Disclaimer: I do not own The Seven Deadly Sins. I'm merely borrowing the characters and having some fun with them.
DESTINY
Chapter 36
I'm not entirely sure how we got to this point.
Ban is chugging a beer as he rides around on the back of Hawk. The Fox Sin yells at King in between drinks, "let's race! Who's faster? Pig? Or grizzly?"
"Snake!" Diane shouts as she throws her arm up. Her ale sloshes out of her mug with her harsh movements, some of it spilling onto the nearby King. The floating fairy doesn't pay it any notice as he smiles at the shrunken giant.
"If the race is up the side of the hill, the goat would win," Gowther puts in his two sense as he sips his wine. I think I even see a slight tinge of pink to his cheeks.
Is Gowther drunk? The thought seems utterly baffling and I stifle a giggle. For some reason I never thought the Goat Sin could get drunk. Much like Meliodas he seems to have quite the tolerance. Or maybe he just doesn't drink enough to get drunk, can't say I've kept track of his drinks like he does mine.
The blonde is sitting beside me, merely taking in the disaster that has fallen upon his bar. Chairs and tables are toppled from Hawk's thrashing, trying to throw Ban off his back. The rest of us are gathered around the only table left standing. King begins to flick his wrist, lazily moving the table and chairs to the side so the pair doesn't crush them.
The four Sins continue their argument about what the faster animal is, the fox now being thrown in along with the goat, grizzly, pig and snake. A chuckle to my side draws my attention to Meliodas. He smiles lightly as he watches them all argue and I can't help but grin at the sight of it.
They really are like a family. I think back to what Diane had said earlier in the night. According to her none of them had much for family before they joined the Sins. It warms my heart to watch them all interact.
But it makes me think of my own sisters.
I miss them.
A heavy sigh slips past my lips, green eyes now study me. "What's up?"
"Just thinking of my sisters," I tell him truthfully. I feel far more open than I normally am. I can't tell if it's because of the ale or the moment we shared outside. Perhaps both. "I miss them."
"We'll see them soon," he answers. He then snaps his fingers as he says, "right. Almost forgot. Hey, listen up."
The Sins immediately stop what they are doing and give him their full attention. An amazing phenomenon when just moments before they were arguing loudly. That they even heard him is a wonder.
"Little change in plans," Meliodas starts easily. He takes a drink and then drops a bomb on them, "we're heading to the castle next."
"What?" Diane's mouth drops.
"Why?" King scowls.
"Cool," Ban relaxes as he resumes his position on Hawk's back.
"We got a wedding to go to!" Meliodas chirps happily.
"A wedding?" Diane frowns. "Why are we going to a wedding? And who's getting married?"
"My sister," I lay it out for them ignoring the curious stare from Ban. "The purple haired woman in the bar with Griamore was my older sister Veronica. She was looking for me partially because my eldest sister Margaret is getting married soon."
"So we're all going to the wedding?!" Daine squeals excitedly. "I've never been to a wedding before! And at the castle of Lyonesse too?!"
"I don't know about this Captain," King protests. His attention is completely on Meliodas, not paying any mind to Diane's thrilled babbling at his side. He must be serious. "This doesn't sound like a good idea."
Meliodas waves him off, "it'll be fine! Neither of us really look like our wanted posters plus no one will suspect any of us to be there."
"You just wanna make sure that Hendy guy doesn't do anything to Ellie," Ban snickers.
My eyes widen, I can't believe he remembers that! Apparently the Fox Sin is more observant than I give him credit for. At my narrowed eyes, Ban gives me a crooked grin. What else does he know?
I blush when Meliodas doesn't deny the claim and instead says, "well I am going to be her date!" He places his hands on his hips proudly as he beams.
"What?!" King and Diane shout.
"Captain," the fairy treads cautiously as he does his best not to frown. "You just keep adding to the list of reasons why we shouldn't be going."
"I tried telling him that," I mumble. Meliodas wraps an arm around my waist and smirks.
"That's not what you were saying outside," he tells me quietly and I blush.
Diane giggles and I glare at her, but I just can't muster up any threat to it. Her and I shared secrets. There's no getting away from her now, not that I really want to. "I think it's a great idea!" The brunette exclaims.
