Chapter 14

No way, I couldn't help but think. I had figured he was just a scientist or something like Merlin. How can a team of seven criminals be this well rounded?

Not only did they have someone within the precinct, along with a hacker, they also had a freaking doctor on the team? Just how the hell did this group come together? Despite everyone having specific jobs and probably reasons for being here, I just couldn't believe how well off they were. It was no wonder we had nothing on them. There was absolutely no way for us to find them with Merlin covering their tracks at crime scenes and Escanor making house visits for injuries.

"I am," Escanor answered my question with a tilt of his head. "I uh, thought that was apparent…?" He turned to Meliodas. "What kind of people are you introducing her to that a stranger showing up in the middle of the night and drawing blood is not a doctor thing?"

Merlin chuckled, "I'm sure Princess," she purred my code name, clearly finding amusement in the title, "is just in a bit of shock."

She was right, of course. How could I not be, given this new development - along with everything else that had happened so far. It's hard to believe how much had happened in such a short amount of time, when only earlier this week I was hounding Meliodas for kidnapping me and not giving me immediate answers. While I had received some, it wasn't on what I wanted and also left me with more questions than actual answers.

"Ah," Escanor nodded understandably. "It is a lot to take in. I don't blame you for being a bit… surprised. I was too." He offered me a kind smile and a half hearted shrug. "You get use to it… kind of."

"Says the guy who doesn't even visit us!" Diane yelled and popped out her lip. "I swear you don't even like us most of the time and just come for Merlin!"

Escanor flushed. "T-that's not true!" He attempted to argue.

"It's totally true~," Ban chortled and threw an arm around the red faced man. "If it weren't for Mer, you may not even be here."

"That's not fair guys," King slurred.

"Thank you, King," the doctor sighed in relief.

Too soon it seemed as King continued his explanation. "Sure, he totally came here for Merlin-"

"Not you too!"

"-but he's one of us now and unlike most of us, he has a life outside of this," the ginger haired man finished, resting his head against the table. "A normal life. Can't expect him to give it all up for this kind of existence…"

My eyes widened at yet, another new piece of information. A heavy sigh from Meliodas didn't give me much time to process it. "Told you he was a blabbermouth," the leader of the Sins shook his head at the now sleeping man.

"Hear that King~?" Ban poked his cheek. "You suck!" He laughed loudly, slapping his own knee and falling out of his chair.

"Shuddup," King grumbled in response, "I'm seeping…" he slurred.

"Perhaps King should lessen his alcohol intake," Gowther suggested from the bar. A glass of, what must be, apple juice sat in front of him.

"I'm fiiinnne," the Sin of Sloth lifted his head to try and find the genius. His eyes had trouble focusing. I hadn't realized he drank that much in the short amount of time they'd been back.

Diane giggled and wrapped her arms around his waist while rubbing her face against his neck. "You are, but let's go to bed okay? I'm sleepy too."

"M'kay…"

"Ban, carry him for me? I'm gonna grap us some waters."

"But I don't wa-" One glare from Diane had the white haired man sighing heavily. "Fine~." King must have fallen asleep again as Ban picked him up with no sign of protest. "Be back in a few," he said, seemingly more sober as he carried the smaller man away.

Diane's behind them a second later. "Night everyone!" She called with a smile. "Nice to see you again, Escanor!"

"Ah, you too, Diane," he responded a half second too late, the trio already gone upstairs. Escanor turned to Meliodas. "Does King normally drink so much?"

"No," Meliodas frowned slightly as he thought it over. "Usually it's him taking care of Ban, actually. Probably just feels guilty about the fire."

"Fire?" Merlin sat down at the bar, a drink for herself and Escanor in hand. "What fire?"

"They were looking into one of our locations and needed a distraction for a getaway. King set up a small oil fire, providing a lid for them to put it out with."

"They didn't use it?" Merlin quirked a slender brow, a small frown playing at her lips.

