ANOTHER CHAPTER!
its almost insane how much writer's block im getting for this cuz i literally cant write more for the chapter im working on and its getting on my last nerve lmao
anyways. happy reading lovelies
ooo
Meliodas lays with his hands behind his head in a large field somewhere in the land of Britannia. He threw and discarded his sword off to the side when he landed, not thinking he would need it. Because really, who would be dastardly enough to approach the first born son of the Demon King and coax him into a battle?
A mindless fool, that's who.
Regardless of who he is now– and he was damn glad of who he became because of Elizabeth– sometimes killing another got adrenaline to pump within his veins. Well, when he ended the life of someone who truly deserved it. Killing an innocent made him want to hurl, to throw up in the nearest bush as his guilt rose. His blood would rush to his head and his breathing would become ragged and he would shake to no end - he never acted in such a way before.
Back when he was the leader of the Ten Commandments, driving his sword into the enemy's heart was all he knew how to do. Since the second his birth was decided, it was his fate. The Demon King raised him to be a weapon– a weapon for his own selfish benefit. And why wouldn't he? Meliodas was the successor to the throne. He would be one of - if not the most powerful and most dangerous demon of them all.
And he threw it all away.
Despite what his so-called father thinks, despite what Zeldris thinks, that life was not meant for him. Elizabeth helped him realize that; she gave him a push in the right direction and helped him see that there was no need for violence, much less a need for war. He is determined, just as she is, to put an end to this fruitless war.
He sighed, thankful he left that awful life.
Now, however, he resided in the Fairy King's forest where the base of Stigma is located. He had his own little barracks to return to every night and although small, he considered it a nice home. It was the closest he could be with Elizabeth since he couldn't exactly just waltz into the Celestial realm and claim a room near her own. Not only would he seem like a complete pervert and creep to the goddess clan, but he would surely lose any and all respect to his name. He can't afford that - at least for Elizabeth's sake if not his own.
And there was no way in hell he would go back to the demon realm. It simply was not an option - nor does he even want to return in the first place.
But oh– how he wishes he could go back just for the sole purpose of returning to take Zeldris with him. Meliodas doesn't understand - well, he used to understand - why Zeldris follows and abides to the Demon King's orders blindly. Meliodas used to think that there was a benefit to all the tedious little errands he was forced to go on, he used to think that there was a true reason for it all. However, it's nothing more than a form of entertainment to the ruler of the demon clan. Was Meliodas the only one who could see that? Was he the only one to finally start thinking for himself?
Meliodas hoped– damnit, he prayed Zeldris would see it all as well. He prayed Zeldris would realize that he's fighting for the wrong people- for the wrong side.
He knew Zeldris was still upset with him. Who wouldn't be? After telling your younger brother that you're leaving for the 'enemy' and expecting him to come along is foolish- but a hope that Meliodas had.
A traitor is what he called him. A traitor - but in what sense? To the demons? No, he'd stopped doing what the Demon King wanted long before he met Elizabeth. He had done his own thing; killed humans and burned their villages to pass the time (the mere thought of reliving those memories makes Meliodas want to throw up and simply pass away), tormented anyone who dared to cross him.
(Now that he thinks about it, all those things were practically the same things the Demon King wanted him to do. He just thought he did it on his own accord, he supposes?)
And then he met Elizabeth. She had been leading her mother's army in battle, light armor had adorned her body and she carried a sword of light in her hands. He remembers that day so clearly; the way she stood tall and stood her ground before him, the way her hair flowed with the harsh winds, the way her orange hued eyes shone even in the gloomy weather.
Meliodas thinks– no, he knows– that was when he fell in love with her. A mere subtle look into her eyes and he wanted nothing more than to abandon everything he loved (he never loved anything of the demon clan, only his brother; and it seems he had done just that anyway) just to see her smile. And she had done just that; she smiled at him when he refused to move, but the look on her face was that of determination. To this day he still has no idea what she was so damn determined to do.
He supposes that it doesn't matter.
