Taking a step over the solid concrete, the two walked past the adjacent buildings only separated by the dark asphalt road surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the trees and bushes that sit accordingly within the sidewalk.
Subaru: Right here is Ossan's noodle shop. It usually isn't open at this time, but the food here is delicious.
This was a small food stand that stood between two bigger shops. For now, the mesh covering was secured and a sign reading "closed" hangs on the front.
Rem: Perhaps we may try some sometime?
Subaru: This is probably the best Ramen in town. For sure we'll come back when it's open.
Rem: Ra...men? Is this similar to the Ya...ki...so..ba?
Subaru: Although it is a bit pricey here, it's similar to the yakisoba we had yesterday. Not too far off. Just add some eggs and pork then it'll be a tasty treat!
Rem: This sounds very delicious!
Subaru: Yes! I think the noodles here are made from scratch too. Maybe we will save it for another day.
He smiles cheerfully then continues their short little journey around town. This was another beautiful day in Japan. Usually, the streets were lively around the afternoon, but it is still considered morning and so only a few other pedestrians were around.
Subaru: ...and here is the video store. This is where my dad usually rents movies on the weekends.
Rem: Movies….
She stared up at the big kanji lettering above the shop with awe. The store itself was similar to the other buildings. A huge glass window pane beside the opened door showed the inside of the neatly categorized DVDs in bookshelves row upon rows of this small shop. To her, this was almost a familiar setting.
Rem: This place resembles a library.
Subaru: Well, if you compare a book and a movie, both tell a story so it makes sense to lay it out as if it were a library.
Rem: That is true. However, these storytelling relics require a device, do they not?
Subaru: They do and they are pricey...
He raises a finger with one closed eye as his grin becomes brighter.
Subaru: -BUT at the same time, you'll need to be literate to read a book, right?
When comparing the two, in order to read a book, it takes years learning how to read and having a very good imagination to understand the full picture.
However, a film requires a player of some sort to be able to see the story in full action.
To Subaru, it's best to read the original works most of the time because a novel offers more understanding in detail while a movie requires more of what you can see other than action. Many times, a film catches you off guard and misses the greatest meaning.
(Basically anime vs. novel amiright?)
They continued on for some time and he explained in detail about their surroundings such as general law and basic principles of activity that surrounds them.
A few general ideas made sense to her and compared a few things from her world to his such as traffic from the streets resembling Lugnica's and sanitation wasn't an issue even with Japan's overwhelming use of aesthetics in products and entertainment. Cleanliness was at the very top here.
Rem: O-Oh..
They stop in an area when this scenery catches her off guard. It didn't seem it belonged at first compared to these large buildings surrounding it.
Subaru: What's wrong? Did something catch your eye?
Rem: This place is...beautiful. It's almost like a dream.
He directs his attention to where she was staring. This did in fact resemble a scene from a landscape painting. Almost like they've walked into the garden of eden itself.
Subaru: Yeah, I usually don't come here as often as I'd used to.
The two made their way to a nostalgic destination. This spot had a field of grass where a few people threw frisbees around along with some citizens with their loyal pets. Large green trees covered around it with dirt paths as joggers jogged by. This area was alive and healthy on such a cool yet sunny day. Which was a little off since it should be colder than normal this season.
It wasn't that long ago since they left the house. After they finished their morning meals, Naoko washed their breakfast plates and Subaru went to freshen up a bit since he doesn't want Rem and his mom to scold him because he didn't brush his teeth nor did he bathe. This is starting to become a habit and he knew where it might have come from.
Rem: Are there any other household duties to be completed?
Naoko: No, it's alright. Maybe you can help me tonight during dinner. It looks like Subaru really wants to take you out.
Rem: Will you require Rem to visit the marketplace for provisions?
Naoko: No, I can handle grocery shopping on my own. You go ahead and have fun.
Rem: Y-Yes, mother.
Rem grabbed another wet plate from the stack of plates and dried it down with a small hand towel as Naoko cleaned the kitchen counters from any wet spots or left over food crumbs from cooking.
