I DID IT!
Sorry, sorry! XD I just wasn't sure until the last second that I would be able to do this fic for Escanor's birthday! "^^ I didn't have any idea at first! But then talking randomly with Bertaz and sailinskye inspiration just hit me like that! XD
I hope you'll enjoy it! ^^ (and sorry if it seems kind of rushed .)
I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to update anything recently.. sadly I was very very busy.. I'll try to go on writing the story that I have still pending! Don't worry, I didn't forget about them! ;D
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)
AH! I also recommend reading the stories of: sailingskye and Wolly! They are totally gold! *.*
And finally: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR LION SIN OF PRIDE ESCANOR!
Obviously all characters belong to Nakaba Suzuki, etc... (but I'm not really happy with him... .)
YOU SHINE, SO I SHINE
Escanor Castellio was born the 1st of july in a rich family.
He was the second born, and his parents were over the moon with joy, they absolutely loved their little prince and showered him with affection and gifts.
He was such a sunny boy, his complexion also mimicked the sun, he had bright orange hair and blue eyes like the clearest sky, he was always smiling, since he was born, and gave off a warm sensation to everyone around him.
All the people that went visiting the Castellio household loved to spend time with the little baby, he immediately and effortlessly made them happy, as if they were basking in the light of a warm caring sun.
Everyone was smiling around Escanor, the sunny boy!
...except his older brother.
Daimond wasn't happy with his sibling, not at all, and if everyone else was happier and smiling more around the little one, he was angrier and frowning even more. That baby had taken everything away from him, the attention of his parents and the compliments of other people, he had been casted aside, the spotlight now was turned only on little Escanor.
Daimond became bitter towards his brother, and envious.
He would teach a lesson to that little brat, he would make sure to dampen his light and to have him fear and respect him.
He would turn off the sun itself.
1st BIRTHDAY
Escanor didn't remember much about his 1st birthday, that was to be expected, he was too little. He just had the feeling that everything was alright with the world back then, he felt loved and was very happy! He had started babbling and talking early, and learned how to walk early too.
His parents had been commenting how a wonderful boy he was, he was so talented to have achieved both things even before his big brother!
Escanor just smiled and laughed, glad to have done something to make his parents happy!
He didn't remember what a great party they had for him, how many people were invited and all the gifts he received…
...nor the frowning look on his brother's face, his eyes beginning to regard him with envy.
5th BIRTHDAY
He didn't know how everything could have taken a turn for the worse in just an instant.
In these past years his brother had become very annoying towards him, always insulting him, telling him awful things, mocking him, saying that he was nobody, and so on, trying to make him feel bad. He hadn't been good towards him, always playing nice in front of their parents, but when they were alone he at best ignored him or regarded him as something disgusting, and he didn't know why! What had he done to his big brother for him to treat him like this? He just wanted to be a good boy and have fun with anyone! He loved his big brother, he was family!
That day everything changed.
Daimond had been pestering him more than usual, going so far as to push him to the ground, he didn't know why but at his every birthday his brother had always been in a very awful mood. This time Escanor was fed up with his behaviour and when his big brother tried to attack him, he responded physically, trying to make him stop.
Sadly he was stronger than he had thought, and ended up hurting Daimond's arm, badly. He was shocked and terrified of himself, he didn't mean to hurt him! He swore! He just wanted him to stop.
His dad had brought his brother to the hospital immediately, while his mother had reprimanded him and tried to calm him down.
When Daimond came back home he had his arm in a cast, frowned his way and went to his room without a word.
Later Escanor found the courage to go to him, to apologize. He meekly entered his brother's room, trying to make him understand how terribly sorry he felt. Daimond just looked at him in disgust.
"You're a monster! You're a curse for everyone around you!"
Those words hit Escanor harder than anything else, he felt very guilty towards him, and was still shocked by everything that had happened, that he could only lower his head, accepting that.
His brother was right, he had hurt someone, and not even anyone, but a member of his own family! He was really a monster.
10th BIRTHDAY
After that incident Escanor became more secluded and depressed, instead his brother became harsher towards him revealing in his cruel words and in seeing him so pitiful.
His little brother's natural light had begun dimming, and Daimond was very proud of this achievement.
Escanor just let him do whatever he wanted, just hanging his head at his hurtful words and never responding at his hits, not even when his brother's friends hit him, Daimond had began to beat him up every time he felt like it but he was very careful to hit him where no one would see, mostly on his back, and ordering his little brother to never talk about this with anyone, forcing Escanor to find out excuses for his bruises.