He was with her now - he had befriended her and they talk as if they've known each other their entire lives. If there is one relationship he had with anyone that he would never break off, it would be the friendship he has with the goddess. Meliodas would never tell her that, for the sake of his already-sullied pride.
Even then, he thinks with a smile, he would sacrifice anything for Elizabeth. Anything she could ever ask for he would risk his own head trying to give it to her; a fact he'll make known to her when the time is right. Preferably when the war is well over and done with but with how things are looking, he has some doubts. The war had been raging on for nearly thousands of years at this point– will there ever be an end to it?
What's even worse is the fact that he knows the Demon King is going to work Zeldris to death. Now that Meliodas has left, the demon realm is at a massive disadvantage. He wasn't one to brag (not anymore, not really), but he knew just how much of a valuable asset he was to the demons. But damn it all to hell - he wasn't going to serve them any longer.
Zeldris on the other hand - Meliodas was nothing short of worried for him. If Meliodas felt like he was being crushed by the burdens the Demon King was more than willing to set upon him, how would Zeldris be able to deal with it?
If only… if only Zeldris had actually taken him up on his offer to join Stigma along with him–
"You," a voice accuses, their tone deep and threatening. Meliodas shoots up, reaching out for his sword but he freezes in his movements. His eyes locked with a deep onyx, extremely pinched brows and a black symbol bleeding on pale skin. "You dare show yourself on the face of Britannia?"
"Zeldris." His name slipped past Meliodas' lips in a slight hiss– how in the world did his little brother manage to find him? "What are you doing here?"
A snarl makes its way onto the ravenette's lips. "Keep my name out your damn mouth, you traitor. What makes you think I won't end you here and now? Do you think father would be proud if I brought him your head?"
An uncomfortable and tense silent tension falls upon the two brothers. If looks could kill, Meliodas would have died twenty times over with Zeldris' burning glare. His fingers twitch as he wracks his brain for a plan - how can he get to his sword without Zeldris striking him down? Although Meliodas knew he was faster than Zeldris, his chances of getting to his sword without being sliced are significantly lowered; Zeldris stood closer to the sword than Meliodas.
Damn him and his stupid thinking– why hadn't the idea of an enemy (or, more accurately, a Ten Commandment) approaching him crossed his mind? And his brother no less, however… he can't hurt his little brother. Despite all the arguments and fights they've had, despite the rocky relationship they've always had, he can't bring himself to harm him.
Zeldris deserves better.
Meliodas smirks as an idea pops into his head; he'll simply goad Zeldris into striking first to move him away from the sword, then he'll swoop in and take it. He hopes the plan suffices enough– he hopes it works well.
"I don't know," he finally responds, "I think the Demon King would rather do the job himself. Don't you agree?"
"That's ludicrous! He would be proud of me - he would be proud if I brought him the head of the most traitorous demon that used to live amongst us," Zeldris retorts as he takes a step closer. Meliodas smiles inwardly to himself - the plan is working! "Do you believe you'll make it out alive?"
"Hmm," Meliodas hums, putting his finger on his chin as if thinking seriously, as if putting real thought into his answer. "I know I'll live. I don't think you have it in yourself to kill me, little brother."
Zeldris stalks even closer, unsheathing his edged sword from its scabbard attached to his hip, his aura threatening. "You've lost the right to call me brother. You've long since lost the title of being called my brother!"
Meliodas takes the opportunity to move before Zeldris does, and when the ravenette does as he swings his sword, he misses completely. He pants heavily behind Meliodas as he picks up his own sword. A smirk presents itself on the blonde's lips as he turns to the demon before him. His brows are still pinched and he breathes heavily, his rage rolling off him in waves.
Before Meliodas could even take another breath, Zeldris is in front of him, slashing his sword at him. Meliodas had been caught off guard, blood spewing out of his shoulder as his little brother's sword sliced through his clothes and skin. A grunt left his lips and the darkness within him wanted to break free. However, he repressed it; he wouldn't hurt his little brother despite his situation. Maybe he was just letting Zeldris vent out his anger, but damnit, he was not going to fight back.
Not entirely, anyway.
