?: Lets see, nope. Not in there.
The man checked in his closet, but had no luck in his search. He stood up from his knees and scratched the side of his black raven hair. He decided to check in his drawers and rummaged through the folded button up shirts, but still couldn't find what he was looking for.
He pushed the drawer closed and supported both hands on his muscular naked sides in thought of his next location.
He turned his head once he heard a yawn coming from his wife as she supported herself with one elbow on the bed.
?: Kenichi? Shouldn't you be leaving for work?
Kenichi: Sorry to wake you, but I can't find my belt. I know I left it somewhere around here.
He sits on his knees and checks under the bed, but sees nothing. He sighs as he stands on his knees. His wife rubs her eyes while she sits at the edge of the bed in her yellow gown.
Naoko: Did you leave it in Subaru's room?
Kenichi: I don't remember leaving it there.
She got up out of bed and yawned again. Her short, brown hair was a mess, but she didn't mind. Kenichi was used to seeing her with bad bed hair.
Naoko: Just use Subaru's belt. I don't think he will be using it today.
She looked down looking a little depressed, but Kenichi saw her downcasted look. Especially as she's still getting up in the morning.
Kenichi: Don't be so worried. He said he might go this Monday. Well, if they still take him back after being absent for two months.
Naoko: Do you believe they will take him back after so long?
Kenichi: Well, I might have to make a few calls, but I still believe so.
He grabs a white button up shirt and wraps it around him while he faces the mirror. He adjusts his square glasses and grins as he buttons up one button at a time.
Kenichi: And besides, I don't want to intrude on Rem-san while she's sleeping.
Naoko: You are right. I'll go and check on her.
Kenichi: No, it's fine. I'm sure it will turn up soon.
She gets out of bed and sits herself in front of a mirror. She grabs a brush and the ends of her short brown hair to start brushing it from the root down to the tips. Straightening the strands of hair evenly and undoing some small knots.
Kenichi: He is always wearing that same tracksuit. Maybe if I.-aha!
He looked down the tall mirror and saw the leather tip of the belt peeking out from under it. He grabs it with a smile to his face.
Kenichi: Never mind that! Well, I'm heading to the office!
He puts on the belt and tucks in his shirt. Once he finalized his clothing, he walked towards the door. Naoko turns around with the brush in hand.
Naoko: And what about breakfast? You don't want me to cook?
Kenichi: That's fine. It's still pretty early so I might grab some tonkatsu and some miso on the way over there.
Naoko: Even with our budget? After that hospital incident, we could barely afford dinner.
He opens the door and stands in the doorway then he faces her.
Kenichi: We aren't that deep in the hole. And we can't abandon Rem-san, can't we? Family comes first, right?
She smiles then nods. She slightly waves with upturned eyes then he returns the favor with a grin and a thumbs up. He exits the room and closes the door behind him.
They weren't the type of couple to flirt or get intimate at times unless of course on special occasions, but on a daily basis, they enjoyed each other's company. A simple life of a married couple.
She returns to her morning grooming then ties the red ribbon on a lock of her hair when she thought it was just about perfect. She gets out of her seat then dresses into her usual yellow blouse with an apron over it.
After leaving her bedroom, she walked down the small hallway until she had sight of the living room where she noticed the couch neatly arranged with the pillows and a folded blue blanket on top of it with a white pillow on top.
Naoko: Oh...Subaru must be up already.
With a finger to her lip in thought, she concludes he might be in his bedroom. Or atleast see if Rem knew. She turned back around and walked past the slightly opened bathroom towards the bedroom. Once she was there, she heard a sound coming from the other side. Instead of opening the door, she put her ear against the door to listen closely. Invading privacy.
To her surprise, she heard the sound of two people laughing.
Rem: It does seem very intriguing.
Subaru: Yes! There are thousands of films just waiting to be discovered!
The two were sitting side by side on the navy blue bed. Subaru was leaning back on his elbows as Rem sat like a doll on the edge.
Rem: Perhaps Rem could use these "movies" for her studies too?
Subaru: Let's call it a " sensei's treat" for today. You've been showing a lot of improvement last night so let's take today off!
He sits up straight with both fists in the air as he shines as bright as his cheerful aroma sets off on her. She giggles in her hand.
Rem: Do you have a "movie" in mind?