"They didn't use it," Meliodas confirmed with a nod of his head. "Idiots dumped water on it and it escalated from there."

"Of course it did," Merlin chuckled. The woman had a weird sense of humor. "If not for me, the four of you would have been caught many times over," she clicked her tongue. I couldn't tell if she was pleased about having to clean up after them, or not.

"We do have quite the run of bad luck, don't we?" Meliodas hummed in agreement.

"Why would they not use the lid provided," Gowther chimed in unexpectedly. "He gave them the proper tools to put it out themselves. Water is an ill advised choice for that kind of fire."

"Sadly, not everyone thinks like we do, Gowther, dear," Merlin explained for him. "What we think is obvious, others struggle to grasp."

"You guys do have the worse luck," Escanor shook his head before taking a drink of the mug Merlin provided for him.

"Tell me about it," Ban chuckled morbidly as he rejoined us. "Put sleeping beauty to bed. He'll have one hell of a hangover, that's for sure."

"You two can nurse them together then," Merlin smirked at the white haired man.

Ban snorted. "I'm perfectly cable of suffering alone, thanks."

"I could prepare you one of my homemade remedies?" The forensic scientist suggested slyly.

Ban visibly shivered. "Nope. Not trying any of those ever again. Not after the last shit you made me." He gagged, skin actually taking on a green hue as he recalled the memory.

"I'm guessing we aren't going over what the three of you found anymore?" I frowned, interrupting the conversation and directing my question at Ban.

"With just me?" The white haired man chuckled. "No way in hell, lil lady. I know my strengths and explaining that information shit in King's bag is not one of them."

"Great, so another night of nothing," I grumbled before taking a drink. I was sulking, not even trying to hide it.

"Well, I wouldn't say that," Meliodas shot me a grin. It lacked the normal cocky tone, reminding me more of the soft smile I'd received in the kitchen. More genuine. I looked away from him, finishing the contents of my mug. "You did get to meet the remaining two Sins, so that's something. Not many people can say that."

I scoffed as I placed the mug on the counter. "One. I already knew Merlin."

"Of course," Escanor nodded sagely. "It would be expected given your profession and Merlin's that you'd run into each other at least once." His blue eyes darted between the two of us as I glared at the ravenette woman. "Are you… upset with her?"

"Yes," I responded without much thought. Upset is putting it mildly. And it wasn't just Merlin I was mad at. Once again, my eyes found Meliodas. He's calm, waiting to see what else I had to say. I let out a deep breath and turned back to Escanor. "It isn't completely her fault. I am curious as to how, you managed to get caught up with the Sins, though, Merlin."

Her eyes flashed with something darker - a brief moment of insecurity? Was I just imagining that? "Not a story for tonight, I'm afraid." One of her smug smirks danced across her lips, her normal attitude returning. At seeing my scowl she added, "it's a bit long and I'm only staying until the results return."

We stared at each other, locked in a silent battle of wills.

One I was much too exhausted to partake in right now.

I sighed heavily, "Fine. Another time then."

"Perhaps," she responded noncommittally.

My teeth gnawed on my tongue to keep from retorting harshly. Suddenly, following King and Diane's example and going to bed didn't sound so bad. It was that or say something that I would regret, possibly pushing me further from the Sins and shooting myself in the foot as far as this investigation was concerned. I couldn't risk it. I pushed away from the bar.

"I'm heading to bed." I offered up as explanation to the confused stares. Only Meliodas didn't seem surprised. His was more curious than anything if I had to put an emotion to his blank expression. I ignored him in favor of bidding the others goodnight. "It was nice to meet you, Escanor."

"Oh, y-you too, Elizabeth, er, uh, I mean Princess," he stumbled over his words at my unexpected turn of conversation.

I smiled at him, then turning to the only other female awake, "Merlin." I said simply, finding it difficult to feign politeness.

She didn't seem to mind as she returned my smile with her signature smirk, "goodnight, Princess," she purred once again. "We shall see each other again before all this is over."

