It was the beginning of a beautiful afternoon on a wonderful sunny day in the streets of Hokkaido, Japan. Many of its civilians go about their day working or simply just go about their daily lives. In the suburban area, locals chat and walk by each individual house as a daily activity or they don't have a proper source of transportation to get to their destination. Life was simple.
Especially in the Natsuki household. The father, Kenichi, sat on the living room sofa watching his son and their newly adopted daughter who both stood in front of the closed doorway. She held her hero from a once terrifying thought of ever separating from him between worlds and the only thing the boy could do was smile. Not from her worrisome cries, but by her cute newfound outfit she was wearing.
Naoko: Oh, Subaru. There you are…
Their mother came walking out of his bedroom down the small hallway and walked towards him. Her and the blue haired girl had recently arrived from shopping only to find that the raven haired boy was missing and the girl thought he was transported back for whatever reason.
Naoko: ...Where were you? You almost gave us a scare again.
His mother, of course thought similarly because she knew how it felt for her son to be randomly taken from this world and sent to another to start his dangerous journey. Fortunately, he's been brought back with a new friend for an unknown reason.
Subaru: I've been busy. Since Rem will be staying at my room, I thought I should spruce things up a little!
Kenichi: That's right! Can't have Rem-San sleeping in a pile of filth such as yours-
Subaru: -it's not that dirty! Even I have some decency!
The father narrows his eyes towards his son with an almost wicked grin. He crossed his legs and held the back of his head with both hands.
Kenichi: So what were you up to, Subaru? Were you throwing away some "old" belongings?
Subaru: Well yes. Some trash and old clothes I don't wear. Rem and I will need to share a dresser for now.
Of course Subaru wouldn't understand his father's quotations. Kenichi raises an eyebrow and smirks. Even Rem knew he wasn't telling the full truth behind his response.
Kenichi: Is that everything? You can't fool me, Subaru. Even I know about those illustrations you have.
Subaru's cheeks turn red. Kenichi had hit the target mark. He has been in Subaru's room from time to time so it's obvious what his son currently owns.
...Especially under his bed
Subaru: Uh, well...yes so…
Rem: What is Papa Kenichi-sama referring to, Subaru-kun?
She let go of him and stared up at him with her hands folded against her light blue sweater. Subaru scratches his cheek nervously.
Subaru: You...don't need to know. I've thrown whatever I had to find outside so it's gone for good!
Naoko: Well, Make sure it doesn't overflow the trash bin. And don't forget to recycle too.
Subaru: "Yeah I know. If it's over weight, the Gomi won't take it...I remember…", he reiterates.
The trash system in his town was a bit simple. They have a trash guy that takes their garbage by the end of the week only if the bin doesn't overflow or else they won't take it. Subaru was usually the one to forget this rule and his father had to remind him, but now his mother felt the need to bring it up.
Rem still had no idea what they were talking about. Instead, he returns to the previous topic.
Subaru: So why were you all so worried about me? It's not like I would just leave without letting you know.
Naoko: Yes you would certainly do. Last night gave me and your father a scare. You know we worry about you a lot, Subaru.
She stood behind him with her hands to her hips while she furrows her brows. He turns around. It was rare for his mother to be so authoritative sometimes so he opens his eyes wide.
Rem: Even Mama Naoko-sama had attempted to contact you through her metia. Subaru-kun wasn't responding.
He glances at the girl next to him. Her cheeks were puffed up from anger while she furrows her brows then he narrowed his eyes back to his mother. Both were making the same adorable angry expression.
Subaru: ...Ok, that's my fault! I forgot to charge my phone again. It won't happen again!
He shuts his eyes as he apologizes. The two girls folded their arms together in which Subaru just sighs deeply. There was a small silence in the room until they heard a growl.
The three looked in the direction where it was coming from and realized that it was Subaru's stomach. He hadn't eaten anything since last night.
Naoko: Are you hungry? There's still some yakisoba in the fridge from earlier.
Subaru: Yakisoba?...but we don't have an air fryer.
Naoko: Me and your father picked some up yesterday while we spent the night at the hospital.
Subaru: Wait, you slept at the hospital?...but...why would...
Kenichi: Yeah, unfortunately they wouldn't let us sleep in your room so we slept in the waiting area.
Naoko: You have no idea how worried we were. We thought you were hit by a car.
Kenichi: Well, just your mother believed so.
