The bar was quiet. Breakfast was finished, the dishes were all washed and put away, and everyone had split off to do their own thing. You were sitting on the counter once again – one leg crossed, the other one swinging – and sharpening Cosain. It didn't really need sharpening per se, but the rhythmic action and familiar scraping sound soothed you. As you worked, you hummed a little tune. Meliodas was behind the counter, doing something with the many bottles of alcohol. But under the peaceful air was a note of tension. The emptiness from King's abrupt absence hung in the room.

'Um, [Y/n]?'

You looked up to see Elizabeth wringing her hands and looking at her feet.

'What's up, Elizabeth?' you asked, resuming sharpening your sword.

She didn't say anything for a moment. 'I keep thinking about my test ... the one that I failed.'

You smiled. 'There's no need to worry about that. Remember?'

'But that's the thing,' she said quickly. 'You said I had a power inside me, one I hadn't tapped into yet.'

The rhythm you had going slowed down. You licked your lips. 'That's right. What about it?'

'Well, I don't know much about that, but the power that I do have – the one I'm supposed to have – is very similar to yours, don't you think?'

Your sword slipped. Your eyes flickered to Meliodas. He was watching the conversation closely. You cleared your throat before saying, 'You could say that.'

Elizabeth took a deep breath. 'So, do you think you could help me? Not with everything,' she added quickly. 'Just with making the seed bloom.'

'W-well, I—' You took a deep breath. 'I—' Your eyes darted between Elizabeth, Meliodas and your sword.

Do it, said Meliodas.

Huh? You instinctively looked at him. His eyes were unwavering as he stared at you.

Teach her, he said.

But, Meliodas, if I do, then she'll—

I know. But if she only learns half, only your half, the half we already know she's aware of, then we'll still have time.

We'll still have time?

Meliodas smiled a little. We'll still have time.

'Okay,' you said out loud, still looking at Meliodas.

Elizabeth gasped. 'You'll teach me?'

You looked at her and nodded. She beamed.

Outside, Elizabeth turned to you.

'How do we start?'

You closed the door and hummed thoughtfully. 'I guess we need some seeds.' You unfurled your wings. 'Give me a second. I'll be right back.'

It didn't take you long to collect a handful of seeds. They were from a range of plants, each with a varying degree of problems. Well, one was perfectly fine. That one would be to give Elizabeth a confidence boost. And one, you looked at the daffodil bulb, was almost completely lost.

The Boar Hat and Hawk's mum grew bigger. You spotted Elizabeth waving. Scattered at her feet was a collection of mugs, steins and bowls filled with dirt.

As you touched down lightly and tucked your wings away, Elizabeth said, 'Sir Meliodas gave us these to grow the plants in.'

'Ah, that was kind of him,' you said, looking towards the tavern with a fond smile. 'I hadn't thought of that.'

You sat down cross-legged and beckoned Elizabeth down with you. She sat opposite. There was an excited twinkle in her eye and it tugged one corner of your mouth up.

'So,' you began, poking one seed into each container, 'what were you thinking as you tried to heal the seed?'

Elizabeth looked to the sky and put a finger on her chin. 'I'm not really sure how to explain it ... It's like I was talking to the seed. Sort of encouraging it.'

You nodded. 'And as you were doing that did you feel anything?'

'Well ... my skin felt sort of tingly and my hands got really warm.'

'It sounds to me like you're on the right track,' you said. 'In fact, I'm not sure why it didn't work for you. So I'm gonna teach you another step you should do first. And I've got seeds some seeds here that are more diseased than others, so we're gonna start easy.' You handed Elizabeth a bowl. 'This seed is perfectly fine.'

Elizabeth took the bowl, looked at it and then at you. 'So I have to make it bloom?'

'Yeah.' You nodded again. 'But first, close your eyes.' Elizabeth did. 'Now reach out with your mind. Search for the seed. Find the life.'

It was quiet for a moment. There was only Hawk's mum's footsteps and the wind. Slowly, Elizabeth's hands started to glow a little.

She gasped. 'I can feel it. Fluttering. Like a tiny heartbeat.'

