A/N: Hello all and welcome to my first real foray into the wonderful series of Seven Deadly Sins! Now as you'll noticed I do have another SDS story out already - that one sorta got written quickly cause it was a one shot and I was just busting to get it out. That story would take place in this universe; set a bit after the events of this fic. Maybe even in the middle-ish.

Also this fic is both an experiment and challenge for me, in a slightly different writing style than I normally do, as well as taking on the subject of Body Positivity and Love. This story will contain explicit (sexual) content from time to time. So do be mindful of this as you read. In fact, there's some in this chapter already so, just giving you plenty of forewarning.

Anywho; That said, I do hope you enjoy the story.

X o X ~ Embracing Sides ~ X o X

There was something to be said about how no matter how much things changed, there would always be that part that was the same. Everyone had changed quite a bit, and yet here they all were; carrying on as if nothing radical had ever taken place and broken them away from what had become routine for them.

The Boar Hat was roaring with life. Packed to walls with the citizens of the large town they currently resided by, the atmosphere was lively, carefree and celebratory. Much of the city had been ransacked by the aftermath of the Ten Commandments; yet everyone was in high spirits. This town was seeing a lot of rapid rebuilding thanks to the help of the Sins.

"Here you go! Drink up!" Diane said cheerily as she placed three fresh mugs of Vanya's finest on the table for the customers she attended.

Indeed, it certainly felt like nothing had changed. It was so easy to get back into the swing of things around here. Just so easy to be among them all.

Her family. They truly were. Being a member of the Sins was the first place she felt like she truly belonged somewhere. Even the Boar Hat provided her with a sense of comfort and feeling at home.

Granted, the little establishment had been completely rebuilt; but the feeling was still there.

The room looked just like it's predecessor, like she remembered it to be. If she hadn't reunited with the rest of her team when she had, Diane would have never realized the Boar Hat had been demolished by the Ten Commandment Deriere. Only minor changes had been made to its layout, and all of those changes where on the upper floors. The rooms that were there had been converted to guest rooms, and some of the storage rooms had been widened a pinch.

This lessened the problem of having those too intoxicated to go home sleeping on the tables or floors of their main service area. Something no one seemed to bother with before…

Perhaps Elizabeth has something to do with that.

Really, the biggest change to the Boar Hat was the almost identical building connected right behind it via a small hallway. The door was conveniently placed in the kitchen so only the staff could access it.

It's layout was an almost direct copy to the front building; the major change being the ground level floor serving as a sort of living room for everyone to chill in. Also with the new building and new space, there was a couple extra rooms.

A tiny smile graced her lips.

She no longer had to worry about sleeping outside in the cold when it was chilly. No more sleeping in soggy grass when it had rained. No more sleeping outside alo-

A crash interrupted her inner thoughts, briefly, as she turned to see someone had knocked over a large bottle of ale. Nothing new really, as lately the crowds had become rather busy and mugs were limited.

Diane heard Ban calling out, followed by an immediate retort that sounded cras.

He was agitated. She could hear it; even in his deeper tone.

Diane moved back towards the bar to refill some of the mugs she'd collected from the table she'd just vacated. As she did she saw King, in his Human Form, appear from out behind the bar with a broom and dust pan in hand. Diane assumed he'd been most likely washing dishes, as she took note of his rolled up sleeves.

Handing off the mugs to Meliodas, Diane watched the Fairy King amble over to take care of the hazardous glass that would no doubt end up in someone's foot if left unchecked. He wasn't wearing his teal and orange jacket he usually wore, though for a while this had become the norm if the bar was busy and all hands on deck were needed.

Then again he really hadn't worn it for a bit longer than that, to be honest. She sort of missed the bright colors on him. His navy blue attire was still ever present, but it wasn't quite as flattering. Diane always thought he looked best in brighter colors.

His movements halted her thoughts about color choices on clothes, and she watched as King stopped to roll his shoulders; moving an arm behind his back as if stretching. Diane gave a little hum to herself.

That's why he was sounding more agitated than usual.

His wings were bothering him.

"Here ya go, Diane!" Meliodas chimed in with his ever present note of cheer.

"Thanks Captain!" She responded in kind, while retrieving what she'd come for in the first place.

Moving back to her patrons to deliver their beers, Diane's eyes flittered back to where King had been cleaning up the mess.

Her gaze caught his own, and she gave him a warm smile. His face tinted from the blush he sported and returned a smile of his own; though it didn't reach his eyes. He turned away and finished up the cleaning at a quicker pace.

Diane frowned a little at this.

He'd been doing this for a while now; almost always while they were working. He wasn't like this any other time… not that she could recall. It had started right about the time the group were given the task of helping those who'd suffered in the wake of the Ten Commandments.

