Stand By Me by Fullmetal Pyromaniac

Chapter twenty-seven


It seemed like the days got longer and darker as the week progressed, yet it seemed like virtually no time had passed at all. Like sand, every precious second was pouring away into nothing. Elizabeth had barely stirred, even with all her visitors. Baltra had visited twice since his last visit, Margaret and Veronica were accompanied by Gilthunder twice, and all of the sins had returned at least once.

She had so much to wake up for.

Even, steady breathing and the constant beep of the machines wired into her were the only sounds of life. But even then, Meliodas noticed her breaths becoming softer, to the point he had to rest his head on her chest just to reassure himself that she was, indeed, alive.

The collection of cards and stuffed bears on her bedside table increased steadily. Meliodas sat next to her colouring in pieces of paper, when he wasn't lying next to her, just chatting as if she was responding. He never noticed Merlin gazing at the pair sadly, as Elizabeth's chance of survival dwindled and decreased.

Merlin visited on occasions as well, telling Elizabeth everything that had happened recently.

"Gowther said yes" Meliodas heard her one day, he had been at the bathroom and was now listening by the door, "He said he wanted to be my and Arthurs child"

There was a sniffle.

"I never thought I could be this happy, thank you for giving me courage to ask him. Wake up soon, for all of our sakes"

It was then Meliodas realised how big of an impact Elizabeth had on everyone, she truly affected every life she touched. Without her was a big black hole, an empty space. Meliodas ducked backwards, pretending to be on his phone when a nurse went past. She didn't look at him twice, instead knocking at the door to Elizabeth's room.

"Nurse Merlin? How is Miss Lyones' state?" The nurse asked sternly. Meliodas cursed her for being so heartless when Merlin was clearly upset. She coughed and pushed her chair back.

"Stable, but only just. Her vitals are the same for now, but are slowly decreasing. If she doesn't wake up, which is likely, we have until Friday, so three days. No more, no less"

Meliodas almost flinched at her hard tone, but as she left the room, he caught a hint of her bloodshot eyes.

In the hospital, work came first, feelings second. And that was it.

...

On Thursday everyone was on edge. Meliodas sat in his chair, back straight, like a puppet with its strings pulled taut. A knock sounded at the door, and Diane came shuffling in, her legs stronger but still building up the weak muscles.

"Hey" she greeted, Meliodas nodded.

Taking the seat next to him, she sighed and gazed at Elizabeth. Lying in front of them, pale, sickly, and completely silent. Her breathing was forced, like she was constantly gasping for air. Diane pulled her gaze away, instead focusing on Meliodas and his foggy green eyes.

"You'll be outta here soon, won't you captain?" she said, it was a question but was more like a statement. Meliodas nodded.

"Yep, I'm actually looking for apartments in Edinbourg. I've found a couple, but they're kinda expensive" He trailed off, coughing a few seconds later, "You're not staying long either, are you?"

Diane shook her head, "Nah, gonna wait until King's able to leave though. Merlin said she's found a small flat in the city, close to the school, so we can finish and get qualifications with ease"

Meliodas nodded, "That's a smart move"

"You should go to the same school as us! I think Ban will be getting out soon as well, though I'm not sure what year he'd be in..." She pondered, Meliodas managed a soft smile.

"Thanks Diane, but I need to see what Elizabeth's going to be doing before I make any proper plans. I'll keep them in mind though"

The sound of silence was filtered down by the incessant beeping coming from Elizabeth's machines.

"Meliodas" Diane spoke gently, "What will you do if Elizabeth doesn't wake up?"

There was no response, Diane opened her mouth to ask again when's Meliodas spoke up.

"I don't know"

Diane hung her head, it was the truth.

...

It came. The last day. Unlucky Friday.

Meliodas went through to Elizabeth's room as soon as he was able to.

Rain poured down from outside as Meliodas sat by the bed. This was it. In an hour the plug would be pulled, Elizabeth would be lost in her own mind never to be awoken. The fire in Meliodas' eyes were nothing but embers now.

Merlin knocked on the door and came in. Sombrely checking Elizabeth's vitals for the last time.

"She's still kicking, she might make it" Metin trailed off, Meliodas nodded.