Subaru glances over at his father who was still sitting on the worn green sofa. Subaru knew his parents deeply cared for him, but in this case, he now understood this feeling of being so loved and cherished. The fact that they would go these lengths just for him felt warm and fuzzy. Fortunately, he already knew this feeling.
Rem: What is...Yaki...so, ba…?
Immediately, Subaru snaps out of thought and directs his attention towards the small blue haired girl in front of him. Seeing her here formed a gentle smile across his face.
Subaru: Here, let me show you. It's delicious.
Naoko: Oh! And try some mayonnaise! You will love it!
His mother rushes over to the fridge with the other two staring at her as she grabs the white container from the refrigerator. She turns around and places it on the counter then she opens it to reveal its contents of both noodles with a side of white rice. The sight of this made Subaru's stomach growl again.
Naoko: Be patient, you two. Go sit at the table for now. This'll take just a minute.
Rem: Would you like Rem to assist you?
Naoko: It's fine, sweety. Go wait for now. You're our guest so allow me to serve you.
She directs them to the table where Subaru seats himself first then Rem sat in the chair next to him. Naoko resumed preparing the meal on two separate plates and divided the food evenly to put in the microwave.
Rem watched closely from below since the dividing wall blocked half of her view from her mother's meal preparation. She wanted to know about the device that was currently heating up the food, but Naoko failed to notice.
Subaru, on the other hand supported his head with his arm as he watched his father turn on the television. Upon hearing the sound of the T.V turn on, Rem quickly turns her head around and watches.
There was an older man with a navy blue suit and gray hair talking about politics that she has never heard of and couldn't understand from the Japanese texts written on the bottom. Subaru turns his head back to her and notices her confusion. He turns his head back to the T.V and points to the man.
Subaru: That's our city's mayor, Katsuhiro Akimoto. Apparently, he's stepping down as mayor because of a public scandal.
Rem: What did this man do? Was he corrupt?
Subaru: I'm not too sure. This is the first time I'm hearing about this.
Kenichi: Well, whatever he did, I wouldn't believe it. I've had a few drinks with the guy in my youth back in college. I doubt he would do something bad to give up his life.
In surprise, the two turn to the father. Who was chuckling to himself.
Subaru: Wait, you actually met him?
Kenichi: Of course! I know just about everyone around here so it's basically a walk in the park.
Literally, actually. Every time he goes out for an evening stroll or a late night breather, He always meets someone new. He's basically popular among many women and knows many men out in the streets. Even in a large city such as Sapporo on his lunch breaks.
The television continues with the man's apology as he steps down as mayor until a plate is presented to the two.
The steam from the noodles and rice emanates into the air, leaving the boy with his mouth watery. It's been so long for him to be able to taste such a fast food cuisine such as this. He did prefer Rem's cooking back at the mansion, but this was more for nostalgia. All it needs is a little-
Naoko: -and here's your Mayo, Subaru.
She places a small squeeze tube bottle of mayonnaise with the letter S that indicates Subaru to the side of his plate, then she gives them each a pair of chopsticks. Rem picks one up and inspects it, trying to figure out this piece. Both Subaru and Naoko understood her confusion.
Naoko: Here, let me show you. It seems you didn't understand this either, right?
She reaches over and adjusts the two chopsticks in her hand and pivots her fingers to teach her the proper use. She learned quickly when she picked up the first bundle of noodles. Still, she stared at them as if something was off.
Subaru: Is something wrong? It looks like you've gotten the hang of it. Immediately actually. Maybe a little more practice could-
Rem: -N-No...Rem has understood the proper use of this contraption, but….
She stood quiet and tapped the two wooden sticks together. The two were clueless.
Naoko: Yes? Go on. If anything is troubling you, let us know.
Rem: It's...strange. Rem has seen these in books when Rem and Ne-sama were children.
In surprise, the two open their eyes wide.
Subaru: Really?
Rem: Yes. Apparently, these… "chopsticks" ,as they were called, are often used in the Kararagi states.
The two were still surprised that this invention was still widely used in the other world in another part.
Naoko: I think that might just be a coincidence.
Subaru: True. It is just two wooden sticks. Anyone could think of that.
It did make sense to accept it as just a coincidence, but the more he thought about it, it could mean another possibility. Like the fact that everyone spoke fluent Japanese in the other world and the writing itself was almost identical. Maybe it's best to set that idea aside for now.