He felt like he owned his big brother after he had hurted him, and he had begun to consider his birthday as an awful day, even asking his parents to not celebrate it, or to just have a very small celebration, just between them. He didn't have friends to invite anyway, because he was afraid to accidentally hurt anyone else, so he just stayed away from anyone.
He found comfort in books, of almost any kind, beginning to appreciate literature in general. While reading he could pretend not to be the monster that he was, but he could be anyone he wanted to and go to fantastic places and meet many friends that accepted him.
His light wasn't totally turned off, it was being securely guarded inside him, careful as to not let itself show in fear of what could have happened.
His light wasn't turned off, it was just waiting for the right moment or the right person to show itself again.
14th BIRTHDAY
Then she arrived.
She moved to his school in the middle of the school year, and she was going to be his new classmate.
He had always tried to stay away from everyone and no girl had ever attracted his attention like this: he was unable to look away.
Her name was Merlin, it sounded mysterious and many of the other kids pronounced it wrong, calling her 'Marylin', but it wasn't right! How could they change her name like this? Her name was perfect for her!
She had raven black hair that stopped at her shoulders, with some locks longer, a very nice figure, she could have been a model, but what caught him the most were her impertinent smirk and her beautiful and intelligent golden eyes! She behaved so self assured, like she didn't care what others thought of her, like she knew her own value, and that he admired the most.
She seemed also very eccentric, but that was just part of her attractive features, and could also be aloof and cold towards the people that tried to bully her or that were rude.
Without even noticing himself, he had begun to study her more than he had ever done with anyone else, and he felt inspired to write poems that talked of her, and he couldn't stop.
What excited and flustered him all at once was that they would be partners for the chemical and biology labs, they had always been an odd number and he had been very grateful for it, so that he could stay alone, without hurting others, and now he had to be her partner.
They had never talked in class, he had always made sure to stay away from everyone, but he couldn't help but be happy to share the lab with her, all the more while discovering that she absolutely loved experimenting and everything chemical related! He had been right, she was a genius! And so passionate about her hobby! Everyone in class looked at her like she was a little on the mad side, distrusting, but he could only look at her in wonder! She was so good at explaining things too! He had never understood much of these subjects, but with her help they seemed so simple, he was totally amazed by her.
On the other hand he knew she had problems with the literature subjects, so one day he found the courage and approached her to ask if she wanted some help. She looked at him surprised, she had noticed that he preferred to stay alone and never went to others of his own volition, so he began babbling out that it was to thank her for her help with the scientific subjects, but before he could finish his phrase, she accepted gratefully, her smile dazzling, and he found himself without any more words.
So they began studying together, helping each other; he hadn't wanted to spend too much time with her, the more time they passed together the more danger she was in, and he didn't want to hurt her, not her! But he couldn't help it, she had begun to seek him out and he found himself unable to say 'no' to her.
Outside the school his life was hell as always, his brother still belittled him and beat him up, but at school with her he had found a little heaven for himself, and he didn't want to lose that, so he was extra careful to not seem more cheerful at home, or his big brother would have found out, and Daimond had always made sure that he stayed isolated, that no one came near him. He thought that his brother was trying to save others from his curse, but he didn't want to lose Merlin's company, because when he was with her he always felt warm inside, and he couldn't help but smile and even laugh with her, something he hadn't really done since his 5th birthday.
Merlin also introduced him to Gowther, another strange boy of their age that liked to be alone with his books and that Escanor befriended immediately because of that, they both loved to read, and secretly the raven haired girl had hoped that would be the case, both of them needed some friends, and while Gowther had problems with his social skills and had difficulty to interact with others, Escanor's isolation felt self imposed. She couldn't tell what it was, but she was curious about that ginger haired boy and couldn't help wanting to know him more, and the fact that she found herself genuinely liking his company was a pleasant bonus.
So this is how Escanor found himself at his birthday, with Merlin in front of him trusting a colorful little package towards him with the most beautiful smile that he had ever seen.
He just stared at her for a few seconds, confused.
"Today is your birthday right? I found out!"
She grinned, she seemed proud of her achievement, and trusted the gift to him again and this time he accepted it with tremulous hands, opening it to find a leather notebook with a lion engraved on its front. He was speechless.
"So that you have a rightful place to write those beautiful poems of yours."
