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Chapter Text

Two figures walk alone in the moonlight, approaching a small building in front of them, magically sealed with the Perfect Cube.

“You know one of us can do this for you instead if you prefer.” Merlin says to her short friend beside her, casting Absolute Cancel to allow them to enter the structure.

“There’s no need. I know what I have to do.” Meliodas responds calmly, following the mage inside to the dimly lit room. “Yes but even after all he has done, he’s still your brother. I understand if you’d rather have one of the others or myself do this instead.” She continues softly, casting an illumination spell to light up the rooms stone floors and rusted metal walls.

The light also exposes Zeldris tied to a chair in the middle of the room. His arms and legs bound with Merlin’s magic, and his eyes brimming with hatred for the two of them. Merlin and Eacanor had lured him from Camelot and captured him on the border of Liones a mere few hours prior.

“Oh I’m well aware Zeldris is my brother but we have less than 3 days till Elizabeth’s curse is activated. We’re running out of time and only I can get him to talk.” Meliodas responds, taking off his sword and Boar Hat jacket revealing his red tank top underneath. Setting them both down on a table that housed an array of unpleasant looking trinkets.

“Like hell I’ll talk. After everything you’ve done you really think you can still call yourself my brother?” Zeldris yells, lunging forward against his binds unsuccessfully. This wispy chains glowed a deep purple against his efforts. “I will never help you so go ahead and torture me. I’m all too familiar with you causing me pain.” He finishes his scathing statement with a glare before settling his gaze on an unfixed point on the wall in front of him. Refusing to meet Meliodas’ gaze which appeared slightly hurt despite his nonchalant demeanor.

Ignoring the dark-haired demon’s harsh words, Merlin turns to Meliodas “If you’re certain then very well, I will leave you to do what has to be done. Just open the door to signal you are finished and ready to be released.” She says, walking out of the door as she reactivates her Perfect Cube. “Will do, thanks Merlin.” Meliodas replies, giving her a wave as she shuts the door leaving the two brothers alone together for the first time in over 3000 years.

“Well I guess there’s no time to lose. Let’s get started.” Meliodas says, walking across the room to stand in front of the chair his brother is magically bound to. Zeldris gave no sign that he heard his statement, keeping his gaze set on the wall before him.

“I’ll give you one chance now to tell me what I need to know and assist me in our efforts against father.” Meliodas continues, walking directly in front of his brothers line of sight. Zeldris sets his jaw but makes no sound, still refusing to meet his older brothers eyes.

“Well okay then, I guess you leave me no choice.” Meliodas sighs, walking around behind Zeldris who now seemed slightly on edge to not have Meliodas in his field of vision. He could sense his brother behind him, lying in wait for whatever he had planned to attempt to force him to talk.

Refusing to show any fear in front of his older brother, Zeldris straightens his posture and makes a point of once again staring directly at the front wall. Focusing on the patterns of rust rather than Meliodas inching closer behind him.

What was he going to do, stab him, burn him, carve him into pieces? The uncertainty of his brothers intentions was maddening as his mind raced through different scenarios and outcomes. ‘I won’t break to that traitor. No matter what he does to me.’ Zeldris thinks to himself, steeling his resolve once again in preparation for whatever the blonde-haired demon was planning.

“You know you really should reconsider. No matter what you say I am your brother, and I know exactly how to make my little brother talk.” Meliodas teases, reaching his hands around Zeldris’ sides to settle on his ribs.

Before the said younger brother could put two and two together, Meliodas began his attack. Scribbling all 10 fingers up and down Zeldris’s ribs and sides. His eyes widened and Meliodas felt his brothers core tense beneath his wiggling fingers but he still refused to make a sound. His eyes intently fixed on the back wall.

‘He really thinks these childish tactics will work on me? He truly is an idiot. As if I would ever - aughhh what is he doing?’ Zeldris’ thought was cut off as Meliodas started moving his hands inward. All 10 fingers merciless clawing at his brothers middle ribs and stomach.

