberry." He smirked. "I wanna see you...Know it supposed to be a gift, but I want to look you in those midnight eyes of yours."
"Mmm…Why do you have I be so..Charming " She released him and stepped back from her chuckling partner, with a blush as he turned around. It grew more when she saw his facial expressions.
"Oh...Wow." Stevens' mouth went dry, and his toes curled at the visage in front of him as his heart rammed itself into his chest repeatedly, and his gem burned with craving and desire, the same as the last time.
The last time, when the outfit hung off her curves loosely, stopping right at the highest part of her thigh and made her look sinfully, innocently teasing.
This time with her body a year fuller, a bit taller with lean muscle, with more pronounced curves, arches, and angles, that allowed her to fill out the outfit to the point it stopped right at her hip, giving a perk of what was under; she was honest to God temptress out of a fantasy, and just like last time.
It was effortless.
"Happy Anniversary, Mister." She smiled innocently as she scratched the back of her head with sleeves a bit too long. "I know, it's a bit of a cop-out but.." she went low in tone. "It was what I was wearing in Empire City a year ago. When we started to get truly, physically intimate...and I ~mmmmm~hmmm~hmmm~ ! "
She was interrupted by Steven sealing her mouth with his own. The feel of his right hand upon her cheek, of his bottom lip, finding its way between her own as he sucked on her upper lip, and his tongue as it gently massages her top teeth and gums. She couldn't help but swoon and melt for him, just like always.
'chu !' They broke the kiss, leaving her in a slightly, giggly love-drunk gaze.
"Oh, wow, hehe." Connie grinned as she shifted in place. "All that for putting on your black turtleneck and green boy-shorts set." She teased, only to yelp in surprise when he lifted her over his shoulder and guided her to the couch. "My Mister's manhandling me," She laughed as he sat on the couch and straddled her upon his lap, facing him, his hands on her hips, hers own folded upon his nape.
"What's that look on your face, Hubby." She teased, resting her forehead on his, looking at his eyes. The impassioned gaze they held.
"Thank you."
"Hmm." She gave him a sly grin, "For what? The outfit? Eep! -Chu !- " That got her hip a pinch and her lips a peck, both she welcomed warmly.
"A bit " He grinned as squeezed her bottom, watching her chest hiked as Connie took a deep breath.
"A bit, huh?." She whispered in a husky tone, biting her lips.
"Well, more than a bit. -Chu- , but real talk. All playfulness aside -Chu- , Thank you." He caressed her cheek. "Thank you for all the fun memories. My birthday, the performance in new year's...For letting me pamper you on Valentine's morning....and your birthday." He gave her a fox grin, "Eh-hehe, for February 15th…"
"Yeah...Think I ended up enjoying that more than you, Bisky -Chu!- It was fun being your canvas...Letting you have your way and all." She poked his nose, getting a grin.
"I don't know. Complimenting you for two hours straight. Making you a blushing mess, that was a highlight of my year." He teased, getting a slap on his chest.
"I think you just like making me a jumble of nerves."
"Turning my lioness to a cub. It's a joy to be embraced..." He laughed before stroking her ear with his thumb."Not to say, I don't like being your toy as well." Hearing her hum and lean into his machinations with a loving smile made his heart soar. "Thank you for that too."
"I love it when you call me 'Lioness' or 'Cub." She mewled, "Guess that makes you a cat-toy, though."
"You certainly had the tail and ears to prove it at one point." He grinned. "Thank you for letting me treat you like this... "His grin dropped to a small smile " For letting me love you like this and for loving me. For all the affection you showed me. For all the times you dropped or worked remotely to spend time for me. All the silly games that remind me of our childhood. All the time, you helped me with my ambassador duties, helping me with my speeches and all..…. All the times you were there when everything felt too much; ...For giving me a home. Not just having a place to come to but somewhere warm and joyous- For..this." He waved his hand, "For doing things like this. it's really… Amazing."
He kissed her short and sweet. "You're amazing. Damn, you're so...Heart-swelling... Not only do you make me love you, but I'm proud."
"P-Proud?" Connie stammered, turning her face away in a basement.
"Yeah! Why wouldn't I be?" He started, "I get to come home to my best friend. My wonderful, ingenious, strong, captivating lioness of a best friend." He added, holding her chin up to face him. "Heartberry, being partners with you, is one of the greatest pride in my life." He declared, kissing Connies' forehead before she pulled the turtleneck up to cover her face and showing more of her green set.
