#but anyway this is borderline fluff compared to that huh

[tennessoui]

pbatmb anakin telling obi-wan “i’m not wearing that” for the four word prompts please!

so this is pbatmb anakin saying "i'm not wearing that".

but not to obi-wan.

(1.2k) (warnings: general pbatmb warnings apply? vaguely fluffy sorta disturbing, a few uses of daddy but not in a serious way)

There’s a thunk on the other side of the door. It could be either Cody’s fist or his head.

Anakin doesn’t particularly care. He stares directly opposite him, drawing his legs closer to his chest as he shifts on the marble floor.

“Skywalker, come on,” the man says, sounding impatient. Anakin sneers. “We’re going to be late.”

“Fuck you,” Anakin says, resting his chin on his knees.

“We’re going to be late and your fiance is going to think you’re getting cold feet and planning to leave him at the altar and he’s going to make it everyone’s fucking problem in the entire goddamn city. Including me.”

Anakin narrows his eyes, considering the words. He’s not—he doesn’t want Obi-Wan to think he’s running out on him. He’s in his suit, light gray with a golden pattern swirling through the fabric, pristine white shirt and tie, lingerie beneath it all. He’s washed and plucked and styled, and he’s ready to marry Obi-Wan Kenobi.

He is absolutely not ready to leave their shared bathroom in their loft to go to whatever venue Obi-Wan has booked for their ceremony and then their reception. And that has nothing to do with his soon-to-be husband.

And everything to do with his husband’s brother, currently thumping his fist—or head, and Anakin prefers that mental picture—against the locked door to the—to the tune of…

He’s on his feet and unlocking the door in a fit of pique. “Is that really fucking ‘Here Comes The Bride’, you fuc—”

Cody’s fist, raised and pulled back for another knock, doesn’t stop. 

Not until it makes contact with Anakin’s eye.

The pain is secondary to the fucking shock. “Holy shit,” he says.

To his credit, Cody doesn’t look as celebratory as Anakin’s always thought he’d look after laying a punch on Anakin.

He actually looks pretty fucking terrified. “Fuck,” he says succinctly. “Obi-Wan’s gonna kill me.”

“Yeah,” Anakin agrees, turning around to look in the mirror behind him. “Holy shit, Fett. I’m bleeding. You made me bleed on my wedding day.”

“Quick,” Cody says. “Display the bedsheets.”

Anakin leans over the sink and prods at the red skin beneath his eye in morbid curiosity, pushing extra hard over the small cut left behind by Cody’s ring. “Oh, dead man walking’s got jokes. Tell that one to Obi-Wan, I think he’d love the implication another man took my virginity. On our wedding day.”

Cody’s glare could level a city. “Now you have to wear this.”

“I’m not wearing that,” Anakin shoots him a look in the mirror. “I wasn’t going to let you tie a blindfold on me before and now that you’ve punched me in the face, not sure I’m trusting you more.”

“Yeah, well. Before you were going to put this on because your fiance requested that you’re led to the venue blindfolded—ostensibly so it’s all a surprise, but if you ask me, he doesn’t think you can run as fast without your eyes—and now you’re going to wear it so Obi-Wan doesn’t see the shiner you’ll be sprouting in a few hours.”

“You think I’m going to wear a blindfold my entire wedding?” Anakin asks, laughter bursting out of him. “You think I’m getting married to someone as hot as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and I’m not going to look at him? Fuck, Fett, if I thought it’d work, I’d tear out everyone else’s eyes so I could look at him through them as well.”

“You say the most disturbing things like they’re something to be proud about,” Fett says, a bit like it’s a miracle.

“Like you’ve never torn out a man’s eyes,” Anakin rolls his own and prods at his cheek again.

“Yeah, well, at least I’m sane enough to understand they’re pretty fucking useless outside of the skull,” Cody leans against the doorway with a sneer.

Anakin sneers back. “Daddy, look what Cody did to my face, Daddy. Daddy, it hurt and I cried it hurt so bad. Daddy, did you hear that? I gave tears that should have been yours to Cody instead.”

Cody starts forward automatically, eyes narrowing. Anakin smirks at him.

“Just practicing, Cody,” he smiles. “In case it comes up.”

“You dirty fucking liar.”

“Yeah,” he nods. “Is that news to you?”

“Skywalker, wear it.”

“Fett, no.”

“Skywalker.”

“Fett.”

“Skywalker.”

“Fett.”

There’s a vein pulsing in Cody’s forehead. It’s the prettiest thing about him. 

“Skywalker. I’m putting this blindfold on you. And you’re going to fucking consent to it because it’s what Obi-Wan fucking wants from you. And me. And it’s my brother’s fucking wedding day and honestly, I was really hoping we’d never fucking get here, but fuck if life’s been that nice to me, ever. Even once.  And when I go to sleep, the idea of leaving you on the side of the road in a soggy cardboard box like a stray cat in a fucking hurricane is literally my happy place. Add a few bullets in your most annoying bits, it’s practically heaven, alright, so please don’t think I care about your wedding day, but fuck you if you think I don’t give a fuck about his.”

It may be the most Cody’s ever spoken to him in one go.

He narrows his eyes and weighs his options.

“Fine,” he says.

“Fuck yo—wait. What?”

“Fine,” Anakin turns to face him with a shrug. “I might never trust you not to punch me in the face given half a chance—” he gestures to his eye. “But Obi-Wan wouldn’t trust me with just anyone. Especially blindfolded. So. If I’m marrying into his mob and his multiple properties and his family, I guess. I guess I’m marrying into his trust in you.” 

Cody’s eyes narrow. “What else.”

Anakin shrugs again and grins. “And I can’t wait to hear you try to convince Obi-Wan Kenobi to last the whole wedding ceremony—to me—without demanding to see my eyes.”