“St-stop thahat.” Zeldris growls, finally breaking his silence as he tugs against Merlin’s restraints. “You know how to make it stop. Come on Zeldris just agree to work with me and tell us what you know, then we’ll let you go and we can walk out of here together for a drink.” Meliodas responds without relenting his attack.“N-not a ch-chance yohou tr-trahaitor!” Zeldris manages to stutter through gritted teeth.

Meliodas sighs and relents his attack, circling back around to stand in front of his brother who was now openly glaring at him. “Don’t be like that Zel. You know I’m going to end up making you talk just like when we were kids so don’t make this harder on yourself.” He says matter-of-factly.

“We’re not kids anymore.” Zeldris spits back coldly “Stop this childish insolence and fight me like a real man.” He finishes with a challenging glare. But Meliodas had no intention of actually fighting or hurting his brother.

In fact he had little intention to let him out of that chair any time soon, after all this payback was slightly personal since it was Zeldris who brought back Elizabeth’s memories - Activating the 3 day timer on her curse. Even so Meliodas could never bring himself to hate Zeldris, and would rather have his own arm cut of that bring any harm to his brother.

Knowing this, Meliodas let’s out a chuckle and leans in closer to his immobilized captive. “Sure we can fight man to man - As soon as you break out of those bonds that is. Well, until then.” Meliodas resumes his attack on Zeldris’ sides. This time not going easy on him, immediately dipping his hands down to his brothers waist forcing tiny giggles to spill from the dark-haired demons mouth as he frantically fought against his bindings.

“M-Mehehliodahas s-stahap thihis rihihght nohohow!” Zeldris demanded, his face tinged pink from embarrassment and lack of air. Snickering, Meliodas moves his assault from his brothers hips up his sides - honing in on his underarms.

“Hehey wahahait d-dohohont yohou dahare!” Zeldris protests, his thrashing beginning to look panicked as he fought against the magical bonds with all his available strength. Trying to lean away from his brothers fingers and pull in on his arms from where they were magically chained to the chair.

All attempts of shielding or breaking free was futile as Meliodas’ hands continued spidering closer and closer to his underarms until - “WAHAIT!” Zeldris said it with such ferocity Meliodas couldn’t help stopping his assent, just mere inches away from his brothers arm pits. His fingers stilled but remained in their position threateningly.

“Yes?” Meliodas asks teasingly. Zeldris took a couple moments to catch his breath, mind reeling for a way out of the current situation without giving into his traitorous brother. “Zeeeldris, use your words.” Meliodas teases, earning another scathing glance from his glowering little brother.

“After everything you put me through, do you really expect me to willingly help you? After what you did to Gelda I will never forgive you! H-hey wahait you bahastard!” Zeldris yells as Meliodas resumes his attack on the muscles just under his arm pits.

Despite his teasing, Meliodas was truly saddened by his brothers words. He felt terribly for the past centuries over what he put Zeldris through after leaving the Demon realm to be with Elizabeth. He did what he had to in the moment but he deeply regrets the effect it had on his brother and he would do anything to remedy their fractured relationship.

“If that’s truly how you feel then I guess I have no choice. I’ll have to make you submit by force.” Meliodas says in mock-regret, finally slipping his fingers up into Zeldris’ red outfit, closing final few inches into Zeldris’ arm pits.

The reaction was immediate.

“NOHOHOHO STAHAHAP! NOHOT THEHEHERE YOHOU BAHAHASTARD!” Zeldris screamed, earning a tut-tut from Meliodas as he shook his head. “Such a potty mouth, this will teach you to respect your elders.” He responds, doubling his attack on the trashing demons under arms. Scribbling 8 fingers into the hollows while drilling his thumbs into the sensitive muscles around his collar bones.

“STAHAHAP PLEHEHEASE! I CAHAHANT!” Zeldris pleads, but his begging fell on deaf ears as Meliodas continued his relentless attack. Constantly switching up the intensity and speed of attack to keep Zeldis guessing, unable to adjust to the torturous feeling. “Your arm pits are even more ticklish then I remember. It was your worst spot when we were kids too!” Meliodas teases affectionally.

