"That was a lot of fun, thanks for inviting me!"
"Of course, I've been planning this for a week!"
Subaru and Emilia just returned from their date. As they walk back towards the mansion, Subaru starts to reminisce about the events that finally lead to this point. It was an entire ordeal. When he first arrived at this mansion he had been planning to get closer to Emilia and finally ask her out. He managed to do just that, unfortunately he died in his sleep, which activated his Return by Death, an ability that let him return to a set, but unpredictable 'check point' upon his death.
He went through a lot to avoid his death and get closer to the residents of the mansion. Not only did he manage to get closer to Emilia like he wanted, he even earned the trust of the two maid sisters, Ram and Rem, and even their eccentric master, Roswaal L Mathers.
Thinking back on that, Rem and Ram were very central to everything that happened during the tumultuous week at the mansion. Quite a week that was, to Subaru it felt way longer, probably because of Return by Death, Subaru has technically lived there for almost a month. He really got to know the two maids through his various loops, he grew quite fond of both of them. They were both twin sisters and Onis on top of that.
Ram, the foul mouthed maid who always seems to slack off. She and Subaru always hurl insults at each other, Ram has also taken to calling Subaru Barusu, still not too sure what's up with that. It's pretty much become her official nickname for him now. Despite their seemingly unfriendly relationship, they both have grown to trust each other and Subaru does genuinely care about her and considers her family.
Loves her sister Rem above all else, and her loyalty and devotion to Roswaal was astounding. Would do anything for either of them and you were immediately on her bad side if you hurt Rem or disrespected Roswaal. In one loop where Rem died, Ram went berserk with rage and grief, it was horrifying. The sisterly love between them was probably the most beautiful Subaru has ever seen. Even though Ram still gives Subaru a hard time, she has become genuinely grateful for what he did for Rem during and after the Mabeast attack.
Rem, the dutiful and responsible head maid. Responsible for about 80% of the household chores, Rem always worked hard for her sister Ram and the rest of the mansion. Some would say a little too hard. Ah Rem, she was definitely the cause of a lot of the problems that happened. She probably went through the most significant change. Went from wanting to kill Subaru to...admiring him it seems? Anyway, she became very clingy to Subaru, always seeking some kind of praise, to which Subaru would reward her with a head pat which seemed to satisfy her.
Because she could smell the witch's scent on Subaru that even Ram couldn't, she became very distrustful towards him. That all changed after the Mabeast attack. It was almost like she became a different person. Rem was terribly insecure with a big inferiority complex towards her sister. Nowadays she's managed to move past that and possibly grow to like herself a little more. She however ended up clinging to Subaru hard. He didn't hate it, but it did start to become a bit much. Even Ram recognized she still had some issues to work out. Both Ram and Subaru agreed that it would be a happy day when Rem can finally start living for herself and stop thinking she's inferior to Ram.
Subaru has really grown to love these two. Ram, like an older sister, and Rem, like a really good friend. She's always there when he needs it and heals him whenever he hurts himself. Ram always scolds him for being so careless and creating more work for Rem and herself.
As Subaru and Emilia passed the gate to the mansion, Rem was in the garden tending to the hedges. She turned her head when she noticed Subaru and Emilia had returned. Rem wanted to run up to Subaru and greet him, however held herself back when she saw the two laughing together. She didn't want to get between them right now.
"They look so happy together. Is it that 'date' Subaru-kun suggested?" Dating was a foreign concept here, but it was a well known custom where Subaru came from. From Subaru's description, when a guy and girl go out together and have fun, it's considered a date. Although it seems simple, according to Subaru it's a fairly intimate thing. It's for two people who want to become much closer.
Watching them walk along happily, Rem placed her left hand to her chest as if her chest ached. "Rem wonders if she could have a bit of that happiness…" Rem murmured to herself as she watched them walk towards the front doors.
It's no secret Rem held deep affections for Subaru, even Ram knew, it didn't seem Subaru was really oblivious, he was just too occupied with trying to get Emilia's attention to pay much attention to that. It didn't matter anyway, he loves Emilia, and that was probably never gonna change. Although Rem didn't hate Emilia, her feelings toward her were complicated. She knew Emilia wasn't a bad person, on the contrary, she knew just how much of a good person she was, she's been watching her. Ever since Subaru saved her, Rem has started paying attention to the things around her, including Emilia. It's just her resemblance to the witch that mader her remain uneasy. She knew that was wrong and she will have to try to remedy it somehow.
Looking at how much fun they must have had on their date made Rem want to try it out. Although Subaru says she's the first person he ever went on a date with, she really doesn't remember.
"Rem will try talking to him later," she confirmed with herself before returning to her work.
The next day Subaru returned to his butler duties. After finally having that date with Emilia he couldn't get it out of his mind. I'll definitely have to ask her out on a date soon, maybe later today. Oh, what should we do this ti— His thoughts were interrupted when he cut his finger on the knife he was peeling Tatoes with.
"Subaru-kun, hold still, Rem will heal that!" Rem yelled out as she ran to Subaru and started healing his cut.
"Barusu, you still can't handle a knife properly, or is your mind too busy elsewhere? Either way, get your head out of the clouds, your constant screw ups lately are just creating more work for Rem as she constantly coddles you." Ram scolded.
"Geez, you can at least show a little compassion."
"There, all finished!"
"Thanks Rem! At least someone cares." Subaru said, shooting a glare at Ram. Ram only sighed. That man really is hopeless. Why him?
"Well, once you're finished there, you can start setting the table. Rem and I will handle the rest of the dinner preparations."
"Alright, I'm on it." Subaru said, going back to finishing his peeling.
Dinner was pretty normal. Subaru chatted up Emilia, Ram with her usual condescending attitude, and Rem frequently stole glances at Subaru, this time with a constant, but very slight, blush on her cheeks, thinking about how to ask him afterward.
She wanted to try and make sure Ram wasn't nearby when she did, she knew Ram didn't approve of him for her, but Rem wanted to try anyway, if she knew her plans, her sister would probably try to stop her. It also wasn't considered entirely appropriate for a maid, especially Rem who does most of the work, but she figured just once should be fine.
