"How long's it been?" I say as I fit my fingers with his, fearing he'd disappear if I let him go. It just seemed too unlikely and the fact that he just appeared out of nowhere doubled my doubts. I'd hate for this to be another dream where I'm forced to think I'd see him again. It's bad enough that I've been cast out by my own kind...

We were sitting by the fountain in the courtyard, Diane and Ban leaving us to catch up. From what I'd caught from them both, they were part of a select group of students who'd all wronged the school in some way. Diane had had a fight with numerous girls, apparently over envy and Ban had stole a couple things that were important. In total there were seven students and apparently Meliodas was the leader of them all. But that meant a lot of time had to pass since I last saw him.

"I say around five years," He chuckled his thumb grazing my knuckles, "But you haven't seemed to have changed much. Though I do remember you with wings."

"I had to hide them," I blushed slightly, "But what about you? How come you came here? Didn't your father say - "

"I didn't want to live by his rules anymore," Meliodas answered simply, "He crossed a line when I last saw him, so I left."

I froze in shock. Meliodas had just up and left from his home. Leaving behind everything he knew just to come here, even when he knew that something could happen to him. That he was vulnerable down here.

"You just left like that?" My eyes were wide, "Meliodas you shouldn't have! You know he's a very powerful man."

"I know, but this was my only chance to see you again," He sighed, as he held my face in one of his hands. I couldn't help but relax into the familiar texture of his calloused hands. They were warm and safe, a contrast to the smooth and cold hands I'd often encountered. "I don't want to forget you Elizabeth."

I'd forgotten how different it was a few years ago. When none of us knew the social workings of relationships or such things. That's probably why we're so close and why people often misread us as a couple.

Tears filled my eyes as a smile and hue of red covered my face. I knew I meant a lot to Meliodas, but to hear that from him made my heart flutter with joy. Even after being gone for five years, we still held each other in high regard. I'd always thought that he'd blamed me for what happened, but he seems to be fine. I'm glad of that.

"I...feel the same Meliodas," I wrap him into a hug, which he returns. Maybe now things would be different. Especially since we has both had time to develop down here alone.

However the reunion was interrupted by an expectant cough.

Caught off guard, and possibly from practice, we both sprung apart. I guess spending a hundred years as secret friends, causes someone to get used to acting as if you hate each other. I definitely need to get out of that old habit, I think Meliodas does as well.

"Well Captain," A senior year stood in front of us. She had short black hair and hazel eyes. With her uniform she wore a navy tie and had her cardigan tied at her waist, her sleeves rolled up and the top few buttons undone on her shirt. "When were you gonna introduce us to your little friend?"

I blinked as my gaze shifted to the six people behind her. The familiar faces of Ban and Diane were in there, mixed with the others. Two had auburn hair, however one had a mustache and wore glasses, while the other had more of a baby face and floated on a pillow. There was also a guy with pink hair and glasses and what appeared to be a pig.

"Yeah, I never knew Cap'n had a girlfriend~" Ban teased.

"Please!" Diane huffed crossing her arms, "They're clearly really good friends. They probably know each other from before Captain came here."

"That is possible," The ginger who floated on a pillow, spoke as he floated closer to me, "But I'm sure they were about to make out."

A mini squabble broke out between the group, while the pink haired guy decided to question me. He adjusted his glasses before autonomously speaking.

"Who are you to the Captain?" The guy with pink hair came face to face with me. His features were blank, brows raising ever so slightly. "And why did you two suddenly go far away from each other?"

I felt my face grow red at his comment, causing my thoughts to scramble. I was used to attention, but not this much on me at once. Especially when being pressed into answering. I was usually given time, not surrounded all at once. Luckily Meliodas saved me.

"Guys this is Elizabeth," His eyes drifted between us, "Elizabeth this is the Sins."

"Oh...um, hi?" I still wasn't out of my flustered state. I internally sighed as I bow my head.

"No need to be shy with me, Elizabeth!" Diane beamed as she grabbed me by the arm, "I was the first to meet you! Besides Captain and Ban of course."

"So no-one thought to introduce us?!" The boy on the pillow seemed annoyed, "You know any friend of the Captain's is a friend of ours."

"I already know Elizabeth," The senior girl responded, "It's ok if you don't recall me, you knew me when I was a child. The name Merlin should ring a bell however."