Seeing his brothers face scrunched up in laughter, flushed cheeks, giggling frantically, eyes squeezed shut - it warmed Meliodas’ heart. It looked just like the kindhearted brother he remembered and loved. He also couldn’t help but notice Zeldris was no longer fighting as hard as he could. ‘He is showing no signs of giving in but he also stopped threatening me so I guess that’s a win.’ Meliodas thinks to himself with a snicker, lessening the degree of his attack slightly to allow his brother to breath.

“Soooo has someone had time to reconsider my offer?” Meliodas asks, still lightly scribbling at the sensitive skin in the hollow of his armpits. Zeldris shook his head no but his eyes didn’t seem as certain as before. He was breaking.

With a grin, Meliodas shrugs and resumes his attack - This time pushing his hands deeper into Zeldris’ shirt to run his fingers down the sensitive skin of on his ribs before spidering them back up to attack the admits again. Repeating this over and over until Zeldris was in hysterics.

“NOHOHOHOHO AGHH STAHAHAP PLEAHAHASE AHAHA NAHAAH!” He wasn’t even forming proper words anymore, and yet still he refused to take Meliodas up on his offer. Zeldirs truly was a particularly stubborn soul, he always has been. To be honest Meliodas expected this result from the start. Which is why he held off on his real leverage for his alliance proposal.

“You’re just as stubborn as ever I see. Well I guess I am left with no choice. I have to do it.” Meliodas says, smirking as Zeldris flinched away from his fingers when he removed them from inside his shirt - Clearly fearing another merciless attack.

But instead of attacking, Meliodas leans close and whispers 3 words into his ear. And with those 3 words, all the fight in Zeldris left as he sunk into his chair. His gaze becoming distant and cloudy and maybe even a little hopeful.

“Gelda is alive.”

Meliodas knew from the start that this information would be what brought his brother over to his side. But he wasn’t going to give up an opportunity to fulfill his older brotherly duties of wrecking his little brother with tickles.

“If she was alive why didn’t you say that from the start? Could have saved us both the humiliation.” Zeldris grumbles, though no longer with any malice in his voice. “Humiliation? Who are you kidding, don’t act like you weren’t secretly enjoying it.” Meliodas responds cheekily. “But to answer your question I still wanted revenge for you restoring Elizabeth’s memory, but I could never hurt my brother.” Meliodas finished softly with a shrug.

“Yeah whatever. If you promise to take me to where Gelda is I will tell you whatever you want to know and I will assist you in your effort against our father.” Zeldris responds gruffly, though Meliodas did note a slight grin tugging at his brothers lips. The sight warmed his hearts. Maybe there was hope after all.

“You have my word. Once Elizabeth’s curse is broken you will be reunited with Gilda. I’ll summon Merlin to undo your bonds.” Meliodas says, turning away from his brother to open the door to signal that the ‘interrogation’ was complete.

The Perfect Cube was immediately canceled and Merlin re-entered the room. “Not even an hour Captain. I must say I’m impressed. And managing to get what you need without harming your brother, again - I’m impressed.” She says, smirking at Zeldris who flushed red under her knowing gaze. “Like I said, I’m his brother. I know how to make him talk.” Meliodas responds, playing into the banter knowing it would irk his brother.

“Okay enough of that. Let me out of these bonds so we can get this all over with. There is something important I need to attend to when this is over.” Zeldris says authoritatively, though his words lacked any power in his current state. “Are you sure he can be trusted outside of his bonds?” Merlin asks Meliodas, cautious to free a former enemy so casually.

Meliodas nods “Yes without a doubt. He’s my brother so I’ll always trust him.” Zeldris stiffens from his unexpected kind words. And while Meliodas wasn’t certain, he thought he could see his brothers eyes soften just a bit. Yes there was definitely hope.

“Rest assured I will not harm him or any of you. As long as Meliodas holds up his end of the deal I have no quarrels with fighting beside you as an ally.” Zeldris says, meeting Merlin’s glare unwaveringly.

Deciding his intentions were pure, Merlin releases his bonds with a snap of her fingers. “However -“ Both Meliodas and Merlin freeze at his words as he continued. Zeldris points his finger at Meliodas and holds an intense gaze. “When this is finished I fully intend to enact revenge over the humiliation you chose to put me through rather than being forthcoming from the start. Don’t thing I’ve forgotten our childhood fights weren’t always one sided.” He threatens, still holding eye contact.