'Good.' You smiled even though she couldn't see. 'Now just do what you did last time. It won't take as long with a healthy seed.'

And sure enough, a tiny sprout began to push through the dirt. It grew before your eyes, leaves unfolding. In about ten seconds, the plant was full grown.

Elizabeth opened her eyes and her whole face lit up. 'I did it!'

Her happiness was contagious and you were beaming too. 'Well done! Now for the next one it will be a little different because you'll have to heal it before helping it grow.' You handed a stein to Elizabeth. 'Don't forget to find the seed first.'

Elizabeth took the stein from you and closed her eyes again. 'This one feels different,' she said quietly. 'It's not as strong.'

Time passed. The number of grown flowers had, well, grown. You were in the middle of handing Elizabeth the next one when it happened.

Coldness washed over you. Something prickled at the base of your neck. The mug slipped from your hands. It hit the floor, spilling soil across Hawk's mum's back. But you didn't notice.

'[Y/n]?' Elizabeth's voice sounded far away. 'Are you all right?'

'Ban.' You could feel him somehow. Somewhere. He was calling to you. And there was someone else too. Someone familiar who cared for Ban. But who? Before you could think, the feeling passed. You blinked and looked at the dirt.

'Sir Ban?' Elizabeth paused in cleaning up the mess. 'Is he okay?'

You opened your mouth to reassure her but the words got stuck in your throat. 'I don't know,' you said eventually. You stared at your palms stained with dirt. 'I don't know.'

'There's no need to worry.' Elizabeth's voice was soft. She gripped your hand tightly. She was warm. Not as warm as Meliodas, but warm nonetheless. 'I think Sir Ban will be fine.' You stared at her. She smiled. 'After all, we have to meet again.'

You smiled back and started to scoop the soil back into the mug. 'You're right.'

Both of you were slowly surrounded by flowers and shrubs. The sun was directly overhead now. It was warm on the back of your neck. After maybe the fifth plant, Meliodas had brought out two glasses of water for you both. He didn't linger, just gave Elizabeth some praise and encouragement and you a kiss on the forehead. As he pulled away, you caught his eye. He nodded slightly, confirming that he had felt the weird thing with Ban too and that the Fox Sin was most likely fine before heading back inside.

'This one's done,' said Elizabeth and put the mug now holding a delicate Lily of the Valley. She took a deep breath and wiped her forehead. Through the gaps in her fringe you could see her eye shining orange.

'You've done really well, Elizabeth.' You turned the bulb over in your fingers. 'We can stop now. You've more than made up for what happened before and you must be getting worn out. There's no need to push—'

'No.' Elizabeth gaze turned hard. 'Let me do the last one.'

You blinked. 'But you've done so many. If you're not used to using your magic then doing this much—'

'Please, [Y/n]. I can do this.'

That sentence punched you in the chest. Your mind didn't see Elizabeth in front of the Boar Hat; it saw Elizabeth in the Fairy King's forest. You shook your head to clear it before sighing. 'Okay.' You planted the diseased bulb in the last stein. 'Remember, this will be the hardest one yet. Keep calm. Draw out the life and potential of the flower and fight off the infections.'

Elizabeth nodded firmly and closed her eyes. You watched her face closely. Her eyebrows scrunched up and sweat began to bead on her forehead. The light began to glow.

'It's so empty,' Elizabeth whispered. 'Cold. I can't feel anything.'

'Concentrate,' you said. From behind you came the sound of the tavern door opening. You twisted to see Meliodas making his way towards you. Hey.

Hey, he said with a smile. How's it going? He stopped just behind you.

You leant back on his legs. Last one.

It was quiet as you both watched Elizabeth work. The light around her grew. Just like in Liones, the edges began to flicker purple-black. Slowly, slowly, a small green shoot began to push its way through the soil. Meliodas put his hands on your shoulders and squeezed. You reached back and held one of his hands, turning to press your lips to the back of it. The daffodil grew faster and faster. The yellow petals burst open, glowing slightly in the sun.