She smiled knowingly and he blushed, remembering a time when she had caught him writing a poem about her and had been unable to hide it before she had taken it and read it herself. He had been trembling in embarrassment, but she had just smiled and returned his notebook once she had finished.
"You have talent."
She had said, and he had been left just like that, astonished and blushing even more.
Now she had given him this.
"Maybe one day you will recite them for me."
She added, winking at him.
He blushed at that, making her giggle, but for the first time in nine years he felt happy that it was his birthday, and it was also the first time that he received a gift that wasn't from his family, this was very precious.
"Thank you."
He was able to say just that while he hugged the notebook to his chest, but the emotions in his voice were palpable, and Merlin smiled more, her radiant smile, and Escanor felt warm all over.
He felt like something had lighted on again inside him thanks to her.
15th BIRTHDAY
His next birthday present from Merlin left him equally surprised and confused.
She had decided to give him some lessons at a specific gym; she told him that her adopted sister's boyfriend knew the owner, and she had come to know him as well.
Escanor was perplexed but followed her one day to the gym, she practically had to drag him there, but once she grabbed his wrist he had followed her obediently, flustered by the contact but also afraid to hurt her if he put up any resistance.
The people he met at the gym were a very strange bunch: Ban, the owner and also teacher, was just 21, he was a self assured and relaxed guy, but also very upfront, his girlfriend Elaine was 18, she was a sweet little thing that tried to balance her boyfriend's rudeness, her older brother Harlequin, King for his friends, was 20, and was just a little taller than his sister, but anyway both were shorter than Escanor, and his girlfriend, Diane, was 19, taller than King, muscular but feminine, she had been going to the gym since she was little. There he also met Elizabeth, Merlin's adopted sister, she was 19 and very gentle and comforting, while her boyfriend Meliodas, who was 21 and very good friend with Ban, was even shorter than King but was very straightforward and always grinning.
What surprised him was how everyone was so friendly towards him, and very welcoming. Merlin had then explained to him that Ban taught many different courses, and that he could choose one right away or have a demonstration of more than one so that he could find the one that he preferred.
"What do you want to learn?"
The tall, white haired man asked him.
He thought a little about that and then said that he wanted to learn how to take punches without hurting himself much, and to not hurt others.
Everyone looked at him surprised, Merlin was even a little worried, she had had some suspicions in the last year, they had spent more time together and she had been able to study him better, and what she had seen had worried her. She hoped to be wrong about her assumptions, but she had chosen 'better safe than sorry', and brought him here.
Ban was eyeing him critically, he came near him, first making him standing straight, and at that Merlin was surprised to discover that he was slightly taller than her, usually he stays a little curved on himself and she hadn't noticed that he had grown since she first met him.
After studying his body and making him do some exercise to see how flexible, coordinated and strong he was, Ban had him staying in front of himself, showing him a basic defense position and told him he would try to punch him and he would try to defend. Escanor was a little worried and afraid, but he knew Merlin was watching and he didn't want to make a fool of himself in front of her or have her think that he was a coward, so he just nodded and tried to do what he was told.
After just a few punches Ban noticed immediately how he didn't even try to dodge, but just to take the punches in the least painful way possible, and he was very protective of his back. When a light punch arrived at his side and back, Escanor hissed and gritted his teeth, Ban immediately stopped, frowning, his punches shouldn't have been so painful, unless…
"Hey kid! Take off your shirt."
At his commanding voice Escanor froze, he knew he had to hide his upper body the most, he tried to come up with some excuse to not have to but Ban was unyielding, so he sighed and slowly divested himself.
When his back was bare for everyone to see the reactions were multiple: most of the girls inhaled in surprise, some even covering their mouth with their hands, while most of the men frowned at the sight.
Escanor was afraid to look at them but he had to see what her reaction was: Merlin seemed to have taken a punch to the stomach, she was totally shocked, paler than before and seemed on the brink of tears. She had to excuse herself, almost running to an isolated corner, where Elizabeth soon followed, to try and comfort her. She cried, she had had some suspicions but she had never thought he could have gone through something like that: his upper body, and specifically his back, was full of scars and bruises old and new. Seeing that had broken her heart, but had also convinced her even more that bringing him here had been the right choice. She didn't know how to help him, but she promised herself that she would be by his side all the way, she couldn't and wouldn't leave him alone.
