Past Hidden by a Broken Smile (Being Edited)

Work

Zeldris decided after his bout of sickness that caused his brother to lose work, that he should make it up to his sibling by offering up his services during a particularly busy day, which was greatly appreciated by the other sins. Though Meliodas himself had insisted that it wasn't necessary.

But hey, if his little brother was going to ignore him when he said he didn't need to be cared for, then Zeldris was going to do the same for his sibling over this. Sometimes, stupid comments needed to be ignored. Of course, he didn't have to help, but he wanted to.

Though, he started to regret that as soon as the day revved up.

Spills, confusing orders, drunk patrons, screaming, rowdy children, and the list went on and on of hazards and annoyances blurring around him as the day continued.

How does he do this every single day? How does he not drop?! Oh geez, that ale smells fantastic right about now.

As soon as the smell hit him, he excused himself for a break and stepped outside. The craving was particularly strong now with the stress of everything, and it seemed that he wasn't the only one who noticed.

Estarossa stopped by about half an hour ago to help- as much as he could during a lunch break at his own place- and he saw Zeldris step out. Leading to him doing the same.

"You doing okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just... taking in some fresh air for a minute."

His voice was shaky, betraying his real feelings beyond the words. Which only prompted Estarossa to take a seat beside him instead of going back inside.

"You know, I'm... really proud of you."

The words were awkward, as was the sentiment. Proud of Zeldris? After all he had put his sibling through? Surely Esta had broken his oath of sobriety and had one too many ales.

Seeing the eyebrow raise and the overall baffled expression Zeldris had, the man smiled and continued.

"I know how hard it is to break the routine we've had for so long. Especially when you feel stress and overall emotion a lot more deeply than the average person. It's tough breaking the unhealthy coping mechanism for those feelings, but you're doing a great job at it. You're trying, at least. And that's a lot more than many people can say. I know that having Meliodas back helps, but you draink for more reasons than just guilt, and there's plenty of stress going around right about now."

Zeldris didn't know what to say. But it seemed Esta did.

"I'm proud because you're doing what you can with the tools that you have, and you're working to fix the mistakes you have in your past. Whether it's drinking, or lashing out. You're doing great in both areas. Just know, that I'm still here to stand by you when it's tough putting in the hard work, okay? I was here when you were going through the worst, and I'll be here by your side still for the rest. So, let me know the next time you step out because you want a drink, and I'll be here to chat, sit, whatever you need."

There was a lump in Zeldris's throat and a painful squeeze in his chest. He wasn't used to having talks like this. And never did he expect the phrase "I'm proud of you" to have any place in it.

"I uh... don't know what to say."

Estarossa smiled and slapped his back playfully before standing and stretching.

"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Doesn't change a thing. All I ask is that you remember what I said and take it to heart. I will always be here for you, Zeldris. Don't forget, both you and Mel are my little brothers, okay? Now, I'm going back inside, you're welcome to join whenever you'd like. I think I'll stick around for the rest of the day."