"You should go, I'll keep watch down here..." Ban starts, standing from a long sit against the trunk of a dark colored tree. He sniffles.

Zeldris merely nodded, but Arthur couldn't take that.

"What? But, Purgatory isn't safe for you---"

"Yes it is, for a mortal king like you, I'm immortal, I'll heal in a matter of no time." Arthur was speechless - couldn't speak of anything.

"Come on Arthur..." Zeldris places a gentle hand over Arthur's eyes, then holding his shoulder for a moment.
Arthur couldn't see, and in a flash they were back into the real world.

Again back into the rich green of the human realm. Where most humans should smile and drink; celebrating through huge parties. But...

The kingdom was quiet, too quiet. Arthur's face was struck with terror, worry, guilt. The black amber haired demon knew that Arthur was a king. Or slightly one, he just needed a female bride; for he can make a heir to the throne.

Zeldris, he felt this loss before. When she came into his life. He regrets everything about himself; thinking, sealing the vampires away would solve anything.
She is gone; he used up her life for his and now he carries the burden of a heavy death. A life that he loved so dearly now wasted away because of him.

And now he came into his life.

"Arthur." Zeldris pauses.

No, he shouldn't push this. Push whatever is happening between them, he shouldn't do this at all. This will leave Arthur's people in ruin if he continues this between him. Interfering with his training; distracting him from his duties.

"Come Zeldris, we have to make sure my people are safe." Arthur says with full intent of doing so. What does Zeldris expect from a determined king.

The demon wasn't fond of taking orders from anyone let alone humans, but he obeyed without realizing what he's done by his own will.
His own mind thinks he's gone insane over this human.

-

They make it to the gates of the kingdom and a few guards show from above."His Majesty has returned!" One guard yells over the top of his lungs."Open the gates!" Another orders.

Two humongous, light brown, solid wood gates slowly start to open. Creaking and groaning at it's size and weight; Zeldris stays quiet.

A guard comes down to welcome Arthur. "Your Majesty," the man starts. "The kingdom was invaded by lowsome bandits - taking us by surprise - we weren't prepared for the attack."

"We're their any casualties?" Arthur questions.

"Yes, around fifteen men killed and most of the women and children were abducted, some gold and weapons were stolen along their dirty business."

Arthur bites the inside flesh of his right cheek, holding in his anger.
How could he let this happen, all because he left his kingdom for one god-damn day. He didn't have any idea this would happen for that short period of time. But for right now he needs to find and save his people.

"Do you know how many bandits were invading the people's town?"

"I'm not sure, it all happened so fast we couldn't keep up."

"Right, then gather fifty middle ranked soldiers, start packing supplies for camping. We're heading out." Arthur speed walks, intending to go to his castle.

Zeldris was about to follow, but was stopped by the guards.

"And who are you?" The human bit in  a foul temper and disrespectful manner, as if pitying a commoner.

"He's with me." Arthur yells from a distance, then the guard nods and let's the demon pass. He probably doesn't even know what he has let in the kingdom grounds, but it's not like Zeldris will do anything to this weak human kingdom anyways. It would be too easy, too simple. He pity's at how weak the humans are, but, there's something about Arthur. He more powerful than Zeldris thinks, maybe even enough the surpass the demon himself.

No, that's ridiculous to ever think a human could surpass a demon in such lengths.

Zeldris shakes his head.

"Do you think you can fight?" Arthur asked, after Zeldris caught up with him. What kind of question is that? Zeldris never imagined he would say something like that, knowing he's a demon.

"You know what I am, therefore you should know I can fight." Zeldris replies bitterly finally keeping his composure for the thoughts he had of the human.

Arthur chuckles lightly at the demons statement, then places his arm over the shoulder on Zeldris, "Actually, I do know what you are - you are a handsome, young, successful man who is supposedly the younger brother of the Captain of The Seven Deadly Sins - therefore, you can fight." Arthur laughs even more as he saw Zeldris tense and fluster at his attack of compliments.

"Could you do me a favor?" Arthur starts.

"Maybe?"

"I need your help on strategizing a plan of attack on the bandits, they can't get away with what they've done to my people and kingdom." Zeldris couldn't tell if Arthur was taking this situation seriously or as a game, his facial expressions were unreadable than other simple humans.

"You make the plan..." Zeldris says in a cool expression, stopping all of his movements from going any further intk the kingdom.

"Aww, but why? You're like my wingman."

