CHAPTER 6 - DAY 6 & DAY 8
Thanks a lot to everyone who read, clicked on the favorite botton, reviewed, and followed! It means really a lot to me! 3
As I tried to explain at the end of the previous chapter, this contains only the 6th day at the moment, next week I will post the 7th chapter of the story (the 7th day) with the ending (the 8th day) as a 'new story', then I will update this chapter with the ending too (the 8th day).
Warnings are the same as the other chapters, but maybe there will be some more lemon...who knows...! ;)
Escanor was floating, he couldn't see anything but he was feeling warm, safe, and completely relaxed. He knew he was dreaming, he could feel his consciousness slowly waking up but he didn't want to leave this place, it was so soft and warm…
Slowly he regained the feel of his body, he was obviously hugging his pillow, it wasn't the first time he did that, but something was off, he scraped his head against the soft pillow, hugging it a little closer, but something was really, really off, his covers were wounded around him tighter than normal.
He was sure to be lacking some important clue, so he opened his eyes slowly, noting immediately that what he was hugging, and that was hugging him back, were neither his pillow nor his covers.
He was leaning his head on a stomach, covered by a white shirt, that was strangely identical to one of his. He breathed deeply and his suspects were confirmed, he would recognize that smell everywhere.
Swallowing, he began to assess the situation, trying not to panic: he had his head on her stomach, his arms around her body hugging her to him, her arms were hugging him back to her, one hand in his hair, moving slowly, while the other was on his back, caressing it up and down, she must have known that he was awake.
He turned his head, hiding it on her body, and sighing right into her belly, that resulted in a quiet laugh from her, the sound so beautiful to his ears.
"That tickled"
She said in a low tone, she didn't want to disrupt the moment, smiling warmly down to him, never stopping her caresses.
"This is indeed a, uhm, unexpected surprise...and appreciated"
He was blushing furiously, but he had decided to be more truthful with her, more forward, to try and see how she was going to act, and to understand if he had a real chance with her. He was able to enjoy the moment, even if their position was embarrassing, only because he had dreamt a lot that night, every dream about her and possible scenes, now that he was awake he didn't want to lose this opportunity, not anymore, not if she didn't mind it.
"Actually, this wasn't the surprise I had prepared, you made it happened on your own"
She was grinning mysteriously, her gaze amused, and he felt confused.
"Uh?"
He lifted his head to watch her face, and he was able to look at her eyes...over her breasts...he blushed a dark red, trying not to notice the proximity with her bosom, but it was very futile.
"I was leaning on your bed, waiting for you to wake up, when suddenly you turned this way and hugged me, curling up on me."
She was clearly amused by all this, and was looking forward to teasing him further, while he was really embarrassed, but he was trying to act cool and rein his emotions in.
"Uhm... sorry, I wasn't conscious of it"
The Mage smiled flirtatiously.
"Who knew you could be so bold, it is a new side of you, one I personally appreciate"
She smirked, her luscious lips had a seductive smile on them, and she was regarding him with inviting eyes.
Until just two days ago he would immediately back away from her, sputtering in humiliation and embarrassment, asking for her forgiveness, but now he had experienced a new way to respond to her teasing, and his determination and newfound boldness seemed to not bother her, quite the opposite, so he decided to explore further this new way of behaving towards her.
"Oh, really?"
He was smiling mischievously this time, his eyes amused by her surprised expression. He lifted up a little, hovering over her, supporting himself on his knees, and his hands on both sides of her.
"Earlier you were saying something about being tickled, right?"
Her eyes opened even wider in sudden uncertainty, and tried to lift herself up.
Too late.
Escanor passed his fingers on her side, on her ribcage, her yelp and sudden jump had her flat on the bed again.
"Oh, you seem to be quite sensitive"
He was smirking in amusement, and tried that move again, and again, and again.
She began squirming under him, trying to block his hands, but failing, and she began to laugh aloud.
"Escanor! Haha please hahaha s-stop!"
She was breathless, laughing like never before.
"Now that my experiment is on I can't stop until it is finished, right?"
He was teasing her now, listening to her laughs so genuine, and watching her expression so full of life, he didn't regret his course of action one bit, his chest felt warm to see her like this, and he could only look at her with eyes full of deep affection.
He went on only for a few more seconds, then he stopped and let her catch her breath. She was breathing hard and fast, her hair and shirt disheveled, her cheeks were a rosy pink, and she couldn't stop smiling, looking straight at him.
Once she was able to breathe slower, she punched him lightly on the chest, jokingly, and pouted slightly.
"Aha, I am sorry"
He apologized, half-laughing, and she watched him in amusement and chuckled.
"No need"
She smiled back at him, winking.
He lowered his head, a little embarrassed, and found himself looking at her shirt, more closely, frowning slightly in confusion.
"Merlin, is this…?"
She looked down at her ensemble, and then smirked at him.
"I hope you don't mind that I took one of yours, I realize that I needed some casual clothing for my surprise when I was already here"
She was looking at him with a seductive gaze, and a predator smile.
In all honesty he thought that she was absolutely mouth watering in his shirt, especially in her disheveled state, on his bed…
He gulped loudly, and tried to take his eyes off of her body.