"Connie, you ok?"
She didn't respond to his teasing tone, verbally, but nodded on as she rested her head on his chest, humming as she rubbed her back." Punk." She said, muffled. "You know what saying that you're proud does to me." She lectured gently.
"Admittedly," He lightly pulled the turtleneck down to see her face, marooned with a pouty smirk."Small part it feeds that well-deserved ego of yours." He chuckled.
"I don't have an Eg- mmmhh~hmm!"
* CHU !*
Steven smirked, looking at her shocked but satisfied face."I know...All you do..all you have done and will do, never clouded your mind. Only serving to humble you more, and push you to your next goal." He nuzzled against the bridge of her nose. "It's one of the reasons why I'm proud to say that you chose me to share this thing we have with me," he grinned as he stole another kiss, " also, it gives me a whole bunch of reasons to brag about you."
"You- you don't really do that, right?" She blushed.
"Oh, you know, I do. You can ask Spinel and Yellow about how I talk you up to other delegates.
"Steven." She moaned in embarrassment as she snuggled closer. "Why?"
"Because you deserve to be known and acknowledged." He answered.
"But I am. The diamonds, The gems, Little Homeworld, R&D. They see me...More than that. ..You see me." She glanced at him. "You have for years...The very first person who saw 'me' ..." Connie laid her forehead upon Steven's, her married cheeks becoming more heated. "I want you to be proud of what you see… Just like I am when I see you." She confessed.
Steven's face took a shade of bubblegum before a smile split his face. "There's not a moment I'm not proud of you, little try-hard." He grinned before gaining a kiss from his Heartberry...
"Maybe, but your *-chu-* adoration is worth *-chu-* the effort.". she kissed him one last time before hopping off his lap to stand. " Speaking of efforts, let me show you the fruit of mines." She held out her hand to grasp, beaming when Steven took it.
"You seem eager," Steven commented with a playful husk as he followed a bouncing and strutting Connie up their stairs. "Making it kind of hard to concentrate, though." He added as his eyes got more than a bit of thigh, hip, and green cloth with each step.
"Oh, you're concentrating on exactly where I want you to." She smirked, putting a bit more twist in her hips to give him bit lips.
" Mm~mm ! Teasing Minx."
She did. "Like when you call me that too."
When they got to the top of the stairs, she led him past their bedroom and towards the recently installed 'room.' It's don't was reminiscent of the crystal gems temple door, sans gemstones. In their place was a hard-light handprint reader. Pressing her hand inside caused the door to glow a bluish light before sliding open.
Within was a room that could only be described as 'Connie Maheswaran.' Inside was an endless hall of a traditional-looking south-Asian palace with perpetual sunlight gleaming through its windows; full bookshelves as far as the eye can see furnished the castle with it's red, gold, and yellow walls adorned with swords and violins.
"I always liked your room; it's like a fantasy ballroom library mixed," Steven said as he looked around. "Better than my pink clouds."
"I like how imaginative your room is," Connie answered. "But this isn't what I came to show you." She looked up taken a deep breath.
"Room: Oct 22!"
Steven watched as the room changed from a palace to a familiar setting. A very sentimental one. The king-size bed, the white walls with a flat-screen embedded in the northern border, the dresser and mirror on the east wall and the door to the bathroom on the west wall, and the ceiling mirror looking back above the bed.
"Is...Is this our hotel room from Empire City?" Steven asked as he sat in the bed. "This feels like the same bed."
"Do you like it?" She smirked gently. " I know, we could have just gone tomorrow, no problem...But, I wanted to bring the memory to you. Since you just returned from traveling." Her smirk relaxed to smile, a shy one. " So...Did I impress you?"
Steven could only nod. "Did she impress me? She asks." He joked. A wickedly caring grin on his face, " Yes. Of course, you did; how couldn't I be impressed by this, by you…What's this about, Heartberry?
"It's simple." She walked up to Steven, straddling his lap, "My gift to you is the recreation of that night, that first time we gave each other our everything; it took a while... Been working on this reality since you left."
