I wake up to an arm tightening round my waist. Opening my eyes, my view is filled with pink hair. One of the warmest feelings I've ever felt floods through me. So this is what it's like to wake up next to someone you love. I like this. I just lay there for a few minutes, enjoying the feeling and recalling the night. Gotta say, I didn't expect Ram to be so… talented. Or loud! The only real downside, my arm's trapped.

As I'm working my way loose, Ram stirs, eyes opening a moment later. They widen and a blush appears when she realises where she is. Scratch that, by the blush she remembered last night. I manage to free myself and sit up, grinning. "Morning babe. Sleep well?"

Her blush deepens as she returns my grin "I did. After you let me sleep, anyway."

I chuckle. "Hey, I tried on a couple of occasions. As I recall, someone wanted to keep going. Gotta say, I did not expect that."

She smiles as her blush gets even deeper. "Rem is not the only one who likes to read. I always loved the idea of a spontaneous romance. I just did not expect that I would be so… forward."

My smile grows "Fan of romance, huh?" I lean toward her, centimetres away "Well, how 'bouts we…"

There's a fucking knock at my door. I actually pout, making Ram giggle. "I'm-a comin'!"

Pulling on a top and some pants, I open the door to see Rem with a uniform. "Umm, morning."

She holds the clothes out, blushing. "For Nee-sama."

I frown slightly as I take them "How… did you know she was in here?"

She fidgets for a moment. "I could hear you."

I just… stammer for a few seconds. "Uh, sorry about that. Thanks for the clothes. Ummm, see you in the kitchen."

As soon as the door closes I chuckle, Ram standing. My chuckle dies as I look at her. Damn, she's almost more beautiful in sunlight. She smiles as I pass her the clothes. "I'm gonna… step outside while you get dressed."

Ram frowns. "Why?"

My grin resurfaces "Cause I'm getting extremely close to jumping on you. Don't want you to be late."

She grins with a blush. "Then I think that is for the best. I shall not be long."

She exits less then two minutes later and I quickly sort my own uniform out. As I leave the room, I pause. I look at Ram and smile. "I got a request."

She nods "Please, go ahead."

My smile shrinks to my usual grin. "Well, I would like your permission to kiss you whenever we have a quiet moment."

She blushes. "Granted."

I smile as we reach the kitchen. Rem's already there and both girls go bright red as they look at each other. I can't help but chuckle. Having an idea for breakfast, I interrupt the blush-off.

"Do you guys eat gypsy toast here?"

Rem frowns "Gypsy toast?

I nod "Yeah. It's bread dipped in a milk and egg mix, then fried."

She shakes her head "This is the first time I have heard of such a thing."

I smile. "Then you're in for a treat."

After breakfast, just before we're due to leave, I'm called to. I turn to see Roswaal. Oh crap, he looks serious. Think I know what's about to happen.

He looks at me, sternly. "From the glances and smiles, I can assume that Ram told you how she feels." I feel my face heat up a little. Should've realised he'd notice. "There are two things I wish to know."

"Fire away."

Still with the stern expression. "How do you truly feel about my Ram?"

With just a thought of her, I feel myself smile. "Honestly? I don't think I could love anyone as much as I love her."

He just stares for a moment. "And when you return home? What then?"

Huh, I actually hadn't thought of that. "Well… If she wanted to, I would take her with me. On the other hand, if she wanted me to stay, she'd be the only person who could persuade me."

He smiles softly, a league away from his usual creepy one. "I am glad to hear that. After you get back, come to my office. There is something I wish to discuss with you."

I nod "Not a problem."

Just as I turn to leave, he puts a hand on my arm. "Takara, I hope you do not hurt her. Because if you do…"

I cut him off "Boss… Roswaal, trust me. If I ever hurt Ram, anything you do to me will be nothing compared to what I'd do to myself."

He nods and lets me go. For all his weirdness, it's nice to see his caring side.

I arrive at the main doors at roughly the same time as Emilia, who's wearing her cute pink dress with her hair in a braid. She's a knockout today and, judging by her face, Rem thinks so too.

Ram walk over "Emilia-sama, are you ready to go?"

Lia nods and I hold a hand up. "I would like to propose something. Today, if Lia's fine with it, no titles. Emilia is just… Emilia."

Emilia beams "Please. That would be a welcome change of pace."

The twins stare between us for a minutes before Ram nods. "If it is fine with… Emilia… It is fine with us."

With that, she turns and heads out with Rem. I look to Emilia, who's watching them, more specifically Rem, leave. "C'mon dork. Let's go."

About ten minutes into the walk, the twins in front, Emilia nudges me. "So. How is everything with Ram?"

My eyes flick to the girls, deep in conversation. Honesty? Or discretion? "…Not too bad, I guess. We're talking now, at least."

Her grin is a mirror of my usual one. "So it was not Ram I saw leaving your room with you this morning?"

I chuckle. "Saw that, huh? Well, guess I can say it's… a lot more than just talking, then."

Her eyes fly wide "You mean? You have already…?"