Cody’s face freezes, fabric of the blindfold stretched between his fingers.

Feeling very obliging all of a sudden, Anakin leans forward to press his face into the silk. “But Cody, you have to know that if my daddy asks me to do something—like, I don’t know, show him my eyes during our wedding ceremony—I will.”

Cody grimaces. Anakin smiles.

—--------

“Thank you, Cody,” Obi-Wan murmurs as Fett guides Anakin to a stop in front of him. “I’ll take him from here.”

“I think I’m just realizing you made me walk him down the aisle,” Cody hisses. "Kenobi, it fucking looks like I'm giving him away."

“It’s not as if he has a father to do it,” Obi-Wan points out, hands wrapping around Anakin’s, strong and sure and achingly familiar. “Thank you for your service.”

“I thought you wanted the venue to be a surprise,” Fett sounds furious.

Anakin beams. “I’ve known it’s going to be in the club for ages. Who do you think suggested the venue? Ceremony and reception in one place with our bed a few floors away? Come on, use your brain, Cody.”

“Don’t make me punch you again,” Cody mutters as he takes a step back.

Obi-Wan’s tone changes like a light flickering off. “Again?”

“Yeah,” Cody huffs. “Did I fucking stutter?”

[sagemusesoutloud]

Anti-Romantic, Part 1

(credit to the original owner of the image)

Character | Jaehyun x reader Genre | nonidol!au, Mutual Pining, Slowburn, Fluff WordCount | 3.6 K Author'sNote | lmaoooo the fact that I intended this to be a oneshot type of thing oops. Wellllll, I tried. Most likely to be a two part series, but we'll see.

This is part of a series I intend to call "If Songs were Fics" and this particular one was loosely inspired by TXT's Anti-Romantic bc I'm obsessed. I hope you enjoy reading as much I enjoyed writing it!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

I don't know who loves me

And I don't care, It's a waste anyways

A romantic feeling, Kinda scares me

“Any plans for you birthday next week?”

Jaehyun shakes his head at you, “no, not yet, don’t you have that date with that barista?”

“I’m not sure, he’s been acting weird over text lately. Might not be worth it,” you shrug your shoulders. “Besides, it’s your birthday! You only get one of those a year, we should plan something.”

You were on your way to the gym, a ritual you and Jaehyun had ever since you both found out you worked for the same company. You had been childhood friends, but ended up losing touch since you went to separate universities.

It was a nice surprise to see a friendly face on the first day of orientation and throughout the duration of your training for the next six weeks. Although you were both from different departments, you enjoyed taking your lunch breaks together and sharing small gossip about your old class-mates.

“ugh, don’t remind me,” he let’s out a long sigh, “every year, it seems like my family won’t stop pestering me about starting a family.”

“What’s so wrong about that?”

“Nothing, just not for me. Or at least not yet. I don’t think I’m the type to settle down,” he shrugs again as if it were no big deal.

You gasp, “how could you say that? I’ve seen your insta account. It’s got your cousin’s kids all over it!” You stop to take a good look at him as he holds the door of the gym open for you. “Back in school too, you used to tutor those elementary kids for volunteering hours. Even when you didn’t need them. You’ve always liked kids.”

“That’s different…”

“Right. Totally different things. Got it,” you roll your eyes. This wasn’t the first time he mentioned not wanting to settle down. At first, you had thought it was because he liked ‘keeping his options open’ like back in high-school. Or, not that you knew for sure, but if the rumors were true then it meant he slept his way around. Apparently, he never slept with someone twice and despite the cold shoulder the other party would get, all you had ever heard were praises. Not that you paid that much attention or anything.

You and Jaehyun had the same circle of friends, but despite that, he had never made any advances towards you. You’d be lying if that didn’t bother you at least once or twice. You just assumed that he didn’t want to make the friendship awkward or mess with the friend dynamics of your group. Which was why your crush on him in junior high ended as soon as you got to high-school.

You ended up going on dates with other people, but nothing that kept your interest. Nothing that compared to how you felt around him. Not that he seemed to think the same, so you tried your best to stay the good friend you always have been. You didn’t want to push something he clearly didn’t want; not that it didn’t hurt any less. Throughout the years it’s become bearable, at least. Almost like a painful habit.

You check in and head to the locker rooms to change. His nonchalance about the subject had always puzzled you. You’d seen first hand how all the female coworkers seemed to sway their hips as they walked by him, how some would pop a blouse button more than usual when around him, and you swore no one else was getting that much help throughout training more than him. He was handsome and a gentleman, that much was painfully obvious.

You meet him outside by the water fountain, “ready for warm-up?” he guides your way to the treadmills.

“When’s the last time you dated?”

You would have laughed if you weren’t so shocked to see him trip from the corner of your eye. “why the sudden curiosity?” He finally responds.

“Not sudden, I’d always wondered.” You defended. “You’re good looking and you’re very…I mean, you live on your own and have your own car. You have good relations with your family AND you’re good with kids. So, what is it?” You hadn’t realized how troubling you thought it all was. But now that you started digging you couldn’t stop.

“I just—” you pause, “it doesn’t make sense.”

You hear him chuckle, “you might wanna slow down before you pull something.” You look down and realize that your pace had gone from a relaxed jog to a borderline run during your rant. Maybe this wasn’t the best time to psychoanalyze your only friend in the city.

“Well, I just don’t know how to let people in. It’s just that.” He finally responds. “I love kids, but I don’t know or think I’d be a good partner.” He slows down before stopping, ending the conversation. He waves you off with an easy smile as you stay running.

Huh, maybe you pushed him too far. Your eyes can’t help but follow him around the gym.