Staggering breaths leave Meliodas' parted lips. Zeldris glares at him like his life depends on it and Meliodas only grins weakly. The ravenette snarls at him, charging forth once again only this time, Meliodas prepares himself. He brings his sword up and blocks his brother's attack with his blade and pushes him back. Zeldris lets out a noise between a growl and groan– Meliodas knows he's frustrated.
"What do you propose I call you then? If I'm not allowed to call you by your name or little brother," he adds fuel to the fire. He watches as Zeldris corrects his footing before he's jabbing his sword at the blonde once again. Meliodas easily dodges it.
The younger demon prince says nothing; his face remains that of anger and amix of something else directed for the blonde. The two brothers engage in an intense battle, their blade ghosting one another as the day passes. Zeldris manages to slash him a few times, but he thinks nothing of it - it won't be as fatal as either demon may think. Black flames bleed from Zeldris' sword as he swings his blade to strike at Meliodas, and he lets a gasp escape his throat as he tries to avoid the hell blaze.
Zeldris smirks when Meliodas hisses in pain as his fire begins to char at his tanned skin. In the moment that the blonde is caught off guard trying to quickly tend to his burns, Zeldris pulls his sword back and aims it to his older brother's middle– directly at one of his hearts. A snarl presents itself on the ravenette's lips as he drives the offending blade forward.
Meliodas freezes, as does Zeldris.
His younger brother's blade is now stained a deep red, the sharp tip and edges piercing one of his seven hearts. Blood rises from his throat and his vision blurs. He coughs in pain, blood spilling from his mouth and his eyes widen. His own sword is dropped onto the ground, his grip loosened from the sudden lack of energy. Zeldris drives the sword a bit deeper and Meliodas can feel his heart erupt even further. His eyes lock with Zeldris' onyx and he offers a slight smile.
Zeldris retracts his sword from Meliodas' body, revealing the silver blade that now takes on a red coat - a fresh coat of his blood. He falls back with a grunt and he can feel his blood pour out onto the grass. He can't help but close his eyes, trying to ebb the pain away…
"This is the best you can do?" Zeldris taunts. Meliodas doesn't have to open his eyes to know that his brother is standing over him. "What a damn disappointment you turned out to be. I remember watching you from my bed chambers as you trained with the other Commandments, showing them what it meant to be absolutely ruthless. Now look at you. You've turned so soft."
Meliodas is unable to respond but it is a fact he cannot deny. The thought of ending the life of an innocent like he used to when he was under the Demon King's control makes him want to throw up until he can't see straight. His breaths are labored and heavy; so much pain is surging through his body right now. Meliodas can feel himself bleed from every single one of his wounds– especially the wound in which Zeldris had stabbed one of his hearts.
A cold, blood-stained metal blade makes contact with his shoulder. He flinches and sucks in a breath - an action he should not have done. His body aches like it never has before and he truly thinks he'll die. Maybe he was wrong- maybe Zeldris will not hesitate to end his life.
But… he knew the second Zeldris had struck him, he would have surely lost this battle, and even more…
His life.
ooo
"Elizabeth, dear," the king of the fairies calls out to the goddess, "have you any idea where those archangels assigned my troops? Damned fools never consult me about these things."
The goddess in question raises her head, setting down her weapon near a log by her barracks. Her blue eyes locked with a smoldering golden, Gloxinia's long red hair flowed beautifully in the wind against his large, equally beautiful, wings.
"No, I'm afraid not," she answers after giving it a moment of thought. "Have you seen Ludociel? Surely he could tell you if you ask. Do you know why he does such things without your consent?" She chuckles dryly. Of course he would dare to bother the king of a completely different race. How pretentious (that damned scumbag). "He can truly be a pain, so I apologize on his behalf."
Gloxinia laughs gingerly. "Ah, worry not. I was just curious. As long as those angels don't get my people killed, it's fine by me wherever they decide to station my troops. I just wish they would warn me before they make any rash decisions. It's quite annoying, those archangels and their heady demands," he sighs.
