Title: Finally

Theme: #6 The Space Between Dream and Reality

Fandom: Nanatsu no Taizai/Seven Deadly Sins

Pairing: KingxDiane

Note: SUPER SPOILERS FOR CHAPTER 216! Plus this doubles as a Soulmate (kind of) AU.

Disclaimer: I can't manage to make the sweetness that was Chapter 216 any better so I'm glad I don't own Seven Deadly Sins. XD

FINALLY:

There were giggles behind the trees, mirthful gazes watching from beneath mushroom canopies. Diane was glad to be in the protective barrier of the Fairy King's forest, so much so that she could forgive the ever curious fairies and their tendencies to snoop on whatever touched their fancy. It was reassuring to have a place where she could keep King safe while they recovered from their ordeal. She gazed down at the youthful face resting, even in sleep his cheeks and nose dusted with a rosy hue.

How often had she looked at the same image, never realizing the depth of emotion,the fierce intensity, the sweet allure it would have for her one day. Having all her memories restored to her was a gift, one she was determined not to waste. While acting on it so suddenly may have caused a rather dramatic reaction, she in no way regretted it. Knowing that she loved him, why she did, inspired her to not waste a single moment.

Out of nowhere she cried out, her hand slapping onto her left arms wrist guard as white hot pain blinded her. Stinging stabs ripped at her heart. Tears rolling down her cheeks, her stomach twisting, she ripped the studded leather guard off to see a shimmering golden light blaze on her wrist. She choked, the sheer pain making her lungs stop, her nose drip, and her heart beat frantically. Pressure pushed in on all sides of her as if she was in the grip of a monstrous creature, being squeezed until her ears popped and she felt as if she would die then and there from the heavy rapid pounding in her head.

All at once it stopped. She fell over, gasping, gratefully sucking air into lungs that felt as if they didn't quite know how to pump anymore. Trembling fingers grasped her throat, eyes wide and staring at nothing as she struggled to get back into herself.

'What...what was that?!' She thought tearfully. She sniffled, overwhelmed with the urge to cry when something soft and slimy pushed against her cheek. Whimpers reached her ears as she felt another cold and wet nudge. Breathing heavily she raised her head. Oslo's large maw greeted her, his ears flat against his skull. He plaintively pawed at her and she managed a weak smile.

"m'alright Oslo..." She lightly reassured. Her senses were returning, though her muscles protested and with them a pounding ache registered. Fighting spots in her vision she lifted herself up and she gaped at her wrist.

Emblazoned on her skin, the edges slightly raised, was a name in brilliant gold lettering. So astounded by what she was facing it took her several readings before her brain was able to translate the symbols.

Harlequin

For the second time that day Diane felt her breath leave her body. There were stories, usually no more than folk tales that detailed the phenomenon of soul marks but Diane had never seen it firsthand in all her years. Humans were the most likely of the races to be branded. There were no records of giants or demons experiencing it while legends of very few fairies owning a soulmate mark were vague and questionable.

Diane blinked rapidly at the image that was now a part of her, glancing between it and the still unconscious form of the Fairy King. Her heart swelled. She knew then with surprising clarity that she was meant for him. The mark only appeared when there was complete trust and love between two beings. It was proof of their devotion.

Another golden beam of light blinded her with a cry, Oslo yelping as he fell to the ground. Shielding her eyes with her hands she watched as the light materialized into a small glow around Harlequin, centering it's focus on his arm. Diane happily saw her name appear across the pale skin, the lettering shimmering copper, and her eyes filled at the sight.

Pushing against the ground she managed to sit up. Brushing sticky bangs out of her eyes she shared a look with the black hound that floated nearby in expressionless concern.

There was a groan and Oslo quickly flew to King's side, his short tail waving frantically. Diane smiled as the hound licked his friend, waking the fairy. Diane flushed, realizing that he hadn't noticed her immediately. Then she heard his sighed mutterings, detailing a dream where the two of them had shared a kiss and she felt the need to clarify.

"That wasn't a dream."

His surprised floundering was endearing, making her insides warm as he shyly questioned her. She couldn't stop her own tell-tale blush as she explained her reasoning. Honest hope shone in his amber eyes, making them appear larger than normal. He seemed confused to learn of Gowther's help, clearly not sure how to take the information and taking guilt in it but she went on to speak, feeling the words well up in her, saying what she knew she had always wanted to say.

"King...I always have.. and always will love you. Do you still feel that way about me even now, King?"

The air breathed, the trees rustled, and loose flower petals danced as King gazed up at her, a wealth of emotion in his eyes before he moved, slowly and sweetly placing a hand against her cheek and leaning in.

Orange blossoms erupted on the ground around their feet, cascades of light spinning a cyclone alongside them. The wind enveloped them in song, it's voice a lilting soprano that spoke to the warmth in their hearts. Her eyes were narrowed in purest happiness that mirrored his own, her fingers lightly brushing aside a stray tear. There was embarrassment, as was common between them, but blissful acceptance as their mutual affection released in the breath of a sigh that whispered,

Finally.

-OWARI-

So sorry for the delay folks but if you looked at my profile or Tumblr you'll see that I had to take a mandatory hiatus due to moving. Lets just say that moving made me realize how much anime stuff I have and it makes me proud. Lol. Feel bad for the people that had to carry all my books though.

Anywho, here we have a chapter based on the AMAZING CUTENESS OVERLOAD THAT WAS CHAPTER 216! Our girl got her memories back and our favorite Fairy/Giant combo finally confessed their feelings for each other! LIFE IS GOOD! SO HAPPY! Plus I wanted to do a Soulmate fic since that seems to be the big thing in 2017. Yay.

Updates will be going back to once a month now that I have everything out of boxes. Tune in for the next chapter! ONLY TEN MORE TO GO! I can't believe it!