He grew out of that thought once his stomach growled once again so he squirts some extra flavoring to his plate and dug in like a child. He missed this. All of it. The taste of these noodles and rice was so enriching to his taste buds, he nearly choked in which Rem had to stop eating to smack his back so he could cough it up. Still, nothing could replace the little hints of factory made ingredients from his Mayo and the MSG from his noodles. He basically slurped every little noodle like liquid until the plate was fully cleared.
He pressed both of his fingers and smiled as wide as he could.
Subaru: Thanks for the meal!
He slouches in his chair with his stomach pressed forward as if he had a large gut with total satisfaction. He narrows his eyes to Rem's meal and notices her plate was still halfway full. He glanced over to her and realized she was staring at him with the chopsticks in hand.
Subaru: What's wrong? Did I gross you out?
Rem: No. It's quite delicious. In fact, Rem doesn't mind Subaru-kun's eating habit. It's just, it's been awhile since Rem has seen Subaru-kun so satisfied with mayonnaise.
She never doubted him. Not even once. Even when he was an obnoxious eater, she still admired his longing for a condiment such as mayonnaise. It was actually rather cute to see him so satisfied.
Naoko: Mhm, it runs in the family.
The two turn their attention to the mother, who was sitting across from them the whole time. Watching them eat. It seems that not even Rem had noticed. Probably because she was watching Subaru eat this close.
Subaru: Yes, but I'm not a huge fan like you, mom. Sometimes, you take my bottle when you're running low.
Naoko: I know I know. I'm sorry, but that's only if your father's bottle is out.
She smiles with upturned eyes as she supports her chin with her hand on the table innocently. Naoko was basically in love with the condiment. Probably comparable to her love for her family that she would take "sips" of Kenichi's and Subaru's.
Rem: Is mayonnaise that appetizing?
In a bit of excitement, she leans in closer to Rem, who stared at her with a worrisome expression after her sudden reaction.
Naoko: Have you never tried? Can I be the one to introduce you?
Subaru: Yes she has. In fact, it took so much trial and error to be able to recreate it.
In shock, she stared at Subaru with widened amber eyes. Both Subaru and Rem were worried.
Naoko: Did you say...you...made...mayonnaise?
Slowly, Rem nodded and prepared for the worst outcome. She scoots back just a little in her chair, but not far enough.
Rem: Eh?! Mama...What are you-?
Quickly, she reached over and pulled her into a hug as she softly smiled into her shoulder. Whispering in her ear.
Naoko: I have the best daughter ever…
Rem hugged her back and padded her back for comfort. It did feel nice to be embraced this often, but the one thing that concerned her was the fact that her apron was on her food.
Rem: umm, mother...you seem to be…
Slowly, she pulls away and notices the brown stain on her white apron. She smiles innocently.
Naoko: I'm sorry. I can get carried away sometimes so it's only natural.
Subaru: Nobody gets this carried away over mayonnaise!
She grabs her plate, but instead, Subaru stops her with a hand over hers. She narrows her eyes to him as he had a soft expression to his face.
Subaru: Let me take care of it. You go ahead and wash up.
With a smile and a nod, she walks away to her room to change to a different apron. Subaru got out of his seat and took the plate of food to the kitchen while Rem followed. He sets it on the counter as she watches him.
Rem: What do you plan to do?
Subaru: Honestly, I think I might warm it up again and mix it. It seems perfectly fine to me.
The food itself was barely touched so it was perfectly fine. All it needs is a little reheating. He pressed the button to open the microwave and placed the plate on the glass tray. He closes it and presses the appropriate number for reheating. Rem only stared.
Rem: This contraption cooks our meals. Is that correct?
Subaru: Not really. It only reheats our meals. Even some frozen dinners and pop our Poppukōn. Very tasty by the way.
He really wanted her to try everything he loved about Japan. Everything from his favorite dishes and sweets to just about anything in the way of life. Basically her official tour guide.
The two stare at her plate as it rotates in the machine with the dim light over the dish. Eventually, she looked around the kitchen and fully admired the acuteness of the devices placed in its respective spot. She walked over to the stove and admired its similarity to the ones back in the mansion. In surprise, it was nearly the same except underneath the iron stove top was a metal plate for the flames to pierce through. The stove she uses was only a fire crystal plainly underneath the iron bars. Still, she knew cooking would be the same. She eventually wants to learn how to use these devices for cooking meals.