"Don't take it personally," Zeldris slides out of Arthur's arm, "im going to join your army so I can help, then when you're done with the plan I'll check it out so I can notice any mistakes you haven't noticed." Zeldris looks up at Arthur now noticing their height difference. He's so short compared to the human! It almost makes him a bit flustered.

"Right!" Arthur coos, "I'll be waiting over in the North where I'm headed for the camp. I'll see you there." Arthur was off towards the castle, while Zeldris went ahead to the foundation of the sign up for the army.

He stops at a small stand where army soldiers packed with their weapons and silver plates of armor is stashed all over the area. Many stare at Zeldris like a weak child just strolling in their part of the the kingdom.

"What're ya doin here kid?" A bitter bulky man says. His sweaty beaded face with one scar from his eyebrow down to the crease of his lips stick out the most of his features. Plain weak silver armor with droopy brown hair down to the man's shoulders. His eyes were a sharp original blue.

"I'm here to join the army." Is all Zeldris says, not paying any mind to the humans purposeful insult and being looked down upon.

The man snickers a huff of disbelief.
"What makes you think a stubby short kid like you will tag along with grown men like us, huh?"

Zeldris's dead black eyes squinched slightly, then his eyebrow twitched in irritation. This human was seriously daring to say such vulgar disrespects.

"Tell you what - we'll tag you along, but you will be tested by his highness, King Arthur. And if you can keep up with him, then I'll think about letting you join."

Zeldris just hardly nodded to the terms. A duel against Arthur...

                          _______

    The army has set out, having Zeldris follow last not wanting to get too many eyes on him. Already looking like a child and vile due to his black eyes and muscular form, he couldn't risk asking anything or talking to any of the men in this bunch. Though he does seem to notice the same man who's told him - he'll have to fight in a duel against Arthur as a test for his strength - finding out he's in front of the pack of middle ranked soldiers. Probably being the leader of this bunch of men.

They were heading North, to were the main foundation was so the humans can take back what was stolen.

Zeldris at once thought about Meliodas and Ban wondering how they are doing. Before he left Purgatory, he's noticed a mob sized number of demons in one place, still gathering. He only guessed one thing that was the first to come to mind. A ceremonial wedding. It was all to obvious.

He shook his head again, lost in his train of thought.

"ATTENTION!!" The human leaders voice has the demons eyes and ears twitch at how loud he was just to get the full attention of fifty humans.

Pathetic. If these humans were so well trained, the leader would have been able to speak normally if these men weren't so talkative and foolish. Proves that they had little discipline.

"We have arrived at our base camp! Start preparing for an attack. We need watchers to find these bandits! And you there!! Don't think I have forgotten our little wagger!!" He points to Zeldris and some men look to the demon with cursing eyes.

Zeldris curses under his breath then turns to find the bright orange hair with those shot glaring purple eyes that look back at his. The smile was priceless. And Arthur strolls over to the demon with open arms in embrace.

Instead of a peaceful meeting between just them, of course that barking human intervenes in front of Zeldris.
"Your Majesty, I am honored to be in your presence." Arthur at first had a frown with the taller man blocking Zeldris out of his sight. But smiles lightly at his compliment.

"The honors all mine -"

"Your highness, this brat here wants to join the league---"

"Excuse you? He is not a ''brat'' he is a valuable comrade of mine, I'd appreciate it if you have at least a bit more respect for him than you do now." Arthur spat, clearly trying not to blow up at his own loyal soldier.

"Right, forgive me - but I need proof if he has the right skill to join a league such as this."

"So, you're implying to have a duel with my companion?"

"If you will allow it, Majesty..." Then the man was quiet after making Arthur smile and go towards Zeldris.

"Vary well then, we shall have a duel. Reo, get me my sword please?"

The soldier that offered the king to duel with Zeldris stuttered before nodding to run off, bringing back an odd sword non like the others.

People start to gather around them mumbling under their breaths to each other; probably already betting who will win.

They step to the side where there is a bit more room. Zeldris removes his cloak and sets it aside as the man, so called Reo, brings Arthur the requested sword. The weapon does not seem remarkable in any way, but their was this feeling he had. He does not draw his own as he watches Arthur test the grip and give a few swipes in the air, remaining stoic when the king smiles at him. "Ready then?"

Before he could comfirm the king moves in a flash, his sword glinting for just a moment as it thrust at Zeldris, targeting his chest. The demon has no trouble avoiding the blade with a step to the side, but marvels for a moment at the sheer speed on display. Their eyes connect for a second before Arthur swipes again, forcing Zeldris to take a step back. The parry goes wide, missing his chest by an inch.

