A/N: This is the second addition to the collection! I'm so excited to share it, cause it didn't take as long as usual so I'm worrying about it seeming rushed and such. But I'm sure it'll be fine...
Anyway, in this story I've decided to try a format that is used really rarely, but I've used it before. It's called epistolary (novels) and basically is a story made up of letters or informal messages like texts and emails. As a result most of this story will take place through you reading the private chats, emails and text messages between the characters. I decided to try this because I like epistolary novels and sometimes they are really nice as you can learn about a person through their choices and the writings of who they know.
So without further ado, I'm going to share this story. Sorry for all the extra scrolling with this one.
Till next time,
D.L.D
Meanings of some stuff:
_ is offline = they have logged off
_ has muted the chat = they don't receive notifications
_ has left the chat = self explanatory. They left.
_ has been muted = they have been blocked from sending messages.
Group Chats
Private Chat between Elizabeth and Meliodas:
Elizabeth: Meliodas did you remember about the assignment?
This is serious you know!
Zaratras is going to fail you if you don't complete at least one assignment on time.
Meliodas?
Meliodas: Yo Liz.
Are you really that panicked about me failing?
Elizabeth: Yes.
You know if you fail I'll be a year ahead.
Meliodas: Which means you can help me pass next year.
Elizabeth: Meliodas it doesn't work like that...
Why can't you just take it seriously for once?
Meliodas: Because I have more important stuff to do?
Elizabeth: Stuff like what?
Meliodas: Like talk to you.
Or idk ditch.
Elizabeth: And this is why I wonder why I try to help you...
Meliodas: You know you secretly love it.
Elizabeth is offline.
Meliodas: Oh come on!
You know I'm joking!
Elizabeth...
Fine, I'll do the stupid project!
Group Chat: Girls only, guys suck!
Diane, Elaine and Elizabeth are online.
Diane: How did you get that boy to do the project?
He's never done something on time before.
Elizabeth: That's a lie Diane.
Meliodas can do things on time, he just chooses not to.
Diane: Ok, ok he can be responsible.
But how did you get him to do the project?
He avoids them like a plague.
Elaine: Yes, even I have trouble with persuading Ban.
I want your tips.
Elizabeth: I just have my ways.
Diane: What ways?
Cause I heard rumors about you two dating~
Elaine: Yeah it's widespread news now.
Are you and Meliodas dating?
Elizabeth: What, no?!
We're just good childhood friends.
We're more like siblings really.
Diane: Sure...
Elaine: I'm secretly waiting for the day you two actually confess.
So far my bet is near prom night.
Diane: That's way too early!
I say they both get married to other people and then find out they're destined to be together.
Elizabeth: Um...I'm still here.
Diane: Oh we know.
Elaine: We just like discussing when you two will finally get together.
Also, Diane I actually predict that they'll get married by the time they're 25.
Elizabeth: I'm gonna go then...
Elizabeth is offline.
Elaine: You think we should apologise?
Diane: Nah.
She'll come around.
Private Chat between Meliodas and Ban:
Ban: Lmao!
Princess actually got you to do the project.
Meliodas: Shut up Ban.
It was only this one time.
Ban: Yeah right.
She's got you pussy-whipped or something.
Meliodas: What like you and Elaine?
Ban is typing...
Meliodas: Thought so.
Plus Liz and I are like siblings.
Ban: So you always say...
You know it's usually the best friends who end up together in the end.
Diane and King ring a bell?
Meliodas: Ha, ha very funny.
It's different with me and Elizabeth.
Ban: Whatever floats your boat, man.
I'm not giving up on my bet of you two confessing in your twenties tho.
Meliodas: Here we go again...
Ban: You know you secretly want it to happen.
Meliodas: Ban...
Ban: You know you do.
You know you do.
You know you do.
You know you do.
Meliodas is offline
Group Chat: Sins.
Diane, King, Ban, Elizabeth and Meliodas are online.
King: Why am I here again?
Diane: Because you're a part of the group too, King.
Ban: Plus you love dealing with our crazy asses sometimes.
