Zeldris was stunned when Meliodas pushed him away, he had never done anything like that before. Why had he run off like that? Where did he go? What had caused such a strong emotion from the tot?

Feeling worried and alarmed from the incident, Zeldris found himself searching all over the castle and garden for his little brother, only to come up empty handed and more concerned than before.

He knew that the blond hadn't run away or anything like that, he had guards that would've alerted them of that, and faith in his sibling to never do something so rash after his warnings to never leave the barrier. However, that didn't mean he still wasn't worried. The boy was acting off, and he didn't feel like it was just in this moment, either.

Decided to get to the bottom of it today rather than let it go like he always did, Zeldris knew he'd need backup for the talk he'd plan on having with Meliodas.

He had never been strong enough to have a successful serious discussion with his brother. He'd always let it go or go easy on the blond since he had a soft spot for the child. However, if something was going on that the blond was shutting down about that even made him physically push away his older brother? Then he needed to be firm and truly get to the bottom of this.

But for that.. he'd need Estarossa's help.

It wasn't hard to find that sibling when he did most of his work in his room like Zeldris himself, so it made it a fast journey for the ravenette to get to him with little effort.

Not bothering to knock as Zeldris had little patience for such formalities at the moment, he burst in the door and said one thing that later he'd wish he hadn't.

"We need to talk to Meliodas. Together."

"What are you going on about Zeldris?"

"He's not acting right. He's been having moodswings lately and it's getting worse. I'm worried about him, Estarossa. But we both know I'm not gonna get anywhere trying to talk to him by myself. I'm too lenient. So, I need your help. We need to sit down with him and make him talk about what's bothering him."

Zeldris wasn't asking his older brother, he was telling him. He was getting more and more concerned about his little brother the longer this went on, and he wasn't going to take no for an answer from Estarossa, no matter what.

Although he didn't get the annoyed reaction he was expecting as instead a smirk formed on the man's face.

"I don't know Zeldris, mood swings, acting off and more distant, are you sure he's not just becoming a teenager again? I believe last time this happened you freaked out and had a similar reaction to now."

"What the hell Estarossa!? You know that's not what I meant! This is serious! I'm not joking around here! Meli is going through something and I'm worried about him. So will you please just take this seriously and-"

He cut himself off as his brother raised his hand for silence, looking strangely somber.

"I know what you meant. I've noticed it as well. He's not acting quite like himself lately. I believe it started a few days before you found him outside. I have been meaning to look further into it, but I've been too busy with work to bring it up with him."

The already serious air about Estarossa doubled as he looked at Zeldris with an uncharacteristically stern and... concerning, look on his face. Something his voice matched as the demon made sure to pay attention to whatever caused the sudden change.

"Listen to me closely Zeldris, whatever is causing this behavior needs to be stopped at all costs. I'll finish up all of my remaining duties from father tonight. Tomorrow we'll talk to him about this and find out what he's hiding from us."

The younger of the two was silent to that, not used to such a grave tone in the other.

"I understand. Tomorrow, we'll talk to him."

Zeldris went to turn around and exit, satisfied with the answer. Although, he stopped himself with one more concern replacing the others before it.

"Estarossa? Just... promise me you won't be too harsh with him. He is just a kid. And he's more sensitive lately than before. I.. I won't be able to take it if we end up making him cry, alright?"

The man didn't reply to his request, but the ravenette didn't need one. He hated being so emotional and wanted to leave as quickly as possible after the sappy display of affection. But... maybe he should've asked to hear what was on Estarossa's mind, because things might have gone differently if he had.

I'm sorry Zeldris. But I can't afford to be lax on Meliodas if he doesn't tell us what's going on. Because whatever he's lying about? I need to get rid of it as soon as possible. Otherwise.... if I fail? Our little brother could lose his life.

Meliodas woke up bright and early the next morning. He had spent all of last night preparing himself for the morning ahead, and as such was a little groggy in the wee hours of the day.  Though, the nerves he was feeling allowed plenty of energy as he quickly scurried through the castle to get ready for the day.

Although... perhaps because of his remaining fatigue, quick didn't mean quiet for the child.

As he carefully slipped out the back door in the kitchen- once making sure he couldn't feel the presence of any guards- two others had already woken up from the commotion. Putting their own plans into motion that would change all involved.

And the relationships they had with one another.

This is short but has some more coming soon. Sorry if it kinda sucks as a chapter guys. 😣

1001 words.