He didn't expect this much from Arthur. Is this really the king from back in Purgatory. The helpless person that couldn't keep his composure in that misty, dark and dry forest?

For a moment Arthur steps back, "won't you draw your sword?"

Arthur cocks an eyebrow, waiting for a reply, so Zeldris says, "I will draw when I need to." Having his eyes focused on the deep glistening purple eyes that just drown him completely.
He felt so deliciously exposed to Arthur's dedication to show his power and strength.

The king does not laugh this time, but his mouth does quirk in a bit of a grin. He advances once more, dipping to the right in a feint that Zeldris sees coming, but then turns on his foot unexpectedly to force the demon to weave downwards to avoid the blade. Immediately Arthur counters again, moving around him with another quick slash. Once more Zeldris avoids him but grits his teeth in frustration as the sword grazes his shirt. He looks flustered at the king while jumping back; Arthur returns a knowing smile and takes a defensive stance.

Having his mind so focused on the king's eyes distracts him too much, but he couldn't help it. Arthur's determined eyes just make him curve his lip slightly in a grin and a diminutive wave of shivers up his spine crawl hopelessly to his neck. His neck hairs stand straight up.

Deciding on something in the middle of his train of thought, he draws his sword, watching with a bit of satisfaction as Arthur nods approvingly.

"Quite a weapon you have," Arthur jokes. "I've never seen a curved blade quite like that before." For once the human has seen Zeldris's drawn sword for the first time. Even after all the time they were together Zeldris has never drawn his sword until than.

An unwelcome and startling bit of heat surges in the back of Zeldris' throat. He nods at the king and they both advance. Their swords strike in a blur, both concentrating fiercely to get the upper hand; but the demon is shocked to see that without the use of his dark magic, the two are nearly evenly matched. One swipe after another is countered, their footwork swift, one maneuver after another flying. Both move nearly in sync, as if they had done this time and again.

"Hey, Zeldris? How long have you been fighting?" Arthur asked after they backed away again and he huffs slightly at a small loss of breath.

"As long as I've lived." Is all he says in reply.

Arthur laughs lightly, "that's not specific, but okay. Here's the thing, we'll ask each other questions while we fight, so we know each other better. Sounds good? Good."

Zeldris caught all of what he said, but he didn't have a moment to calibrate anything Arthur said.

"Your turn to ask a question." Arthur says.

Arthur gives a breathless laugh as he dodges the demon's elbow, which nearly connected with his chest. "Not quite!" he teases, nudging Zeldris to put more effort into this dance of swords and sweat.

"What are you trying to accomplish?" It was Zeldris's turn to ask and so he took it, saying that of all things.

"Like I said," Arthur takes a deep breath to recover his used up energy in the swift duel so far, "to protect my people and take back what's mine."

It is a bit difficult, if Zeldris is honest; defending against the unusual parrying and quick movements of the king takes some strategy. His muscles are burning in a delicious way, beads of perspiration forming on his skin, his mind racing as he tries to stay a step ahead of his opponent. Until,

"Do you..." Arthur slightly hides his flustered face. "Have a boyfriend? Or girlfriend?"

Zeldris stops completely in his tracks of the sweaty duel they were up against, "what? What's a. . . Boyfriend?"

"Oh um, well you see, uh, how do I put this...?" Arthur stutters as if talking to himself, and he practically argues to himself saying what kind of question did that come from! "It's like having a lover, well it is, and you plan on getting married with that person." He notices Zeldris's face lightly show a bit of crimson and his lips purse. He says nothing.

Arthur takes advantage, finally getting in a hit on his shoulder. It does not hurt, as the king did not intend to harm him; but it is enough, and Arthur pumps his fist in the air in triumph. "Finally!" he shouts, and the others watching begin clapping and cheering their king.

Zeldris glares at him, feeling foolish, but Arthur simply pats him on the shoulder. "Back to work everyone!" calls the king, nodding at the group. "Reo, I leave them in your hands."

Then Arthur turns to him and says, "Will you come with me? I'd like to speak in private."

His skin burning with exertion and discomfort his mind focused on the humans question, Zeldris nods. He follows Arthur through the training field and back towards the main large tents a ways from the soldiers out sweating and training to face the bandits. Arthur replies to calls of greeting and pauses briefly, once, to admire a horse being taken for shoeing. But soon enough they are 
Now in front of the largest tent; most fit for the leader of soldiers and meetings to take place.