Sweet and bitter chocolate, The taste at the end is always the same

Like the saddest movies, Only tears in my eyes

Your hands were sweaty the entire morning, anticipating your lunch time. It was his birthday today, and while you hadn’t made any concrete plans you ended up agreeing to go over to his place after work. Your gym bag was ready with snacks and comfy clothes to stay over. You remembered him saying he was excited to watch that new Marvel movie that had recently come out so you had bought it online to stream it at his place as a surprise. But what had you nervous was the small heart shaped box sitting in your purse. You didn’t know what possessed you to buy it but you had immediately thought of Jae when you passed by it at the mall. You remember vaguely mentioning that it was a special occasion to the sales lady (as in, his birthday), but she must have thought it was your significant other rather than friend because she changed the box to the red velvet shaped one while giving you a wink. In her defense, you could have protested but…why didn’t you?

You hear a knock on your door, “hey little miss sunshine.” Ah, Nakamoto, this couldn’t be good news. He was only sickly sweet to you when he needed a favor.

“What do you want?” you deadpan. He only laughs as he makes himself comfortable in your office. “Well, nothing in particular. Can’t stop by and see how you’re doing?” he feigns hurt.

“Right—the last time you ‘came by’ you left me working over-time through the weekend,” You sigh, “so what is it this time? Missed meeting? Late proposal?” To be fair, your supervisor WAS overworked sometimes. And since you were the only worker under him, it was normal for him to sometimes share some of the load with you.

He smiles at you, “nope. Just have a proposal for you. I know you’ve been working hard these past few months and I’ve been really impressed by your work ethic.” He stands and moves closer to your desk, “And I thought some sort of reward was in order, as well as celebration.” Ok, now you’re confused. You were ok with the reward part, it usually came in the form of a gift card to your favorite coffee shop, but celebration?

“Why would we celebrate? Did I miss something?”

“Not yet, but I did recommend you to the partner position with me. And I wanted to be the first to tell you that the boss approved it earlier today. So, what do ya say? Dinner on me?” he extends his hand out to you and wiggles his eyebrows playfully.

Oh.

Shit! You were hoping this would happen eventually, moving up from the entry-level position you had. But you had never thought it would be this fast. “Oh my gosh, are you serious?” You give him your hand and he shakes it in mock salute.

“Of course, some people will come by to move your computer to the office next to mine. You start Monday!” he winks, “So, wanna go to that new rooftop restaurant? This is a once in a life-time ticket, so you best say yes.”

But your dinner with Jae…He’ll understand, right? He has to. It’s not like he seemed that excited about it anyway. And you could always spend the day together tomorrow, too. It would be pretty rude to turn down Yuta after he pulled some strings for you…

You smile at him, “Thank you Mr. Nakamoto, I won’t let you down as a partner. Yeah, dinner sounds great. Wanna meet there?”

You sit down on the small table, now nervous for other reasons.

Jae sits opposite of you, a small smile on his face. “Hey you,” he greets.

“hey…” you start, “I hate to change plans so suddenly, but…” crap, you feel really shitty. But you really were between a rock and a hard place.

“everything ok?”

“yeah, no. I actually just got promoted,” you start.

“You did? That’s awesome! So fast, too. Wow—but shouldn’t you be more enthusiastic about it?” he chuckles.

“I am, just—my old supervisor wanted to go to dinner to celebrate. And I don’t think I could say no after helping me out like that.”

“I mean, did you want to skip it or?” Now he’s confused.

“Well, he wanted to go out tonight since I start Monday and today’s Friday…I don’t think I can come over tonight,” you explain.

Realization crosses his features before he gives a small smile. “Don’t worry about it, you’re fine. And he’s treating you! You don’t know when the next time he offers might be,” he continues, “we can celebrate another day anyway.”

“Are you sure?” now you feel like shit.

“Of course I’m sure.”

For the rest of the lunch, a thick silence settles before he excuses himself back to work.

Jaehyun knew this was coming. Nothing ever went his way; it’s why he kept everyone at a distance from his heart. But he was weak when it came to you. This game of push and pull was bound to keep happening, and it only brought him that all familiar foul taste in his mouth.

I know, that sweet love song, Those words of promise

When you turn around, It's just an unfamiliar someone

It was why he decided to go else-where for university, instead of joining you and some of your friends to the one closest to home. He chose to go across the globe—far, far away from the curse of you.

It had started on a windy day, back when you were 4 and new to the town he grew up in. Jaehyun didn’t want to leave his mother’s arms, he didn’t like the thought of being with strangers until later in the day even if his mom promised that she would be back. A little girl with jean overalls like his came up to him and his mom, “why are you crying?”

“I am not!” he sniffed. He didn’t need to make new friends like his mom was trying to tell him. All he needed was to go back home. You took out something from your pocket and showed it to him, “look, my mom said I could give one to my first friend. She said it was sharing. Want one?”

In her little palm, were two kiss chocolates. “You’re not my friend,” he grumbled, “I don’t know your name.” At that, you giggled, “I’m Y/N!” you took his hand and placed a chocolate there, “there, now we’re officially friends.”

“See, Jae? You can spend some time with Y/N and have fun. Before you know it, I’ll be back,” she promised.

“Yeah, Jae! Come play blocks with me, and then we can try the coloring.” You held his hand as you led him deeper into the classroom. Just like that, Jae began to feel a little warmth in his chest. He didn’t mind that his favorite thing to do was play tag outside or that he wasn’t really good at coloring inside lines yet. But that didn’t matter to him. As long as he had this one friend around, he was content.

Sorry I'm an anti-romantic, I want to run far away

My heart that already chases after you, Blazes up as a small flame

Looking back at it now, it was a little funny. All it took to let you in back then was a simple chocolate kiss and your little sticky hand in his leading the way. You were always larger than life to him, sometimes he forgot that you were just as human as him.

