Love Me, Harm Me

I'm weak (for you)

"It's not romance, simply how things are." - Letters from Yorkshire, Maura Dooley

.☀.🌑.☀.🌑.

Today was her last day in Edinburgh. One week had passed in a flash, the days filled with wandering the city, following paparazzi trails and rushing from venue to venue. Most mornings were early, Elizabeth waking up to the blare of her phone's alarm and rushing around her hotel room to get ready for the day; some afternoons were spent meeting with Arthur for lunch, indulging in the worry-free meal. In between moments with Mael would be sprinkled, from impromptu ice-cream to even a sneaky gossip about some of the other journalists present.

In the evenings Elizabeth would retire to Zeldris and Gelda's house, the pair insisting on her eating dinner with them as they were dying for the company. Each evening Elizabeth would arrive, grinning as Gelda wrapped her into a hug and Zeldris grunted out a gruff hello. Part of Elizabeth felt like the visits were used to warm her up to the idea of being a part of their family; Gelda did indulge a little too much in sharing conversation, eagerly placing Elizabeth's hand over her round stomach to feel the gentle prods of her unborn niece/nephew's kicks.

Nevertheless, even with the not-so-subtle bribery, Elizabeth didn't feel any less uncomfortable. Being around Zeldris and Gelda, their happy coexistence, was too much for her. It reminded her too much of what she once had, shattered by the building impact of her naivety and Meliodas' lies.

"Something's troubling you," Arthur spoke after a sip of his tea. Ever since he had called her to meet him - early this time - Elizabeth knew something was up. Even when he'd greeted her like usual, shaking her hand as he stood up from the table, Elizabeth could sense the impending interrogation. Of course, on-brand with the Pendragon family, it was occurring over tea. "I can see it."

"That obvious?" Elizabeth joked, chuckling as she took a small sip of her mango tea. Mango - a refreshing, exotic fruit that was a rare treat in dreary England. She'd chosen that option because it usually made her feel better. Today it settled as a sour lump in her throat, lingering as a stale aftertaste on her tongue and the tiny tastebuds within it.

"Tell me about what happened," Arthur pressed, except it was gentle, almost like a guiding hand being laid out before her. Cracking a charming smile, the young man grinned, his eyes glimmering with mischief, "Before your eager coworker and the whole city finds out our location. I'm sure it'd be the talk of the town."

Oh yes, it definitely would be. Arthur Pendragon and a mysterious young woman meeting up for breakfast together? The media would have a field day from the pictures alone!

Sighing, Elizabeth set down her tea, "It's Meliodas."

"Your..." Arthur pursed his lips, deft fingers drumming against his tea cup. Earl grey - somewhat fitting for a man like him. "Unofficial boyfriend."

"He's not my boyfriend," Elizabeth cut in quickly, face warm with blood as she took a swift sip from her cup. Ignoring the curdling sensation of the oddly sour tea, she swallowed it down. "We're just closer than most people."

"He might as well be your boyfriend," Arthur responded, another smile overtaking his lips. Fondly, he continued, almost teasing in his words as he cut into his plate of a full Scottish breakfast - something that a publicist wanted him to eat today. Something about maintaining a love for all of Britain's cultures. "Even back in university you two were practically tied at the hip."

"Well, we didn't start casually messing around until we were living together," Elizabeth defended, her face feeling warm from the admission alone. Arthur's clear skepticism didn't help much either, a keen brow being raised as he shoved a forkful of egg into his mouth. Sighing, Elizabeth murmured, "Ok, it was occasional before then."