I couldn't help but smile as I sat across from Diane, the both of us enjoying a quiet lunch for once. After excitedly taking me to all her favorite places, she'd told me about the best place to grab lunch. It was a small cafe with a cozy atmosphere. They had all sorts of appealing cakes, meals and treats on offer and I could see why Diane favored it over the others. It was quiet and peaceful. A nice change of pace from the often packed cafeteria we had lunch in daily.

With all of the students rushing in and out of it, there was always some sort of huge event every day. Whether that was a small fight or full out riot, it always seemed to disturb the atmosphere. Though I don't believe they happen too often. Though Diane did tell me riots happen more often than I think, with students rebelling from the tiniest things. One of those being uniforms. However I've never witnessed one yet. I've only heard other students whispering about the idea, maybe forming groups that are soon disbanded. Forgotten for a new idea or trend.

"So, any ideas on what to do next?" Diane quirked a brow, a smile on her lips, "We've only got an hour left till we meet the others and I think I've shown you enough for one day."

"Not really," I say, sinking into thought. There wasn't really anything I wanted to do particularly. Coming from a wealthy background meant I'd experienced quite a few things already. In fact, I was just glad to finally be free of the Holy Knights' constant watch for a while. Not nervous of tripping up or saying something they'd disagree with. Even if they were on the lookout for me as we speak.

"Ok," The brunette shrugged, "I guess we can just go to the ice rink for an hour."

"That sounds fun," I smile softly.

Although I'd admit I haven't gone ice skating often, I've enjoyed the times I have. Especially since Margaret and Veronica made it so enjoyable. We used to head there all the time when were younger and Margaret used to show me how to twirl and do poses, while Veronica taught me how to skate backwards and weave between gaps. Both of my sisters seemed like polar opposites, however with me they taught me everything they knew. Forming the blend I am today.

Diane and I continued to talk while finishing off lunch. We shared things like our favorite colours and things we do in our spare time, playing a few games like twenty questions. You know, friend stuff. Everything had run smoothly until a new customer came in. Someone I recognised immediately. Dark blonde hair styled into a messy quiff and purple eyes. Someone I had spent a considerable amount of my childhood with.

"Howzer?" Diane raised a brow as she spotted him, "What he is doing here?"

"He's probably helping Jericho and Guila," I recall the knights' conversation as I sunk further down in my seat. I needed to make sure I wasn't spotted, as soon as I stepped back onto campus everything would go back to normal. Maybe it'll be worse. After all I openly defied Guila and Jericho, it wasn't like I was entirely innocent. I was at fault for this too.

"Makes sense," She nodded before passing me a menu, "Stick your head in there. I'll handle the rest."

"Are you sure?" I ask as I take the menu.

"Yep," Diane nodded.

Howzer was occupied, talking to an employee and the counter. From the responses I could see he was probably describing what I looked like and who I was probably with. I had to quickly duck into the menu as the employee pointed towards Diane and me. Howzer thanked them and soon I heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching us. I held a breath as I suddenly found the menu much more interesting than it was few moments ago. As if the list of items sold here would help me blend in more.

"Hey Howzer," Diane greeted airily, "What brings you here today? Ditching again?"

"I'd like to say I was," He seemed to sigh. My throat tightened as he leaned against the wall near me, "Guila and Jericho told me about Elizabeth ending up off campus, so I had to come help."

"That must suck," The brunette responded. From the way she spoke to him, they had to be good friends. Especially since Howzer seemed to not despise her like other Holy Knights. In fact they both seemed to hold friendly tones for each other as they spoke. None holding any venom or animosity.

Diane sighed, "But she isn't with me. Last I saw her was this morning in first period, we had math together. I asked her if she wanted to ditch but she said no."

"So who's that friend of yours?" Howzer's question was quick, but not suspicious. It was more curious.