While she was being comforted, Escanor was left shocked by what he had seen on her face, he thought that everyone would have been disgusted by him, instead they were being awfully sweet and friendly, no one asked him how and why he had so many scars and bruises, and Merlin had almost been crying… for him.
He didn't really know what to make of everything that happened, and Ban practically ordered him to show up again the day after, so that they could begin his lessons. He could only nod, while putting on his shirt again, and waited for Merlin to come back.
After some time he spied Elizabeth and Merlin arriving back, he could see the younger girl trying to dry off her last tears, and on instinct he went immediately to her side, asking her if she was okay. The raven haired girl lifted her head looking at him surprised, locking her golden watery eyes with his clear and gentle blue ones, he was really concerned for her, totally disregarding himself and his situation, that had her heart constricting for him again.
She was able to make a tremulous smile at him, reassuring him that she was alright, and then they took their leave, with Escanor telling her he would accompany her home.
They walked in silence and stopped just outside her house, both didn't really know what to say.
Suddenly Merlin moved closer and embraced him. He was frozen at first, he wasn't accustomed to these kinds of gestures, but gradually relaxed and was able to hug her back, if a little hesitant and unsure.
"Please, promise me that you will go to the gym."
She whispered against him, and her tone and the sensation of her breath on him made him shiver and hug her tighter.
"I promise."
He couldn't help himself, he would do anything for her and to make her smile again, he didn't like to see her sad or hurt, he would protect her beautiful smile that made him feel warm all over.
16th BIRTHDAY
In the last year he had kept his promise to her, and had been going to the gym ever since.
He had to admit that it had been one of the best things he could have done, and he would forever be grateful to her thoughtfulness.
Following Ban teachings he had become more confident, and his body had developed quite nicely, he now was taller and had more muscles, things that didn't go unnoticed by the opposite sex, but they were quickly scattered away just by Merlin's cold glance and her presence alone, he was grateful for that because he was still shy and unsure about his strength, but Ban was helping him in knowing his own body and how to move and do things without hurting anyone. In the last year he had confided to the older man his fear of hurting others because of his strength, and Ban had all but accepted him and helped him in anything, he was very grateful to him for that, he had never judged him.
He was also very grateful to have met all the others, they had been going out together and had formed a tight group, he and Merlin had also introduced Gowther to the others and he had found himself well into their strange but welcoming group.
For the first time in his life, Escanor was happy and surrounded by friends.
But at home things weren't going well. Seeing his brother becoming more attractive, stronger and less reserved, Daimond had increased his abusive words and the force of his punches, trying to maintain his power over his little brother.
Escanor was still afraid to defend himself against Daimond, and felt still indebted to him, so he just took the physical abuse like Ban had taught him, trying to lessen the damage but also trying to not make his brother angrier.
This year his birthday would happen on the weekend, so that he couldn't see his friends, he was a little sad about it but he could do nothing to change these things, he was wary of his brother, he didn't want him to know that he had some friends so he also couldn't ask his parents to go out with them; during the week he would just say that he had been studying at the library or at school, or somewhere else, so that he would arrive home just before dinner, his parents had nothing to say because his votes at school were good, and they know that he was very reserved.
He sighed loudly, he was in his room, alone, they had celebrated his birthday at lunch, and then his parents had had to go out, telling them that they would come back at dinner time. Daimond was put in charge of him, but he had other things to do, so he just threatened him to stay at home and to not tell their parents, and he went out to see his friends.
He sighed again, but suddenly received a message from Merlin, she was just asking how he was doing, where he was and if he was alone at home, taking his phone he messaged her back, but then he didn't received other messages, it was strange but also sad, he had looked forward to talk with her. Even if they had seen each other the day before he always missed her on the weekends.
He sighed for a third time, and began reading something to pass the time.
Not even one hour later he began hearing some strange sounds, like a ticking of some kind, and looking around, he finally found the source coming from his window. Curious he went there and looked out, his eyes growing big in surprise and he immediately opened it.
"What are you doing here? How did you get here?! It's dangerous!"
Right outside, he found Merlin, smiling widely, she had obviously climbed up to his window, which was on the second floor of the house.
"I came to kidnap you, of course!"
She said matter of factly, as if that was the more natural thing to do. He was just speechless.
"Come on! I'm more than sure that you're able to climb down from here!"
She winked at him and without waiting for his answer she began to climb down herself. He watched with bated breath until she was safely on the ground, then changed his clothes and followed her.
He could never say 'no' to her.
