Total silence flooded the room as the raven hair boy waited for his parent's reaction in anticipation. Folding his palm over his other, he tried to attain composure from his parent's awaited shock of his unexpected answer, but Instead, he peeks through his eyelids and darts his eyes at his mother and father who sat across the table with a puzzling look on their faces. As if trying to comprehend his response. In confusion, his eyes grew wider and looked over to the blue haired girl who looked at him as if worried by this silence.
Naoko: ...Another world…as in a third world country, right?
She had a finger to her lip in deep thought. The father nods slightly in agreement. Upon hearing the first response to break the silence, Subaru disagrees.
Subaru: No, for the past month, I was in a different world where magical pervert clowns, overpowered self centered knights, and beautiful half elves existed. It may be a bit shocking, but-
Naoko: -or is this one of those R,P,G's I've heard about?
In response to that seemingly realistic answer, Subaru opens his mouth slightly with a finger in the air. Ready for a rebuttal, but his father slams his fist on the table and nearly jumps out of his seat with the cups full of tea shaking along the impact on the table. In response, everyone was startled by his loud reaction and almost jumped up in their seats.
Kenichi :- Yes! That makes sense! You two met in an online video game!
Subaru: A...video game…?
Naoko: Ah, sweetly how romantic 3
The two were in their own little daydream thinking they met chatting as their virtual characters and battling side by side as a cliche romance story.
Subaru was shocked by his parent's conclusion and so he closed his mouth again with eyes wide open. Rem smiles and tilts her head slightly in confusion of this 'video 'game they were speaking of.
Subaru: It's not a video game. I was literally in a different world.
Subaru was becoming annoyed, but his parents didn't listen to him. They were still in their own little fantasy. His mother had both her hands together while her head rested on them as if it were a pillow. His father had his hands clapped with his eyes shut while grinning profusely. To Rem, it made her smile from their cute little reaction. It definitely reminded her of Subaru. Even though she had no idea what was going on. Naoko was the first to snap out of it.
Naoko: Subaru, that's so wonderful. I'm so happy for you!
Subaru: Mom, I know what you're thinking.
Naoko: It still doesn't add up since we don't own a computer, unless you've been visiting an Internet cafe behind our backs, which it explains the late night walk, but it's okay if it means-
Subaru: Please don't refer to her as my girlfriend again.
He hid his face in his palms on the table out of embarrassment. Rem at this point sorta figured what "girlfriend" meant so she tried to hide her blushed cheeks in his jacket as it was still currently wrapped around her, but only the top half of her face peeked out from the neckline of the jacket.
Naoko chuckled from their little reaction, but Kenichi had a thumb under his chin in thought.
Kenichi: …, but still, I don't understand why you would hide this from us. We are your parents. If you need this talk about girls, you can always ask your old man!
He points to himself while grinning as wide as he can. Naoko chuckles in her hand, but Subaru thought otherwise.
Subaru: Dad, I'm not hiding anything. I was literally in a different world. Yes, it's hard to understand, but-
Naoko: -What video game is it called? Is this that "World of...Warcraft" everyone's been talking about?
Subaru: Listen to me. It's not a video game.
He waves his hands frantically in front, but Kenichi thought it was finally time to end this joke from their son.
Subaru: Please, you don't know how much I've gone through! The world I came from-
Kenichi: -Subaru, please tell us the truth. It's a bad habit to lie to your parents. What happened to you last night-
Subaru: -I'm not hiding anything! I'm telling you two what really happened!
This time, his loud outburst got his parent's attention when they now realized, it meant something entirely different. He was serious. Rem knew Subaru was becoming annoyed, but at the same time, she was disappointed he yelled at his parents.
She put a hand to his shoulder. Instantly, he turned to face her and noticed the worried look in her eyes. Looking back at his parent's surprised concern, he knew he let his temper get to him. After a short breath he regained his composure.
The two parents sat up straight and faced their once angered son. Kenichi held his palms together on the table.
Kenichi: Ok, so if it's not a video game, then what are you trying to tell us exactly?
The boy leans in on the table with his head rested on his hands as it combes his spiked hair back. He was still fed up with the constant questioning and so he waves his hand towards Rem.
Subaru: Rem, can you show them your ice magic?
Rem: ...but Subaru-kun, were you not listening?