King: Please!
I'm only the group babysitter.
Elizabeth: I'd argue I'm that too.
Meliodas: Nah.
You're more like our one responsible friend.
King: And I'm not?
Ban: Nope you're the whiny old fart.
Meliodas: Lmao
Elizabeth: Lol
Sorry King, but it's kinda true.
Diane: Don't worry King!
Those guys are just mean.
I think you're cute when you worry.
King: Really?
Meliodas: Well yeah she's dating you, bud.
King: I can't deal with this group sometimes...
King has left the group chat.
Ban: Ooh, low blow!
Elizabeth: That was uncalled for.
Diane: Really Meliodas!
God you're so insensitive sometimes!
Diane has muted the chat.
Elaine is online.
Elaine: You guys need to calm down.
I leave for five minutes and this happens...
My phone was pinging like crazy.
Ban: Blame the cliche lovebirds.
They left and decided to mute the chat.
Elaine: But you added fuel to the fire.
I can see the messages Ban.
Ban: Shit...
Meliodas: Ooh Ban's in trouble.
Elaine: And you are too Mr Meliodas.
As punishment you're all coming to the carnival with me this weekend!
Elizabeth: The carnival?
Elaine: Yeah they come every summer.
And I expect both Ban and Meliodas to be there.
You're also invited Elizabeth.
Ban: Of course Miss Elaine.
I'll be there to pick you up.
Meliodas: I have to serve my punishment too don't I?
You're lucky I get paid this weekend.
Elaine: Great!
Now to deal with King...
Private Chat between Elizabeth and Meliodas:
Elizabeth: Thanks for winning me a prize at the carnival.
I've wanted that GIANT pig stuffy for ages.
Meliodas: No prob.
But why did you have to text me?
Elizabeth: Cause I'm sneaking out after curfew.
I feel like going stargazing.
Meliodas: Very naughty, Elizabeth.
I approve.
Elizabeth: Of course you do.
You taught me how to sneak out.
That's why I told you in the first place.
Meliodas: Well you know I'm meeting you now.
You shouldn't be out this late all alone.
Elizabeth: I'll be fine.
It's not like someone could kidnap me or anything.
Meliodas: So she jokes.
I'm coming regardless.
Elizabeth: Why?
You don't even know where I am.
Meliodas: Because I feel like stargazing too.
Plus I can see you from across the street.
Elizabeth: Damn it...
Group Chat: Sins
Diane, King, Ban, Elaine, Elizabeth, Gowther Merlin, Escanor and Meliodas are online
Diane: We're all online?!
A miracle has to have happened!
Merlin: Well look who's cheery as always.
Although I agree, Prom is a miracle.
Ban: Don't even say the damn word.
That's all anyone talks about these days.
Diane: What Prom?
Ban: Yes
Diane: Prom
Prom
Prom
Prom
Prom
Diane has been muted
Ban: She was pissing me off.
King: Well now you know how we feel when you spam.
Elaine: Plus prom isn't that bad
Ban: It fucking sucks.
People just exaggerate how great it is.
Right Meliodas?
Meliodas: Yeah prom is pretty dead.
But it's a great opportunity...
Elizabeth: Don't finish that sentence!
I don't even want to think...
Merlin: Look who has a dirty mind.
Elizabeth of all people.
Elizabeth: It's not that!
It's just -
Well I know things I shouldn't I guess.
Gowther: Well we are at an age where sex is an avid topic.
It's not strange for people to sneak out of prom to have sex.
I mean some people go for that.
Sex is just something normal for us all.
Gowther has been muted.
Elaine: You'd think he'd stop typing that one word.
Geez.
Ban: You're acting like we're not going for that anyway.
I know you secretly want to drag me away Elaine.
You even told me the house was free~
Ban has been muted.
King: I now have an image I wish to erase from my mind.
Why couldn't he send that privately?
Meliodas: That's just how Ban is.
Escanor: So this is what I miss.
Good thing I'm never on this chat.
Merlin: Escanor.
Meliodas: Yo Escanor.