Just once, that's all I want. Just one date, that's all that will satisfy Rem.
Later that night, Ram turned in early, so Rem didn't have to worry about that, now was the time.
"Subaru-kun!" Rem called out to Subaru down the hall as he was heading to Emilia's room it looked like. Subaru turned around and fretted Rem.
"Rem! Didn't expect to see you here, I thought you were heading to bed."
"Oh, um, Rem has been wanting to ask you something, but wanted to wait till everyone went to bed," she said, timidly.
"Sure, what's up?"
"W-well, I've just wanted to ask i-if you wanted—" Rem hesitated.
"Is everything alright, Rem?" Rem asked, with concern on his face. Seeing that just caused Rem to blush and look away.
"Um, we...need more fowl eggs for breakfast tomorrow… I was wondering if you could do some shopping today to get some…" Rem finally asked.
"Eggs? That's all?" Subaru confusedly asked.
"Yes…" Rem said softly, hanging her head down.
"Um, sure, I can go right now. It shouldn't be too late right now. If that's all I guess I'll be going." Subaru said, turning around. "Be back soon." Subaru left down the hall, leaving Rem all alone.
I'm such a fool… Rem walked away, dejected. Rem decided to turn in early as well that night.
"Sorry Rem, I can't go out with you, I love Emilia," Subaru said, rejecting Rem. "Sorry, I just don't have feelings for you, I'm planning on asking out Emilia."
Rem, with tears running down her face, had asked why, and that was his answer. It broke her. She was heartbroken.
"Hey, Subaru!" Yelled a familiar voice belonging to the half-elf as she ran to Subaru.
"Good timing, Emilia-tan! I wanted to ask you if you wanted to go on another date." Seeing Subaru do this right in front of her after rejecting her broke Rem's heart even more.
"Of course! It'll be a lot of fun!" Emilia answered as she hugged Subaru. "Oh, hi Rem, did you need Subaru for something?"
"Nah, it wasn't anything major, she just wanted to ask me something. Are you ready to go now, or do you need time? I'm free now," Subaru answered for Rem.
"We can go right now!"
"Great! See ya Rem, I'm off on another date with Emilia!" Subaru waves goodbye to Rem before he and Emilia walk off, leaving Rem alone.
Subaru-kun, please don't go! Rem reached out for the shrinking forms of Emilia and Subaru before everything started turning white.
"NO!" Rem woke up with a shock, hand outstretched, as if reaching for something precious. It was just a nightmare, a very realistic one. Rem slowly brought her hand back and clutched her chest.
"Of course it was a dream, Subaru would never do that, would he?" Rem was sure Subaru probably didn't have feelings for her like she did, but she believed he would still at least choose to go with her. They have spent time together and it seemed like Subaru liked her company. "Just a silly dream," Rem rationalized herself.
With that, Rem climbed out of bed to prepare for the day. Stretching with a yawn, Rem spoke to herself, "Need to wash my face and change…" She grabs a towel and heads to the bathroom. After washing her face she tries to organize her thoughts. This is how she starts her days. This day would be slightly different, however. She was gonna ask out Subaru. She thought back to her nightmare and tried to push it out of her head. "Can't let it discourage me, I can do this, I know I can!" Rem tried to pump herself up. She wasn't gonna let some silly dream demotivate her. She dries her face off with her towel and returns to her room.
A week has passed since she last attempted to ask Subaru. She just couldn't work up the courage anymore after that. Him asking out Emilia right in front of her discouraged her, and those dreams definitely didn't help.
Once she returned to her room, she set about getting changed into her maid uniform. It was a pretty elaborate process, the uniform had many pieces to it, after all. After 10 years of putting it on she got used to it and doesn't even think about it anymore. For a maid's outfit, it was fairly revealing. The skirt was short, and the top also bared her shoulders, back and chest.
After getting her headdress on, finishing off with her hair clips and ribbon, she looked at herself in the mirror in the closet for a bit and gave a bit of a twirl. She wanted to make sure she looked cute enough for Subaru. She didn't really start caring about her appearance till she met Subaru. Just the thought of him complimenting her looks made her heart beat faster.
"Maybe Rem should try different clothes once in a while, that wouldn't be so bad, right?" She wondered to herself. Sure, the maid outfits she wore were cute, even Subaru said as much, but surely some regular clothes could look good on her as well.
Before, she would have never considered that, she always believed herself inferior to her sister in every way, including looks, believing no one would like to see her dress up, that was, of course, till Subaru came into the picture and saved her. Now she just wanted to look good for him, so she now spends extra time on her appearance.
Before, she did it out of duty as a maid since she was taught maids should always have a well kept appearance so as not to embarrass the master of the household.
Now, she was excited about it, because it was for Subaru. "I really do love you, Subaru-kun. If only you could look my way, even for a bit." This was one of the main reasons she wanted that date, so he would look at her, and only her, even if it's only temporary. "Alright, better wake up Sis and Subaru-kun!"
She then began the next part of her day, waking up her co-workers, although she would stare at Subaru as he slept for a bit before waking him up, and then woke up her sister and helped her get dressed. Then they went about completing their duties, starting with making breakfast.
After the meal was finished and everyone finished eating, they went their separate ways to complete their duties. Rem decided that now would be the time, so she quickly chased after Subaru down the hall. At this time Ram and Emilia would both be busy with their own business, so it was now or never.
"Subaru-kun," Rem called out to Subaru. This was a familiar scene. It was pretty much the same as when she tried the first time, Subaru would look back and greet Rem, but this time there would be no interruption.
"You want to ask me something?"
"Yes, you see, um..." nervousness was starting to catch up to Rem. She feared possible rejection. Subaru-kun, I wanted to ask, uh, i-i-if y-y-you would want to g-g-go on a d-d-d-d-d-..." She was starting to choke on the main word. She never got this far before, but finally managed to choke it out. "Date with me…" Rem trailed off timidly. She looked up to see Subaru's face and her heart sank slightly when she saw surprise on his face.