My grin returns with full force. "Yeah."

She becomes thoughtful, eyes on Rem. "It must be nice to be that close to someone."

My smile grows mischevous "Let me guess. You're thinking about a certain girl."

She goes red again and nods. I cock a brow "Well, at least you get to talk to her today."

Her eyes widen again. "I-I do not know what you…"

I lower my voice a little. Considering I can hear the twins talking clearly from here, I can guess that they could probably hear us. "I kinda figured out that it's Rem. I ain't told her."

She stammers for a moment "T-thank you."

I grin again "No need for that. I just hope that today will help."

She nods and we carry on. After another twenty minutes I have an idea. "Hey, Rem!"

The twins stop, turning. As we reach them I grin "Fancy a race?"

Rem smiles "A race? Where to?"

I turn to Ram. "Could you and 'Lia go about two hundred feet down the road. You two will be our finish line. We'll let you know when we're ready."

She grins "Of course."

"Thanks Babe."

They walk on and Rem steps over to me. "Why do you want a race?"

I start running through a couple of stretches. "Well, I kinda wanna see how fast I've become. Best way to do that is by running alongside someone. I know I can't beat you but I'm going to try. Plus I'd like to get used to using man and the more I use it, the more I should be able to control myself if I need to use it for an extended period."

Rem grins "So, horn out."

"Yup. I do have another reason for separating though."

She cocks a brow "What would that be?"

My grin grows "You gonna be ok with Emilia today?"

She instantly goes red "I-I should be fine."

I chuckle "I hope so. It's one of the reasons I asked her to come."

As her eyes fly open, I think for a moment. "So, I just need to focus on the specific action, right?"

She calms herself and nods. "Just try to focus your energy on whatever you need to strengthen."

Nodding to myself, I look over to the others. Looks like they're ready. I turn back to Rem. "Ready?"

We both summon our horns and I signal to Ram. We get ready as she lifts an arm. It drops and we sprint.

Rem's about ten feet in front when we reach the others. Holy shit, I just covered roughly two hundred feet in about six seconds and I'm nowhere near out of breath! As I stop and retract my horn, Ram walks over, surprise on her face.

I take her hand "You ok there?"

She nods, fingers intertwining. "You are so fast."

Rem speaks from just behind "I almost cannot believe it."

I look back, still a little thrown. "So, I can officially say I'm the fastest half demon out there."

Rem nods "I believe you can."

Looking back at Ram, another little plan surfaces. "I'm stealing this beautiful girl for the rest of the walk. You and Lia alright to buddy up?"

All three girls blush, Rem looks to her sister. "If it is fine with Nee-sama."

Ram nods and they start off, me turning to her a moment later. I think it's time to address something I noticed a little while ago. "How come you frown every time Rem calls you Nee-sama?"

She looks embarrassed for a moment. "I did not realise I was doing so."

I give her hand a small squeeze. "Hey, it's fine. I don't think anyone else has noticed."

She smiles softly. "I… I want her to stop being so formal with me. I want her call me… well… Ram."

I return her smile, my voice soft. "Have you tried telling her?"

She frowns. "If I did, she would take it as an order. I want her to realise that I am no better than she is. I may be head maid but she is my dear sister. I just…" She breaks off with a sigh.

I give her hand another squeeze, deciding on a quick subject change. "She'll figure it out. Anyways, you ready for the most awkward walk ever?"

She frowns again. "Awkward?"

I grin "Just keep an eye on those two as we go. You'll see."

She returns my grin. After a couple of moments she looks to me "I know I have already said this but I really did not expect you to be so fast."

I chuckle. "Yeah. Wish I had a video of it."

"Video?"

"It's a moving picture, sort of."

Her eyes widen. "That sounds incredible!"

I grin. "It ain't bad. Got some on my Metia. I'll show you when we get back."

She smiles. "I look forward to it."

As she says this I remember the… topic… of the videos and my face burns. Kinda hoping she'll forget about it now. If she doesn't then she'll be in for one hell of a surprise!

Ram looks down for a second. "I have just noticed that this is the first time, since you received them, that you are not wearing your daggers."

I nod. "Considering we all have some combat experience, I felt they weren't necessary today." As I say this I remember something Ram brought up the day Roswaal gave me them. I think for a couple of minutes before settling. "I have a name for them."

She looks at me, confused. "For them?"

"Yeah, my daggers. You asked me if I was gonna name them."

She thinks for a moment. "I did. What have you decided on?"

"Chapter Four."

She raises an eyebrow. "Why that?"

I grin. "Well, a little backstory. There's a holy book in my land. It's filled with stories about how the world supposedly came to be. One of them is about the first child born and the first murderer."

Her other eyebrow joins the first "That is a rather dark reason."

My grin grows. "Little bit. There's a song based on that story called Chapter Four. I'll play it for you when we get back. The opening lines are 'Concieved and born was one of light. Rain and dark, the other born black night'. Considering the colours of my blades, it kinda fits."

She smiles. "That is a less dark reason."