I felt myself flush as I sensed his gaze on me, watching my movements. He was probably focusing on my unique hair colour. Silvery. Something not too many people possessed, despite the array of colours people have. Pink, purple, even lavender. Hair colour was like the rainbow these days, colourful and expressive; But not everyone had my shade. Especially in such a silvery colour.

"Ah, that's my cousin," Diane passed it off casually as she leaned towards the table, "She's visiting for the week to show off her new hair colour. Sorry for not telling you sooner, she's really shy and I wanted to make sure she had fun. That was why I wanted Elizabeth to come."

A silence seemed to pass through us. Diane and me waiting for Howzer's answer and the knight still focusing on whether to believe the brunette or not. Her story seemed to fit though, because he soon flashed a smile. It was friendly and genuine, a light air surrounding him. He probably thought this may be a shot at finally getting a number. After all Howzer had terrible luck with girls.

"Well, it's good to know you have some family somewhere," The knight's serious tone had turned friendly. He turned to Diane moving away from the wall near me, "It must be a relief after what happened."

"Yeah," A glimpse of sorrow passed over Diane, quickly replaced with a smile, "I don't have much left. Gotta make the moments count!"

He nodded, "Well it was nice bumping into you two. If you see Elizabeth tell her to head to the entrance. Jericho's waiting for her there."

Diane nodded and I gave Howzer a simple wave as he exited the cafe. As soon as he was out of sight, I let the menu fall to the table and released a sigh. That was definitely too close for comfort. I could hear my heart hammering in my chest, the rapid beat muffled in my ears.

"You ok?" Diane asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Yeah," I breath as I place a hand over my racing heart, "Let's just head to the ice rink. Hopefully they've checked there already."

"Ok, I'll just pay the bill," Diane then got up taking her school bag with her.

"Diane, you don't have to!" I stumble behind her, awkwardly shrugging on my bag.

She's already lied for me, the last thing I want is for her to pay for lunch too. I quickly catch up to her, my face red with determination and gratitude.

"Don't worry about it, Elizabeth," She winked as she placed a hand on my shoulder, "Consider it my treat. After all, Captain decided to drag you out of class today."

I bit my lip, stubbornness overtaking gratitude. As much as I'd love to let Diane pay the bill, it just isn't right. We should at least go halves, or I could do something in return. I'd feel really bad if she ended up paying for the whole thing.

"Let's at least go halves," I offer and Diane simply grins.


Diane ended up paying the bill. I don't know how but she did and I feel incredibly guilty for it.

I bit my lip as I watched the brunette put on her skates, a small smile on her lips. I had to make it up to her somehow. She'd made sure I had a great day today and even insisted on paying for lunch. There has to be something I can do in return for her.

"You're gonna love this Elizabeth!" Diane chirped as she tied up her laces, "I usually go with King, but I'm sure you'll like this too."

"Yeah, I've gone before," I say as I slowly stand up, trying not to trip over my own two feet.

It was a little chilly over here. I could feel a cold breeze skim my legs and arms, causing me to shiver slightly. Ice rinks always were cold I should've remembered my other sock, if I did then I wouldn't feel as cold as I do now. Not to mention my clumsiness. I hope it doesn't kick in on the ice.

"Really?" She seemed surprised, "I thought you hadn't."

"No I have," I confirm, "But it was years ago."

The taller girl nods as she leads me to the rink, getting us onto the ice. I was a little shaky at first, starting off near the wall and refusing to move. Diane wasn't too happy with this and tried everything she could to pry me from the wall.

"Come on Elizabeth!" Diane whined as she skated backwards, "It's easy see!"

She definitely made it look easy. Especially with how she effortlessly skated backwards, doing a few turns to return to skating forward. I wouldn't be surprised if she told me she did figure skating or ice hockey, she has the skills to say so. She was in her element here, well in all sports really.

"I know, but what if I fall?" I say thinking of my uncovered leg. It would be extremely cold.