Subaru: Well, I do enjoy a comedy once in a while so we can start there. Maybe we can watch some of my favorite VHS tapes.
Rem: It does seem entertaining
Subaru: Then we'll call it a date!
After hearing their chatter, Naoko decides to open the door and in response, they turn their attention to their mother. Instinctively, Rem stands up and quickly makes a small bow in which it caught the woman off guard.
Rem: Good morning, mother.
Naoko: Oh, well, Good morning, Rem. You don't need to do something that far and treat me like a queen. Just "Good morning" is fine
She nods then seats herself back on the bed right next to Subaru. Subaru stood up a little on the bed.
Subaru: Good morning, mom. Is breakfast ready?
Naoko: N-No, I just got up. I assumed you were still sleeping on the couch.
In response, he scratches the back of his head, knowing he didn't in fact sleep in the living room. Instead, Rem speaks up and tells the truth.
Rem: Subaru-kun became very tired so Rem allowed him to rest in his room only for last night.
Naoko: "Eh? Subaru, that's rude. This room was supposed to be for my daughter.", she pouts
Subaru: What?! Ok, I might've dozed off, but-hey!-wait a minute! Does that make her my sister?!
He jumps out of bed with a comically annoyed expression on his face. Although Naoko has considered Rem as her daughter, this wasn't intentionally meant as a literal adoption. This was a commitment of trust that a child would have on a parent and same goes for the other end.
Naoko: Anyways, now that the two of you are up, how about I make you some breakfast?
Rem: May Rem assist you?
She turned halfway around until the small blue haired girl stood up from the bed. Of course, knowing his mother, Subaru raises a finger.
Subaru: You know, it's best that Rem learns how to use our kitchen appliances. She has been a maid since childhood. It's all she knows. Isn't that right, Rem?
She turns her head to face him and smiles, then she turns back to Naoko, who smiles back then she sighs. A mother shouldn't spoil her daughter too much and should let her learn her own things.
Naoko: I guess it can't be helped. Here, let me show you the kitchen.
She signals to walk behind her and walks off into the kitchen. Rem still stood in her gown and looked halfway down. After seeing her mother, she had another thought that worried her. Subaru noticed her lowered look.
Subaru: Is something wrong?
Rem: No, it's just, are you sure you wish to wait until father is home?
She turns to him with both hands clenched together against her chest. She stared at him, then he gazed downward.
Subaru: Yes, I want both you and my parents to know so it can wait for now.
Even though he was finally freed from this curse, he knew he wouldn't be able to withstand this dark past from his parents too so he decided to tell them at the right moment. He wondered how they would react upon hearing their son repeatedly suffering at the hands of the death itself and the fact that Rem had murdered him in one of those loops. Would they still accept her? Will Rem forgive herself? Or will she cast herself away and feel outcasted? For now, he has time to prepare for the worst outcome.
Subaru: I'll tell you everything.
She nods slightly then she turns back around. She stood upon realizing the obvious. This was another day in another world and she was still wearing her gown while everyone was up.
Rem: U-Umm, Subaru-kun?
Subaru: Yes?
She stood at the same spot gripping on her nightgown with flustered cheeks. After a short minute, he understood her embarrassment.
Subaru: O-Oh, I'll give you some privacy.
He walks out of the room with a small red tint to his cheeks, then closes the door behind him. He wasn't much embarrassed by his incompetence at reading the mood. He was embarrassed by the realization that a cute girl was about to change in his bedroom.
She stood in the same spot still gripping at her nightgown with the same worried expression. She didn't like the idea of waiting to hear her hero's dark journey. She wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible, but it was his request to wait, so she had to sit tight. Maybe until then, she could fully support him.
Rem: "Return by Death.", she whispers.
Remembering those three awful words coming from his mouth, it left a bitter taste in her mind. When she had first awoken earlier on, she folded the blankets and pillow nicely on the sofa and waited for her hero to rise from his resting slumber.
It wasn't until she heard his voice that she rushed over to his room and found him talking in his sleep.
"Kill me, please. I want to die"
Hearing that voice echo in her mind and trying to wake him from his night terrors. She hated the idea of her beloved having this self mutilation because of this unknown curse that resides in him.
