More Priceless than Gold - Emperor x Reader

The Recovery

"Come on guys, I'm gonna need some help getting home."

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<Your POV>

Ember carried me as a squid back to our apartment so I wouldn't have to walk. Ian and Levi had already said goodbye. She and I both agreed to have a sleepover in her room, since we lived on the same floor anyway.

As soon as we got back, Ember laid me on her couch and ran to her freezer to get some ice for my foot. All the while I couldn't stop thinking about how Emperor stopped by to check on me. My teammates were obviously shocked, and they had every right to be.

But his words are the main reason why I was surprised.

"No problem, dear."

Did he have feelings for me as well? That'd be very awkward. We didn't even meet each other until a while ago. Is this what they call love at first sight?-

I was pulled out of my thoughts by the freezing cold touch of the ice pack. It made my foot go numb, which was better than pain I guess. It was still early in the evening, so Ember turned on the television so we could watch something.

About halfway into West Squid Story (I hate myself for making that pun) I decided to ask Ember something. "Hey Ember?" "Yeah?" "Have you ever...fallen for someone at first sight?" She raised her eyebrow slightly and smirked. "I know exactly where this is going." I turned my head and blushed a little from embarrassment. "You have a crush, don't you (Y/N)?~"

I sighed heavily. "Yeah, I guess I do." Ember giggled. "It's completely normal for you to develop feelings for someone when you meet them. But you gotta spend time with them to really know if they're the right...person for you."

I noticed her hesitation before she said "person." I didn't want to prod her, but curiosity got the better of me. "Do...do you have a special someone?" Ember blushed and turned away. "U-uh...no! I mean...well- yes..." I put my hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to tell me, I won't be mad if you don't."

Ember turned to me again and giggled again. "I'll tell you if you tell me who the lucky guy is." I smacked her with a cushion and laughed. "LUCKY? I'd be the lucky one in this case!" Ember gave me a smug look and grabbed another cushion. "Oh, it's on. Whoever surrenders first has to tell!"

A cushion fight ensued. I was worried about my foot, but Ember was careful enough so that she didn't have to make me move too much. But I still ended up losing the battle. "Alright," Ember said in between breaths. "Who you crushing on?" I laughed once more, then caught my breath. "I think I've fallen for Emperor."

To my surprise, Ember didn't overreact. "Hah, I kinda figured. At least you don't go crazy over him like half his fanbase." I chuckled at this. "You're right I guess. Now it's your turn. Who's your significant other?" She exhaled sharply. "Well, you're one of the only people I will tell..." "Yes?"

"I'm a lesbian."

I looked at her in shock. Ember, a lesbian? "I'm in a relationship with a girl named Jewel. She's bi, but more attracted to girls than boys. Hope you won't jud-" I hugged her before she could finish. "I won't judge you at all, as long as you're happy. And I won't tell anyone. You can come out whenever you feel like it." Ember returned the hug. "Thanks (Y/N). Now let's finish this movie."

(timeskip brought to you by Ember's sweet smile)

My foot had fully recovered by the time I woke up. Good thing too, because semis and finals were today. I got ready as quickly as I could and joined Ember outside. The team decided to meet up early so we could practice.

Once we were all present and accounted for, we made our way to the shooting range. Before we entered, however, it sounded like a team was already practicing. Ian decided we should wait for them to finish, and all of us agreed.

We were on our phones when we heard the door open. I heard a familiar voice saying "Great job, everyone. We've gotten a lot done today, so I expect you to be as good out there as you were in here." I looked up, and standing in the doorway was the monarch team.

My eyes immediately went to Emperor. He was facing his team, praising them for their hard work. When he turned to leave, he caught sight of me. He said something to his team, and they all nodded and walked off.

Emperor walked up to where I was sitting and knelt down. "How are you feeling, dear?" Dear. He called me dear again... "I-I'm feeling better, thank you." He smiled and lifted my chin, which made me blush like mad. "That's good to hear. I'll be seeing you on the battlefield then." "Y-y-yes, you w-will!" I stammered. Emperor chuckled, his charming voice sending chills down my spine.

"I won't go easy on you, though. As a king, I have a reputation to uphold. But I know you'll do your best." He stood up and walked away, leaving me a blushing mess. Ember had to help me up because of it. "I saw everything, (Y/N)~ What did he say?" I shook my head to regather my thoughts. "He just came to see how I was doing..." "But what about when he grabbed your chin?"

I blushed even more at the thought. "All he did was wish me luck...I hope I didn't make it too obvious that I like him." Ian and Levi called to us, asking why we werr taking so long. Ember laughed and said, "Let's get some practice in so we can whoop their butts. Afterwards you can confess to him~" "UHM-"

A/N: hehehhehh I deeply apologize for not staying true to my word...I kinda lost track of time and I barely have free time. I'm giving up a few hours of sleep to write this...once again I am sorry-