Realizing his words were merely brotherly banter, Merlin teleports away with an amused smirk, leaving the two brothers alone once again. “Ha whatever you say little bro. I’ll wreck you again if you try.” Meliodas responds with a snicker. “Without the witch’s magical bonds you won’t stand a chance so watch your back after all this is over.” Zeldris shoots back confidently, secretly enjoying the feeling of playfully bickering with brother again after so long.

“I guess we’ll just have to beat our old man and settle this then.” Meliodas says with a shrug. “Sounds good to me, so how about that drink … brother.” Zeldris responds with a small smile, following his older brother out of the room into the moonlit sky. With a mirroring smile, Meliodas starts leading the way back home “I know just the place.”

Part 2?

Chapter Text

Birds chirp melodically outside the glass-paned window. The first rays of sunlight beginning to stream through the thick morning fog surrounding the city of Liones.

Meliodas awakes with a long stretch, glancing lovingly at Elizabeth still asleep at his side before quietly sliding out of bed and sneaking out of the room. Grabbing his boots and sword on the way out before silently closing the door.

A week has passed since the defeat of the Demon King and end of the Holy War. Finally free from the conflict, Britannia was still actively celebrating their new found peace.

One of the final celebrations was being held tonight at the Boar Hat before Zeldris returns to the Demon Realm to start his life with Gilda, and Meliodas leaves Liones for his long awaited honeymoon with Elizabeth.

The celebration was bitter sweet for Meliodas. He was happy for his brother now that he is able to realize his dream of becoming the Demon King, ruling Hell peacefully with Gilda at his side. But he was also saddened by the thought of parting from his brother again after only just rekindling their friendship.

With a conflicted sigh, Meliodas makes his way downstairs, awkwardly hopping as he puts on his boots and mounts his sword across his back. Trying to push the nagging worries out of his mind, focusing instead on all the preparations he needs to take care of for tonight.

Heading out the door into the brisk morning air he makes his way into town at a casual speed, taking in the sight of the kingdom finally at peace. Feeling a bit more lighthearted, he puts his hands in his pockets and enjoys the view as he makes his way down the hill into town.

Wondering in the back of his mind what Zeldris thoughts were in regards to being separated from his brother once again. Their relationship was no longer fractured, but is nothing like it once was. Meliodas wasn’t even sure if he would be welcome to visit the Demon Realm if he wanted to see his brother.

