My Lover Academia: MHA x Reader [Requests OPEN!]

💌 Jester (Emi x Male!Reader)

In the dimly lit chamber of the castle, you sat upon your throne. Your heavy eyes reflecting the weight of your reign. The grand tapestries that adorned the stone walls seemed to whisper of battles won and lost, of kings who had come before and the empire they had built. The weight of the crown was a constant reminder of the responsibilities that bore down on your shoulders. Yet, amidst the solemnity, a spark of light danced into the room.

It was Emi, the court jester, her multicolored attire, a stark contrast to the somber surroundings. She twirled in, her laughter tinkling like the bells sewn into her hat, a stark reminder of the joy that was so often absent from these hallowed halls.

You couldn't help but smile at her entrance. Her presence was a breath of fresh air, a much-needed reprieve from the never-ending stream of advisors and nobles that paraded through the castle, each with their own agendas and problems to lay at your feet. Emi, with her unbridled spirit and unfiltered humor, had a way of cutting through the tension like a hot knife through butter. Her jokes, though sometimes crude, always had a way of making you laugh, reminding you that there was more to life than just the crown.

"Your Highness," she began, her voice a playful song, "I've come to perform for the most noble and esteemed audience of one. Are you ready to have your royal spirits lifted?"

You nodded wearily, leaning back in your throne. "Proceed, Emi. I am in dire need of your jests."

Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she began her routine. She mimicked the high-pitched tones of the latest gossiping courtier, the pompous strut of a visiting dignitary, and even the stoic face of your trusted advisor. Each impersonation was met with a low chuckle from you, the sound growing stronger as the minutes passed. The tension in your shoulders eased, and the furrow in your brow smoothed out.

Emi saw your smile widen and took it as a cue to escalate her performance. She pulled out a tiny wooden puppet, its features caricatures of your own, and began a skit about the trials of a king's daily life. The puppet-king complained about the uncomfortable throne, the stifling crown, and the never-ending paperwork. You couldn't help but laugh out loud, the sound echoing through the chamber, a rare and precious sound in these solemn halls.

But then, her act took a turn. She began to juggle, but not with the usual colorful balls or flaming torches. Instead, she had three miniature crowns that she tossed into the air, each one representing a pressing issue in your kingdom. With each catch, she'd quiip about taxes, the upcoming harvest, and the whispered rumors of a rebellion in the north. The jest hit too close to home, and your laughter faded into a sigh.

For a moment, she paused, reading the shift in your mood. Then, with a knowing smile, she let the crowns fall to the ground and pulled out a fourth, smaller crown. "And here," she said, placing it on her own head, "is the burden of making you laugh, my liege."

Her words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the friendship that had grown between you both. Despite her jesting exterior, she understood the gravity of your role.

You leaned forward, resting your elbows on your knees. "Emi, I appreciate your efforts to lighten my mood, but sometimes your jests hit too hard on the truth."

Her smile never faltered, but her eyes grew serious. "Ah, but that is the job of a jester, Your Highness. To reflect the world as it is, with a dash of humor to make the bitter pill easier to swallow."

You nodded, acknowledging her wisdom. "Indeed it is. But even jesters need a break from the realm of jest."

Emi's expression softened, and she approached the throne, her steps measured and respectful. She knelt before you, placing a gentle hand on your arm. "Allow me to serve you in a different way today, my king. Let's leave the heavy matters behind for a short while. I know of a place where we can escape, even if it's just in our minds."

Curiosity piqued, you followed her out of the throne room and into a hidden corridor of the castle. It led to a small, secluded garden, the scent of blooming roses, and freshly cut grass, a stark contrast to the musty air of the castle. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the area and painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.

"Here," she said, gesturing to a stone bench nestled beneath a willow tree, its branches hanging low to form a canopy above. "This is my secret place, where I come to find peace amidst the chaos of court life."

You sat down, feeling the coolness of the stone seep into your body. The serenity of the garden was a stark contrast to the tension that usually clung to you like a second skin. Emi sat beside you, her usual bubbly energy replaced with a quiet understanding.

For a while, you both sat in companionable silence, listening to the distant sounds of the castle settling down for the night. The occasional laughter of a servant or the clatter of a distant kitchen pot provided a comforting backdrop to the stillness of the garden.

Finally, you spoke. "Emi, I don't know how I would manage without you."

Her eyes met yours, filled with sincerity. "And I don't know how I would manage without the challenge of making you smile, Your Highness."

The tension of the day began to unravel, and you found yourself sharing your fears and concerns with her, the words flowing freely as if the very act of speaking them aloud could lighten their weight. She listened intently, offering advice when asked, but mostly just being present, a reminder that you weren't alone in your burdens.

As the stars began to emerge, one by one, Emi leaned back and closed her eyes, letting out a contented sigh. "This," she said, "this is what I live for. To see the king of the realm, the most powerful man in the land, find peace in something as simple as a laugh."

You couldn't argue with her. In that moment, with the stars above and Emi by your side, the crown felt a little less heavy. You knew that tomorrow would bring more challenges, more decisions that could make or break your kingdom. But for now, you allowed yourself to simply be, to breathe in the sweetness of the evening air and bask in the warmth of a true friendship. And as the darkness closed in around you, the garden remained a beacon of light, a testament to the power of laughter in the face of the most daunting of battles.

Word Count: 1160