"A whole month?" He inquired with his eyes wide open as she nodded. "You took a whole month to recreate our first time?" He chuckled as he looked at her, drinking her image in. The way his turtle neck fit her, the way the light of the moon gave her a near ethereal glow, the carnal and passionate aura that radiated from her, just like last year.
Just more.
"I'm your little ' Try-hard .' Remember?" She pushed him down onto his back, looking down at him with a loving and libidinous smile as she felt him palming her seat. "So, of course, I'm gonna try hard to give you the best anniversary ever.." She admitted as she bit under his chin, caressing his temple as she did. "To show you how thankful I am for this year."
Steven sighed at the feel of her manipulations, squirming under her a bit. "Now, well, I'd be remiss... Hhmmm~mmmm .. " He paused as to bask at the sound of her melodious giggle as nipped along his ear. " If I didn't meet you, half-way."
"Oh, you're definitely past 'half-way .' Not really hiding your ' pride' now are you, Mister." She teased as she pressed herself a bit more on him holding him close.
"Not trying to." He gave her a devilish smirk before turning over suddenly, positioning her under him, and him between her knees. He looked at her bit lip smile, her raven hair backdrop, the turtleneck that rode up to half her torso—his palms on her boy-short covered hips.
"You're quite proud , indeed." Connie arched her left brow.
"Of you." He started, tracing her lip with his thumb, dipping down to kiss her tenderly, "and I'm -chu- gonna show -chu- you, exactly -chu- how proud. -CHU !- It'll take the whole night, though."
"Show me." Connie implored, "You can start by doing that classic and beloved song and dance..and sink them in ." she laughed before moaning as the telling 'shing ' of his teeth transforming, and the feeling of his fangs squeezing down her collarbone as his hands affectionately traversed her torso. She held him close by the back for his head and shoulder blades as she gave him more of her neck to please. Her knees, clutching his side.
He took a moment to look at her as she did him. They exchanged no words, just a glance and a peck of their lips that soon developed the heartful nips, upon places other than their lips. Each field with the feeling of being missed and missing 'this' as they began their night of loving, carnal, and prideful anniversary bliss.
Hiyakasudere is another term for Teasedere. It describes characters who love to tease their love interest. They’re a playful lighthearted version of a Sadodere, except they would never go far as to sabotage or make other characters suffer. Takumi Usui from Maid-Sama is a good example of this dere type, but Takagi from Teasing Master Takagi-San is an embodiment of this archetype.
What kind of dere is 002 from Darling in a franxx? 🤔
Zero Two would be a Teasedere (now called Hiyakasudere on the wiki). But she could also be a mild version of a Hinedere as well. (I mean look at that teasing face! xD)
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Her phone came alive at 7 am. A course of guitars and synths played, forcing the young R&D director to the world of the waking. She stretched her strong, toned body, getting the kinks out, feeling the rays of the sun on her skin. Crawling out of her bed, she walked out of her room and towards the bathroom, rubbing her eyes.
"Play Heartberry's morning list." She groaned tiredly as she walked in stripping off her sleepwear as 'Can't Hold Me' began to play while she stepped into the shower.
Fifteen minutes passed and Connie was dancing back into her room as her playlist resounded through her home.
I am the Eggman, that's what I am
I am the Eggman, I got the master plan
She sang, swinging her hips as she chose her clothing for the day. She smirked at the outfit in front of her, before stripping out of her robe.
"Incoming call from... Mister." A robotic voice called out from the house speakers.
She smirked.
" Answer!" She called out.
With a beep, the call was answered and the music dropped behind the call. still loud enough for her to still dance to.
"Morning, Heartberry."
"Morning Mister..Surprised you are up at this time."
"Really, don't I always call around 7:45?"
"When you're on earth, which last time I checked, you aren't." Connie smirked as she slipped on her underwear. "So how did it go or are you still on your diplomacy mission?"
"Pretty good, we actually finished sooner than expected, but enough about that..Wanna see how my Heartberry's doing and wish her a happy day before work.".
"Aww, you're sweet, but you're up to something as well." She chuckled as she pulled up her jeans on her waist. " Tight fit. Might need to go shopping soon."
"Jeans?"
"Yeah...How the hell?"
"I've seen your hip struggles."
"I don't know if I hate what you're insinuating, Bisky." She rolled her eyes at his playful chuckle. "So, you're gonna come with me clothes shopping whenever that may be." She placed an orange hoodie over her, pulling it down to her navel and pulling her hair out of it and putting it in a ponytail.