"Merlin?" I smiled as recollection filled my mind, "Look how much you've grown! I remember when I used to babysit you."

Merlin used to be dropped off to me when her parents visited my neighbourhood. They usually trusted me with her because she told them about how much fun we had and some new story I'd told her. I would've never guessed she'd surpass me in how mature she looks, but then again I do age gradually.

"Indeed," She chuckled, "But it seems the roles have reversed."

I nodded, humming in agreement.

"Well, I'm Gowther," The pink haired guy greeted me blankly with a handshake. I'm guessing he was a literalist of some sorts, "He is King, or Harlequin, though he prefers to be King and the other student beside me is Escanor."

"I don't need you to introduce me, Gowther," King sighed as he peered at me, before turning to Escanor, "Don't you find it annoying?"

"Not really," The other ginger smiled skittishly, "Introductions are just formalities really."

"Is anyone gonna introduce me at any point?!" I couldn't help but yelp as I saw the pig come forward. I'm pretty sure it spoke too. "I'm Hawk, Captain of Scraps disposal! But me and my mama are also the mascots of the school. How do you do Elizabeth?"

"I'm fine," I answer shakily before sighing, "Just a bit overwhelmed."

"That makes sense," Diane spoke and the others nodded, "A talking pig isn't normal."

"Hey!" Hawk glared at the brunette, "Giant girls aren't normal either!"

"Hawk is right," Gowther adjusted his glasses before looking at me, "It also seems you haven't answered my question from earlier. Who are you to the Captain?"

"An old friend," Meliodas and I answer in unison.

"I see," Gowther nodded as he seemed to process the information. Maybe he was writing it down in a mental notebook.

"Well, I'm gonna take Elizabeth on this tour," Diane spoke hurriedly as she dragged me away from the Sins, "You guys enjoy break!"


"I finally got you out of there," Diane sighed as she lead me down a hall.

We'd stopped at a few classrooms, Diane explaining where each of the subject departments were as well as the quickest routes. We'd also passed the library, cafeteria and sports hall. Right now we were approaching the pool and then it'd be off to the dorms before heading to lunch.

"It was actually quite alright," I smile, "The Sins seem friendly."

"Oh, they are," Diane beamed. She then grimaced. "However they can be overbearing at times. If you ever need any girl one-on-one don't hesitate to call!"

"I won't," I nod as we stop in front of a building.

It was large and square decorated with colored tiles and the Academy's logo. It looked quite plain considering how everything else on campus looked. Nevertheless, Diane led me inside. She grabbed a key from the teacher on duty and brought me through the female changing rooms to the pool. There were two pools, an outdoor and indoor pool. One was used during colder days and the other on warmer.

"Swimming is once a week," Diane spoke, "However on weekends there's usually some sort of event. Usually it's a pool party."

"Pool party?" I raise a brow.

"Yep, it's a lot of fun!" She seemed to buzz with excitement, "You should actually come to the one this weekend! Jericho and Guila are hosting it, although I don't get along with Jericho, I'm going. Plus it's a chance to make new friends~"

"Oh, I don't know," I say my cheeks reddening as I bit my lip. The thought of going into a pool, possibly exposing my wings, was daunting. I didn't want anyone to find out about my identity, let alone that I had wings. I would probably be kidnapped or sold on the black market if someone found out. Maybe even made into a sex slave.

"Please," Diane pleaded. Her purple eyes seemed to glisten as she pouted.

Guilt spiked my gut. I can't let her feel bad. She is trying to make sure I have a good time here after all. Maybe going this once won't be so bad. Right?

"Oh..um, sure," I smiled, my cheeks a slight tinge of pink.

"Yes!" Diane fist pumped before continuing the tour, "Now let's make our way to the dorms."


"Elaine!"

A blonde appeared at Diane's call. She looked similar to King, her golden eye colour especially. She wore a white tie with her uniform, contrasting greatly with the black of her school shirt. She probably got a black one because of her tie colour.

"You called?" She peered at me and then Diane, "Oh, you wanted to introduce me to your roommate!"

"Yep," Diane beamed, practically hopping from excitement, "She's gonna come with us to the pool party on Saturday."

"She is?!" Elaine squealed in excitement before frowning. She then turned to me, "Excuse me for being so informal. I should've introduced myself. I'm Elaine, you may know my brother, King."

"I'm Elizabeth," I smile in response, "I thought you looked familiar!"