In surprise, Subaru faced his head to the girl next to him. She had her arms crossed while her angered face puffed up her cheeks. Subaru scratches his cheek in confusion of her cute little response. Since Rem knew him so well, she understood his reaction.
Rem: Rem is unable to properly use magic because of the thin amount of mana in the air. If Rem were to use too much, it could disrupt the flow in the air.
Subaru: So are you telling me if you use your magic...
Rem: ...it could easily damage Rem's gate as much as Subaru-kun's.
If that's the case, then ice magic is out of the question. In the other world, Felix's assessment on Subaru's damaged gate meant certain death if continuously used too much. If using any form of mana where the amounts are too little for Rem could drain the remaining amount within her life source. It is the opposite of Subaru's case, but either way was fatal. Of course, Subaru wouldn't want that.
Subaru: ...ok so how about you bring out your morning star and show them a trick?
Rem: Subaru-kun, once Rem has brought about her weapon, she intends to use it.
She crosses her arms once again and in response, he raises his eyebrows. It did make sense. A weapon for any soldier is intended to protect themselves against the enemy. Once a soldier pulls out his weapon, it is meant to stay out until it is safe to retract. They were taught exclusively by their superiors so it would be the same for Rem as well. Even though he still had no idea how she brings about her morning star. (Damn you Tappei _ )
Subaru: I see...
With nothing else for proof, he thought back in the other world. Back during those horrifying loops at the capitol that gave him goosebumps. When Rem fought those cultists. He glanced over to her to confirm she is okay and resumed his next question.
Subaru: ...so if you can't create a small ice shard, then...what about you show them your horn?
Rem: …! You wish to see ...Rem's...horn?
She was alarmed to think of such a request so suddenly by him. Her horn was basically a strength enhancing weapon, but in this case, she can easily control it now since he is here.
She sat there trying to comprehend his question. He should know what happens to her if she were to use her demon form because of what happened during those days at the mansion. When in demon mode, she loses focus of everything around her except for her loved ones like Ram or Subaru. Subaru scratches the back of his head in a bit of nervousness when she becomes unresponsive.
Subaru: If you can't utilize ice magic to expel mana, then how about show them something that takes in more mana? Would it hurt to try?
It did sound reasonable. If using her remaining amount of mana meant a step towards injury, maybe taking in more could mean a positive?
Rem: ...I suppose...perhaps for a short duration.
She scoots the chair out slightly and takes off his jacket then she hands it over to Subaru as everyone stares at her except for Naoko, who was basically slurping her styrofoam cup of noodles until she realized what was going on so she swallows the remaining amount and folds her hands on the table like Kenichi.
The maid got up out of her seat, folded her hands to her front, then she took a deep breath while she shut her eyes.
After a moment of silence, a glowing white light emerged carefully out of her forehead through her blue bangs. In a quick response, the two scoot back in their seats as the white light reflected off of their brown and yellow pupils. Thin little bits of white plasma electrocuted around the horn as it stood on her forehead while she focused her attention to not grow insane. This thing was no special effects prop. It was literally growing out of her head and little bits of sparkling light were attracted to it. Gathering the remaining mana in the air.
Kenichi: What...are you…?
The mother and father sat in awe of what they were witnessing. Naoko scoots back by mere inches while Kenichi gulps. This girl...was not human at all...
Subaru: Are you two alright?
Naoko: She can't be human...What is she, Subaru?
The parents were still fixated on her horn with their mouths gaped open. Completely amazed by Rem's horn. They needed answers.
Subaru: Rem is a demon. She can grow stronger whenever her horn is out, but I recommend she doesn't use it often.
He thought about that day in the mansion with the mabeast incident. Her unresponsive psychotic behavior said otherwise to her brute strength in return and he did not want to think about it.
Rem on the other hand, was a bit worried by their responses. She frowns as she lowered hers eyes thinking they disapproved of her and her oni race, but then again, they are Subarus parents after all.
Kenichi: Amazing! A real life demon!
Immediately, she looks up to the ecstatic father with sparkling eyes.
Naoko: ooo, a demon! How unique. Where did you say you were from?
Subaru: I told you. We came from a different world where magic and dragons existed.
Naoko: Like in a fairy tale?