"I'm sure," I responded clippidly. "Goodnight," was all I say to the other three. Gowther wouldn't care about my lack of acknowledging him personally, nor would Ban. Meliodas on the other hand… I caught a small frown as I turned to leave. He appeared almost... hurt, at my lack of attention towards him.

And there was a part of me that felt guilty for that. His words in the kitchen drum up a whirl of emotions. But my anger toward him and the others kept those emotions in check.

One foot was on the stairs when I heard Ban's teasing voice carry over. "Shit, what did you do?~"

"Not really sure," I heard Meliodas reply. He quickly changed the topic, "so Merlin, anything interesting happening on your end?"

I should stay and listen. I know that I should.

But at hearing his question to Merlin, my blood boils even hotter - reminding me of my humiliation at finding her as a member of the Sins. The sense of betrayal was still too fresh. I'd looked up to that woman for too long to stay and listen to her all but stomp over what I believed in. My precinct. I stormed up the steps, not even caring if they heard me, just wanting to get away from everything.

I yanked open the door to the bedroom I'd been given and slammed it shut behind me. Overwhelmed tears began to fall down my face. Meliodas, the Sins, Merlin… it was all too much. A shaky breath escaped me and I do my best to calm my erratic breathing. I locked the door behind me, paranoid that someone - that Meliodas, would come check on me. I couldn't take the confusing feelings that he kept conjuring within me. Once was more than enough.

My body bounced in the air as I collapsed upon my bed. A frustrated scream threatened to bubble to the surface. I squashed it down, wrapping my arms around my pillow as I pulled it over my head.

My fingers scraped against something.

I frowned, reaching inside the pillowcase to pull out something I'd almost forgotten about; the picture of Meliodas and Liz. I bolted up in bed and stared at the picture with wide eyes. My mind ran with possible ideas of what this picture could mean. It was a welcomed distraction. But how could I find out more information?

Howzer came to mind.

The idea was quickly scratched. If Merlin's working with the Sins, who knows how far into the precinct their reach is. She'd know if Howzer ran any searches.

I studied the picture again. The pink haired woman was beautiful. Meliodas… he looked so happy. They both did. I flipped it over.

"Mel and Liz, 57th Brigade," I read quietly.

Then it hit me.

"Of course," I whispered, excitement taking over all my other ragged emotions and I eagerly embraced it.

They're part of the military. Asking Howzer to look into this wouldn't have made any sense. But I knew someone who could. My sister's fiance, Gilthunder, was a marine. If I could somehow get this picture to Margaret and have her get it to him, I could find out more about Meliodas. I was hopeful for the first time since entering this bar.

I tried to convince myself that I needed to know of Meliodas' past to understand his motives. And while that was true, part of me had to wonder;

Is this really just for the case?

I didn't sleep at all.

It's early when I decide to sit back up in bed. I didn't even need to look at a clock to know that. I should have tried to sleep, I knew I should.

Yet my brain wouldn't let me - mind abuzz with how I was going to convince Meliodas to let me see my sister. To let me get the picture to Gilthunder.

It's seven a.m. when I finally decide to shower and get dressed. Not knowing what else to do with myself, I wandered downstairs, too alert for having no sleep under my belt. But I couldn't help the anticipation I was feeling. I needed to convince him. No matter what, I needed to start getting some more answers.

By some miracle, when I peered out into the bar area, Meliodas was awake. Not a one of the other Sins appeared to be wandering around except him. He was sitting at the counter, reading the paper and having a cup of coffee. I thanked my lucky stars. Finally, it felt like things were going to go my way.

If there was ever a time to make my move, it was now.

But, there was a part of me that hesitated too - making me pivot from foot to foot anxiously. I'd been so harsh to him. I'd made it all too clear I was not his biggest fan last night - words and actions I was seriously regretting now. Would he listen to me, even if I begged? I'd have to swallow my pride and apologize. I didn't like it, but I would do anything to make this work.

