Can I Keep You?

Chapter 5

The stars above danced and gleamed brightly over-head in the night sky. It was late – really late. After Elizabeth's freak out and Ban's announcement, everyone settled into their normal routines. Ban challenging the captain to another drinking contest – honestly, it was a miracle the tavern had enough booze to sell on a regular basis – Merlin watching and egging their antics on, Gowther observing the entire group from a distance. But King and Diane had disappeared, choosing to spend some time under the natural light of the moon and stars in each other's company.

Though, it was clear Diane was more content in ranting than cuddling.

"I can't believe that asshole is just leaving out of the blue! What is he thinking? What if something happens, and he's still not back?" She groaned, throwing her hands up exasperated.

King's cheeks were flushed as he watched her; she was so passionate. It was cute how angry she was getting, "Does it really bother you that bad that he's leaving?"

Her sideways look let him know that the mere thought of her actually CARING about Ban was disgusting, "No, it's just that Elizabeth still doesn't remember anything and we're kind of in the middle of finding a guy planning wars in his free time. The timing couldn't be worse!" she rolled her eyes, resigning to lean back against the pillow Chastiefol she was sharing with King while crossing her arms. "I just think he's being more selfish than usual... Besides, what's so important that he'd have to leave?"

A small grin formed on King's face as his eyes wandered up to the stars just in time to see one flash across the sky, "I think I have a pretty good idea. Though, I can't really blame him for wanting to leave."

Crickets sang in the silence that stretched between them then. Diane's cheeks flared while she remained angry, "So you would run away too? Just abandon the captain and Elizabeth? Britannia?" Her voice was low and accusing, something that should have sent King to sputter out apologies and excuses, but instead she was met with clear determined eyes.

"If it meant protecting you, I would do anything Diane!"

Diane was surprised at first, the idea was so romantic, it made her heart flutter. But then again, it was also a sentiment born out of fear. It was because they had been forced to fight each other by the puppet master that he was playing with the idea of leaving, wasn't it?

"We can't run from her forever King. We have a score to settle with that witch, and I for one do not like the idea of leaving my friends behind."

King watched her, and admired her steely determination. She had so much heart and bravery; it was no wonder he was head over heels for the girl. Even if it was to hell and back, he would follow her.

Now if only he could figure out how the puppet master had been able to control Diane, and keep her from doing it again, come the time when they faced off once more...

Ban slammed his eighth empty bottle on the table and let out a content sigh and hiccup, giving Meliodas a wobbly grin through his drunken haze, noting that the blonde was still only on his fifth. "C'mon Cap – hic – where's your fight'n sp-rit?" he slurred noisily, unable to really make out the look of contemplation on the captain's face. He hid it pretty well under a feigned grin, but the fact that he was letting Ban win for a change was a dead giveaway.

"I think I'm going to go check on Elizabeth." Meliodas stood from the table, ignoring Ban calling him a quitter for leaving the game so soon, as he climbed the stairs. He would be sure to come back and wipe the floor with him shortly. But, for now he had too much on his mind and not enough patience to explore those thoughts with a mind reader present. Surely, Gowther had noticed his unusual behavior, there was no telling when the guy would be coming around to quiz him on his thoughts.