Subaru: Well, not exactly paradise…
He scratches his cheek with one finger as he thinks of the other world. It wasn't exactly a fantasy as he thought it would be. There was much more egoistic corruption in the other world than there was here. Not exactly a "slay the dragon and win the princess" cliche, but a more politically involved sort of sense with the royal election.
Remembering their talk from earlier, Naoko speaks up.
Naoko: Subaru...how long did you say you were in this "other world" for?
Both of their attention were still fixated on the maid's glowing horn on her forehead. Subaru thought about it some more with a finger to his bottom lip before coming up with an estimation.
Subaru: I've been living there for about a month I say. I was outside of the convenience store and-
Kenichi: -No no no. This doesn't make sense! We just saw you yesterday. It's not possible for you to live in another world for this long and be here at the same time.
None of it made sense. Subaru was there last night before he left to pick up some snacks at the convenience store and yet, he was living in the other world for over one month. Subaru now understood their own frustration as well. The two were obviously still worried about what happened to him last night so it's understandable for a mother and father to be so concerned for their child. He WAS in fact, unconscious.
Subaru: Well...
He lowered his head and stood quiet. Pondering his next conclusion, but how can he explain it? Even he doesn't know why he was summoned there in the first place. All he knows is that the 'witch( as he believes it to be) pulled him out of his world or at least that's his guess. Considering his power given to him...Unless…
Rem: ...gh…
The family turned their attention to the girl who stood before the table to find she almost stumbled and supported herself against the table. Her glowing horn was no longer visible and she was panting slightly with a hand to her forehead where that exclusive organ once was.
Subaru: Rem!…are you alright?
He stood up from his seat and quickly put a hand to her back and shoulder to prevent her from falling.
Rem: ...Yes...Rem just felt a little dizzy is all.
Naoko: Are you sure? You don't look fine.
She was, in fact, having trouble standing and her face was paler than usual. Eventually, Rem sat herself down and in moments, the panting stopped. Subaru pulled his chair closer to her and sat next to her just in case she grew unconscious.
Subaru: Sorry, I almost forgot...
Rem: There is no need...for apologies.
Naoko: Can you tell us what happened?
This was unexpected. The only times Subaru has seen Rem in her oni mode is during the mabeast incident and in the royal capitol during the fight against the cultists. Only one of those times she grew unconscious, but that's only if a blunt force were to strike her horn. This was entirely different.
Rem: It was an unusual feeling...it felt as if...there was nothing in the air to take in…
Subaru: Nothing at all?
Rem: Yes. When Rem uses her horn, there is an adrenaline reaction, but instead, Rem felt more ...fatigued...within mere seconds.
Since there was very little mana in the air, there wasn't enough mana to absorb through her gate. If her demon form allowed her to gain much more strength at a rapid pace, then it must use a lot more energy. Like a vacuum without anything to suck into except in return it gains energy. Subaru concludes.
Subaru: … if you use your horn, you become much stronger...
Rem: Yes, but in return, Rem requires much more mana than is needed.
Subaru: ...
He started to develop a guilty conscience. Mainly due to his own frustration with proving his parents of his world transfer and because of this, he lost track of this important detail that he should've known mana was a vital essence of life in her world so it should be contained. Especially if there is not enough to absorb.
Subaru: I see…
He now felt a stranger to his own world. Mainly of this newfound idea of mana. It's like being transported into a world similar. There was still so much to learn.
Since Rem was a complete newcomer, he should do everything he can to protect her and keep her happy, but within the first day, he overlooks his own mistakes yet again and almost puts her in jeopardy just to prove his point. He becomes more frustrated in himself, it's almost laughable.
Subaru: I'm sorry.
Rem: Subaru-kun, there is no need to apologize.
Subaru: No, it's my fault. From now on, we can't let anyone know we were from Lugnica...and no magic whatsoever.
Rem: ...but what if Subaru-kun is hurt?
Subaru: The body is capable of healing on its own. No more magic, Rem.
This was his final conclusion. He will never allow Rem or anyone else to use magic ever again if it meant it would hurt them. It's like a double sided weapon. Those sharp sanpaku eyes stared down at the girl in total determination of his resolve.
Kenichi: ...so uh...magic…
The two turn their attention to the father and mother as they almost forget they were still present.
Kenichi: ...does this mean you won't show us a neat spell?