Elizabeth: Oh Escanor...
Escanor: Hello and goodbye.
Escanor has left the chat.
Meliodas: Bye Escanor.
Elizabeth: And he left again...
Merlin: He's probably going through another personality change.
You know BPD.
I'll go check on him.
Elaine: Ok, changing topic...
I need Elizabeth to come shopping with me this weekend.
Elizabeth: Yeah I'll go.
But can we talk privately?
Elaine: Sure.
King: Shouldn't we unmute Diane and Ban?
They're both flooding my inbox.
Meliodas: Yes.
But let's leave them for a bit.
Meliodas is offline.
King: Very well.
King is offline.
*New email*
To: Elizabeth
Subject: Prom
From: Meliodas
Look Liz I know I'm not to type to be like 'let's go to Prom!' but something about this being the last year has called to me. I think maybe, just maybe, going to Prom might be a good experience. Even though it's a crappy event where everyone overdresses and gawks at the leftover decorations from last year's Prom, I think we should go. Don't get me wrong I haven't grown to like Prom, but I think that maybe you should go at least once. Ban calls you princess for crying out loud! Don't you wanna go somewhere that matches that stupid nickname?
Plus I'll go with you. If you even thought for a second I wasn't, you're wrong. There's no way I'm leaving you all alone at some event like that with all the vultures that lurk about. So if you do go, you don't have to worry about being alone.
That being said, I'd have to ask you out properly right? So Elizabeth, Elizabeth that I have known since preschool where we used to share cookies and juice boxes; Elizabeth that cried when I fell face-first into a sandpit; Elizabeth that I spend every summer with because I choose to, will you go to Prom with me?
I know you probably think this is a joke. That I'm doing this for a laugh or something, but I'm not. For some reason I feel like after this year finishes, it's going to be a long time until I see you again. It's going to be a long time until I'm given another chance to say this.
So Liz, I love you.
I loved you ever since you made me a birthday surprise because my deadbeat father forgot again; I loved you ever since you said hugs were the cure to sadness; I loved you ever since you told me about Zaneri and how she'd easily go with another guy. I've always loved you and I've been too dumb to see it. But I think I should take this chance before it's gone. I should take it before I lose you and -
Draft not saved
Draft deleted
*New email*
To: Elizabeth
Subject: Prom
From: Meliodas
Hey Liz,
Since Prom is coming up I thought we'd just skip as usual with a bunch of trashy movies and stuff. I know you hate the event as much as I do, so I may have a few surprises planned if you agree to the same plan as usual again.
Meliodas
*New email*
To: Meliodas
Subject: Prom
From: Elizabeth
Look who's maturing. You know if I didn't double check the name on the email then I would've completely thought it was a prank. The old Meliodas would've never dared to send me an email. The only time you did was when you were stuck in Science and told me virgin boy was no longer. I still remember how that day scarred me and I gave you an earful for losing it to Zaneri of all people. I mean she loved you, but she wasn't worth it.
She's an a-grade slut when she's ready.
Anyway, I'd love to skip Prom how we usually do, but this year I have to go. My father really wants me to attend, saying how he has pictures of all his daughters for the final year, and is really looking forward to having this year's picture of me. He strongly hints at us going together too. It's crazy how everyone says we should be a couple! We're literally just best friends. It's a really old cliche now... Though I don't disagree completely with it.
Plus father mentioned that it'd do my deceased mother proud. So naturally I'm stuck with going to prom. Yay...
Even so I wouldn't mind going with you. Sure, it's not goofing off and watching trashy TV and stuff but I'm sure we'll still have fun. You always manage to make boring events fun Meliodas, and it'd be better than hunting for a date I don't really want to go with. Even if going to Prom lands us with the permanent label of couple just because we went together as friends, I'm still willing to go. Plus the title isn't that bad I guess. Maybe we can think of it as an opposite date?
Tell me what you think about it,
Ellie.
*New email*
To: Elizabeth
Subject: Prom
From: Meliodas
He really played the dead parent card on you? That old man really wants you to go.
