Meliodas was never the type of guy to use his head when it really mattered. Not because he was incapable—God, no. Usually, his brain just shuts down when it's most important - like yesterday in the morning when Elizabeth broke down in front of him.

He couldn't lie, especially not to himself or his heart; he wanted to hug her. Wanted to put a hand on her head or on her shoulder and tell her everything would be alright - that anything and everything that might seem wrong would be resolved within seconds. And he doesn't know why he wants to do all this sappy shit with her—because God knows he'd barely even look at his one-night stands in the eye after sex.

As he keeps his gaze on her, analyzing her as she bites her lip, writing down notes in her somewhat small notebook, raising her head every now and again to pay attention to the professor, he slowly connects the dots.

Meliodas has not known her for long, not at all. A week or so at best. But he's seen her vulnerable, seen her happy, seen her cry, seen her upset and worked up– hell– seen her drunk even.

In such little time she has shown him things that as far as he is aware, no one else has really seen before. Besides Diane, most likely. And he comes to the conclusion that Elizabeth Liones is a kind hearted woman, putting herself before others regardless of what sort of pain or consequence she might face. And he thinks, perhaps, she is being taken for granted. Not by any of her friends (at least, he'd sure hope not), not by her family, but by the school and her work.

She said her job would fire her if she missed even a day. Of course, he's certain Elizabeth would let them know beforehand - and he's never worked a day in his life at the restaurant she works at, so he wouldn't know how they handle things there - yet… the way she told him, that they would fire her without even a second thought, he suspects they'd fire her just for the hell of it. Regardless of how long she's worked there, or how hard she works every day she's on the clock.

In the long run, Meliodas supposes that Elizabeth is a wonderful girl. She's pretty - beautiful even, if he dared to say - smart beyond belief, family oriented, caring and considerate. He'd be lying if he said he didn't want her to stick around– but knowing his reputation and how she responded to it, he knows she doesn't really want the same.

And yet… he hadn't slept with anyone in a while. Around a month, not including this week where he met Elizabeth, he thinks? Meliodas had spent so much time with his brother and going to his basketball practices that he hadn't really had the time.

As he continues to look at the silverette (had his eyes ever left her from the moment he saw her in this classroom?), his heart stutters in his chest at the sudden realization. He's attracted to her, that much he can't deny. He swallows thickly - Elizabeth… wasn't his type, right? What even was his type?

His breath is a little heavier as his eyes rake over her body - from her acute nose, long thick lashes and slightly rosy cheeks to her chest– and he thanks any God above for the low-cut t-shirt she decided to wear that shows some part of her cleavage– to her flat tummy and the slight flare of her thighs confined by her jeans. Her coat was folded on her lap - and he curses the winter time.

To see her in less-than-thick clothing… oh a dream. Thankfully, winter was about to end. Just another two or three weeks and it would be spring. The transition is always quick - though he wishes it would come quicker.

Meliodas knows now. He wants to get into her pants.

The thought alone would have Elizabeth hate him for the rest of their lives, but he can't deny it. The impression of imagining her underneath him, asking for him to ruin her, her hands gliding over any and every part of his body—

Oh no.

He is lusting over a girl that doesn't even like him! Lusting over a girl that is stubborn and feisty, driven by both emotion and critical thinking! But… Meliodas does enjoy a challenge…

First and foremost, he must get her to actually tutor him again. He can't very well just tell her he wants to fuck her - Lord, that's a one-way ticket to hell just as much as it is a certain way to keep him behind fucking bars. Having a sexual harassment charge tied to his name is not something he wants.

However, once he's able to get her to agree to tutor him again, he can slowly work his way into becoming actual friends with her. Then maybe, if she's buttered up enough, she'd let him do what he wants with her.

As… sadistic as that may sound.

Again, he was never one to really use his brain when it mattered. His dick typically did his thinking for him when the situation wasn't regarding anything life-threatening or just plain sad.