"Well you'll just have to chance it," She answered, grabbing my hand and forcing me away from the wall.

Somehow I managed to remember how to skate from all those years ago, not falling onto the ice at all. In fact I managed to remember a few things Margaret and Veronica had taught me, eventually finding my element and skating merrily beside Diane.

"It told you it'd be easy," She smiled before her eyes lit up, "Wait, are those the guys?"

I looked to where she was pointing to see Ban, Meliodas and King across from us. Elaine had joined them and waved to us, before talking to the guys.

"It is," I say before having to rush after the brunette, "Wait Diane!"

She easily headed across the rink and I followed. I think my clumsiness decided to kick in, in the next few seconds because one moment I was fully in control of myself and the next I was sliding across the ice, unable to stop. The next thing I knew I crashed into the wall, hitting my face and torso before falling onto the ice, my behind taking the weight of it all.

"Why does this always happen to me?" I wince as I rub my butt in pain.

"Guess you're just naturally clumsy on land and ice," Meliodas joked as he helped me up, "Are you ok though?"

"Yep," I give him a smile, "And thanks."

"No problem," He returned it.

"I'm so sorry Elizabeth! I should've made sure you were ok instead of rushing off like that," Diane had a guilty expression as she played with her pigtails.

I was about to respond saying that it was ok, but King beat me to it. His tone and expression saying it all.

"Don't beat yourself up over that Diane," King looked at her softly, "It was an accident."

"I know, but I feel so guilty," She pouted.

"It's ok," I smile, "Really."

"Ok then," Diane beamed, back to normal.

I wonder how she does that. Switching moods as if she were flicking a switch. A difficult task that she easily accomplished, going from really guilty to happy in seconds. Sometimes even solemn to cheerful, brushing away all of the problems that came with the emotions she abandoned.

"So why'd you rush over like that?" Ban raised a brow, breaking my thoughts.

All attention turned to Diane who had a blush on her face. Her hands went back into her hair, covering her face as she spoke.

It was definitely King. Well that's what I'd gathered from what she told me yesterday. The way she acts around him shows that she's fond of him, but because the fairy acts so flustered and uncertain around her you'd think he didn't know. Maybe he didn't. Maybe he was too oblivious or blindsided to see that the brunette held some sort of affection for him.

Is that why everyone seemed to know about Diane and King and yet did nothing about it? Because they were waiting for the two to finally figure it out and confess. If so the Sins showed no sign of it, instead they accepted the two's answers and excuses.

"Well, I - I was just excited to see you guys," Diane offered sheepishly, "Especially with the Holy Knights around and stuff."

The others seemed to accept her offer, either that or they knew something I didn't, and agreed. This caused me to look at them briefly before focusing on the conversation once more.

"We should continue, I think we're bothering the other skaters," Elaine motioned to the groups going around us. A few skaters grumbled while others simply moved, clearly annoyed by the obstruction in their path.

"Yeah, I've got the perfect place to go next," Meliodas announced and he and Ban seemed to share a smile.

"Ok, lead away Captain!" Diane beamed and the rest of the Sins more or less agreed, while I focused on the smile Ban and Meliodas shared. They had something planned and I'm curious as to what it is. That and whether it included Diane and King.


"Why are we here?" Elaine's question personified my confusion. Why were we here? Of all the places we could've gone we were here. The aquarium. Was there something I was missing or was I just completely blind or something, because I'm really confused.

"You'll see," Ban smirked, "Hey guys why don't you all go ahead. Elaine and I are gonna talk for a while."

"Oh, ok," I say as I follow Meliodas inside.

"Make sure to catch up," Diane spoke before following me.

"Just don't take too long," King eyed the other male, before heading after Diane.

It makes sense for him to be the responsible one. He was Elaine's older brother after all and so he would look after her. Whether that meant being a close confidant or just the boring rule maker, he seemed to have her best interests at heart. That seemed to be a core part of King.