"A date?" Subaru responds. This is unexpected, I always assumed Rem would be too busy to spend time with. Subaru suddenly flashes Rem a big grin. "Sure, sounds fun!" For a moment, Rem was happy, he said yes! However, the next moment made her heart sink. "Let's ask Emilia-tan to come with us! We can all spend time together!"
"What? Wait, I—"
"Probably gonna have to wait for her and Ram to finish up, so I'll ask her if she'll join us afterward." Her protests went unnoticed. I wanted it to be the two of us. She wasn't able to get those words out. Was Subaru only happy about going out like this if Emilia went along? Rem couldn't help but feel hurt. Even during this, Subaru couldn't stop thinking about Emilia. Rem raised her hands to her chest. It hurts. She could feel tears start to slowly roll down her face
"Rem? Is everything alright?" Subaru's words of concern snapped her out of her thoughts.
"No, it's fine, Rem just remembered she actually has something to take care of, she won't be able to go with you two. You both can go have fun, she'll be fine," Rem said and gave a small smile to Subaru, trying desperately to hold back her tears. She mustn't allow Subaru to see her cry.
"Rem?"
"If you'll excuse me." Rem bowed and quickly walked past Subaru, leaving him confused as he stared at her retreating form.
Rem returned to her room and quickly closed the door behind her while keeping her back to it. She then leaned on the door starting sliding down into a seated position. She brought her knees up to her chest and hugged legs close.
"Subaru-kun…" tears ran down her face as she buried her face into her knees and wept. "Why won't you look at me, it's always Emilia-sama." Her sobbing started getting louder as she was now crying her eyes out.
"It hurts. Why do I have this pain? Why does it hurt so much?" She slowly slid down her left as her body fell over. The pain was unbearable, when would it stop? She now started letting it all out. All the pain in her heart she had been holding back.
"Why!? Why does it hurt!? Why won't you look my way? It's because of me, it has to be me. I don't deserve Subaru-kun's love. Of course I don't. Emilia-sama is perfect for him. Beautiful, kind, is always there for him. Of course he loves her and not Rem. All Rem did was almost get him killed and showed him a scary side of her, so of course he chose Emilia-sama over Rem," she poured her feelings out to herself.
"Why do I even feel this way? I love Subaru-kun, I want him to be happy, it shouldn't matter if it's with Rem or Emilia-sama. He's happy with her, so Rem should be happy for him. So why? Why am I in so much pain!?" She continued crying to herself, curling up into a ball on the floor.
"Rem can't help loving you…"
"Can't believe I spent that long with Emilia-sama. It was only supposed to be a short time to allow Rem to talk to Barusu," Ram yawned to herself, as she walked down the hall. "Perhaps a quick nap wouldn't hurt. As much as I don't want to heed that idiot's advice, he's right about me overworking myself. I don't want to collapse again, that would just create more work for Rem."
As she approached her door, she suddenly felt something dripping down her cheek. She reached up and wiped her face. A tear, followed by a sudden intense pain in her chest.
"Hm?" Ram slowly clutched her chest. "Why is my chest suddenly hurting?" Painful emotions start to fill her. These were very clearly not her emotions, it could only mean…
"Rem!" Rem's room was nearby, these emotions were most likely because of her synesthesia, her psychic and emotional connection with her sister. Ram rushed to her sister's room, she needed to make sure she was okay.
As she approached Rem's room, the feelings got worse. Ram braced herself and lightly knocked on the door.
"Rem? It's me, are you alright?" No answer. She knocked again, still no answer. Now she was getting worried. "Excuse me.." Ram politely said as she slowly opened Rem's door. At first glance the room seemed empty. Ram scanned the room with her eyes looking for her sister. Standing like that in silence she noticed light muffled noises coming from her left, behind the opened door. She slowly closed the door to Reveal Rem, in a fetal position on the floor.
"Rem!" The older twin rushed to her younger sister's side. "Rem! Rem! What happened, are you alright!?" Ram tried to shake her sister's shoulder to get her attention. Rem finally turned her face towards Ram, tears still flowing down her cheeks, eyes bloodshot.
"Who did this!? I'll make them pay for hurting my sister!"
"P-please… d-don't… S-Subaru-kun is-"
"Barusu!" Of course it was. I was afraid of this, I'll make him pay for hurting my sister.
"Wait right here, I have some words for that idiot Barusu," Ram tried to give some comfort to Rem as she stormed out of her room.
"Sis, please stop!" Rem tried to call out to her sister, but it was too late, Ram was already gone.
Running through the halls Ram had only one thing on her mind which she proclaimed to the heavens. "Barusu… I swear!"
"I WILL KILL YOU!"
Meanwhile in the garden, Subaru and Emilia were having a chat with each other now that Emilia was finally free.
"Ram can be reeeeally strict!"
"Yeah, she always berates me and insults me if I do even one small thing wrong, or do anything really. It honestly gets on my nerves. She'd be cute if she kept her mouth shut," Subaru laughed it off.
"But I can tell she means well. She just wants you to do the best you can do and push you," Emilia tried to reason. Ram was harsh and strict. But there was meaning in it.
"I guess so, sometimes I feel she just hates me. A complete contrast with her sister Rem," Subaru sighed.
"I'm sure that's not true. You two always look like you get along well!" Emilia said as she beamed a brilliant smile to Subaru. That smile is dangerous.
"Wow Emilia-tan is too cute!"
"You still say some strange things, Subaru. So you say you want to invite Rem with us this time?"
"Yeah, when I talked to her she seemed bothered by something. I wanted to help get her mind off of whatever was bothering her."
"That's really kind of you Subaru! I'm sure she'll be happy."
"Yeah, I hope," Subaru softly said while looking up to the sky. Those looked like tears. Subaru thought back to when they talked. Just as she walked past him, Subaru very briefly noticed something glinting in her eyes. If something has happened, then I want to make it right.