He purses his lips at his next thought, sinking further into his seat. Mael is an obstacle. She is so clearly head over heels for the guy - he caught her staring at him as if he were a fucking slab of meat, ready for the taking. And he still stands by what he said; he doesn't know what the hell she sees in him. As far as Meliodas is aware, Elizabeth doesn't really know Mael. Heard of him, clearly, seen him a few times, but other than that, what is there to even like?

Looks, sure. He understands that. A little too well, considering he wants to screw Elizabeth just based off of her looks alone, disregarding her loving and caring nature.

And Meliodas knows it isn't a competition. Fuck, he knows Elizabeth is her own person, and can choose how or who she has her own affairs with, but when Meliodas sees something he wants, he'll do whatever the hell it takes to get it. In this case, he'll do anything to ensure Elizabeth looks his way and only his. (Does he realize how creepy he sounds? No. No he does not.)

Meliodas is already aware of how much of a dick Mael could be. He's heard from Mael's friends and he assumes ex-partners that he is incredibly full of himself. He talks endlessly about himself and only himself– as if he is the only thing that is interesting about the world. The blonde rolls his eyes - it's one thing to love yourself but it's a completely different thing to think that you are at the top of the world and should be adored by every single person you'd ever locked eyes with.

Maybe it's all false information - even so, Meliodas knows how these things work. Especially at this university and many others, actual real news can spread like a wildfire. And he's met the guy personally—he's a self-pretentious asshole that thinks he's above and better than everyone else.

Meliodas is probably number one on that list that Mael thinks he's better than.

With a soft exhale, and keeping his eyes on Elizabeth, he wonders what his next course of action should be. How can he convince her to tutor him again? She said she wasn't sure when he called her - nonetheless he's sure he can convince her. Maybe he could offer to do something for her? Like he had at first; clean her dorm for her every weekend. He wouldn't really mind doing that, if he were honest.

Perhaps he could do her groceries, or he could buy her things she might need. Necessities, things she wants for the hell of it. Although… maybe trying to buy her forgiveness and favor isn't the way to go.

His eyes widened at his next brilliant idea—what if… what if he somehow managed to set up a day for her to visit her family? He could drive her to see her sisters, nephew and father. Without knowing where they live though, that's an issue. Maybe Diane knows? Would she be willing to help him?

Elizabeth might actually love him if he can pull this off. The question is, how can he catch Diane and ask her to help him?

Lord. All of this because he lusts for her.

No matter, he supposes. Elizabeth is a golden star with a golden heart - she deserves everything wonderful in the world. Meliodas doesn't really care for most people; just his brother and his best friend, and few other friends, too. He wants to add Elizabeth to that list. Even if he does get to the point where he can be intimate with her, he knows she'll want her around. Even if she'll grow to really despise him..

How did he suddenly become so infatuated with her? Was his dick really missing pussy that much that he was going to go above and beyond for Elizabeth?

It is not even guaranteed in the slightest that Elizabeth would go for him, even if she begins to favor him - especially with knowing what kind of man Meliodas is when it comes to relationships and women. Elizabeth does not seem like the type of woman to fuck someone in her bed or even theirs just to leave them and never see them again like he does.

No, Meliodas can tell; Elizabeth would not settle for just anyone. She'll build a relationship with someone before being intimate with them - she'd do every little thing right with a man that he refuses to do with a woman solely because he doesn't want anything serious.

Yet—isn't it serious? The way he wants to fuck Elizabeth? Blow her mind the way no one has been able to do for her? Is that not serious, Meliodas?

Always thinking with his dick. It's almost as if he never grew out of the mindset of being a thirsty teenager. With Elizabeth though—there is something about her that keeps him drawn in. What exactly is it? Her innocent nature? Her fierce tone and face she puts on when she stands her ground with him? Her sweet smile and bubbly laugh that is probably not as sexy in reality but he thinks is hot anyway?

God what is she doing to him…?