Her point of view gazed over at the refrigerator, then to the bage cupboards. Over the countertop was an assorted fruit basket with bananas and apples. One thing that caught her eye was a clear bag of potatoes leaning against the wall. She walks over to it and examines every little detail from the cute little potato logo with Japanese lettering to the thick plastic top that secures it.
Subaru: What's wrong? Did something catch your….?
He slowly realizes her understanding. Looking at those potatoes did give some nostalgia back in the mansion. He glances to see her eyes fixated towards the bag. He knew exactly how it felt. To be separated from your only known source of family.
Rem: It's fine. As long as Rem has Subaru-kun then she doesn't mind.
As long as her hero is here with her in this world, she can keep moving forward. Along with her newfound parents she can look up to.
Subaru: Yeah….as long as I have Rem by my side then it's fine….., but don't lose hope. We will make it back somehow….
He still hasn't given up. If there was a way back, he will have to take it and continue his journey to save her with Rem by his side. That resolve remains pure.
She places a hand to her chest and closes her eyes.
Rem: It's strange. Rem can still feel her presence, but it feels as if...there is a fog between us. As if her existence was frozen.
Subaru: Your synesthesia correct?
Rem: Yes…
She can feel her sister somewhere out there. Her senses still felt the connection between the two, but there was no heartbeat. Rem knew this wasn't death. If her sister were to be killed, there would be no life or connection within her heart and mind, but she still felt a small part of her. Proof of her life.
Subaru: Must be a bad reception my guess.
Because they are too far apart from everyone else, it is probable she could barely feel her sister's presence. A low signal as he calls it, but it's relieving to know she was still alive...but there was more to it the more he thought about it.
Subaru: ...wait….
Rem: ...yes?
He spoke quietly to himself, but because they were so close, she heard his muttering. He pinched his bottom lip in deep thought.
If his calculations were correct, this would be after the moment the cultists should have attacked, but based on Rem's synesthesia, she was still in fact alive. Meaning Emilia and the rest of the village should still be safe. This was of course a relief, but he still didn't give up hope.
Subaru: We will make it back, Rem. And we will take down that whale. That's a promise.
He stares down into her eyes as she looks up at his menacing amber pupils. This was his promise from the beginning. No matter how many times he fails. No matter how many times he repeats himself, this will be his goal.
She smiles and slightly nods in confirmation.
Rem: Understood! Now, how will Subaru-kun achieve this goal?
Subaru: Gu~h, well...I don't exactly have any leads.
Kenichi: Leads on what?
The two turn around and notice Kenichi grabbing a mug from the cupboard.
Subaru: Dad? How long have you been standing there?
Kenichi: Only to know you two are planning something. I only came here to get some Tomomasu since the commercials are up.
He opens the fridge and grabs a small glass bottle with clear liquid, then he opens it, letting the bubbles fizz inside the container and pours it into the cup. Of course, this was intriguing to Rem. He takes a small sip of the cup and lets out an , "ah…"
Kenichi: ...so, what is it you have in mind, Subaru? Another girl in mind?
Subaru: What?! Dad!? Is that your only solution every time there's a problem?!
Kenichi smirks as he takes another sip of the sweet bubbly beverage. Rem stared at the unique bottle with the Japanese characters. Kenichi noticed her curious look and picked up the bottle.
Kenichi: That's right, you can't read this language. Can you?
Subaru: Even though I still think it's strange how they speak perfect Japanese yet, the writing is different. Except for some words like appas.
Naoko: What are appas?
The trio turn to see the woman with short brown hair with an orange ribbon tied to her hair walking around the corner wearing her usual yellow blouse with a clean white apron.
Subaru: Basically apples. It's not too hard to understand. It's the same with peppas for peppers and solte for salt.
Rem: Is there anymore Rem should know about?
Subaru: That's all I can think of, but not to worry! As your personal tour guide, I will teach you everything there is about Japan!
He points his finger in the air with the biggest sparkling grin to his face. This was already part of his duty as a world to world traveler so it's only natural to assist other newcomers along this journey.
Kenichi: Good to hear, Subaru. So you'll be the one teaching Rem-san Japanese?
Subaru: That'll be the first thing tomorrow morning!
Naoko: I see…
Her voice didn't sound as enthusiastic as Kenichi or Subaru. In fact, it was very low and her amber eyes wavered downwards. The three were a bit worried.