"So, uhm, your surprise…?"
He lifted up, dismounting his bed, it was becoming a deeper trap the more they stayed there, and also helped her to stand up.
She looked at him innocently, but they both knew that she was anything but, and walked towards his bathroom, stopping with a hand on the door.
"My surprise is in there"
She cocked her head to the side, waiting for him. He was confused, but curious about what she had schemed this time, he walked to her and she opened the door for him, letting him enter first.
Inside he found his bathroom changed, it seemed that the room was larger, there were some globes of warm light fluctuating in the air, and in the middle of it there was a large bathtub, already full with warm water.
He was speechless, breathless, and his heart was beating fast against his ribcage.
"You helped me relax while I was taking a bath, more than once, so I thought I could return the favor. Especially after the, tense, day you had yesterday"
She had breathed the last phrase right against his ear, suggestively, and he could only swallow and close his hands tight, trying to maintain a grip on his sanity.
This had "trap" written everywhere.
But did it really? Maybe instead of a trap it could be a chance, a chance to finally come to terms with their feelings and their dances around each other.
He turned his head a little, looking at her in the corner of his eyes, she was smiling mischievously, a brow raised as if challenging him, but her sparkling gold eyes were encouraging him, they were clearly telling him 'come and get me'.
His determination, and his deep gaze, made her catch her breath, he was going to play her game, she could see his resolve in his beautiful blue eyes.
"Could you give me a little privacy to undress?"
She blushed slightly, maybe she was being a little too forceful, she nodded, turning around facing the door.
"I promise not to spy on you"
She almost singsonged, her voice full of mirth, hands clasped behind her back. He sighed, playfully annoyed, but smiling, and began undressing quickly, putting his clothes on a chair on the side of the room, all but his glasses, he didn't trust his other self to act properly, and entered the bathtub, full of soapy bubbles, for his modesty's benefit.
"You can turn around"
She did so, looking at him, and pouting a little, playfully, for not being able to see anything past the soap. He lifted a brow and she just smiled innocently, then walked to him, positioning herself behind him, her hands on his shoulders.
"Now close your eyes, and relax"
It would be almost a miracle if he was able to relax in this situation, but he breathed deeply and tried to do as he was instructed.
Merlin smiled softly, feeling his tensed muscle under her hands, and began kneading them with just the right amount of force.
Escanor was impressed by her ability, she was really good at it, and he could feel himself slowly relax, he just didn't have to overthink the situation, or just think about their situation, and concentrated about nothing in particular, it was better to completely clear his mind of any thought. She felt satisfied to be able to feel him so relaxed under her hands, and to make him sigh in satisfaction.
After some peaceful time, when his defenses were completely down, Merlin lowered herself so that she was at his height, moved closer to him, and bit lightly his ear. The Lion almost jumped off the tub, taken completely by surprise.
"Sorry, I thought you were going to fall asleep on me"
She chuckled huskily in his ear, making him blush, he sucked a great amount of air through his nostrils, to try slowing his heart down.
"Well, I admit I was very relaxed. You are quite good, thank you"
"You're welcome, anytime"
She whispered in his ear, he swallowed, and then she straightened up, coming to his side, smiling mischievously.
"Now it's time to wash your back"
Her eyes were alluring and full of mirth, while he was too surprised to even say something to prevent her from doing anything of the sort.
She looked around, searching for the soap bar, taking it, and turning to him. At that moment the soap bar slipped away from her hands and fell inside the tub. There was a moment of silence from her, and rising panic from him.
She wouldn't dare…
"Oh my, I'll have to recover it"
...yes she would…!
She was smirking widely, looking right at his wide, shocked, eyes. She leaned forward, holding herself up with a hand on the other side of the bathtub, and the other prepared to go in search of the soap bar in the water.
He was completely frozen, she was really close to him, he couldn't take his eyes from her exposed neck, right in front of him, and suddenly an idea formed in his head: If she wasn't going to make things easier for him, then neither would he.
Finally he gave into the temptation, right when she was putting her hand inside the water, leaning his head forward and planting a kiss on her neck.
She was taken absolutely aback, not expecting anything like that from him, she gasped and almost jumped up, surprised by the action and the sensation, resulting in her losing her grip on the side of the tub, and falling down inside the water, with him.
He was surprised by the reaction he got, and tried to break her fall, gripping her shoulders, being able only to turn her towards him, so that she didn't fall face first on the side of the bathtub, and instead was pressed against him, making the water splash around and out of the tub.
Their hearts were beating fast, first from the surprise, and secondly, when the adrenaline began subsiding, from their position: Merlin had her legs half outside the tub, and was almost sitting sideways on him, her upper body pressed to his, her face and hands on his chest, while Escanor was gripping her, firmly but not too tightly, around the shoulders.
"Merlin, are you unhurt?"
He asked, worried.
"I am alright"
She responded with her forehead pressed to his upper chest.
He sighed loudly in relief.
"Thank the gods!"
He hugged her, caressing her hair with one hand.
"I am so sorry, it was my fault"
His voice was sad and he regretted his actions, she could have hurted herself because of him.