She shook her head to get out that nightmarish thought and unloosened her gown around her shoulders to let it drop and began to dress appropriately for the day.
Subaru: Eggs a~nd, hm let's see..
He sorts through the fridge for his reserved bottle with an "S", indicating it is reserved for Subaru, but his mother grabs it from the door and hands it to him.
Subaru: Thanks!
He clicks open the bottle and gulps down the dense creamy liquid with utter satisfaction. He moves to the side to allow his mother to grab some other ingredients from the refrigerator.
Naoko: How about an egg dish with…
She sorts through the fridge in search of an idea for a side dish until she finds a bag of peas. Subaru almost chokes from slurping the bottle of mayonnaise when the disgusting view of vegetables blocks his vision.
Subaru: M-mom?! You know I hate peas!
Naoko: -But they are good for you. You need to watch your health. You are becoming a little flabby in your tummy.
Subaru: I'm not gaining weight! Besides, you don't like peas either!
Rem: Rem doesn't mind vegetables with her eggs.
The two turn their attention to the girl standing in the open way from the end of the hall and the kitchen wearing her casual black skirt with a light blue sweater and white stockings.
She closes the fridge with the bag of peas in hand and walks over to the counter.
Naoko: Well, then I guess it's settled. Rem wants peas.
Subaru: I-...well, can't argue at this point.
He slumps down with arms hanging loosely and walks around the counter to sit at the dining room.
After seeing her son steam off his little temper, she sighs then signals her daughter with her finger to stand next to her.
Naoko: So this, is a stove. It's used to cook our meals.
Rem: Rem is aware of what a stove is.
Naoko: O-oh, so you know how to use one?
Rem: Yes
She grabs the knob, pushes it in slightly, then turns it, but to her surprise, no flames have emitted from the iron top. Instead, it left a faint smell. She stared at it and turned it again, but still no luck. Naoko smiles from her adorable untaught use of a gas stove.
Naoko switches it off then fidgets with it a little until the flames burst out which in response, Rem takes a step back.
Naoko: I see you are not familiar with propane. How do the ones you use usually work?
Rem: The source of ignition for our ovens is powered by the use of fire crystals.
Subaru: I think she mentioned that yesterday. The entire place is powered by different crystals.
From the table, Subaru speaks up. When it comes to powering common household appliances, magic is everything. When turning on a water heater, fire crystals soothes your skin with warm bath water. With lighting, energy crystals light any room. When it comes to flushing a toilet...energy crystals.
( canon by the author btw )
Naoko: So the world really is powered by magic. Like a Disney fantasy. Maybe I can visit sometime.
Subaru: Well, if I HAD the ability to go back and forth I could, but for now, we are stuck here.
If the witch could give him a better use of RBD then he would gladly take everyone he cared for to this world. Life was simple and possibly easier than there, but unfortunately, he's stuck without a plan.
Upon hearing this bit of news, Naoko gasps.
Naoko: What do you mean you are "stuck" here?
Subaru: Hmm? What do you mean?
He turns his head to see the face of concern on his mother's expression. He stared at her for a short minute until she responded.
Naoko: You sound like you don't want to be here.
Subaru: Of course I want to be here with you guys, but there is something I have to do first-
Naoko: -Is this "something" that will get you killed?
Subaru: -I…
He stops himself from finishing his response. No matter how he thought of it, he has in fact been in situations that killed him.
Only if she knew what he has really been through. He was still terrified of the thought of his gut slit open or his head smashed to pieces.
Rem: Mother…
The one to call her was the former maid. She looks down at the girl next to her, noticing her lowered eyes. Only if Naoko could know how much her son has gone through in Rem's eyes, she could see how courageous he was.
Rem: It is understandable to have concerns about Subaru-kun's safety. Rem wishes for his well-being as well…
Naoko: …
A mother will always be protective over her child. It is the same with the father, but in any case, a parent should trust their child's intuition.
Rem: ...but if Subaru-kun was never there with us, Rem wouldn't be here either.
Naoko: …What do you mean?
Rem: It is because he was there, he proved his heroism and saved our lives.
She opened her eyes wide, then turned her attention towards Subaru, who was looking down at the table. He knew the full background of this story. More so than Rem would know, but he knew how much Rem deeply admired him.
Rem: And so, that is the reason Rem truly admires him.