Well if you're going then I'm naturally going to follow. If you think for a second I'd let you attend alone, then you're a hundred percent wrong Elizabeth. There's a lot of shady people who go to Prom and I don't trust any of them with you.
And of course you can expect me to make the night interesting. Opposite date accepted.
*New email*
To: Meliodas
Subject: Prom
From: Elizabeth
Ok, that's good to know. I'll see you later then. Also remember to actually brush your hair.
Group Chat: Man Cave
Ban, Helbram, King and Meliodas are online
King: Of course Ban chose a stupid name.
Helbram: Lighten up grumpy pants.
I think it's pretty decent.
Ban: See Helmet gets it!
Helbram is now named Helmet
Helmet: Nice name change.
I like it!
Ban: Thanks.
I'm gonna change the rest now.
Ban is now named Ba-aan
Meliodas is now named Meliodaz
King is now named Old Fart
Old Fart: Really Ban?!
Old Fart?
Ba-aan: Well you whine like an old man.
Helmet: I second that.
Meliodaz: I third that.
Old Fart: Of course you two agree...
Ba-aan: So did you actually confess to Princess yet?
You're pretty silent if you have.
Old Fart: Yeah, how did it go?
Meliodaz: I didn't do it.
Ba-aan: What?!
Old Fart: Are you crazy!
Helmet: I didn't expect that from you Meliodas.
Maybe King because he lacks the balls to do so, but not you.
King: Yeah you usually say things upfront.
I'm also ignoring that comment about me lacking balls.
Ba-aan: Yeah you do.
Lack balls I mean, also yeah to Cap'n being upfront.
Is something going on Cap?
Old Fart: If something is you know we can help.
Meliodaz: No everything's fine.
It's just I don't think Liz wants anything to happen.
Ba-aan: Are you fucking kidding me?!
Old Fart: How dense are you two!
Diane was telling me that Elizabeth is waiting for you to do something!
Apparently she's too nervous to because of your track record.
Helmet: Not that you could blame her~
You were a bit wild two years ago...
Ba-aan: Really wild.
Even so grow a pair and tell her.
Don't be like Old Fart.
Old Fart: Yeah!
Hey!
Meliodaz: Trust me, Liz doesn't want that.
She's tired of the hinting.
She called it an opposite date.
Ba-aan: She is definitely interested then, she's hinting.
But you live the life of the unsatisfied.
My bet lasts until you guys are 29 anyway.
Old Fart: Mine lasts until they're 20.
Helmet: Mine's until they're 25.
Though 25 is also the wedding age.
Meliodaz: And now I can see what she means...
Where do you people get these dates from?
Ba-aan: Knowledge my friend.
Knowledge.
Group Chat: Girls only, boys are the fucking worst!
Diane, Elaine, Jericho and Elizabeth are online.
Jericho changed the group name from 'Girls only, guys suck!' to 'Girls only, boys are the fucking worst!'
Elizabeth: What's with the name change?
Jericho: Men fucking suck!
Diane: Who broke your heart this time?
Elaine: Isn't this the fifth guy this month?
Jericho: Some guy called Jude.
Also way to rub it in Elaine.
Not all of us can get lucky with one guy!
Elizabeth: There, there Jericho.
You'll find love.
Diane: Eventually.
Elaine: Diane!
Elizabeth: Diane!
Diane: What?
I'm just saying the truth!
Plus Prom's soon so a bunch of desperate guys will come your way Jericho!
Jericho: I'm talking to Guila.
You guys are way too insensitive.
Plus you can't understand because you're all dating.
Elizabeth: What?
I'm single.
Jericho: Sure...
Meliodas totally isn't into you and you're not into him.
You guys are so blind for fuck's sake.
If I were you I'd go out with him.
Elizabeth: Um...
We're not going out.
Jericho: Exactly!
He's a good guy and yet you won't give him a chance!
I don't get you women sometimes...
Jericho has been muted.
Diane: Ok while Jericho goes and bitches to someone else, what should we talk about?
Elaine: Prom?
Diane: Sure.