Subaru: Sorry, dad. It's too dangerous for us to use magic here.
Rem: Especially Subaru-kun as well.
Subaru: Yeah, even I can't use magic.
Naoko: Subaru, you can use magic?!
The mother sat up from her seat with stars in her eyes like an excited schoolgirl. In response, Subaru scratches the back of his head out of nervousness since he in fact was able to cast ONE spell. Rem slightly nods.
Rem: Subaru-kun was able to cast shadow magic, but unfortunately, he over exceeded his limits and damaged his own gate so it's imperative he doesn't use magic at all.
Kenichi: Shadow magic? Gate? I'm not understanding any of it.
Subaru: ...and you don't have too...because we won't teach you.
The once excited parents slumped down in their seats in dissatisfaction. To Subaru, it was understandable. In his first days at the mansion, he was so eager to try out magic for the first time, but it's because of his eagerness he screwed it up for himself. Of course, since his parents were just like him, he knew it would only mean the same outcome.
Naoko: Not even a tiny bit of magic?
She puts her thumb and index finger together as if trying to estimate her use of magic, but Subaru disagrees.
Subaru: Nope. I won't allow it. Like Rem said, it's too dangerous.
Kenichi: Aw, but I wanted to shoot lava and fly across town!
He poses with his fist in the air as if flying like Superman, but Subaru shakes his head with his arms crossed. Rem chuckles in her hand and Subaru sighs. Sometimes, these two could be so immature for their own age.
Subaru: Sorry, but it's not possible. Especially lava! Why the hell would you want to bury the town in lava?!
The parents laughed at that silly idea of destroying the town in a burning blaze of magma and ash. Subaru eventually gave in and started to chuckle in his own hand. He really missed these moments with his parents. Rem only sat and admired their family bonding.
Naoko: So Rem-san, I assume you will be staying with us?
Rem turned her attention to the mother sitting across from her then she turned to Subaru as if asking permission, but Subaru already had it planned from the start. I mean, where would she go?
Subaru: Of course she will. Right, Rem?
Rem: Yes!
She nods rapidly in excitement since now she is able to live under the Natsuki household, but Kenichi thought otherwise.
Kenichi: I guess it's settled, but where will she sleep? We only have two bedrooms so the only option would be the living room couch.
Subaru: I'll take the couch. Rem, you can take my room if you'd like?
Rem: …!
She blushes intensely from his proposal. Subaru narrows his eyes to the girl with flushed cheeks beside him and raises a brow.
Subaru: Is something wrong?
Rem: N-No. Rem is v-very delighted to be able to s-sleep in Subaru-kun's b-bedroom!
Subaru: ...Well, a girl does need her privacy.
Kenichi: Especially a cute one. hehe
Subaru immediately turned to his father who was resting his right cheek on his fist while grinning. A dumb little look from his father. Rem blushes even more and tries to cover her face with her pale slender hands. Naoko in a bit of temper pinched her husband's cheek which forced him out of his seat in agony.
Kenichi: Atatata!
Naoko: Do not embarrass our guest in front of our son. It's very rude.
She pinched his cheek harder into a pale crimson shade until he repeatedly gave in. Subaru raised a brow in confusion and Rem watched the married couple in their bitter tease.
Subaru: Weren't you just calling her my girlfriend?
It was too low for them to hear their son's comment while the parents played around with each other. Only Rem heard Subaru, but they eventually stopped. Naoko finally lets go and Kenichi holds his cheek.
Naoko: Ok, now that everything's settled, we should do something about those clothes.
Everyone turned to the blue haired girl with the maid uniform. Rem herself also looked at her own clothing and pinched the waist part to inspect it. She didn't see anything wrong with it, but supposedly, in this world, maids weren't common.
Subaru: That's true. She will need to blend in somehow to avoid eye contact. Especially from...certain...guys…
Remembering what happened a few hours ago, he wouldn't want people to stare at her and get that sort of attention. Just the thought of some perverts rubbernecking on this cute little maiden does make his blood boil, but he soon grew out of that thought. It was too vulgar to let it sink in. Even though he has done the same when he first met the twins in the mansion.
Naoko stood up from her seat and walked over to the table next to Rem.
Naoko: Here, let's go to my bedroom. I think I might have something fitting for you to wear for now.