"Pft. You just wanna dress up," Ban rolls his eyes as he takes another drink.
"So what if I do?" Diane huffs, crossing her arms. "We woulda ended up there eventually anyways. The sooner the better if you ask me."
"We are suppose to help out her father," King muses thoughtfully, chin resting in his hand. "But what of Merlin and Escanor? Merlin's our best bet to help the king if this illness really is as incurable as Ellie's said."
Meliodas beams, his arm still around my waist. His hand feels hot against my skin. "I figured Gowther could help us out with that."
"Shall I send a message?" Gowther tilts his head following the blonde's train of thought.
"That'd be great!"
"Ah!" Diane cries out dismally. "I don't know any fancy dances!"
"Like anyone's going to ask you to dance anyways," Ban chortles, causing her face to fall. King retaliates by sending Chastiefol's spear form at him. The Fox Sin rolls off of Hawk to avoid it, landing harshly on the floor. "Fuckin fairy!" He bellows as Hawk takes cover behind me and Meliodas.
"Hand slipped... again," he shrugs.
"That seems to happen quite often," I comment lightly. Meliodas lips quirk as he fights a smile.
"Maybe," King responds, a small amused crinkle to his eyes before he turns to Diane. He frets anxiously as he says, "a-anyone would be luckily to dance with you Diane! I'm s-sure lots of people will ask you!"
I find myself leaning into Meliodas as I watch the two interact. The blonde pulls me closer, keeping silent as he watches the display intently. I idly wonder, is he as invested in them as I am? He has known them for far longer, it would make sense that he was.
"You really think so?" Diane looks at him with wide hopeful eyes.
"Of course I do!" He admits passionately. From the expression on his face, I can tell he isn't to happy with the idea. But the fairy puts his feelings aside to cheer her up.
Diane grabs one of her pigtails and drags it in front of her face. I know she's blushing as she asks, "will… will you dance with me King?"
The fairy's jaw unhinges and he gazes at her in disbelief. Pink crawls up his neck as he regains his wits. "Yes!" He shouts and reddens at his own exuberance. "I mean… Yeah, I'll dance with you Diane, if that's what you want."
She beams at him, dropping the hair from her face. "Really?"
King gulps and nods.
"See," Meliodas whispers in my ear and I shiver. "Going to the wedding isn't such a bad idea now is it?"
I smile as my answer. I just can't get over how cute they are. I ignore Ban's gagging noises in the background as an idea hits me. "Oh! I know!" I gaze at Gowther, the man returning my stare with one of interest. "Gowther! Do you know how to play any waltzes?"
"Yes, I do Ellie."
I clasp my hands together excitedly. "We can practice then!" My eyes shift over to Diane and she sinks slightly in her chair. Her eyes narrow at me but I know she doesn't mean it. I did tell her we'd make it happen. The it being her and King. Now is the perfect chance for them to do some bonding!
Gowther strums away at his stringed instrument. I smile at King, my expression must be one of utter glee as he anxiously pulls at his collar. He probably knows just what I'm about to suggest. My grin grows wider.
"Sir King?" I tilt my head in feigned innocence. If my hunch is right this will be even better! "Do you know how to waltz?"
He realizes he's being set up and struggles to keep his voice steady, "y-yeah."
"Mind showing Diane? It would make more sense for her to learn from you then me," I smile sweetly as I do my best to keep from wiggling in my chair.
"Sure…" He lands on the floor. He takes a deep breathe before reaching out a hand to Diane, Gowther's music playing in the background. "May I have this dance Lady Diane?" King manages to keep out the stutter and I practically squeal from the expression on Diane's face.
She brightens at his words, a blush crawling along her cheeks at his formal wording or the action itself, I can't tell. Diane nods excitedly and eagerly places her hand in his. King pulls her up without much difficulty and begins to explain the steps to her. "For this one you'll mostly just follow my lead," he explains as his free hand rests on her waist.
"O-okay," Diane stutters and attempts to keep up with his movements. I'm ecstatic that my guess of King being familiar with human customs is correct.