"I WILL KILL YOU!"
Out of no where Subaru and Emilia heard someone screaming bloody murder. Subaru recognized the wail. It was in a past loop when Rem had died. Ram tried to kill him.
"No…"
"Subaru? What was that?"
"Barusu!" Subaru and Emilia turned toward the mansion and saw Ram burst through the entry door, Subaru looked on at the rage filled expression Ram wore as she continued approaching them.
"Oh no, did something happen to Rem?" That was the only conclusion Subaru could draw from this. Ram would only be in that state if it involved her beloved sister.
"Big Sis, did something hap— OOF" Subaru flew back several feet onto the grass after Ram implanted her fist into his stomach. After coming to a stop Subaru coughed up blood. The hell?
"Subaru!"
"Please stay back Emilia-sama!" Suddenly a strong barrier of wind surrounds Ram and Subaru, preventing Emilia from getting any closer.
"It's not very nice to ignore a lady." Puck materializes from his crystal to back up Emilia through this.
"Great Spirit, don't interfere either, I need to have a chat with Barusu."
"Does that chat involve practically punching a hole in him?" Puck replied. Ram just ignored him and continued walking towards Subaru.
"I can't get through this wind!" Yelled Emilia as she tried to push through, covering her face with her sleeve.
"It seems she still has enough power to do this, but for how long? If she keeps this up she'll die." Puck in his current state was also powerless to penetrate until Ram weakened, but it could be too late by then.
"Barusu…"
"R-Ram, why?" Ram gave him a swift kick while he was down, knocking him another foot away. Not letting up, Ram approached the gagging Subaru, grabbed him by the collar and punched him in the face, then a kick to the face. Afterward Ram got on top of him and placed her hands on his neck. Subaru weakly reached up his hands and placed them on hers. "R-Ram, what h-happened?" Subaru managed to choke out.
"Why?" It was now Ram's turn to ask why. "Why did you hurt my sister? She's done nothing but look up to you…" Ram's voice was beginning to tremble.
"W-What are you t-talking about? I w-would never h-hurt her…" Subaru tried to choke out, it was hard with Ram's hands around his neck.
"Then why was she like that? Why was she in so much pain, crying. She said your name, it must have been something you did." He must have rejected her proposal for a date. I knew this would happen. I knew, so why didn't I stop it?
The grip on Subaru's neck was loosening and Subaru with his hands on hers pried them off his neck. Instead of attempting to throw her he just held her hands like that.
"Ram… Please, whatever happened, I never meant to hurt her. I care about you both too much."
"Then why did you reject her? You know how fragile her heart is, you crushed her." Tears started to well up in her eyes.
"Rejected? What are you talking about?"
"She just wanted to spend time with you! To go on one real date and you threw it in her face!" Now Ram went back to trying to strangle Subaru again.
"R-Ram, please…" Subaru tried to reason with her. Subaru noticed the grip on him started to weaken. The barrier of wind was also dying down. If this continued...
"Sister, please stop!" Suddenly a familiar voice rang out. Everyone looked towards the new voice, it was Rem. "Sis, please! You have to stop! If you keep going you'll—"
"I can't! He took your feelings and threw them into the ground!" interrupted Ram.
"That's not what happened!" Rem countered Ram, and opened her arms. "Please Sis… don't hurt him anymore…" Ram watched her sister approach, arms wide with tears in her eyes. Ram finally got off Subaru and ran into her sister's arms. They embraced each other with Rem rubbing Ram's head.
"Subaru!" Emilia ran up to the beaten Subaru and started healing him.
"He's beaten real bad, probably has some internal injuries and broken bones," Puck concluded. Emilia's healing abilities are not strong enough to heal him on her own.
"Please, Sis, Rem needs to heal Subaru-kun." Rem let go of Ram and approached Subaru and Emilia. Before she could get too close Puck flew in front of her face.
"That's far enough." Emilia commanded.
"But he needs healing, please." Rem pleaded.
"You've done enough… He's in this state because of you," Emilia accused Rem. "I don't want either of you near him anymore."
"Emilia-sama, please listen to me. I never wanted this to happen. I...care about him. A lot. Please allow me to heal him." Emilia gave a small nod and Rem continued approaching. When she reached them she sat down beside Subaru, reached out and touched his face. She ran her hand through his hair and caressed his bruised check.
"Rem…" Subaru was still conscious, but in a lot of pain. She needed to act fast. She placed one hand on his face, and another on his chest and began healing him. Slowly the wounds on his face started disappearing, and returned to its original shape. His internal injuries also started to heal. Any wounds remaining were no longer life threatening, now he just needed to rest to complete healing.
"I'm sorry Subaru-kun," she turned to Emilia. "I'm sorry Emilia-sama," she caressed Subaru's face again before standing up and turning away. "I leave him to you, Emilia-sama," she said before approaching her sister.
"Sister, we should probably leave." Rem begins heading back towards the mansion without another word.
"Rem," Ram whispered before following her.
"Ugh!"
"Subaru! You shouldn't move!" Subaru tried to get up on his own and stumbled back down.
"But I have to talk to them!"
"No, you need to rest! Come here," Emilia ordered before helping Subaru stand up and supported him to help him walk. "I'm bringing you to your room, and that's final." With that Subaru finally obeyed and let Emilia help him to his room.
Puck, still floating there, looked on at Emilia helping Subaru walk and spoke, "This ended up being way crazier than I thought. Guess I better get some rest," he yawned before returning to his crystal for the night.
Subaru opened his eyes and looked at his surroundings. He felt a very soft and warm sensation in his left hand. Looking over, he noticed Emilia, asleep at his bedside, grasping his hand in hers. As he watched her, he noticed how the moonlight illuminated her formand he couldn't help but smile. How long has he been sleeping for?
Her strands of hair lying on the bed began to shift as Emilia raised her head, awakening from her slumber. Her eyes grew wide as she frantically spoke, "Subaru!? Are you okay!? Does it still hurt!? You need to rest!"