As soon as he was standing beside her, she grabbed his wrist and dragged him with her to a kind of family restaurant not too far. There he found everyone else waiting for him, cheering and shouting and smiling when they saw him.
This had been Merlin's idea and he couldn't be any happier!
He spent a few hours with them, talking, laughing, eating, and just being happy to be there with his friends.
He also received various gifts from them, and this time Merlin gave him a new set of elegant and beautiful pencils and an album with a very familiar lion printed on the cover; she knew that he had become interested in drawing, so that was it.
He couldn't help himself and shared a few tears moved by all the presents and by this surprise, thanking everyone from the bottom of his heart. Merlin seemed very proud of her achievement, she liked to make him smile and to make him comfortable with the others and her.
When he had to go back he gently refused her company, he didn't want to risk Daimond to find out about her and his friends.
He climbed back up to his window and had just the time to hide his presents before Daimond opened his door with too much force, he was glowering.
"You disobeyed me!"
And with that he began punching him and bearing him up to remind him who was in charge and which was his place.
Escanor just beared with it, thinking about the wonderful time he had spent with his friends made his brother's punches seem lighter, he let him take his anger out on him, thinking about a radiant smile and beautiful golden eyes.
He would gladly take a beat up every day just to have the possibility to spend time with her, his light.
17th BIRTHDAY
This time Merlin decided to do things right!
She had seen the fresh bruises on him the day after their little escapade the other year, and had been able to make him admit that his brother had found out and hadn't been happy about it.
So this time she was set on doing things that would hurt him the least, and having his parent's permission would help him in the long run. He had told her that he didn't want his brother to know about them, fearing that he could also hurt them or do something bad to them, but she had just shrugged, reminding him who they were and that they were able to take care of themselves.
That's why on his birthday he went to answer his door and found a very cheerful Merlin on the other side.
He was gobsmacked.
"Merlin! What are you doing here?!"
He was shocked and worried, going out and partially closing the door behind him trying to hide her from his family, specifically his brother.
"This time I'll do things right!"
She said with conviction and a warm smile that had him feel warm all over. He tried again to argue with her but it was too late.
"Who's this?"
At those words Escanor's blood went cold, his brother was right behind him, looking at them with a frown. He moved slowly, turning around, but was unable to utter even a single sound.
Instead Merlin took things in her own hands, putting on a big fake smile and moving forward a little.
"Hello, I'm Merlin, you must be Daimond, nice to meet you. I would like to talk with your parents."
She was behaving politely, but inside she was seething, finally meeting the one who was hurting Escanor.
Daimond looked at her from head to toe, she was surely very attractive but she seemed to know his little brother, so he was cautious. Escanor's fists tightened seeing how his brother was checking out Merlin, but reminded himself to calm down, he didn't want to make things worse.
In the end Daimond called their parents at the door, both were surprised to see the beautiful and polite girl.
"Hello, I'm Merlin, nice to meet you. I'm one of Escanor's friends and I would like to ask for your permission to take him with me to celebrate his birthday. We prepared a little party for him as a surprise."
She went right to the point, leaving his three family members totally shocked.
His parents were surprised and happy to know that finally he had made some friends, and gladly gave their permission, but Daimond was very, very angry. His little brother had been able to hide his so-called 'friends' from him, and had been having a good time with them, he would pay for that.
"We don't know any of you, Escanor didn't say anything about his friends, how can we believe you are good people?"
He smirked inside, playing the card of the big protective brother was always a good way to win.
Merlin for a moment looked at him with the coldest glare she could summon, and he would never admit out loud to have felt afraid of that girl at that moment, then she turned to look at Escanor, who was looking defeated, and then turned to his family.
"I'm here as a representative of our group, and to say that I'll take any responsibility for this outing."
She was smiling politely and talking only to their parents, not even glancing at Daimond.
"Why you?"
His brother asked again, frowning more.
She looked at him briefly, and then all but grabbed Escanor's arm and smiled as if embarrassed.
"Well, because I'm his girlfriend."
Everyone was even more shocked, Escanor was looking at her with eyes as big as saucers in surprise, and blushing madly at the contact of his arm with her body.
His parents were totally won over by Merlin, and his brother could say nothing more when she explained that they had wanted to wait and see where this was going before telling them. His parents were over the moon and almost pushed them out to go have some fun.
Merlin thanked them and dragged him with her, smiling satisfied.