"What and watch you grunt, swear and dance your way into jeans..Oh I wouldn't miss that for the world."
"Punk."
"You love me."
"Naw, I tolerate you." She taunted. "I also mildly, slightly, diminutively...Miss you."
"Oh..Such blessing, much wow."
The two shared a laugh before falling into a silence of comfort. Connie looked at herself in the mirror, liking how her black Jeans and orange hood fit her form.l before putting on the smallest of clear lips gloss.
"I'm wearing orange on black today."
"Ooo! very cutey spooky..Guessing you just put on that lip gloss you made at R&D."
"Yup.."she snickered "Thank you for your cooperation...Your essence makes for great cosmetics and healing products."
"Anything to help...Besides, I got to use the true lab and its precious hidden sauna and spring…" He paused. "When did you find the time to make that and who taught you to make 'rooms'? "
"Hey, hard work and passion brings results, besides a group of gems actually made it...I just planned the design. "Connie sighed before continuing. Plus, I needed to keep myself busy someway and well...When you got a battalion of gems and humans who have the same mindset.." She sighed gently giving herself one more look over, blowing herself a kiss. "Great things are bound to happen.."
"That or explosions." He teased
"It''s a coin toss, really." she reciprocated. "And who says explosions aren't great."
"I guess it depends. So it’s 8:04 now. You're usually in the lab by 9:30, 9:45."
"Give myself time to do extra stuff..Like go down to the dojo and get some sparring in…" An impish grin enveloped on her face. "My figure isn't all gem magic and Maheswaran genes, you know."
"Oh, I know and it shows, trust...But I do take blame for being a motivator." She scoffed at his smug voice. "That and the gem magic. "
"You're cocky today, Mister. Maybe, you should come down and get tossed around a bit."
"More like you wanna get pinned under me." His voice took on a more husky tone "We don't need a ring for that when there's a perfectly strong mattress in your room."
She laughed gently. " Ease, Bisky...I think we're getting off track."
"We had a track? I thought we were just shooting the wind."
"Really."
"Well, I also wanted to make sure you left home with a smile."
"Come on." Her bashfulness and adoration showing though. "I'm talking to you. I'm gonna be smiling at least until dinner..Work at R&D pending."
"Well I can pick you up and treat you after."
"See, now I'm gonna be smiling all day. Though seeing you before would work better"
"It would bring one to my face as well."
"My good sir, thous my company not bring you glee?" She smirked at his chuckle.
"Thous company make for an exhilarating exuberance. When it's tangible company." he sighed dramatically, getting a giggle. "Alas, all I have is your disembodied voice. Woe is me as my heart grows fonder in your absence, my Heartberry knight."
"Bravo, bravo.. " She clapped at his performance with a snicker.
"Ugh, no! We had an alien delegate who spoke like that. It was sooo hard, not to laugh and cringe at the dramatics."
"Oh~ho ho. My poor Mister."
"Yeah yeah." He grumbled in annoyance
"What can I do to make my Mister happy?"
"Hmm? Really?"
"Or course.Making sure you're smiling before I get to R&D is part of my morning routine." She waited in silence for a few seconds before his voice resounded.
"Can you sing for me?
She noted how shy, tired, and downtrodden her Mister's tone became.
"Sorry that was strange..
"Are you nearby?" Concern was thick in her voice, all forms of teasing gone as she stood up from her bed and headed downstairs.
"Umm..Yeah, actually. I..
"You're already here, Right?"
"Uh..Yeah.."
She smiled as she walked towards the front door. opening it see Steven Universe, with breakfast from Startries. She should have been chuckling and teasing about how diligent he was, but the bags in his red eyes, the paleness and splashes of pinkish-purple of his skin, and the chapness of his lips said he had a rough one this time.
She took the bag in one hand and Steven's hand in her other as she guided him into the living room. Placing the bag on to the table carelessly, she sat on the couch lap together. "Head here, Mister." She slapped the top of her thighs as she gave him a tender and reassuring smile.
Steven nodded before following her direction, laying his head on her lap facing her. His arms immediately around her waist like a life line as he nuzzled into her stomach.
Her hand was instantly in his locs, running through his hair, feeling slight and receding protruding in various places.