I picked up a super cute purple dress actually.
I'm totally wearing it to Prom.
Plus the theme this year is super romantic.
Elizabeth: Isn't it just a masquerade ball?
Diane: Exactly!
Masks, gloves, kisses with masked people...I'm fainting from hotness.
Elizabeth: I think you've watched too many romances.
Elaine: Or read too many.
Anyway I'm wearing all white!
The dress is all puffy and cute too.
All I need is a pretty white mask to match with it.
Diane: Predictable as always.
You always go with pink or white, Elaine.
Live a little.
But what about you Liz?
Elizabeth: I'll find something.
Probably yellow, blue or red.
Diane: Go for red.
Also a low neckline.
Elaine: I second red!
Plus black heels!
Elizabeth: I guess I should take notes from the experts...
Ok, red and black heels.
I'm not sure about the neckline though.
Diane: Come on you have to!
I've seen those melons you keep secret!
Elizabeth: Melons?!
My chest isn't that big.
Elaine: Coming from a flattie, it is.
You have the boob gods working in your favor, Liz.
Diane: See.
You have to have a cleavage showing dress.
Elizabeth: Ok.
But only because Meliodas is going with me.
Otherwise I'd be harassed nonstop.
Diane: Whatever floats your boat.
We all know you secretly love him.
But I'm still coming over for a final inspection.
"Ten!"
"Nine!"
"Eight!"
The venue was crowded, almost every teen from the school attending this one mass event. Pictures, dancing, eating and maneuvering through the crowd had been the main things to do, the students of Britannia High's Senior Year making sure to enjoy the first Prom that was actually fully-funded. As a result nothing had gone to waste, the photo-booth, cotton candy machine and many other things used by the rowdy bunch.
But now that time had ended, they all gathered on the dance floor to count down the mask removal.
"Seven!"
"Six!"
Blue eyes connected with green and the owner of blue rushed over to the other person. She had spent all night trying to find him after being separated at the entrance. Apparently the headmasters wanted the girls and guys to go through different places, receiving their masks from a member of staff. As a result many people were confused as to where their date, or person they arrived with, had disappeared to. Odd since you'd think the person behind the mask was obvious.
Life isn't a fairy tale after all.
"Five!"
"Four!"
The countdown was getting close to finishing. There was no time to ask questions, no time to check if it was actually the person they'd intended to find. All they could really do was act and hope that it wasn't too late to display how they felt.
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
"Zero!"
With the final countdown their lips then connected, the rest of the world forgotten as the moment faded into a still bubble. A very still and silenced bubble. Nothing mattered about the past and nothing mattered about the present. All that mattered was preserving the moment before reality hit and things could take a messy turn. A very messy turn if they realised the person they kissed wasn't the person they had expected it to be in the first place.
Sadly that bubble broke when Elaine cheered at the sight.
"I knew it!" Elaine grinned triumphantly, looking at the group behind her. "Pay up!"
A grumpy King, Diane, Ban, Merlin, Helbram and even Escanor handed over the cash they'd bet on who would be correct on the confession date. Altogether they had raised a lot of money, ranging to at least a hundred or a hundred and fifty. As a result the petite Elaine had hauled in a lot of cash, happy that her prediction had come to fruition.
"Now you guys just get married at 25 and I get my second payout, ok?" Elaine smiled, acting as if her outburst hadn't ruined the moment. "Go back to how you were."
The blonde the dragged the rest of the group away, leaving a laughing Meliodas and Elizabeth.
"25?" Meliodas shook his head, speaking as if he were an expert. "Way sooner than that."
"What makes you say that?" Elizabeth raised a brow.
"Reasons."
He had a simple enough expression when he said it, displaying nothing but innocence, but the tone said otherwise. Elizabeth flushed red, attempting to hide her face with her hair but failing terribly. So instead she settled for a shaky voice responding to him.
"L-Let's just go home now."
"I like the sound of that." A smirk and look were paired with that, a hand playfully slapping her rear.
Elizabeth instantly reddened even more.
"Meliodas!"