Summary: Two sisters have a fun day with their little brother and nothing bad happens. Shocker!

A/N: HERE it is! The second chapter! Be warned; fluff is guaranteed!

Meili Portroute wasn't sure when the changes began, all she knew was that they were fairly recent and not all of them had been unpleasant. At least she seemed to think so, the others would agree with her considering that their moods had taken a dramatic shift since HE arrived. They were nicer, less anxious, and rude. As if everyone had suddenly gotten eight straight hours of straight sleep and a new lease on life. It was super weird, but then again so were these people. Especially the half-elf who was in a pleasant mood lately - smiling brightly at everyone and everything and laughing delightfully with a spring in her steps, and the occasional hum fluttering from her lips, when she thought no one was looking or paying attention. It was a soft and carefree tune that spoke of a peace many could only hope to achieve.

Meili was intrigued, since the one to cause this abrupt shift was well – He was the same as her, wasn't he? Or he should have been at least. She had heard a lot about what he and the other Cultists had done and how he had been a part of the attack in Priestella and had hurt lots of innocent people. She had expected a lot of things from the Sin Archbishop Natsuki Subaru, Pride. He should have been mean, wicked and cruel like her, like Mama.

But instead, what she was met with was –

"Higher! Higher! Bring me higher Nee-san!" A cheerful voice demanded, giggling madly with joyous innocence that was honestly sickening, annoying and outright grating on her ears that it made Meili want to vomit.

So why did she want to hear it all the same? Today and every day afterwards, for as long as she lived. Why did it make her feel warm and light and want to keep listening forever?

Meili, the cold-blooded killer who had no qualms about ending a life if it suited her interests, lips parted into a smile. A genuine one and not the fake or cruel ones she usually wore when she wanted to inflict as much pain on an opponent before she sicked her pets on them, but a friendly one that offered 'security' and 'comfort' as expected from any big sister.

The girl, a teenager really who had hit a growth spurt fairy recently craned her neck up at the sound of flapping wings and shrill screeches coming from right above her.

To anyone else it would have been a sight that would have elicited a feeling of terror and dread as dozens of small mabeasts – 'black winged mice' carried a small, defenseless dark-haired boy in their clutches. But those who knew of such things and were familiar with it - would simply shrug and leave the child to continue "playing" his favorite game. Seeing as he did not seem frightened or concerned for his safety at all.

"What a pushy brat." Meili said with mirth. She knew how excited her 'little brother' got when he started 'playing' with her pets and who was she to ruin his fun. "But I could never say no to you."

She really couldn't. It was a bad trait. One she wasn't looking to break anytime soon as she cheerfully ordered her pets to lift the child further up, causing his laughter to grow and Meili's mood along with it.

Ah! Music to my ears! ~

She giggled, admiring the sight and burning into her memories. She'd let the boy have five more minutes of fun before bringing him back down. But looking at the worried wart standing next to her, that might as well have been five whole days!

"Do you have to bring him so high up?" Petra said, her words coated in fear and anxiety as the teenagers stood in a large grassy field outside the Milord manor. Petra never liked it when Meili played with Subaru – she didn't like Meili being near Subaru at all and thought she was a terrible role model for someone so impressionable. And I mean - she wasn't exactly wrong!

"It's what Subaru wanted." Meili shrugged, giving the maid a lazy grin and ridding herself of any part she had in this, while knowing that there was a fine grey area somewhere for letting a toddler make such a risky decision himself.

Petra was not so easily convinced and shot her frenemy an ugly look, one Meili recognized, but still chose to beat out like a dry, dusty rug because she enjoyed goading the housekeeper and getting a rise out of her. Talk about being way too easy. ~

"You know what I mean! Don't play dumb Meili-chan! Petra scolded, nose wrinkling in revulsion at the girl's lax attitude in this, before flipping back to her little brother and gaping when she saw Subaru begin to do somersaults in midair.

This made Petra's trepidation's soar to new levels and the poor girl seemed to be on the verge of a full-blown panic attack as Meili barely kept herself from cackling like a mad woman and pointing and laughing at her - this was too good!

'Petra could be such a 'mother hen,' trying to ensure her baby boy was safe and out of harm's way. How sweet.' Meili snickered, knowing that if it were up to the irate maid, she would have swaddled Subaru up a long time ago and stashed away somewhere him in her room where no one could find him, and she could pamper and coddle him for the rest of his life. He meant that much to her and more.

Meili would be lying if she said she didn't agree with the sentiment and wouldn't have tried to do the same thing if her room hadn't been in the manor's basement.

I mean a creepy dungeon? Talk about being WAY too obvious. That would be the first place they'd look for him if she did do something like that.

Not that she still wouldn't be tempted to try anyways, consequences be damned.