Subaru used his free hand to scratch the back of his head before responding, "I'm fine! It doesn't hurt as bad anymore. Did you stay here the whole time?"
"Of course I did, I couldn't just leave you. I needed to make sure you were alright."
"Thanks, Emilia-tan." Lowering his right arm that was scratching the back of his head and changing his expression to that of concern, he asked, "What happened with Ram and Rem?"
Emilia looked at her lap, squeezing Subaru's hand tight, then answered, "I don't know… she tried to kill you, I don't think I can forgive her," she tightened her grip, "either of them."
"Emilia-tan, please don't hold it against them. See? I'm fine!" Subaru showed this when he started moving around his arm. "Ram was also hurting. Hurting at the thought of his sister in pain. They can feel each other on an emotion and psychic level"
"It doesn't excuse what she did. I don't know if I can forgive them, I'll go talk to them. Find out why this happened," she said, getting up from her chair.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, don't worry, I'll try to understand them." Emilia then left the room and headed for the Twin's rooms.
Walking down the hall she spotted Ram out in the hallway, standing in front of Rem's room. "Ram..."
"Emilia-sama." Ram gave a slight bow out of obligatory respect. "What brings you here?"
"I came to find out what happened. Why'd you attack Subaru all of a sudden?" Ram looked down, a tinge of regret on her face. She decided to tell Emilia all she knew about what happened after talking to Rem about it. How Rem had been wanting to go on a date with Subaru after seeing Subaru and her together. How when Rem finally asked him he suggested going with both Rem and Emilia. And how his wording made it seem like Rem would just be a tag along, a third wheel. She wanted to go with just Subaru.
"I need to talk to Rem. Can I please see her?"
"...Fine," Ram reluctantly moved from her spot to allow Emilia to pass. Emilia approached the door and opened it. There she found Rem standing by her window, looking out of it. Rem's form was illuminated by the moonlight shining in. Rem turns around to meet Emilia's gaze.
Rem gave a curtsy "Greetings Emilia-sama, what brings you here?" Rem asked, going from her curtsy to folding her hands in front of herself.
"Rem, I've heard what happened. Are you doing alright?"
"Thanks for asking, Rem is doing fine. There's nothing to worry about." Rem gave a slight smile.
"You know, Rem, I would have been very happy to go on a date with both you and Subaru. It would have been very fun, and maybe I could have made another friend!" Emilia said, giving Rem a big smile.
"I understand why Subaru-kun likes you so much…" Rem whispered to herself. Tears started to fall from her eyes.
"Rem!? Are you alright?" Emilia approached Rem and voiced her concerns.
"Emilia-sama, forgive me, but I really just wanted it to be Subaru-kun and me. You two looked so happy together. Rem wanted that for herself. Is that wrong? I wanted, just for once, for Subaru-kun to look at me alone. Even if it was temporary, that would have been enough for Rem." Rem brought a hand to her chest and closed her eyes.
"Rem…"
"I'm foolish, aren't I? I should have been satisfied with his answer. I mean, he's happiest when he's with you after all, and Subaru-kun's happiness should be my happiness, so why do I feel like this?" Rem closed her eyes then brought her hand to her face to wipe away her tears. Rem suddenly felt warmth wash over her. When she opened her eyes she was shocked to find Emilia hugging her.
With her eyes wide from surprise, Rem voiced her confusion, "Emilia-sama?"
Emilia began to speak, "I don't really understand what you're going through or why you feel that way, but I know you make Subaru happy too. You two get along reeeeally well. He always looks happy when he's talking to you, it makes me happy to see him like that, especially after everything that happened.
"I was always hoping we could also be friends, but you were always so distant. You never allowed yourself to get close. When Subaru came, everything changed. I finally saw you smile, you became cheerful, and happy. I'm sure Ram also agrees Subaru showing up was the best thing to happen."
"You don't hate Sister for that?"
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't hold any kind of resentment towards her," Emilia softened her voice, "but if Subaru can forgive, then I can try."
"Emilia-sama, you really are kind." Rem hugged her back. "Thank you."
They stood there like that in each other's embrace.
"Ugh!" Subaru grunted in pain while he tried to lift himself off the bed.
"How reckless can you be? Keep doing that and you'll just be a burden for both Emilia and Rem." The harsh words could only come from one person. Subaru looked towards the entrance to find Ram leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed.
"Ram?"
"Ram came to check on you in Emilia-sama's place and make sure you don't do anything that will make it worse for her sister."
"Wow, Big Sis, you're one to talk, considering why I'm in this state."
"Hmph...sorry," Ram said the last part under her breath, barely audible.
"I'm sorry, what was that?" Subaru asked, mockingly, while leaning closer cupping his ear with his hand.
"Ram wants to offer her apologies for acting rash. When it comes to her sister, she may become reckless," Ram replied, with a slight bow.
"The formality and politeness make it sound less sincere! But I get it, I don't completely blame you, I didn't consider Rem's feelings. I really did want to go on a date with her, and Emilia." Subaru said, looking down, narrowing his eyes.
"That's the thing, she wanted to go with just you."
Subaru quickly looked up at Ram and opened his eyes wider before speaking, "Then why didn't she say that?"
"She assumed that response meant you didn't want to be with her if Emilia-sama wasn't there."
"That's not true, geez, she really jumps to conclusions a lot." Thinking about Rem jumping to conclusions made Subaru think back to one of his previous loops where Rem tortured him because she jumped to conclusions about him. Although his actions that loop didn't help. His poor choice of words made it happen again. "I need to talk to Rem."
Subaru tried getting out of bed again. "If you keep that up you won't heal properly," Ram scolded.
"I have to go, please, Ram," Subaru pleaded as he got to his feet and bowed to her.
Ram sighed, "Alright, come here." Ram walked over to Subaru and lifted his arm over her shoulders to support him and helped him walk out of the room.
"We're here, Barusu, you can get off," Ram announced, taking Subaru's arm off of her.
"Seriously!? Not gonna help me inside!? You're the reason I'm in this state!" Subaru protested, leaning on the door of Rem's room for support.