Escanor looked back just once, seeing the murderous look on his brother's face, knowing he could do nothing about it right now.
He quickly turned around and followed Merlin, like the light that she was for him, and soon they found themselves with everyone else, in a little garden decorated for his birthday party!
This time they had prepared a barbecue party, and to everyone's joy, Ban was cooking
He couldn't remember ever having so much fun and being so happy at his birthday, he felt surrounded by a gentle warmth, warming him up and making his light grow even brighter in response to the ones surrounding him.
After the party finished Merlin insisted on accompanying him back home, and he accepted, seeing as his family knew about her already.
Thinking about earlier he remembered her excuse, blushing. They hadn't talked about that all day, but now it seemed the right time, so before arriving at his house he stopped, making her stop and regarding him with a lifted up brow.
"You didn't have to ruin your reputation for me."
She just continued looking at him, perplexed, so he told her what he was referring to. She seemed surprised and blushed slightly, taking some steps, sitting down on a nearby bench, and motioning for him to do the same.
They stayed silent for a few moments, shehad began playing with her raven black locks.
Finally she said that her reputation wasn't ruined at all! That it may haven't been the right moment but that she wouldn't have minded if what she had told his parents happened to be the truth. After saying that she blushed, and looked at him in the corner of her eye to evaluate his reaction.
Escanor's gaze was fixed on her, he blinked a few times, but stayed silent and frozen. He wasn't sure to have heard right.
She saw his lost expression and smiled in amusement, clarifying what she meant.
"I wouldn't mind being your girlfriend. I would like that."
Finally her meaning passed through his brain and he blushed furiously, trying to say something, to answer her, but he was a babbling embarrassing mess.
Then he finally inspired deeply and calmed down his nerves, she was still waiting for his answer.
"It would be an absolute honor for me if you would be my girlfriend."
She just smiled at him, a smile bright like the sun, and he was left speechless and almost dazzled. He felt again that warm feeling inside him, stronger, and also his light was burning brighter.
Then Merlin gradually came closer to him, her eyes locked on his, her intention clear, but waiting to see if he was okay with that.
He swallowed and steeled his nerves, before gradually coming closer to her.
Merlin smiled and closed their distance finally kissing him.
When he came back home he was on cloud nine, and not even his brother's hurtful words could do anything to him.
For the first time Daimond realized that his words had no more effect on his little brother, and that his punches had lost their strength.
His light now was stronger than ever.
18th BIRTHDAY
For his special birthday his friends and girlfriend had rented out some cabins in the mountains for the weekend, so that they could spend at least two days and one night away all together.
This past year had been the most precious one for Escanor, with Merlin as his girlfriend he felt that he could do anything, and spending more time with her had been wonderful.
Now they were at the lake near the cabins where they would stay for the night, and were having a great time with each other, and after that it was barbecue time!
They spent the first day having a lot of fun, at the lake, exploring around, and Escanor and Merlin also found some alone time to share a couple of very hot kisses.
Seeing his girl in that bikini that afternoon would have been enough of a beautiful present for him, but Merlin had also something else planned.
When it came time to go to sleep, Escanor was a little lost, he had left his belongings with Gowther when he had said that he would have put them in his cabin, seeing as his girl was already dragging him somewhere, but when he was about to follow his pink haired friend Merlin stopped him.
"I'll take you to the cabin."
She was smiling seductively and he could do nothing but follow her siren's call.
He was surprised when they stopped in front of the farthest cabin of the bunch, and also to find his belongings already there, with hers.
He looked at her perplexed.
"We decided to wait until both of us turned 18… now you are also 18."
Her words made him realize exactly what all this meant.
They had never slept together in the same room, and never had sex, they had decided to wait to be of age before doing it.
Now was the time.
They had been waiting for this for a year, and it seemed that Merlin was very eager to have him because when he returned from his thoughts she was already unbuttoning her shirt, and looking at him with a sensual look.
That night they satisfied each other at least five times, taking their time to get to know the other's body and in discovering what made the other going wild.
The day after they were teased a lot by the others, telling them that even if they had taken the farthest cabin, they could hear them anyway. Escanor blushed greatly and apologized, but Merlin just smiled, satisfied from their night together.
That smile could make his blood run wild, just her smile or her gaze could make him feel warm everywhere and feed his light to new heights.
19th BIRTHDAY
Escanor was staring at the little house in front of him with a proud smile on his face.
They had finally finished it, they had done it.