As you two continued to grow, nothing seemed to change your friendship. But he knew that the depth of his feelings wasn’t mutual. It was in the way that you brought a lot different people together and decided to call it your family. Another of your friends, Jungwoo, liked to joke that you collected introverts for fun. To Jaehyun, it was more likely that you just didn’t see the fun in leaving people out. You were charming and passionate. Traits he wished he had. Your empathetic nature and gentle disposition were all that Jaehyun needed, even if he wasn’t the only recipient.

Once you guys started to hit puberty, things started to feel rocky. Jaehyun couldn’t help but physically distance himself from you, his ears were always red-hot. You had always been pretty to Jaehyun, but you were starting to become really beautiful. And if the boy’s locker rooms’ talk were anything to go by, then other people were definitely starting to realize “what a great catch” you were.

It really pissed him off. Who were they to say things as if all you were was a piece of meat? It disgusted him. But what disgusted him more was the fact that sometimes, he couldn’t help but also feel the way your body felt in his when you hugged in greeting. He hated the way his body reacted to everything you did.

He first messed around with a senior girl back when he was a sophomore, Sooyoung. She was leaving and he couldn’t take it anymore. Your boyfriend was a piece of trash and he was tired of hearing the way he would share what Jae considered to be intimate moments that had no business being public. But you seemed so happy… that next game, Jae stole the ball from him and scored on his own. Even if it cost him a three hour lecture from the coach, he would do it again. Fuck being a team, that guy was an asshole.

What he hadn’t planned on was liking messing around. He would never admit it, but the reason he couldn’t commit was because he couldn’t get rid of that small grain of hope that glowed in his chest every time you stared at him longer than would be deemed normal. It wasn’t often, but he knew he wasn’t seeing things. So, he succumbed to the cycle of push-and-pull that you guys had going on.

Jaehyun wasn’t blind, he knew that your work definitely spoke of your professionalism, but he’s also seen the way Nakamoto stared after you. Of the way his hand would often touch your waist when walking together. Even now, as he hears you apologize through the phone again as you get ready for your “date” with him he can’t help this heart feel heavy with anger. Anger at himself, for letting you slip away once more. He usually hopes for nothing but the best for you, but this time, he wishes you had an awful dinner.

Sorry I'm an anti-romantic, I don't believe in romance

I'm afraid that after burning my whole heart, It will only leave behind ashes

Throughout the entire dinner, you can’t seem to get Jae out of your mind. It keeps you from enjoying the delicious food, keeps you from keeping your usual banter with Nakamoto.

You’re about to call it a night and thank Nakamoto for inviting you out when he beats you to it, “damn, I was hoping this might be a good break from the usual overtime we do, but something tells me your mind has been elsewhere,” he offers good naturedly, “I know it’s valentine’s, so maybe this is why we feel so awkward, right?”.

You grimace a bit at that, “ah—I’m sorry. I really am grateful for the way you look after me in the company and I’m also thankful for this lovely dinner,” you stop a bit, afraid you might offend him, “I agreed to come out tonight, so no need to feel awkward.” You offer a smile.

“Alright then. I guess you already have your sights on someone?” he prods. Should you be honest? There was no rule against dating outside your department, and you were pretty sure your new boss’s wife also worked within the company. “…I do. But I’m pretty sure they don’t feel the same way. It’s been so long since we’ve known each other. Surely if something were to have happened, it would have by now.” You were loosening up, definitely the wine’s fault.

Nakamoto sighs at that, “damn, and here I thought I could woo you after this,” he winks jokingly but you laugh him off. You knew he didn’t care for you that way. “I really hope you’re talking about the guy you always eat lunch with. I swear everyone thought you guys were married when you were released from training.”

“What?! No, I—we’ve been friends since we were children—”

“Aha! So it was him then,” he smirks. “Good.”

You groan, “Please, no.”

“What, it’s not him? You sure about that?”

“I will neither confirm nor deny that statement,” you groan. Why were you discussing your love life? You push the wine away and take a sip of your water.

“Hmm. That’s too bad. Could have sworn that guy was after you.” He stands up. “But fine, I’ll stop prodding.”

You sigh in relief—“for now.” You groan. “What do you even mean by that? You don’t even know him. Or me, or at least personally at least.”

“Mmm, I don’t have to. Some things you just know. Like how he wishes I was six feet under every time we run across him at work,” he sobers up at that. “He seemed like a cool dude, but his glare isn’t too friendly. I don’t know how you fell for that.”

You scoff, “just because someone has a resting bitch face doesn’t mean they’re a bad person.”

You both make your way to the underground parking. “You’re right, it just makes them unapproachable. Is that why you won’t confess?” His genuine tone rubs you the wrong way, you don’t need be given false hope.

“Stop it, you said you would drop it,” you frown, “Anyways, thank you for the food boss—”

“—not your boss anymore. Just call me Yuta, we’re partners now.”

“Aren’t you two years older than me?”

“And?”

You shrug at that, “well, thanks Yuta. For the food, not for the interrogation.” He chuckles at that, nodding while pulling out his car keys. “see you Monday!” he waves you off.

You sigh as you get home. It wasn’t as late as you thought it was, only a few minutes past nine. You really wanted to see him. Would he be busy?

You fish out your phone and dial his number before chickening out.

“Hello?”

“Jae! It’s me. Are you busy right now?” your heartbeat is pounding so loud, you’re scared he could hear it on the other end. “Right now?” you hear shuffling on the other end, “no, I was just reading that book Jungwoo sent me. Might have dozed off a bit into it but don’t tell him I said that,” he chuckles.

“Why, is everything ok? It’s still early, did you end dinner that fast?”

“Oh, Yuta and I called it a night pretty early. Too many couples were out and about and it got a bit awkward,” you explained.