"Any request, love?" Her tone was even and pleasant, unjudging and expecting nothing from him
"That…'Love'. Can you sing me that?" His tone was exhausted and broken, yet held a spark of love. He sighed feeling her cool lips in his heated cheek.
She breathed deeply..
Love
So many things I've got to tell you
But I'm afraid I don't know how
Cause there's a possibility
You'll look at me differently
Steven sighed at her contralto pitch. It hit his ear like a cool spring, cleansing him of his worries, doubts, and negativity. It was the sweetest and most relaxing sound ever produced.
Love
Ever since the first moment I spoke your name
From then on I knew that by you being in my life
Things were destined to change cause......
He hummed as she gave him another kiss. Looking up to see her smile down at him. Her black eyes; full of pride, and adoration.
Love
So many people use your name in vain
Love
Those who faith in you sometimes go astray
Love
Through all the ups and downs the joy and hurt
"Connie." he stated, feeling a bit tired due to the pleasing affection " You have got to..
"Day off." Her voice was doused with finality.
"But you.."
"Day. Off" She moved closed gently placing her forehead upon his temple, lips to his ear. She continued to serenade him.
Love
For better or worse I still will choose you first..
"Well, Look who finally showed up!" Wanda exclaimed as the duo walked up. "I heard that you guys were having your own little photo-shoot without my equipment." She folded her arms and sneered in jest. "That hurts my pride, you two." Her eyes glanced at Connie in the Asuka outfit. "Though seeing such a body in some of my merchandise makes up for it."
Steven's eyebrow arched in slight envy as Connie gave Wanda a smug smile.
"Why, thank you." A slightly flirty tone laced her voice as she tipped her cap. "I think it looks good on me too."
"Then I can Imagine how our resident Shinji feels." The witch teased getting a smirk from Steven.
"What's there to say, that hasn't been said."He shrugged. " She makes angry psychotic breaks hot." He chucked as Connie gave him a gentle elbow into his gut.
"Hey now, Steven." She smirked.
"Hey nothing. You're the one who said I make 'depression' sexy."
"I stand by that claim."
'Hmm..Did something happen?' Wanda observed as she watched their antics. There was a certain lack of passion and a bit more reservation in their tones and smirks. She shook her head as she turned her direction toward the set up behind her.
"Ok you two, let's get this shoot going shall we?" Wanda suggested. "Who's going first?"
"That would be me." Connie announced with her hand raised.
"Ooo, now that's a treat. Get over there."
Connie gave Steven a quick grin before walking forward, passed Wanda and the camera set up and up onto the 'Main Stage'.
The 'Main Stage', usually a revolving platform surrounded by mirrors, had a more traditional set up. Most of the mirrors were removed except for four full body ones each corner of the seven foot wide, circular revolving stage. The backdrop was.a green screen that stretched over the revolving platform stopping at the mirrors edge. Studio led lights towered over the mirrors and peered downward towards the stage making it bright but not blindingly so and thanks to the central air of the whole studio it was at a comfortable temperature. All in all it definitely made her feel like she was the center of attention, which made her feel a bit anxious.
'Oh this is, more than expected.' Connie looked at each of the mirror's perspective of her and slightly grimaced at her reflections as a bit of self-consciousness slipped in. ' I..I should have probably asked Alex for some makeup...I wished he told me how much he planned for this..didn't think I would get professional shots done. I feel a bit overwhelmed..What if the shots don't come out well.' Her face started heating up as Steven comments and actions in the dressing room played in her head."Though, he did say I looked hot." She grinned a bit looking up.
"Admiring yourself?"
She turned to see Steven walking up to her camera in hand, a slight grin on his face.
"Admiring the set up." She stated before narrowing her eyes.at his grin. "You didn't take a candid shot, did you?"
Steven scoffed at his companion, putting his finger tips to his chest. "To think that you would accuse me. Your Biscuit, your Mister, your man; of taking a shot of you unaware and behind you back. With this professional camera," he held up the black device in his right hand, "for shame Heartberry. For shame."
"You definitely did ."
"But I used my phone."
She chuckled as he brought out the smartphone and handed it to her, showing her the picture. It was of her looking up at the set up. He hands folded behind her back, her left foot on her toes, a small smile on her face and the lights reflecting in her black eyes.