The four of us had gotten in line, waiting to purchase tickets when Meliodas took me to the side. Diane and King were too preoccupied looking at the tanks to see or hear anything. Instead they commented about what they saw, laughing and exchanging smiles and secret blushes.

"I'm guessing you're really confused right now," Meliodas looked at me, green eyes bright.

"Confused doesn't even cut it," I say, "I mean why are we here?"

"You're a smart girl, figure it out," He gestured to the two and realisation hit me like a tone of bricks. Of course! We were here to make sure these two finally admitted to each other. That made perfect sense since Diane was worried that admitting to King would cause bad things and King was clearly too nervous to admit anything to Diane. Is that why Meliodas and Ban were teasing him earlier?

"Oh, so what's the plan?" I raise a brow.

"Well, we don't really have one," He admitted sheepishly, his hand wrapped around the back of his neck.

"Oh come on!" I roll my eyes playfully, "You're telling me you and Ban came up with getting them here, but not making sure they were alone?"

"Nope," He answered simply, "I was hoping that maybe you had an idea."

"Well I do," I say slowly, "But I'm not sure if it'll work."

"It's gotta be better than nothing," Meliodas gave me a grin, "Let's give it a shot."

"Ok," I say.

We return to the two, both oblivious to the conversation we had just had. Diane was on one side of the tank and King the other. They both seemed to be looking at the fish but were secretly stealing glances at each other, blushing when they caught each other. It looked like the scene from Romeo and Juliet, where they first meet. In fact they were so busy stealing glances, they seemed surprised when they saw us, blushes forming on their faces.

"Where were you?" King looked at us both.

"Talking," Meliodas answered simply.

"About?" Diane pressed as she looked at us both.

"Stuff..." I trail off, glancing away at them both.

"What stuff?" King and Diane looked at us, both with questioning looks.

The line shifted forward and we all moved on, a few people away from the front. I glanced at Meliodas and he seemed to glance back. He shrugged. I guess we have nothing. No story to explain the 'stuff' we were talking about. Unless...It would be really weird, but at the same time the Sins had suspected it since the beginning. It would be extremely believable, maybe even plausible. Plus I'm sure not much damage would come from it. Only King and Diane would know. As if reading my mind, Meliodas answered their question.

"Elizabeth and I are dating," He grinned as he placed an arm round me, "Have been for a while."

I turned a inexplicable shade of red, hiding my face in my hair as I think about how I was going to say the exact same thing. Something that we're using to get our friends to get together. Yay. I'm not sure if I should feel happy, awkward or just - I don't even know. All I can say is I'm not surprised. I was going to say the exact same thing. But hearing it was completely different from thinking it. Or maybe that thought was just wrong. Like the thoughts I had on Celestial Prep before I discovered the truth.

"You are!" Diane seemed to grin, "Aww I'm so happy for you two! We have to tell Merlin and Ban, they placed bets on it."

"You and the Captain are dating?" King seemed to study us, his amber eyes filled with thought, "I guess it makes sense. By why keep it secret?"

"It didn't go down too well in my last school," I tell a half truth, my face still hidden in my hair, "Plus the Holy Knights don't seem to like him, so I thought it'd be wiser to keep it secret."

The words weren't exactly lies. I did think it wise to make the knights believe I had no connection to Meliodas and my last school was outraged when they found out I befriended him. I was labelled as a sympathizer for a long time before leaving. In fact I still am to some of my old peers.

"Aww, you shouldn't feel ashamed of that!" Diane frowned as the line shifted forwards once more, "You and Meliodas make a cute couple. Tell ya what, King and I will let you and Captain have some alone time. I'm sure we'll be fine looking at the stuff together, right King?"

The smaller male seemed to turn red as he processed the words Diane spoke. He remained silent, but nodded vigorously, before stammering.

"Yeah, s-s-sure! I'd love to look at all the exhibits with you!"