“Yuta?”

“Ah, yes. Yuta Nakamoto, but now that we’re associates, he said it would be better to address him less formally.” You waive him off, “actually, I was wondering—if it’s not too late, can I still come over? If not, that’s cool. We can still hang out tomorrow, but your birthday is today and I thought—”

He laughs at your rambles, “of course you can come over, you know you don’t have to ask. How many times have I told you that?”

“Ok, ok. Just checking,” you still had your comfy change of clothes in your car, so you opt to save those for tomorrow and change into something causal for tonight.

“Do you want me to go get you? We can get ice cream on the way, hopefully they don’t close early.”

“Sounds like a plan then,” curse your heart for melting at everything he says.

“Alright, give me 15 and I’ll be there.” He hangs up.

You look at your bag, resting on your sofa and you sigh. The entire night, it’s almost as if you could feel the weight of his gift weighing it down. Yuta is known for being very observant, it’s why he was so good at his job. Closing deals and making contracts in advertisement. Would he be right about this? You know you desperately wish he was, but is it worth risking your best friend?

EndNote | Woooow, that was a longass ride. Let me know if you liked it or if there are other typos I missed! Or just to let me know what you thought, that would be much appreciated. I'm thinking of finishing it by Sunday 6/13, so hopefully the next part is up by then. Until then!

Here's Part 2!

[writingfromkitchenator]

Chaos and Control

A Stephen Strange Fanfic

Marvel Fluff Bingo fic for @marvelfluffbingo

Square filled: Secret Dating

Stephen Strange x OFC

Words: 3,090

Warnings: Secrets, teasing, mentions of injury, smidge of violence, implied smut

The two of them weren't a couple, not in the public eye anyway, they both knew it was far too dangerous for more reasons than one.

He was Sorcerer Supreme, with more enemies across more dimensions than you could count.

She was Tony Stark's sister, off limits to anyone even close to the team, despite being in the team herself.

There were some that, if they knew, would probably say it was a perfect match.  She enjoyed danger, he enjoyed pissing Tony off.  Other's wouldn't see it, after all, she was just as chaotic and unpredictable as Tony could be and everything Stephen did was borderline on an obsessive control; it would be chalk and cheese in their opinions.

Yet, the two of them fell into an easy step with each other, bouncing off ideas in team meetings, easily backing each other up in a fight.  The truth was far more simpler than what any of the others could guess if they ever knew.

Lex, Alexandra only to Tony, found peace with Stephen, she knew it as soon as she had seen him, he was someone that you could have a reasonable conversation with and, in her case, not get compared to her brother.

Stephen, while true that he did enjoy annoying Tony, found someone steady in the chaos.  She could ground him with a look alone and there was some days that he needed that, even when they had just been friends.

The relationship had just kind of fallen into place around the two of them, neither having been looking for it. A simple moment of a small, tender kiss and that had been that, the kiss slowly delving into something more, something that neither of them had been realising they were missing, and that was that.

Then, they agreed to keep it secret.

It wasn’t that they didn’t want anyone to know, they just knew that it would be less complicated if no one did and it would safer for when they were out in the field.

Stephen had almost given it away once, when Lex had been badly hurt on a mission, barely managing to contain himself as he patched her up, his hands shaking outside of the normal reasons as her blood coated his hands.  Thankfully, years of training allowed him shut it all out, managed to save her life.

She had a hell of a scar after that incident, one that Stephen never really forgave himself for, but as with everything that happened to Lex, she took it in her stride.

Lex herself kept things under wraps most of the time, but as their relationship grew, she began to tease just a little bit more openly, unperturbed by Stephen’s looks at her when she did.  Usually it was around Tony too, and as much as Stephen enjoyed seeing Tony’s reaction, he mentioned multiple times to her that she was pushing their luck, something she would just laugh off.

Stephen knew what she was trying to do, knew that she was testing his patience, trying to get his control to slip, and each time she did it, it just made him more determined not to.  Lex would always just smile at him, pretending not to understand.  This was the game they played and at the moment Stephen was winning.

“How can you have so much control all the time?”  She’d asked him once, watching him train.  “Doesn’t it get tiring?”

Stephen had chuckled, unable to help it. “Not all of us have no self-control Lex.”

“I have plenty of self-control,” She smirked.  “And you know it.  I’m referring to everything you do, it’s like you’re calculating each movement before you do it, it’s both fascinating and infuriating.”

“Are you complaining?”  He asked, raising an eyebrow as he let the spell die from his fingers.

“Oh, absolutely,” She rolls her eyes, looking annoyed as he comes over.  “Come on Stephen, can’t you just give me a straight answer.”

“No,” Stephen dips his head, placing a quick kiss to her lips.  “Because I know it infuriates you.”

Lex huffs, glaring at him.  “You are unbelievable.”

“And you love me still.”

Little did Stephen know was that this was the conversation that made her come up with a real plan.

Her birthday was approaching quickly and everyone that knew the Stark’s knew that they loved to celebrate, the team both groaning in dread and talking in excitement whenever one of them mentioned it.  They knew how to celebrate, there was no doubt about it, but they also had a penchant for something going wrong in some for another.  There was more than a few of them that agreed that what happened at a Stark party, stayed at a Stark party.

Stephen had tried to get in early, to go do something quiet together, but he should have known better that she had been planning something for months.  He wasn’t much for the celebrations usually, but he wasn’t about to not be there for her.

He regretted it as soon as she walked into the party.

Lex never missed an opportunity to show off and she definitely wasn’t going to disappoint at her own birthday party, the red dress long and elegant, hugging just enough to tease, her hair out and in loose curls, and the smirk she sent Stephen’s way as he openly stared at her from across the room told him that she’d definitely been planning this for him.

