Hi everyone! ^^
This is the 2nd story that I was working on. It wasn't planned, but after seeing episode 12 I was inspired! That would have been the perfect moment to turn things around for Escanor and Merlin! So I decided to begin right after that and write a kind of "what should have been". I hope you'll like it! :D ;)
(I will also modify other events sometimes, or I'll let you know if they will stay the same).
As always all characters belong to Nakaba Suzuki, etc...
Please, follow me on twitter if you like! I'll appreciate it ^^
( /RoryWild4)
And Bertaz too! (She draws Escalin sooooo well! She's an inspiration and a huge help every time!)
( /BertazHead)
*WARNING*
In this story there will be spoilers of future events!
IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE MANGA DON'T READ THIS STORY! THERE ARE HUGE SPOILERS! X3
CHAPTER 1: Comfort
They were able to defeat the Demon King and Meliodas was again part of their group.
Everyone was very, very, exhausted!
The Sins had returned to the Boar Hat for some well deserved rest and relaxation, and after a quick toast and drink with everyone reunited, one couple and person after the other left the main room of the bar to drag themselves to their respective rooms, leaving just two people to finish their drinks in companionable silence.
Escanor was looking pensively in his mug, he was happy that everything ended well and that everyone could come back together, he also felt like he had grown up from this experience, he had more confidence in himself and was able to be of some assistance even without the power of the Sun. Admittedly he knew that his usefulness was now practically nonexistent, but he didn't regret a thing, by giving back the grace to Mael he was indirectly able to save the people that meant the most to him, and he couldn't be sad about that. He meant it when he said to the Captain that he would have given his life for him, he would do it for everyone of the Sins, specifically for him and Merlin.
Thinking of the beautiful Mage his eyes unconsciously drifted up, over his drink, finding her still sitting at the table with him, he could tell that something had changed but he couldn't put his finger on what, he wasn't sure if it was something about him, her, or their relationship, or all of the above, and that worried and excited him at the same time.
Merlin was nursing her drink, lost in thoughts but glancing every few seconds towards her table companion, a mysterious look in her eyes. She could tell that he was processing everything that had happened, like her, but seemed unsure about something, she had witnessed his changes, his determination and care for her, for them, leaving a very strong impression on her, more than usual. He had always been a caring and sweet person, but seeing that care on his day form and that determination and sureness on his night form had her catching her breath and looking at him differently, he had always interested her but now she wasn't sure it was only a matter of science anymore.
Glancing again towards him, finally their eyes met, their gazes locked on one another, the air was charged with tension and the Mage noticed how that was affecting both of them, her heartbeat sped up and his breathing was faster than before.
Something had changed.
They were almost unable to look away, her golden eyes magnetic and his deep blue eyes capturing the other.
With great effort she looked away first, finishing her drink in one go, she was afraid to lose herself in his gaze, but she couldn't behave like things between them hadn't changed, she didn't want to, he deserved her honesty, and she was curious of where this would lead them.
Suddenly the Mage smiled at the Lion who was a little taken aback, it was a genuinely sweet smile, one that he had never seen on her face, not directed at him for sure.
"I think a bath is needed, we are both filthy and exhausted."
A plan had already formed in her head, she stood up slowly, supporting herself heavily on the table, she wasn't faking her tiredness, difficulty to stand up and stay on her feet.
"Maybe even a massage would help."
Merlin smirked lightly, grinning.
Escanor stood up with her, never taking his eyes away from the raven haired beauty, ready to intervene if she needed his help.
"I will gladly massage you, I will take a quick bath and then I will come to you."
He responded, smiling, happy to be able to do something for her, to make her feel better.
"Actually… I was thinking about bathing together to save some time."
She seemed almost bashful, looking to the side for a moment, putting a lock of hair behind an ear.
"I could use some help, I didn't recover completely just yet, you could take care of me and I of you."
Her eyes locked on his, looking at him without malice or tease, it was a rare honest request, she was smiling gently.
He hadn't expected that, he was shocked but felt so out of it, like in a dream, that he didn't even react, his eyes just grew bigger in astonishment, and he stayed still, looking at her.
"Uhm…"
She was nervous to hear his answer.
He looked at her all over, taking note of every detail, she was clearly tired and in pain, he wasn't sure if he could do what she was asking of him but he couldn't leave her alone in that state, she could have injured herself more.
He swallowed slightly, taking a deep breath through his nostrils, looking at her with newfound determination.
"Okay, I will help you."
The Mage smiled at that, almost affectionately, and raised a hand towards him.
