Disclaimer: I do not own The Seven Deadly Sins. I'm merely borrowing the characters and having some fun with them.
DESTINY
Chapter 37
I kiss him.
My eyes are squeezed shut. I can't see the expression on his face and he hasn't moved. What am I doing?! I mentally squeal and pull back with wide eyes.
"Sir Meliodas I'm-" I stop mid sentence.
His eyes are round in disbelief for a split second before they gain a hooded expression. The hand still on my cheek guides me close once again. "Don't finish that thought," he whispers against my lips.
Then he kisses me.
My mind crashes to a halt. Nothing exists but Meliodas' lips against my own. His tongue comes out and swipes along my bottom lip. I squeak at the foreign sensation and he seizes the opportunity. His tongue slowly explores my mouth. I groan at the feeling.
Meliodas hums his approval. My body shivers as the vibrations course through me. His hand leaves my cheek to move along my side. He continues his path to find purchase on my hips as he guides me on top of him. I press my chest against his and moan.
We part, gasping for air. His hands on my hips move underneath my night shirt and trace the skin there. I shudder, dropping my face into his neck to hide my embarrassment. My breathing is uneven against him as he continues to move farther up, closer to the curious heat building between my legs, just before he returns back down.
I weave my fingers in his hair as he squeezes my backside. I moan near his ear and begin to timidly kiss his skin. I have no idea what I'm doing. I let my body take control, allowing my mind sink into the buzz that has taken over my being at Meliodas' tender touching. My hips grind into his and I hear him hiss. I pull back, panicked, and find myself suddenly staring at the ceiling. My back is now on the bed.
"Meliodas?"
He pops back into my vision with a wide smile. "Yes, Elizabeth?"
I blush and look away. I nibble my bottom lip, trying to think of how to phrase my worry. "Did I… do something wrong?" I force myself to stare into those green eyes, only to find them fixated on my lips.
"Course not," his answer surprises me. I didn't think he was listening at all. He reaches up to cup my face, thumb tracing my lips. "What have I told you about biting them?" His thumb taps against my mouth.
"Don't do it?"
"Or?"
My heart rate picks up again. "Punishment?" Somehow this time I don't think it's going to be as simple as it has in the past. The thought has me excited.
"Mhm," he hums as the hand tracing my lips slides down my neck. I attempt to bring my knees together to relieve some of the build up when I notice where Meliodas has placed himself.
In between my legs.
He props one elbow up on my knee and rests his head in his open palm. His one hand is still trailing down my neck to the top button of my shirt. With skillful fingers he undoes the the button of my pajamas. They find the bare skin and glide across it, down to the next button.
My heart hammers against my chest. I find my body arching up and into his touch, eager at his exploring. I let out a shaky breath. His hand is resting between my breasts, unmoving. I shift slightly, hoping to encourage him to explore further. My legs tighten around him.
"Doing alright there Elizabeth?" He questions and I open an eye to see a teasing smile pull at his lips. "You seem a bit restless," he smirks lightly as he tilts his head to the side.
I open my mouth to respond, only to snap it shut a second later. My face feels hot at the shade of green his eyes have taken. My whole body feels heated now that I think about it. The heat causes my clothes to cling to me and I'm desperate to find some kind of release. Before I can stop myself, I respond to his question.
"I'm hot."
Meliodas quirks a brow at me. "Oh?"
"I… I don't know what to do…" I flush brightly as I struggle to force out the words. Where this bravery has come from escapes me, but it's the second time I've found it tonight and I'm determined to see where it will take me.
"About the heat?" He questions, and if it wasn't for the hooded gaze I would believe it innocent.
I nod.
The elbow resting on my knee drops so his hand can make contact with my skin. Slowly he moves it closer to my core. My breathing picks up once again. "Well maybe I could help with that." His hand in between my breasts, ghosts over the thin material of my night shirt. He brushes against a hardened peak and I cry out in surprise.