It didn't take much time to finish their routine. Once Naoko finished, she dried her hands using another hand towel.
Naoko: So, I overheard you two earlier about watching a movie.
Rem: Yes, Subaru-kun wishes to introduce Rem some of his favorites as a child.
Naoko: Does he now?
Rem: Yes, he has explained a movie with "action" would be enjoyable for Rem.
Naoko: Hmm, maybe a romance would be just about right, but I guess Subaru doesn't know much about girls.
As a shut-in, he of course doesn't have much experience with talking to girls unlike his father, who spends most of his time with friends and was popular among all of the girls. Naoko finishes washing the last plate then hands it to Rem.
Naoko: You know, if you two are going out…
She put a finger to her lip and narrowed her eyes up at the ceiling when an idea popped in her mind.
After another thought...
Naoko: Wait here just a moment.
She walks away from her and towards her bedroom while Rem stood in the kitchen and peeked a bit into the hallway as she waited.
After a few minutes, she saw the door opening and Naoko coming out of the room with a small purple handbag with a long thin shoulder strap.
Naoko: Here, I want to give this to you as a small gift.
She presents it on its strap, but Rem stares at it. Still unsure whether to accept it or not.
Rem: Thank you, but Rem can't accept this-
Naoko: -it's ok. If it's for my daughter, I will gladly spoil you until you become a greedy stubborn child.
Rem: That does not seem very healthy-
Naoko: -Look, It's perfect for your size and you don't need much to carry anyways.
She wraps it around Rem's small petite body until it hangs over her shoulder. The bag itself wasn't as big as the brown leather bag Naoko uses, but it was very fitting for a girl this size.
She checks the small bag around her and opens it to reveal there was nothing inside.
Rem: Th-Thank you, mother.
Naoko: Also…
She kneels down to her level then she opens the palm of her hand to reveal a hand full of coins. Rem opened her eyes wide when she soon realized that the coins were this world's currency. If that's the case, she knew she was giving her money. Immediately, she takes a step back.
Rem: M-My apologies, but I-I-I cannot accept this-
Naoko: -Sweety, it's completely fine. I know Subaru is broke because he's always buying snacks and manga so it's best that you become responsible with this.
She stared at it as if it had so much value in the world, but in reality, it was only 14,150 JP¥. Still, this was another gift from her trusted caretaker and it was now her responsibility to hold onto that trust.
She opened Rem's palm out then placed the assorted change into her hand then closed it.
Naoko: You are a woman. You make your own choices alright?
With a soft grip around her hand, she ensured that this was now hers. Sometimes, the best gifts come from our parents.
Rem: Thank you, mother.
Naoko: Now don't let Subaru take advantage of you, ok?
She nods in reassurance then Naoko wraps her arms around her into a small hug.
The two took another step upon the dirt pathway surrounded by grass and fully bloomed cherry blossom trees on adjacent sides as they walked around the cool area. Sun pierced through the leaves leaving rays of sunlight onto the light pathway. Nothing, but beautiful scenery that your eyes can't move away from.
The small girl with sky blue hair adjusted her handbag when it fell lower from her shoulder.
Subaru: Still, I think it's unfair she gives you money and not me. I don't even spend as much.
Rem: Well, sometimes Subaru-kun should trust in mother's intuition.
Subaru: Yeah, mom can be a little- wait, why does it sound like we share the same mom?! We aren't related!
He shuts his eyes then covers his ears as he tries to block out the thought of them being biologically related. It seems Rem is too comfortable in accepting Naoko as her mother and it has apparently started to rub off on him. He slumps over then sighs.
Subaru: It's not that I don't trust her. She is my mom of course.
Rem: Do you feel she tends to be unreliable?
Just like her son, Naoko could barely read the mood nor was she as smart as Kenichi, but it was thanks to Subaru's life as a shut-in that forced him to become more knowledgeable by reading books and such.
Subaru: E~h, sometimes, but she really does enjoy your company though. I'm not sure what that's all about.
