Summary: A continuation of 'The Prisoner of Danafor'. This will be a series of oneshots that take place over the course of Meliodas and Liz's life. Each chapter can be read on its own but do connect to the same universe and will describe milestones in their life together, and also some fun. Some may be NSFW so please read each chapter description!

A/N: This fic takes place a little less than a year after the end of The Prisoner of Danafor. I'm back in that space because I'm comfortable there, and my fondness for this couple grows (along with the head canons). There's no need to read that story necessarily to understand this one, but if you like this, I encourage you to read it!

I'll be updating as the ideas come. Please enjoy, and as always, feel free to leave your thoughts! Thanks for reading!

Liz' Birthday

Summary: Liz and Meliodas have formed a comfortable bond since living together. Now it's Liz's first birthday in Danafor, but some unexpected trouble has left Meliodas without a way to celebrate it. But then Liz gets an idea that leads into something more.

The year in Danafor had gone by so quickly that Liz was shocked when the cold arrived. Her new life had been an adjustment, and it was weeks before she was fully comfortable with her position as a free knight. But everyone knew the woman who had saved the king, and their neighbors were kind and friendly, making the transition easier. And even though she was not the most powerful, Liz had proven herself to be a reliable and efficient soldier, earning herself friends among the ranks and the respect of her commanding officers.

Liz was not just a Holy Knight in service to the realm either; she and Meliodas and Wandle had formed a… well, a family, she supposed. She had been living with them for nine months, and even though she and Meliodas were not together, they had reached a sort of natural domesticity as partners. They shared the running of the household, meals, expenses, and enjoyed one another's company a great deal. They even still shared a bed, but it was nothing more than that. Liz still built the little walls of pillows every night between them; neither had given much thought to buying another. Their friends teased them about the situation, but she always waved the jokes away. Meliodas was her friend, the best friend she had ever hoped for, and nothing more.

Surprisingly, Meliodas was never romantically involved with anyone, preferring to spend his time with her. For that she was glad, although she could hardly admit such a thing; and it's not as if she were looking for someone either. Having a relationship with anyone, let alone Meliodas, seemed utterly ridiculous.

When the holidays arrived, Liz was ecstatic. She was relieved to learn that Danafor's traditions were similar to Pase, with three big events back to back in the season. Since this would be her first real opportunity to do it right (Christmas in the orphanage had been a cold and disappointing affair, nevermind as a slave and then Holy Knight), she was determined to make up for lost time.

First, Midwinter was celebrated with a huge feast for the Holy Knights, hosted by the Grand Master himself. It was impressive how much alcohol and food they could consume, and even more impressive was how well they could all dance. Liz had never seen so many grown men twirling around and singing at the top of their lungs; when she was pulled into some of the revelry herself, it was a delicate matter not to be stepped on by some of the larger knights.

Meliodas was, of course, the center and life of the party, and was crowned the Midwinter king, paper crown and all. Liz had thought she would pass out from laughter as the generals carried him around and promptly dropped him into the punch bowl.

After that debacle, Christmas came, along with an unexpected snowstorm. They were trapped inside for two days—at least, Liz and Wandle were. Meliodas still had to head out to make sure the rounds were covered and to get any reports about injuries from the storm. However, Liz busied herself making a big meal for them, and she estimated he ate his own weight in pudding. Being a servant in the kitchens had shown her a few good things.

She told herself it was the least she could do, but the truth was, Liz enjoyed seeing him smile. His compliments and teasing and the way he still tried to give her a squeeze made her face go warm, even after the months together. The way his eyes lit up when she gave him his gift—a gold-rimmed mug with his name engraved on the side—made Liz even happier than her own gifts. The meal and the money spent were well worth the smiles in return.

They were friends, the best of friends, Liz was ecstatic to make this season special for him. Even more thrilling than the holidays themselves was the time leading up to the festivities. With the money she had earned from her position as a Holy Knight, she had spent a small fortune on decorations for the house she still shared with Meliodas: ingredients for cakes and dinners, holly for the table, imported coffees, and gifts for everyone she knew.

Meliodas was certainly agreeable too. He exclaimed over the new things she brought into the home, only once very gently suggesting that there was still a week to go until Christmas and they'd need to figure out where to store all the linens and ribbons and candles and things she was buying. Usually, however, he allowed her to do as she pleased, and Liz did her best to make him happy. Once in a while she would catch him just watching her, and the simplicity of it all was more than she could ever hope to have.

Then came the new year, and more parties and gifts. It was an incredibly fun time, and Liz was beyond happy to be in Danafor and a part of something. Even old Cain was giving her a break from his griping, and had given her cheek a kiss for the new year, his face ruddy with drink and embarrassment.

