Author's Note: Somehow, my brain came up with this idea. I promise this will be the last chapter as I don't want to drag things out too much. No explicit smut. Just working on my story-writing while writing Echidna.
Something was off.
Subaru was enjoying his morning as usual. He was together with Echidna as he was eating the baked sweets that were always on the table. It was the same routine as always during this rendezvous.
But something was off.
"Natsuki Subaru, try these new batch of cookies I have. I tried to emulate the taste from your world based on your memories. Amn't I amazing?"
"I see?... Thank you."
"Ah! Are your shoulders feeling stiff? Do you need a massage? I've improved immensely from last time. In fact, I won't take no for an answer."
"O-oh, go ahead…"
Subaru bit into the cookie that was offered to him as Echidna began to press on his shoulders. When he looked at Echidna, she smiled brightly back at him.
Yep, there was definitely something off.
Granted, there was nothing wrong with the cookies or massage that Echidna was giving him. In fact, he was already melting under Echidna's touch. Ever since Subaru gave her a massage, Echidna made it her personal mission to learn everything about massaging. Thus, her technique and skill now rivaled his own, if not surpassed him.
However, that was beside the point.
Echidna was being very nice to him. Too nice.
Echidna wouldn't do all this for him just on the whim. Even if they were in a contract, this was too much for just simple appreciation. There was definitely something that she wanted from him. And, when the Witch of Greed wanted something from you, it was best to be cautious.
On another note, these cookies tasted really good. Just as Subaru put another one in his mouth…
"Natsuki Subaru, go on a date with me."
Subaru immediately choked on his food.
He began to cough roughly as the baked good went down the wrong pipe. Seeing Subaru's condition, Echidna immediately went to his side, holding him lightly while patting her hand lightly on his back.
"Cough! Cough!"
"Really, were my words that surprising? If you react like that to a maiden's invitation, your inexperience with women will show."
Echidna's words only vexed Subaru even further however. How was he not supposed to be surprised after that statement?
Besides, maiden?
He looked at Echidna, who tilted her head questioningly at his gaze. Her smile was relaxed after finding that he was fine.
Her black eyes were captivating and alluring as their depths knew no end. Her long, beautiful white hair was enchanting as her black dress helped emphasize her slender body. Her skin was pale but appealing as it gave its own unique luster.
Her appearance could certainly be considered breathtaking and arousing. However, Subaru knew better than to consider Echidna a maiden.
If anything, she was a beast. Subaru spoke from personal experience as he already got shivers from thinking about the sheer amount of… energy Echidna possessed at night. He wondered how an over 400-year old soul had such vitality.
"Natsuki Subaru, I'm still waiting for your response."
Was it his imagination? Echidna's gaze towards him seemed to be a bit colder. Subaru quickly broke out of his thoughts before things turned for the worse.
"Echidna, aren't you basically on a date with me twenty-four seven?"
Subaru didn't think there was any purpose to a date between the two of them; they were already in a contract where every moment was shared between the two of them. However, Echidna didn't think the same.
"According to my knowledge, a proper date needs context and structure. Just because a woman and a man spend time together doesn't mean it's automatically a date. The mood needs to be set and be properly handled."
Echidna's words were surprisingly simple but profound. Well, she was the Witch of Greed as there wasn't any holes that Subaru could pick on. Although he didn't have too much experience with dates, the few times he went on one with Emilia certainly had a different atmosphere than when he was just regularly hanging out with her, even if they were alone.
But, going on a date with Echidna? As much as the idea entertained him, he had a bad premonition for some reason.
"Eh, so no?!"
Subaru looked at Echidna who appeared be flustered about why he hadn't agreed yet. Her soft hand tightened around his own, making Subaru wince slightly at her tight grip but Echidna paid no attention to that as she anxiously tried to convince him.
"If you go on a date with me, you won't regret it! Many people around the world would have to pay a great price just to meet me, let alone a date! You'll be the first! The Witch of Greed herself is offering you such an opportunity and you're just going to say no?!"
"Wait, I didn't exactly say no yet-" Subaru tried to interject but Echidna stood up abruptly as she spread out her arms in front of her.