"So, when will lunch be ready?" Meili asked, feigning boredom, and wanting to steer this conversation in the opposite direction. Petra's brow furrowed. The unspoken 'really?' was not hard to miss and Meili responded by patting her stomach mockingly with a smirk. "What? Girls gotta eat and I've worked up quite an appetite today. ~" she drawled, in a long, sullen way that was meant to invoke sympathy for her plight.

Too bad Petra wasn't buying it. She was fully aware of what game Meili was playing and bit the inside of her cheek to stop a snappy remark from leaving her mouth. This was just another one of the 'beast tamers' mean tricks to get her to lose her composure.

Well, she wasn't falling for it. Not this time. No way!

Petra shook her head, determined not to let Meili get the better of her again.

"And why would I make you anything!" Petra said, arms crossed challengingly with heat in her voice that would make most backs go rigid. This time she would be the one to turn the tables on the bratty girl!

Meili tilted her head, impressed by Petra's boldness. She didn't think she had it in her. It was truly refreshing. Buutttt! Wasn't it a bit too late for Petra of all people to grow a spine? Meili seemed to think so and soon got to work putting the girl back in her proper place.

UNDERNEATH HER!

"Oh, that's too bad." Meili said with a hint of mockery that made Petra's left eye twitch in annoyance. "Guess I'll have to eat somewhere else then, huh?"

"That's right!" Petra said, glad that Meili was finally getting it through her thick head that she couldn't bully people to get what she wanted. Actions had consequences and maybe this would serve as a lesson for the mean girl!

"Well, I suppose that can't be helped." Meili sighed, shoulders slouched, "I'll just have to make a quick trip to the capital and grab something to eat there and be back lickety split." Meili said, clasping her hands together as a mischievous smirk suddenly crawled its way onto her face. "Of course I'll be taking Subaru-chan with me as well."

Petra froze.

"Huh?!" The young girl choked,

Meili eyes lit up with sadistic glee. "Why of course. He must be famished too, and I wouldn't be a good Big Sister if I let my baby brother starve, so I'll take him with me. Don't worry, we won't be gone long!" She said, laying it on thick as she suspected Petra would lash out almost at once.

'Which Meili suspected would be right about - '

"Whatttt!" Petra said, sputtering and pointing her fingers at her malicious friend scandalously.

'Now.'

'Y-You can't do that!" Petra said, though she looked unsure. Meili scoffed.

"And who's going to stop me? You?" She growled, taking a threatening step forward, causing Petra to flinch and instinctively reel back much to Meili's pleasure.

Hah! Like she said - Too easy!

"I'll tell the others and they'll - " Petra tried to put on a brave front only to have it be immediately bulldozed by Meili's commanding presence

"And paint yourself as a tattletale!" Meili sneered at the ultimate crime any person their age could commit. Disgusting. "Your pathetic Petra!" she said coldly, as the girl began to shake and whine, and tears stung her eyes.

"I-I…" Petra said huskily, hunched over - making herself appear smaller, more docile, and meeker. Good. Meili preferred it when her 'friend' understood who was boss!

"Now," Meili started, pressing her advantage and approached the girl, using her height to her advantage to cast the little know it all in 'her' shadow and looked down on her. "About that lunch ~" she said, silky, with one hand pressed to her hip while the other patted Petra's head, as though she were an obedient pet adhering to her master's wishes. Meili's eyes almost glowed with triumph.

"A-Alright. Fine." Petra whimpered and surrendered without a word of protest.

Heh, victory never tasted so delicious.

"Good girl." Meili smirked as she spun on her heels, ignoring Petra's sniffles and hiccups as she turned her attention back to what was really important.

She cupped her hands together and shouted into the air -

"Subaru-chan! It's time to come down! Petra is making food for us!" Meili said, gleefully. Unable to resist taking one last dig at the maid's expense.

Subaru's face lit up. Ecstatic.

"Yay! Food!" He squealed eagerly, waving his arms animatedly as the rat-like beasts keeping him afloat began to jerk and squeak at the sudden bout of movement.

Meili chuckled, amused. Petra - not so much as she practically begged the beast tamer to bring the boy down right now while latching onto her shoulder and shaking her frantically - she didn't know how much more of this she could take. Petra absolutely detested the idea that Subaru could be put in harm's way. He should be with her, wrapped in her warm embrace, where she could spoil and dot him endlessly - AND more importantly keep him far away from unruly troublemakers!

Petra eyed Meili pointedly, who in turn gave the angry girl a condescending smile.