Yet when Meliodas had come looking for his kiss, Liz had hesitated. They had only ever kissed once, the day he had gone to Dolan. Despite there being nothing romantic between them, the idea of sharing a new year's kiss with him was more flustering than thrilling. But his eyes were shining, his smile sweet, so she had leaned down and given him a kiss on the corner of his mouth, only lingering a moment. There was a fleeting feeling of something different passing between them, and when they pulled apart, Meliodas was looking at her in a way she did not quite recognize.

"Happy new year," she had whispered to him then, and in return he had kissed her cheek, murmuring against her skin, "It is with you here."

Then the soft look in his eye blinked back into merriment, and Liz dismissed it as too much ale.

But after the fun of the holidays, reality quickly settled in the day after the new year. An accident had led to a fire at the wood seller's, which meant that firewood tripled in price until new provisions could come in the following week. Everyone was grumbling about the cold, with many people like Meliodas and Liz deciding to use their own sparingly. Not that he minded, Liz suspected; forced to huddle together for warmth, the blonde had 'accidentally' grabbed her at least a dozen times before she finally landed a hard enough elbow.

The next day, the front window of their house was smashed by a wayward ball as some children played nearby; then Wandle arrived that evening with an injured wing, howling for help so loudly they had to call the animal doctor to come. The last straw was another heavy snowfall that arrived unexpectedly, and on top of the one they had already experienced still blanketing the ground and buildings, it had led to a leak in the roof that necessitated an emergency patch and another bill due.

Liz regretted spending so much money before the holiday. Now, five days into the new year, they were both flat broke. So she was surprised when at dinner—leftover broth, a few vegetables, and fresh bread, about all she could scrounge up with the bit they already had—Meliodas said, "So what are we doing for your birthday tomorrow?"

She nearly choked in surprise, quickly swallowing and taking a long sip of water. "My birthday?" she cried. "How did you even know?"

It really should not have surprised her, and she rolled her eyes when he gave her that grin he used when he knew something she didn't. "It's my job to know all about my Holy Knights."

Liz narrowed her eyes. She had provided some basic information to the kingdom before being sworn in as a Holy Knight—was that one of the pieces they asked? Either way, it was a ridiculous question, so Liz merely shrugged. "Nothing."

"Nothing!" Mel pounded on the table with his hand. "Your first birthday in Danafor, and you want to do nothing?"

Laughing, Liz leaned forward across the table. "Might I remind you we have no money right now?" Meliodas rolled his eyes, and Liz shrugged. "It's fine, really. I've never celebrated a birthday. Don't know why I would start now."

"I can make dinner?" he suggested.

"No!" Both Liz and Wandle shouted at the same time, then looked at one another and laughed. "Really," she said, "I don't mind. We can just… sit here. And be cold."

He pressed his lips together and went back to the soup. She could tell this topic was not dropped, so to distract him, she asked, "Which day is yours? I remember it was in July."

"July 25," Wandle answered, and Liz gave him an affectionate poke.

"You do know a lot about him," she remarked, and then frowned. "You know, I've never asked how long the two of you have known each other."

Meliodas did not look up when she glanced over, continuing to eat in silence. But Wandle eagerly answered, "Almost a decade now! We've been here—what, Mel? About six years."

"Bout that," he muttered around his spoon.

"So you were together before Danafor?" asked Liz in surprise.

Wandle bobbed his head up and down. "Yup. We used to be business partners—"

"We were not business partners—"

"And when business dried up we came here. I had heard that Danafor was recruiting Holy Knights and I told Mel—"

"I was the one who wanted to come here—"

"I told him, 'Mel, you gotta do it. You gotta go for it. You have it in you to be a knight, I know you do.' And look at him now." Wandle cocked his head to the side and ruffled his good wing. "Now he's Grand Master."

"Awww," Liz cooed. "You really believed in him, huh? That's so sweet!"

Wandle hopped back and forth a bit, but Meliodas gave a huff as he twirled his spoon in his hand. "He's full of it. I'm the one who came here, he followed."

"Because I knew you'd make a good knight!"

"Of course you knew that! I was already a knight!"

Liz shook her head. "I thought you were business partners."

Meliodas twisted his lips a bit. "Some business. I worked, he ate."

Wandle puffed out his chest and tittered. "I did stuff too! I got you all your jobs." He leaned in to Liz and said in a very loud whisper, "Mel was a sword-for-hire back in those days."

"Were you really?" she asked, a brow raised in amusement.

He didn't answer, but Wandle continued on, "I would book the jobs, he'd do the work, and then we'd split things 50-50. Or were supposed to, anyway. In fact, I think he still owes me money." Meliodas snorted, but the bird ignored him. "Did I ever tell you how we met?"