"Great!" Diane beamed as she took the ginger by the hand as the line shifted again, "You two have some fun. King and I will be back in a hour or two."

I just nodded as I watched the two begin to talk, both sharing smiles and secret blushes. I'm hoping this works. For King and Diane. They both deserve to be happy and hopefully this date will clear all of the awkwardness between them.

I wish I could find that sort of happiness. To have someone who cares about me in that way. All of the guys I've encountered so far are either full on jerks or just want me for my measurements. Well not all but some and the few who weren't, always managed to fade from my life. Only one of them seemed to stick around.

I sigh as I turn to face Meliodas. Of course he's that someone.


"So, what do you wanna do for the next hour?" Meliodas raised a brow as we left the aquarium.

Ban and Elaine had disappeared, probably doing something together. Maybe they ran into the Holy Knights, but I doubt they were still here. It's been a while since I've gone off campus, jumping out of a window in the process. The knights probably decided to head back and hope for the best.

"To be honest, I just wanna head to the park or something," I say as I think about today's events. All day I've been rushing about the mall, free but still confined inside a building. Even though it seemed silly, I wanted to head outside for a bit and feel the breeze brush past me. After all it's the closest I get to flying these days.

"Sure, there's one not too far from here," Meliodas responded. I couldn't help but notice how he easily walked past everyone, his hands behind his head in a carefree manner and his steps more or less saying how calm he was. It was shocking considering how volatile he was a few years ago. It's like he's changed; but then again so have I. I'm not so much of a pushover anymore.

"Wait, there is?" I say as I take a few big steps to catch up to him. For his height he's surprisingly fast.

"Yeah, it's where the Funfair stops every now and then," Meliodas explained, amusement in his eyes, "You can't have forgotten the last time you came here."

"That was a while ago," I say sheepishly, "I had a lot to remember after then. But I do remember you taking me there once. My father ended up grounding me for a week for that, but it was worth it."

"I felt terrible for that," He chuckled, "You ended up getting in trouble because I insisted you have actual fun for once."

"Yeah, but it was worth it," I smile before laughing, "Plus I remember you throwing stones at my bedroom window to make sure I was ok."

"What can I say, I care about you," Meliodas shrugged, a grin on his lips, "I didn't want you to suffer because of something I'd done."

"And I never will," I say in response, before smirking, "Because I'm usually the one bailing you out of trouble."

Meliodas laughed at my comment, "Touche, Elizabeth. Touche."

We both continued to go over past memories, skipping over the sad and gloomy ones for the ones that were warm and nostalgic. The ones that made me think of summer and all the fun things I ended up getting roped into with Meliodas. Whether it was doing silly things or just being reckless, I always had some sort of great memory to relate to my past adventures with him.

I guess that's why I like being friends with Meliodas. He always seems to make sure everyone has a great time, although sometimes I wish he put himself first more often. Usually it's him putting others in front of him that caused trouble. But he has changed since I've last seen him. He's more carefree and relaxed than his previous more on edge and volatile self. Anything could've set him off back then. Anything but me.

I look at the blonde beside me, green eyes bright and grin in place. He had his usual carefree demeanor and sincere nature, not a hint of difference from five years ago besides his calmness. I shake my head, he really hasn't changed. He's still the same Meliodas I knew years ago. The same Meliodas I love.

Did I say love?

I shiver as I feel a blush cover my cheeks. I shouldn't think of him that way. He's just an old friend after all. But as I look down at our hands his fingers intertwined with mine, I don't know if I could brush that thought aside.


A/N: Here's the next update, sorry it's a bit late. (Oof that rhymes) I hope you guys liked the chapter and don't forget to review, favourite or follow. It'll make my little writer's brain feel better :')

Silver - Thanks for always reviewing. I really like how you're engaged with the story and your input sometimes reminds me of things I need to explain. Thanks a lot, really.

Well nothing to say except summer's soon, meaning more time to update! Yes!

Till next time,

D.L.D