"I get that a lot," Elaine played with her sleeves, "Anyway, we have to make sure you're all set for Saturday."

"But isn't Saturday in three days?" I blinked. I saw no need to prepare for something that was in more than forty eight hours in advance. I mean all I really needed to bring was a swimsuit and perhaps sunblock. Maybe even a spare outfit if I want to change out of my swimsuit.

"That's why we have to get you ready now," Diane grabbed me by the arm, gently guiding me to her room. She then sat me down in front of her dressing table. Elaine then came in, carrying a few things.

I couldn't help but feel nervous as I spotted the two girls whispering and getting out a few items, only to put them back down. Tweezers, razors, curling irons, straighteners. Back in Celestial Prep, no-one ever cared for cosmetics or beauty; we were all naturally attractive. However I do know what some of these things were. I also knew that many of these were painful as many go by the saying: 'beauty is pain'. And it was definitely literal.

"You got the waxing strips?" Diane raised a brow as she pulled down my stocking, "Never mind, her skin's smooth!"

"What about the bikini line?" Elaine tilted her head to the side, "That's a crime to not be done."

"Oh yes," Diane nodded, "We have to get that done too."

I frowned as I heard their words. I knew exactly what a bikini line was and it was definitely painful.

I took in a deep breathe as I looked at both girls' reflections in the mirror. They were definitely going to experiment on me.


"What happened to you?" Meliodas raised a brow as I slumped down at the table Diane directed me to.

After a whole hour of her and Elaine's 'preparations' I was in numb all over, and feeling exhausted. If that was not enough I felt like I couldn't move my legs, otherwise it'd feel like hell. I remember screaming and crying out in pain into a pillow. It was terrible.

I'm pretty sure Meliodas noticed this too because concern was etched all over his face. Thank goodness it was only him at the table. I think I'd die of shame if anyone else knew why I was in so much pain. But I'll still omit some things from my explanation.

"Diane and Elaine experimented on me," I say with a shudder.

"That must've sucked," Meliodas responded as he stabbed his food with a fork, "Most girls who are left with them for an hour come out in tears."

"I can definitely see why," I say as I roll the peas on my plate around with my fork, "Do you ever find it strange that on the surface they have so many customs?"

"I did for a while," His tone was thoughtful before grinning, "But some of them aren't too bad."

"Really?" I say my eyes full of wonder and curiosity.

"Yeah, there's a thing called marriage down here," He nodded, "The others told me it's like a contract."

I'm pretty sure I've been told about that. Margret always told me that she and Gilthunder had plans to get married, which I found odd since Meliodas and I were a lot older than her and Gil. Not that Meliodas and I were anything significant, but it does get quite annoying when everyone grows up before your eyes while you're still stuck as a child. I've been this age for the past few years now. No signs of ever growing up.

"I've heard of that," I smile, "It's what people do when they love each other and they agree to be together till death. Apparently you do it with someone very special to you."

"You guys talking about marriage?" Ban seated himself at the table, joined by Elaine, "And here I thought you two weren't dating."

"They're not, Ban," Elaine laughed as she playfully slapped his bicep, "They're just talking about the concept."

"It's fine Elaine," Meliodas grinned, "After all Ban's just jealous I've got Elizabeth."

"Please, Elaine's way better," Ban smirked, revealing his unusually sharp canines.

"With that child body, sure," Meliodas chuckled a little.

Elaine and I just sighed as the two continued to go back and forth, going over who as better and why. It more or less got to the point that I had enough and interrupted it.

"Meliodas and I are just friends, so you guys' debate is kinda pointless," I say, making the both of them look at me.

"Well, I say you guys should date," Ban smirked, "You already seem so attached~"

"That's because we've known each other for hundreds of years," I say slowly. I never really was one to hide my age.

"Hundreds of years, huh?" Ban raised a brow, "So how old are you two? You both look around sixteen."

"Stop pressing Ban," Diane huffed as she bonked his head with her lunch tray, "Anyone would think you're Merlin with how much info you're trying to get."

"I find that insulting," Merlin spoke, unfazed as she sat down beside Diane, "So, are you two squabbling over how many times you won in an arm wrestling match again?"

"Nope," Both answer.

"They were actually debating about us," Elaine gestured between me and her.

"Typical," Merlin sighed as she ate a french fry, "I suggest you guys sit back and watch, because that was only the beginning."