'Admittedly, that's a nice shot.' her musing thoughts were interrupted when she felt him pull her close to him with his left hand on her navel, pressing her back to his chest while holding the camera above them with his right. She rested her left hand on top of his while rubbing his whiskered chin with her right sticking out her tongue towards the camera to go along with his flirty grin.
With a press of a button, the camera clicked with a quick flash of light and temporarily strained their eyes.
"Ok, flash was stronger than expected." Steven chuckled as he rubbed his eyes. "Sorry about that Heartberry." He blinked multiple times, getting his focus back.
"You're fine, Mister." Connie reassured as she blinked a few times herself.
"Want some help with that, heal your eyes like that one time?" He joked.
Connie blinked again but on emotion based reflex. "Uhm... I would but we lack a drink." Shyness gripped her throat as she spoke.
"Ah, that's true" Steven rubbed the back of his head. "Guess direct contact is our only choice."
"Guess so." Connie breathed deeply as she closed her eyes.
Steven palms gently pressed against other cheeks getting a reflexive grin from her. "Smiley." He teased before placing gentle butterfly kisses on her eyelids. Getting a giggle from the young woman. "Better?"
"Uh-uh." She held his hands in place, keeping her eyes close. "I think you need to try again."
"Oh, really." He heard the anxiousness under the flirting before kissing her cheeks tenderly. "Better?"
She bit the corner of her lip, holding back a giggle. "Getting there." her tone, more relaxed and teasing.
"Getting there, huh?" He whispered closed to her lips.
His breath tickled her, bringing a little heat to her face. As she massaged the back of his hands with her palm." Uh-huh."
"Let me help you along then. "
She snickered as he laid his lips upon her. His slightly wet lips met her soft chapped in a sweet kiss.
Her hands slipped to his wrist as the kiss deepened from a simple pressing peck to a clipping lip lock capturing his upper lip between hers own while he did the same with her bottom.
The gentle feel of the mutual suckling upon each other's lips. The tight protectiveness of his arms around her waist and palms on her seat. The looping of her arms under his own grip on his shoulders, pulling him closer as she asked for and was granted access into his mouth with her tongue, evoking a love filled hum from her.
They released the oral action with a soft 'chu' as they held each other in a swaying embrace ignited by a feeling of understanding between them.
"Better?" He whispered warm-heartedly into her shoulder.
"My eyes are, yeah." She nuzzled a bit closer. "I don't think you're talking about that, though."
"You're right."He sighed, feeling her stroke his locks. "You looked unsure up here..Kind of scared."
"Been awhile since I've been in the spotlight like this. Guess i'm a little nervous.."
She turned to the mirror looking at their costumed reflections, her sight lingering on his form. "Kind of feel below par for such a professional shoot. Unlike you, handsome."
Steven turned to her with an arched eyebrow. "You are gorgeous, you know that right, Berry."
"Hmm, what you mean in costume?"
Steven smirked "Oh you're wearing that plugsuit much better than the actual character," He praised while kissing her cheek "but.. I was talking about in general.
"Well you did say I make 'psychotic breaks' Hot." She jested.
"And I stand by that." He smirked. "Jokes aside,the pictures are gonna come out fine..better than fine." He gazed at her lovingly. "They're gonna be extraordinary because " He gave her a quick peck. " For one, I'm taking them and you know I won't make you look bad."
"I trust you to make me look beautiful, yes." She massaged that back of his ear, getting an appreciative snarl.
"You already are and I got evidence of your photogenic allure to prove it. " He shook his phone with a grin before whispering in her ear.
Connie's face turned maroon at his words, and her grin grew as she turned to his lecherous smirk. "Really? You want a shot like that."
Steven shrugged as he pursed his lips. "Not like I don't have one..It just you'll be in different costumes instead of my shirt and short shorts"
"True enough." She whispered, giving him a squeeze ."Thanks, Mister. For making me feel better." She kissed and smiled against his temple.
He nuzzled into her shoulder "I said nothing that was a lie..Your beautiful Connie"
"I'll take your word for it." She sighed. "Still.Though... After the awkwardness in the room..I guess it kind of made anxious to impress you." She moaned in embarrassment.
"You don't have to try to impress me, Connie." He chuckled. "Though I kind of feel the same." He admitted. "Can't help but want to impress the one you love, right?"
"Oh,Steven." She gasped.
"I know, Berry...We'll figure it out, later."