"Sheesh," Ban draws my attention as he takes Diane's old seat next to me. "Those two have been dancing around each other for years. Now they are literally dancing together. Never thought I'd see it," he admits and eyes me skeptically with a smirk. "I stand by what I said about you having some weird magic."
I flush and deny it, "I already told you Sir Ban. I have no magic persuasion powers."
"I don't know that I believe that anymore," Ban chuckles. "The Capt'n and Hawk are one thing, but those two," he waves lazily at the dancing pair. King cringes as Diane steps clumsily on his foot. "That's completely different."
I pout as Meliodas chimes in, "I think he may be right Elizabeth. Ban's been trying to get them together for years-"
"-have not!-"
"-and he hasn't had any luck at all."
"No one has," Hawk comments with a roll of his eyes. "Those two have been in denial for as long as I've known them. I don't care what they say about being best friends those two should be dating!"
I giggle lightly and pat Hawk's snout. "Maybe they just needed the right kind of push?" I suggest, hoping I'm not giving anything away about Diane and I's discussion. Perhaps her memory returning played a bigger role then I thought.
"I offered King up to improve her mood! How isn't that the right kind of push?" Ban protests.
"Not very subtle," Meliodas quirps as he hides a smile behind the lip of his mug.
"Subtle, shumble. The two of them need to get laid, simple as that," the Fox Sin continues to plead his case.
"I think it's sweet that you're looking out for them like that," I tell Ban with a fond smile. The man comes out sarcastic and perhaps a bit offputting to some, but I can see he's really just a big softie under that gruff, no care attitude.
Ban immediately scoffs as he walks away to get another drink. "As if." To bad he's had so much alcohol at this point, I can't distinguish if he's blushing or not. "Capt'n," he grins evilly at me.
I may have pushed him to far, I gulp.
"Aren't you gunna have lil Ellie teach you a move or two? Gotta be all put together and shit if you're gunna be dancin with a princess!" He just barely holds back a menacing cackle to go with his words.
"Great idea!" Meliodas beams and stands up. He copies King's earlier movements and offers me his hand, "may I have this dance Lady Elizabeth?"
I nod, all ill will towards Ban gone at the sight of that smile.
The music stops and we take a spot next to King and Diane. She's whispering apologizes to him but stops as we approach them. She brightens, waits for Meliodas and King to look at each other before winking at me. I blush but smile with her. Gowther starts up the next song.
King leads Diane through the steps again.
We don't move.
"Um… Sir Meliodas?" I look curiously at him.
He's eyeing King's movements. The waltz is a basic three step count that repeats. Meliodas lips move silently as he counts them out in time with King's steps.
Right. I'm suppose to be teaching him, I scold myself for forgetting so easily.
"The s-steps for this one are fairly simple," I blush hotly as I stare down at our feet. "The m-male partner usually leads," I pause and take a deep breath. I follow his gaze to the other pair, "like King is doing with Diane."
"Hmm," he hums, attention still on King's movements. He surprises me when he suddenly takes a step. I stumble after him as he continues to mirror King's path. "I thought you already knew this one?" Meliodas teases cheekily.
"I do!" I insist and fall into step with him. Meliodas missteps and I accidentally stomp on his foot. "Sorry!" I immediately apologize. "I can lead for a while until you get the steps down?" I suggest meekly.
"Na, I think I got it," he replies, a stubborn twinge to his tone. I find it incredibly enduring and say nothing more. His brow furrows slightly as he continues recounting the steps.
King hisses and Diane immediately says, "I'm so sorry! I'm awful at this."
"No, you're doing fine," he tells her with a kind smile. "It takes sometime for the pattern to sink in."
"Sounds like ya better keep dancing Di!" Ban taunts with a chuckle. He falls off his chair when Chastiefol hits him in the face.
"I can keep playing if you all like. This song is rather pleasant," Gowther admits.
Diane glances at King with pleading eyes, "can we keep practicing? I don't wanna embarrass myself at the wedding."
"Of course."
Another song starts playing and Meliodas asks, "where's my words of encouragement?" He pouts lightly.
"O-oh! You're doing wonderful Sir Meliodas!" I exclaim truthfully. He hadn't misstepped once since I started observing King and Diane. "You picked it up well."
