"I have taken my red lipstick
And written Help across my chest
He looks at it so kindly" - Red Rum, Dorothea Lasky
.☀.🌑.☀.🌑.
He wasn't supposed to be the temporary plaster.
That single thought couldn't help but echo through Elizabeth's mind as she stole glances at the man across from her, half-hidden by the rim of her flimsy plastic-coated menu. When she had decided to lock Meliodas out of her life, posting her keys through the slot, Elizabeth had told herself that she wouldn't use others to numb the pain. Using others was wrong; using others to distract herself was even more foolish.
Years ago, growing up in a household engulfed within the imagery of God and his son, Elizabeth had experienced firsthand how grief could cause someone to lose themselves entirely. Her mother, bless her soul, had never gotten over her father; Elizabeth had been the victim of that tragic heartbreak. Elizabeth had been the temporary salve to the burn of that heartache.
And, seeing her mother worn down into a staunch woman hiding behind the security of her wooden cross and rosary beads, Elizabeth had vowed to never be like her. Using others - using anything - to numb the pain was wrong. Using distractions would never heal the gaping wound left right in the middle of your heart.
Yet, here Elizabeth Liones was, taking her lunch break with Mael, and Mael alone - because Diane had decided to bail on her for King on the last minute. No doubt it was revenge for withholding the details on the entire Meliodas' situation. Doing such an act wouldn't be new for Diane; if anything it would be typical. Expected. Really Elizabeth should have seen it coming from a mile away.
"So," Mael cleared his throat, both startling Elizabeth and gaining her attention as she quickly darted her eyes away from peeping at his face. Raising a brow, most likely oblivious to her ponderous staring, Mael dared to ask, "Are you finally going to share what's got you so down?"
Immediately, Elizabeth stiffened within her chair, "Me?"
Uncomfortable would be an understatement for how awkward she felt in that moment. Awkward would only cover about an inch of the kilometers that made up her obvious, blush-inducing shame.
"Yes, you," Mael nodded, humming his affirmation of the answer as he set down his menu. There was nothing teasing floating within his bright blue eyes, nothing to suggest a smart comment or an incoming joke. Instead, set deep within his gaze, was something akin to concern, crinkling his brows and pressing light wrinkles into the tan skin of his forehead.
For the past while, Elizabeth had been trying to avoid Mael catching on. That was why she had avoided him in Scotland; that was why she had chosen to take a more solo route in France. Being around Mael meant admitting that everything about her past life was a lie; she'd have to admit that everything around her was fracturing into a million, irreparable pieces.
If she had to admit that, then Elizabeth knew it was real. If she had to tell Mael, make it part of her new life, than Elizabeth had to finally accept that Meliodas didn't want her. She was the girl with too many cons, the girl who only looked good in photos. Meliodas didn't want her.
Letting out a long sigh, Elizabeth felt her shoulders deflate with defeat, "Is it really that obvious?"
"Not really," Mael shrugged. His eyes, however, gave away just how painfully evident it was that she was hurting, wounded, by the past few weeks of emotional hardship. "I just have a good eye for people's moods. Like Diane. I know she's secretly dying to corner you and grill you for answers. Jericho looks just as ready to hunt you down."
YOU ARE READING
Love Me, Harm Me
Fanfic"Sometimes he would have his better days. The days where he would be loving, caring and sweet. But then the bad days would come..." Elizabeth believes that somewhere, deep down, Meliodas truly loves her. She knows he does. She sees it on his better...
