Can I Keep You?

Chapter 13

"Wish I had known there was going to be a party! I woulda dressed up a bit!" Ban bellowed with a grin. After being caught up on everything that had happened since his departure, he was lounging on the nearest sofa as the other men – Meliodas, King, and Gowther - in the room pulled themselves together. They hadn't had much in the way of formal wear at the tavern, and Arthur had gone out of his way to provide them with clothes suitable for the evening.

Meliodas rolled his eyes at the reflection of Ban in the mirror he stood in front of with arms outstretched, an attendant fussing with the final details. As soon as the attendant finished and excused himself, the blonde unbuttoned the first few buttons of his crisp formal button down, effectively loosening the stranglehold the collar had on his neck. How could people stand to be dressed like this? He'd take his black vest and white slacks over this getup any day.

He did have to admit, though, the dark blue open coat looked pretty cool in contrast to what he was used to wearing at events like these... not that he was invited to many - and for good reason. He frowned at his reflection; he probably would have looked better had the bandages not been necessary, but those damn cuts refused to close.

The captain of the sins caught Ban watching him curiously as he glared at his wounds, "So, what had you come back so quick, Ban?" he asked as the fox's sin brows rose. Ban moved to answer him, but was cut off by a soft knock at the door before it opened to reveal Arthur. If ever he looked like a king, this was the time. Though less extravagant than Meliodas had seen other kings wear, Arthur's regal golden cape and formal uniform were made that much kinglier by his presence, and demanded the attention of everyone surrounding him. The young king clasped his hands together as he took each of them in, the beaming smile on his face lighting up the room, "Everyone looks-" his eyes froze on Ban in his blaring red leather outfit before catching himself, "Wonderful!"

"Not too bad looking yourself, Arthur." Meliodas spoke up as turned to address the royal figure instead of his reflection.

A chuckle escaping the young king as he rested a hand behind his head sheepishly, "Thank you, Sir Meliodas." A sharp wave of orange locks as the Camelot king turned his head to look over his shoulder.

A sultry and familiar voice ringing in his head, "Come see our grand entrance, Pendragon."

Meliodas raised a blonde brow at the sudden movements and slight change in Arthur's behaviour. Choosing to not question it, but instead to see it play out, the blonde rogue smiled with hands in pockets.

"Sirs' would you care to see the Gala from above before we descend into the festivities?" Arthur offered pleading with his eyes as he rested his back to the door and let his left arm act as a pointer for his esteemed guests.

King floated higher and lower, as though to remind Arthur how easily he could change perspectives, as Ban frowned and dug a pinky in his ear. Shaking his unruly mop of blonde at his comrade's antics, "Sure, Arthur, we'd love to."

A wide smile stretching the king's face before he turned to lead the four men out of the ready-room and along and heavily decorated hallway. Gowther silently stopping to study a picture or scripture every now and then.

Arthur stopped by double wooden doors that seemed to lead to a balcony. "Come see the beauty!" with that exclamation Meliodas watched with amusement masking his curiosity as they filed out onto the large balcony.

Lights, merry sounds, delicious mouth-watering smells, and the general jubilant atmosphere reaching the gazing men. The ballroom was filled with people and music so filled with mirth that it brought a smile to the faces of all them, troubles suddenly forgotten.

"You sure know how to throw a party, Arthur!" Meliodas whistled, slowly walking out from the group and toward the stone railing that framed the balcony.