"M-Meliodas!"
He hums in response as he trials his hand over the other nipple and I moan. The hand on my thigh traces the outside of my leg, up my side to brush against my breast. Somewhere along the way he moved. He straddles one of my legs, one knee pressed near my heated center. As both hands squeeze my chest, my thighs clamp around him.
"Whoa," he speaks lowly. "Your legs are stronger than they look," he comments lightly as he continues moving his hands against me.
"S-sorry," I apologize as I wiggle in his grasp. "Is that b-bad?" I can't keep my voice steady with his continous ministrations.
"Oh definitely not," he grins. "Actually I'd really like to feel them around-"
"Meliodas!" I cry embarrassed throwing my hands over my face. Nothing good would happen if he had finished that sentence.
He chuckles at me. "Elizabeth," he says gently as he pulls my hands away. His expression is soft as he gazes down at me. "You don't need to hide from me. Ever."
I stare at him with wide eyes. I nod slowly and grant him a shy smile. I've come down from the high and I'm still rather bashful. Though I won't hide from him. Not now. I sit up and he shifts back to allow my room. I grasp the blankets under me and stare at the material bunched in my hands.
"Did I… scare you?" Meliodas asks quietly.
My eyes snap to his to find him studying me. I flush and shake my head. "Of course not," I mumble.
"You sure?" He continues. "I really didn't mean to… get so caught up. You surprised me," he laughs lightly and smiles.
"Sorry!"
I feel my cheeks heat. It's a welcomed difference to the warmth that had taken over my body minutes ago. While I'm sad the intimate moment with Meliodas has passed, I'm also relieved. I had gotten so caught up in his touching that I couldn't think. I don't regret what happened, but I'm glad we stopped when we did.
He snorts. "It was a good surprise, Elizabeth," he leans in closer. "A really good surprise."
I let out a calming breath before I answer him. "I didn't think that anything could surprise you."
"Only you so far." He chuckles, green eyes searching my blue. He sits back as he admits, "it's been a long time."
I study him, head tilting slightly to the side. I wonder what he means by that. Tonight Meliodas has been the most open I have ever seen him. If there ever was a time to ask him something, now would be the time. But as he begins to guide us back under the tousled covers, my mind blanks.
I can't help but watch him.
A sudden fear grips me as I realize that our time together is almost up. In a few days we'll be at the castle. I'll no longer be Ellie, the girl traveling with the Sins. I'll be back to princess Elizabeth, the one everyone babies and can't tell the truth to.
The one everyone lies to.
"Sir Meliodas," I reach out and grasp the material of his shirt.
He frowns, placing a comforting hand on my cheek. "What's wrong?"
"I'm... scared… of what will happen when we get back to the castle," I confess. I'm surprised with how easily the words came out. Perhaps tonight has brought us even closer together then I thought.
"Why?"
"I," reasons run through my mind and I try to grasp onto one that doesn't sound completely selfish. His hand moves to rub my shoulder. "I don't like being there."
Meliodas' eyebrows shoot up.
"Being the youngest princess…" I start, unable to tie the thought together to make sense. "People hide things from me there. The night before I left, that was my suitor ball."
His hand stills against my arm for a second before he continues. "You mentioned that earlier."
"I didn't even know it was mine until after the party had already ended. Veronica told me." I shift myself closer to him, wanting the comfort he unknowingly gives me. "I was so mad at her," I confess quietly. "But then I realized I had no reason to object the title they wanted to push on me." Meliodas tugs me into his arms. I rest my head on his shoulder as I continue, "Margaret is going to be queen of a different kingdom. Veronica wants to train to be a Holy Knight. Me? I have no such plans. Being queen falls on me."
Meliodas is silent as he strokes my hair. I'm already dozing off when he finally whispers, "and what do you want to do Elizabeth?"
"Be with you," I reply quietly.
Then I fall asleep.
