Title: What Once Was...

Theme: #20 The Road Home

Fandom: Nanatsu no Taizai/Seven Deadly Sins

Pairing: KingxDiane

Note: Spoilers mentioned.

Disclaimer: I don't own Nanatsu no Taizai or Kiane. King owns Diane and Diane owns King, 'nuff said.

What Once Was...

Diane smiled proudly to herself. Her bag was all packed, her Gideon left in the care of Merlin, and she had managed to get herself excused out of work that day with a plea to Meliodas. The Sin of Wrath did not pry, instead waving her off with a smile. She thought she would feel something then, as he didn't even question her on her plans or the company she would be keeping, but happily it seemed her one-sided crush was truly once and for all gone to the gust of time. Now there was only one last thing on her list to fetch before she could head out on her way.

Shouldering her pack the giantess looked into the western space near the Boar's Hat Bar's latest venue and eyed the large field of wildflowers that dominated the area. A pastel stream of colors, from gentle lilac to blushing orange bloomed in the brilliant sun. Her violet eyes crinkled happily when they spotted the small figure nestled peacefully in a blanket of white daisies and periwinkle baby's breath. Rosy cheeks were tickled by plush petals, leaves littered against strands of apricot hair. Beneath the body was the always present green patterned pillow that she herself had grown fond of. Cupping both hands around him she gently lifted the dozing young man, pillow and all in her palms, careful not to jostle him. Warmth blossomed in her cheeks.

"Ne, King?"

He remained dead to the world, his nose wiggling in a tickle before he settled again with a light snore. Puckering her lis slightly the brunette let out a slightly impatient breath. "King! Wake up! You made me a promise!"

When he still did not stir Diane allowed some of her famous temper to shine through and opened her hands to let the slumbering idiot fall and hit the ground painfully, Chastiefol landing uselessly nearby.

"Yeeeoowch!"

The Grizzly Sin of Sloth peeled himself from the ground with wincing shakes, his chin bruised red and eyes narrowed with hurt. "Dammit, if that was you Ban I swear-"

The sound of a throat clearing drew his gaze up and it immediately softened when he caught sight of the curvy form of his fellow Sin. "Diane! Good morning!" He greeted happily, one hand nursing his smarting chin as he flew up to eye level. "I-is something the matter?" He asked nervously upon noticing her scowl.

Diane puffed her cheeks out. "You promised to spend the day with me. I told you there was somewhere I wanted to go."

King nodded his head vigorously, flinching when his chin throbbed and grabbed at Chastiefol, clutching the soft pillow to his chest. "Ah, shall we get going then?"

Her good cheer restored Diane hummed in affirmation and led the way out of the valley, King floating close by.

"Is it far where we're going?" The Fairy King questioned with a yawn. "I can just have Oslo take us there."

Diane shook her head, singing softly to herself with a secretive smile. "No teleporting." She sang. King watched her for a moment, a tad dumbstruck. He rubbed a hand over his face, trying to get himself together. What did it matter if she wanted to take a trip? She was clearly happy. That was enough for him to be content as well. Grinning broadly he successfully initiated conversation with her to pass the time. As they spoke he reflected on his favorite giant's growth from lonely little girl to powerful warrior and one of the feared Seven Deadly Sins. When he had left her as a child it was with the impression that they would never meet again. Despite that his heart had yearned for her since day one of his self-imposed punishment. They had been through a lot, separately and together. While it had been a long emotional battle, one where King discovered that he truly deserved the title Sloth and possibly even Greed. As undeserving as he was he was still pleased to know that with or without her memories Diane found his company to be favorable. Even if it meant never being with her the way he truly wished he would have been happy to spend the rest of his life just merely staying by her side.

His thoughts were drawn in a more curious direction when they had been traveling for nearly two hours through a thicket of dense plant life. Trees towered over Diane, their canopies so widespread the sun had disappeared behind the foliage. "Diane? Where exactly are we going?" He wasn't particularly nervous. He was aware that she wouldn't send him somewhere dangerous. Still he did not like the shadows that creeped around them nor the haunting absence of forest life.

She cheerfully assured him, pointing to a dot ahead and announcing it as the exit. "Not much farther now." She said.

Soon enough they were out of the unsettling woods and into a bright open plain that sported rolling hills and trees that only reached Diane's thigh. Something in King's memory stirred. Diane floored him with a bright smile, leading again with a spring to her movements that he may have been imagining. As they walked King felt his memory begin to pulse. The area was so familiar to him, as if he had spent a great number of time there. Instinctively he could feel them getting closer and closer to their destination and it made him uneasy. The Fairy King let go of Chastiefol in favor of flying independently of it, his thin brows furrowed in contemplative thought. A distinctive landmark came into view and King stopped suddenly, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Diane didn't seem to notice the turmoil of expressions crossing his face, strolling right up to the old cave.

Confused and fighting a fierce ache in his heart King levitated to Diane's shoulder. She was gazing over the structure fondly, obviously reminiscing. The rocks that once sheltered her were too small now for her adult self. King gazed upon them with a heaviness he was familiar with. Regret. It was that same spot where he had erased Diane's memories, leaving her all alone.

