Warning: This story has slash (boyxboy), if this offends you then please hit the back button. :)

"Hypnosis does not work, Sparx." Mandarin said flatly.

The hold glistened as it swung in front of the leader's face, black eyes staring unamused at the younger pilot. Sparx pouted, but kept the watch dangling in front of his face.

"Does so. I saw it on TV." Sparx argued.

Mandarin's eyes narrowed and he snatched the pocket watch which earned a surprised squeak from the red monkey. He tenderly held the watch while his eyes held firm.

"That's why I say not to watch that garbage." Mandarin spat bitterly. "Puts stupid ideas in your mind."

Sparx shrugged and sat back against his chair. "Hey, don't know unless you try."

The orange monkey rolled his eyes and went back to his breakfast, sipping gingerly on his tea. "How did you even get my watch?"

"Snatched it while you were talking to Antauri." Sparx answered dully, picking at the stained table top.

"You snuck into my room and stole my watch in three minutes?" Mandarin was amazed, but realized that Sparx probably had his leader's room mapped out. The pilot was terrifying when he is bored.

"Yup, pretty much." The tone was almost proud and made Mandarin sigh.

"What will I do with you...?" Mandarin wondered, but they both knew the answer.

Nothing.

Mandarin had long quit attempting to punish Sparx for his stealth hijinks He found it pointless after the seventh time he found Sparx rummaging through his desk. An electric security system plus magnets equals the perfect crime. Mandarin just learned to hide anything personal in secret compartments and to expect to see red fur when he opens his door.

"Why would you want to hypnotize me, anyway?" Mandarin questioned before nibbling on some toast. "Trying to get out of training? Sorry, it didn't work."

Sparx laughed. "Nah, I just copied what the guy did on TV!"

Mandarin smirked dryly. "Well, judging by those hand motions, he may have very well been insane."

Sparx only grinned, an amused spark flashing in his eye. Mandarin sipped at his tea before speaking again, his voice laced with curiosity:

"So, what was the man trying to do?"

"He was trying to make this girl fall in love with him."

Mandarin was not ready for the blunt reply and nearly dropped his cup as he showed rare surprise. Sparx was pleased with this reaction and leaned over against the table, pointing at his leader mockingly.

"Are you in love with me, yet~?"

Mandarin quickly regained his composer and placed his finished cup on his plate before standing silently. "I guess hypnosis isn't complete garbage."

Sparx did not have time to react when Mandarin leaned over and pressed his lips against the pilot's. Mandarin slowly pulled away and gave a quick wink before leaving Sparx in stunned silence.

The warm spark on Sparx's lips stayed for the rest of the day.

A/N: My second favorite pairing :) I honestly believe that Mandarin is more laid back when he isn't fighting or training and is much more tolerant than people believe. I feel like he would punish the members, but also adapt to their strange ways. It also gave me an excuse to theorize why Mandarin's old room had hidden compartments though I'm sure there was probably another reason. :3

Thanks for reading!