A few days have passed since my night of revelations with Meliodas. We finally arrive at the city of Liones.
Hawk's mama digs into the earth and settles on a hill overlooking the town. I anxiously lead the way to the wall surrounding my home. Meliodas and the others falling in step behind me. The men standing guard instantly recognize me as we get closer.
"Princess Elizabeth!" They exclaim and bow.
"Whoa," Ban comments. "That's some greeting."
"Please rise," I tell the men, ignoring him. I haven't been addressed like that in what seems like ages. It's an odd feeling.
"Princess Elizabeth, finally you've returned home!" One guard grins widely at me.
"There were rumors that you were in cahoots with the Seven Deadly Sins!" The other cries in disbelief. "As if you would ever fraternize with criminals!"
I try not to blush as I mull over his words. Meliodas and I had kissed the other night… Not fraternize indeed. I bashfully look over my shoulder, Meliodas smug grin is the first thing I see. Ban and King seem to be fighting back smiles of their own while Diane hides one behind her pigtail.
As if noticing the group behind me for the first time the one talking of rumors questions, "who are these people?"
"Um," I start. I hadn't been expecting that from anyone but my sisters. I don't really want to explain this to them. It would raise for to many questions.
Ban scoffs. "Is that anyway to talk to your princess? Pretty sure who she travels with ain't none of your business."
"O-of course!" The other one quickly remedied the mistake. "Please allow me to escort you to the castle my lady!"
"Thank you," I smile at him and his cheeks pink.
He leads the way, the other guard staying behind. When he finds another guard patrolling, he orders him to run ahead to the castle and inform them of my return. The whispers that follow us through the street make me fidget nervously. A squeeze to my shoulder directs my attention to Diane.
"You alright?" She worries quietly.
I nod. I can't seem to voice just how… nervous I am being home again. It's maybe only been a few weeks, but it seems like so much longer. As if Diane can sense my concern she gives me a kind smile.
"We're here for you okay?" She whispers. I give her an appreciative smile. "Any situation you aren't comfortable with, let us know and we'll whisk you away!" She tells me waving her arms animatedly.
I giggle at her dramatization and she beams brightly.
"Much better! You're home Ellie, no need to be nervous," she winks and sticks out her tongue.
Diane's right of course. Despite the manner I left in and the scolding I'm sure to get, I'm home. "Thank you Diane. I needed to hear that."
"No problem! That's what friends are for!"
Not much later we arrive at the castle. The only person I see is Hendrickson at the top of the steps causing my heart to lurch uncomfortably in my chest. My sisters are nowhere to be found. Could it be the guard didn't get here early enough? Hendrickson's light blue eyes lock with mine and his stiff posture relaxes. He rushes down the steps and pulls me into an unexpected hug.
"Princess Elizabeth!" he breathes near my ear. I flush at the odd tone and his close proximity. "Thank the goddesses you are alright," he pulls back, arms length away to study me.
"O-of course Sir Hendrickson," I fight through my embarrassment. "I'm sorry to have worried you so."
He smiles and I'm relieved to find it doesn't have the same effect on me that it used to. At least not when I compare it to how Meliodas' makes me feel.
"None of that matters now that you are home and safe."
"So this is Hendy?" Ban sounds off from behind us and I stiffen. I forgot they were here!
Hendrickson notices the group behind me and drops his hands to his side. He takes a defensive stand next to me as he quirks a brow. "And you are?"
"Lil Ellie's escorts~!" Ban sings happily, a wide grin on his face.
"Escorts?" Hendrickson turns to me. "Is this true?"
My eyes glance over the Sins. Meliodas nods once, an odd tension in his stance. I copy his motion. "Yes," I answer Hendrickson. "I felt it was best to have people looking out for me since I was unfamiliar with the land."
Hendrickson frowns lightly. "That was a great idea, but," he struggles between scolding me and praising me, "if you wanted to do so you could have just asked me."
