Chapter Text
Skull had just finished up his last ranked match for the day. 3 pm. Plenty of sun out still. Setting his E-Liter in his locker—gently of course—he draped his silk cloth over it, put his ink tank right beside it, and shut the locker.
He stretched his arms high above his head and sighed. What shall he spend his free time doing? Aviators claimed he had some business to take care of with someone, Skull was sure he knew who. His other two teammates went straight home, so they weren’t with him either. He could always get some food and chill in the plaza.
As he stepped out of the lobby into the plaza it was surprisingly empty. Just a few small groups scattered here n there. And the usual abundance of jellyfish doing their jellyfish activities.
He made his way to Crusty Sean and one order later, he was sitting at his table eating his usual. It really was a nice day wasn't it? Plaza was pretty much empty, enough that the shopkeepers themselves could be seen sitting in their storefronts. Squids must be taking a break today. Skull could understand that. Everyone needs a break at some point.
“Getting some sun today, Skull?” Emperor was suddenly sat across from him, no idea when they got there. Not that Skull minded.. probably. He nodded anyway.
“What are you doing out.” Skull asked.
“No reason.”
“Oh.”
He couldn't help but wonder why Emperor of all people would want to converse with someone. Someone like him. He kept a mental note as he finished his food, not paying too much attention to Emperor as they sat themselves across from him.
Skull returned his empty plate to Sean, leaving only the fries. They were in a disposable bowl, so it was unnecessary to take it back. He wasn’t in a rush to finish them anyway.
“To be quite transparent with you I wanted to spend time with you, outside of turf.”
“I—“ the plate once in his hands had now fallen upon the ground in a sea of shattered pieces. Did Emperor just blatantly admit they wanted to see Skull? He couldn't help the blush that tinted his ears at the mere thought of being on Emperor's mind.
Emperor chuckled as he reached for another fry or two. Fries that were gone in an instant, leaving a trail of salt on his glossed lips.
Dumbfounded Skull hastily picked up the shattered pieces. Taking them to the trash, he shifted his way back to the table.
Skull couldn’t help but notice that their ears fold when they laugh. It made Emperor seem… cuter? Oh man, Skull needs to get his head checked out. There’s no way he was starting to fall for Emperor right? That elegant, beautiful, absolutely stunning inkling? Not a chance. Well... there was a slight chance he couldn't lie. He wanted to get his mind off it so he decided to focus on the small group of octolings coming out of the train station. They looked like tourists, or maybe they were lost. Either way, it wasn't any of his concern. His distraction didn't last for long though because he turned back to face Emperor. He wanted to say something. Anything, to them. But he wasn't in his right mind
The way the sun hit them just right made the salt seem like diamonds on his lips. He wanted to kiss him so bad. To get rid of the salt of course nothing more. Skull couldn’t look away. He must’ve been staring too hard for Emperor to take note because soon they weren’t giggling anymore, but instead favored to stare back into Skulls eyes.
“Something caught your eye?” they spoke.
“…No”
“A king is very perceptive you know.” they paused. “I can see the thoughts dancing around in your mind. Your eyes tell a story.” He says pointing towards his own.
Skull said nothing. He felt like he didn’t need to. Seeing how Emperor just read him like that.
“A king is also understanding.” They paused. “If you don’t want to say anything that’s fine of course—"
"No— I…” Skull hesitated. “You just had salt on your lips… It looked good on you.."
Emperor froze. He said what?
Without thinking Skull reached across the table… extends his hand out and wipes the salt away. The realization of his actions immediately hit him and he hastily sat back down, adverting his attention again to two jellies skateboarding in the distance.
“You…” For once in their life Emperor was speechless.
“You look like you’ve got something on your mind…” Skull chuckled, the tips of his ears become a dark shade of purple.
Emperor noticed this of course, his own face warming up in response.
“Yes your observation is correct.” They chuckled again, only softer this time. It was more of a huff if anything.
“Skull…”
DING!
“Ah—“ Emperor pulled out his phone. “It’s Prince, he needs my assistance.” They stood. Skull felt a tinge of sadness. For some reason he didn’t want Emperor to go just yet. Weren’t they about to say something to him?
“I will see you again soon Skull~” With a bow Emperor set off to the train station. Skull was alone again. He could only hope…