"Wh-why?" He managed to ask.

The wind picked up, sending her chestnut hair in the air and obscuring her features as she answered simply. "Because this is the place where we became friends. It's where we spent hundreds of years together and..." She trailed off, sounding far more timid than he could ever remember her being. Gently King placed his small hand on her blushing cheek, silently encouraging her to continue. She turned her neck so that she could face him, a hand shyly fiddling with strands of her hair over her lower face. "This is where I fell in love with you."

Shock snaked through his blood like lightning ad King felt his skin grow very warm very fast. She was gazing back at him with open affection tempered by uncertainty. It was clear that she wasn't sure how much would appreciate her honesty then. A pleased blush darkened his own cheeks and King flew up to face her directly. He held a hand out and she knew to hold up a finger so he could place both of his hands on the tip, their private equivalent of a hug. Nervously King took a breath. "It's the same for me Diane. I fell in love with you, with your smile, your open heart, all of you when you let me into your life all those years ago." His soft expression crumpled and he pulled away reluctantly. " I know I haven't done the best job of showing that but it's true."

Diane watched him, swinging her arms behind her back, lips pursed in thought. "Then I want something." She suddenly declared, sounding very much like the child she had once been.

King straightened with anticipation. If there was anything he could do to make her know he spoke truthfully then he would do it, no question asked. "A-anything." He replied with iron conviction.

She turned the sweetest look on him, all lavender promises and pink-hued care. He felt himself falling again with the strength of his emotions. She opened her lips and calmly said-

"I want you to always love me."

Amber eyes widened and shook with truest feeling. How could he possibly love her more than he already did? She was perfection before him. A flawlessly spirited woman who shouldered her pain and forgave an undeserving fairy despite the heartache he'd caused her. She lifted him from the ground regardless of how often he stumbled, never asking for anything in return except for the one little thing he would have freely given without her asking. Time and again she openly offered herself and all she had to give and he greedily took, focusing on his own pain while hiding behind hers. As the years had passed without her near he had learned the ugly truth of his heart. He wanted to be so much more. He wasn't like Meliodas who everyone could depend on. Nor was he like Ban who could single-mindedly do as he wished. He was torn by selfish desires, his duties, and his heart. He was tired of being so indecisive. He stared into the open-hearted gaze of his beloved and the answer that had only been half true in the past sprang to his lips.

"I promise!" He announced loud enough to send birds from their perches in the tree's. He clenched his fist to the place above his heart, enhancing the power of his conviction. "I'll always love you and I'll never leave you!"

The beating of his heart roared, blood pumping in his ears but she didn't disappoint as she beamed at him with a laugh that clearly said she believed him.

Diane spun on her heel and dropped her backpack, pulling items out of it before tossing the leopard-skin satchel in the empty cave. "Will you gather some firewood?" She requested sweetly. The sudden change in topic puzzled him but he was nonetheless charmed and King gave a nod as he took off. Diane waited until he was out of sight before quickly tossing something in her mouth. As it had often done so in the past the changes began almost instantly.

When King returned it was to find his giantess gone. He roved the fields with a quick glance. She could hardly hide in such an area where the trees were as small as they were. "Diane?"

"Haaaaarrlequiiiiiinnnnn!"

He looked down to see a human-sized Diane waving him down energetically. A dopey grin wormed it's way onto his face and he raced down to meet her. "Diane! You look so c-cute!"

She giggled nervously, smoothing out the pleats of her skirt. A gift from Elizabeth, the blouse was a soft white made of a thin fabric that breathed. The sleeves gathered at her elbows leaving her forearms free while the collar dipped modestly to a point. The high-waisted brown skirt in a delicate brown buttoned at her hip before splaying out in a series of pleats that fell to her knee. Grey stockings and brown calf boots completed her ensemble and she shyly played with the unbound hair that gathered around her shoulders. As King landed on the ground before her he couldn't quite keep the stammer from his voice as he confessed, "A-actually you look really b-beautiful Diane."

The Sin of Envy ducked her head in embarrassment. "Really?"

"Y-yeah."

There were no words to describe the thrill she felt then so she decided against speaking and instead reached out to envelop the man in a hug she hadn't been able to physically give before. He was a beat slower, winding his arms around her waist carefully, as if scared that he may move too fast and incite a negative reaction. Instead he was gifted with her tightening her hold.

"Thank you." She murmured into the collar of his hooded vest. King shivered slightly. She pulled back to place a chaste kiss on his cheek. "D-Diane...!"

"Hmm?"

He made a noncommittal noise, trying to vainly keep himself from being completely overwhelmed with embarrassment. There was a pleasant warmth that radiated from him, mixed with the sweet scent he exuded, and Diane felt herself at complete peace. Without warning she let herself drop back, giggling when he yelped, and they landed in the grass with a thump.

"D-Diane!"

"King."

He was very much aware of their position, his legs tangled with hers, her wonderfully figured-body pressed against his and their faces only a fraction of an inch apart. In the not so distant past he would have pushed off from the ground with a cry and stammered apologies as he attempted to keep her from reacting defensively. Yet he had come to learn in the recent precarious meetings between them that with the attraction they both shared, accidental touches were welcomed rather than scorned.