I gulped, imagining the part of me that hated what I was about to do was now locked deep down, and stepped out into the bar.

"Hey, Meliodas-" I had just gotten his attention when the bar's door flung open - much like it had the night before. We both swung around to find a boy standing in the doorway, his eyes scanning the quiet bar then narrowing once they found Meliodas.

"Here we go…" The blonde groaned under his breath, I had just barely heard him as I focused on the boy storming in. He's a short kid - dusty, pink hair, cute unassuming features despite the glare he shot the bar owner, big dark eyes, small. Too small to be rampaging into a closed bar with that much fury. Especially when cradling a stuffed animal under his arm. That thing looked half his size!

I looked between Meliodas and the kid and intercepted, kneeling down to his level before he could get any closer, "Can we help you?" I asked sweetly, if not terribly confused.

The boy eyed me speculatively, "Who are you?"

I opened my mouth, "I'm uh-" I glanced back to Meliodas, who was watching with his mug hiding what I knew was a grin on his face, "I'm… Princess." I smiled back at the boy to hide my disdain.

His big, dark eyes studied me longer and narrowed before they turned on the blonde, "What have I told you about giving people weird nicknames?" He chided the bar owner, and I'm shocked as he turned back to me with brow raised, "What's your real name?"

"E-Elizabeth," I stuttered out. This kid had the commanding tone of an adult.

At hearing my real name, he nodded, then smiled, "Nice to meet you, Elizabeth."

"What are you doing here, Hawk? I thought you and your mom were on vacation." Meliodas placed the coffee mug on the counter, leaning back against it easily.

Hawk? His name was Hawk? I thought there were only seven sins… so who was this child?

Hawk adjusted the large stuffed animal under his arm - a rather large and cute pig, and then glared at Meliodas once more, "We just got back! And the first thing I see waiting for us when we come home is a note saying you're letting someone else live here. This is a bar, not a hotel Meliodas! I'm increasing your rent!"

Wait… what?

"I'm sorry, but... I'm lost." I looked between them again, "I thought the bar was Meliodas' place?"

Hawk sighed - the kind of sound someone his age shouldn't have to make. It spoke of experience there was no way he could have. But he did, all the while keeping his unrelenting gaze on the man in question, "Technically speaking, yes. But it's not in his name, and the land belongs to my momma." Finally, Hawk turned kinder eyes on me, "We pay for the expenses under my mom's name, and Meliodas pays us back."

I couldn't help the grin that started to creep on my own lips. "Oh, is that so?" I asked Hawk while turning a victorious smile on Meliodas. He didn't share in my victory, though. He's scowling, shaking his head with a roll of his eyes.

"It's a miracle we haven't been caught yet with all these blabbermouths around."

The ease with which he said it surprised me. He was so open in front of Hawk - which meant he was involved too, right? A kid this sharp would be hard to hide anything from. I assumed he's well aware of why Meliodas' name wasn't on any of the property. That's not exactly something you agree to without knowing why.

As if answering my unspoken question, Hawk rounded the bar, completely disappearing behind it due to his small stature, "Has Gowther been through recently? Momma wanted to know if she needed to make a new batch of juice for him."

Neither of us answered him. We were just staring at each other now. More answers that just gave me more questions. How many more secrets did this guy have? That thought has me glancing away from him as I remembered my goal for today. The picture tucked in my jacket feels like it's burning a hole right through me.

Even if Hawk was one of them too, I needed to do this. It had to be now. Maybe the sudden appearance of his land-lord's son would throw him off...

"I need to see my sister." I said, changing the subject abruptly.

Meliodas furrowed his brows at me. "Huh?"

"I didn't think I would be dark this long," I explained, the gears in my head turning to make the lies and the truth meld into one. "I see my sister every other Sunday. She'll know something's wrong if I don't show up at ten for tea."

"Tea?" The blonde couldn't help the sly smirk that formed on his lips. "You meet your sister… for tea?"