"Promise?"
"Of course." The two shared a kiss to seal the promise before he moved to press his forehead against hers,
The inadequacy and uncertainty from before, easing down by the sound of each other's breathing, the sensation of each other's touch, the warmth of each other's affection.
"I love you." their dual whispers was followed by a duet of silent chuckles as the weight on their hearts was lessened a little.
*Click!*
They both turned to the sound of a camera, took their attention. Releasing each other in the process.
"I'm sorry. It was just..You two are perfect together." Alex apologized, camera in her hand. "I had to take the shot."
"Come on, now." Steven complained as he glared at Alex halfheartedly. "That was something a little private."
"Sorry...I...I'll delete it." Alex offered in remorse.
"Don't." Connie stated. "It's fine," She reassured the receptionist.
"You sure?"
"Yeah.. Like you said. You saw something worth taking a shot at." She interlocked her left hand with The man beside her, getting a surprised glance. " We can relate to that." She smiled giving his hand a kiss and a squeeze. "Right?"
Steven's face glowed pink at her actions but soon settled as a bright smile grace his face, "Of course.When something that worth it comes along, you gotta take your shot. "before facing Alex.
"Oh.. Cool." Alex grinned in excitement. "So since that is the case..How about we start with the couple shots? Sure your friends would enjoy them as well."
"Yeah sure." Connie agreed.
"We can begin whenever you two are ready."
The two looked at each other. Identical grins as the feelings of anxiousness was now matched with the feeling excitement. Both were eager to know exactly what the other wanted.. and scared about how things would change, now that the term 'love' was out there, but they trust the person standing by them enough to navigate and work through the inevitable changes in their companionship.
"Ready for this, Heartberry?" Steven smiled gently, his question having a double meaning.
"Yup. Ready if you are, Mister." Connie answered in a similar tone, as she gave his hand a loving squeeze.
Both surprised and elated at how true and freeing the answer was.
“Hmm...I can take it again or change it with some filters.”
Connie scoffed at the suggestion. “No way in hell, I want my screensaver and background to be authentic, thank you.”
“Oh! So I'm gonna be both, huh? “ He lowered his chin to her right shoulder as he looked at her phone screen. “Much honor, so cool.”
Connie felt her face blazed as her stomach twisted at his close proximity. Looking at his goofy smile from the corner of her eye, trying to fight the tension she felt within. At any other time she would stroke his whiskered chin, kiss his cheek, or even steal a taste of his lips, before making a joke about his own.
‘I still could, but...Would that give him the wrong idea?’ She couldn’t fight the annoyed snarl from her face. ‘ What wrong idea!? There is no wrong idea cause, we're cool... ’
“Nini, You ok?”
“Hmm?” She looked at his concerned face as he backed up a bit. “What’s wrong, Mister?”
“Thought maybe you can tell me, you look like you’re fighting a rogue gem.”
“Oh.. Um.” Her nose flared anxiously, before she chuckled. “Sorry...Just have you on my mind, that’s all.”
“Didn’t know thoughts of me could entice anger.” He gave a small strained grin
“No, no.” Connie grabbed his hand. “ I’m not mad at you.. I have no reason to be mad at you or at all.”
“You sure?” He winced a bit. “You’re kind of putting the squeeze on my hand there, Ni.”
“Oh!” She released his hand, putting hers on her lap. “Sorry Steven. Guess I don’t know my own strength.”
“That’s the excuse you’re going with, “ he sighed as he shook his hand. “You know i’m quite aware of your body control, Maheswaren.” He arched his left brow as he flexed his hand, a bit of forced joviality in his voice.
Connie grumbled. “It’s not an excuse. My mind was preoccupied.”
“On me right?”
She nodded “Yes.”
“Hmm…”
An uncomfortable silence settled between the two.
“Is it about what I said?”
Connie kissed her teeth, waving him off. “ What? You mean that you love me?” She tried to fight the fidgeting within.
“Yeah. I mean..” He turned red faced but gave her a reassuring smile “ I hope I didn't rattle you?”
“No no.. You think a confession would shake me?” She gave him a grin that didn’t reach her eyes. "After all, I said it first, right?"
"That's true, but.."
“And aren’t you getting a bit big for your breaches…" She gave him a playful wink. " I’ll have you know, I'm quite desirable and have been confessed to before.