"Could you please assist me?"
He was at her side in an instant, taking her arm around his neck and putting his arm around her waist, securing her at his side, and began walking carefully towards the stairs and up to her room.
The Boar had to admit that she liked very much that determined but gentle expression on his face, she was grateful for his help and, surprisingly for her, she liked the contact with him, to stay in his arms.
During the previous battle he had interposed himself between her and the danger, taking care of her while she tried to rest a bit and helping her to stand up when needed.
It seemed that he was more comfortable around her and didn't shy away from touching her. She smirked lightly at that.
She didn't know why, but she felt comforted by his presence and touch, and right now she needed that, needed to feel safe and cared for, even if she wouldn't admit it out loud.
Slowly they made it up to her room, entering and closing the door behind them. Escanor helped her to the nearest chair, letting her sit and recover a little.
Merlin was more tired than she thought, her muscles were aching from her large use of magic, but she needed to do just one more thing. Slowly and carefully she lifted an arm and moved her hand to summon and ready the bath.
Even that simple task was tiring her at the moment. She sighed closing her eyes momentarily.
"Are you ok Merlin?"
She reopened slightly her orbs just enough to look at him and see him worriedly watching her.
"Just very tired."
She murmured with a smile, trying to reassure him.
"I could have readied the bath."
He said frowning slightly, and she chuckled at that.
"It was faster this way, but don't worry, I need you to help me with other tasks anyway."
She winked at him resulting in Escanor huffing and shaking his head, smiling and looking at her with an exasperated and loving gaze.
"What do I have to do with you?!"
He responded jokingly, and was rewarded with a light laugh from the beautiful woman.
"Well, right now you could help me undress."
Her gaze tempting and her lips forming a lascivious smirk. She was obviously flirting with him, they both knew that, but it was also clear that she really needed the help, and was asking for his assistance in a way more familiar to her.
She really needed to work on being more honest, with herself and him.
Escanor decided to play along, too taken into the strange electric atmosphere that surrounded them, giving him that push to move forward with her.
He just nodded, moving and reaching her, he opted to stay professional, she really needed his help even if she was joking about that.
First he removed every piece of armor she had on, from her shoulders, arms and feet, after that he began taking off her gloves, one at a time, he did everything slowly.
He was being so gentle and careful that it was affecting her, she wasn't used to being cared for, and was feeling also excited, her breaths faster than before. Was his gentleness affecting her in such a way? Maybe, or maybe it was seeing him caring for her, it was plain to see how much he cared for her, loved her, and his sentiment was so genuine, he was so open and sure about it now, that it was having an effect on her aching and empty heart.
He was divesting her slowly and carefully, making sure to treat her with care.
After the gloves he kneeled down to remove her shoes, lifting gently one leg, then the other. He was careful to not manhandle her but he made sure that she knew everything that he was about to do, to give her time to stop him if she chose.
His consideration had her almost in tears.
She was so tired that she found it difficult to maintain the walls around her heart and feelings, especially near him, it was something she had always been on edge about, she knew that if there was someone in this world, in this flow-time, that was able to climb over and take down her walls, it was him.
After her shoes he stood up again, the only thing that remained was her dress.
They locked eyes for a moment, his asking her if she was sure, hers regarding him in wonder and complete trust.
She lifted her arms towards him, he nodded slightly and leaned down so that she could grab onto him, and he could put his arms around her waist to help her stand up, pressed lightly against him.
He had never seen Merlin so vulnerable, so dependent on someone else by her own choice, it warmed his heart that she trusted him so much, she was putting herself completely in his hands, and that made him wanting to protect and love her even more.
She was holding onto him for dear life, her arms around his neck, she was showing him a side of her that she was constantly hiding from everyone, but she felt safe with him, and wanted and needed his affections.
He slowly moved a hand from her waist to her side, hovering on the zipper of her dress, waiting for her consent and for his heart to calm a little, trying to take deep breaths through his nose. His other hand pressed on her bare back.
He couldn't see her face, she had rested her head on his shoulder, almost cheek to cheek with him, so he felt her nod without seeing it.
He closed his eyes briefly, breathing slowly and deeply, and finally moved his hand to unzip her dress, once that was done, the piece of clothing slided over her body to the floor almost on its own, leaving her bare except for her panties.
She pressed against him more firmly, he gasped at the feeling of her bare chest on his own, but swallowed heavily and tried to rein himself in, circling her waist again to keep her standing. She shivered slightly, and he began drawing circles on her back, in comfort and assurance that everything was alright, that she was safe even if she was so exposed.
