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You shuffled impatiently behind the door to your shared bedroom as Stephen grumbled in irritation and muttered to himself. You couldn’t help but smile at his misfortune this time; the two of you had been invited to a party that was defined as “formal but fun”- something totally foreign to your longtime partner. You tried to explain that his taste in formalwear was always just ‘good enough’ for most occasions, but unfortunately for you, your argument fell short because you honestly liked the way he looked in any suit, plain or not.
The person throwing the party, however, was not of that opinion. He was a friend of Strange and a lover of fashion, so he had no issues not only telling Stephen to “dress better for the occasion” but also actually providing him the resources to do so. You hadn’t seen the final design yet. During the creation of his suit you’d been allowed access to some swatches and color references so you could coordinate, but that was where your ability to oversee had ended. You were curious now more than ever, and at this rate, you’ll be late if he keeps up this act.
You made a point to loudly sigh before you knocked. “Stephen, I’m sure it’s fine. The suit was tailored for you, and I’ve seen the color palette. Just come out.” There was a shuffling, a loud sigh in return, and… ah.
Stephen emerged from your bedroom looking both as handsome and as nervous as ever. He fidgeted with the black cap atop his head, mussing the styled strands of hair and causing them to fall in front of his face. He was gorgeous like this. You already believed he was a beautiful man and made sure he knew it, but now in his neatly styled new suit, you felt like the air had been stolen from your lungs. He continued to shift somewhat uncomfortably in front of you, and you realized you’d been speechless for far too long.
“My love,” you started up as you moved towards him, both of your arms instinctually outstretching to meet in an embrace. His hands settled just above your hips and yours settled against his chest. “You look absolutely stunning.”
As you met his gaze, you gave him a warm smile in hopes that the sincerity broke through his nervousness. It worked, and for a moment, he averted his eyes from yours as his face lit up in the slightest blush. You know at one point in time he was a pompous, arrogant man, but the Stephen you knew turned red at the slightest bit of genuine affection… and you loved it.
“Thank you,” He finally said with relief. You could tell he was still a bit tense, but the affirmation caused him to sink a little into your hold and settle down. He finally looked back to you and smiled. “You don’t look too bad yourself, you know. For not having seen the ensemble, you really matched it quite well. It’s impressive.”
You accepted the compliment warmly. “I’m glad you think so. I’m hoping everyone will know I’m with you tonight; I’m sure with how beautiful you look, everyone will be all over you, and I just can’t stand the thought,” you playfully laugh, but you both knew the reality of jealousy was not too far away. Luckily, you did look to be his true partner in fashion tonight.
“I doubt I will be far from your side tonight. Who would want to be far from you when you look like this?” Stephen shifted one hand from your hip to your face as he spoke, leaning in for a kiss and finding you more than willing to oblige. It was sweet and sincere as the love you both felt poured out in not only your words but also, now, your actions.
You both are reluctant to pull away. Your eyes stay locked together as you smile and separate yourselves, savoring the moment but understanding that you did really have to leave. “I suppose we should go now,” you say as you reach up and adjust the hair that had fallen into Stephen’s face earlier. He sighs contentedly and kisses your palm before you can drop your hand back to your side.
“I suppose,” he exhales as he begins to open a portal to an area nearby. Once open, he turns to you with a flourish and a smile, pointing towards the circle in space. “After you.”