Quite annoying indeed - they truly think they run the goddess clan as if they were the Supreme Deity themselves. A foolish thought; though Elizabeth thinks they might be just as cruel as her mother. An example; a memory still fresh in her mind– Ludociel had given instructions to Elizabeth to lead their troops into battle despite her mother's explicit words commanding her not to do such a thing. Ludociel paid her no mind when she said her mother told her she could not– damnit, the day the Supreme Deity found out felt like a day in purgatory.
She doesn't want to remember the things that happened.
"Don't I know it," Elizabeth sighs along with him. "I'll send them to you if I run into them when I return home, Gloxinia."
Gloxinia smiles at the silver haired goddess, his eyes closing a fraction. "What a marvelous friend you are, Elizabeth," he tells her kindly and she flushes at the praise. "Truth be told, I'm glad we had the chance to grow close, even if by the means of a horrid war. What in the world have I done to pass the time without you?"
The goddess laughs, turning back to her barracks and organizing her equipment. The soft clang of metal rings in her ears as she moves pieces of armor and small (yet lethal) daggers. "I don't know, belittle Drole over small things?" She giggles, "you seem to do just that regardless of who is near. I admire that, to be honest. I get so embarrassed when Meliodas merely smiles at me."
Gloxinia is quiet for a moment - and she wonders if he had left without her realizing. But then he is clearing his throat, nearly making her jump.
"Yes I can imagine so, dear, but…" he pauses, as if thoughtfully and carefully choosing his next words. "Speaking of, do you really think it is wise to have Meliodas as a member of Stigma? He is one of the most feared warriors in all of Britannia after all. Surely you understand where I'm coming from?"
Elizabeth stops moving her things around, her mind coming to a halt. She's heard words just like this before - when someone did not agree with Elizabeth's decision of welcoming Meliodas as an ally instead of an enemy, they would ask something just like this. Why must people test her judgment? Why must they think she's wrong for convincing Meliodas to aid them? He is not like any demon she's ever encountered - albeit, maybe at first when they first encountered one another in battle, but even then…
She knew he was different. Everyone else had to see that, too.
She looks over her shoulder, her silver hair tickling the exposed skin of her back as she moves her head, her eyes gleaming over Gloxinia's form. "Yes, I think I understand, but I need you to trust me. You may not believe me solely with just my words, but if you gave it time to get to know him, you would understand my side of things. Meliodas is not the bad guy, Gloxinia. I swear it on everything I love."
Gloxinia merely smiles unabashedly, "Yes, of course dear. I wouldn't dare doubt your judgment."
Elizabeth returns to her organizing. Her thoughts wander (she's embarrassed to even admit to herself that they mainly consist of Meliodas). Everything about him makes her blush– especially his damn teasing jokes. Surely he knows what kind of effect he has on her, right? There isn't a single time where her heart doesn't race when she's with him. She knows he's in love with him– head over fucking heels even– but she doesn't know if he feels the same.
Gods, the only thing she could do is hope and pray he reciprocated. Though it may be foolish of her, altho even a tad selfish, because she is a goddess and he a demon - but why does she find herself not caring? She should, she really should; she would be committing treason and an act of betrayal to her clan if she truly does pursue Meliodas. However… deep within herself, she really, truthfully does not care. If she would be shunned for loving Meliodas, then shunned she shall be.
She cares not if he is a demon. He's a person, capable of having feelings unbeknownst to those that refuse to believe it.
While she knows her thoughts alone could get her killed (damn them for being so dangerous in the first place), she wouldn't change anything for the world. Meliodas means everything to her one way or another, and she'll die a happy death knowing she had gotten the chance to be friends with the demon. Doubly so if she can vocalize her love for him, but…
She pauses in her movements, her eyes widening at the sudden realization.
Where is he?
"Hey, Gloxinia?" Elizabeth asks for the Fairy King. She turns around, expecting Gloxinia to have left after the long moments of silence but she's relieved when he's still there, floating with his legs crossed and his arms locked behind his head, his eyes closed.
"Hmm."
Her lips part, her mouth suddenly dry. If something happened to him– "...Do you know where Meliodas could be?"