Naoko: ...Subaru? Did you really save her life?
He combs his raven hair back then turns in his chair to fully face her. Perhaps this was the right moment to tell part of his story.
Subaru: When I was first summoned there, I had no idea what I was doing. Nobody was there to guide me. I was all on my own.
A complete stranger in the land of dragons and magic. A place unfamiliar from everything he used to know. All of it was tossed to the side when wandering the path of unknown peril.
Except, he was glad he had knowledge of fantasy stories to predict and put pieces together to overcome each obstacle.
Subaru: At first, I knew I was never coming back home. I thought my story here had ended and I was starting somewhere new.
He stared down upon the realization that it wasn't the case. The fact that he is sitting at this familiar table talking to his mother next to his beloved in a state he once was. A stranger in a new world.
Subaru: But it wasn't until I met someone who saved me from a group of thugs, I had realized what my purpose was.
The image of her amethyst eyes and her generous nature that helped him realize who was worth protecting in that world. He had to save her. He knew back then she needed to be saved.
Rem: That is when you saved Emilia-sama from the bowel hunter, correct?
Naoko: The Bowel Hunter?
Subaru: ...Yes…an assassin
The memory of her falling to the ground lifeless after that assassin cut her open. He didn't want to think about that day, but still there was that feeling of her warm hand as they held onto each other's final grip for that short moment they had together.
Subaru: After that, she took me in and that's when I met everyone in the mansion.
Rem: That is also when Subaru-kun saved Rem from those mabeasts.
Naoko: Mabeasts?
Subaru: Basically, demon dogs.
He turns his attention to the small girl with a small smile to her face. Even though his heart fluttered at the sight of her elegance, he had already forgiven that moment she had brutally interrogated him when she assumed he was a cultist. That face of pure mistrust. It poured in his mind until that moment she smashed his head in like a fruit. Even so, he knew it was the overprotection of her dear sister.
He shakes his head to keep out that thought. He's made a long way since then so he must stay valiant for this girl who now saw him differently.
Subaru: And Let's just say me and Rem didn't exactly see eye to eye at first. Thanks to Beako's help, and a bit of trial and error-
: I love you…
He turned around to the bookshelf of family picture frames when he heard a faint ringing in his ear.
Naoko: ...and? What happens after that?
He looks up towards the direction of his mother and the small girl beside her. The two stared at him confused by his brief stop.
He decides to ignore it for now and puts a finger to his lip in thought of where he left his story off.
Subaru: O-oh, let's see. So in the end, I was able to stop the Wolgarm and save everyone!
Rem: Yes! Subaru-kun was very heroic!
Naoko gasped at the thought of assassins and monsters attacking her dear child. Any parent would be terrified.
Naoko: Did those things hurt you?
Subaru: Well…
Getting sliced open by the bowel hunter. Becoming dog meat by those demon beasts. He took heavy damage every time he sought to protect the ones he loved. In the end, it was well worth it.
Subaru: Recovery magic does the trick most of the time.
Of course, she was thankful he was fine and healthy now and the fact that he saved many lives proves his courage and leadership, but the truth was, he could've died and she would have no idea of it. That was the sad truth.
Her mind was steadily growing blank.
Naoko: Monsters? Assassins? Why would you still want to go back there?
Subaru: Mom, there are still people I have to save. Besides, this world isn't exactly a paradise either.
Both worlds aren't a safe haven when it comes to crime and war in an unjust corrupted society, but a world of mythical beasts that can devour a man obviously proves otherwise.
Naoko: But you have a family here. With me and your father and Rem? Isn't that enough?
Two choices. To leave and continue to protect the ones he loved? Or to take the easy way of life and live on. Even if he didn't have full control of this world hopping ability, he needed to set his resolve.
Luckily, he's past the point of giving up.
Subaru: It would be nice to settle down and enjoy a normal life, but I can't abandon them because of this.
Naoko: But, What if you...died?
Subaru: …
As mentioned before, he feared death as much as anyone, but to live on knowing you gave up. To live with that endless guilt in your thoughts. Would it be really worth it? Atleast, he had the power to rewind time.
He sat still as he stared down at the table. If he were to leave now, his mother would suffer the most. If he stayed, he'd let all of his friends die at the hands of the cult. Especially the girl he promised to save. The answer proved difficult, but surely enough, the lives of his friends should come first.
