Can I Keep You?

Chapter 12

Elizabeth ran her rag over the last of the tables and smiled with a sigh as she looked out at the tavern floor. The counters and tables practically sparkled, and the floor gleamed. All of the dishes were washed and set neatly in place along the counter for easy access. The silverette couldn't help the sense of accomplishment that washed over her as she took in the bar that she had managed to clean all by herself and all before the tavern opening. She clenched her fist in her victory, "Now Sir Meliodas won't have to do any work until later and he can rest a while longer."

Since his waking the day before, Elizabeth was doing everything in her power to make it so the captain of the sins didn't have to strain himself. She made a point of making his meals and doing extra work to make sure all of the chores were done. She had even given up the bed so that he would have a comfortable place to sleep – though he looked displeased by the idea, until King had offered her the use of Ban's bed while the man was away. Somehow Sir Meliodas seemed even more displeased by this idea than the last, but luckily for her, she had the support of everyone else and managed to convince him.

Elizabeth walked behind the counter and washed out the little rag and hung it over the sink as she continued to ponder her day. It was almost late afternoon and it was rather quiet around the tavern. As the silence fell over her, it occurred to her that she hadn't seen or heard much of anything from anyone at all that morning. Hawk had come for his scraps and helped her lug out the trash but other than that, nothing. Where was everyone?

"I wonder if Sir Meliodas is still sleeping?" she asked softly to the empty tavern as her eyes drifted to the ceiling. She had just resolved to check on him when a very jubilant mass of orange and frills came twirling down the stairs and danced around the tables.

"We're going to a party~ We're going to a party~!" Diane sang out as she swung herself back and forth, looking like she might burst of happiness as she watched the dress she wore flow around her. She looked so lovely with the way her hair hung loosely down her back, but was also braided beautifully on either side of her head. It was like a crown. Orange really did suit the woman, Elizabeth admitted as she giggled at the pure unadulterated joy of her friend. The Giantess' eyes followed the sound of her tender chuckle and the orange mass stopped dead in her tracks the moment her eyes locked on Elizabeth's person.

"Elizabeth! Why aren't you ready yet?!"

Elizabeth shifted from happy to surprised almost as quickly as Diane had, her eyes widening at the question. Ready? Oh, that's right. Tonight was the Gala King Arthur was holding in the Sin's honor. How could she have forgotten about... right. Sir Meliodas had been taking her out to get a dress when he was attacked. Her features softened as the last few days replayed in her mind.

It was too bad. She had been looking forward to going to the Gala with him...

The thoughts running through her head suddenly gave her pause and her cheeks flared a bright red. Cursing her inability to control those wayward thoughts, she quickly cleared her throat and twisted her fingers. "Oh, uh, well... I don't have anything to wear. It's alright though!" she smiled honestly. There was no way she could go now. Not with the tavern opening up soon. She couldn't possibly leave Sir Meliodas to his own devices while he was still wounded. It was the lease she could do for him...

"Right... you were supposed to get something the day Captain was attacked..." Diane had pressed a finger to her cheek, recalling the events of the last few days as well before her face fell in disappointment. She looked so upset, making Elizabeth sputter her assurances.

"I don't mind, really! I'll just watch the tavern with Sir Meliodas tonight!"

"The Captain isn't here, Elizabeth. He said something about needing to do something, then ran out. That was a while ago."