"So I was thinking that maybe if you didn't have anything to do later, you could take an extra shift. You can stay the night and we'll work something out for tomorrow." Meliodas said, putting a small stack of money in an envelope and setting it aside.
"You have been really busy lately, I don't mind helping out." Elizabeth replied with a smile.
"Thanks, I owe you one." The dragon sin set aside a second stack of money next to the envelope. "When Ban gets backed with the supplies, I'll ask him to make you some lunch. you've been working a lot lately."
"It's fine, I know you're a little short staffed right now. Lady Diane's been busy with Nevaeh and everything." Meliodas nodded.
"Yeah, King's been filling in when he can too. I'm actually surprised we've been doing so well. We should think about-" the conversation was cut short by Ban, King and Diane's arrival. Nevaeh sobbed in her father's arms.
"All I'm saying is it would've taken two seconds to stop and help me get this." Ban growled in irritation, carrying the large bags inside.
"Ban," king began quietly, it was clear to everyone that he was losing patience. "I haven't slept for more than an hour or two the last few days, between helping out here and getting up with Nevaeh in the middle of the night...many times a night. Do you really want to start with me right now, because I promise you, you will regret it." The fairy's tone had been different this time, Ban had never heard such a venomous tone from King.
"Speaking of helping out," Meliodas called from behind the bar. " King, I have something for you. " King handed Nevaeh to Diane and made his way over to the bar.
The dragon sin gave one of the envelopes to king.
"I can't promise I'll be able to do this am the time, but business has been good and since you have a daughter to look after, I'll give you something when I can. I'm also giving you the day off. You should try to sleep."
"Thanks. As nice as the thought is, I don't see us getting much sleep. Nevaeh will want fed soon. She's-"
"I can take her for a while, it's empty around this time anyway." Meliodas offered.
"I don't think that's a good idea, we'll manage."
"You don't trust me with her, do you King?" The fairy remained silent, shooting meliodas a pointed glare.
"How can I put this...have you seen the way you are with the princess, I don't-"
"Yeah but Nevaeh isn't my t-"
"I don't want you teaching her that's the right way for someone to greet her. What you two do is none of my business, but I won't have her seeing that and learning it's okay." Meliodas nodded .
"Fair enough, you're right. I don't want her to either, we all care about her. I won't do it in front of her."
"Were you drinking?"
"You really are protective of that little girl. No I haven't, not yet." The captain said.
"If you're going to watch her, I'd feel better if you didn't while she's with you."
"Don't worry Sir King, I'll look after her too." King looked to Diane.
"You know we can trust our friends, King." She smiled reassuringly.
"You swear?" King asked the dragon sin.
"On my life. My word is my bond." Diane had already handed the child over to Elizabeth.
"She's so cute." The princess cooed carrying the infant over to meliodas.
"All right, she'll need her bottle in about ten minutes, try to keep her on her feeding schedule , otherwise she gets upset. If anyone comes in, bring her upstairs. "
"We've got this, go try to rest while you can." The captain assured them. Diane smiled at the baby girl.
Nevaeh, mommy and daddy are going to be back soon, be a good girl for the princess and captain. I love you so much. " she said, moving toward the stairs. King sighed, approaching Elizabeth. Nevaeh reach out for her father, who allowed her to grasp his finger.
"I'll see you soon little princess, I love you." Nevaeh released him and the fairy king gently stroked the child's soft cheek and followed Diane to their room.
Once inside, King made himself comfortable on his pillow, while Diane sat on the edge of her bed. The fairy closed his eyes almost instantly. She drew in a deep breath.
"Hey King?" She called, her heart beating loudly in her ears,she wondered if King could also hear the the sound.
King forced himself to sit up.
"Yeah,Diane?" He replied, the fatigue was audible in his voice.
"Can we talk for a minute, I know you're tired. I promise I won't take long."
"Sure, you can always talk to me. Is something wrong?""
"Not exactly, can I come over there?" King nodded the young woman crossed to the other side of the room and stood in front of the fairy.
I just wanted to say you're- I don't know how to say it." She stared deeply into his eyes.
"Whatever it is, I'm sure-" King was silenced by Diane's soft lips pressed against his.
The fairy was stunned as his face turned a bright shade of crimson.
"Diane-" he began in a gentle tone.
"I remember... Harlequin. I remember us. I loved you so much. I remember your promise, I'll always love you. That's what you said."
"And I still do, Diane. All this time,I was sure you were in love with the captain. "
"I acted that way because I was afraid of losing you. If I told you and you didn't feel the same kind of love for me-"
"I didn't say anything because I thought you wanted to be be with him." King admitted. "I just wanted you to be happy. That's what matters most to me, you're safe and happy." Diane leaned closer kissing the fairy again, this time deepening the affection. Both wanting the other to feel all their love.
When at last they broke the kiss, Diane rested her forehead against King's.
"Always so gentle." Diane said with a smile. "Would you... Stay over on my side of the room, just for a little while?"
"If you're sure that's what you want." Diane took his hand, leading him to her bed. She laid down as King floated beside the bed.
"You can come down a little, you don't have to be so far above me. I want to see you when I wake up." King lowered himself to be eye level with Diane and laid back on the giant green pillow, facing her. Diane yawned
"Will you really stay with me like you said?" She held out her hand to him.
"Always. There's nowhere else I'd want to be." He confirmed, taking her hand in his own.
"I'll see you when I wake up then." She allowed her eyes to close.
"Yeah, I'll be here. Sleep well, Diane."
"You too, I love you."
"I love you too, more than you know." He said drifting off into a peaceful sleep.