The Fairy King lazily opens one eye. Elizabeth feels her breath quicken in panic, her chest heaving. Gloxinia gazes at her through his open eye and opens the other as he straightens himself. "Well, I know he was out scouting as per Gerheade's request. But he should have been back a couple hours ago…" he muses, and it does nothing to soothe Elizabeth's anxiety.
What if something horrible did happen to Meliodas? Elizabeth knows he's certainly more than capable of holding and standing his ground, but it's not impossible for him to have gotten injured.
Before either one of them could say anything, Elizabeth makes a brash decision - she knows what she must do. She turns back to her weapons and swiftly grabs a spear, taking it from the large crate filled with weapons and armor. Glancing at Gloxinia, who stares at her like she grew another head, she smiles weakly.
"Gloxinia, I'm going to go searching for him," she tells him but leaves him no room to make any objections. "If I don't come back before nightfall, I want you to send a search party." Her tone is unswervable and Gloxinia sighs in defeat, knowing there is no changing her mind.
"Understood, Elizabeth."
ooo
With her spear gripped tightly in her hand, Elizabeth flies over the open fields of Britannia. Her heart beat quickly against her ribs, every breath she released carried her worry. Panic is wired into her brain– it's far too well-settled for it to be eased until she sees Meliodas standing proud and fine.
The wind is harsh against her skin as she flies above the land the quickest she's ever flown before. The clouds above her are gray and mingled with heavy rain; it's going to rain soon. Elizabeth knew she had to hurry.
If not for her own sake, then Meliodas'.
Lords above, she didn't know what she would do if she found him severely injured– or even worse– dead. Tears well up in her eyes and she shakes her head to rid herself of those thoughts. Meliodas is the most fierce and most capable person she's ever met. He can take care of himself, she knows that more than anyone. He is okay - he has to be okay.
Her breath stutters as she begins to feel his aura - but she begins to practically hyperventilate at the realization that his aura is getting weaker by the second. Her wings beat faster behind her in an attempt to soar through the sky quicker; the faster she can get to him, the less damage he has to sit through if he's injured - and judging by the weak aura she senses, Elizabeth can only guess that he's somehow gotten himself into a terrible fight.
Images of him flash through her mind– his body beaten and berated, deep cuts slicing into his skin, blood seeping from his open wounds to the grass and dirt underneath him - his eyes sliding closed as he breathes his last - him screaming in pure agony as a blade strikes one of his hearts - his pained, ragged breathing as he tries to come up to a stand but he only falls over for his efforts - thick blood trickling down his forehead as he smiles weakly at her, telling her it's okay because as long as she's the last thing he's able to look at, he would die happily–
A tear falls to her cheek, then another.
She can't believe he's going to die. If she believes it, then just that will happen. Meliodas is not going to die - even if his aura will grow weaker the closer she gets to him, she won't allow him to die - not like this, anyhow.
Elizabeth knows they're not immortal. They can't live forever, despite their long, long lifespans. But she refuses to let him go before this cursed war is over. She can't.
His aura is strong yet weak all at once; she must be close! Though she doesn't realize it, her knuckles have turned white with the death grip she has on her spear, trying to ground herself from the terrible thoughts of possibly losing the one she loves most. Her entire body trembles with anxiety and a pain-stricken surge plagues her heart.
She stops flying, her body frozen in the air as her eyes widen horrifically at the sight before her. Meliodas lays in a large pool of his own blood, his eyes closed and his skin terribly pale. Without thinking, the goddess drops her spear as she lands, rushing over to the unconscious blonde demon. Her breaths are short, as if inhaling any more than she does will grant her a swift yet painful death. She drops to her knees, the reddened grass scratching at her skin uncomfortably, but at the moment, she finds that she doesn't care.
Her soft dainty fingers come into contact with his barely covered chest. There is barely a rise to it but her lips twitch up in somewhat triumph; he is still breathing!
"You're going to be okay," she says and although he cannot hear her, it is simply an attempt to calm herself. She had to believe that he would be fine. "I'm going to heal you, alright? Please. I need you to live," she whispers. The idea may backfire on her; she's never healed a demon, much less a royal prince, but damnit if it will help him live, then it's what she will do until she's run dry of magic.