Subaru: As I've said, I have no control over it. If it happens, it happens.
In the end of it all, he was only one boy. He had no special talents nor was he smart. Nothing was special about him. This power was beyond anyone's understanding.
Naoko still didn't agree with his logic, but he was right. It frightens her to think about it, but he was here right now. That's all that matters. There was no time to think about it.
Naoko: So, let me show you how to cook.
Rem: O-Ok, mother.
She also didn't like how this argument was settled. Both sides in the end couldn't agree with the outcome of their resolve to protect the right people. For the worst possible outcome, the once reunited family becomes torn apart by their beliefs. At Least it hasn't stemmed from that any further.
Naoko taught Rem the basics of cooking in the modern world with the use of strange methods and surprisingly, the ingredients used were very much alike. Some just had different names. Subaru just had his eyes fixated on the TV catching up on current events. Apparently, there is a cherry blossom festival in a few weeks.
At the end of their cooking session, they made the most delicious egg dish with a side of miso and peas. Subaru still felt disgusted by peas, but thankfully, Rem decided to help him by offering to feed him. He didn't mind, but he didn't want to do that sort of thing in front of his mom so he forcefully chewed his way through the little dots of vegetables until the plate was all gone then chugged down the rest of his mayonnaise bottle to block out the taste. Nearly choking him again.
The morning went by peacefully as if nothing happened.
Subaru: Gah, never will I ever have you talk me into eating those things again.
Rem: As mother has stated, you are becoming "flabby" in your abdominal area and so we must provide Subaru-kun with the necessary nutrients.
Subaru: I'm not gaining weight! And I prefer you don't take after my mom either. Seeing you wearing her apron is like we are related.
Naoko: You say that as if it's a bad thing. Besides, vegetables are healthy for you. You are always eating those potato chips.
He tried to squirt some more mayonnaise from his bottle, but it was all out. Both Rem and Naoko noticed this.
Subaru: Am I really all out? I'm pretty sure there was supposed to be more than half in here.
Naoko: Oh, umm, well, you see…
Subaru: You've been drinking my personal bottle, haven't you?
Naoko: You father's bottle was also empty so I had some sips of yours too.
Subaru: Were you drinking dad's too?!
She twirls the tips of her fingers together while nodding innocently. Because of her obsession with this wonderful condiment, this happens very often in the Natsuki household.
Subaru sighs then puts a finger to his lip with a raised eyebrow after having a bright idea.
Subaru: You know, we don't have anything planned today, do we?
Naoko: Nothing that I can think of. Maybe shop for some more Mayo and groceries.
After pointing his finger in the air with a smug face, he concludes.
Subaru: Maybe it would be best to show Rem around the area. Like a stroll in the park.
Naoko: So you want to take Rem on a date?
Subaru: Yes, on a date- wait, not a date. Just a stroll around the neighborhood.
Rem: Is that not the same? What about our date to the village?
Subaru: N-Not exactly the same thing.
Naoko had such a smug look on her face upon realizing this wasn't his first so she grabs their plates and stacks them on top of each other then heads towards the kitchen sink to wash them.
Naoko: Well then, if you want to take her on a date, then go ahead.
Subaru: Mom?!
She quickly ignores him and starts humming a tune as she starts to wash the dishes in the sink. He deeply sighs then he turns his attention to Rem sitting beside him as usual.
Subaru: So, how about it? Do you want to walk around the neighborhood and show you around?
With a cheerful smile, she nodded rapidly then pressed her fingers together.
Rem: Then it's a date!
—
Sigh, so it seems I now have a toxic user on my review page. Is this really what this community has gone up to now? When someone randomly says "fu this is trash" ? And I could tell it's because it's a Rem fic. Judging by the stories that this user follows. I'm not letting it drag me down. I love this story and especially all of you who find an interest in reading it.
(Even though the waifu is getting mistreatment for no reason (¬_¬") )
So about this chapter, I feel as though Naoko would be most worried about Subaru's journey. This fact was also proven by Tappei himself. Naoko would take the burden the most from her son's disappearance and Kenichi would just try to comfort her so I just connected the dots.
Also, there will be OC involved because it adds some more "flavor" to the story although there will be OG characters as discussed ^_^