Eventually, Meili kept her promise, and Subaru was returned safely to the floor - no worse for wear and elated. He enjoyed it when his Meili 'played' with him. She was the best! The most amazing big sis someone like him could ask for - which showed when the moment the child's feet touched the ground and he thanked Meili's 'nice' and 'fluffy' pets politely for carrying him all day (because he was a good boy and Emilia Nee-san and Frederica Nee-san always told him to be kind and courteous to everyone her met no matter who or 'what' they were!) He quickly bounded toward one of the people he loved most in the entire world and vice versa and wrapped himself around her waist.

Subaru dug his head into Meili's stomach, squeezing tightly with all the strength he could muster - receiving a strained and exasperated grunt in return followed by a laugh and soft fingers digging into his scalp and ruffling his hair in gentle strokes.

Subaru sighed in contentment, leaning into the touches that he'd grown fond of and how safe and secure he felt because of them.

"~Did you enjoy the ride?" Meili said knowingly, pressing him closer, feeling his warmth against her, with a teasing glint that no one else in the manor could hope to compete with!

Well except maybe Ram Nee-sama, but she was in a league of her own! Her dry sense of humor as Frederica called it never failed to make Subaru giggle which perhaps did more harm than good as it added more ammo to Ram's already plentiful barrage of insults - poor Otto, ever the easy target of the Oni's verbal tongue lashings and ice cold quips was beside himself and would bemoan his treatment and rue the day he ever involved himself with this ungrateful lot!

(But in truth it was a well-guarded secret amongst the Emilia camp that for all his drunken outbursts and bouts of clumsiness, Otto kept this 'act' going so that he could keep Subaru - who enjoyed seeing his older brother's exaggerated reactions and EPIC screw ups, would be kept thoroughly entertained.)

And he succeeded!

Or that's what he told everyone anyway - they didn't really believe. Mostly because they got a good laugh out of seeing Otto fall on his luck, only to lift himself back up and make a spectacle of himself free of charge! Could you ask for anything better!

Unsurprisingly Emilia was not a fan of this and thought they were being overly cruel. But it was Ram who assured her that it was all in good fun, harmless and Otto was in on the joke. Besides, wouldn't it be a shame if Subaru was deprived of such leisurely distractions provided to him free of charge by someone who he deeply cared for and would never wish misfortune upon him.

Emilia was skeptical but acquiesced once she saw Otto lying on the floor in his usual pathetic heap with Subaru sitting on his chest, grinning widely while poking fun at the man's silly antics.

Emilia cooed when she saw the two boys genuinely getting along and having a fun time together. Ram was merely glad that the merchant would continue to act as her personal jester for the years to come.

Regardless, Subaru was pleased with how things had turned out today and nodded with an affirmative hum passing through his lips to Meili's question. His grip on her tightened, never wanting to let go.

"Yep! It was lots of fun! Can we do it again? Can we, Meili-Nee?!" Subaru asked, with a smile that was worth more than a thousand holy coins.

'Now that just isn't fair.' Meili complained at the trusting look Subaru was giving her in spades - he really loved her that much, didn't he? Part of Meili was aware of that. It was just - okay on an emotional level, both of them were as thick as thieves. And often it was Meili who watched over the little boy when the others were too preoccupied with Emilia's political affairs. Here they would spend hours inside her room - making dolls, cracking jokes and taking long naps together. They were some of her most cherished memories since she had come to live inside the manor, and it threw the doors open on up a new chapter in Meili's life that she still wasn't sure how to feel about just yet.

After Elsa - her big sister's sudden death, the thought of getting vengeance on the ones who she blamed for causing that tragedy had been the only thing keeping her going. That bastard Garfiel Tinsel had to pay for what he'd done! She'd kill him no matter what! That was a promise, and she would have already if not for -

Meili licked her front teeth. Displeasure showering her face. Subaru cared a lot about Garfiel and if he ever found out that she had been the one responsible for taking his life he'd be beyond upset! Meili didn't want that - she didn't want that at all! The thought of her little brother hating her made Meili's stomach twist in the most frustrating way possible. So much so that she was beginning to have second thoughts about going through with it. Perhaps she wouldn't sick her beasties on that man - at least not yet. Surely postponing it for a few years until she was good and ready would not be the worst thing.

And who knows, perhaps by then she would have convinced Subaru that the only person he needed was her! And he'd finally ditch these losers and agree to tag along with her on adventures and stuff! Wouldn't that be neat! Meili could only hope that pipe dream would someday be a reality!

Especially with recent events that might make things awkward between them soon.

Meili's mind trailed off to what Emilia had spoken to her about in length just a few weeks ago about a mission her and the other camps were preparing to go on and - if successful could lead to those who were grotesquely changed in Priestella by the authorities of Lust and Gluttony being returned to normal.