"You don't need to pay me! In fact, what do you want?! Do you want to learn a new magic spell from me that will help compensate your weaknesses? Or would you rather experience the First Sword Saint's swordsmanship and gain enlightenment? Maybe learning about the ancient language of dragons and its relationship with today's magic language would interest you more? Or should I reveal the hidden locations of Metia that I created back in the day? Just tell me and I'll give you it!"
"Don't you think this is a bit too much for just a date?!" Subaru yelled in disbelief at Echidna's absurd offer. What the hell was she saying? People would kill in order to attain the stuff Echidna was offering and she was willing to give it to him for just a date with him?!
Seeing that Subaru still wasn't convinced, Echidna began to pace around him, thinking of more ideas. After a moment, she then murmured under her breath but not out of Subaru's hearing,
"Hmmm, maybe I should just offer my body then? If he refuses, should I just spike his tea again and entice him to-"
"Alright, alright! A date! A date is what you wanted, right?! I'll go on one with you!"
Subaru immediately agreed to Echidna's date with panic on his face and sweat on his face. He felt that if he didn't agree now, Echidna would go to unimaginable extremes to force him.
"Really?! That's great, then!" Echidna gave a smile of pure happiness. She put her hand bashfully on her blushing face as her mind began to filled with the things that they would do for their date.
Subaru sighed as he looked at the white-haired woman in front of him. A smile crept upon his face without him realizing. This was the Witch of Greed that so many people feared? How could anybody be afraid of a person like this?
Of course, out of the entire world, Echidna would act this way towards him only.
"So, when is the date?"
"Ah, just enter the Castle of Dreams tonight. Everything will be ready by then." Echidna smiled as sat next to Subaru. Once she found a suitable position, she leaned herself against his side comfortably.
They sat together in silence for a while.
"Natsuki Subaru, sometimes I still can't believe it."
"Still can't believe what?"
Echidna didn't answer as the silence resumed. Subaru didn't press her for an answer as he instead put an arm around her shoulders. Sometimes, moments like these happened. It wasn't awkward by all means; just being by each other's sides was enough. Maybe it was because him and Echidna was connected by soul. He felt that he could stay content by her side forever.
"That part of you is exactly what I can't believe."
Echidna reached out her hand intimately towards his face. Her eyes were sober, without a hint of playfulness from before.
"Do you truly understand what it means to be in a contract with a witch? How is it possible that you don't feel even the slightest sense of danger anymore in my presence? My title as the Witch of Greed isn't just for show."
Her eyes gave a heavy look towards him. A normal person wouldn't be able to put their trust in a witch without hesitation. In fact, one would be crazy to do so when dealing with a witch. Witches weren't normal people. Subaru should know this after meeting all the Seven Witches of Sin.
"But you mean much more to me than just a witch, Echidna."
Subaru answered without any hesitation to her statement. The intent of his words indirectly answered the questions she asked.
"…oh, I see." Echidna became flustered at the look she was receiving from her contractor. Events like these were why she couldn't contain herself in front of him.
Subaru didn't know how much time passed but he found themselves staring at each other in the eyes. Subaru could only dazingly look into her beautiful face as he found himself lost in her beauty.
She then gently caressed his face, making Subaru unconsciously lean into her hand.
Echidna then leaned in towards him.
His lips met Echidna's, sharing a tender kiss. It was soft, warm, soothing as always.
They separated.
Subaru blushed after realizing what he had done, being swept in the moment. On the other hand, Echidna let out a light breath. She smiled with unhidden satiation. She wondered what other expressions her contractor would have on their date. That too would satisfy her greed.
"I'll be waiting, Natsuki Subaru."
Subaru wondered what Echidna was planning for the date. Ever since he exited her world, Echidna hadn't spoken to him, probably in preparation for the date. Of course, he wasn't worried but he realized that he was used to hearing Echidna's voice inside his head. Now that he couldn't hear her, he felt as if something was missing.
"Subaru-kun?"
Hearing his name, Subaru turned to the silver-haired girl walking besides him. Emilia looked curiously at him, wondering why he went silent.
