Princess Reader X Iggy

It's Not Like I Like Him.

"Oh, finally, I thought we'd never make it" (y/n) mumbled, the familiar door to the control room in sight.

Ludwig only nodded, moving to twist the door handle before pausing and peering into the porthole that showed the interior of the room. His eyebrows wrinkled as he squinted past the glass.

"What? Are you checking yourself out?" (y/n) grinned.

Ludwig's expression didn't change. He waved the princess over and she got up on her tippy toes to peek inside.

"Huh? What's she doing here?"

Just beyond the door, Harriet Broodal sat perched on a monitor right next to Iggy. The Koopaling typed out commands on a keyboard as the Broodal chatted away. Harriet giggled and leaned closer to Iggy.

"We might have to go in and rescue him. I'm sure he's-"

(y/n)'s sentence was stolen from her. Ludwig's jaw slacked as well as the two watched Harriet wrap her arms around Iggy's neck and plant a kiss on his cheek.

"Oh, (y/n)..." Ludwig mumbled.

(y/n)'s bottom lip trembled and she watched Harriet hop down from the console and skip towards the exit, a smile spread across her features. She swung open the door and jumped at the duo's presence. She glanced back at the control room, and then towards (y/n). She put two and two together and her lips twisted into a grin. Harriet flicked her hair over her shoulder and sashayed off.

(y/n) stood there for a few more seconds, blinking. Her mouth dried out and hot tears threatened to spill. Ludwig placed a hand on her shoulder. (y/n) snapped back into reality and turned to the Koopaling. She shook her head and smiled painfully.

"I-I'm ok, really! I mean, why wouldn't I be ok? Let's just get in there and finish the checkups" (y/n) forced a jovial tone and moved past Ludwig into the room.

"It's not like I like him or anything..." she mumbled through gritted teeth.

Ludwig followed the princess cautiously. The two of them eventually approached Iggy, who's hand was resting on his cheek where he had been kissed. His brows furrowed and he had a look of confusion as he turned to face the duo.

"Hey!" (y/n) chirped through a large, fake smile.

Iggy shook his head a few times before clearing his throat.

"Um, hi, what's...up?" his gaze shifted to Ludwig.

"Making rounds, checking up on everyone" Ludwig sighed and cranked his wrist "you know, usual worthless missions that Bowser sends me on."

"Everythings in tip-top shape over here" Iggy gave a thumbs up.

"Welp, you heard it, everythings just grand around these parts" (y/n) piped up and tugged at Ludwig's arm "let's just get outta here, there's obviously no need for us!"

"Oh, h-hey, (y/n), wait" Iggy stopped the princess, and she whirled around to face him with crossed arms.

Ludwig waited a fraction of a second before slinking out the door. He figured the two needed some privacy. That and he wasn't about to be in the crossfire in the event that (y/n) blows up.

"What" (y/n) spat.

"Uh, I know this has been rough on you and all..." Iggy avoided eye contact and fidgeted with his fingers ''But when this has all blown over do you maybe wanna hang out sometime? I feel like it's been a while since we caught up" he finished with a nervous smile.

He finally looked up to meet (y/n)'s gaze and was taken aback. She looked...angry.

"Are you serious?"