She heard his tone and frowned, shaking her head against him, then lifting it to look him in his unsure and worried eyes.
"It was not your fault, I was in a precarious position to begin with, so do not berate yourself for this, I am okay"
She put a hand on his cheek trying to reassure him, on instinct he put his hand on hers, looking her in the eyes, searching for something that would told him that it wasn't true, that she was lying, and was really angry at him, but found nothing of the sort, he was seeing only certainty and reassurance, and sighed deeply, relieved.
She repositioned slightly so that she was matching his height, she put a hand on the back of his head, and pressed it softly on her shoulder, hugging him back around the shoulders, tightly.
He let her guide him, pressing his face to her neck, searching for comfort.
"If you had been hurt because of me, I would have never forgiven myself"
He whispered on her neck, his breath and words reverberating through her, making her almost shiver.
"Everything's okay, I wouldn't have been hurt"
She reassured him, caressing his hair.
"Maybe… and the thought that you could want nothing to do with me anymore…"
He hugged her tighter to him, he didn't want to let go, he couldn't let her go, no more. Who cared about the consequences? He needed, wanted, to tell her how he really felt for her, what he really wanted.
She sighed, and hugged him back to her, as strongly as he was.
"...Escanor… I like to pass the time with you, I like your company, and I am really grateful for this week… I hope… that you also liked to spend time with me"
She was unsure, whispering those words in his ear, it was the first time that she was revealing her feelings so much, that she was letting herself be so vulnerable in front of someone else.
His breath catching in his throat at her words, he could feel how she had lowered her defenses for him, her nervousness at being so straightforward with him, to tell him her deeper thoughts, but she had nothing to fear, and she wouldn't regret her decision, he would make sure of it.
"I absolutely adore spending my time with you Merlin, in fact…"
He slowly and gently put his hands on her shoulders, moving her back from him a little, so that he could look at her right in the eyes, he had decided and was determined.
"It doesn't have to end with this week, we… we could spend more time together doing whatever we like, and… even after this week… not because of a game, but because you, and I, want to."
He was very flustered, blushing hard, but trying to never let his gaze waver away from hers, his heart beating fast, swallowing so that he could go on.
"What I am trying to say is that... I would really be honored if… you would go out with me…"
He almost stopped breathing, waiting for her answer.
She was totally taken by surprise by his words, her heart was beating fast, and she could feel a warmth inside that she couldn't really express, his speech had moved her, her eyes wide and shiny, she thought that what she was feeling must be happiness, real happiness.
She smiled brightly, closed her eyes and leaned her forehead gently on his, her arms around his neck, hugging him.
"We don't have to wait until the end of the game you know, I would go out with you even today… In fact, I think I have been going out with you this whole time, our outings never felt forced, and I was glad when you were asking me to go somewhere"
She was maintaining a low tone, opening her eyes to look at his while talking.
"Merlin… I want to officially go out with you"
The determination and adoration in his eyes really moved her.
"Yes, I would really like that"
She answered without doubts, putting a hand on his cheek, looking pointedly at him.
"I hope this time no one will interrupt us"
She whispered grinning mischievously, he was blushing but smiling fondly at her, then they both moved forward and finally their lips met for the first time.
It was both exciting and relaxing, they could feel the sparkles going through their bodies, but also the warmth in their chests.
Finally! Finally they were having this moment, and it was only for themselves.
They kissed languidly, slowly at first, increasing the pressure on the other lips, then Merlin bit softly at his lip, shocking him a little, interrupting the kiss to open their eyes and looking at each other, their mouths almost touching, he was searching her eyes, needing to know if it was really ok with her, founding his answer in her hungry gaze.
Reassured, he gripped lightly her hair and pressed her mouth to his, forcing her mouth open, gently, and silencing her moan. She was gripping his hair, battling with him for control, their tongues intertwined hotly, and they were hugging, and gripping, each other, as if their life depended on it.
She was taken aback by his assault on her mouth, she didn't think he would match her and fight her for the control over their kiss, she could feel herself losing to him, and suddenly felt a sense of panic, stopping the kiss to try and catch her breath.
They were both breathing hard, the Mage tried to avoid his gaze, hiding her face in his neck, but he was able to see the glint of uncertainty, and almost...fear?...in her eyes. He hugged her, caressing her hair reassuringly.
"Are you ok? Is something wrong?"
He whispered in her ear, worried. At least she wasn't running away from him, in fact, she was gripping him even tighter, and shook her head.
"I am fine, it has...just been so long…"
She didn't seem sure, but he let it slide, for the moment, confused.
"We will take this slow, there is no reason to hurry things up, I… I am just so happy that you accepted to go out with me already"
He was a little embarrassed, but he felt like he had to clear things up, and to reassure her, even if he didn't know what was wrong.
She smiled against his neck, she was so grateful to have him, he was doing his best for her, and she needed to do the same for him, he deserved her best. Whatever her problems were, she had to take a grip of herself.
They continued to hug each other, in silence, for some time, until he cleared his throat.
"So...would you like to go out with me this afternoon?"
He asked, a little unsure, and blushing slightly.
