Chapter Text
Another flawless match had been concluded. Skull was surely on his A-Game today. This was natural of course, he *is* the leader of the S5 after all, the strongest E-Liter player known to every cephalopod. But he was honest and true. Just because he was some leader didn't mean he had to act above anyone. So he didn't. His role spoke for himself.
Skull made his way towards the terminal to check his stats, seemingly unaware of his surroundings for once. So unaware that he failed to notice that the lobby doors had opened..
Shuffling through his recent matches and inbox he hummed occasionally. The inkling that had entered earlier had continued to go unnoticed by him. That was until the figure spoke to him, just mere inches behind him, looking over his shoulder. Or maybe around, the figure was noticeably shorter than Skull.
"You play really well. And your win to loss ratio is quite appealing."
Skull turned around, surprised that he hadn't noticed the other until they spoke.
"Oh. Thank you."
He couldn't help the flutter in his chest just hearing Emperor speak. It had felt like forever since their last encounter. It was only one day but to Skull it felt like a painfully long week. And now here they were again, complimenting him for his skills. Coming from Emperor it must be true. Or so he likes to think, maybe Emperor has flaws themself, who knows?
As he scrolled a bit more he could feel Emperor moving closer. Maybe they just couldn't see the screen well? That's what Skulled wanted to think to keep himself sane.
Finally they spoke after what felt like ages of awkward silence.
“I want to battle you.” they spoke, still looking at the screen.
"Oh...I mean— Ok." He said, awkwardly holding a thumbs up. Emperor laughed. It was more of an scoff, but in a good way. For some reason it made Skull smile?
"Which map did you want to battle on.."
Emperor hummed. "The Museum."
Skull nodded as he set up their match. Minutes later they hair their gear in hand, waiting on top of their spawners. Ready for battle. The countdown started
Ready...? GO!
They were off, painting their bases like you normally would to start off a turf match. There wasn't anything eventful yet of course, they hadn't left their respective bases yet. For some reason... Skull wanted to rush over there. He wanted to see them again. Granted he *just* talked with them but he wanted... more. He wasn't sure what "more" was exactly. Not yet.
Finally Skull had made it to the middle. He was first, which was kind of surprising. No sign of Emperor, he did see yellow in their base though, so at least he knows they didn't leave... why would they?
Overtime the timer was getting closer and closer to the finish. Skull noticed that there was almost the same amount of yellow as there was purple. But what he didn't notice was Emperor yet again. For what reason were they playing like this? Skull had no idea.
This match felt like it was going on longer than it should have. But noticed the timer, he knew it was only a matter of seconds before it was over. Readjusting his E-Liter on his shoulder he covered more of the ground around him. No sight of Emperor still. Was he hiding or something? Maybe Emperor was watching him from a blindspot. Whatever the case was, he stayed on his path. He must've been thinking about them too much cause not even a second later he could hear a suction bomb taking its place right behind him.
Swimming away swiftly he ducked behind the ledge as an explosion set off. It was still noticeably close to him so a bit of the ink did get on him. Not too much to worry about though. He was more worried about Emperors position yet again. *It was completely justifed this time..*
*He charged up his E-Liter... waiting...*
"Pay attention" came a voice from behind
Skull swivled in its direction, charger aimed and ready. It was Emperor of course. Woah— They were closer than he thought, there's no way he'd be able to splat them like this. He really just assumed but he knew Emperor had the upperhand in this situation.
Instead of dodge rolling and splatting him like Skull thought they would, they lunged forward and pulled him down by his namesake, effectively pulling it off to show his face. Those overgrown fangs and that lip ring that Emperor wanted to see so desperately.
“I see you~” Emperor smiled as he pulled Skull closer, crashing their lips together in an adrenaline filled frenzy. However it was brief. Because as soon as the kiss ended Skull could feel himself… respawning? When did Emperor hit him?
Skull was dizzy as he ended up back in spawner. Right as he looked down the game was already set though.
Skull had won by 0.2 percent! How amazing is that? However Skull had other things to worry about besides a match he just barely won. Back in the locker room he sat infront of his locker, head pressed against the cold metal door, eyes locked on the fluorescent bulbs hanging above.
..
Emperor's POV
They shut their gear in their locker as they smile to themselves. Proud of the little stunt they pulled during the match. A lot of things were running through his head. The main one being 'what the hell were they thinking'. He doesn't know what possesed him to straight up *kiss Skull*. They could still feel the buzz from the kiss on their lips. He doesn't regret any of it, but he didn't think it would happen so soon. He couldnt lie, he wanted more. They knew Skull had to be in the locker rooms still so that was their next stop.
..
Skulls POV
Skull heard the faint sound of footsteps echo through the locker room walls. He already knew who it was. No one else but Emperor, the only person he'd want to see at this time anyway. The steps echoed closer and closer until Skull looked up into the doorway to be met with Emperor's prescense. Their eyes somewhat fixated on his. Or maybe him in general. Skull absolutely loved it.
"Hello, Skull."
"Emperor."
"You played well. I expected nothing less." Emperor complimented, walking closer to Skull's spot on the floor. Kneeling down on their own they faced the locker.
"Thank you." He replied simply. It was silent again.
Emperor nodded. "I wanted to see you again"
Skulls eyes widened slightly. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Did they feel the same way?
Without thinking Skull brought his hand up to Emperors cheeks, a bit of blush forming on the tips of his ears. He felt Emperor jump slightly but soon they were looking at him again. The yellow hue on their face slowly fading into Skulls vision.
Emperor hands found their place on the back of Skulls mask and lingered.
“Go ahead.”
They undid the double knot He had in place and slipped the mask off.
"You look nice..."
"Pffft, thank you, Skull. I might taste nice too.." They smirked as they winked.
Skulls face was probably a whole new shade of purple at this point, be he didn't have a single care in the world. He wanted to kiss the smirk of this inkling NOW.
Just as he was about to pull Emperor in he could feel himself being tugged down, and not long after a warm feeling on his lips. They’re bold aren’t they? Skull let out a surprised sound as he returned the kiss, his hand gravitating down to wrap around Emperor’s waist.
Skull was in heaven right now, he wanted this to last forever. He wanted Emperor *forever*. He could feel the heat from Emperors face being transferred to his own. Their skin was so soft, just like their lips…
The kiss lasted for about a minute before they both pulled away. Skull noticed that Emperors eyes were slightly hooded. Before he came up’s question it Emperor fell into his chest.
“…Tired?” He asked. No response. Must be a yes. The two of them were lucky because it was the last hour of the day, most people were spending time at home or doing other things than turf. Skull decided he could sit here for a bit, no harm in that right?