‘I wonder what his thoughts are right now. Excited probably now that his wish came true.’ Meliodas thinks to himself. Once again trying to push the bittersweet feeling down from where it lodged itself in his throat. ‘Never mind that, let’s just focus on getting the supplies we need.’ He scolds him self mentally, quickening his pace as he makes his way into the now awoken city.

~~~

‘I wonder what Meliodas is thinking of at this moment? I reckon he’s smitten about breaking the curse on his goddess. I doubt he has anything else on his mind, much less-‘ The door handle turns, stopping Zeldris mid-thought as Gelda enters the room.

They were currently staying at an Inn on the outskirts of the city pending their return to the Demon Realm. The amenities were foreign to them but Zeldris would be lying if he said he disliked the lifestyle. He greets Gelda with a hug, enjoying the blissful feeling that comes from embracing someone you love.

‘Perhaps the mortal world isn’t all that bad if I ever want to visit - Wait what am I thinking, why would I want to visit?’ Zeldris thinks to himself, stiffening at the intrusive sentimental thought. “Something wrong Zel?” Gelda asks gently.

Zeldris starts to shake his head No before stopping under Gelda’s knowing stare. With a sigh he decides to be honest with the vampire “I - I am … conflicted.” He stammers out, loathing the flood of soft feelings that was holding his mind captive.

“Conflicted about …” Gelda prompts with a small smile. “Meliodas.” Zeldris says curtly. “Ah, having second guesses about returning to the Demon Realm?” She asks, sitting down on the bed, gently tugging her lover to join her.

“No, no of course not. I want to return as the Demon King and lead Hell beside you.” Zeldris assures her quickly, “It’s just been … nice having Meliodas around again.” He mumbles, turning away from Gilda as she lets out a quiet giggle from his words.

“And you’re too stubborn to tell him yourself that you don’t want to lose your relationship, so instead you’re internally torturing yourself?” She finishes for him. Zeldris shrugs, refusing to face his lover.

Gelda chuckles lovingly, pulling the small demon to her chest for a hug. “Listen Zel, there is no reason to feel ashamed of wanting to be around your brother. And there is certainly no reason to fear talking to him about it - In fact I would bet he is worrying about the same thing.” She says, moving her hand comfortingly in small circles on his back.

“Do you really think that?” Zeldris asks hopefully, retreating into the tranquility of his lovers affection. “I do. You’re both a pair of softies after all.” She teases, smiling as Zeldris’ ears began to burn red and he muttered something about being the Demon King.

“You should talk to him about it before the celebration tonight.” She urges, holding back another teasing comment. “I can’t just go out and say it out of nowhere. I would look like a fool.” Zeldris complains in frustration, burying his face into his hands in defeat.

“You’re so dramatic. If that’s how you feel then fine, find a way to ‘break the ice’ so to speak. Then you can talk to him about your mushy brotherly feelings.” Gelda responds with another teasing smile. “It’s not mushy! It is totally normal for me to desire to keep seeing my brother after being apart for 3000 years.” He says back hastily before continuing with more composure “However you presented a very good idea. And I think I know just what to do to ‘break the ice’.” He finishes with a mischievous smirk.

A few minutes later, he was striding out the door of the Inn heading to the residence where a certain mage was staying. Upon hearing a voice telling him to enter before he even had the chance to knock, Zeldris opens the door to find Merlin standing in front of her workbench, a terrifying looking experiment before her. “What do you require Zeldris?” She asks, blunt as ever. “Merlin, I have a favor to ask.”

~~~

Storing the last of the supplies into their places, Meliodas stands up with a huff slapping the dirt of his hands. “Supply run complete. Next up, helping Merlin gather some ingredients for whatever sketchy spell she’s itching to try.” Meliodas says to himself, chuckling at his scary friend.

He makes his way back outside, the sun now at its peak above him. This time he heads away from the city in the direction of the thick woodland bordering the kingdom where Merlin had instructed him to go. Claiming the ingredient gathering process requires two people.

With all the preparations for the celebration that night complete, Meliodas was desperate for another mindless task to keep him from dwelling on his conflicted feelings he was sure his brother didn’t share with him. Yeah gathering ingredients with his friend sounded like the better option.

Meliodas arrives at their predetermined meeting place marked by a large oblong boulder after about a fifteen minute walk. Merlin of course just had to drag them in the middle of no where, deep into the woods for her precious ingredients. However the said mage was nowhere in sight, and it wasn’t like her to be late.

“Immobilize!” A green flash of light was upon him before he come summon his Full Counter. Hit by the spell directly he collapses to the ground, no longer possessing the ability to control his body below his neck. “Merlin what the hell, did I piss you off or something?” Meliodas asks, struggling to move his body an inch. He felt disconnected from all the nerves below his neck line.

“No not me Captain, someone else. But don’t worry the Immobilize spell won’t last much longer. I just needed it so I could do this without you getting in my way.” Merlin responds, casting another enchantment - This spell however was familiar to Meliodas.

His arms were bound above his head with wispy deep purple chains, his legs pulled taught below him with the same magic. ‘I recognize this spell, Merlin used it just the other week. She cast it on -

“Hello brother”

- Zeldris’ Meliodas finishes his thought with a sinking feeling in his chest as his brother emerges from the shadows between the trees with a triumphant smile. “Well I did my part. I have an experiment to tend to so I will make my leave now. Zeldris I expect you to keep your word - 10 gallons of Purgatory venom. I need it for another experiment I’ve been wanting to try.” Merlin says, giving them a quick wave goodbye before teleporting away.

“Zeldris, what is this, why did you commission Merlin to do this to me?” Meliodas asks in feigned annoyance. He already knew what was happening but was trying anything he could to stall the inevitable. Giving a test tug to each of his limbs, the blonde-haired demons panic sinks even deeper as none of them retreated an inch to his efforts.