They both walk in and as the rouch cotton of the tent was lifted by Arthur's right hand, he kindly holds it for Zeldris to follow forward in. Blankets and cozy looking sheets were all over the place, candles and lamps were all over the place, even in small corners. Lighting up the tent in an orange, light pink shade of color. The candles give off a light scent; not too overpowering, but like the scent of a sweet caramel with a hint of spice.

"Well, that was a bit fun, wasn't it?"

Zeldris only nodded, but really he did have a bit of fun out of that; dueling against Arthur who is surprisingly strong enough to equal him without him using even an ounce of his demonic magic.

"Oi? By the way, Zeldris? What happened out there while we were dueling? You looked a bit..... Distracted by something." Arthur came over to Zeldris hold a lamp that was dimly lit, then walks over to a desk that was cluttered with paper full of writing and pictures.

Arthur expected some more flustered facial expressions from the demon but got instead, "what is a boyfriend really?"

Arthur at first confused and flustered himself, he only is stuck at the words "uh" for a short period of time before saying anything else. "A boyfriend is when a guy is like hanging out with you and giving you attention when you need it. He's your lover and you care for him equally as he does for you; helps you with hard times that come by---"

"What do boyfriend's do exactly?" Zeldris came closer behind Arthur and the human turns to look down at Zeldris that looks up to him and their eyes do a staring contest.

"Well they hold what's valuable to them closely and gently---" and Arthur's hand lightly slides around the demons waist.

Zeldris felt so fuzzed out in his head feeling Arthur's hand around his body pulling him closer to his taller form. He felt a surge of heat flow wildly in his veins forming a pit in his throat.

"They then tell them they love them in their own way---" Arthur slowly wraps his arms around Zeldris embracing his body against his. Their chest touching now as Arthur leans down forward to tilt his head next to the demons exposed neck. Zeldris only places his head on Arthur's shoulder. His breath shudders as he felt lips graze his neck so softly and smoothly. A warm breath from Arthur blows on Zeldris's shoulder.

"And they," Arthur backs away to look down at Zeldris's eyes now a rich green and hazed by his smooth actions. His face completely flustered; his mouth slightly open showing a bit of drool and his eyes flutter almost closed. It was so priceless for Arthur to see Zeldris so vulnerable, randy, desirous, and. . . Aroused.

"Kiss." Arthur finishes with a whisper.

Their lips lock on to each other, and they feel their soft flesh against flesh. Shock waves go through Zeldris's body make him fee weightless. He knows he's kissed Arthur before, but, this one was so sensual and honest. After their duel he's never felt so connected at knowing him more than before. And now. It's like they are one; showing affection as their lips start to pick up the pace. Tasting each other throughout their tongues; and deliciously Arthur peeks a hand under Zeldris's garment.

A sigh escapes the demons lips. "Arthur... No, we can't..."

He couldn't take the thought of taking the king when his people are in ruin right now. But Arthur continues by nibbling back on Zeldris's neck, grazing his teeth so lightly to make the demon shudder again.

Their movements stop. Arthur holds his own feeling his urge peeking out, but he didn't want this to happen if Zeldris did not want it either. What does he want...?

Zeldris was about to go and leave the tent in a hurry, "wait!" Arthur rushed in holding on to the demons wrist.
"Please stay." He says quietly.

Zeldris couldn't say anything - do anything - his mouth was gapped with confusion. He couldn't tell if he was either scared, or furious; or any emotion that could come up in his mind that could help him describe his feelings right now. Only his heart twisting and pinching with hurt of that he couldn't have this.

His face was turned away from Arthur, hiding the fact that he's lost some tears behind his mask of hiding his emotions forever.

"I--," Zeldris takes a deep breath then turns around to face Arthur with his face calm but tears still stuck on his cheeks. "I promised myself this wouldn't happen again..." He whispers quietly, his once confident voice going quieter by the second.

Arthur didn't ask when this has ever happened again but seeing someone he cares for. And loves, truly. He brought Zeldris on his soft cushion of a bed. Laying him down to rest his tired and confused head. And when Arthur came to lay down with him, he saw now calm green vibrant eyes looking at him with content.

Then the demons smiles lightly leaning in on Arthur's chest - when they faced each other while they were laying down on Arthur's comfortable soft bed - and only says simple words that changed Arthur's heart and view of Zeldris at that vary moment.

"So this is what boyfriend's do..."

______________________________________

2019..... I feel old already... :/

How do you feel about this year huh? Starting a new year, feels GREAT!!

Hope you enjoyed this chapter, I tried adding some angst and romance and some action in this one, but :/ I may have done a bad job at it. But hope you liked this chapter.

<3 2019 EVERYONE! WOOHOO!!