She lifted her head, to look at him in the eyes, her expression calm, smiling warmly at him.
"Of course"
He felt a great weight lifting from his heart when he did find no trace of uncertainty, fear, or discomfort in her eyes, she was genuinely glad at his words, he sighed internally, relieved.
She moved a little back from him, to watch him better, and to change her not too comfortable position.
Looking at her now he could do nothing but notice that she was completely wet, especially her, uhm, his shirt...his WHITE shirt...that now was hugging her chest like a second skin and was almost transparent.
He had to force himself to turn his head the other way, blushing furiously, she was a sight to behold like that, so sexy and enticing, he was having a really hard time to stay there with her.
"Uhm, I think we better get out, dry off, and change"
She lifted an inquisitive brow at his sudden bashfulness, but looking down at herself she understood what the 'problem' was.
She grinned, satisfied by his reaction, lifted herself up from the tub with the help of some magic, and stood on her feet besides him, who continued to look away from her. She felt a sudden surge of affection for him, kneeled down, turned his head towards her, and gave him another warm kiss on the mouth.
Moving back she smiled softly at him, her eyes warm, and he smiled affectionately back at her.
"I will be waiting for you downstairs"
She whispered warmly, receiving a nod from him, then she pecked his lips again, and was gone.
He stayed there, looking at where she had been, for a few seconds more, before sighing dreamily, he leaned back on the tub, crossing his arms on his eyes, and finally he smiled brightly, thinking back on everything that had happened.
They met downstairs, unluckily they weren't alone, there were also all the other Sins there.
As soon as Escanor entered the room, his gaze was on Merlin, and she was looking at him, her expression guarded, her smile just little more than polite, her eyes warning him.
Ah! They had to be aware of the others, and behaving like nothing happened.
He nodded slightly at her, and immediately her gaze softened just a bit, while he smiled briefly, before coughing, and greeting everyone.
The Mage was sharing a table with the Princess and the Captain, so he opted to go to the bar, where there were all the others, Ban and Diane on a side, while King and Gowther on the other, he joined the last two.
They chatted amicably, and decided to have lunch together with everyone.
During lunch and the various chats, the Boar and the Lion, continued to steal glances to one another, more or less subtly. The other members teased them about the evening before, that was to be expected, but let them be after some time, everyone teasing everyone was common behaviour between them.
After lunch, gradually, all the Sins went on to their various daily programs, leaving our couple walking towards the Mage's lab, to go and discuss their own program for the day.
As soon as Escanor was inside the room, the door closed, Merlin grabbed him and kissed him passionately, her hands grasping his hair. He was surprised for the first two seconds, then he circled her waist with an arm, pressing her to him, his other hand went in her hair, bending her head slightly to deepen the kiss.
She moaned at that, but she had the need to take back the upper hand on their actions, resulting in her almost shoving him on the wall, he gasped from the unexpected move, and she took the opportunity to take back control of the kiss.
He let her for some moments, then tried to soothe her hungry desperation, changing the speed of their mingling tongues, slowing everything down. This time it was her turn to be surprised, his calmness and slow exploration of her mouth persuaded and guided her to an unhurried kind of kiss. She felt almost threatened at first, she didn't really know why, he now was able to calm her, but she still felt controlled in some way. She had instigated the kiss only because she really wanted to kiss him, she liked kissing him, but her control-problems had arised, resulting in her being almost forceful towards him; luckily he was able to turn things around, relaxing her and stopping her desperate assault.
Slowly he stopped the kiss, both were breathing hard, but while he was looking at her, worried, searching for her eyes, she was maintaining her head down, leaning it on his shoulder, and gripping him tightly to her.
"I am sorry"
She whispered, never lifting her head.
He was confused, and worried.
"Why? You have nothing to apologize for"
He was hugging her, caressing her hair gently.
"...I am not...very good with other people, or relationships, or relationships with people that I really care about."
It wasn't easy for her to admit something like that, she felt vulnerable, and she hated feeling like that, as she hated not being in control, especially if that meant that someone else had control over her.
"Well, a relationship is composed by two people"
He gently moved her back from him, then lifted her head, so that he could look at her eyes.
"I may not be in a better position than you, but I am here with you, I always was and always will. Now you may not see me as someone you can rely upon, but I promise you that I will become that someone for you. I want to be able to support you at the best of my capability, if you will ever need me to."
He was completely serious, his declaration had her almost in tears, she was very moved by his words, no one had ever said something like that to her, no one has ever made her feel like he did, his only presence was enough for her to feel warm inside. She didn't know how to respond to that, she felt almost inadequate, she knew that she had to rebalance their relationship, she wanted them to be as equal as possible, as invested as the other, and she knew that she had to work hard for it, as he was doing.
She didn't want to let him down, not him.
She smiled brightly and warmly at him, before kissing him again, slowly, for just a few seconds.
"I can only promise that I will do my best too, I will find a solution to my insecurities"
She was whispering and blushing, she had to work on being more honest with him too. He hugged her lightly to whisper in her ear.
"I don't know if I can aid you with that, but if you need help, and you think I can be the one to help you, then please, count on me, I will do my best too".