“Oh I think you know exactly what this is about. If you recall I told you myself that we would settle things after our father was defeated.” Zeldris responds, sauntering closer to his immobilized brother who’s escape attempts were becoming more aggressive by the second.

“Yeah well, what I remember is you complaining about me having Merlin’s magic to keep you still. You hypocrite.” Meliodas says pointedly in regards to the magic bonds restricting him from moving. He was desperate to regain any control of the situation but Zeldris was having none of that.

“This is just making things even. It’s only fair that I get the same advantages as you - not that I would need an advantage anyway mind you.” Zeldris responds, squatting down next to his brother until he was only a mere few inches away.

Meliodas shoots his brother a silent pleading look as his brother dramatically set his hands above him in preparation, he already new his fate was sealed. But hey, at least he wouldn’t have to focus on his lingering fears in regards to not seeing his brother again. ‘Maybe it will even be enjoyable to relive our childhood fights -‘

Meliodas stiffens as his brother begins his attack. His hopeful thought cut off as he quickly realized Zeldris didn’t plan on making the exchange ‘enjoyable’ by any means. “Wahahait Zel pleahase. We c-can tahalk ab-about thihis.” Meliodas pleads as Zeldris dances his fingers up and down his older brothers ribs.

“There is nothing to talk about. Now stop arguing and accept every once of my vengeance.” Zeldris responds curtly, moving his assault lower to squeeze Meliodas’ hips as his brother pleaded and thrashed below him. “NOHOHO AHAHA DAHAHAMN YOUOU ZEHEHELDRIS STAHAHAP!” Meliodas calls out, squeezing his eyes shut while still trying to fight against the bindings with all his strength. The deep purple chains gave no sign of breaking, to be expected of Merlin’s work.

“Did you stop when I asked you to? Did you give me a scrap of mercy when you tortured me?” Zeldris asks him, widening his grip to claw at both sides of his brothers lower ribs. “TOHOHRTURED? SOHO DRAHAMATIC.” Meliodas manages to tease through his laughter. “I’m being dramatic huh? Okay then I guess you won’t mind if I do this.” Zeldris fires back, spidering his hands up his ribs - Making a clear bee line for Meliodas’ arm pits which he knew for a fact was a weak spot they both shared.

“WAHAIT WAHAHAIT IM SOHOHORY I DIHIDNT MEAHAN IT!” Meliodas desperately tries to take back his words but Zeldris merely smirks and continues his assent. Loving every second of his sweet, long awaited revenge.

“Again, did you stop when I begged you not to go there?” Zeldris asks “YOHOU WEHEHERNT BREAHAHAKING!” Meliodas responds through his laughter, which was growing frantic now that Zeldris was quickly closing the distance to his under arms.

“You could have told me Gelda was alive from the start.” “YOHOU ACTIVAHATED ELIZABEHETHS CURSE. I WAHANTED REVEHENGE.” “I only did that because I thought you killed Gelda. So again, your fault for not telling me.”

The banter continued until Zeldris finally decided it was time to go in for the kill, digging all eight fingers into his brothers arm pits. Zeldris was grateful to be so far into the woods after the scream Meliodas released. It surly would have brought in half the town.

“AHAHA STAHAP STAHAHP STAHAHAP PLEAHAHASE!” Meliodas cried, giving up on fighting against his bonds to focus on his very survival. “Did you say something brother, I can’t seem to hear you over the sound of you begging for mercy.” Zeldris teases darkly. Enjoying the sight of his older brother frantic with laughter, squirming under his fingertips - A genuine smile on his face.

“PLEHEHEASE ZEHEHEL PLEAHASE!” Meliodas begged, his blonde hair even more wild than usual as he shook his head back in force in protest. Meliodas, the former leader of the 10 Commandments, a God slayer feared and idolized by all races - Was now reduced to a hysterical pile of mush beneath his brothers fingers as he relentlessly sought out his weak spots.

