**"Crowns and Close Calls"**
*(Michael Kaiser x Reader — One-Shot)*
The Bastard München training grounds were eerily quiet as you sat on the bleachers, flipping through your notes. The team’s latest press event had been chaotic—Michael Kaiser, true to form, had dominated every question with a mix of charm and cockiness that left the reporters scrambling for soundbites. You were still trying to recover from the whirlwind of it all.
You had no warning before the man himself sauntered onto the field, his golden hair catching the fading sunlight like a crown.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite assistant,” he drawled, his German accent laced with amusement.
You rolled your eyes, refusing to look up. “Kaiser, don’t you ever get tired of hearing yourself talk?”
“Never,” he replied smoothly, sliding onto the bench beside you. His proximity made your pulse quicken, though you kept your face neutral.
“Shouldn’t you be training?”
“Shouldn’t you be smiling?” he countered, leaning back on his elbows. “You look stressed, darling. Too much work?”
You finally looked at him, arching a brow. “Maybe I wouldn’t be stressed if certain players didn’t make every press event a circus.”
Kaiser grinned, unrepentant. “Ah, but where’s the fun in that?”
---
The banter was cut short by a sharp whistle from the coach, summoning Kaiser back to the field. He stood, stretching languidly, and you tried not to stare at the way his jersey clung to him.
“I’ll see you after practice,” he said, his tone laced with mischief.
“For what?” you asked suspiciously.
“You’ll see.” And with that, he jogged off, leaving you both curious and slightly annoyed.
---
By the time practice ended, the sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. You were packing up your things when Kaiser appeared again, this time carrying two bottled waters and a grin that screamed trouble.
“Come on,” he said, nodding toward the far end of the field.
“I have work to finish.”
“And I have something to show you. Priorities, darling.”
Against your better judgment, you followed him.
---
He led you to the edge of the training grounds, where a small, tucked-away garden lay hidden from view. Kaiser stopped in front of a low stone wall, turning to face you with a rare softness in his eyes.
“I come here when I need to think,” he admitted, his voice quieter now. “No cameras, no reporters, no pressure. Just... peace.”
You blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in his tone. “And you brought me here because…?”
He smirked, the familiar arrogance slipping back into place. “Because I wanted to share it with you. That’s what kings do, isn’t it? They share their kingdom with someone worthy.”
You rolled your eyes, but your heart betrayed you with a flutter. “You’re insufferable.”
“And yet, you’re still here.”
He stepped closer, his gaze locking onto yours. The playful mask he wore so often was gone, replaced by something far more intense.
“Do you know why I like you?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I’m afraid to find out,” you quipped, though your breath hitched as he leaned in.
“I like you because you’re the only one who doesn’t treat me like a king,” he murmured, his hand brushing yours. “You see me, not the title. And that… that’s worth more than any crown.”
Your heart raced as he tilted his head, his lips hovering near yours. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.
Then, with a teasing grin, he pulled back. “But you’ll have to earn the rest, darling.”
You let out a frustrated laugh, shoving his shoulder. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re perfect,” he said, his smirk softening into something almost tender.
As the stars began to peek through the twilight sky, you found yourself wondering if maybe, just maybe, being part of Michael Kaiser’s world wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
---