Panting slightly, Elizabeth opened her eyes. She stared at the daffodil for a second before beaming. 'I did it!' You and Meliodas clapped and Elizabeth looked up. Her eye was still bright orange through her fringe and the other one ... the blue was ringed with a purplish-black. 'Sir Meliodas! Did you see? I did it!'

Meliodas grinned even as his grip on your shoulders got tighter. 'I saw. You did amazing, Elizabeth.'

'He's right,' you said. Elizabeth put the daffodil down. You didn't miss the way her hands trembled. 'And now that's definitely enough. You need to go inside and eat something. No arguments.'

Elizabeth didn't say anything. She just nodded and got to her feet. You got up too and stretched your arms above your head, sighing in relief. But before you could start picking up the many flowers, before you could even lower your arms, Elizabeth hugged you. You froze for a split second before wrapping your arms around her.

'Thank you,' said Elizabeth quietly. She let you go and wandered into the Boar Hat.

You stood stock still. The feeling of Elizabeth's arms around you lingered. Something was pressed into your hands and you started. All the plants had been moved to the verandah except two – one in Meliodas's hands and one he was giving to you.

'You did good too,' he said with a cheeky smile. The smile disappeared. 'It must've been hard.'

You shifted the bowl in your hands to one hand only and reached out to cup Meliodas's cheek with the other. He leant into your touch. 'I guess what's right isn't easy.'

The sun was much lower in the sky. You had gathered everyone you could find into helping prepare dinner. Slader and Griamore were washing potatoes together. Howzer and Gilthunder were having a competition to see who could peel the most carrots supervised by Hawk. You had put the meat in the oven and were now sitting on the counter shelling peas.

Elizabeth had been nodding off at the table so you sent her upstairs for a bath and a nap. Meliodas, Gowther, Arthur and Hendrickson were AWOL. Merlin was off somewhere but it wasn't like she could help or even like she needed to eat.

A whispering reached your ears. You looked over to find Meliodas, Gowther, Arthur and Hendrickson in a huddle in the corner of the bar. All of them looked to be in some heated discussion except Gowther, who was watching with his usual blank expression. Every now and then, one would glance over to you.

What are you planning now? you asked exasperatedly.

Meliodas smiled angelically. Nothing at all.

And although part of you (a quite large part) wanted to know what was going on, you left them to it. You trusted Meliodas.

As you set about finishing dinner, you ignored the comings and goings of Meliodas and the others. Even as they took the best tableware. Even as they continued to whisper and giggle among themselves. Elizabeth appeared looking much more awake, but she was quickly accosted by Meliodas and dragged off into whatever he was plotting. That reassured you. Meliodas wouldn't involve Elizabeth if it was something dangerous.

It wasn't until the table was set and everything ready that you found out what was going on. You had just put the bowl of mashed potatoes (mashed rather enthusiastically thanks to Howzer) on the table when someone behind you cleared their throat.

You turned and immediately smiled. Meliodas was standing in front of everyone holding a [your favourite flower]. It was obvious someone had tried to tame his hair (it was dripping water onto his shirt) and failed. Everyone was smiling at you. Even baby Griamore.

Meliodas held the [y/f/f] out and flashed you a debonair smile. '[Y/n], would you care to accompany me tonight?'

Your heart melted. You took the flower and twirled it in your fingers. 'So this is what you were planning.'

'It was all Sir Meliodas's idea,' said Elizabeth.

'And we helped,' said Arthur loudly, almost bouncing on the spot with excitement. Howzer elbowed him in the side.

'You deserve a night off,' said Gilthunder with a soft smile.

'Yeah. You work way too hard.' Hawk snorted.

'Well, in that case, I'd be honoured.' And you took Meliodas's hand in yours.

He beamed and turned to the others. 'Now, as we discussed, Hendrickson will be in charge.'

Hendrickson blanched. 'When did we discuss this?'

'You'll be fine, Hendy.' You giggled slightly. 'Everyone will be on their best behaviour for you. Right?' You fixed everyone with a hard stare.

They all shivered before confirming your statement.

Meliodas dragged you to the stairs. 'And no one's allowed to disturb us.'