The mother offered a hand to the blue haired girl. After some thought, she accepts her offer and gets up out of her chair as well. The two walk out of the dining area as the maid glances back to her hero. He does the same and looks back at her until the two made it to the destination. The door eventually closed behind and left them out of sight.
Subaru stared at the door for another couple seconds until he faced back towards his father who was standing beside him with his hands to his waist.
Kenichi: Anyways, how about you tell me more about this other world you were talking about?
Subaru: Maybe later. I'm still feeling tired and I think I might just head over to my room for now-
Kenichi: - Ah, come on, Subaru. Let's have a little bit of a father son bonding experience!
He immediately grabs Subaru's arm and pulls him out of his seat to put him into a tight bear hug. Subaru squirms in his grip trying to set himself free, but his arms were tucked under the strong grip of his father. Kenichi was much stronger than him.
Subaru: Ah! Dad?! It's a little hard to breathe!
Kenichi: Do you really think I would forget about our morning routine?
He squeezes him harder against his muscular chest to the point where Subaru's face turns purple. Without any form of air to breathe, he taps repeatedly against his father's waist to indicate he is tapping out.
Kenichi: Sorry, but you can't give up that easily!
He lets go of him and before they knew it, Subaru was on the ground laying on his stomach while Kenichi sat on his back with Subaru's leg pulled over his back.
Subaru: Aahh!
Kenichi: Come on, Subaru. You are not even putting up a fight this time!
Subaru: Alright! If it's a fight you want, then…
He positioned himself closer to his father's ankle and bit down on his lower calf. In return, Kenichi lets go of him in response from pain and Subaru regains on his knees to put his father in a headlock with his hands in the air.
Kenichi: Playing dirty...tch...I see…
Subaru: You're the one who surprised me with that bear hug. Now it's my turn to take the lead!
The two continued as the mother and the former maid spent their time in the bedroom finding an appropriate outfit to wear. Rem stood beside Naoko as she dug deeper in her dresser full of blouses, shirts, and other articles of clothing with a variety of color.
Naoko: Hmm...let's see. Do you perhaps know what size you are?
Rem: ...my...size…? Rem was given this uniform exclusively from Frederica-sama.
Naoko: ...then you must be a small. Considering your height. Unfortunately, I don't have anything smaller than a medium. We might need to visit the shopping district.
Without any luck, she pushed her dresser shut and walked over to her closet. She slides it open to reveal inside. There weren't much clothes in there, but some of her fancier dresses and a few winter jackets hung in coat hangers were there. Along with her apron and her standard blouse with a few boxes tucked neatly in the back filled with family memorabilia.
Naoko: So Rem-san, would you mind telling me more about yourself?
Rem: About, Rem?
Naoko: Of course, anyone who is a friend to our son is a friend of ours. We should at least get to know each other. Now may I ask how old are you?
She swiped a hung jacket to the side as she sorted through the articles of clothing. Rem, who still stood by the dresser, thought more about her interests.
Rem: Rem is currently at seventeen of age.
Naoko: ooo just like Subaru. I can see you two get along so well.
Rem nods repeatedly with a smile to her face since she likes to talk about Subaru.
Rem: Yes! Subaru-kun means very much to Rem.
Naoko: He does? Well that's good. I think our son seems happy with you too…
Rem blushes slightly and slightly wavered her head down in thought of meaning this much to her hero.
Naoko: ...so you're a maid. Which means you are a hard worker. Right?
Rem: Yes. Rem is a maid of Roswaal-sama along with Ne-sama ever since we were children.
Naoko: Your sister? What is she like?
Rem repeatedly nods again in excitement of talking about her big sister. Their chat was going so well, she wanted to continue.
Rem: Ne-sama is wonderful. She is much more greater than Rem and is kinder as well.
In actuality, Ram was nowhere near as great as Rem was. Rem was much stronger and a better maid than Ram will ever be, but Rem idolized her so much, it was blinding.
Naoko: You and your sister sound very close. How about your parents? What are they like?
In an instant, her smile turned into a frown as she thought about her dear loving parents. Her eyes began to tear up at the thought of losing them and almost losing her sister during the devastating attack of her oni village.