"I'm a fast learner," he shrugs but I can tell he is pleased with my praise. He pulls me closer and drops his voice, "this one's a little far apart for my liking though. Are there any dances that have us closer?" There's a mischievous twinkle to his green eyes and I blush.
"Not that I know of," I avoid his gaze.
"Bummer," he sighs arm linking around my waist. "This will have to do then."
I heat up. "P-people u-usually don't dance this close…" I explain nibbling my bottom lip anxiously.
"Oh? Well that's good to hear I suppose." He replies as his gaze drops to my lips for a second.
I give him a questioning stare.
"That means I'm the only one who's danced with you this close, right?" he leans into whisper with a rueful smile.
"Yes," my heart hammers against my chest. "That's true.." my voice is far calmer than I feel.
Meliodas gives me a sly smirk. His hand dancing across the top of my skirt while the other gives my hand a squeeze. The familiar heat begins to course through me as his eyes take on that mossy green. I think I'm beginning to understand what it means and wonder if my own eyes reflect the same. We are lost in our own little world, perfectly in time with the music as we move.
His hand on my waist moves to the small of my back, slowly trailing down.
"King?" Diane speaks and I jump back to the present. "Should we be dancing that close?" I stare at the pair with wide eyes.
King mirrors my expression of mild horror as Diane minimizes the space between their bodies. He stumbles to answer, "ah.. uh, well." His amber orbs flicker to mine, silently pleading me to help.
"Yep!" Meliodas chirps instead and both hands drop to my butt. I squeak as he speaks over me, "then at the end give 'em a firm squeeze!" He punctuates the sentence by doing just that. I wiggle in his grasp, my grip on his shoulders tightening.
"Really?" Diane questions innocently.
"NO!" King and I swiftly respond.
Ban smacks a hand on the table, laughing his ass off. Beer mugs surround him. I suppose he didn't have much else to do while the four of us danced. Gowther pauses in his playing and writes down notes. Hawk puffs up in anger.
"Damnit Meliodas! Knock it off!" The pig scolds vehemently.
The blonde releases me and shrugs, "my bad." He sends a lazy smirk to King as he and Diane also step apart. The scowl the fairy gives him lets me know that I wasn't the only one Meliodas had been trying to tease. Apparently King was the real target of Meliodas' little game. I giggle at the absurd thought of King doing something so bold as Meliodas does on a regular basis.
I wonder how King woulda talked himself outta that one without Meliodas'... help.
"I think that's enough for tonight," the fairy tugs at the string of his hoodie, refusing to meet Diane's confused gaze.
"I think so too," I nod and he gives me a grateful smile. I don't think either of us could have taken anymore of that kind of dancing.
"Ah," Ban complains, his face red from his consumption. "But I wanna see King explain-" Chastiefol smothers him.
King's hand is outstretched towards the Fox Sin, keeping him firmly muzzled. "Bedtime?" He suggests hopefully. His ears are a bright pink.
I can only imagine the type of teasing he gets from Ban on daily basis if what I've seen in these few hours are anything. Perhaps that's why Ban is so fond of picking on me. King and I's reactions are pretty similar when it comes to dealing with the one we like.
Or love… I think bashfully.
"It is rather late," Gowther comments as he looks out the window. "According to the moon's position… It is roughly three o'clock in the morning."
My mouth drops. I can't believe it's that late! "Sleep sounds like a good idea," I yawn. The thought making me tired.
"I am pretty sleepy," Diane replies as she too yawns.
Ban is already passed out on the table and Hawk tries to wake him. The Fox Sin rolls onto the ground, pulling the pig into a hug. Gowther is already making his way up the stairs. Diane pulls Chastiefol to the ground and lays herself down on it. King waves goodnight to us and settles next to her. I stare at them wide eyed, opening my mouth to question the sleeping arrangement.
Meliodas' fingers lacing with my own stops my voice. He leads me towards the stairs towards his room. Only when we step inside does he speak, "they do that all the time."
"Really?" My mouth unhinges. "But I thought…" I trail off, not really sure what to say. Those two make my head hurt. Or maybe it's the ale.
"Yeah, have been for awhile. I think it happened one night after drinking and they just… kept up with that routine I guess," he shrugs. "I don't really ask."