She was so grateful to him, maybe he was the only person alive that knew that she needed to be comforted at that moment, putting aside his nerves and desires just to make sure that she was okay.
They stayed like that, hugging each other, for some moments, then, carefully, the Boar moved one of her arms to her side, trying to get rid of her last piece of clothing as well. It wasn't a very easy task to perform one handed.
The Lion, putting aside everything else apart from the desire to help her remaining considerate to her, moved a hand on her other side, helping her to get rid of her panties. He knew he was blushing, but now wasn't the time to be all flustered about the situation they found themselves in, she needed his help and he refused to betray her trust in him, he would treat her right, there was too much on the line for them. One wrong move from his part and she would close up again, becoming uncomfortable with him, and who knew when or if she would open up again to him. He absolutely refused to make her uncomfortable, it would be too painful for both of them.
Having managed even that last step, the Mage now stood against him completely naked. He put his arms around her gently, caressing her back in a light motion feeling her relax against him.
On instinct he turned his head a little and pressed his lips on her temple, in an affectionate gesture, she sighed lightly at that and returned his gesture kissing him on the cheek. They were okay, it was fine.
Gradually and carefully Escanor turned and helped her reach the bathtub, his eyes never once straying and trying to take a peek of her body, her chest warming at this show of respect and mindfulness towards her.
With some effort she was able to climb inside the tub, sitting in the middle of it, bending her knees towards her and leaning her head on them, sighing softly, the warm water was absolutely perfect for her tired body and mind.
On instinct the Lion reached for her shoulders, trying to alleviate some of her tension, she let him for just a few seconds, then turned her head towards him, just enough to see him.
"Won't you join me?"
He stilled, he had never heard that tone from her, it was a mix of uncertainty and eagerness, and it melted his heart.
Swallowing and taking a deep breath, he walked towards a chair to undress and put his clothes there, making sure to stay behind her back, he wasn't completely comfortable to have her see him in this form, but right now it wasn't about him, it was about her, and he would do anything for his Boar.
Once naked, he walked a little uncertain to the tub, her back to him, and slowly and carefully entered behind her, making sure that this was really what she had wanted.
She waited for him to settle in the tub and then looked behind her, smiling.
"Let me stay between your legs."
He blushed at her request, but seeing her trying to move back towards him he could only do as he was asked, moving his legs so that he could accommodate her body in between. With some effort the Mage was able to slide back, feeling his thighs brushing hers, and taking a quick look at him, she leaned on his chest, as if it was the normal thing to do.
The Lion was frozen still, they had never had many touches between them, the most had been during the battle and when he was helping her undress right before, but this.. this was completely on another level!
He didn't know how to behave, or where to put his hands, that stayed on the rim of the tub for now, so that he wouldn't touch her without her consent.
From her part, the Mage was curled up to him, her back on his chest and her head on his shoulder, sighing softly in contentment.
"M-merlin.. uhm.. like this I can't massage you."
He tried to reason with her, she just sighed again.
"I'm sleepy."
She whispered. He was flustered at the thought that she would want to take a nap like this, right now!
"Give me your hands."
He complied, lowering his arms inside the tub, he was being careful not to touch her, but that resulted pointless when she grabbed his arms and put them around her, one on her waist and the other around her shoulders. He was very, very flustered now, and she could feel his nerves through the contact of their bodies.
"The water will stay warm. Let me rest and stay like this, please."
He was completely taken aback by her whispered words, and also quite moved. She was asking him to let her rest in the safety of his arms, she had put herself there, she wanted this, needed this.
She had said 'please'.
He was only just able not to cry from the feelings she had evoked in him, her trust in him while she was so vulnerable helped rising his determination, and he tightened his grip on her a bit, securing her in his arms.
"Rest, I will watch over you."
He whispered back to her, kissing her temple again, she sighed in contentment and almost immediately drifted off to sleep, safe and surrounded by his warmth.
I hope you liked this first chapter! ^^
I think that Escanor began growing as a character right at that moment, being more in control of his day form and more confident in his night form, letting shine through parts of his real character, his gentleness and his determination, and that couldn't have been not noticed, specifically by Merlin! She couldn't not have been affected by that! How he put himself between her and the dangers, how he took care of her and was there at her side when she needed help…! *_* They deserved more! (And I love to write a more open Merlin!)
Next chapter will have some more spoilers of future events!
Remember that your comments are always very very very welcome! :D ^^