Stephen hated the fact that it was instantly working, forcing himself to drag his gaze away from her, gritting his teeth and looking less than impressed at his drink.

But he soon worked out that that wasn’t all that Lex had planned as she moved around and greeted her guests, her laughter carrying through the room and Stephen seemed to look up each time her hand rested on someone’s arm.

She had upped the game big time.

“You alright Stephen?”

Blinking, he looks up at Bruce, who’d seated himself next to him, watching him slightly concerned.  “I’m sorry?”

Bruce gives a small smile.  “I don’t think you’ve stopped frowning since Lex has walked in.”

Stephen felt heat creep into his face, but he shakes his head quickly, hoping that Bruce doesn’t notice.  “I’m fine, it’s just been a long day and that music is giving me a headache.”

“Uh huh,” Bruce watches him closely. “So the fact that Lex has now been invited to the dance floor by Thor has nothing to do with it?”

His head snapped up and around to see the truth of what Bruce said, Lex indeed dancing with Thor, the two of them laughing and Stephen realised that she wasn’t playing the jealously angle, she was always affectionate with everyone, no, she was playing the same game that she had as soon as she walked in.

Getting Stephen to watch.

He’d completely forgotten Bruce was sitting next to him, his gaze locked on Lex and the way she was moving in time with the music, her laugh seeming to fill the air around him and for the first time since they’d started this, he thought about throwing all caution to the wind.

Bruce cleared his throat next to him and pats Stephen on the arm.  “I wouldn’t let Tony catching you staring like that, he might actually get his suit out early.”

Stephen snorts, throwing caution to the wind.  “I’d like to see him try and do something about it, especially when she is being intentionally infuriating.”

“That’s the Stark’s for you,” Bruce chuckles.  “They thrive on the chaos of annoying others.”

Huffing, Stephen downs his drink and quickly orders another, turning back around so he didn’t have to watch anymore, feeling incredibly uncomfortable now.  “You’re not telling me anything I don’t know Bruce, trust me.”

Bruce smiles at him.  “So I can see,” He casts a look over to Lex.  “You could always go join her.”

“Trust me,” Stephen growled. “That would be a bad idea at the moment.”

Chuckling, Bruce pats him on the arm again and moves away, leaving Stephen to his frustrations, even as he shifted enough to continue to watch her out of the corner of his eye.

After a while, now a few drinks down, Lex finally walked over to him, grinning widely as she leaned on the bar next to him, getting herself a drink.  “Having fun Stephen?”

She was wearing his favourite perfume too, the scent washing over him as she gives him a small nudge.  “I know what you’re doing Lex and, as always, it’s not going to work.”

Her grin widens though, reading straight through his normally carefully kept expression.  “I don’t know, I think this is going to be my best birthday yet.”

Stephen gives her a hard look, which just makes her laugh and give a quick look around before leaning in close to him, making him tense as her lips press close to her ear.  “Have you thought about what I have on underneath this dress?”

His reply is cut off by a low whistle, both of them moving to look around at Tony, who was smiling at Lex, although there was something else hidden in his gaze.  “How long did it take you to find that dress?  Must have been real expensive.”

Lex grins and gives a small spin in it. “Do you like it Tony?  Had it custom made especially for tonight.”

Stephen inwardly sighs.  Of course she did.

Tony chuckles.  “Of course it was, I’m guessing one of your own designs too?”

“Naturally,” The two of them hug, even as Lex giggles.  “I was just explaining that to Stephen, he’s been admiring it all night.”

There was no hiding Tony’s eye roll. “Well, as long as it’s only the right kind of attention Alexandra, I’d hate to think of having to bail you out on your birthday.”

“You mean like I have, multiple times, on yours?”  Lex laughs and waves Tony off.  “And thanks for apologizing that you’re late, by the way.”

Both of them watch her as she moves back to the dance floor, drink in hand.

“She really is asking for trouble.” Tony sighed and then clasped Stephen on the shoulder.  “Hope you’re enjoying yourself Gandalf, it’s only because it’s her birthday that I’m letting her away with that.”

Stephen can’t help but chuckle at this. “Tony, you’re never going to stop Lex from doing anything, you and everyone else knows that.”

Tony shrugs, getting a drink. “Yeah, but I can at least act the big brother part, can’t I?”  He eyes Stephen.  “What was she saying to you before?”

“That she likes my suit, among other things,” Stephen said quickly.  “Not unless you want to know how your sister flirts?”

“Not particularly,” Tony screws his nose up a little.  “But I hope that doesn’t mean what I think it means.”

Stephen chuckles and shakes his head. “As you’ve said, multiple times, Lex is off limits, but as you know, as she shares it with you, she flirts with everybody.”

“Stark family charm.”  Tony then does a quick look around the room.  “Well, time to go and socialize, seeing as she’s too busy dancing.”

Tony disappears quickly and Stephen’s lets out a sigh of relief, rubbing the back of his neck, only to find his gaze drawn back to Lex as he hears her laugh, her shooting a wink his way.

He knew there was no point in fighting this, she already had him well and truly wrapped around her little finger, the question now was, how long was he going to keep himself in control.

The answer came about an hour later after a squeal got Stephen’s attention, who’d been drinking his way through several glasses to distract himself, and he found himself seeking out Lex instantly, just in time to see her deck someone hard, much to several gasps and laughter throughout the room.

Lex straightened out her dress, her expression furious, in full fight mode.  “What don’t you understand of keep your hands to yourself arsehole?”

She turned on her heel and stormed from the room as several people helped the poor man up, who was now holding a heavily bleeding nose.  Stephen’s gaze however had followed her from the room and he waited barely a moment before he was on his feet following.

There was one thing about him that she didn’t know.  He loved watching her fight.  After all the other things of tonight, this was the last snap of his resolve.

