Connie's sword swung down at Steven, its sharp blade whistling as it cut through the air. Raising his shield, Steven blocked and stepped back, smiling as he caught Connie's eye. When Connie first suggested sparring as a way to exercise, he was skeptical. It had been almost a full year since he last needed to fight, after finally deciding to bubble Eyeball and Aquamarine indefinitely. He just didn't see the point.
But now, as he stood toe-to-toe with Connie, feeling his muscles burn and his heart pump, watching her grin, and seeing the way her body stretched and moved with each attack, he could say with absolute certainty that it was worth it. If only to see the way Connie's face lit up as she swung her sword.
Steven blinked and quickly backpedaled, dodging a sword strike that was a bit too close for comfort. “Getting a little distracted there, Steven?” his girlfriend asked, a smirk on her face and her sword at the ready.
“Can you blame me? My eyes are being blinded by the sun.”
Frowning, Connie took a quick peek behind her. “The sun isn’t—” She paused, her smile widening. “Tsk tsk tsk, flattery won’t get you anywhere.”
Steven chuckled, keeping his shield up as he stepped to the side, circling around Connie. "It won't," he said, eyes twinkling with mischief. "But it does let me see that beautiful smile."
Connie rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. "You know, if you spent less time talking and more time fighting, you might actually land a hit."
"Oh, but where's the fun in that?" Steven replied, dodging another one of her strikes. "Besides, who can focus when they're up against someone as breathtaking as you?"
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Connie laughed, a bright sound that made Steven's chest tighten with affection. "If you're trying to distract me, it's not going to work," she warned, though her eyes shone with appreciation.
"Just stating the facts," Steven replied, blocking another series of strikes with his shield. He watched her every move, admiring her focus and determination.
Steven could see the sweat on her brow, the way her hair clung to her face, and it only made her look fiercer, more beautiful. He found himself momentarily lost in the sight, and Connie took advantage, pushing him back step by step.
"Stop running and fight me, Steven," she challenged, her voice low and commanding.
Steven's eyes locked onto hers, and he nodded, taking a deep breath. "Alright, no more running," he agreed. He shifted his weight, readying himself for a charge. "Prepare yourself for a love-strike."
With a burst of energy, Steven lunged forward, shield leading. Connie's eyes widened just a fraction before she sidestepped, using his momentum against him. She hooked her foot around his ankle and, with a deft twist of her body, sent him sprawling to the ground.
Before he could react, Connie was on top of him, her knee pressing into his chest and her hands pinning his wrists above his head. Steven looked up at her, breathing hard, a grin spreading across his face. "Guess I fell for you again," he said, a mixture of admiration and amusement in his voice. "Well then, you have me pinned. What are you gonna do?"
Connie smirked, eyes twinkling. "Oh, I have a few ideas," she said before bending down and locking her lips against Steven's, stealing his breath away. They stayed like that, Steven trapped under her mercy, as Connie savored the taste of his lips. When she finally pulled away, Steven felt lightheaded, his face hot and flushed. Connie licked her lips as she sat up, humming contentedly with her own blush. “Hmm, strawberry, my favorite.”
Steven's face went even redder, a small chuckle escaping his chest. He was thankful she was pinning him down; otherwise, he might just float away. “You know, if this happens every time I lose, I might just stop trying.”
Connie laughed, getting up and offering her hand. “You wish.”
Steven sighed dramatically as he took her hand. “I really do.”