Work Text:
Escanor ‘Lion’ Castellio was waiting together with his band members for the next band to perform: their leader, Meliodas, played the bass and was also the main vocalist, Ban was the crazy drum guy, Gowther played the keyboard with almost mathematical precision, King played the flute and any other unique instruments that they would need, and finally he played the guitar and was also the second vocalist, sometimes he and Meliodas swap roles so that he would play the bass if needed.
They had already had their turn and it was a success; this wasn't a very big venue, but it was enough for them at the moment.
He could tell that he wasn't the only one waiting anxiously for the next performers, all the people around them were excited.
Some people liked to say that they were rival bands, because they had become famous more or less at the same time, they played similar kinds of music, and they would often play at the same events or venues.
In reality they weren't rivals, far from it! But they were very connected with one another.
When the lights began to dim, everyone started cheering, ready for them.
Suddenly the lights turned on and he could see the girls on stage: Elizabeth was the face leader, she played the guitar, was one of the vocalists and was Meliodas' girlfriend, Diane was a very passionate drum girl and King's sweetheart, Elaine played with them sporadically, playing the same instruments as her brother, King, and was Ban's girlfriend, and last but not least, not by far, there she was, Merlin! She played the keyboard, was the other vocalist, and was their leader in all but name. She organized everything, maintained contacts with the various venues, composed almost every one of their songs, made sure that everything would go smoothly, but would leave the role of charming the press and fans to Elizabeth; she preferred to work behind the scenes.
Escanor's attention would always be drawn to her; they had been dancing around each other for a while now, with no one risking to take a step further.
They began playing and the crowd went wild, they were very apt to energize people.
He was listening and enjoying their performance, his eyes never straying away from the raven haired beauty, she was so beautiful and elegant, and had this mysterious aura around her.
When it was time for their last song, they announced it to be a rock/metal cover of another famous song.
It was surprising, it wasn't the first time that they had done that, but it was rare.
"Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
and now I'm trying to get back
Before the cool done run out
I'll be giving it my bestest
Nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn
to win some or learn some
I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours”
Escanor was ecstatic to discover that it was Merlin the main vocalist for this one, he loved her voice, she had a wide range and her tone was so rich that it took you right inside the song. She was able to express the right feelings just by choosing the right timber of her voice and which part of it to use: she could use an angelic head voice, a mean chest and mix voice, or a strong belting voice; she always marveled him and left him breathless!
“Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love
Listen to the music of the moment people dance and sing
We're just one big family
It's your God-forsaken right to be loved love love love loved
So I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours”
He was having the strange feeling that she was staring right at him, as if this song was meant for him.
Nah, he must be mistaken, but thinking that she could dedicate this to him made him feel on cloud nine!
She had cast a spell on him since the first time they had laid eyes on one another: she has never been intimidated by him, she liked to push some of his buttons and was the only one who could do that without repercussion; while he could always tell when she wasn’t being honest, when she was wearing a mask for everyone else, and tried to keep her distance, but not with him, she had quickly become very comfortable in his presence, so that when there were only the two of them she could be entirely herself, she was more relaxed and genuine.
“I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and I laughed
I guess what I'm saying is there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons
It's what we aim to do
Our name is our virtue”
Well, there was no harm in fantasizing, right? He could pretend that she was really singing this only for him, that this meant more. They were looking in each other's eyes, her golden ones were alight with excitement and something more, they seemed almost to soften when she looked at him.
He had been unsure about confessing his love for her, he didn’t want to disrupt what they already had, but he didn’t think he could resist much more without doing something, he loved her a little more every day, and felt the pull to finally be with her, to be hers and she his.
“I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm sure
No need to complicate
Our time is short
It can not wait, I'm yours
Well no no, well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love
Listen to the music of the moment come and dance with me
A la one big family (A la happy family)
It's your God-forsaken right to be loved love love love”
In his mind he could see the two of them finally coming to terms with their feelings, talking to one another and then finally being together as they both wanted.
He shook himself mentally, instead of only fantasizing about it he should find the courage to make a move. He was nicknamed 'Lion' not only for his looks, but when it came to this woman he felt more like a kitten than a big wild animal.
“I won't hesitate no more
Oh no more no more no more
It's your God-forsaken right to be loved, I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours
No I won't hesitate no more, no more
This cannot wait I'm yours
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours, I'm yours"
The song ended and he was brought back to reality, just in time to notice Merlin looking straight at him and winking.
He hadn't imagined that, right?!
After the event's ended, the two bands found one another outside the back entrance; they had previously made plans to hang out together, so they were waiting for the girls to change and come out from the building. Escanor didn’t hesitate to keep the door open for them, and when at last Merlin arrived, she glanced at him, smiled, and thanked him for his gentleness, patting his hand with her own. The guitarist tried hard not to be affected by that, by her, but it was a losing battle from the start.
They were talking all together, deciding where to go now to get some drinks, and the two found themselves beside each other. Casually Merlin’s hand came in contact with his, startling him and also surprising the big man when, instead of moving away from him, she came closer, as if seeking more contact with him. He looked discreetly at her face and found her trying to hide a little smirk: she knew exactly what she was doing.
It was an invitation that he couldn’t let pass.
In a sudden moment of courage, he wrapped his fingers around hers, squeezing lightly, waiting for a response to his forwardness. He didn’t have to wait long, after a couple of seconds he felt her hand squeeze his back, that was enough of a response for him, and an invitation for more.
“I’m sorry, but Merlin and I have other plans, we’ll see you later.”
He caught everyone off guard with his words, stepping in the middle of the conversation, and taking advantage of it, he turned around, quickly moving away from the group before anyone would start teasing them, taking Merlin with him, their fingers still intertwined with one another’s.
He took her towards a park near there, walking in silence, and once arrived there, they slowed their pace and began strolling around.
He took her towards a beautiful pavilion that had a great view of a little lake and the moon reflecting on it, and they sat down in comfortable silence.
Their hands were still clasped together, but it was only when he felt her body lean on him that he found the courage to make his move.
“Merlin.”
She looked up towards him, a serene smile on her lips, and he was looking straight into her eyes; he could see so many emotions reflected there, she was completely open for him, and he couldn’t wait anymore.
The Lion raised his other hand, caressing her cheek gently, she leaned toward his touch, sighing contently; he began moving towards her, and she let him come to her.
They kissed, gently at first, then with more passion, exploring each other’s mouth thoroughly.
“I’ve been waiting for you, my Escanor.”
The raven haired beauty was smiling at him when they leaned back.
“Does this mean that my last song was effective?”
She winked at him, grinning, and then chuckling at his surprised face.
So she had been singing it for him!
“Well, it surely gave me some ideas..!”
He admitted, blushing slightly and making her chuckle again.
“Good! You’ll have to tell me all about these ideas of yours.”
She smiled suggestively, and he almost groaned, hugging her to him.
They stayed cuddling in silence for a while, enjoying the quiet of the park at night.
“We finally made it here!”
He sighed and she laughed at his, almost, worn out and disbelieving expression.
“What are you talking about?”
She asked with a smirk on her lips, amusement lighting up her eyes at the confusion on his face.
“This is just the first step, my Lion!”
She circled her arms around his neck, coming almost nose to nose with him, whispering the next words against his lips.
“Afterall, you’re mine now, and I’m yours.”