It wasn’t hard to follow her, the cursing coming from the bathroom was enough to make anyone take pause, except Stephen of course, who was quick to open and close the door behind him.

Lex rounded, hard words on her lips before she recognizes him and lets out a slow breath.  “I’m fine Stephen, you didn’t have to follow me-”

Stephen didn’t care what else she was about to stay, closing the distance between them with long, quick strides before his lips crashed into hers.  It took her a moment to get over the shock before she responded eagerly, a moan caught in her throat as he backs her into the bathroom wall.

She can’t help but laugh, a little breathlessly as he breaks away from her lips and starts down her throat. “And here I was thinking you were checking if I was alright.”

A low growl rumbles through him as he nips at her throat, slipping his ring onto his fingers.  “You talk too much.”

He recaptures her lips, silencing any response, the portal moving over both of them quickly.

 The next morning Stephen was stirred slowly from sleep by light movements over his chest, causing him to hum, not wanting to be disturbed and capturing the hand, soft laughter blowing over his shoulder.

“Good morning,” Lex said softly, kissing his shoulder, on her side, one leg thrown over his, her fingers interlacing with his.  “Sleep well?”

Stephen hummed again, not wanting to open his eyes, hoping to get back to sleep, a mild hangover starting to throb at his temples.

“Oh?”  He could hear the smile in her voice.  “Not talking to me now?”

He snorts.  “I told you last night you talk too much.”

“Ah, so you want to enjoy your morning in peaceful silence then?”

“Preferably.”

“Right, well, I better-”  She broke into giggles as she moved to get up, only for Stephen to quickly grab her and pull her back to him, a slightly annoyed look on his face as he opened one eye to look at her.

“You’re not going anywhere.”  He said, keeping a firm grip on her as he settles the two of them close together.  “So you’re just going to have to stay quiet.”

Lex smiles at him and kisses the tip of his nose, making him finally open both eyes.  “You know that those two don’t go hand in hand right?”

“I’m sure you can manage to control yourself for once,” Stephen brushes her hair back from her face.  “Just as I may have gotten a little carried away last night.”

She giggles again, capturing his hand and placing a kiss on his palm.  “You didn’t hear me complaining.”

He smiles, although it was clear there was an element of smugness to it.  “No, your expressions were much more expletive.”

Lex laughs.  “Oh?  Are we getting cocky about ourselves Doctor?”

“What can I say?”  He asked, capturing her hands and rolling them over so he was above her.  “You have been a bad influence on me.”

Giggles dissolve into kisses, the two of them taking their time, in no hurry against the dull aches of their bodies.

They were interrupted by a phone beeping.

Lex blinks a little over at her bedside table, her phone flashing up, even as Stephen groaned, nuzzling into her throat.  “Ignore it.”

“That’s a nice way of saying good morning,” Tony’s voice came through, making them both freeze.  “And I’m glad I caught you both actually, saved me some awkward questions.”

“Seriously Tony, you hacked my phone?” Lex asked, annoyed.  “Don’t you think this is going a bit far?”

“Well, after you both vanished from the party last night, I thought it was only fair that I make sure that you were alright.”  Tony said. “And yes, I had to hack your phone to do it because I knew you wouldn’t answer otherwise.”

“And I wonder why that would be?”

“Don’t give me that Alexandra, you broke the rules first.”  Tony’s voice turned annoyed now.  “What part of no team mates don’t you understand?”

Lex made a disgusted noise.  “I’m an adult Tony, I am allowed to make my own decisions.”

“I’m not saying that you have bad taste,” Tony said quickly.  “But the risk involved in this-”

“What?  You don’t think I haven’t thought about that?”

“No, I don’t think you have, you’ve always been more impulsive-”

“If you say more than you, we’re going to have a problem.”

“Look, all I’m saying-”

“Tony-”

“Let me finish-”

“Nope.”  But it was Stephen that said it, giving a lazy wave of his hand, the phone vanishing, Lex staring at the spot for a moment.  “Honestly, anyone would think it was a world ending crisis.”

She looks at him.  “You know he’s likely to turn up on our doorstep now.”

Stephen smiles at her and kisses her forehead.  “Then it’s a good thing you know someone who can take you anywhere, isn’t it?”

Lex watches as he climbs from the bed and starts gathering their clothes.  “You’re serious?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”  He asked, pulling on his shirt.  “I love you Lex, and if your brother is going to be a pain in the arse about it, then two can definitely play that game.”

She stares at him for a long moment before starting to laugh, causing him to pause.  “What?”

Lex gets up and goes over to him, pulling him into a brief kiss.  “I think I was wrong about you, you know, you are definitely an agent of chaos.”

Stephen stares after her as she walks towards the bathroom.  “I think you’ve just worn off on me.”

She smiles over her shoulder. “Well, if I’ve worn off on you, then you’ll join me in the bathroom first, then we can talk about where we’re going to run away to.”

Lex slips into the bathroom, Stephen barely waiting a moment before he curses and throws his shirt back off and hurrying after her.

[theunemployedrogue]

Shance fluff - Boy I Think That I’m in Love With You , 1/?

“Great job today, guys! Everyone was really in sync with their lions!”

Shiro was proud of how far they’d come as a team. Today had been the first time in a good while they’d had enough time to officially train, and he couldn’t believe how much everyone had improved in just a few months together.

One among them had done especially well that day.

“Hey, Lance,” Shiro called, catching his teammate before he could run off to his room. Lance halted at the sound of his voice and turned to face him.

“What’s up, boss?”

“I just wanted to let you know I was very impressed with your flying out there today.”