Rem: ...Mother...father…
Her voice was so low and shaky. It was hard to think of the tragedy of her race almost annihilated by those cultists. After hearing her cries, Naoko turned around to see the girl at the verge of crying with her head down. Immediately, she speed walked towards her and knelt down to her level with a hand to Rem's cheek. Just by the look of this girl's face, she instantly knew.
Naoko: I'm sorry. I didn't know.
Tears began to slide down her cheek as her eyes were shut. Trying her best to block out those thoughts, but it proved to be difficult. She wasn't strong enough to save them and because of that, her sister was the one that saved her, in which she almost lost her life as well if it weren't for Roswaal's help.
Naoko then pulled the petite girl into a warm motherly hug and embraced her as she cried into her shoulder. In minutes, she eventually stopped.
Naoko: There, do you feel better?
Rem made no response, but instead, she nodded into her shoulder and Naoko understood. Rem pulled away and wiped her eyes from any tears that haven't dried up.
Rem: Thank you…Naoko-sama...
Naoko: Anytime...and from now on, how about you call me mom. Just mom or mother is fine.
Rem: ...Mother..?
Naoko: Of course. Me and my husband will be here for you when you need help. If you need someone to talk to, just let me know ok? We are all family here now. Including you.
Rem's eyes open wide then her face softens with a smile. This was basically adopting her as their child in an unknown world. With upturned eyes, she nods.
Rem: Yes, Mama Naoko-sama!
It wasn't exactly how she interpreted it, but it was agreeable. Rem basically uses honorifics for anyone. With a slight nod from Naoko, she stood up and walked over to her closet with Rem following behind happily.
Now that she stood in a different world, she felt homesick without her sister to be here, but thankfully, she had two more people to look up to when she was in a difficult time. After finding a perfect outfit that fits her, they exit the room to find a shocking situation.
Rem: Eh?! S-Subaru-kun?! Papa Kenichi-sama?!
Kenichi was in a headlock position with Subaru on his back trying to cling onto his neck until they heard the girl's cries. They looked up at the blue haired girl with a white sundress and a yellow apron over it while her face looked startled by what she was witnessing. Naoko walks out of the room behind and stands next to Rem. On further inspection, they were wearing the exact same outfit.
Subaru: Uh, Rem? Why are you wearing my mom's clothes?
Naoko: Doesn't she look adorable, Subaru?
Because Kenichi was in a headlock with Subaru on his back, he stood up in which he lifted Subaru with ease. Eventually, Subaru let go of his father's neck and stood behind him. It was a little disappointing to Subaru because it made it feel like his father was only faking it.
Kenichi: Well, she does look cuter I can honestly say.
Subaru: It's like looking at two versions of my mom... So creepy..
Besides the fact that they are wearing the same thing, Naoko and Rem are very caring and also sometimes strict on Subaru, but at the same time, they always believe in him. Both are very admirable mother figures in a way, but he doesn't want to see Rem as his mom. It's just weird.
Naoko: I couldn't find any clothes that could fit her so instead, she'll wear this for now. We will have to go clothes shopping at the nearby outlet sometime today.
She walks over to the kitchen area and in front of the sink full of dirty dishes of cups with some leftover green tea and bowls with little strings of ramen. She turned the knob of the hot water slightly, then the cold water as well to try and maintain an appropriate temperature.
Rem in awe of this device walked over curiously and watched as the mother washed the dishes in the sink. Naoko notices.
Naoko: Is something wrong?
Rem: The sink… does it also utilize fire crystals to heat your water?
Kenichi: Only if we don't forget to pay the electricity bill. If not, we would be in serious trouble.
Kenichi walked over to Rem's side as she stood next to Naoko, who continued washing the next plate and handing it over to her husband, who grabbed a small towel to dry the wet dishes. Once he wiped it clean, he placed it on the counter beside him and took the next plate.
Subaru walked behind the sink in front of the dividing wall that separates the dining from the kitchen and rests his elbows on the counter.
Subaru: My mistake, let me introduce you to the Natsuki household! For now, let me be your tour guide!
He points to himself with his usual iconic smile and winking face. After a wave of his hand, he walks around the dividing wall and gestures her to follow. She follows behind leaving the two parents to take care of the morning dishes.
Kenichi: By the way, did she just call me papa?
Naoko: Oh, I forgot to mention, we adopted her as our own.
Kenichi turns his head around in surprise with eyes wide. Naoko continued to wash the dishes while humming a tune as if it were no big deal. Instead, he understood. His face softened and continued to dry the wet dishes.
