Work Text:
Ms. Joke decided - very confidently - that today was the day.
UA’s joint training exercise had gone smoothly, which meant two things:
1. Nobody was injured.
2. Aizawa Shouta was tired enough to be extra grumpy.
Perfect conditions.
She leaned against the fence beside him, watching students cool down on the field. Aizawa sat on a bench, capture weapon pooled at his feet, coffee in hand like it was life support.
“You know,” she said casually, “I’ve been told I have excellent taste in men.”
Aizawa hummed, noncommittal.
“And I’ve also been told,” she continued, inching closer, “that quiet, exhausted men with eye bags are my type.”
“No one’s told you that,” Aizawa muttered.
Ms. Joke grinned. “See? Modest. Adorable.”
Aizawa took a long sip of coffee, eyes never leaving the field. “What do you want, Joke.”
“A date.”
That got his attention—barely. He turned his head an inch.
“No.”
She gasped like she’d been stabbed. “Wow. Immediate. Brutal.”
“Still no,” he added, as if she hadn’t spoken.
She straightened, unfazed. “Okay, okay. Counteroffer. Dinner. Not a date-date. Just two exhausted pro heroes bonding over food and complaining about children.”
“…I do that every night.”
“Alone?”
“…Yes.”
Ms. Joke beamed. “Progress!”
Before Aizawa could respond, a voice blasted across the field.
“ALRIIIIGHT STUDENTS, COOL DOWN TIME! HYDRATE, STRETCH, AND DON’T PASS OUT—WE ONLY HAVE ONE RECOVERY GIRL!”
Ms. Joke turned toward the source. Present Mic was jogging over, energetic as always, clipboard tucked under his arm, sunglasses perched on his head.
She waved. “Hey, Mic!”
“Hey Joke!” he chirped back, then immediately leaned down to Aizawa’s level. “You good? You’ve got that ‘I’m running on fumes’ look.”
Aizawa handed him the empty coffee cup. “Need another.”
Mic laughed. “I knew it.” He ruffled Aizawa’s hair without hesitation. “I’ll grab you one after we finish up.”
Ms. Joke paused.
Just for half a second.
Interesting.
She tilted her head. “You two are… friendly today.”
Mic blinked. “Uh. Always?”
Aizawa didn’t react at all, already leaning back again.
Ms. Joke narrowed her eyes, gears turning. “Sooo,” she said slowly, “Aizawa, about that dinner—”
“No,” he replied instantly.
Mic snorted. “Man, you didn’t even let her finish.”
She pointed at Aizawa. “See? He likes me. He’s just shy.”
Mic grinned, clearly entertained. “Oh, this is what you’ve been doing today.”
“What?” she asked. “Flirting? That’s my brand.”
“Bold strategy,” Mic said. “Very confident.”
Aizawa stood, stretching. “We’re done here?”
Mic nodded. “Yeah. Staff meeting in ten.”
Ms. Joke’s eyes lit up. “Perfect! I’ll walk with you.”
Aizawa sighed but didn’t object.
As they headed inside, Ms. Joke kept pace easily, hands behind her back, posture relaxed but intent.
“So,” she said, “hypothetically, if a funny, charming woman asked you out, what would your excuse be?”
“I’m busy.”
“With what?”
“Life.”
She laughed. “Mysterious! I like that.”
Mic walked a step ahead, lips twitching. He glanced back once, then again, clearly biting his tongue.
Ms. Joke caught it. “Something funny, Mic?”
He shook his head. “Nah. Just… enjoying the show.”
Aizawa stopped walking.
Mic nearly ran into him.
“What,” Aizawa asked flatly, “are you doing.”
Ms. Joke seized the moment. “I’m being direct. I think you’re cute. You’re responsible, grumpy, and secretly soft. I want to take you out.”
Silence.
Aizawa rubbed his face. “I’m married.”
She laughed immediately. “Good one.”
He didn’t laugh back.
Mic gently placed a hand on Aizawa’s shoulder.
Ms. Joke’s smile faded. “…Wait.”
Aizawa gestured vaguely at Mic. “To him.”
Another beat.
Then: “YOU’RE MARRIED?!”
Mic waved with little jazz hands. “Surprise!”
Ms. Joke stared between them, eyes wide. “Since WHEN?!”
“Five years,” Mic said cheerfully.
“FIVE—” She clutched her head. “I HAVE BEEN FLIRTING WITH A MARRIED MAN FOR MONTHS?!.”
Aizawa shrugged. “You never asked.”
“I ASKED YOU ON DATES!”
“Yes.”
“WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY ANYTHING?!”
“You wouldn’t have stopped.”
Mic laughed out loud. “He’s not wrong.”
Ms. Joke groaned, sliding down the wall to sit on the floor. “I can never show my face in this building again.”
Mic crouched in front of her. “Hey, for what it’s worth? You’ve got excellent taste.”
She looked up, deadpan. “Do not validate me right now.”
Aizawa stepped past them. “Meeting starts in five.”
Ms. Joke pointed weakly at his retreating back. “I flirted with your HUSBAND.”
Mic grinned. “Yeah.”
“…And you let it happen.”
“I trusted him.”
Aizawa paused at the door, glanced back. “And it was funny.”
Ms. Joke groaned again. “I hate both of you.”
Mic laughed. “C’mon. Coffee after? My treat.”
She sighed, standing. “…Fine. But I’m never flirting at work again.”
Mic and Aizawa exchanged a look.
“…She’ll be back next week,” Mic said.
Aizawa nodded. “Definitely.”