"Sorry, Emilia-tan. I was just thinking about something."
Subaru lightly laughed, scratching the back of his head. Emilia after observing him for a bit, smiled and then leaned in to whisper into his ear.
"Were you talking with Echidna again?"
Emilia had been attentive of Subaru as of lately. Was it because her emotions towards him were clearer now? Just seeing him filled her with warmth inside as her heart began to beat faster in front of him. Being with him filled her with happiness as she looked at the person she loved.
Thus, she noticed how Subaru's eyes would occasionally zone out as if he was listening to somebody and his face would reveal subtle emotions as if he was trying to hold back a reaction. Such reactions would be a twitch in the eyebrow or a tremble from his lips and wouldn't be noticeable if one wasn't carefully looking. It was usually during these times that she learned that Subaru was conversing with Echidna.
Emilia felt pretty proud that she found this secret habit from Subaru but unfortunately, she was wrong this time.
"Haha, not this time, Emilia-tan but I was thinking about her. However, Echidna is right now busy preparing for our date so she's not available currently."
"Ah, is that so? Aww, I thought for sure I got it correct." Emilia pouted but seeing that her guess was related to Echidna, she would consider it half-right.
Emilia smiled at the thought of being able to read and know Subaru a bit more. However, she quickly frowned a moment later; she felt that she just missed something important.
"…ah!" Emilia let out a sudden shout, taking Subaru by surprise. She quickly grabbed Subaru's hand, making Subaru become flustered at her aggressiveness.
"A date?! A date with Echidna?! You mean the thing when a guy and a girl go out together alone, right?!" Emilia quickly recited what Subaru told her long ago.
"Emilia-tan, calm down! You're too loud! Shhh! Shhh!" Subaru put his finger on his lips as he looked around, checking if anybody was around. Emilia also realized that she overreacted as she quickly put her hand on her mouth.
Thankfully, it seemed nobody was around. It would be a hassle if someone overheard and wondered why someone would try to go on a date with a dead witch.
Subaru sighed in relief but it was too early to be relaxed as Emilia held a complicated expression.
"Ne, Subaru-kun, you haven't brought me on dates, recently."
"Eh?"
"Could it be that… it's not fun anymore… with me?" Emilia's face became downcast and her eyes became sorrowful as they looked desperately at him.
"That's not true!" Subaru quickly exclaimed. "Being with Emilia-tan is always fun!"
"But…" The expression from Emilia's face tugged at his heart as his mind immediately began to churn.
"It's just that things were busy as of recently and-and there wasn't any time for me to think about dates! You know! With the Sanctuary and the aftermath duties! So, don't look like that, Emilia-tan! In fact, let's go on a date right now!"
"…pf." Emilia looked away as she put her hand on her mouth. Her body shook slightly as the trembles became greater.
"Emilia-tan?" Subaru put his hand on her shoulder, wondering if he said anything wrong. Oh God, did he make her cry? Why else would she react this way?
"Pf…ahahahaha!"
Contrary to his expectation, Emilia began laughing as she couldn't hold it back any longer. Her face showed none of the gloominess that he saw earlier as her expression was as bright as it could be.
"Sorry, Subaru-kun. But your face was really funny." Still giggling with her cheeks flushed red, Emilia smiled at him. Her purple eyes showed a hint of playfulness as Subaru quickly realized that she was joking.
"…hah, Emilia-tan, you really scared me." Subaru let go of the breath he was holding as he gave weary smile. Since when did Emilia become capable of such tactics?
"Am I a bad girl? I intentionally acted weak so you would worry about me. I took advantage of Subaru-kun's kindness, didn't I? Sorry." Emilia looked down in embarrassment as she fiddled her fingers together.
However, Subaru thought differently as he shook his head. A cute girl trying her best to gain his attention was something that he could never see as "bad."
Compared to having his tea spiked from who knows when, it was a mere stunt.
"If anything, you were acting like a normal girl. EMT, Emilia-tan is really an angel."
"Really, Subaru-kun. You can't just call me an angel right after calling me ordinary."
"Haha, is that so?" Subaru laughed.