Kenichi: That's fine. Rem-San is a nice girl after all.
Naoko: Yes, it's been awhile since Subaru brought a friend over.
Kenichi: That's true...and I still want to know what exactly happened to him...and especially with Rem-San.
There were many questions about the events of last night he still wanted answered. About the magic they speak of, the fact Subaru was living in this other world for a while, and of course what their relationship was like. Their son might have met many people there considering the names they've heard of and most likely met more friends. Maybe this other world was a gift...but in reality...it was hell unlike no other for their teenage son.
Naoko: It's probably best we stop asking these questions. Subaru is safe and he's home now with us.
Kenichi: Ah, you're right. I'm overthinking this too much.
She passes a cup still dripping with water to him and he gladly accepts.
Subaru: Alright, so this is the bathroom. It's pretty small compared to Ros-chi's, but at least the toilet and the bath are in the same room. Makes up for the small space too.
The door was wide opened as the two stared into the small bathroom. Next to the door, was a small waste basket and a hamper for dirty clothes. On the other side was the sink and beside it was the toilet. A bathtub with the curtains closed halfway layer at the end of the room. Pretty standard, but Rem was puzzled by this room.
Rem: You were able to have the wash room with the bath?
Subaru: Yep! All in one tiny room…, but please knock before entering. Sometimes the doorknob won't lock properly. Not sure why my dad hasn't fixed it yet…
He looks down at the doorknob and wriggles it repeatedly to assure its faultiness. Rem also inspects it as if she could be of assistance, but instead, Subaru closes the door.
Subaru: I'll show you how to use the shower later on, but for now, let me tour you into my bedroom.
He leads the way in the room on the other side. He turned the doorknob to reveal a dark room with no light whatsoever. A bed was barely visible and the curtains obviously blocked out the sunlight. Because it was so thin, some of the light bled through, but it still proved its darkness.
In curiosity, Rem walked in and admired what was inside.
Subaru: Sorry about the dark. Not a lot of people come in here.
He scratches the back of his head nervously then he heads over to the curtains to fully welcome the early morning rays of sunlight.
His room was definitely different than any room she had ever seen. Bookshelves and metal racks stood next to each wall and a bed with a standard wooden frame in the corner of the room. At the foot of the bed, was an old television with a big back for extra electrical components stood on a dresser on one side. A half opened closet stood on one side next to a tall mirror leaning against the wall. Everything was completely out of place.
Rem: Your room is...unlike anything Rem has ever seen.
Subaru: Yeah, I didn't think I would have any visitors. I wasn't much of an "outside" person to begin with.
She walks over to one of the bookshelves with assorted manga and light novels and pulls out one. She looks at the cover with beautifully drawn characters in the front with unknown lettering full of color. She opens it and admires each page as the story unfolds itself based on the images inside. Even though she couldn't read the language, she wanted to know what this story was about. If it interests Subaru, then she would eventually want to read it.
Rem: Do you spend most of your time reading these books?
Subaru: I...guess you can say so. I do enjoy this one in particular. The idea of pirates with special abilities is very entertaining.
She had no idea what he was saying , but she shrugged it off as normal. This was his world so it's most likely well known. In surprise, she turned her head around and closed the book. Subaru stood behind her as they faced each other.
Rem: Idea? Do you mean this story isn't real?
Subaru: It's not real, but it's very entertaining to read. In my world, this is a popular form of entertainment. Well, in Japan at least. I think it's popular worldwide.
It's understandable. Rem definitely had stories back in her world, but most were considered legends of the past. She places the book back to its original spot and continues to look around. The room itself was a mess. The bed was unmade and a few clothes scattered on the floor. Posters and magazine pages were tacked all over every inch of the wall, but in very few spots, some of the white painted walls were revealed.
One of the few many things that caught her eyes were the small figures that stood in front of the window.
She walked past the wooden frame of the bed and stood in front of the window. There was an open view to the front yard into the streets as some pedestrians walked by while one drove by on a bike. A few people across the street chatted in front of a small bike shop with other houses on adjacent sides that almost resemble their small house. A few cable wires hung over telephone poles and connected into each individual house. This was nothing more than the usual Japanese suburbs that Subaru was used to, but this view was astounding to this young traveler.