On instinct he kissed warmly the boar tattoo on her neck, making her gasp and shiver a bit.
Then they moved slightly back, so that they could look one another in the eyes, she was smiling in thanks, and he was losing himself in her beautiful, less guarded, eyes.
"So…"
He coughed to clear his throat.
"Are you ok with me deciding where to go for our, uhm, o-outing?"
He was still embarrassed, and couldn't really believe that Merlin had said yes to that, or that they had kissed, more than once already, he felt like he was living a beautiful dream.
"Of course, the game isn't finished yet, Master"
She winked at him, smiling playfully.
"But"
She came closer to him again, leaning her hands on his chest, and looking at him with sultry eyes.
"It won't change even after that, we will decide together, of course, but I won't mind if sometimes you want to surprise me"
She has always told the truth, she really trusted him, and she knew that she was safe letting him decide where to go or what to do, she was letting him having the upper hand consciously, he wasn't taking that from her forcefully or subtly, and he was always making sure that she was ok with everything he chose.
But would that be the same in every other aspect of their new relationship?
She was a little in apprehension, and that was blocking her, but she already promised to him, and to herself, that she will find a solution, because she wanted to be able to give him everything, like he was doing with her.
Escanor was smiling at her, his eyes full of affection, that now he was pouring out without holding back, no more in fear of a rejection from her.
After that they decided to go, the Boar following the Lion, both with a serene smile on their faces.
He had let her decide what to wear, saying that he felt a little embarrassed having to choose the previous days, but that he had really appreciated seeing her in different getups, so she put on a simple form-fitting, purple dress, with two slits, one on each side, from her mid thigh, to the end of the dress, and a generous neckline.
As soon as they had left behind them the bar, and had entered the city, he had found his courage, and slowly, he had taken her hand in his, not even really gripping it, blushing slightly. She had looked at him, smiling, and had readjusted their hold so that they were gripping the other more firmly, resulting in him smiling almost dreamily to her. They began walking around the city, maintaining contact with each other by changing the type of grip they had on the other hand, or by staying near the other, shoulder to shoulder, it seemed that both liked the contact with their partner, almost searching for it.
Escanor was gradually and slowly guiding her to their destination, unknown to her, so that it would remain a surprise until the end. After sometime, while they were chatting, he suddenly stopped, looking ahead of them, she lifted a brow in confusion, and then followed his gaze, both brows shooting up in surprise.
"The theater, you brought me to see a performance"
She was delighted.
"I didn't know if you had ever had the time to see one, and I thought it would have been something nice to do"
He was blushing slightly, pleased by her reaction.
"I don't even remember"
She was smiling, her eyes sparkling with the idea of something new, and he was finding himself falling even more in love with her, it wasn't really something new, he thought he fell in love with her a little more everyday, and every time they spent time together.
They approached the ticket booth, where he paid for both their tickets, although she insisted that he didn't have to, and he responded that he wanted to, and that made him win a warm kiss on the cheek, just inside the building.
They had walked inside just for a few seconds when their names were called by someone.
"Miss Merlin, Sir Escanor! You two had the same idea!"
They turned around finding the Princess and Gowther there.
"Princess, Gowther, you are interested in performances too?"
Merlin asked them with her usually light tone and a small smile on her face, but never leaving Escanor's hand, Gowther noticed immediately them holding hands, looking at the Lion, who was blushing slightly at his stare, then the Goat Sin made a victory sign to him, trying to smile a little, even if he had still to work hard on it. Meanwhile Elizabeth was talking to Merlin, explaining how she had thought that it would be nice and useful for Sir Gowther to watch people acting, so that he could understand emotions better, and that she hadn't been able to go see one in a long time.
"It is a really great idea"
The Mage smiled nodding.
"I'm looking forward to their acting"
The doll said in his usually monotone voice, making a strange pose.
"I think you will like it Gowther"
The Lion added.
They chatted a little while longer and then went inside to find their seats. They sat down together, with the Boar and the Goat near each other, and the Lion and the Princess flanking them, so that everyone could answer Gowther's questions, and help him understand.
Throughout the performance, our couple never lost the grip on the other hand, the Mage even leaned slightly against him, their arms pressed together. When she crossed a leg on the other, the slit of her dress opened completely, and the Lion found himself bewitched and distracted by the sight of her bare leg. She squeezed his hand, and immediately he tore his eyes from her inviting skin, to find her looking at him with a luscious smile and a sensual gaze, she knew very well what she was doing, and he could only let her know that he was appreciating the view with his eyes darkening in want, and squeezing her hand back.
She smiled mischievously, moving their hands so that his hand was in contact also with the side of her bare thigh, and leaned her head towards him, so that she could whisper in his ear.
"Next time we can return making sure that we are alone"
Her hot breath against his neck, her words, and the feel of her skin, made him shiver slightly, she bit softly his ear, planting a swift, hot kiss on his neck, and he almost couldn't rein in his groan of appreciation.
She moved back from him, a satisfied smile on her lips from his reaction. He could feel his heart beating fast, he was sure she would be the death of him, but what a sweet death that would be!