"I don't think so," Liz chuckled.

"This ought to be good," muttered Meliodas. He stood up and took the empty bowls and utensils to the sink as Wandle settled back on the table for his story.

"I saved him, actually," Wandle said rather proudly. "He was surrounded on all sides by a bunch of tough guys trying to rob him. I happened along, just minding my own business, when I heard these screams. I turned around, there he was. So I rushed in and helped, and started attacking." Frantically he swept his good wing back and forth, as if to demonstrate. "Took out an eye or two, I think."

Liz shook her head, not ready to believe this story. "Are you making this up?"

"Nope, not at all. And you know what he did?" continued Wandle, pointing at Meliodas with his wing. "He bought me a sandwich as a thank you. Been looking out for him ever since."

"Wandle!" They both turned to see Meliodas standing with his arms folded, leaning against the kitchen counter with a scowl on his face. "You did not save me from a bunch of tough guys."

Wandle flapped his good wing. "I didn't?" He tapped his feathers on the side of his head. "I wonder who that was."

"Not me. I did have a sandwich, though."

The bird squawked in triumph. "I knew it!"

"I was eating it, and you flew down and snatched it right out of my hand. I caught you by the leg, and you took a shit on my tunic."

Liz burst out laughing, leaning over to press against the table. Wandle hopped around, chirping his protest until Meliodas shooed him away. After stomping and puffing a bit, the bird hobbled over to the little bed they had made for him in the corner since he was unable to fly, promptly turning his back on them both to curl up and sulk.

"Don't be mean," she chastised Meliodas, even as she still giggled. They moved to the living room, and she took up one of the books she received for Christmas as he stoked the fire a bit. Then he grabbed one of the large knitted blankets and sat with her on the small sofa they had purchased a few months ago. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her close against him. "Come here, I'm cold."

"Keep your hands where I can see them." But she did snuggle up against him, leaning back against his shoulder as his hand stayed respectfully on her hip.

"Good book?" he asked with a yawn.

Liz nodded. "What's this word? Pi-re-lis?" she asked, holding it up for him to see.

Meliodas peered over. "Perilous. You're getting better."

She smiled to herself, pressing a hand on her mouth to keep him from seeing. They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes before Meliodas said, "I do wish we could do something for your birthday. It's not right."

Liz laid her book down and peeked at him over her shoulder. "We just had all the holidays. I don't need anything."

"Still…"

Twisting a bit so she could see his face, Liz asked, "Is it really that important to you?"

"Absolutely," scoffed Meliodas. "What kind of husband would I be if I let your birthday go by uncelebrated?"

Liz laughed out loud. "Husband, right. You and Wandle should get married. You've been together long enough. You already argue enough."

"But then I couldn't marry you."

Laughing again, she folded the book across her lap so she could look up at him again. "That would be something. Me, in a big fancy dress, you carrying me around, a big cake. Could you see that?"

Meliodas nodded. "Sure I can. I've been thinking about it for a long time."

There was something in the way he said that, some little twinge in his tone, that gave Liz pause. For a moment, she thought about it, the dress and the vows and a kiss. Making a home for someone else. Slowly she turned completely around so she could face him. "Are you joking? Or are you being serious?"

Meliodas lifted an eyebrow. "Not sure what you're referring to."

"Don't start." Liz was determined to find out what he was really thinking, which she knew would be no small feat. When he didn't answer, she prompted, "Me? Big dress? Big cake?"

"Both sound delicious," he sighed, and she rolled her eyes.

"You're teasing me."

"Maybe."

Liz narrowed her eyes. Meliodas was definitely poking fun at her, and now she wanted to give it right back. The only way to get to the truth would be through a challenge. Meliodas couldn't resist a challenge. "Okay, so let's get married for my birthday."

He blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"Yes! Why not? We live together, we share everything, we have a pet."

Meliodas snorted. "That's true."

"I cook for you, you carry heavy things. You take out the trash, I kill spiders."

"I hate those things."

"We even sleep in the same bed. From what I understand, married couples don't have sex either."

At that, Meliodas shook his head and laughed. Liz grinned in triumph as he said, "Okay, I get it. You don't want to marry me. Forget I mentioned it."

But there was something in his smile, the way his eyes shone but not with laughter, that stopped her again. Did her teasing go too far? There was a twinge in her stomach as she realized she still was not sure. "Meliodas," she said, narrowing her eyes a bit, "are you… you are joking? You don't actually…"

He laughed again, and the next moment she was pulled across his lap, his hands planted firmly on her breasts. "If I marry you, will you let me do this?"

"Jerk!" she snapped, kicking him in the leg, and when he released her she slid onto the floor laughing.