Well, he has made his mind up regardless. He'll somehow ask Diane to give him an address to Elizabeth's home, or one of her sisters' numbers to set something up. Which also means he'll have to march his ass down to her work and persuade her manager or her boss to let her have a weekend off…

He's never backed down from a challenge. Her work place will be no different.

When Meliodas is brought back to reality, his eyes really focusing on Elizabeth once more, he observes as she packs her bag. He glances off to the side, where their professor had been giving the lecture by his desk, the realization dawning on him. Class was ending.

Wanting to get on her good graces, Meliodas corrects his seating and footing, leaning forward to grab Elizabeth's coat before it falls from her lap. The fabric is soft and somewhat thick against his calloused hands. She shoots him a look but he only grins warmly, hoping this isn't somehow pissing her off. Lord, this girl is just as confusing as she is alluring.

She comes to a stand, as does he, and shifts so he is standing behind her. Elizabeth makes a confused sound in her throat but he disregards it easily. Meliodas wants to help her put her coat on - and judging by how she reacts, he'll get the gist and idea of what he could do to get her to like him. Okay, maybe not like yet. Just get her to hate him a little less.

He murmurs something to her, silently asking for her to raise her arms slightly and she thankfully, sort of surprisingly, complies with his request.

The blonde pulls one arm through one sleeve of her coat, the other following. He adjusts her coat where it meets her back and he grins in his accomplishment. Elizabeth looks at him over her shoulder and she blushes - a light pink dust fanning over her cheeks.

"Thank you," she says softly.

In response, Meliodas spreads his grin a little wider. "My pleasure." Thank God she doesn't know what's going on inside his head - it'll be his pleasure when he can finally get into her pants.

Is he an asshole for thinking like this? For thinking about the girl he needs to tutor him like she was one of his sick fantasies? The answer is yes. No doubt about it. But he just can't help it! She is just so… inexplicably tempting. Without even lifting a finger, too! Fuck, someone help him.

All too soon, her gaze is being drifted away from his, and he follows her turning head only to raise his brow at the man that stands suddenly next to Elizabeth's seat.

Mael. Of course. The obstacle.

Bastard.

"Elizabeth, right?" His voice sounds smooth, like a velvety silk. Meliodas wants to gag in his mouth with the way his eyes crinkle as he smiles that stupid, dumb-ass smile. Would he be suspended or expelled for punching him square in the face? Actually, scratch that. He'll go to fucking jail, nevermind being kicked out of school.

"Ah," she squeaked. A cute little noise. How much pleasure would Meliodas find in hearing more cute little noises from her? Too much, probably. None if he's not the one causing them, though. "Yes? Do you need something?"

"No, not particularly," Mael chuckles. "I just never thought I would ever be able to meet our school's valedictorian. Have you ever failed a single test in your life, Elizabeth?"

She giggles, a sweet sound. Fucking hell, Meliodas needs his fix of her, soon if not now. Had he always been lusting for her like this? Good God. He has been from the very beginning, hasn't he? Meliodas can't deny he watched her ass - quite literally - as she worked the first day they met… "No, I don't think I have, not even in grade school. What made you want to talk to me?"

Mael brings a hand up to cup at the back of his neck. Is he - is he faking being nervous right now? His eyes do not convey any hint of anxiety. If anything, he seems more cocky than anything. Why was Meliodas still standing there, so close to Elizabeth? "Nothing, really, I… you just seem like a great girl and I'd like to talk to you more often. If that's something you'd want, of course."

Mael knows she'll say yes. Both Mael and Meliodas know she'll turn into putty in Mael's hands.

"I-If," she clears her throat, "if that isn't too much trouble for you, Mael. Would you like my socials so you could contact me if you ever need to?" She is nervous though, the blonde can tell.

"I think I follow you on Insta already," he admits with another chuckle. To punch or not to punch… hm, choices, choices. "I follow pretty much anyone at our school that has a good rep to their name." Okay. Red flag. Jesus Christ.

"Oh. Well, you know my name, just reach out any time!"