"Yes, it's a nice way to catch up." I defended. Meeting my sister for tea was actually the truth. It was usually only once a month though, not every other week. But I needed an excuse to see her. The sooner the better.

Hawk came into view carrying one of the cartons of juice from the fridge, "Hey, don't knock it, Meliodas! Besides, today is a great day for tea!"

The blonde hummed as he watched me, "And… which sister is this?" he asked a little suspiciously.

I swallowed, keeping my gaze fixed to his. "Not the one you've met." Surely he already knew Veronica was my sister. It's in my file on the database. Hell, he probably knew about my entire family tree at this point. But as long as I steered clear of the precinct, it would be fine, right? I'm keeping my word. I wouldn't be telling anyone anything about him and his friends. The woman in the picture, however, was fair game. And my gut told me she was important to everything going on here.

"Why are you asking this guy's permission? It's not like he's your boyfriend, right?" Hawk asked, curiously tilting his head at me.

My face paled the moment Meliodas' eyes seemed to light up. No… I completely forgot about that...

Meliodas had a grin that I could only categorize as pure evil as he slipped from his chair and wrapped an arm around my waist, "Actually, I am. And as your boyfriend, I think it's time to meet the family! Let's do it." He beamed at me from my side, and I had to bite my tongue hard enough to draw blood to keep from cringing.

"Great,"I mused sarcastically.

I won… I was going to see my sister. With the very man I was trying to get away from. This was just fan-fucking-tastic.

Dom: *Opens the paper while she sips a cup of tea*

Luv: *bursts in from outside screaming at the top of her lungs* It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Everywhere you go!~ *shakes the snow off her hat and jacket*

Dom: *Slowly puts her paper down, glaring at Luv* What… did you... just say?

Luv: *clears her throat and begins to sing* It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! *starts dancing around the room while heading towards the closet* Toys in every store but the prettiest sight to see, is the holly that will be on your own front door! *rips Christmas decorations out of the closet and starts setting them up*

Dom: *Slowly stands from her chair, folding her paper neatly, taking the time to position her teacup perfectly on it's decorative plate. She walks to the middle of the room where she waits for Luv to run by with the decorations, then grabs her by the collar, stopping her in her tracks.* Luv, dear?

Luv: Yeeesss? *stares up at Dom with a bright smile*

Dom: What month does that say? *points to the calendar on the wall*

Luv: *stares at the calendar* Hmmm…. Christmas Eve month! Ya know, the month before Christmas! Like Pre-Christmas!

Dom: *sighs heavily* No. It says November. NOT Christmas Eve Month. Which means that UNTIL that calendar READS DECEMBER… No christmas music!

Luv: But, but! *bottom lip begins to quiver* I have so much luv to give! And if I don't start now I'll never get all the giving done in time!

Dom: But, isn't that what THANKSGIVING is all about? *Unphased by the Luv-lip-quiver*

Luv: No *she argues stubbornly while now openly pouting* Thanksgiving is being thankful! I'm sharing luv so that's CHRISTMAS!

Dom: *Facepalms* Tell you what. I'm thankful for YOU giving the preview. So let's focus on that.

Luv: *drops all the Christmas decorations* Oh yeah! I almost forgot about that! Next time on Don't Trust Me: Elizabeth has never been so distraught to have her way, as she's forced to introduce her new boyfriend to her older sister. What on earth could possibly go wrong when you put a criminal and an lawyer in the same room? Will Elizabeth be able to get away with her plan?

Dom: *hesitates, but lets Luv go, despite knowing exactly what was to come next*

Luv: I really can't stay *starts in a normal voice before switching lower* but baby, it's cold outside!~ *back to normal voice* I've got to go away! *switches to lower voice* but baby, it's cold outside!~

Dom: *Contemplates things we can't describe in detail in fear of scaring the audience* See you all next chapter...

Luv: *belts out at the top of her lungs* BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!