Chapter Text
A sharp precise knock startled Meliodas out of his thoughts. Probably for the better. He felt like he was about to lose his mind. Yet still, he hesitated for a moment before relenting.
“Enter,” he called out, forcing his voice to be steady and striking. Worthy of his status – or whatever it was Chandler was always nagging about.
The door slowly slid open and then closed behind the form of Gowther. Or rather, the form of Gowther’s doll. Meliodas regarded him for a moment, determining the doll was here of his own accord rather than as a mirror to his creator. He wasn’t sure which would have been better. They were both incredibly intrusive when something caught their interest. And Meliodas’ recent behavior definitely had done that. Gowther had already spoken to him on several occasions, expressing his concern for the Demon Prince’s rapidly decreasing mental stability. Meliodas has swiftly shut him down, of course. It wasn’t like he could actually tell him that he, in a momentarily lapse of sanity, had kissed a goddess – the Supreme Deity’s daughter no less! – and then went back to see her again.
He still wasn’t sure how to deal with the Elizabeth situation. Nothing could happen, no matter how either of them may or may not feel towards the other. Not that Meliodas wanted to think about feelings like those. Nope. No. Impossible. Couldn’t exist, couldn’t happen. Although… They were a lot harder to dismiss now. Before, he could wave it off as a curiosity of a being acting unlike anything he’d ever been told about said beings. Or an interest in interacting with someone who could actually match him in power, a rare happening these days.
But kissing was not a recommended approach to either of those.
Focusing back on the moment at hand, Meliodas felt himself caught in a silent stare-off. Unofficially that is. He sighed quietly.
“Can I help you with something, Gowther?”
The doll regarded him for a moment longer, before finally speaking; “Why do people hug?”
What? The question caught Meliodas completely off guard. He stared at him dumbfounded, but the doll was looking out the window. A contemplating look on his face like always. Though it wasn’t quite as calculating as it usually was. It seemed more confound. This clearly was a question that had stuck. Meliodas was used to the doll’s consistent analyzing and exploring of the world. Not that it meant he knew how to tackle this particular subject. Damn it, Gowther! No was not the time to nap and let the doll loose on his own.
Speaking of which, he was still expecting an answer.
“I- Uhm… Why do you ask?”
Terrible answer! Chandler would have a fit at the fumbling. The doll didn’t seem to mind though. He tilted his head slightly as he thought. Always ready to formulate an answer. Always intrigued.
“I don’t understand it,” was the final response. “Those humans in the village, there was no logical reason for them to hug.”
Ah… So, it was a recent observation. The attack – if it could even be called that – had happened just a few days ago.
“Their chances of winning were essentially zero. They had to know they would die if they stayed. Yet they still clung to each other. The possibility of escape would have been significantly increased without the contact. It was completely illogical for them to hug. I don’t understand why they did?”
Yeah, no. Meliodas definitely wasn’t prepared to answer this.
“Oh, uh… There can be lots of reasons,” Meliodas began, a little unsure. He had the doll’s complete and utter attention. Yeah… no pressure. Why did people hug?
“Hugs, and physical contact overall actually, it can show someone that you care about them. That their safety and health matters to you.”
“It seems rather futile in moments like that,” the doll commented, his confusion still apparent.
“Yeah, maybe,” Meliodas admitted. His thoughts returned to Elizabeth once more. The Supreme Deity’s daughter was a gentle soul, despite the warring going on between the clans. Even to a demon like him. Hell, even before the kissing and the unthinkable feelings, she had reached out. A brush of her fingers, a hand on his shoulder. A hug.
“But it can be… comforting,” Meliodas continued. “Being hugged. Even if you can see it yourself, and even if they can just say it, it can be a nice reminder that you’re not alone. That there is someone else who cares about you and want you to be happy. It can even make you feel better when you’re upset. Maybe it’s not logical but… maybe it doesn’t have it be.”
For a moment Meliodas had forgotten he wasn’t alone. Memories of Elizabeth wrapping around him like a warm blanket flooded his mind. Thoughts of a touch without ulterior motive were suddenly broken by another voice speaking up.
“I see.”
Meliodas looked over at the doll. He seemed to be in deep thought, staring off into the distance. Analyzing every word Meliodas had said. What had he said?
“By my observations it’s not as common among demons. For instance, I don’t think I have seen you hug Prince Zeldris once. Even though you have repeatedly expressed concern for his safety.”
Meliodas forced himself not to recoil at the words. It felt like he’d been slapped. He didn’t mean it like that. Meliodas knew that. It was a simple observation, not an accusation. Yet that fact did little to ease the guilt in Meliodas’ hearts.
“It’s nothing Father approves of,” he said, barely managing to get the words out. “He thinks emotions are equivalent to weakness.”
Damn it. First Elizabeth and now this? He barely had enough mind to deal with one of those. He should have just turned the doll away. Shouldn’t have talked about this. Shouldn’t have thought about this. Meliodas could feel his fingers start to tremble. He shut his eyes, just about to tell the doll to get the hell out-
When suddenly two arms wrapped around him. The touch burning and soothing all at the same time. Meliodas hadn’t been hugged by many people in his life. Very few in fact. And this hug had nothing on the warmth of Elizabeth.
But still… the contact, the closeness, the gentleness of it all…
“You’re upset right now. Does me hugging you make you feel better?”
Treacherous tears burned in Meliodas’ eyes. He drew a shaky breath, barely trusting his voice.
“… yes.”