"Why not?" I ask as he makes his way to the bed.
He flops down on it, "not really my business." Meliodas laces his hands behind his head. I pull out a set of pajamas and head towards the bathroom to change. I pause as he adds, "who am I to interfere?"
I frown, "their Captain?"
Meliodas sits up in the bed and stares at me quizzically. "As long as… whatever it is between them doesn't mess with the team, they can dance around their feelings all they want." I can't read the silent message behind his eyes so I nod and step into the bathroom.
When I come back out, he is once again lying down on the bed.
He's quiet as I make myself comfortable. I think he's sleeping until he speaks again. "I do want them to be happy, ya know? All of them." He confesses lowly.
I'm caught off guard by this statement. I turn on my side to study him, his green eyes stare at the ceiling. "I think they are," I say quietly. His gaze drops to mine, another unreadable expression across his face.
He doesn't answer right away. Instead he turns on his side to face me and reaches out to take one of my hands in his. "Everyone on this team has their own story before I found them. None of them particularly pleasant." His lips quirk sarcastically. "We had to get our Sins somehow right?"
My brows furrow. "Sir Meliodas…" I slowly approach my question. "Why are you telling me this?"
A heavy sigh slips past his lips as he pulls me to his chest. I stiffen for a second before relaxing in his hold. He's never held me so affectionately before. I think I may melt as he strokes my hair.
"We're criminals Elizabeth," he whispers sadly in my ear. "I… I don't want…"
I try to pull back to see his face. He holds me in place, tucking my head beneath his chin. "Sir Meliodas?"
"I don't want to hurt you," he confesses and I can't believe it. I push away from him and he lets me go.
His eyes widen as I glare at him. "How can you say that?!" I accuse him and sit up.
"Uh…" he trails off, dumbfounded at my anger.
"You would never hurt me!" I state confidently.
His jaw unhinges in the most unguarded look I've ever seen on him. He quickly regains his composure. "You can't possibly know that," he tells me evenly.
"Yes. Yes I can!" I insist as I place my hands on either side of his head. "I know you would never hurt me Sir Meliodas! You'll always protect me!"
His armor cracks as he gazes at me. The expression makes me anxious and I realize how bold I've been. But it's too late to stop now.
"Won't you?" I whisper.
Meliodas raises onto his elbows, our faces inches apart. His hand to cups my cheek. His thumb strokes the heated flesh as he responds, "as long as I can."
The honesty behind his words both warms my heart and confuses me. But I push past the confusion and do something I've been wanting to do for awhile.
I kiss him.
A/N: AHHHH! It happened! A FREAKING KISS! Finally am I right?! I mean it only took... 36 chapters, 135k words and... a year... *cough, cough* SPEAKING OF...
HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! That's right folks it's officially been a year! Can you believe it! I sure as heck can't! It seriously just boggles my mind that this story has come sooo far! And it would be nothing without all of you luvly readers! For realises, couldn't have done this without each and everyone of you! Your support has meant the world to me!
Oph,now that I got that mushiness outta the way ;) I apologize if there were any... mistakes in this chapter. I REALLY WANTED to get it out to you guys today because of the one year anniversary, and didn't get the chance to have my beta look this over. Hopefully you all still enjoyed it!
An extra treat for you guys (yes I'm TOTALLY including that kiss as an anniversary present XD) Here's a sneak peak of next chapter!
A few days pass and we finally arrive at the castle.
Hawk's mama digs into the earth and settles on hill overlooking the town. I anxiously lead the way to the wall surrounding my home. Meliodas and the others falling in step behind me. The men standing guard instantly recognize me as we get close.
"Princess Elizabeth!" They exclaim and bow.
"Whoa," Ban comments. "That's some greeting."
"Please rise," I tell the men, ignoring him. I haven't been addressed like that in what seems like ages. It's an odd feeling.
"Princess Elizabeth, finally you've returned home!" One guard grins widely at me.
"There were rumors that you were in cahoots with the Seven Deadly Sins!" The other cries in disbelief. "As if you would ever fraternize with criminals!"
See you all next chapter! Be sure to leave this chappie a review and let me know what you think! :)
Luv~