That night, however, his words came back to her. They were laying in bed, the lamps out, and only the sound of Meliodas' steady breathing next to her.

I've been thinking about it a long time.

Had he really? Liz shifted a tiny bit, peeking out of the corner of her eye. But all she saw was the mess of hair flopped outside of the blanket, so her gaze returned to the ceiling that stubbornly refused to reveal any answers. Was Meliodas thinking about it? Thinking about her?

Maybe he was ready to get married and settle down. That left an uncomfortable pit in her stomach. How would a woman, any woman, fit into their lives? She wouldn't, Liz thought, and knew that would be the truth. Liz would have to go, and the life they have together now would be over. Anxiety rose inside of her like an old friend, and suddenly she felt a searing discomfort in her throat and uneasiness in her stomach. She didn't want to leave. She didn't want to leave him.

Once more Liz turned her head, her chest feeling tight. There was a jumble of emotion toppling over onto itself inside of her, making her head ache and her cheeks flush. Meliodas might want to get married one day. It made perfect sense. Isn't that what everyone wants? A family?

But they had a family, if anyone could call it that. Liz breathed deeply, trying to be rational. They were a family, the three of them together. They loved each other, and that's all that mattered. They loved each other. She might not say it, but she loved Meliodas. She loved him, so why not act on it?

Could she even give him what he wanted? What did he want? The image of the dress and the cake flashed and she squeezed her eyes closed. How did she not see this before? He might want to settle down and start a real family and she was in the way of all that… unless…

But then I couldn't marry 'you'.

"Meliodas." He didn't respond, probably already asleep, and at once Liz was up, her hand shaking his shoulder. "Meliodas, are you awake?"

"Hmm?" A sleepy murmur was all she received, so she shook him gently. "Hmm? Are you okay?" he asked. "What time is it?"

Liz's heart was pounding. Before she could talk herself out of it, she started pulling back the covers, snatching up the pillows she used each and every night to carefully craft the wall between them. One by one she tossed them to the floor, until there was nothing between them but Meliodas' half-awake questions.

Then she yanked the blanket back, pressed on his shoulder until Meliodas was on his back, and then straddled his hips. "Liz? What are you doing?" He blinked up at her, leaning up a bit on his elbows.

"Were you serious?" she hissed at him. "About getting married?"

"What? What are you talking about?" he muttered back.

She planted her hands on the bed, on either side of his shoulders. "Meliodas, will you let me… I just want to try something." Her voice shook a bit, and in the dim sort of light that came from the part in the curtains, she could see him nod.

Liz leaned down, breathing slowly in, stopping when her nose brushed his. Her lips hovered just above his, the moment stretching on, until she thought for sure her nerves would break from the anticipation. She knew he had to be able to hear her heart pounding, sense her swallowing nervously; but Meliodas never moved, never tilted in or away, content to wait there beneath her.

Screwing her courage, she pressed her mouth against his.

It was simple at first: the moment was frozen, suspended, during which Liz did not breathe. Then a wild thought flew through her mind (I'm kissing Meliodas) and she tilted her head, caressing his lips with hers, pulling gently. Still Meliodas laid there, not moving, until finally she felt him press back, that bit of pressure on her bottom lip flooding her with relief.

She pulled back a bit, glad for the darkness to hide her flaming cheeks. "I… I just wanted to see. To see what it would be like."

"Liz, did you…" Once more the tone came through, a bit more urgent this time. That faltering tint in his tone that was so very unlike him. "Did you see something? Are you feeling all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine," she answered, a bit confused. "I wanted to… feel. What that would feel like."

"What did it feel like?"

Liz's mouth was dry. "Like I want to do it again."

Meliodas nodded. "That's fine."

She kissed him again, and this time he kissed her back; and it seemed as if everything was clicking into place. Her fears about his future and her future, their family and their home, what would happen to her and to them were gone in an instant. All that remained was the warm pressure of his mouth and the surety that this was absolutely right.

When she pulled away again, Liz whispered, "If we're going to do this, there are some rules."

"Rules?"

"Yes. I want to go slow. Really slow. I don't want to be public with this, not yet. I don't want any jokes or teasing either. I've never done this before, I don't know how to love someone—"

"You love me?"

She could practically hear him grinning, and she grumbled. "I said no jokes."

"Sorry." Meliodas yawned and then continued, "This is all great, and I would really like to continue, but I'm supposed to watch a bunch of apprentices run ten miles at dawn and I really need some sleep. Can I kiss you some more tomorrow?"

Liz chuckled and moved to climb off of him. But Meliodas caught her around the waist and pulled her up against to him, and for the first time, they slept right next to one another.