I give him a kind smile, ignoring the heat on my cheeks as I think of traveling with Hendrickson, "we both know Father wouldn't have let you leave. There's far too much to do as the Grand Master."
He chuckles, his frown melting away. "You've got a point there," the corner of his lips curving up. His laugh is pleasant and reminds me of why I use to be so taken with him. "Come," he offers me his arm, "your sisters are awaiting your arrival."
I hesitate, glancing back to my friends. All of them wear matching blank expressions. I wonder if that's something they all picked up from Meliodas.
"They may come as well," Hendrickson answers my unvoiced question. "I suppose they shall be wanting some kind of compensation for watching over you."
Right, I think dejectedly. This all started because I wanted to hire them to help my father. For some reason, the thought bothers me now. It doesn't take too long to figure out why. Are they only my friends because I offered to pay them? I worry my bottom lip.
"Oh, we aren't here for the money," Meliodas speaks up for the first time since we arrived. My eyes snap to his, he winks before locking his gaze with Hendrickson.
They stare at each other for a few seconds before Hendrickson's blue eyes close, "very well. You may tag along with us. For now."
I frown. There's some underlying tension between Meliodas and Hendrickson. But I can't figure out for the life of me why there would be. They just met, after all.
"Are you ready Princess?" Hendrickson draws me out of my musings. He offers his arm once again, I take it without much thought. A small smile graces his lips. A glance over his shoulders to the others and he says, "follow me if you would."
We set off. I swear I hear grumbling from Ban and Diane behind us, but can't make out what they are saying. Instead of torturing myself with thoughts of what they may be discussing, I converse with Hendrickson.
"How have things been while I've been away," I query cautiously. He seemed genuinely worried about me. Though that doesn't mean he isn't upset with my leaving. I need to tread carefully.
"Busy," he sighs deeply and I laugh. I can't help the relief that floods through me at the simple explanation. It's as close as I've ever seen Hendrickson relaxed, always having had him up on some untouchable pedestal. Seeing him like this is a nice change.
"So not very different?" I smile pleasantly. While my day to day at the castle was drawn out and boring I'm sure Hendrickson has always been just as he said. Busy.
"I wouldn't say that," he glances at me from the corner of his eyes before looking forwards once again. "The castle hasn't seemed quite as warm without you here, Elizabeth."
My cheeks heat at the unexpected comment and use of my name. Hendrickson is nothing if not polite and respectful. It isn't often he uses my name without a princess, in front of it. The only time being when we've been alone. "O-oh," I stammer out.
A loud clang sounds off behind us.
We whip around to find King tangled in a suit of armor on the ground. The fairy is glaring daggers at Ban, an embarrassed flush to his cheeks. "S-sorry!" He quickly apologizes to Hendrickson and me. "I, uh, tripped and tried to catch myself but ended up taking this guy with me," he lets out an awkward chuckle.
"Sheesh," Ban rolls his eyes dramatically. "We just can't take you anywhere," he holds out his hand, large grin on his face, to help the auburn haired man up. King scowls at him for a second before taking it.
The situation confuses me. In the few days I spent with them all, King had never let Ban off the hook for something like that. Does it have something to do with Hendrickson? I idly wonder.
"I'll, uh, fix it?" King offers after he pats the dust off himself. He starts to piece together the suit of armor from the ground up.
"That doesn't go there," Gowther comments helpfully. The fairy grabs different piece. "Nor does that one," the pink haired man speaks again. King glowers at the mess.
"It's fine," Hendrickson tells him. "I'll send someone to put it back together."
King steps away from the pile sheepishly, "you sure?"
Hendrickson smiles, the first one he has given to any of them besides me. "Of course, Sir. Do not worry yourself with such menial tasks."
"Uh, thanks," the amber eyed man quirks a brow before bowing respectively. "I'll try to be more careful," he gives Ban a pointed look.