She raises her hands just above his chest, pushing her powers into his body. She doesn't know how long she's there, kneeling before his nearly-dead body, but she's there for minutes, hours before she begins to push herself past her limits. It begins to rain heavily as tears form in her eyes. Elizabeth pretends it is simply the rain water that rolls down her skin and not her hot tears. Her bottom lip quivers and a sob is ripped from her throat when the light from her fingertips begins to dim and her hands begin to shake almost uncontrollably - she has no more energy to give.
Her eyes wander from his chest with her hands on his skin to his face. Albeit a tad bit of color has returned to his face, he still hasn't opened his eyes, he still hasn't smirked at her and told her she was worried for nothing. The silver haired goddess cries, tears forming anew and she dives her head into his chest. Her eyes are tightly shut and she's unable to stop the tears. Must it truly be like this? Is Meliodas really gone?
She can't help but think it's her fault.
If she had just been faster - if she had known he would've ended up like this, she would have- she would have–
A hand pats her on the head.
Elizabeth's body becomes rigid. It takes her a moment to compose herself before she lifts her head. Her lips are parted as she locks gazes with the demon, his eyes lidded as if tired and his lips bear a faint smile. She's relieved - happy even - that he's okay! But why must he smile like he wasn't just about to leave this world as a whole? Like he was about to leave her all alone?
"What's the cryin' for, Ellie?" He asks, his voice rough and tired.
"I thought… I thought I'd lost you," she admits quietly. But then she straightens herself and a rush of something– white flashy anger– surges through her. "You're lucky I found you when I did! You need to be more careful!"
Meliodas snorts, however. "Lucky? I would have been fine," he retorts, lifting himself with a grunt in order to sit up. His gaze remains fixated on hers and her brows pinch down at his words. "You're the one who should be more careful! If you thought I almost died here, then imagine you! Where the fuck is your weapon, Elizabeth?"
Her anger begins to bubble at his tone. Why must he think he's right? His aura is the only one she sensed, and it is still the only one she senses! "Imagine me?" She parrots. "Do you think they call me Blood-stained Ellie for nothing, one of the most feared goddesses by our enemies? Do you even know what kind of state you were in when I found you? You were bleeding from every damn part of your body, Meliodas! I think you have other things to worry about other than me!"
"Well, I'm fine now–"
"Because of me!" Elizabeth cuts him off, her hands flaring with light as her energy restores anew. "Because I healed you– I healed you so that I wouldn't- so that I wouldn't fucking lose you! Do you know how scared I was to find you like this, all beaten and bloodied?" She swore and then whispered, and had the circumstances been different, she would have smiled innocently at the surprise on the blonde's face as she swore. It was not often Elizabeth would curse like that, much less in front of someone.
A moment passes where the two merely stare at one another, the rain pressing harder and the wind becoming more harsh. His hair is wet, much like her own, and his torn clothes do barely anything to provide him some protection from the rain. Her own clothes too are wet but she honestly could not give a damn about her attire. She has more pressing matters to attend to.
"Why do you care so much, Ellie?" He asks, his eyes darting to her waist and she thinks that perhaps, at the moment, their strong eye contact has made him uncomfortable. "I know you would risk your life for someone you would've just met, but I'm not worth the time you're willing to give, you know that?"
"Why do I care," she repeats. "I care so much for you, Meliodas, can't you see that?" Her tears begin once more. "If I had truly lost you here– if I had to find out from one of Gloxinia's warriors that they found you dead after scouting, I don't know what I would do with myself!"