They take a turn when the pathway begins to end on their current route. A female jogger passes by and Rem stares behind as if curious by the person's unusual routine.
Subaru: ...But anyway, I'm glad she trusts you.
She glances towards him as he hangs his hands behind his head as they walk up a stone bridge with a man made flowing river underneath.
Rem: And why would mother not trust Rem?
They both stop at the edge then he rests his arms against the wooden railings as he stares down at the swimming koi fish.
Subaru: It's like I said, when I was first sent to Lugnica, I had nobody because I was different. I was immediately outcasted because I knew nothing...I looked like nothing...nor was I ever something…
He stared at his own reflection over the water underneath them. Staring at his menacing eyes. He knew full well of how it was to be an outcast by society. It becomes much more difficult to develop this kind of trust when you know nothing of anyone or anything. It's like asking to be a failure when you try and try again. Who can trust a man who can't stay on his feet after many attempts?
Rem: But it wasn't until you met us, you felt belonged. Is that correct?
She walked next to him and shared his reflecting image in the rippling water next to each other. In Rem's case, she already had someone there to guide her in this path and met people who accepted her for who she was.
An oni.
Compared to Subaru's case, he was lucky enough to find Emilia and helped take that first step into finding people to look towards. Perhaps in the near future, she could get more people to look up to as much as Subaru. After realizing her understanding, he slightly giggles.
Subaru: Yeah, you're right. I'm overthinking it. My parents would never disown a girl like you.
Rem: Subaru-kun does in fact take after his parents after all. Especially mayonnaise.
The two shared a quick laugh then continued on the path around the park until they stepped into a stone path with a few benches on adjacent sides surrounded by green trees and a small field of luscious grass.
They walked along this pathway for a few moments as they shared a conversation with one another until Rem stopped at a white flower bed beside the path.
Subaru: Is something wrong?
Rem: No, it's just, this whole area gives Rem memories of her home.
He stared off into the flower garden beside them. It wasn't as big, but on the other side, was a big field of grass with an open area away from the trees. This one spot did remind him of the path they used to take.
Subaru: Yeah, it's like walking to the village back at Roswaal's mansion. I remember there was a spot just like this.
Although it gave them a bitter homesickness from this view, the buildings that peaked behind it ruined the image of traveling to the village for provisions.
After some time had passed, he stared down at the white flower bed then his eyes went lower as he noticed something right by his feet.
Subaru: Oh?
He bends over then picks up a white flower that seemed to be previously picked from the flower bed. Compared to the others, this one wasn't fully bloomed at all. In fact, this gave him a deep nostalgia that almost made his heart skip a beat. Rem turns around and notices the flower in his hand.
Rem: That flower…
Noticing her surprise as she walks closer to him for a better look, his smile softens.
Subaru: It reminds you of her too doesn't it?
This flower reminded both of them of that beautiful silver haired half elf, who had this same type of flower as a headpiece.
Rem: It's one of Emilia-sama's unique features. A beautiful ornament of her appearance.
Subaru: Oh? Does this mean you also have a soft spot for elves too?
Rem: N-No. We...never got along as much before you arrived.
One month before Subaru arrived at the mansion, the relationship between Emilia and Rem weren't anywhere near to a friendship. All it was was a master to servant relationship. Since leaving the things she left behind, she only wishes to understand her more.
Subaru: Really? Did I really make that much of a difference? I guess the Snow Festival was a pretty huge success.
Rem: It was one of Subaru-kun's greatest accomplishments, but it wasn't just that. Daily life became much more interesting than it used to be with Subaru-kun around. Everyday was exciting to know what Subaru-kun had in mind.
Subaru: Even though you had your sister? I didn't think I had that much of an impact on everyone.
Even if she had her dear sister, it was because of him, her purpose to move forward increased as her small world had gotten bigger. She places a hand to heart then a slight blush forms on her cheeks.