Emilia still remembered it like it was yesterday. The day when she ran away and how Subaru found her in the trial grounds. He had also called her an ordinary girl, telling her that she didn't need to be afraid.
Emilia couldn't help but feel relieved when she heard that. It was selfish of her, she knew. Everybody was expecting such great things from her, telling her that she could do it.
Even though those expectations made her feel special and needed, it also brought pain. She felt that she had to do it or she would be useless.
To be told that she was ordinary and despite being ordinary, Subaru would continue to be with her and not abandon her was a saving grace to her.
That was the day her love for Subaru blossomed.
"Subaru-kun."
"What is it, Emilia-tan?"
"I'm really glad you saved me. Thank you so much. That's why…" Emilia leaned in towards him, her mouth close to his ear. Whether she intended it or not, her voice was seductive.
"…if you ever feel lonely, I'll be ri~ghthere for you. I'll do my best to help you until you're satisfied. You can ask me for anything and I'll give it to you. After all, you always do so much for me. So, don't worry about me and make sure to take care of yourself. Okay, my knight?"
Emilia would be lying if she said that perfectly content with the relationship she had with Subaru. After all, a small part of her wanted to be more intimate with him. She was sure that if she pushed him, she would be able to get what she wanted. After all, they both loved each other.
But, she would wait and continue to spend more time learning about him. Until she understood the man named Natsuki Subaru and pay back what he did for her. She needed to do this much or she wouldn't be able to accept it.
Unless Subaru made a move on her first. That would be a different story.
Hearing Emilia's words, Subaru held Emilia's hand as he knelt down on one knee before her. Emilia tilted her head at his actions as Subaru looked up towards her.
"Emilia-sama. I, Natsuki Subaru, knight of yours only, will do my best to meet your expectations and fulfill your wish. Shall we first proceed with your wanted date?"
Subaru winked at her, causing Emilia to blush.
"Yes, please do, my knight."
She was happy.
"Ah, that was great!"
Subaru laid down on his bed as he spread his arms and legs out. Even though it was an impromptu date, Subaru had fun with Emilia. He wondered how such a girl could be so cute but every time he saw Emilia with her silver hair, purple eyes, and porcelain skin, his heart would just pound nonstop.
How long had it been since he went on a date with her? He hugged his pillow and rolled around in elation.
"How long are you going to act like love-stricken fool? Sit up straight, I suppose."
Beatrice pointed her finger at Subaru with a loud voice. She was already frustrated that Subaru came late to their meeting when they were supposed to spend time with each other at the time they promised beforehand.
She was less than pleased to learn that it was because Subaru spent more time than expected with Emilia and wasn't in the greatest mood.
"What? Could it be that you're jealous, Beako?"
"Wh-what are you talking about, I suppose?! It's your fault for forgetting about me and going off with Emilia-sama! I am not jealous. Not jealous at all, in fact!"
Beatrice quickly denied Subaru's statement with a small tantrum as she began to hit Subaru's chest, causing Subaru to feign shouts of pain.
"Alright, how should I make it up to you then?"
"…read a book with me, I suppose, Subaru."
Beatrice blushed as she brought out a thick book, something that would take a few days to complete even if one dedicated most of their time to it. Subaru wouldn't call himself an avid reader, reading mangas being the most experience he had. However, that didn't faze him as he smiled at the spirit, who held the book in front of him with her petite arms in anticipation.
"Okay."
A few moments, Beatrice was sitting on top of Subaru's lap as they quietly turned the pages, reading. Subaru rubbed her head affectionately as they immersed themselves into the book. Subaru wondered if this was what it was like to have a little sister.
It also made him realize how foolish he was when he said that he loved Emilia like a sister. His feelings towards her were much deeper than that. Perhaps Echidna saw more clearly through his true feelings that day when he said that.
However, he was sure that he loved Echidna more. It was she who was with him in his darkest moment. To forget that would be a disservice to himself and to Echidna. That didn't give any discredit to his feelings towards Emilia though. In fact, both of them were people that he couldn't imagine his life without.
"Hey, Beako."
"What is it, I suppose?"
"What are your thoughts about Echidna?"