"That would be appreciated," the Grand Master nods. "Thankfully we are almost there," he says flatly causing King to flush and Ban to snicker.
We move on, my hand still resting in the crook of Hendrickson's elbow. Our group arrives in the greeting area. I'm immediately crushed into a hug and I'm forced to let go of the silver haired man's arm.
"V-Veronica!" I cry at the blur of bright purple squeezing the life out of me.
"Thank the goddesses you're safe!" She releases me and then slaps me in the arm.
"Ow!" I whimper, easily falling back into the normal routine between the two of us. "What was that for."
"You know damn well what that was for! How dare you run away!" Veronica demands irritably. Upon noticing our guests, she narrows her eyes. "You guys? You've gotta be shitting me."
"Veronica," a soft voice interrupts her tirade. "Please don't use such vulgar language in front of guests.
I look over my middle sisters head to see my eldest sister, "Margaret!" She gives me a kind smile and wraps me in a hug.
"Don't give me that shit Marge," Veronica openly rolls her eyes. "These guys were running that damn bar I looked for her in!" She points an accusing finger at the Sins.
Not a one of them looks ashamed.
"You!" The short woman turns to Meliodas. "You said you hadn't seen her!"
"Did I?" Meliodas respond placing his hands calmly behind his head.
"Yes!" Veronica hisses, "you said you saw her at the festival! But she had to have been at the bar too!"
"Ah, but you didn't ask if she was at the bar." A lazy smile spreads across his face.
"Why you!" She radiates fury. Surprisingly it's Hendrickson that breaks up what's sure to be one of Veronica's infamous tantrums.
"They got Princess Elizabeth back home safely, let's leave it at that shall we Princess Veronica?" He diplomatically suggests. I give him a thankful smile and he returns it with a slight nod of his head.
No one wants to deal with a pissed off Veronica.
"I quite agree Hendrickson," Margaret interjects, not letting the middle sister get in another word. She turns to the Sins, her regal air causing them all to straighten. "Now, who do I have to thank for my littlest sister's safe return?"
I silently curse. I hadn't thought of how exactly to explain this. Do I come right out and say who they are? Do I give them fake names? What do I do?! I continue panicking internally until Meliodas speaks.
"Yo, I'm Meliodas," he greets her.
"Ban," the white haired man follows his lead.
"King."
"Diane."
"I am Gowther."
"Wait…" Veronica mulls over the introductions. "Your names sound familiar… and I'm pretty sure those aren't the ones you used in the fighting festival..."
I take a deep breath and stiffen my resolve as I say, "they are part of the group known as The Seven Deadly Sins."
A/N: Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe that it is 2017 already! Like what happened? Did I black out and somehow still update stories? If so well... yay me! XD haha I finished my first story the other day guys! It was so exciting and sad at the same time. If you haven't gotten a chance I, of course recommend checking it out. ;) It's an AU about Meliodas finding the sins! It's called Goldilocks and the Sins.
I know a bunch of you reading this one are probably like "Luv, finish this story before you do anything else" and "Did you remember that one shot you said was going to be continued? What about that one?" and maybe "You can't be starting something else! We need you here!" Well as flattering as all your kind words are I AM starting another project and I AM continuing A Genie Named King (looking to get it over to my beta soon). BUT no worries dear luvly readers! I will also be continuing this! Destiny is my baby and I will watch this child grow until it leaves me for college! XD
*cough, cough*
Um... well that note got of hand quickly. ANYWAYS back to this chapter! YES! Mel and Ellie kissy time! It finally happened! Whoop whoop! We're also back at the castle! Only good things can happen now that Ellie's home right? Right?!
As always thank you everyone for all your continued support! Seeing the views on each of my stories go up leaves such a warmth in my lil heart! Add all the reviews, follows and favorites that you guys continue to shower me with and the Luv just doesn't know what to do with all the feelings she has! Seriously, thank you guys!
Luv~