Rem: Ne-sama is wonderful of course, but It's mostly because I was in love. Everyday was a blessing to know Subaru-kun was there. Even if he doesn't spend much time with Rem during our work
Even though she had already told him of her true feelings for him before, it was still embarrassing.
He stared down at her gentle expression looking down at the flower, then she glided her index finger down it's closed petal. She enjoyed her daily life knowing he was there. Thanks to her complete affection and admiration for him, it pushed her to continue to live life with a smile alongside him. Even if he was looking the other way. He blushes slightly.
Subaru: I-Is it now? Well, that makes me happy.
She stared up at his softened expression gazing at the flower in hand. It does put a smile on her face knowing she makes him so glad to walk together. Especially in a place like this.
Rem: You really do miss her, don't you?
Subaru: Of course I do, how could I forget a girl like her?
Even though there were no leads to go back and see her again, he still thought about her almost always. Rem softly smiles then nods.
Rem: That is understandable. Whenever Rem is separated from Subaru-kun, she can't help, but to think of him too.
It's what they never forget. The people to love and cherish. As long as they can walk beside them and keep moving forward together. It's what makes a strong bond.
After a few moments, he decides he wants to pocket the flower in his jacket pocket then he holds out his hand.
Subaru: Here, it's already been a couple hours since we left the house. We should be getting back.
She gracefully took his hand then they continued to admire the beautiful land. They walked onward to the entrance of the park with an open gate as a family of four passed by them happily with picnic supplies.
They continued on the sidewalk for quite some time until Rem looked to her side and stopped.
Rem: Oh...
Because he still held onto her hand, he stopped then turned to her direction with a puzzling look.
Subaru: What's wrong?
Rem: This building. It seems...very unusual.
She pointed towards the direction then his eyes followed the direction to a building he wished he didn't see.
Since it was still daytime, the signs around it were still just tubes of glass that had Japanese lettering spelling "Joy's Arcade".
Subaru: A-Ah, I...don't think you want to go in there.
Rem: Why not? Is this "Arcade" a bad place?
He scratches the back of his head nervously then he takes his phone out of his pocket and flips it open to check the time that reads 12:13. It instantly gave him chills down his neck.
Subaru: N-No, but it's best if we don't go in there. Let's just leave.
Rem: Why not? Subaru-kun, you can trust in Rem, right?
He stared into her worried eyes then he darted back to the building. The door was wide open and it emitted sounds of the machines from inside.
Subaru: Fine, but I don't want to attract attention. We should be able to find a spot where no one will notice.
He took her hand then they crossed the street once a passing green car drove by. The building itself wasn't as grand as Akihabara's shopping district, but it was just enough to host a children's party. She looked up at the sign for a closer look that read "Joy's arcade" with a flashy red and green logo.
Once they entered through the open door, he noticed there weren't any other teenagers inside except for a group of high school students still wearing their navy blue uniforms playing a new racing game in the corner of the room. Just the sight of them forced him to look away and fast walked to another side of the room so nobody could see. Pulling Rem with him. Of course, she knew something bothered him.
Rem: Those kids. Do you know them?
Subaru: No, I just….look, let's find a game. Here.
They walk away from them and into the large rows of arcade machines and crane games. Along with gachapons in the back, but a few were out of order.
They stop at an old yet familiar arcade game that wasn't in use. Rem reads it carefully, but still couldn't understand some parts of it.
Rem: Ga...la...ga. There must be a mispronunciation of some sort.
Subaru: Hehe, no. This is a classic. My dad showed me this when I was little.
Rem: Did he take you here often?
Subaru: Yes! We used to come here every time on my birthday. Let me show you how to…
He checks in his pocket, but realizes it was empty. He pulls out the white inner lining to reveal it was true. He stuffs it back and slumps slightly forward.
Subaru: Nevermind, I don't have any change on me. I left it back in the capitol.
Rem: How much?
Subaru: This one costs us about fifty yen, but it's getting late as it is. Let's just leave-
He opens his eyes and narrows his direction towards her. She was already opening her little purple purse then pulled out a single yen coin with a hole in its center that read "50". It was easy to learn as it is compared to Subaru's experience with learning currency. Subaru waves his hands frantically as he immediately denies her offer.