"Ram has brought you as far as she can. The rest is all you, surely they don't want Ram there anyway..." Ram said, looking down, not able to look Subaru in the face right now. Subaru noticed the regret she still had, inhaled, and then spoke.
"Ram…" Ram slowly raised her head and looked Subaru in the eyes. "I understand why you did what you did. You thought I hurt your sister. I get it, more than anything, you don't want any kind of harm, emotional or physical, to come to her. I get that. I don't want that to happen either, and I'm sorry what I said upset her that much. It was not my intention. That's why I'm going to talk to her. Just...next time talk to me instead of skipping to beating me?" Subaru said the last as he scratched the back of his with a small laugh though Subaru didn't notice, but a small smile started to appear on Ram's face. "I understand if you hate me that much though."
"I don't hate you," Ram quickly said in response to his last statement.
"Huh?" Subaru stopped scratching his head and stared at her in surprise.
"Ram will keep that in mind next time, for now you have something you need to do," Ram said, pointing to Rem's door.
"Right, I'll be back," Subaru said as he turned to Rem's door and placed his hand on the door knob.
"Ram will be waiting here. Careful with your words, Rem's in a vulnerable state right now."
"Don't worry, I got this." Subaru slowly turned the knob and opened the door with a slight creak.
As he walked in he saw a sight he was expecting. Illuminated in the moonlight and candlelight were a combination of Silver and Blue. It looked like they blended together.
"Subaru?" "Subaru-kun?" Two voices voiced confusion at seeing him there in unison. It was Rem and Emilia who, when Subaru opened the door, were in each other's arms while sitting on the bed with Rem's head buried into Emilia's neck and Emilia's head resting on Rem's. Subaru wishes he could have taken a picture. They both picked up their heads and released each other when they noticed him.
Emilia was the first to get up and rush to Subaru. "Subaru!?" Are you okay, why are you up!? You should be resting!" Emilia frantically looked Subaru over to make sure he didn't open any wounds and wasn't still injured.
"I'm fine, Emilia-tan. Ram helped me over, but I feel fine now! See?" Subaru then swung his arm and stretched to show he's been fully healed.
"Wow!"
"Guess I just needed some rest. I did still feel a little weak when I got up though," Subaru said, laughing.
"You made me worried!" Emilia pouted, puffing out her face. It was adorable to Subaru, he wanted to comment on it but-
"Heh, as much as I would love to proclaim to the heavens how cute you are right now, now's not the right time," Subaru leaned over and took a look at Rem, who hadn't moved from the bed. "Currently I have something a bit more important to do."
Emilia turned and looked back at Rem, without another word, Emilia understood what Subaru needed to do and stepped to the side to allow Subaru further in.
"I should leave you two alone. I'll be outside." Emilia left the room.
Subaru slowly walked up to the bed and took a seat next to Rem. Rem responded by scooting away a little and averting her gaze.
"Rem?"
Silence. Rem kept her gaze downward, away from Subaru.
"Rem, please look at me." Rem finally moved and lifted her head to meet Subaru's eyes. They were soft eyes. He looked at her with concern. Subaru wanted to remove any kind of doubt and remorse Rem had.
"Rem, I understand what happened. I know why Ram did what she did, and why she blamed me, as well as how I must have made you feel" Subaru began telling Rem everything he knew about what happened. How his words made her feel, and how that affected Ram's action.
"I didn't mean to make you feel that way, I should have taken what you asked more seriously, I'm the idiot here."
Tears started to appear in Rem's eyes as she finally spoke. "That's not true! Subaru-kun is wonderful! You're everything I'm not. Unlike me you're kind and don't jump to stupid conclusions. I'm the one who took it the wrong way. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't stop myself. If I was stronger, I could have stopped Sister. I'm worthless…" Rem finished with more tears welling up in her eyes.
Subaru moved closer to Rem, reached up his hand, held her face and wiped her tears away with his thumb. Rem widened her eyes at the surprising gesture.
"Listen to me Rem, you are not worthless. The emotions you felt were normal. You felt like I was ignoring your feelings. If you did tell me your feelings I would have listened though," Subaru took off his hand from her cheek and placed both of his hands on her shoulders. "Me suggesting Emilia-tan coming along was not because I didn't want to spend time with just you, I genuinely thought it could be fun for all three of us. I would have liked to go with my two favorite ladies, and even get you two closer together. I felt Emilia and you could have used another friend. I wanted you two to be friends." Subaru took his hands from Rem's shoulder, then leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her body, pulling her into a tight hug. This surprised Rem but she returned his hug with hers, using her forearms since he was kind of squeezing her upper arms.
"I like you, Rem, you're important to me, whatever your feelings are, tell me. Don't keep anything from me" Rem buried her face into Subaru's shoulder as she silently sobbed.
After a while Subaru finally releases Rem and places his hands on her shoulders again. "I have one request that can make up for everything," Subaru said to Rem.
"Yes, Subaru-kun?"
"I request one date, that's not too much for you, is it?"
"Of course not, if I can pull myself of my duties of course. I do have a lot of work, after all." Rem playfully said to Subaru.
"Gonna play it that way, huh? Then I guess that means I have to work twice, no, three times as much!" Subaru proclaimed. Rem and Emila couldn't help but laugh.
"Why not also ask Emilia-sama? I really don't mind. It could be an opportunity for all of us to bond."
"Alright, tomorrow," Rem finally gave an answer.
"Sweet!" Subaru yelled, throwing his fist in the air. Well, gotta get up early to get to work so we can have our date, so I better get to bed. Subaru slid off the bed and headed for the door.
Beyond the door, Ram still stood as Emilia left the room, arms crossed while leaning on the wall. Ram made brief eye contact with Emilia before looking away. Emilia took her spot on the other wall, away from Ram. They stayed like that in silence, neither of them daring to speak a word at this moment.. Some time passed and the door finally opened, and out walked Subaru.