Subaru wasn't sure about Beatrice's current feelings towards Echidna. The witch did make Beatrice stay in the library for 400 years. How did she feel about her creator now that she left the library and decided to abandon the given promise to go with him?
"What a foolish question to ask, I suppose."
"Eh?" Subaru looked at Beatrice, who seemed unshaken by his question unlike his expectations.
"You do not need to be worried about my feelings towards Mother. Mother will always be someone precious to me. However, Mother is now a figure in the past, at least for me. That was my choice when I decided to go with you."
Beatrice said it without any hesitation but Subaru noticed her fist tightening. Were the words she said to convince him also meant to convince herself? Subaru didn't know but he admired the determination within Beatrice.
"But now that you know I'm in a contract with Echidna, does that change how you view me then?"
Subaru asked the question with some apprehension but it was useless question for Beatrice.
"Whether or not you are in a contract with Mother, that doesn't change anything between our relationship. I decided to join you not because Mother chose you but because you are Natsuki Subaru. Is that not so, I suppose?"
"Haha, I guess that's true. Thank you, Beatrice."
"No problem, I suppose, Su-Subaru." Beatrice wasn't prepared for Subaru to use her actual name instead of his self-imposed nickname and ended up stuttering on her words in embarrassment. That didn't miss Subaru's attention.
"Ah, Beako, you really are cute!"
Subaru put his hands under her armpits as he began to tickle her. Under his hands' attention, Beatrice began to squirm out but it was to no avail.
"Ah, ah, st-stop it, I suppose!"
"Haha, is this the right spot? There? Here?"
"Subaruuu!"
Subaru patted Beatrice's head, who was now sleeping on his lap. He tucked her hair behind her ear as he picked her up gently, making sure to keep her head up comfortably. He brought her to the bed and letting her down slowly, tucked her into the blankets without disturbing her.
Beatrice shifted a bit before getting into a more comfortable position to sleep in as she continued to stay asleep.
"Su…ba…ru…" Beatrice murmured with a soft voice, causing Subaru to smile. He hoped that she would have good dreams about the future after suffering for 400 years in loneliness.
"Now then, I guess it's about time to go to Echidna."
After making sure Beatrice was fine, he grabbed the black pendant around his neck.
A few moments later, he was in the green grassland.
"Huh?"
He looked around but he didn't see Echidna anywhere. The tea table was empty unlike usual. Was she still preparing?
"Ah, Baru!"
"Eh, this voice…"
Subaru quickly turned around and suddenly found a small child leaping into him. Subaru quickly opened his arms as he caught her midair. The child had red eyes and green hair as her dress was white with blue outlines. Her face gave off a sense of innocence that one would believe that she was just a normal girl. However, Subaru knew that wasn't the case.
"Typhon?!" Subaru called out the Witch of Pride's name in surprise as the girl giggled.
"Baru, did you miss me? Typhon did. Let's play now!" Typhon gave a playful smile as she held Subaru's hand in eager. Subaru scratched his head; he did have experience with the girl after their first meetings as she would occasionally run around during his and Echidna's morning tea party.
She wasn't a bad person per say. It's just that it was a lot of energy to babysit her. He wondered how Sekhmet had the energy to do it.
"Uh, Typhon. Do you know where Echidna is?"
"Dona? Hmmm, is she still talking with Nerva?"
"Minerva? What were they talking about?" Subaru knew that Minerva was somewhat close to Echidna compared to the rest of the witches. However, Minerva's temperament also made it so that she would get into arguments more commonly.
"Well, I guess I can hang around with you until Echidna comes."
"Yay! Baru is always nice!"
…
Meanwhile, in a separate space in the Castle of Dreams…
"Oi, Natsuki Subaru already came. Let me greet him at the very least."
"I won't allow it! You're just going to have sex with him again, aren't you!"
Echidna was already having a headache. An argument with Minerva was the last on her list of things to do if she wanted a good day. However, Minerva seemed intent on making things hard for her.
"Like I said, I'm just going on a date with him. I even prepared my mental world for this so it would be a shame if I cancelled this now. Wouldn't you hate it also if I had to suddenly cancel my tea parties, Minerva?"