Naoko: So this means you won't be going to school tomorrow either?
Subaru: …
Rem was the only one who looked at his uneasy expression. Kenichi knew this was more likely now that Naoko mentioned the obvious and this slipped Subaru's mind completely until now.
Those memories of his childhood. Flowing steadily in his mind. He shakes those thoughts away, then hides it with a fake smile
Subaru: Well, uh, ah, I... it's better to teach Rem first.
Kenichi: So you agree?
His sanpaku eyes wavered lower to the floor. He didn't want to think of that now that he's home, but this is a problem he knew too well.
Subaru: I'll think about it. First thing on Monday, I'll decide.
The two parent's faces softly smiled upon hearing his conclusion. Rem of course didn't understand his problem, but if her two loving parents found it acceptable, then she didn't mind. As long as they saw Subaru taking a step forward.
*Beep, *Beep, *Beep
Rem: …!
She immediately turns around full force of this loud and nerve racking sound coming from behind, but Subaru immediately stands in front of her and puts both hands to her shoulders to calm her.
Subaru: It's ok! It's only the microwave! No need to jump to conclusions and destroy the house!
She stared at the microwave with hostile intent of its unknown noises, but she eventually calmed herself. He sighs and wipes his face from sheer relief as his parents laughed.
Subaru: Why are you two laughing?
Kenichi: Haha! Is Rem-san really as strong as you say she is?
He walks over to the microwave that sits above the counter and between two cupboards to open it and retrieve the steamy food.
Subaru: Trust me. You have no idea of her power.
Naoko: Do you mean like Superman?
He quickly sets it on the counter as the heat from the glass porcelain plate burns the tip of his fingers.
Subaru: Well, she can't fly or shoot lasers out of her eyes, but definitely superhuman for sure.
Kenichi: I see, Rem-san is an amazing girl.
Rem: Please don't praise Rem too much. You're making me blush.
Because of the overwhelming praises, her cheeks turn a bright crimson shade and everyone chuckles from her adorable reaction. She looks down with an embarrassed look on her face as she tugs on her skirt.
Subaru: Aside from her strength and elegance...
She casts aside her self pity as she faces her hero, who was taking her plate of noodles out of the microwave. With a huge grin to his face, he moved to the side to allow a better view of the golden steamy plate of noodles and white rice.
Subaru: ...Order up!
That afternoon went by quickly. Rem ate her meal as Subaru watched her from time to time in case she went missing, but he mostly watched the television with current events of the news and T.V hosts. Just a usual and typical life in the modern world.
As an official tour guide for this newcomer, he showed her around the house and gave some info about the family memorabilia scattered on shelves in picture frames and a few stories of his youth. She was amazed as to what he had done as a child, but of course his father butts in and told the after maths of his son's quirkiness.
Time flew by and it eventually became the first family dinner where everyone had an amusing story to tell. Including Rem, who talked mostly about Subaru's "achievements", but he knew it wasn't exactly the truth behind her bittersweet stories. Not to mention embarrassing.
This was truly the peaceful life the raven haired boy wished to seek with his family.
—
Decided to do a small chapter this time. Not too big of an issue since it's still like 4K words. I might continue to do these small chapters just to increase my upload rate. I don't want to go missing for like 3 months again just because of work. Maybe if I can get a spicy promotion I can make more time! XD
alankordel958: honestly, I doubt Subaru would still give up on Rem after the hardships he faced to save her. He literally cried for her when he lost her once and Emilia knew this of course. So after finally saving her, he's just gonna still say, " let's just be friends"? I mean, Rem's love for Subaru is a staple of her character so that won't go away even when she gets her memories back and he can't ignore his love for her either. Both girls are equal in his heart after all and it's not selfish since they both have equal meaning to him. Btw, sorry for the long rants and singling you out. Gotta support the waifu right? Haha! I feel like it's best to end this discussion here so thanks for your response!
So I'm actually a bit on board with the idea of Emilia coming to this world, but I'm still figuring stuff out. For now, I want it to be about Subaru and Rem building their relationship until later on.
Part of why I love writing this story is to get more of what Subaru was facing before he was summoned. Especially with Rem by his side! XD.
Side note: sorry for those of you who are interested in my other story. I'm becoming less interested because I feel I have to fix a lot of it since it's still my first story where my writing and story building needed improvements. I do want to continue it, but it may take awhile until I get the drive somehow.