"I see you finished. I already have your schedule for tomorrow ready, I'll be working you hard, don't disappoint me or Rem."
"Were you eavesdropping!? I thought Big Sis was better than to listen in on her sister."
"Didn't have to, Ram knows well enough what would happen. You promised Rem to a date tomorrow and you're gonna work three times as hard to get work done for you and her. Ram will be making you work four times as hard."
"Wow you're good, you can't work me to death though! I'll be too dead to even go on the date!"
"If that's enough to kill you then Ram would conclude you're not good enough to be with Ram's sister."
"Wow, you're definitely a strict sister."
"Naturally. Rem is Ram's sister so she only deserves the best," Ram said with a smirk on her before getting off the wall. Afterward Emilia walked up closer to Ram with something to say. Ram straightened out her body and looked Emilia in the eyes.
"I'm not sure I can entirely forgive you for what happened, but for Rem and Subaru's sake, I'm willing to try. I can tell you just really care about your sister, and I don't blame you, but you went way too far. There's no excuse for it. There were other ways.''
"I will not make excuses for my actions. It was wrong, and irrational. Ram was consumed by anger, no, that's just making excuses. What I did was wrong, that's a fact. Ram will accept whatever punishment comes her way," Ram said, lowering her head to apologize.
"Lift your head," Ram did as she was told and was surprised to see Emilia smiling at her. "I said I will try to forgive you. In exchange, I want you to talk to me more during our study sessions, maybe even outside of it!" Emilia folded her hands behind her back and gave the biggest smile she's given today.
"Hmph, greedy, aren't you, you have Barusu, then Rem, now you're trying to get your hands on me?" Ram said, looking away with a smirk on her face.
"Hey, I was being sincere! The entire year I've been here I haven't had a real friend, so I was hoping to be able to be friends with you two someday!" Emilia pleaded frantically.
"Hah, I'll think about it."
"Aww, I thought that would work!" Emilia said, looking down sadly. "If you're gonna be like that then I'll just go to bed, good night Subaru, Ram!" Emilia said, waving to them as she walked down the hall. Ram then turned her head to Subaru.
"What's that stupid look on your face?" Subaru was looking at Ram with a big smirk.
"I think Emilia-tan's already forgiven you."
"What makes you say that?"
"That look on her face, that's the same she gives me. I believe she's being genuine when she says she wants to be friends."
"I'll consider it." Ram looked down and closed her eyes. Things are gonna get annoying aren't they. I guess it's not so bad.
By the next day Subaru was able to get back to work. Excited for his date with Rem this time, he woke up extra early, surprised to find Rem sitting at his bedside.
"Woah, Rem!? What are you doing here just sitting there while I sleep like it's natural!?"
"Well…" Rem looked down and fidgeted a bit. "Well, Rem was too excited about our date, Rem couldn't wait!"
"I guess I can understand that but Big Sis won't let us till we finish our morning work. Well, I guess I don't mind waking up to a cute girl" Subaru said, nodding to himself.
"Rem will try to fulfil your wishes!"
"Well, I guess we gotta get to work. Gotta get changed first so, Rem-"
"Of course, Rem will help you dress!" Rem proclaimed eagerly.
"I can dress myself, thanks!" Subaru protested. Afterward Rem looked down with a solemn expression.
"Rem apologizes. Rem is just really nervous about the whole thing. Rem hopes she hasn't upset you this morning…"
"It's fine, Rem. I was like that too when I went on my first date with Emilia-tan. Just relax, it'll be fine!" Subaru reassured her, flashing her a smile.
"Thanks, Subaru-kun, that helps," Rem replied, relief washing over her. "Well, I'll get going then. Let's work hard!" Rem gave Subaru a wink before leaving his room.
Subaru let out a sigh. "Rem really is adorable. She does not make this easy for me" Subaru said before he started preparing for the day.
Outside his door Rem was trying to compose herself. She had told Subaru she was nervous, the truth was she was an absolute nervous wreck.
"My heart is close to beating out of my chest. It hurts. Not like before, I thought I was going to explode there. I'm so nervous. What if I do something that makes him mad. Usually when we're together it's to go to the village to shop. I don't know if I'll be able to handle my emotions, what if I do something regretful?" Rem was leaning against the wall a ways from Subaru's room, clutching her chest.
"He almost found out my secret hobby. I wonder if he would be mad if he found out, probably. I don't care if he doesn't love me, I just don't want him to hate me." After calming her anxieties a bit, she went to the kitchen to start preparing breakfast.
Nearing the time of their date, wistful humming can be heard coming from Rem's room. Rem hummed to herself as she looked in her mirror getting ready for her date. She combed her hair, adjusted her headdress and checked out her outfit.
"Hm, I guess I should wear my outfit for going out? I shouldn't wear my normal work outfit for such a special occasion," her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door.
"It's Ram, may I come in?"
Rem stopped looking in the mirror and turned towards the door. "Of course, Sister." Ram opened the door and entered the room.
"Just about time, how do you feel?" Ram asked
"Honestly, I'm nervous. Do I look alright?" Ram took a moment to look her over.
"Is that what you're wearing on your date?"
"Well, we don't really have any other outfits besides uniforms. We never needed anything else. As a maid of house Mathers it's important to always have a well kept appearance and these uniforms make it known where we stand socially. That's what we were always taught anyway, but Rem has started wondering if it would be okay to try different outfits. You probably think that's silly."
"Not at all, this is a special occasion, so it requires an adequate appearance. While I had you two working and I went to the village, I picked these up for you. I actually had it made beforehand to prepare for it." Rem just noticed that Ram had her hands behind her back the whole time before Ram revealed them, holding a new out for Rem.
"Ram will help Rem put it on." Rem turned around and Ram began undressing her.
After Ram finished dressing Rem, Rem took a good look in the mirror at herself. It was a light blue sleeveless dress that ended below her knees. It was tight around her waist and fit perfectly around chest. The neckline was low revealing her cleavage and the straps over her shoulders crossed at her back. It also came with cute light blue sandals. Rem gave a quick twirl of her dress.