"I know"

A little while later Elizabeth's sisters came in with Baltra. Veronica was glaring at the floor while Margaret was already dabbing at her eyes with Kleenex tissues. Baltra was managing to hold himself together, but only just, counting by the dozens of discarded tissues in the pocket under his wheelchair.

Meliodas gave them a small wave, "Hey"

"Good morning, Meliodas" Margaret greeted quietly with a tired smile. "How are you?"

A multitude of words spun through his head.

Tired, hopeless, sad, in agony.

He settled for, "Okay. And yourself?"

Margaret gave a bubbly laugh, choking on tears, "As good as I can be, considering"

The family sat on the rest of the plastic chairs, huddled around their sister. Meliodas began counting the rise and fall of Elizabeth's chest.

One...two...one...two...

Before he knew it, Merlin was tapping on his shoulder. Shaking his head, he looked at her. Sympathy shone in her eyes.

"She's got fifteen minutes left Meliodas, maybe it's time to start saying your goodbyes?"

No! Meliodas screamed internally, No she's still alive!

But instead he just nodded, numbness taking over his body like a tidal wave. He couldn't feel anything, he shuffled his chair forward robotically. Taking her hand in his, Baltra held onto her other one, his two daughters placing one hand on his shoulders.

"Please wake up Elizabeth, please" Baltra pleaded, but his daughter did not stir.

Meliodas placed his lips to the palm of her hand, slowly letting tears snake down his face.

"I'm sorry Elizabeth, I'm sorry" he whispered to her, letting his voice crack trying to keep silent. The peace was interrupted when Merlin came into the room, ghostly pale, and Meliodas felt his world crumble when she uttered two words:

"it's time"

Meliodas stared at her, eyes wide with horror.

"You may stay or you can leave, it's completely up to you"

Veronica and Margaret stood tall behind their father.

"We're staying" Veronica said, Meliodas had never heard her voice so quiet.

There was a small pause. Then Merlin placed a manicured hand on his shoulder.

"Meliodas? What do you want to do?"

He didn't know. He wanted her to live, so they could buy their apartment in Edinbourg, where he could run a tavern and she could wait tables. So they could grow old together, have a family.

"I'm sorry" he choked out, "I'm sorry. I can't stay"

He'd already seen one love of his life ide before his eyes, he couldn't stand to watch another go. Pressing a final kiss against Elizabeth's hand, he let out a shaky breath and stood, letting it drop onto the mattress.

Meliodas pushed back his chair, gave a sad smile to the Lyones family, and walked to the door, pushing the handle down but not opening it. His face was sodden and the excess water dropped around his bare feet. This couldn't be the end. Couldn't it?

"D...Don't leave"

That day, Meliodas swore he got whiplash as his neck jerked around to the hospital bed. Elizabeth's eyebrows were creased up in discomfort, her eyes scrunched up. Then slowly, very slowly, they began to open.

Wide eyes watched her as she slowly came to, sapphire eyes blinking until they regained focus. Elizabeth turned her head to the side and focused on Meliodas, finally giving him an award winning grin.

Merlin stood in shock, "I'll be right back" and she shot out the door.

Elizabeth then turned her gaze to her family, smiling and weakly squeezing her fathers hand.

"Hello...everyone" she croaked out. It was hoarse and rough but Meliodas had never heard a more beautiful sound in his life.

Margaret and Veronica wrapped their sister in kisses and hugs, squeezing her tight and not letting go. Her father pressed a kiss to her forehead and then moved back, signalling for Meliodas to come forward.

He did so carefully, as if walking too fast would break the illusion of her well being. Elizabeth's smile didn't waver as he stood above her, stroking a finger down her pale jaw.

"Hey...Meliodas" she rasped out. Meliodas snapped, grinning and letting a new flood of tears pour from his eyes he leapt forward and pressed his lips against Elizabeth's. They were dry and chapped but neither cared, Elizabeth's eyes widened then slowly closed, letting the sensations overwhelm her.

The pair broke apart and Meliodas leant his head on her stomach, crying softly. Elizabeth patted his hair gently, grinning at her family.

It was over.

It would be okay.


End of chapter twenty-seven.

A.N. ITS THE FINAL COUNTDOWNNNN...until the end. Damn, I almost can't believe it.

Okay, I won't be too long here, just I hope you enjoyed, drop me a review, follow and favourite, and thank you for reading!

See you in 28...;)

- Ruby xxx