Subaru: It's fine, you don't have to spend mom's money just for me-
His face immediately cringes then he stared straight to the ground. It's really hard to get used to having your crush as your sister.
Rem: Is it really that difficult to accept that Rem is mama Naoko-sama's daughter?
Subaru: It's because she's my mom too! That's the problem here!
He puts his hands on his hips then stares up at the ceiling for a little breather. Still, she shakes her head.
Rem: Even so, this money belongs to Rem so Rem will use it for Subaru-kun! Allow me to-
As her confidence builds up within her with the coin in the air like a trophy, confusion immediately takes over since she doesn't know how to use it. She scans it from top to bottom trying to figure out.
Rem: U-um, let's see….
Subaru smiles wryly then he takes the coin from her fingertips then inserts it into the machine. She stared at the machine when it started to make strange sounds.
Subaru: This is an arcade game. It's one of the most popular forms of entertainment here.
Rem: Is that so?
He forms a huge grin then he stretches his arms and bends his fingers back with a crack in preparation for his play session. He presses the white start button then the game starts building a pixelated monarch of alien spaceships on the screen with a white one starting on the bottom.
She opened her eyes wide and gaped her mouth slightly open in awe of this advanced machinery.
Subaru: So here are the controls. Just use the joystick to move…
He moves the little spaceship on screen once the oncoming attack of the space invaders starts shooting down on him, but he dodges it effortlessly.
Rem: O~h. This is very...interesting.
Subaru: ...and then if I use this button here…
He positions himself closer to the screen then taps away at the button to start firing his counter attack. Taking out one space ship at a time like a boss. The enemy ships kept dropping lower and lower as their numbers decreased thanks to Subaru's professional gamer knowledge.
Subaru: Just dodge the oncoming attack while playing offense! Eventually, you will destroy the entire fleet of intergalactic scum to ashes!
She smiles while at the same time, amazed as to how well he's playing. The game itself seemed easy and simplistic.
Rem: Look out!
Subaru: I see it! I see it!
She stood on her tiptoes nervously when one invader flew down towards the white ship, but Subaru dodged it to the right then fired away. Destroying one ship at a time.
At the very end, he shoots down the last space invader then passes the level then another row forms on screen with the pixelated lettering spelling out "level 2". He scoots to the side then gestures to Rem to try.
Rem: N-N-No! I mustn't! This is Subaru-kun's -Hya!-
Subaru: Come on. I'll walk you through this!
She waves her hands frantically to deny his request, but he immediately grabs her by the shoulders and scoots her to the front. He then puts his hand over hers then puts it over the joystick.
Subaru: It's just like how I was playing. Just move this around…
He moves her hand over the joystick to position the little 8 bit ship out of the oncoming attack. With his other, he clicks the buttons on the side to start firing at the invaders one at a time the closer they come down.
Her eyes couldn't get off the screen nor did her cheeks stop flushing since he was right next to her and felt his warmth emanating from him.
Subaru: Here they come!
Rem: Oh!
And so, the battle begins. He taps at the button to start firing and the movement of the joystick starts aggressively moving all around and side to side.
Subaru: See? It's easy, isn't it? The main key here is-
Rem: -Don't allow the enemy to pass! Understood!
She inches her head closer to the screen once the excitement of shooting little aliens envelops her. Her interest in this game was so absorbing, her head was partially in the way of his vision.
Subaru: Uh Rem? It's hard to see if you are that close to the-
Rem: -Please don't disrupt Rem!
The pixelated ships were being obliterated one by one until only a few were left. By now, she has understood the basics of the game and is in full control of the joystick and button.
Rem: Almost…
Subaru: Yeah, this will take a little more skill now!
The movement of his wrist became much more frequent as he dodged left, then right, then firing one dot at a time until-
Subaru: Gh!-
Rem: Subaru!-
?: -Hey! What do you think you're doing scumbag?!