"You'd be fine without me, El-"
"No!" Elizabeth cuts him off and his eyes find hers again. She feels her tears run down her flushed cheeks as she lets her anger bubble over and get the best of her. "No, I would not be fine without you Meliodas! After everything we've been through, I wouldn't be fucking fine. I love you Meliodas," she says, completely out of line - her heart nearly stops beating within her chest as the words leave her mouth, but what's been said is done. He knows now. "I can't bear to see you hurt, Meliodas– it tears me up inside! I love you, I love you so much it hurts– I love–"
There's suddenly a soft pressure on her lips. Her eyes widen as she realizes that he'd leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss. Although it takes her a moment to calm her racing heart, her eyes close and she kisses him back. One of his hands cups one of her flushed cheeks, his fingers grasping her wet hair as they move to cup the back of her head. He tilts her head to the side to deepen their kiss and Elizabeth swears fireworks erupt all throughout her body.
She manages to elicit a groan from his lips - a noise she greedily swallows as her lips part against his - as she guides her hands to his shoulders, her fingers reaching for his neck as her dainty fingers intertwine with his wet blonde locks.
It continues to rain heavily but neither party cares for it. Their lips dance and glide, each enjoying the other's taste.
Alas, the need to breathe still exists, so they part reluctantly as they breathe heavily against one another. They press their foreheads together and she watches as he smiles at her so warmly when she opens her sapphire hued eyes. She knows her cheeks are flushed an even deeper red– only this time, it isn't because of her crying. Meliodas presses one more kiss to her lips and she laughs at his eagerness.
"You truly mean that?" He asks and she looks deeply into his hopeful eyes. "You really love me?"
"Of course I do," she tells him softly, trying to catch her breath. Her hands play with the hair that rests on the back of his neck. "I've loved you since that day you saved me from your old companions." One day, whilst they were still trying to kill one another, Elizabeth had been cornered by two of the Ten Commandments and she was at a massive disadvantage. She had already been terribly hurt and the Commandments she ran into were far from forgiving. Meliodas had shown up, realized what kind of situation she was in and had distracted the demons that were so bent on spilling her blood.
When they began to meet up, Meliodas had admitted to telling the Commandments that he simply wanted to kill her himself.
Obviously, it was not the case.
She did find out however, that he spared her not because he thought he wanted to kill her, but because he'd been growing a soft spot for her. The thought of it makes her smile– even more so after the moment the two just had.
"I've loved you since the day we met," he confesses and she is nothing short of shocked. He chuckles at her expression but she cannot help but smile. "I knew you were different, just by looking into those gorgeous eyes of yours. I knew you wouldn't be my enemy. I can't believe we still tried to kill each other," he laughs.
Elizabeth laughs along with him as well, pulling him closer and nuzzling his nose with her own. "I can't either. I'm glad we came to our senses before we did anything we would have come to regret."
He nods against her and presses his warm lips to her nose, then to each of her pinkened cheeks before swiftly capturing her lips once again. This kiss is somehow even sweeter than the first but it does not last as long. As they part once again, Meliodas smiles at her like she's the only woman in the world and it has her heart doing flips in her chest.
"Can I ask how you ended up so bruised?"
Meliodas winces quietly and softly at her question but answers her regardless. "My little brother somehow found me. He told me he would kill me and in retaliation I told him he didn't have it in him to end my life. I guess I was somewhat right? He only stabbed two of my hearts. It wouldn't be enough to kill me anyway."
"Meliodas," Elizabeth whispers against his skin. Her lips ghost his and she feels him smirk. "Please don't go saying that again. You lost so much blood, I was sure I was going to lose you when my healing took longer than it should have. I thought I was too late."
He hums. "I'm glad you found me, Ellie. I love you."
And then he presses his lips to hers again, softer and somehow slower than the first few they've already had in the span of ten minutes. Her eyes close and she thinks she understands the message he's trying to convey to her through his action. He's pouring his love into this kiss, his love for her that burns more than a million suns. His lips are soft against hers and she truly believes that there won't ever be anything as delectable and sweet as the blonde that holds her close.
Once they part, they merely stare into each other's eyes. Or, that is until Meliodas speaks again.
"I've dreamed of the day I could finally kiss you like this." His lips press to hers as he smiles.
"Meliodas!" Elizabeth gasps, butterflies fluttering throughout her body. "How brash of you," she teases. However, she kisses him back once more and says against his lips in a soft spoken promise; "I love you, too."