She looks down at one of the few figures in front of the window. This one in particular was a small girl with long flowing pigtails and a blue miniskirt with a red ribbon on a small white uniform shirt. Carefully, she picks it up from its base and admires it.
Rem: This one is very...interesting…
Subaru immediately rushes over as if wary of this prized artifact. Rem was a bit startled by his cautious behavior until he spoke.
Subaru: Please be careful with that. It's a bit pricey…
He grasps it lightly from her hands and places it back onto its original spot. Examining the figure's tall red boots and it's dynamic resin base for anything out of place, but he already knew Rem was as gentle and cautious.
Rem: My apologies, Rem should be wary of Subaru-kun's belongings.
Subaru: No, it's fine. This was a gift from my parents. I'm not a big fan of magical girls, but they put some thought into this.
His parents knew their son was into this kind of stuff and so, they bought a few things he might like, but in reality, he was into a completely different genre than these types of stories. Still, he treasured them as if they were priceless.
Rem: ...and this one…?
He turned his head to the figure she was currently in front of. This one stood out as obvious. It had long, flowing white hair in a semi revealing China dress with glowing green eyes. It held a sword in an attack stance position with a unique rock formation base.
In fact, the other figures next to this one all had white hair. Long hair to short hair and some with a ribbon tied to the top of the hair.
Subaru: Well, those are just for my personal interests.
She stared at each individual piece. Not for its unique character, but at another obvious disappointing fact.
Rem: I see...that makes sense.
Subaru turned his head and noticed the dispirited look on her face. She looks away and ventures to another corner of the room. Subaru still had no idea what she meant.
Subaru: Is something wrong?
She lightly glides her elegant fingers over the covers of the bed and glances back at him.
Rem: No...it's fine. Rem just felt a little homesick is all.
In truth, he missed everyone else in Lugnica. Of course he would feel homesick. He made so many friends there that were just left behind. He glances over to one of his figures and picks it up from the middle and gazes at its long, flourishing white hair.
Subaru: ...Yeah, me too…
It did hurt her a little, but it was clear his heart was set that time. She ignores it for now.
After some quick observation of the wrinkled sheets with his soothing odor, she thought back from time to time when he found Maher in the hospital bed. It was faint, but it was in fact, present the closer she was to him. She glanced slightly to him as he still gazed at the figure in his hands.
She wanted to tell him. She knew he had the smell before, but now, it was very faint. As if fading away, but still lingers within him. Maybe…
Rem: ...Subaru-kun…
He snaps out of thought and looks at the girl staring at his covers. He places the figure back to its original spot.
Subaru: Yes? What is it, Rem?
Rem: ...as much as…Rem truly trusts Subaru-kun from the bottom of her heart, it pains me to ask…
She stood quiet. Subaru raises an eyebrow and walks closer to her.
Subaru: What's wrong? If it's too hard-
Rem: -N-No, Rem is fine.
She turns her body toward him and looks up to stare at his ominous sanpaku eyes as the light from the window glows beside them.
Besides the fact she was serious as of now, his heart skipped a beat as her beauty shines from the light of the nearby window. Especially as she wore his mother's usual clothing, but immediately grew back into focus of her worries.
Rem: It is unknown as to why, but…
She closed her eyes and took a long, deep breath. After opening, she opens her pink small lips slightly.
Rem: ...why does Subaru-kun have… the smell of ...the witch?
In complete shock and horror, Subaru's skin grows cold as his eyes widen and he grits his teeth in fear of what might come next.
—–—–—–—–
Why aren't there enough RemxSubaru fanfics, I wonder? I guess people lost hope of their relationship. Unlike myself lmao. So sorry for the long update. I just posted on my other story about 3 weeks ago and I'm surprised that I can write this chapter under that amount of time.
Yes, it'll be similar to my favorite fic, but of course I want to be original. Some of the stuff just makes sense imo.
Btw, thanks for the support you guys bring me and I'm happy that many of you are in need of a Rem fan fic because that's what I do now. Im here to help that missing void for us Rem fans! Sorry, but from what I want to do with the story, I honestly don't know how to bring Emilia into this and I will get more into why later on. Next update will either be chapter 5, or or something completely different. ;)
Also, sorry for the cliffhanger again. I'm just an evil person. XD