You didn't miss the smirk Howzer and Hawk shared, but you couldn't do anything because Meliodas was pulling you up the steps.

'Where are we going?' you asked breathlessly. You wouldn't have been surprised if your smile was permanently etched on.

'Oh, just a place I know.' Meliodas pulled you along, up all the stairs. He stopped at the door to the balcony. 'Close your eyes.'

You raised an eyebrow but did as he asked. You heard the door open and felt cool air wash over your skin. Something rustled. You fiddled with the stem of the [y/f/f]. 'Can I look?'

'Almost.' Something clinked. 'Okay, you can look now.'

You opened your eyes and gasped. The first thing you saw was Meliodas. He was smiling a little nervously. At his feet, spread out on the floor, was a picnic blanket covered with food and the tableware you had watched them take. It was just the same food as the others were eating downstairs, but you noticed the addition of your favourite dessert. Someone had even thought to put an empty vase in the middle for your [y/f/f]. And in the background, the sunset dyed the sky with its brilliance. Your recently reformed heart melted all over again.

'This is all for me?' You stepped outside, still marvelling and what was in front of you.

Meliodas rubbed the back of his head. 'It's not much ...'

You caught his hand in yours. 'It's everything.'

The sunlight disappeared and Meliodas lit the candles. The plates only held crumbs. From downstairs came loud laughter. You ate the last strawberry and stacked the plates into more manageable piles.

Behind you, Meliodas laughed. 'Even on your night off you tidy.'

You laughed too. 'Sorry. Force of habit.' You turned to see him with a blanket around his shoulders and arms held out ready. 'Wow. You really thought of everything, huh?'

As he wrapped his arms and the blanket around you, Meliodas laughed again. You felt the vibrations on your back. 'Normally I'd take the credit, but you know I had help.'

You shifted so your side was resting against his chest and you head was nestled in the crook of his neck. 'Thank you. So much. Tonight was perfect.'

Meliodas hummed. 'I'm glad you liked it.'

Meliodas's heartbeats. His hot breath on your face. His calloused yet soft hands on your arms. The stars glowing above. The candles flickering below.

'What are you thinking about?' said Meliodas after a while.

'All the dates we've had under the stars,' you replied. 'The ones where we had to hide and the ones where we didn't.'

'After all this time, the stars haven't changed.' Meliodas's voice was so quiet.

You put a hand on his chest and fiddled with the collar of his shirt. 'Everything changes. Sometimes it's just harder to see.'

Meliodas shifted beneath you to hold the blanket with one hand. His other found yours and brought it to his lips. He pressed a feather-light kiss to your knuckles. 'I think I know one thing that hasn't changed.'

'Oh? What's that?'

'My feelings for you.'

You pressed your lips together and pretended to frown. 'Oh, I don't know.'

'Huh?'

'I think I fall more in love with you every day.'

Meliodas's laugh shook your body and he hugged you even tighter. 'Okay, Miss Know-It-All—'

'I think that's Mrs, please,' you said with a laugh. 'I am married after all.'

Meliodas rolled his eyes and poked the end of your nose. 'Okay, Mrs Know-It-All, if you're so smart, tell me what I was thinking about.'

You twisted around to straddle him, one leg on either side of his. 'Oh, that's easy,' you said lowly, dipping your head to press a kiss to his neck. 'Because it's what I'm thinking about right now.'

Blanket forgotten, Meliodas's hands gripped your hips. His lips captured yours. Without breaking the kiss, he stood. Your legs wrapped around his waist. You had been wrong before. There was one last thing needed to make this night perfect. And, as you somehow got back inside, your hands fumbling with Meliodas's shirt buttons, tidying was the last thing on your mind.

~~~

This episode is so Ban-focussed lol so enjoy whatever this is. But then I watched the next episode to prepare for writing the next chapter and that one is Escanor-focussed so stay tuned to see what my brain decides to write.

If you want to share, I'd love to know what your favourite flower is! Mine is a daffodil, which is why it's featured haha. Perks of being the author.

Stay safe, everyone and see you in the next chapter 💕