Zeldris didn’t hold back for a moment. Wiggling his fingers deep into the hollows of his brothers arm pits while digging his thumbs into his upper-most ribs. Meliodas wasn’t even able to beg anymore, succumbing to the merciless attack falling into a mix of silent and snorty laughter.

Feeling slightly merciful, Zeldris pauses his attack to move further down to his brothers legs. Meliodas gasps for air the moment the torture ceases, grateful for a moment to breath. His relief was short lived however, tensing up again when he feels the younger demons hands latch onto the muscles an inch above his knee-caps.

“Noho Z-Zeldris don’t you d-AHAHARE!” His plea was interrupted as Zeldris ignored his words, beginning his attack anew. “YOHOHOU JEHEHERK, STAHAHAP!” Meliodas cackles, desperately thrashing from side to side as much as the magic bindings allows him to.

Zeldris’ revenge was already fulfilled, now he was merely having fun. And stalling admittedly, unsure if he was ready to discus the real reason he summoned Meliodas to this place.

“ZEHEL MEHEHERCY PLEAHASE I CAHANT TAHAKE IHIHIT!” Meliodas cries out, hysterical with laughter as Zeldis switched between squeezing the sensitive muscles above his knees and scribbling his fingers underneath his knees on the unbearably ticklish skin.

Sensing his brother was truly at his limit. Zeldris ceases his attack, and rises to his feet. Mentally preparing for what was to come now that the metaphorical ice was broken.

Meliodas lays on the ground for about a minute, enjoying the wonderful thing called breathing before clearing his throat to get his brothers attention. “So uh, you letting me out of these bro?” He asks tentatively, still all too aware of his vulnerable position.

“I suppose so. Merlin you can release him now.” Zeldris says, knowing full well the mage was surly watching them this whole time. Immediately the wispy chains vanished and Meliodas regained control of his limbs.

Breathing a sigh of relief, he pulls his arms in and sits himself up to a cross-cross position with a grunt. Zeldris remains standing, frozen in place as he wasn’t sure how to start.

“If you’re worried I’m going to retaliate you can rest assured I won’t, at least not right now anyway. I’m too wiped out for that.” Meliodas says with a chuckle. “It’s not that, there’s just … something I wanted to speak with you about.” Zeldris responds sheepishly, settling down on the ground across from him brother.

“Oh? What is it then?” Meliodas asks curiously. Pushing through all the voices in his brain calling him weak and soft, Zeldris speaks honestly to his brother “What will become of our relationship after tonight?”

Meliodas was quiet for a moment before responding “What is it that you want to happen with it?” He asks slowly. “Hey, don’t put it on me!” Zeldris argues in embarrassed frustration. “Oh I see what’s happening. You just don’t want to admit that you’re gonna miss having me around is that it?” Meliodas responds with a beaming smile.

Zeldris wanted the ground to open beneath him, he would rather be fighting the induras of Purgatory than respond to his brothers question. Unfortunately for him, his silence was all the confirmation Meliodas needed.

“Awee my little brother does care, that’s adorable.” He teases, laughing as Zeldris flashes him a red-faced glare. “Whatever. All I wanted to know is if maybe you would want to visit Hell every so often. Or perhaps I could spend some time up here in your kingdom - After I’ve made myself well established in Hell first of course.” Zeldris stammers, unable to meet his older brothers gaze.

“Zeldris relax, there is nothing wrong with wanting to see your family. I’m honestly really relieved that you feel that way.” Meliodas says, adjusting himself to sit next to his brother who slowly turned his head to meet his older brothers gaze.

“I meant what I said about visiting your kingdom, and having you visit Hell. I wouldn’t mind getting used to having you around again.” He grumbles. Meliodas’ heart nearly burst with relief from his words. Wrapping his arm around his brother in a half hug. “Yeah I would like that.”

By now the sun was beginning to set over the kingdom. Singling it was time to return to the Boar Hat for the celebration. Now they were not only celebrating the start of Meliodas and Zeldris’ new lives with their lovers, but also the start of their new lives with their rekindled friendship.

Arriving back at the tavern just as the others were arriving, the festivities began immediately. No more suppressed bitter sweet feelings, no more lingering fear of having to live in regret. Only hope for the future that they will face together, as brothers.