After the play ended, the 4 friends talked some more with each other, and then said goodbye, going on with their plans for the evening.
The Boar and the Lion decided to have something to eat in the city, finding a good place, without noisy people around. Throughout the dinner the Mage went on teasing her poor partner, with a touch here, a suggestive remark there, a brush of her leg on his… the man was appreciating her flirting with him, trying to flirt back with her, but he was also having a hard time reining himself in.
After dinner they decided to go see the stars, they went to a hill near the city, the Mage summoning a blanket for them to sit on. They began talking while watching the sky, and after a while Merlin changed position, laying down on the blanket, and, in the mischievous spar of the moment, took down Escanor with her, so that they were laying down side by side. He was taken aback, but recomposed himself quickly, and they continued to talk and watch from their new, more comfortable, position.
Gradually Merlin turned herself on her side, watching him, studying him, and slowly went nearer, taking him by surprise when she suddenly pressed herself on his side, an arm around him, and her head on his shoulder. He swallowed heavily, but repositioned his arm under her, circling her waist, as nonchalanting as possible.
She sighed contentedly, and the two stayed like that for some time, satisfied by the presence of the other.
Then she moved a little and arrived to plant a kiss on his neck, then another, and another, peppering his neck with light kisses that were becoming hotter by the second, he tightened slightly his grip on her waist, reflexively, and this time let out a groan from her assault. She continued her kisses, her hand caressing his chest, but then he turned towards her, one hand in her hair, pressing his mouth to hers, kissing her warmly. She let him have his way for a few seconds, her hand gripping his shoulder, and then suddenly rolling him on his back, with her on top of him, her legs on both sides of his body, straddling him, but never stopping her kisses.
He was taken aback, but responded to her kiss with a passion of his own, his arms circling her body, caressing her back, her sides, passing her waist, and stopping on her hips. She was moaning in the kiss, and he was groaning, both appreciating the feel of the other.
Finally they had to part, breathing hard, and looking each other in the eyes, their hunger for their partner was clear, but she felt him staying on the safe side, trying to be less passionate, to rein his desire in, to let her guide them, wary of her reaction the other times, when he had battled her for control and given everything he had.
She was grateful for his attentiveness towards her, but she didn't want him to be careful with her, to have to stay in control and not be able to express his feelings fully to her, because of her insecurities.
She had to find a way to overcome her problems.
After that they kissed some more, they were unhurried kisses, just enjoying each other, and after a while they decided to head back.
He walked her to her room, saying goodnight with some more hot kisses that left both breathless and wanting more.
Alone in her room, Merlin was thinking hard about a way to handle her insecurities, she wasn't one for half-measures solutions, when she had her mind set on something she went all out.
This kind of approach could very well backfire, but she had absolute confidence in her partner, and wanted almost desperately this relationship to work, she cared too much for him to not try anything she could to overcome the present and future problems.
She was too determined.
She was too invested.
She…
... she was completely falling for him.
DAY 7
[Chapter posted apart for explicit contents. If you don't like explicit sex scenes then read on, if you don't mind reading them, then stop now and go to my other story: "Yes, Master Ch7 - Day 7 & Day 8"]
DAY 8
Merlin was gradually waking up, she felt warm all around her, and couldn't remember feeling so tired and rested at the same time. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, assessing her situation, and she couldn't stop the big fond smile that sprouted on her lips.
She could feel his broad chest on her back, his strong arm around her waist, her own arm on his, and their fingers intertwined together. She couldn't help rubbing her back against his chest in search of more of his warmth, and relaxed again, pleased to just stay there to enjoy the moment.
She didn't really go back to sleep, she just stayed there, her mind blissfully empty, his expanding chest, in rhythm with his breathing, lulling her, his presence making her feel completely safe and comforted.
After some time her stomach growled, making her remember that she was in need of nutrition, slowly and carefully she tried to extract herself from his embrace, shivering from the temperature difference once she was standing, naked. She looked at him, he was really a heavy sleeper and a big cuddler, usually she wasn't really one for hugs and prolonged contacts, but when it came to him she didn't mind one bit, on the contrary, she found herself searching the contact with him, she found it comforting and relaxing, and after the day before, also very exciting.
She smiled fondly, and then turned in search of something to put on, spying his shirt on the floor, she bent down to recover it, and put it on, closing just some of the buttons. She went back to the bed, sitting beside him, caressing his hair and cheek gently, he was moving his arm slightly, he seemed almost in search of her, frowning when he found only empty space.
She chuckled, taking one of his hands and putting it on her leg, resulting in a relaxed smile from him, his eyes fluttering open, locking-on on her form immediately.
"Good morning darling"
She was smiling, still caressing him, making him purr lightly.
"Beautiful morning my dear"
He answered, still half asleep, squeezing her leg affectionately.
"That is looking better on you"
He was appreciating the view of her in his shirt, half buttoned up, so that he was able to see glances of her skin, the shirt was just big enough to cover her until mid thigh.
"Thank you"
She was smiling, satisfied by his compliments.
He opened his arms in invitation, and she couldn't say no to that, she was founding out that she really liked to cuddle with him, so she went to him, embracing his waist while he put his arms around her body, surrounding her in his warmth, earning a sigh of contentment from his lover.
