Memories - An AU Emerald x M!Reader book (Multiverse AU)

Chapter 18

924 AF3.406288δ - Third Person POV

"You have everything?" Miss Arc asked as she walked side-by-side with (y/n) towards the reception area the next morning. After what felt like a never-ending night, (y/n) was finally being released from the hospital with the single condition that he will continue his on-sight therapy with Doctor Sustrai. A simple demand, really.

(y/n) looked down and rejoiced the feeling of wearing proper clothes again. He patted down his pockets and let out a false groan of annoyance. "Ugh... I think I left my sanity in my room... Mind going back and getting it for me?" (y/n) joked, to which Miss Arc shook her head with an amused smile.

"Keep it up and we'll keep you here for good."

(y/n) chuckled. "Promise?"

At his response, Miss Arc laughed and shook her head in disbelief before pushing the double doors open that lead to the reception area. "Thank Oum we're getting rid of you."

(y/n) made a face as he stepped through the doors. "Not sure how to take that, Arc."

The tech simply smiled, feeling like she had bested (y/n) in his own game of cheekiness. "Take it however you like."

"(y/n)!" Ruby hopped out of her seat and pounced on him.

"Hey, you."  (y/n) caught the girl's hug and gave her a strong squeeze. "Did you wait long?"

"Nah, don't worry about it. Just a few minutes." Ruby released her best friend from the tight hug. "Your doctor kept me company." She subtly nodded towards the front desk.

(y/n) caught the small hint and turned his attention to the desk, where Emerald was looking through some files near the mail cabinets. Emerald threw (y/n) a small glance before turning away. (y/n) immediately knew this simple task was an excuse for Emerald to see him off.

"Oh?" (y/n) grinned and Emerald fought off the urge to roll her eyes at the lack of (y/n)'s subtlety.

"Here we go..." Emerald muttered to herself.

"Gonna miss me, Doctor Sustrai?"

"Not for long. The faster you leave through those doors, the faster we can get on with the rest of our lives." Emerald said dryly.

"Ouch." Miss Arc made a pained expression on (y/n)'s behalf, not understanding the underlying message behind the doctor's comment. "You don't hold back, do you Sustrai."

"It's that tough love approach." (y/n) said as he pushed back a grin. "Anyway, I'm out of this prison. Don't have too much fun without me, alright?" (y/n) grinned and patted Miss Arc on the back while shooting Emerald a small wink.

Emerald fought the urge to smile. She noticed how the simple thought of (y/n) would bring a smile to her face and it didn't help that he was constantly throwing flirty comments at her and that he looked devilishly handsome in his own clothes. Emerald started to get used to the plain green patient scrubs he was forced to wear during his stay and seeing (y/n) in his regular outfit game her some new butterflies to think about. She shook her head and gave (y/n) a small smile, knowing she would see him again very soon.

"Take care of yourself, (y/n)."

(y/n) could hear the sweetness in Emerald's voice and bit his lip. The excitement was itching to burst out and Emerald had to wonder if Miss Arc could feel it too, or if the tech simply wrote it off as the excitement of someone getting their freedom back. If Arc felt it too, she didn't mention it.

"Yeah. I don't want to see you in pale green again." Miss Arc said with a slight grimace.

(y/n) chuckled. "Not really my colour, is it?"