King Bartra had asked they travel over Britannia, helping to rebuild the various towns; seek out those who needed supply and shelter. There were no arguments to be had; they were all too happy to help. This of course led to the growing popularity of the Sins, and more importantly, the Boar Hat Bar.

Everyone was expected to help out in some job fashion, and everyone agreed, yet. . . there had been one minor issue.

King's wings were just too damn big and seriously got in the way inside the small establishment. At least, when it was full. If it was empty it wasn't much of a problem; but a Fairy whose wings were twice the span of his own body took up quite a large amount of space. The only solution had been for King to be in Human form while they had customers.

It worked just fine. It was perfect really. It had an air about it that was like a throw back to their former days those odd sixteen years ago.

Yet this is when Diane noticed an almost immediate change in how King started acting. Specifically around her.

He and Ban still fought. He and Meliodas still bickered over strategy versus winging-it. He and Elizabeth still shared pleasant conversation. He was perfectly fine with everyone.

But with her… He...just…

Avoided her.

Three months prior to them rejoining the rest of the sins, the two of them clung to each other like tree sap.

Coming out of the trail had been so jarring to Diane that it jarred all these locked away feelings out of her the moment she set her eyes on the Fairy boy. Then right as she was trying to understand why she suddenly had all these feelings, she felt something in her mind break like a dam; and memories came flooding back to her.

Her head was a whirlwind of emotion and information, and she couldn't stop herself from shouting his (real?!) name, nor could she stop the confession pouring from her lips, because it was the only thing her mind was telling her to do.

'TELL HIM NOW DON'T WAIT DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN'

They both dissolved into crazy laughter and tears when he'd done the very same thing back. They both clung to one another, as much as they possibly could, not caring about their audience.

Amused seemed to be the former Kings of the Fairy and Giant clan.

Once they'd been sent back, and calmed the worries of King's people and her friend Matrona, the two of them were never without the other and were a little more free to figure things out. Diane's first order of business however, had been absconding with the Fairy King and hiked down the Sacred Tree; seeking out a very particular species of fungi.

With luck she'd found it; gave it a little tap, and purposely taken the hit of its spore powder. She'd been so caught up about this that her attention for detail lacked, and she'd forgotten her clothes wouldn't shrink with her.

Confessions and declarations aside, King was still stuttering and sputtering like crazy and had turned away from her as to not see. She was grateful for his chivalry, but just told him to toss her his jacket; not caring the back was ripped up. All that mattered was covering her front. He'd obliged and no sooner had she buttoned it up, did she reach out and pull him into an awkward bone crushing hug.

He'd jerked a bit, red from the neck up; but she held on to him and didn't let go.

"D-D-D-Diane! I can't-Can you-" He stammered, but then stopped when something wet fell on his check.

He focused and looked up at her; tears were streaming down her face as she looked at him; hunched over him in their awkward position.

"Don't. Don't you ever leave me. Ever again." She spoke, eyes glassy with tears and voice hitched.

"The first time was so hard, because I just knew you weren't coming back… The second time I didn't understand why I felt you leaving was wrong… and this last time, you didn't say a word and took off with Ban…"

Her teeth clenched.

"So don't you ever, ever, leave me behind again, Harlequin. I'll never forgive you if you do."

Her grip loosened on the boy in her arms, and he used the moment to shift himself to face her, and framed her face with his hands.

"I promise you. I will never leave your side. I will never leave you." King said with conviction, and then he smiled.

"I love you, Diane."

Diane jumped slightly when she felt someone collide with her hip and turned to she see whether or not her fist would be meeting this person's face, but she calmed quickly enough when she saw it was only Elizabeth.

"Oops! Sorry Diane, it's just getting a bit crowded."

"No worries!" She chuckled, and the two girls switched places to continue about the busy tavern.

Diane scolded herself for slipping into a daze. Reflecting was all well in good, but she knew the road that memory led down and now was not the time for that. No. Instead, she went back to reflecting back on her previous train of thought; which was the complete opposite of her last daydream.

King was still avoiding her while they worked and it'd been a month of this. The only possible reason she could come up with was that King just didn't want to be openly affectionate while working, or in front of strangers.

Which, if she was one hundred percent honest with herself, Diane wouldn't mind it all that much if he was. Sure, she could deal with the occasional annoying customers, or the drunken fight starters, and the obnoxious flirty ones, but it'd be nice if just one time one of these idiots tried something on her he'd come over and just-

Then an idea struck her.