Subaru was immediately knocked over on his butt. Rem tries to rush over to him, but the man grabs her by the wrist to stop her. Subaru stares up at him with a face of both confusion and anger.
Subaru: Hey! Who do you think you are?!-
?: Me?! Yet, you're the one taking advantage of a girl because you're too broke for an arcade game?!- Gah!
Rem immediately elbows his stomach so the boy could release her then he falls to his knees while curling his body down to the floor in pain.
She rushes over to Subaru and kneels down to him as he sits up.
Rem: Are you alright?
Subaru: Yeah, I'm fine.
He manages himself up along with Rem who was inspecting him to see if anything was wrong, but he was alright. He stares at the boy who couldn't reveal his face. His dark emerald hair covered his eyes as he stared at the ground. He wore a wrinkled navy blue student uniform just like the other kids except it was just him. The others were too loud to even notice. They were also in the very back of the room so none of the clerks saw the commotion either.
Subaru: So what's the big idea?! You come in between us-
?: -Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I know what I saw. You were trying to take advantage of her.
Subaru: Huh? I wasn't taking advantage of her.
Rem: It's true, Subaru-kun-
?: -Don't lie to me! Didn't you say you were broke?
It sounded like a growl. A low grunt barely heard. His voice was filled with both anger, confusion, but at the same time, embarrassment.
Subaru: Just admit you were wrong-
?: -Shut up...
The boy kept his head down. Twitching from the pain of his stomach where he was struck. It was like a completely stubborn child trying to prove he wasn't at fault. Subaru finally realized this. He furrows his brows in frustration. There was no point in dealing with the likes of him.
?: I just know it…Those eyes…they show your true colors.
His voice was low and full of hatred. Subaru's face scrunches and he immediately grips Rem's hand and then fast walks past the boy. Right as they walked past him, she heard a low sound coming from him.
"You bastard"
She, at that moment, wanted to say something, but Subaru shrugged her further away as they walked. It became apparent he heard as well.
Once they exited, they didn't stop nor did his face relax. Not until Rem decides it was far enough.
Rem: Wait..
After they passed two blocks, she stopped which in return made him stop. He turns to face her.
Rem: Please don't allow this to overcome you. That boy was obviously troubled.
Subaru: …
He lets go of her hand then puts his hands in his pockets. He turns away from her with that same scrunched up face. Even after this was all settled, he still takes it much more personally than it already was.
She tried to reach out for him, but instead, retracts her hand then lowers her eyes. This was supposed to be a date that ended with laughter, but instead, it gave him a bitter taste left in his mouth.
Rem: Let's return home. Mother must be growing impatient.
She walks next to him and lifts his cheek so he could face her. Staring into each other's eyes as his face unscrunches.
Subaru: Y-Yeah, let's leave. Maybe some homemade Purin will do the trick
Rem: Yes!
He nods slightly then she grabs his hand to start leading the way back with her chest sticking out in confidence.
Rem: Then let's hurry before father comes home.
Subaru: Isn't it still too early for dad to be home?
Rem: Yes, but there is still so much to learn for Rem in a single day. We shall not allow the bitterness to get through the both of us.
He smiles softly then straightens out his back. He speeds up to walk by her side then continues the journey back. The long...long walk back to his sanctuary they both called home.
—
This one was longer than expected ngl. So comparing the release of the other chapters, I think my upload rate is every two weeks unless otherwise. For this 4th of July weekend, I think I'm just gonna finish watching Toradora then binge watch the shit out of Highschool DxD just to see the Rias hype.
WarGlory: Thank you for the awesome review! You give me so muc N. So I was thinking of PMing you, but I think everyone should know. I have thought of the main points including my desired ending, but the development of the story is still being thought out. I want it to act as a "slice of life" while having the same Re: Zero charm (Not sure on the deaths tbh). So to answer your question if this will cross back to Re: Zero world….Idk. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Also, BigSmokeYeet: YYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS.
You'll hate me next chapter btw :D ;)