He hums. "Is Meliodas your boyfriend?" He asks abruptly, his tone undecipherable. Right to the point, huh?

Elizabeth hums, confused. But it seems to dawn on her - Mael probably saw Meliodas help her put her coat on. Doesn't mean anything though. Not to anyone that can't read his mind. "N-No, Meliodas is… Meliodas is just a friend."

A friend. Is he really?

"I see," the taller man tilts his head to the side. "And about contacting you. Will do," Mael responds to her offer, taking the hand that was on his neck to grasp one of hers, bringing her hand up to his mouth as he bends down, pressing his lips to her knuckles. Meliodas cannot do anything but watch as her face ignites in a blush. "Until next time," he bids her a farewell, turning on his heels and leaving the two alone.

Meliodas snarls slightly - Mael hadn't even acknowledged him once! He just… waltzed up to them, keeping his eyes solely on Elizabeth and trying to flatter her as if she were some—some toy ready for the taking.

Could Meliodas even complain though? Wasn't he trying to do the same as Mael? Win her affection just to screw her?

This is awful. Absolutely awful. Even worse for Elizabeth because she has feelings for the big ass lug! What is he to do when he finds out Mael fucked her and left her in the dust, inevitably hurting her feelings? Why would he care? She isn't— she won't—

Meliodas just wants to fuck her. Yes, he's realized he wants to be her friend too, but why is he suddenly feeling so protective over her? She doesn't even like him, and likely never has, so why? Why was his heart trying to split and go in two different directions? Why in the actual hell did his dick decide to take over for him and demand he go for Elizabeth?

For what, a good fifteen minutes of sex that will take way too long to finally get to?

Elizabeth is more than that. Some part of his cold, dead heart knows that. She isn't someone that would allow herself to be played with as if she were some plaything. No, she knows her worth. Meliodas knew that.

"Still," Meliodas says with a sigh, "don't see what you see in him."

"Well maybe you're not supposed to," she chides. "You're not into guys, as far as I'm aware. Why would you want to see what I see?"

Meliodas snorts, taking her bag once she's done packing her belongings into it, and astoundingly, she doesn't protest him taking it. He holds it for her, letting her walk and lead the way as they leave the classroom. "I didn't know you were that curious about my sexuality, Ellie."

"Why do you call me Ellie?" Elizabeth asks him, glancing at him as he walks by her side. "It's usually just my closest friends and family that call me that…"

The blonde grins, a teasing smirk overcoming his lips. "What? Am I not a close friend? You just said I was your friend when you were speaking to what's-his-face." And what's-his-face needs to realize he won't get Elizabeth. Not when she becomes aware of how much of a walking red-flag he is…

"Well… I…"

"It's alright if you're not sure," Meliodas continues. "But… I'd like to be friends." Did he sound as sappy as he thinks he did? "To be honest," he adds.

Elizabeth squeaks, another cute noise. "Really? You want to be friends with me? You don't seem like the type. Unless this is another one of your ways to try to get me to tutor you again? Can't you just let me think about it?"

Smiling, he chuckles. In the long run, isn't that what he's trying to do anyway? Yes, however Elizabeth is far too much of a delight to simply let go of. So yes, he'd like to be friends with her. "Considering that I know something your own best friend doesn't," he says, referring to her family situation, "I think we're on a friendly level. Aren't we?"

"Maybe…" she mutters. "And you already know where I live, stayed the night to look after me because I got drunk…"

"I do know. And I did do that," Meliodas confirms, unneeded.

Elizabeth giggles. "Okay. Friends it is then. You're lucky I'm in a good mood, Vayne."

"Oh, I'm thanking my lucky stars, Liones."

And they share a laugh, walking together until she notices she can't get back to her dorm because Diane had dropped her off, speeding off to see her aunt. He offers her a ride, which she accepts gratefully, and he wonders at a red light how he can convince Diane to help him get Elizabeth to see the family she misses with all her heart.

ooo

we have an established friendship after 33k words! hooray! (this was also my favorite chapter to write so far)