6It wasn't often Elizabeth woke during the night. The rarer occurrences usually being from outside noises or just the inability to stay asleep throughout the night.
Tonight's cause was an outside noise. A gust of wind had blown something into the window, causing a bang loud enough to wake the princess. It had startled her, but once she realised she was safe in their bed Elizabeth rolled over towards Meliodas.
Her eyes opened. Surprised by the empty space beside her, Elizabeth could only feel the cold sheets from where Meliodas would — should be lying. Knowing he wasn't next to her, Elizabeth carefully got out of bed and headed to the door. She wouldn't be able to sleep without knowing he was safe.
As she made her way down the stairs, she peered into the room. Meliodas sat at one of the tables, looking out of the window.
Whatever was bothering him clearly had him preoccupied. Meliodas usually knew she was there before she'd even lay eyes on him.
Taking the opportunity, she stood and admired the man before her. It wasn't often she'd see him like this, so lost in his own thoughts.
In an attempt to not startle him, Elizabeth quietly walked across the room. As she went to rest her hand on his shoulder, she froze. Noting the streaks of tears which rested against his cheeks, she instead moved behind him wrapping her arms around his shoulders and resting her head against his.
She hadn't wanted to startle him. Although he was only surprised for a moment, he remained tense in her hold.
"How long have you been down here?" Elizabeth whispered.
Gently tracing her fingers across his arm, she soon felt him start to relax in her hold.
"Meliodas?"
Instead of a response, Elizabeth watched his head lower as a hand reached for hers. Her cheeks reddened at the movement. Pushing the thought aside she knew she had to be there for him, whether he wanted to talk or not.
"Let's go back to bed, yeah?"
When he didn't move she decided to straighten up. Stepping to the side and taking his hands in hers.
"I'm not going to make you talk about anything. But I refuse to sleep until I know you're next to me,"
She gave him a gentle tug. To her surprise, he stood up, although his gaze never met hers.
The two walked silently towards their room. Once in, Elizabeth shut the door and made her way to their shared bed.
"Meliodas?" She still whispered, despite being in their room.
He finally looked up. His eyes holding back tears. He hadn't expected to see her lying there with her arms open.
As he climbed into the bed he was suddenly pulled into an embrace. Landing against Elizabeth's chest while arms wrapped around him. He soon began to relax thanks to the princess' steady heartbeat.
Elizabeth couldn't help but smile as he relaxed against her. Her fingers lightly ran through his hair as she enjoyed the embrace.
Fortunately, Meliodas couldn't see just how red her face was.
"Elizabeth?"
"Hm?"
He'd finally spoke.
"Thank you,"
"Anytime,"
She snuggled up closer, determined to stay awake until she knew he was sound asleep.
But that didn't stop him from smiling as he sensed her falling back to sleep.
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