It was probably only the third night since they'd both rejoined with the Captain, Ban, Elizabeth, Hawk.. and Merlin, Escanor and Gowther had been there too. That night had been about as busy if not more so than this, and due to the celebration of the Ten Commandments defeat, everyone was pretty much plastered.

That was also when some random guy, in all his drunken bravado, had spoken quite lewdly to her as she passed by his table and proceeded to grab her ass.

Two things happened almost simultaneously. Almost.

The first was simply that Diane herself had swiftly grabbed the offender and yanked him from his seat, in one fluid fell swoop. This feat of speed had only come to Diane upon completion of the trial both she and King had been put under. Of course this trial had also given her quite a boost in power and a deeper connection to the earth than she had previously with it.

But in this case, it had been her speed that was the more notable trait, for only a beat later did the second thing happen. Everyone in the small tavern heard the sound of metal sinking into wood.

All sound vanished upon seeing the six foot Spirit Spear Chastiefol embedded into the floor, along with the chair the guy had been sitting in having been split in two.

There was a palpable tension no one could deny that borderlined on murderous, and those who felt it either were too frozen to move, scared shitless and ran, or the brave few, didn't care.

The loss of half the paying customers was not exactly something Meliodas was thrilled about, and Diane had never seen the Captain that upset outside of battle.

Ban was more or less antagonizing the Fairy King for being so hot headed.

King became reclusive the rest of that evening…

And Diane.. After taking a moment to toss the dude out the door, (and mockingly told the dude that it could have been him and not the chair that got split if she'd wanted) had to calm her rapidly beating heart. Her face was hot and she tried not to really look at anyone. She couldn't tell if she was like this because of anger, embarrassment...

Or the fact she was kinda turned on by that?

Diane had also spent that evening avoiding the Fairy, so neither one of them really spoke about it until a little later. She'd chided him a bit for using such extreme measures - these were just normal humans after all, and she could take care of herself.

King had apologized profusely; promising to not do it again. Diane had accepted this and knew he was being honest about this. She could tell by seeing it in his eyes. She saw it when she looked up at him.

And this was when something in her clicked. Something inside the Giantess caused her to pause, to fumble, and suddenly she had to look anywhere else but at him.

It could have just been the previous high she'd been on since his little stunt earlier that day, but that would be lying; she knew.

No. It was far simpler than that. Something so small and silly; trifle really, but it was really getting to her.

Diane was the Giantess of the group.

She was always the tall one. She never had to look up at anyone. Or really, there weren't many people she had to do so with on a regular basis. Matrona was a little taller than her, but she wasn't around the other Giantess much. It'd been awhile since she'd seen her and her family.

Ban also towered over everyone as well, but Ban always had. It wasn't anything new or something you suddenly connect the dots to. Also, she and Ban had a platonic relationship, so details like this didn't really phase her. You don't notice these kind of silly things with someone you're not in love with.

Diane was in love with King.

Reconnecting back with the group, no one was really surprised to see them appear before them, hand in hand. In fact, Elizabeth was overly happy for her, and she was pretty sure (though King would deny it outright) that her fairy was equally as happy to have Ban and Meliodas teasing him about 'finally making a move.'

This was the only time in which they'd been together before joining the others that King had switched to his human form, if for the only purpose of surprising the others about his new acquirement. She'd been too excited to see everyone again, and too proud to show him off that she hadn't really noticed how tall he was in this form.

"Hey, Diane, you alright?"

And just like that, the inception of memories that had stacked in her brain popped like a balloon as she was brought to the hear and now.

"Oh..Hawk! Yeah, I'm fine. Is something up?"

"Well, you seemed to just be standing here lost in thought. If you think you might need a moment, I'm sure Meliodas could spare you a break!" The Captain of Scraps Disposal beamed at the young brunette.

"Actually, that sounds like a good idea." She smiled, and gave the boar a wink while setting her serving tray down by the bar.

"Hey Captain, I'm gonna take a break for a moment."

"Sure thing! Just try to be back soon."

"Kay!" She beamed.

Diane stood there for a moment, thinking to herself until she saw, out of the corner of her, King coming down the stairs carrying a large barrel of ale. No sooner did he set the thing down, did he make a quick turn, attempting to head back up the stairs. Diane tugged on his sleeve before he got up a step. He visibly seemed to jump slightly, but she ignored it.

"What's going on?" Diane asked calmly.

"Nothing. Just getting another barrel."

Diane frowned. He was deliberately not looking at her.

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

"Can we talk about this later? We've gotta work-"

He attempted to climb the stairs, but Diane wasn't letting him go. Diane's patience was reaching a breaking point.

"I'm on break, but that's not the point."

"Then go enjoy your break; you deserve it. You've been working hard all night."