.”I know that." He smirked."You have used me as a bracer before.'
"Only for the real determined ones who wouldn't take no for an answer."
The two shared a small laugh before the silence returned.
"Hey, are you two doing ok in there?" Alex's voice called out causing the two to turn towards the dressing room entrance. "Are ya decent?" She added .
"Yeah. We're fine." Steven assured.
Alex dipped head into the room, with a smirk. "Sorry guys, but Wanda wants me to work for my money. Can you believe that?"
The chuckles she got were small and felt obligatory, looking at the two in the dimly lit room, she could tell something heavy happened. 'So how is my new favorite 'non-couple'?..." She paused as she looked at Connie's hand.."Is ..is that a cellphone camera?"
Connie arched an eye at the sudden question and the sly tone of it. “Yes? She turned to Steven who shrugged,just as confused as her.
“Oh, having a little private photo-shoot Huh?.” Her teasing look made the Jam-baes look away.
“Nothing like that, just for a few of our friends. Trying to see which ones to send.” Steven offered.
Alex nodded before walking in. “Can I see them then?”
The two looked at each other before handing Alex the phone. They watched her swipe through the multiple shots of Steven “Yeah….No..None of these.It’s too dark in here for a good picture.” She handed the phone to Connie “Unless they’re personal, of course.”
Connie shook her head before turning away, blushing a bit. “So noisy.”
“Part of the job, believe it or not.” She turned her eyes to Steven “Just came to tell you we set up the ‘main stage’. ”
“The main stage?” Connie inquired.
Alex smirked at Heartberry nodding. "For professional photo shoots. I'm talking lighting, atmosphere..the whole shebang. We'll even set up a digital background of your choosing for your photos." The receptionist explained. " It's all part of your package deal.”
"I didn't know you doubled as a photographer."
Alex scoffed playfully "Oh! I'm not gonna take your picture though it would be nice to have it in my wallet.."Alex chuckled as Steven kissed his teeth in slight annoyance "...Me and boss are just gonna assist and we might shoot your couple shots.."
"Then who's gonna do our solo's.."
"You are!" Alex grinned widely. "We're gonna teach you how to shoot your shot. Alex nodded towards Steven, who found the ceiling interesting. "Just like we taught him to shoot for you."
Connie felt the squeeze on her heart again and the wave of shyness wash over her. She looked over to her Bisky,who glanced at her.
"Thought it'd be a fun thing to do."
Connie couldn't help the flustered and touched feelings as he gave her a boyish smirk
"It is what you paid and worked for...Shouldn't you get your worth?"
"She told you about that." Steven groaned
"Yuuuupah."
With a chuckle, Alex turned to exit the room giving them a wave as she did. "Like I said, the main stage is ready for ya."
Connie turned to Steve with a slowly growing smile on her face.
Steven gave her a light chuckle. " What?"
"You learned a bit of photography for me, huh?"
Steven shrugged. "Maybe."
"Maybe." Connie shook her head looking down.."You always seem to go up and beyond for me."
"You've done the same for me." Steven stated as he walked up to her resting his forehead upon her crown."
Hey Heartberry. "
"Yeah?"
"Are we ok?"
"Hmm?" Connie raised her head up red on her face. "Yeah."
Both fell into silence, unsure about what to do or how to proceed.
"Stev.."
"Conn.."
The two paused for a moment, surprised at their duality.
Connie smirked before giving him a gentle kiss. "How I got so lucky to have someone like you."
"Saved my life a few times"
"I did do that." She nodded.
"Yes, you did." He chuckled coolly, before looking back at her and kissing her forehead. He held her face in his hands like a treasure. His eyes asking the unspoken question.
"We're ok, Mister." She rubbed his hands and nuzzled into his palms before kissing both.
Steven smiled before giving her a tender kiss. His lips enclosing her bottom lip as their tongues gently twist together, making her moan and melt in his hands. They broke the kiss breathing deeply.
Steven moved to her ear giving the back of it a little nip making her giggle.
"Come on, Bisky. We should get to their set up. Get those pictures." Her voice, a bit more jovial.
"But I get to shoot you first, this time." Steven gave her the corner of her mouth a kiss before toward the exit..
As Connie followed behind him with pursed lips thin.
The feeling of uncertainty and inadequacy bubbling up… within them both.