I chuckle. "Plus, if I really wanted to, I could say corny shit like 'This is your final chapter!" I pause. "That actually appeals to me more than I thought it would. Hmm."

Ram laughs and I take the moment to just listen to it. Music to my fucking ears. As she calms, she links her arm into mine. "It is a good name."

I pull her as close as I can. "Yeah, I thought so."

She looks to me a moment later, a little worried "What did Roswaal-sama want you for earlier? He asked me where you were."

I smile softly "Don't worry about it. Just a concerned man looking out for someone dear to him."

We carry on, chatting about everything, to the village. Team Awkward is almost completely silent for the duration.

As we reach the village, Ram tells Rem about the plan. Before she can say anything, however, the kids all run to her. Rem's completely overwhelmed by the thanks and praise before the Elder comes over. As he's talking to her, one of the boys runs up to Ram and me.

"Hi! How've you been?"

I smile "Not too bad, little man. Keeping out of trouble?"

He pulls out a wooden sword with a flourish. "Trouble has learned to stay away."

I put a hand to my chest, playing along. "I do believe that any trouble would be wise to keep its distance when a knight as fine as you stands guard."

The boy strikes a pose and, with a small blush, continues. "Indeed, it would. One day I hope to be strong enough to ask for the hand of a powerful warrior like yourself!"

I force myself not to smile and drop to a knee. "Alas, it would be an honour but my heart has already been taken!"

The kid swings the sword with a mock scowl. "What brigand dares?!"

I stand and smile, grabbing Rams hand. "This pretty one."

He grabs his chest with a grin "Ah, cruel fate." He walks up to us and stares at Ram "You take care of her, y'hear."

She grins "Have no fear, I shall."

He runs off with a quick "Bye." And I turn to Ram, who's chuckling.

I pull her close "I love kids at times."

She smiles "As do I."

My smile mirrors hers. "Wanna know something?"

"What would that be?"

I pull her closer "I love you."

She blushes a little "I love you, too."

I kiss her before pulling her towards the store. Rem and Lia are stood in the middle of the square, both seemingly trying to not be noticed by the other. I chuckle as we step in.

As we're grabbing what we need, Ram speaks "You know that they will probably never actually confess, right?"

I sigh "Yeah. I hope they do though. But hell, whatever happens, right?"

Ram nods "Indeed. It would be nice for them both."

Ram pays and we step back out into the square. Lia and Rem are still stood in the square, chatting. As we're standing there I can't help but chuckle. "Y'know, I can't believe that they're comfortable enough to talk like that but as soon as it comes to how they feel, they can't get the words out."

Ram giggles. "I know how that feels. I did not know if I was going to be able to actually speak to you last night."

A massive yawn rips past my lips. "Speaking of last night, wanna get a carriage back? Cause I could use a nap."

She blushes. "Not a bad idea. Neither of us exactly slept much."

I return the smile. "How bout you grab the ride and I'll get those two?"

She nods and walks off as I move to the girls. "Hey, we're done. You guys good?"

They turn toward me, both a little red. As they start to move, a kid comes outta nowhere and slams into Rems back. She flies into Emilia, both of them going down, and gets a seriously close view of her chest. I have to bite my damn hand to stop myself from laughing. I thought that shit only happened in anime! Cue blushes and stuttered apologies until Emilia squeaks. In her haste to get up, Rem had gained purchase in any way she could. Which meant she'd grabbed the top of Lias thigh. I can't stop it anymore. Oh the glorious cliches! I start almost howling with laughter as they finally right themselves.

"What is happening?"

I turn, Ram standing behind me. I'm saved from having to calm down by Rem, who walks past with a quick "Nothing!"

It's another couple of minutes before I calm myself enough to actually talk. By then, though, we stepping onto the carriage. We ended up getting more than we really needed and, to give her credit, Lia helps out with loading it. I inform Team Awkward of my epic nap plan and, with Ram leaning into me as she does the same, grab some shut eye.

Not sure how long I actually slept but, as some consciousness returns, I can hear Lia and Rem talking. Cracking an eye open a little, I have to force myself to not react. They're so damn close to each other! I can feel Ram breathing and, by the feel of it, I'm guessing she's awake and listening. Gods, I hope I ain't missed anything!

Emilia is smiling softly. "It has been nice to spend time with you... all of you… outside of the mansion."

Rem blushes. "It has been a good morning. I am glad you came with us."

There's a long pause before "Emilia-sa… Emilia. I…I li…"

The carriage jerks to a stop, causing both girls to look out the window. Emilia, blushing, turns back to Rem. "It would seem we have arrived."

MOTHERFUCKER! They were so damn close! Rem leans over to us, placing a hand on my knee, as Lia steps out. "Takara, Nee-sama, we are back at the mansion."

We both pretend to stir, Rem climbing down. I look at Ram and sigh. "Talk about bad fucking timing."

She chuckles. "So close."

I climb out, helping her down, before we notice the other carriage. Seems like today just got more interesting.

Feedback, suggestions and criticisms are welcome, as always. See y'all next time.