Diane was at a lose for a second and her grip on King's sleeve lessened. He tried to make his way up the stairs, taking advantage of her moment of pause, but it was way too short lived.

Diane was flabbergasted. Like hell she'd let him smooth his way out of this!

"King!" She practically growled, reaching out again; yanking him back by his wrist.

Diane realized only half a second late that doing this was not the brightest of ideas. While even in her smaller five foot five form, she was still easily one of the more physically powerful members of the group. This meant excessive force was almost always not needed; yet she tended to forget this if she was upset.

Apply to the fact that even if King was currently a little over a hundred more in pounds than normal; this didn't mean anything if he was floating.

Which he had been, and she'd not realized this, and lashed out, latched on and yanked him back with enough force it he had little to no control over the fact she'd caused him to crash into her; nearly sending them to the floor, but by some miracle only catching the wall to the left of the stairs.

Diane hit the wall with a sudden thunk, and a second thunk followed; caused by King's free hand slamming against the same wall as if to brace himself. Diane had to give herself a moment to realize what happen, and was even about to apologize for being to impulsive-

But her words died in her throat when she opened her eyes; registering their position. She was pinned between him and the wall, and he was leaning over her.

And he was so close.

Which wasn't new.

But it was?

Why?

He wasn't talking either; but she caught the way his eyes darted, for just a moment, to her lips when she licked them. Thoughts occurred to her just then; realizing things she didn't know - She didn't know this side of King - and realizing she actually wanted to know.

And her mind began to wander dangerously.

Were his lips still as soft like this as they were normally?

Would he still taste like honeysuckle and mint?

And it was slowly consuming her, this need to know, that she felt the all too familiar burning in the pit of her stomach rising up. Her eyes grew heavy lidded as she tilted her head ever so slightly which was enticing him to respond in kind-

"Break's o~ver." Came a sudden sing song voice to their left.

It was almost like an electric shock to the two of them. King suddenly launched backwards as if having physically felt an effect and Diane had been jarred from whatever trance her mind had put her under; an icy shiver shooting straight down her spine that shut down what had been the start of… something.

Ban cackled to himself as he hefted the barrel of ale onto his shoulder.

"Get back to work. We're running outta booze and orders are backing up. You guys can screw around la~ter."

"Sh-shut up." Diane mumbled automatically.

Her pulse was racing and her face was scarlet with embarrassment; though she didn't really know why. Maybe it was just that Ban had teased them. King looked infinity pissed at the Fox Sin of Greed, but even his ire seemed deflated by the cherry red color painting his face.

Ban, still thinking he was the funniest thing, walked back into the kitchen while King resumed going back upstairs; Diane assumed to grab another barrel. She wanted to say something; anything, but sound refused to obey her. She gave up, and turned back towards the bar. She missed King's sideways glance back in her direction.

X o X ~ v ~ X o X

A stretch, a long yawn, followed by an all too polite apology.

"Oh my, I must be really tired." Elizabeth gave an apologetic smile to Diane.

The two 'Poster Girls' were quietly cleaning down the tables; righting chairs and generally making sure the tavern was clean and ready for the next night. They hadn't been able to talk much while the bar had been busy, so they caught up during the down time. It'd been a little over a few hours, give or take, since the last patron had stumbled out into the night. The two girls were pretty much done with things; just the one last table Diane was wiping down was left.

"Why don't you go on to bed? The only thing left is this table, and I can put those mugs away for you."

"Are you sure?" Elizabeth paused in her walk toward the bar.

"Sure, it's no sweat! Today was really busy and you were awesome." Diane smiled at the other girl.

Elizabeth set the mugs on the counter and moved back over towards her friend.

"Thanks Diane, really; but you make sure you get enough rest too, okay? I think we all did really great today. I honestly wouldn't mind it being a little less so tomorrow." The Princess gave the Giantess a slight grin.

"Tell me about it. I already want a vacation."

The two shared a small laugh, before giving one another a hug and Elizabeth bidding her a good night. As the other woman disappeared from view, Diane turned back to finish wiping up the table. Everyone else had vacated back to the other house, so this left Diane alone with her thoughts.

She let herself reflect back on earlier; trying to figure out why she'd suddenly felt the way she had. Nervous, unsure, a little shy. While the thoughts that raced through her mind weren't anything she hadn't thought before; they certainly felt as such. Felt like have them all over again. Felt like it was the first time having them at all.

Diane slowed her movements.

That was it. That's what it was. Yet it didn't really explain why. The girl frowned. She had a feeling this was one of those obvious things she was overlooking, and would feel pretty silly for not seeing.