After another year together, with their bond becoming even stronger, they had decided to elope, getting married, and telling only their friends, who were shocked at first but then congratulated them wholeheartedly and followed them with their plan.
Their wedding had been a very simple one, just them and their friends, and Ban marvellous cooking!
They had already been searching for houses to go living together, and luckily both had put away enough to find a little house to renovate and to begin their life together as husband and wife.
Escanor had only told his family when everything had already been decided and done, his parents were sad that they had married without them knowing, but they were happy for them, while Daimond just grunted and didn't say a word.
Now they were both looking at their new finished home in satisfaction and pride, they had worked hard for it, and they were able to finish it right for his birthday, so that they could invite their friends to party for him and to see their new home.
He embraced Merlin, kissing her lovingly, he couldn't believe how happy he was, how happy she had made him.
His radiance was obvious now.
24th BIRTHDAY
After five years of being married they were living together happily: Escanor had a job at a library with Gowther and also helped out Ban at the gym when it was needed, while Merlin had been able to be accepted in a chemical lab where she loved to work and experiment at her will!
They had been very happy together and had finished celebrating his birthday just a little while ago when suddenly Merlin screamed and grabbed his arm, he was immediately on his knees beside her.
"It's time"
Just those few words made him go into a frantic panic, but he had to stay calm and act quickly, so after having taken a deep breath he took everything they needed and drove to the hospital as fast as was safely possible.
The fact was, that they had been expecting, they had discovered that Merlin was pregnant just at the start of this year, and they had been over the moon with joy for this wonderful news! They were beginning to create a family together.
And it seemed that their child was an impatient one and had decided to meet the new parents earlier than expected.
At the hospital they took Merlin and he was made to wait in the lobby, while he was there he made a few phone calls notifying their friends and then he sat, waiting nervously for news of his wife and child.
After an hour or so he was called and was permitted entry to her room. There he found Merlin frowning a little, but when she saw him she immediately relaxed and smiled.
The doctors informed them that their child was also a mischief one, that the contractions had begun but that their kid could come in the next few hours as in the next few days, so they told them that it was better to have Merlin stay there for the time being.
She was the most frustrated but he was just relieved that everything was alright.
True to the doctors' words, their child decided to make the new parents wait for two days before deciding that it was really time to come out, and by the time that Merlin finished pushing it was already a new day.
It was like this that their little Aine, their beautiful mischief of a daughter was born, just three days after her father's birthday.
He considered her a late gift, the most precious one, both he and Merlin were elated to finally meet their daughter, she was so beautiful!
Their household had just acquired a new splendid light, one that they both would protect and rise with love.
32th BIRTHDAY
Escanor had never thought possible for him to be this happy!
He had a job he liked and that could sustain his big family, he was married to the most beautiful and perfect woman of the whole world, Merlin had been his salvation and hope. They loved each other so much and were both grateful to have found one another.
She had also gifted him with four beautiful children: Aine was already 8, she was a vivacious troublemaker that had a heart of gold and that was very protective of her younger siblings, her ginger hair and blue eyes were identical to Escanor's; Dylan was 6, and was the exact copy of his mother with his black hair, golden eyes and also the little beauty mark under his eye, he was calmer than Aine, he was a kid who thought before doing things, and both his parents were very grateful for it, seeing as sometimes he was even able to stop his big sister to do too many reckless things and helped her to get out of trouble; then there were their twins, they had been a surprise, but a very happy one! They were 2 and were a perfect mix of their parents, Lugh had his father's hair and his mother's eyes, his radiant complexion reflected even on his behaviour, he was a very happy child, always smiling and having fun, while Tuil had her mother's hair and beauty mark and her father's eyes, she seemed shyer than her twin brother, but very attentive to what happened around her and very empathic towards other people, always trying to help if someone needed it.
They had been blessed, Escanor and Merlin couldn't be more happy than this, and he would forever be grateful to his wife for having helped him find his own light again through her.
While he was blowing out the candles on the cake that every member of his household had helped make for him, he couldn't ask for a present more fulfilling than being able to spend his time with his family, being surrounded by their light and love.
I'll leave here these interesting notes:
Aine= radiant (irish)
Dylan= great sea (welsh)
Lugh= bright (irish)
Tuil= tide (irish)
Thank you so much to everyone who read this! I hope you enjoyed this story! ^^
Please leave a comment and let me know what you think, they are always very appreciated! :D