Work Text:
Charlotte received a strange letter from Lord Julius. There was a poll among the people of Clover Kingdom to vote for their favourite Magic Knights. She read the results, surprised that that kind of poll existed at all.
She expected to see some captain in the first place, but surprisingly, it was Asta. Her heart almost stopped when she saw Yami in second place and herself in third. She saw it as a sign from above and traced her fingers over his name. Also, it took her by surprise as well, she didn't think that people from Clover liked him as well. On the other hand, nobles weren't impressed with him, but common people kind of liked him, which explained the results. She read the rest of the list, seeing young Yuno's name after hers. The rest were all members of the Black Bulls, except for Leopold.
At the end of the letter, there was an invitation for the photoshoot the next day, where clothes would be provided and makeup artists. Charlotte thought that it was a waste of money and time, people knew how they looked. She didn't like people taking pictures of her either, but she smiled when she saw that all of the top ten people had to be there. She would see Yami.
Naturally, her squad cheered and wished her luck.
The next day
Charlotte entered the Magic Knights Headquarters and went to the room for meetings. She was third there, Yuno and Leopold already present. She greeted her. Yami and people from his squad came ten minutes later. Yami sat next to her.
"I am not surprised to find you at the top of the popularity poll," Yami said.
"On the other hand, I am surprised by how much people like you." Charlotte retorted, already kicking herself.
"No one can resist my charms," Yami smirked at her.
Lord Julius and the photographer then came in and Charlotte felt bad. She would have to clean the air with Yami.
Lord explained about the photoshoot and that it was themed. Males and females were sent to separate changing rooms after that.
Secre has a cute purple dress, Noelle complained about the dress that was a little revealing on her breasts, but Charlotte had it the worst. Her dress was half blue half red, with revealing cleavage that shocked her. She put on her boots and black thing around her shoulders and went to complain.
Males were already back.
"Lady Charlotte, may I say that you look exquisite." Photographer was having a nosebleed. Yami scowled but had to agree.
"I am not going to wear this. It's disgraceful to Roselei's name and my own as a captain."
"Oh, but I picked it personally and we don't have time anymore." He turned around. "People from numbers one to four, please sit on the couch, the rest of you will stand behind."
"See that, I am number one Yuno!" Asta screamed and sat down in the middle of the couch. Yami shrugged and sat next to Asta. Yuno sat on the other side of Asta and they continued to bicker. Charlotte realised that the only available space was next to Yami.
"Don't worry, I don't bite." Yami patted the spot next to him, his cigar still in his mouth.
Charlotte noticed then his muscles, visible on his chest. She sighed and carefully went to sit next to him. She was nervous because he was closer than usual, she could feel his warmth.
"Relax, you look great," Yami whispered.
"You don't look bad either. It's just too much." Charlotte scowled.
"I have to disagree," Yami smirked.
Charlotte took another deep breath while the photographer instructed them. Ar one point Yami's knee hit her leg but he didn't move and she refused to back down. Her arm was also hidden because of Yami's scarf.
The photographer took pictures and then left to see if they had to do more.
"You know, you almost put your hand on mine," Yami smirked at her.
"It's not my fault the couch is small." She retorted, then changed the course of her speech. "You know, I lied before. I am not surprised to see you in second place. Your reputation became better after Star Festival."
"Oho is that a compliment I am receiving?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "Think of it as you like. It's a fact."
The rest of them chatted.
The photographer came back. "All pictures are good, I would like for Lady Charlotte to stay alone."
She stood up, sensing the foul play. "Why?"
"I want to do the shooting of you alone..."
"Is anyone else getting their picture taken alone?"
"No..." he had a nosebleed again.
"Then my answer is no." Her grimoire glowed.
Yami got up and put a hand on her shoulder. "Let's go before you kill the perv."
Charlotte let go of her magic but couldn't calm down completely because Yami's hand was on her shoulder. She went ahead to change, Noelle and Secre behind her.
"What a perv," Noelle said inside.
"Mhm." Secre agreed.
"But you look, good Captain." Noelle smiled at Charlotte who smiled back and changed. She was glad to be inside her armour.
She noticed a light coming from the one mirror and decided to smash it, revealing the photographer. Noelle screamed and Secre was in shock.
Her magic this time didn't stop.
Boys rushed to the scene to find a shattered mirror
and guy hanging upside down.
After ten minutes of a guy confessing and begging Yami to save him, Magic Knights came and took him away.
Julius came as well. "I am sorry for not checking his background, it's not his first offence. On the other hand, we will use pictures because they came out as good. That's all. Charlotte, I expect a report."
"Yes sir."
Everyone went away except for Yami and Charlotte who sighed. "More paperwork for me."
"I thought you liked working. I guess you are just a human, after all, Prickly Queen."
She glared at him. "I guess I am."
They started walking together.
"It wasn't so bad today," Charlotte admitted."Except for the dress."
"Dress was fine, people wear less the whole time."
"Like you at the festival."
"Hey, the guy has to be comfy."
Charlotte rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say." They came at the crossroad.
"See ya Charlotte."
Charlotte smiled and went to her base. Unknown to her, her little smile had a big effect on Yami. He went to his base as well, thinking about how to proceed with Charlotte in the future.
The end