Satisfied with the table, Diane made her way back behind the bar. She took the two mugs from the counter Elizabeth left and proceeded to rinse them out in the sink. She was half finished with the second mug when two lithe arms circled around her midsection; and a weight pressed against the middle of her shoulder blades.

"King?"

He mumbled something, but his reply was muffled because we was talking into her back. His arms tightened around her. She didn't have to hear him to know he was more than likely apologizing. This was also something he'd been doing as of late. He was just that much more clingy after the tavern was closed and everyone was gone. She'd noticed he was also extra attentive during their down time or if they didn't have to work that day; he always made sure they did something together. Diane didn't mind it at all. Loved it in fact.

Only now she was starting to think these two shifts in behavior were related.

Like he was trying to make up for the fact he was avoiding her.

A snapping of fingers pulled her out of her daze and Diane looked down to see King looking at her with a little worry.

"Are you alright, Diane?"

"Yeah, sorry. I was just...thinking." She gave him a small smile.

He gave her his own back and drifted up just enough to press a gentle kiss to her lips.

"Do you need any help?"

"No; I'm pretty much done. Just gotta finish this last mug."

"Okay. I'll be in the other room." He glided backwards a little before turning towards the door.

Quick turns around people weren't really a good idea, so King had gotten into the habit of backing up just slightly enough.

Diane's focus was drawn there, and not just by the beautiful wings. There was the line that ran down his back. It started just under the shoulder blades and easily dipped low. King had made the alterations to his top so that he could still wear his shirt; but now it was backless to allow his wings to move freely. Diane wasn't complaining at all. She loved it. Hell, she'd joked once that he should just go topless like Gloxinia had but he'd refused. King was still modest about some things.

All that aside, staring at him like this was stirring up that burning in her gut again, and this time she wasn't going to let anything interrupt it.

"King, wait."

The Fairy stopped midway opening the door. He half turned to her with a curious gaze. Diane tossed the rinsed off Mug onto a towel to let it dry and dried her own hands quickly enough. Two large strides and she was next to him. Before he could say anything, the Giantess framed his face in her hands, and descended on his lips with hunger.

Stunned a moment by her sudden ferocity, King deepened this kiss; letting her tongue tangle with his; wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her flush with him. A few more moments passed before Diane pulled back; breaking the lip lock.

"Let's go to bed."

X o X ~ v ~ X o X

She clawed at the bed sheets as she arched her back; panting, moaning, quivering as spasms raked through her body. Her legs were wrapped around his waist and she tightened her grip on him; bucking her hips against his, though it was in vain. He had her pinned already between himself, his hand and the pillow to her back. He was already inside her and she just wanted him to move, but he refused to as he worked on her; using his fingers of his right hand to tease the sensitive nub between her lips, left hand fondling her breast as he mouthed the other.

The pillow she was laying on shifted ever so slightly and pushed her up just a bit; allowing the Fairy just a bit more access to his lover's body.

She gasped as teeth grazed her nipple, and whimpered as he continued. Another spasm shook her and she cried out. At this, he stopped his ministrations and let his hands rest on her hips as he leaned back just enough to admire her.

He was especially pleased with himself with how the Giantess was reacting and would make sure he remembered this for future reference.

Perhaps getting those (at the time unwanted and unwarranted) tips from the Captain wasn't so bad after all.

"Harlequin."

The way she moaned his name seem to set his skin ablaze and sent sparks down his spine; cock throbbing painfully from forcing himself to hold back; and just as she'd called his name did she suddenly have her back flush against the bed. He was over her, panting, his hands splayed against the mattress near her head, giving her what she wanted; what they both wanted.

He breathed her name as he came, and she clung to his body tightly as she rode out the waves of her own orgasm; foreheads connected, panting breaths mixing until all sound died away and all movement stilled. Moments of calm passed before cool amethyst met warm amber and lazy, gentle kisses were shared.

"So. . . that was new." Diane said quietly, a satisfied tone in her voice.

King shifted, letting himself fall to her left; a light thump against the ever present green pillow.

"Even a King must be able to attend to his Lady's wants and needs." King responded playfully; pressing a kiss to the knuckles of her right hand.

Diane grinned, and gave a content hum as she half rolled her eyes. She pulled her hand from his and snaked it behind his back; between his wings, and pulled him to her. She buried her face in his hair. She smiled against it. His hair smelt like sandalwood. Likewise, and with little choice of position (not that he'd ever complain) he buried his face against her breast, inhaling the scent of her skin. It was secretly one of his favorites, quite honestly.

Mumbled notes of affection passed between the two quietly, until sleep claimed them both, and they drifted of into dreams.

X o X ~ End Ch 1 ~ X o X