It wasn’t that Lance had been a terrible pilot when they first met (though Keith would argue otherwise). He’d certainly had a better grasp on flying than either Hunk or Pidge, who’d had no piloting experience prior to joining Voltron. He’d just been a little too unfocused and impatient with his flying before. He seemed to have gotten a handle on those things over the course of the past several months, and Shiro thought the change merited praise.

Lance didn’t respond to his compliment the way Shiro expected. Instead of shooting him a smug grin and proclaiming he knew just how awesome he was, he just blushed and tucked his chin.

“Oh. Heh. Thanks, Shiro.”

“I’m serious. Keep up the good work, Sharpshooter.”

Shiro was the only one who actually used Lance’s nickname. After all, he’d been the one to coin it...even if Lance claimed he’d given it to himself. He liked the way Lance seemed to perk up whenever he called him that, preening under his attention.

That day, however, Lance wasn’t behaving as he usually did.

“I um...didn’t think I did anything that special today, honestly,” Lance said, rubbing at the back of his head self-consciously before he looked up at Shiro. “You though...you were really amazing out there. I mean, you’re always amazing but...wow. Getting to see you fly without a bunch of dudes trying to kill us for once…”

He trailed off and dropped his gaze to the floor again.

“I’ve got a few years on you, Lance. You’ll get there someday. Probably a lot sooner than I did at the rate you’re going.”

“Nah man, I don’t think anybody could ever be on your level. Everybody thinks Keith’s so great, and like, he’s ok I guess...but nobody flies like you. Nobody else is so crazy in-tune with themselves when they’re blasting through space. I mean, watching you pilot Black… you’re just...yeah.”

Lance clamped his mouth shut and scuffed his foot against the floor. It wasn’t like the blue paladin to be at a loss for words, and his atypical behavior concerned Shiro somewhat. He seemed to have regressed back into the feelings of insecurity he’d expressed a while back, despite his vast improvements as a pilot and member of the team.

“Lance,” Shiro said, placing a hand on Lance’s shoulder. “You shouldn’t compare yourself to me or anyone else. You’re doing great.”

“Wha--oh, no! No, no, no, I wasn’t--” Lance looked up at him with an embarrassed expression. “I uh, didn’t mean it like that. I was just...returning the compliment.”

“Oh. Well...thank you, Lance, but you didn’t need to do that.”

“Yeah. Yeah I know.” Lance chewed at his bottom lip. “Just feel like you need to hear that stuff sometimes too.”

Shiro moved his hand from Lance’s shoulder to his head, letting it linger there a fraction of a second before he ruffled his hair and then drew back. Lance finally cast him a small smile as he moved to smooth down his tousled hair.

“Get some rest, all right?” Shiro said.

He watched Lance as he left, not looking away until the door shut behind him.

“Ugh,” came Pidge’s voice at his back. “I don’t know which one of you is more painful to watch.”

Shiro turned, surprised to find the other paladins still lingering in the room. He’d thought surely they’d wandered off to their quarters while he talked to Lance.

“What?” he asked, confused by Pidge’s comment.

“On one hand I’m inclined to say Lance,” Pidge said. “That star-struck, googly-eyed look he gets every time he talks to you is pretty pathetic. But you -- god, Shiro, you’re so clueless it hurts.”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

Hunk sighed and shook his head at him.

“Honestly, I thought you were just being a jerk, teasing Lance like that all the time,” Hunk said. “But you really don’t even realize what you’re doing, do you?”

“Apparently not,” Pidge said before Shiro could answer.

“I mean seriously, Shiro?” Keith grumbled. “You made damn near perfect scores on your entrance exams at the garrison. You’re a borderline genius. Yet somehow you haven’t caught onto the fact Lance has a crush on you?”

“Even Keith knew!” Hunk declared.

“Hey--”

“Wait, hold on,” Shiro said, gesturing for everyone to quiet down. “Where did you three get the idea that Lance has a crush on me?”

“Oh my god. Clueless. Freaking clueless,” Pidge groaned, running her hands down her face.

“Shiro. My man.” Hunk came forward and clapped a hand down on Shiro’s shoulder. “Lance is gonna kill me if he finds out I told you this, but he’s had a crush on you for like, two years. He was head over heels for you the minute he saw you at the garrison.”

“And you,” said Keith, casting him a disapproving glare. “You like him back.”

“Keith, wha--”

“Don’t act like you don’t get off on that whole hero worship thing he’s got going on, Shiro.”

Shiro flushed, struggling to come up with a proper response to that. All right, so maybe he was a little weak to the fact Lance admired him. Maybe he did feel a little swell of affection every time Lance looked over to him when he’d done well at something, clearly wanting Shiro’s approval. Maybe he had complimented Lance that day partly because he’d wanted to see him glow under his praise.

“I’m not...getting off…on anything,” he said, grimacing at Keith’s choice of words. “I care about Lance because he’s a good friend and a valuable member of this team.”

“That’s sweet, Shiro,” said Hunk, smiling. “I mean, I do think you care about him... But uh, yeah. Lance has got a serious fixation on you and you’re totally into it. Sorry, dude.”

“I...I mean it’s certainly flattering that he looks up to me,” Shiro admitted. “But just because Lance admires me and I appreciate it doesn’t mean we’re attracted to one another.”

“Sure, but I’ve known Lance a long time, and I can say for a fact he’s got a crush on you,” said Hunk.

“And I’ve known you for a long time,” Keith added. “And I can tell you’ve been interested in him for a while too, even if you’re too thick to realize it yourself.”

Shiro’s frown tightened. His friends had no idea what they were talking about…

...right?

Initially wrote this for Shance fluff week and never finished it in time to post it...dunno if I should continue it or not? Anyways, hope someone out there enjoyed lol~ With so much angst circulating since the s3 drop, I figured I’d put this out there.

And yes, the title is a reference to that Jessica Simpson song lmao