Ever since Diane had regained her memories after Gowther's troublesome meddling the two had managed to grow closer than ever though King still struggled with his crippling shyness and self-doubt. Everything was still new to them. They both fed off the other and so when Diane was generously showing affection as she was then it emboldened King to do the same.

Slowly, carefully, he dipped his head and placed upon her the lightest kiss, shortly drawing away by a margin to nervously study her expression. The violet haze that caught him made his senses heady with her essence and the Fairy King felt his heart . Humming with pleasure she reached up to twine her fingers behind his neck and gently draw him back down to her lips. Whatever might have been on his mind before was drowned out by the feel of her soft caresses. He opened his mouth to hers when she requested entrance and he was loathe to deny her anything. The feeling of her sharing herself with him in such a way made his eyes roll back with contentment and he found himself pressing against her, matching her pace with his own fiery resolve.

He reluctantly drew away from her. She gazed up at him with eyes clouded by want, the rings of lavender flecked with a darker passion. Her chest rose in labored rhythm, her lips swollen and colored an enticing shade of rose.

Too much. It was too much.

He buried his head in the crook between her neck and shoulder, fiercely wrapping his arms around her shoulders. His expression twisted in pain he clung to her, praying he would never have to let go again.

"King?"

"Please..."

She attempted to turn her head to catch the look on his face but it was impossible with the strength of his embrace. She waited another moment, not quite sure what to make of what was happening when he spoke again in the smallest voice.

"Please let this be real. Please tell me you won't be gone tomorrow without a single memory of this."

The raw grief in his words made her return his hold, her arms wrapping around him reassuringly. She didn't want to speak because she was well aware that words would not convince a person of something so important. As she stroked her fingers along his spine she couldn't help but think about the frailty of the man on top of her. In the midst of both their trials they had come to realize and accept their weaknesses and faults, admitting that there were things that both were in need of improving upon.

Yet they had also come to learn of their strengths as well.

One very important trait that she had learned about herself was her ability to be strong even when she wanted nothing more than to run and hide. As Matrona had often said, there was power within her that she wasn't utilizing, driven by her own weak mind. But she could draw on that strength without reserve when one of her friends was in danger or hurt.

As she felt the quiver of his shoulders beneath her palms Diane couldn't keep the fond smile from her face. When she had been young it had been Harlequin who had been strong for them. Now it was her turn.

"We're real Harlequin."

And just like that the shaking ceased, the whispered pleas gone, and in their place the rise of a face that looked down at her as if she was the only thing that could, would, ever matter in the world. She stared back, shocked with the intensity of his expression when he brought her face up with a hand that had managed to snake behind her head to meet his as he gifted her with a kiss that made stars explode in the place beneath her eyes.

There was no time to ponder the questions in his look as she felt the world melt away. He pulled her up, never once breaking the union between their lips, until she fell forward into his lap and he supported them with his legs around her, his hold on her head and waist secure. The sheer confidence that he was showing made her body tingle with pleasure and surprise, not used to him taking such liberties. Yet she enjoyed every moment of it as he let his fingers slide from her neck to her collar before the hand at her waist dropped to lift the hem of her skirt.

He didn't care that she was a giant and he a fairy. In that space, in that field full of wildflowers where their shared love first bloomed, nothing outside of them mattered.

As he shattered the barrier that marked her as a maiden something in him also broke and he had to pause long enough to catch her face between his hands. The tears that gathered on her delicate lashes twisted his heart but the tenderness in her eyes made him whisper in gentle adoration "I love you."

She gifted him with a happy croon that soon evolved into the moans of a woman wrapped in a rapture of absolute ecstasy. She clung to him, ample thighs pressing against his hips as he forcibly thrust into the heated warmth of her womanhood, gasping from the way her walls gripped him. Every part of her craved him, begging, making him struggle to repress his release in favor of hers. Her body was slick with want, her skin burning with unrestrained eagerness. She breathed his name, awakening a primal part of his mind that worked a conceited smirk across his features and fueled the strength of his momentum. Seeing her back arch with overwhelming bliss made him grip her hips harder, his fingers digging into flesh. When his release came it was with a satisfied grunt that he called her name, his feverish gaze catching hers and showing her all he felt in that moment.

Diane thought distantly to herself later, when they lay together under the stars and with the comforting warmth of the fire nearby that it really was the easiest thing, loving him. Things had been complicated for a long time but it was easy, so easy to love him. Knowing that made everything they had tackled in the past worth it, despite all the pain and hurt. The beautiful night they shared would always serve as a reminder to herself that she would never have to go back to being that young woman she once was, afraid of loneliness, of being unloved. She had love now and she could sum it all up in a single name.

"Harlequin..."

-OWARI-

Life is a rat bastard sometimes. If it had a face I would hope it looks like Gowther so I could punch it and not feel bad. If there are mistakes sorry.

On a happier note, HALFWAY POINT! WHOOT! Only 15 more to go! You won't have to wait so long for the next one I promise! Please remember to check my profile for updates!