"How are you feeling?"
He asked while caressing her back, looking at her.
"I have some difficulty to stay up and walk, I can feel all my muscles aching, but it is a good kind of ache"
She was smiling in satisfaction, and he couldn't help but feel pride about this achievement. Then he moved her shirt a little from her shoulder.
"How about this? Does this hurt?"
He was referring to the bite mark he had given her, in the throes of passion, the day before.
"Don't worry my darling, I feel it only when I move my arm, but the ache will fade soon"
She reassured him again, caressing his cheek, then moved her hand on his neck and chest, as if inspecting him.
"I am just disappointed that all the marks I tried to give you, have vanished already"
She was pouting, and he laughed lightly at that.
"I am sorry about my healing factor"
He joked.
"Oh, don't be, it has been really helpful yesterday"
She responded with sultry eyes and a mischievous smile, she was referring to all the numerous times they had made love the day before, his stamina was very impressive, but she didn't know she had it in her to resist so much, maybe it was possible because it was with him.
Escanor laughed again.
"Ah! So you are satisfied with me then?"
He was teasing her.
"Of course I am! But I will find a way to mark you nonetheless"
She had a determined gaze, half joking, earning another chuckle from him, smiling at the sound.
"I am sure you will"
He looked at her softly, caressing her cheek.
They had made a great deal of progress the day before, about both of their problems and insecurities, they knew that it wasn't all solved, but they were able to talk with each other, especially Merlin, she was able to open up to him like she had never done with someone else, and in doing so she had also helped him to gain more confidence in himself. They had still a lot they would have to talk about, but all that could wait for another time, now they just wanted to feel the closeness of the other, enjoying their new relationship.
"So, the game is finished"
She said, out of nowhere.
"Ah, yes, the game, I almost forgot about it"
He admitted embarrassed, she smirked at that.
"Well, I think now I can be sincere with you…"
He looked at her in surprise and confusion, waiting for her to continue.
"...I cheated"
She admitted, smirking.
"You cheated? In what?"
He was more confused than before.
"Well, I may have used just a tiny bit of magic, to make sure that we would be paired together"
He was looking at her, astonished.
"But I didn't decide our roles"
She specified, he was still looking at her in shock, and she was beginning to feel a little embarrassed.
"Why?"
He asked finally.
"Well, maybe I just wanted an excuse to spend more time with you, and hearing about the game and its rules, I thought it would be interesting and enjoyable to be paired with you."
She was drawing circles on his chest bashfully, not looking him in the eyes.
He watched her for a couple of seconds, trying to understand what she had said to him, feeling his chest filling with warmth, knowing that she had wanted to spend time with him from the beginning.
He smiled lovingly at her, lifting her head up to kiss her gently on the lips, feeling her sigh of contentment against his mouth. They kissed for some time, then he stopped, and looked at her with a playful smirk, taking her by surprise.
"So you cheated, eh?"
She was looking at him, an eyebrow lifting up, waiting for him to continue.
"Well, you broke the rules, I think I will have to 'punish' you for it"
He had a predator look in his eyes, she opened hers wide, gasping in surprise and excitement, and before she could say anything else, he 'attacked' her mouth, kissing her with passion.
Gods, bless his stamina!
His shirt soon found its way to the floor, again.
It was late morning, but the bar was filled with all the Sins, chatting, drinking, eating, and just spending some time together.
They were all here, except two.
Merlin appeared suddenly at one of the tables, teleporting herself already on a chair.
"Good morning miss Merlin!"
Elizabeth greeted her first.
"Good morning Princess"
"Would you like something to eat or drink?"
"Yes please"
The girl nodded and went to the bar after the Mage had told her what she would have liked.
She was starving! They hadn't thought about food yesterday…
"Hi Merlin!"
Diane walked towards her, sitting with her at the table, King fluctuating beside her.
They began talking together, but the Mage could feel the fairy watching her intensely.
"Is something wrong?"
She asked finally, looking at him.
"I don't know, there's something different about you, but I can't pinpoint what that is"
He was frowning in concentration, continuing to study her.
"It's the scarf, for sure! She doesn't wear that often!"
Diane gave her input, having noticed the piece of clothing around the other woman's neck, it was covering her neck and her left shoulder.
"The scarf"
King wasn't really convinced.
"Why did you put that on?"
The giant asked, genuinely curious.
The Mage shrugged.
"It was just a whim of the moment"
She answered with nonchalance.
The Princess came back with her food and tea, and she had to restrain herself, so that she wouldn't scarf it all down.
"Good morning"
At his voice she could feel a pleasant warmth diffuse in her body starting from her chest, and some excitement, she had to forcefully keep still, or she risked shivering at his presence.
Escanor, in his day form, was greeted with some 'good mornings' at the bar, he too was trying to not focus himself on her, trying to be as nonchalant as possible, and to rein in a little his happiness.
King arched an eyebrow suspiciously, still looking at the raven haired woman, who hadn't been able to hide the little smile on her lips, at the Lion's arrival.
Soon the men were drinking and eating at the bar, while the girls were chatting at the table, until a loud gasp and a question interrupted all conversations.