A journey to see the Sage. One that hasn't been carried out since - well never. It was a foolish gamble, and Meili had reservations about whether this would prove worthwhile or lead them to an early grave. But everyone was adamant and needed Meili's help to navigate them through the Augria Sand Dunes and to the Pleiades Towers where it was said the Sage lived. How wonderful. ~

In the end, Meili had no choice but to comply - she was a prisoner, no matter how much they tried to sugar coat it. On the bright side she would have her room upstairs if all went well and they managed to pull this off, so that was sweet!"

But Meili's biggest gripe had to do with how Subaru would handle them being gone for so long. While the planning was still in the works and they were ironing out the kinks, most of the camp was fully on board with the expedition to the tower, (Emilia with her spirit and knight, Beatrice and Garfiel. Otto who'd be in charge of leading the carriages and Ram who hoped that the Sage would have answers to rousing her sister from her slumber.)

Subaru would be left far behind with Petra and Frederica - which Meili sympathized with greatly.

They would have to break the news to him soon and she has a feeling that it would not be pretty.

Meanwhile Petra was wallowing in her own self-pity as she dug her nails into her palms and glowered at Meili for upstaging her and hogging Subaru for herself again! Ugh and she was putting her grubby mitts all over him! Taking the affection that so rightfully belonged to her! The INJUSTICE! She wanted that! Subaru should be coming to her for endless hugs and affection!

The youngest maid sulked. The world could be so unfair!

"Eh?" Subaru watched in dumb confusion at the sudden shift in both of his sisters' attitudes. He wasn't sure what had caused it - everything was fine a minute ago! But they were so sad now and - and he had to fix it! He HATED seeing people he cared about get upset!"

AND so -

"Meili-Nee! Petra-Nee!" Subaru with a strange determination that caught both girls by surprise. He ushered Petra over and, when she was close enough, placed a hand on her head - the same for Meili - and patted them comfortably as if trying to wipe away their worries.

"It's okay. Please don't be sad. Everything will be fine. So don't cry, k'ay. He said with a level of seriousness that was genuine and adorable.

Both girls turned to look at one another. All ill feelings between them were thrown aside when they saw what Subaru was trying to do and grinned almost simultaneously.

"Oh my! Is our Baru worried about us?" Meili said teasingly, trying to ease the mood. "Awe, isn't he precious Petra-chan?"

"Yes, he certainly is Meili-chan." Petra nodded along energetically as she rubbed her bottom chin with slight amusement. "And for being such a good boy, I for one think our Subaru deserves a well-earned treat, don't you think?"

"Hm-Hm, I concur! ~"

"H-Huh?" Subaru's eyes widened when without warning, both girls moved as one and planted a kiss on opposite sides of his cheeks.

Subaru squawked, turning crimson red and sputtered until ultimately hiding himself in the crook of Meili's neck as he mewed.

"Gross! You got germs on me!"

The girls then descended into another tangent of laughter and playful egging, eliminating any tension in the air.

Subaru continued to frown and pretend to ignore the mischievous ridicule for a while longer until his sisters finally gave up trying to coax him with words and instead grabbed his sides and began to tickle him senselessly.

Meili and Petra could be SUPER mean when they wanted too.

But then -

They held him in a warm hug and lulled him into a sense of security.

It was relieving.

It was calming.

It was everything he could ask for and more.

Subaru really did love his family.

Boom!

Another chapter done and the prologue for our gangs trip is about to commence!

I had a lot of fun with this one and I promise THINGS are about to happen but um - I wanted to add lots of fluff for our tiny Archbishop before that. I'm thinking a couple more chapters of that - just because I have a major sweet tooth.

But YEAH, as you can see the trip to Pleiades Watchtower is still on and before anyone asks - NO Subaru is not going because for one he's a toddler and two no one wants to jink any death flags by bringing a former Sin Archbishop in fear that he might get his memories back or something and who wants that, right? :P

Nah, I have something else in mind for our cinnamon roll as his friends set sails into that hellscape.

Oh and don't worry the Emilia camp aren't tackling the tower alone - they ain't crazy.

List of those going on the Expedition:

Emilia Camp: Emilia, Beatrice, Garfiel, Otto, Meili, Ram, Rem (Comatose)

Felt Camp: Felt, Reinhard (Sword Saint)

Anastasia: Anastasia (The Hero of Priestella), Julius

Crusch Camp: Ferris, Wilhelm

The Priscilla camp is excluded for obvious reasons (Don't worry they'll show up eventually) HOWEVER all three camps will meet up at the Milord Manor before making their way to the Augria Sand Dunes which will make for some intense drama and cute scenes to happen.

EX: Felt gives Subaru a high speed piggyback ride and Reinhard 'play's' knight with the Sin Archbishop of Pride.

I told you this would be wholesome didn't I! lmao!