Past Hidden by a Broken Smile (Being Edited)

Chapter Seven: Celebrations

Zeldris couldn't believe what he was seeing. He nearly wanted to pinch himself to see if he was still dreaming!

The room was spotless, no trace of the alchohol or broken tables from earlier caused by fighting between Diane and Hawk. But even better, the place was decorated perfectly. The banners were hung across the walls with their bright green color complimenting that of Meliodas's eyes perfectly, and tablecloths with the same emerald color were adorned in steaming hot food with one table covered in a giant cake that had each layer a different flavor ranging from chocolate on the bottom to blueberry on the top.

Still completely stunned at the sight, the ravenette's eyes took a few minutes before they landed on the gifts laid around in a neat pile in the corner. Something that dimmed Zeldris's mood rather fast.

Some big brother I am, I completely forgot to go back out and get a gift...

The look on his brother's face however, made it hard to stay in the depressed state for long. Huge green eyes took in every detail while the gears in the blond's head turned to process everything.

"Surprise!"

Ban pulled one of the party poppers and the blond flinched slightly before his hand reached slightly towards his sword.

The only one that noticed was Zeldris, but he frowned at the reaction. His brother absolutely loved those things when he was younger. The man supposed it could just be another thing his brother grew out of, but that was a pretty jumpy reaction from his now aloof brother.

After a minute or two Meliodas's body relaxed, and a large lopsided grin came onto his face.

"Did you guys do all this... for me?"

They nodded proudly.

"Zeldris was the one who came up with it actually. He said that he wanted to make up for missing so many birthdays and holidays and such, so he went out and got all the supplies while Elizabeth kept you busy!"

"So that's why Elizabeth wanted to stay out so long! I knew she was hiding something!"

She blushed and the others all laughed.

"Oh um.. here you go Sir Meliodas. It's a gift I picked out for you."

She held out the purple bags she was carrying over to him and he opened them quickly.

"Ya know, you didn't have to get me anything Ellie."

She smiled at him shyly before responding, her blush still present.

"Of course I-I d-did! Y-You deserve it after everything you've done for me!"

He pulled out the items and found a new sheath for his sword in one and a polisher for it in the other. He gave her his typical smile and she turned even redder.

"Thanks Elizabeth! My old sheath was getting pretty old."

She nodded at him and stuttered a reply. It was obvious that she had quite the crush on him, and perhaps maybe there was even more between the two. Yet another thing Zeldris might have missed.

His mind flashed back to the nightmare briefly at the thought, but he forced himself not to get focused on those things right now. Tonight was about Meliodas.

"Well what are we all waiting for! Let's celebrate shall we?"

The evening seemed to pass timelessly as they all were relaxed and laughing together during Meliodas's experience. They started with food that they all complimented Ban for which led to cake. Meliodas took a slice of the rum cake piece, something Zeldris made a note of.