"Merlin! What happened to you?!"
The girls had been talking quietly, trying to find a better position on the chair, for an instant the Mage's scarf had slipped a little off her shoulder, and King's eyes had noticed something immediately.
"Merlin, what is that on your left shoulder?"
His words had stilled her and called the attention of the other two girls.
"It is nothing"
She had tried to play it down as nothing of interest, but the fairy's suspiciousness only grew, and swiftly he had reached for the piece of cloth and moved it aside, before she could even realize, exposing her mark for everyone to see.
The girls had gasped in horrific surprise, King was just as shocked, it had been Diane who had asked the loud question, resulting in every single Sin to look at her.
"I told you, it is nothing to concern you about"
She hadn't really thought about a believable lie, it was almost impossible to find one, the mark was too recognizable.
"Hey what's happening?"
Meliodas and Ban had reached the table, and she stiffened even more at their presence, it was useless to try and hide her mark now.
"Oh! Merlin, Merlin, Merlin, what have you done?"
It was the Captain, asking her with a mocking tone, Ban following his lead, teasing the Mage, even Gowther had walked to them, curious.
Merlin felt surrounded, the others were flanking her chair, and was also frustrated with her comrades' persistence, refusing to answer their questions or teases.
Suddenly she felt a comforting and commanding aura behind her, feeling herself relax a little, but wasn't at all prepared for what he would be doing next: she felt his hand move some of her locks off of her shoulder, and bending forward he gave an open mouthed kiss to her shoulder, right over his mark, surprising her a little but shocking greatly all the other Sins, who were left speechless, looking at them with wide eyes and mouths hanging open.
His action was unmistakable, and all his body and eyes were screaming it: yes, she is mine!
His approach earlier had everyone else move from beside the Mage, moving towards the other side of the table, so that now he was looking at everyone from behind her, warning them with his eyes that she was his.
Merlin sighed internally, amused from the reactions of the others, and lifted a hand to caress his cheek, his face was still near hers, to calm him down, feeling him relax at her touch.
Also that movement was clear: if it was true that she was his, it was unmistakable that he was hers.
The silence was suddenly interrupted by Diane, shrieking in excitement.
"Ooohhh! You two are sooooo cute!"
The others woke up from the trance at that, and began commenting on it too.
"Oh! I'm so glad for the two of you, you make such a beautiful couple!"
"Congratulations"
"Hi hi hi! So you had fun with the game..!"
"You'll have me to thank you pigs!"
"So that was it"
King said, reaching the conclusion of his observations of the Mage, everyone turning to him.
"You are happy, really happy, that was why you seemed different"
The fairy smiled, sure and glad about his conclusion, and everyone turned to the couple, watching as she smiled at them with a rare genuine smile, her eyes shining.
"Oh c'mon! Just kiss already!"
Ban wasn't the patient kind.
Everyone erupted in laughter, and began cheering them on.
Merlin turned her head to look at him, arching an eyebrow, as if saying 'you had this coming after what you just did' smiling playfully at him, earning a light chuckle from him, then Escanor moved beside her, bending down so that she wouldn't have to stand up, knowing that she was sore, she smiled affectionately at him, putting a hand on his cheek, and leaned forward to kiss him softly, while he supported her head with a hand on her nape.
They could hear the others cheering and whistling even more.
He intensified the pressure of his lips on hers, and she took advantage of that to deepen the kiss even more, playing with his tongue. He stopped the kiss after a few seconds of that, their breathings were both a bit laboured, he moved his face so that he could whisper in her ear.
"We better stop, or we won't leave the bedroom for another day"
He growled softly, she moved back so that she could look at him, her sultry eyes and playful smile teasing him.
They were interrupted, before the situation could escalate, by the Captain's presence besides them, putting a hand on both their shoulders, careful to not touch Merlin on her mark, he had a suspicious feeling that Eacanor wouldn't appreciate it.
"We're all happy that you two are finally together! So we have to celebrate!"
The announcement was welcomed by a chorus of excited voices, everyone knew that all excuses were good to party and drink!
While the others were occupied to prepare the party, the Boar and the Lion were staying on the side, watching in amusement all the excitement around them, sitting together, leaning against the other, their fingers intertwined.
They knew that the road forward wouldn't always be easy to travel, but they would be walking it together.
THE END
Finally they KISS! A looot! Right?! Were you waiting for it from the first chapter?! I was! U.U XD
[Now, as I was saying at the top of this chapter, this story isn't completely finished yet! The very end will be updated next week, at the same time as the 7th chapter (which will be posted as a solo chapter because it is a completely lemon chapter...very, very, very lemony...really more than just lemoy...!) So that if someone doesn't want to read these kind of things, they will know how this whole story ends anyway! ;)]
Thanks again to everyone who followed this story until now! 3
UPDATED!
Now it is really finished! Sorry for the wait, but I had many things to do and so little time! "^^
I hope you all liked this! Please let me know what you think, so that I can improve! :D
Stay tuned because there are other stories in progress..! ;D ^^ 3
I also wish everyone a happy and wonderful 2021! ^^