"You had this made for me?" Rem gave a questioning look at her sister.
"I requested it yesterday."
"Yesterday? You mean when all that happened?"
"Ram had gone earlier in the day, the craftsman said it would take a while to make, I wasn't sure if it would be ready in time. Ram never would have guessed all that would have happened" Ram looked down and closed her eyes for a second in thought. She opened her eyes and lifted head, giving a smile. "Ram is glad Rem can wear it, and just like Ram thought, Rem looks beautiful, which is only natural as she is Ram's sister," Ram said with a bit of smugness.
Rem ran over and gave Ram a big hug. "Thank you, Sis, I love it!" Ram returned Rem's hug.
"Ram is Rem's older sister, I have to look out for you." They released their embrace, "Barusu should be waiting for you outside the front entrance about now. Probably shouldn't keep him waiting otherwise he might get more annoying."
"Right, Rem will see you later!" Rem says as she leaves her room to meet up with Subaru.
"Still don't know if Barusu is right for my sister, but Ram has never, not once seen Rem this happy in her whole life." Ram walked over towards the window which also faced the front entrance. As she looked out, she saw Rem out and met up with Subaru. She couldn't hear them but Subaru looked surprised to see her. Most likely stunned by her beauty in that dress.
"Treat her well, Barusu, Ram entrusts her sister to you."
"Come one Rem, it's this way!" Subaru called back to Rem, leading to his secret location.
"Subaru-kun, where are you leading Rem? Why are you keeping it a secret?" Rem was getting anxious the whole way, and excited.
"Trust me, it's a really amazing place!" Subaru answered. Subaru came on this date in his normal tracksuit holding a basket with a cloth over it. They had been walking through the forest just outside the village for a while, before finally arriving at the location.
"We're here, Rem," Subaru says as he reaches the end of the trees to a clearing. Rem walked forward and was amazed at the sight she saw. Flowers. Beautiful flowers as far as the eye can see. "Well? Was it worth the suspense?"
"Wow, it's beautiful, Subaru-kun!" Rem's eyes sparkled at the sight. She looks back at Subaru and sees him laying down a blanket. "What's that for?"
"We're gonna have a picnic! I found the place a while back, brought Emilia-tan here on our first date, so it's special to me, now I want to share it with you. Come, sit down, I brought lunch!" Subaru sat down and patted the spot next to him on his right. Rem followed his gesture and sat next to him.
He revealed his basket mostly filled with bread and Steamed Tatoes, likely prepared by Ram. Oh, Sis. Rem thought of how kind her sister was to even help with lunch prep.
"Here!" Subaru passed one of the Tatoes to Rem who took it gladly and took a big bite out of it. "Sis really does make them good," Rem praised her sister.
Subaru took one and took a large bite. "I guess if there's one thing Big Sis is good at, it's these."
"That's not true, there are other things Sis is good at! Rem will not tolerate Subaru-kun slandering Rem's beloved sister's good name!" Rem pouted, puffed out her cheeks and took another bite.
So cute! Subaru thought to himself with a slight blush. "I'm not trying to, even though she can be lazy and slack off a lot, when it really matters she can come through," Subaru said, taking another bite of his Tatoe.
"Yeah, she really can…" Rem softly said to herself, looking down at her dress. "Sometimes Rem wonders if she deserves her kindness, or even this dress. Rem thinks it's far too nice for her. Rem doubts it actually looks good on her, it would probably look amazing on Sister though."
"Come on, you two are twins, why wouldn't you think it looks good on you? You look amazing, my jaw nearly hit the floor when I saw you."
"Oh no, my appearance almost made your jaw fall off!? Are you okay!?" Rem frantically tried to make sure Subaru was fine when she got in his face and started feeling his lower jaw.
"I'm fine, Rem, it's just an expression where I'm from. It just means I was very surprised, in a really good way. It means your beautiful, Rem." Rem suddenly let go of Subaru and froze a bit, a slight blush appearing on her face. She eventually retreated back to original position and looked away. Hearing that from Subaru, it makes my heart race. I don't want to screw this up, I'm afraid.
Subaru looked over at Rem and noticed her shoulder started shaking. "Are you okay, Rem? You're not cold are you? I can lend you my jacket"
"No, that's not it. It's just…" Rem trailed off, trying to gather her thoughts.
"Nervous?" Rem gave a slight nod.
"What's there to be nervous about? We're having a great time. It's alright to loosen up."
"Rem is afraid. Afraid of screwing this up. I don't want to ruin this moment. Rem is afraid she may end up doing something that ruins this moment and make you hate her."
"Rem, please look at me" Rem turned her head to meet Subaru's gaze.
"Everything's alright. I'm not going anywhere, I'm not going to hate you. I told you, I like you, Rem-rin." Rem blushed and looked down and ahead. Subaru turned his head to gaze at the flower field. Stealing a few glances at Subaru, Rem scooted closer to Subaru, moved her left hand onto Subaru's right hand, then interlaced her fingers with it. Subaru looked down at his hand briefly in surprise, then his expression softened when he saw her soft smile as she looked at him. Rem began to lean her face in towards Subaru, closed her eyes and lightly kissed him on the cheek, causing Subaru to blush. As Rem pulled away she lowered her head on Subaru's shoulder and rested it there, and snuggled up to him.
"Next, let's come with Emilia-sama. We can all enjoy this, together," Rem says.
"Yeah, that sounds great"
Subaru looked ahead at the flower field again and rested his head on Rem's. This is fine once in a while, right? Subaru started hearing faint whispers from Rem.
"Rem...loves...Subaru...kun…" Rem whispered, seemingly in her sleep. Subaru releases his hand from hers and puts his arm over shoulder and holds her close. He moves his left hand over to her face and brushes her from her face revealing her other closed eye. He started running his hand through her hair and caressed her face.
This is fine. It's just one date, but one thing I can say for a fact is this is the start of an amazing new friendship between all of us.
Subaru and Rem sat there for a while longer, enjoying the breeze, and each other's company.