Minerva's face stiffened when hearing this. Suddenly, she felt that she was doing some sacrilegious in forcing Echidna to give up on the date. When she thought about how she would feel if she heard that Echidna's tea party was cancelled, she found herself sympathizing with Echidna.
"Th-that's true… I guess you can go-" That feeling of sympathy quickly resided however at Echidna's next words.
"Besides, what's wrong with having sexual intercourse with my contractor? I enjoy it very much and it's not like he hates it either. His use of my body is within the rights of the contract."
"Argh, I knew that this would be the case!"
As Minerva continued to argue with Echidna, there was only one thing on her mind.
'Witch of Greed? More like Witch of Lust!'
…
A portal opened as Echidna arrived to where Subaru and Typhon were hanging around. She gave a sigh of exhaustion; Minerva was constantly on her hide nowadays about her relationship with Subaru. Well, she could forget about that for now.
"Oh, Echidna, you finally arrived. What took so long?"
"Dona! You came!"
Subaru and Typhon immediately greeted Echidna, which she returned with her usual smile. Her spirits were lifted upon seeing Subaru but there seemed to be one disturbance.
"Typhon, you should head back now. Sekhmet wants you back."
"Eeehhh! I don't want to go back! I don't want to go back! I want to play with Baru more! Baru, you want to play with me, right?!"
"Ummm…" Subaru looked at Typhon, who looked like she was about to cry and then Echidna, who was calmly smiling at him. The look in Echidna's eyes were telling him a different story however.
"…" Subaru shivered from fear.
"Sorry, Typhon. I have to do something with Echidna today. I'll promise to play with you another time." Subaru put his hand on Typhon's shoulder, trying to lessen the rejection as much as possible.
"Hnnng, if Baru says so, then I'll head back." Typhon looked down dejectedly but a few moments later, quickly brightened up. "You promised, Baru! I'll play with you next time!" In a flash of light, she quickly disappeared.
With the disappearance of Typhon, only Subaru and Echidna were left.
"So, uhhhh…."
For the first time in a while, Subaru felt nervous with Echidna. They were supposed to go on a date but he didn't have single hint of what they were going to do. He also didn't know how he should act now that they were alone.
What should he say? 'Hey, let's go on the date now?' That felt a bit without tact for him to say. What do couples usually say at the beginning of their first date again? Uh, give compliments on each other clothes? But they were wearing the same clothes. Of course, not to say that Echidna didn't look good in that black dress.
Meanwhile, Echidna was having fun, seeing Subaru squirm in front of her. There weren't many instances where she could see her contractor embarrassed in front of her. At the end of the day, she was a bad witch.
"What's wrong, Natsuki Subaru? Is there something you want to tell me?"
Echidna walked up close towards him as she put her arms daintily around his hips. Subaru's body immediately became tense as Echidna leaned herself against his body, their hips basically connected with each other.
"Are you that nervous for our first date? I wonder why?" she whispered. She pressed her body closer to his. Her hips coincidentally grinded against his as Subaru could feel her soft breasts pressing firmly on his chest. All of his senses were focused on Echidna by now as the beautiful witch continued to smile invitingly at him.
"Should we first help you relax a bit? I can help you with that."
Subaru felt a heavy daze hit him as she once again rolled her hips against his. Her eyes continued to gaze deep into his soul as her slick tongue lightly wet her lips. Her sensual lips drew his eyes as she became tantalizingly close to him. If he moved a bit closer, they would connect.
"You do want my help, don't you?" Her soft voice sent a shiver down his spine. His mind couldn't think anymore. He found himself wanting to agree with whatever Echidna wanted. If she asked him for anything, he would give it.
"I…"
It was only with a great effort that he pushed her away. Subaru's mind relatively cleared a bit as he took a deep breath away from Echidna's warm body. That was too close. If he didn't have prior experience with her, he would have given in. Even now, his body was begging for more of Echidna's touch but he did his best to ignore it.
"Echidna, don't play around with me. Didn't you say that we're going on a date?"
"Indeed. I just thought that you were quite agitated in front of me and decided to help you relax. Didn't it work?"
Yeah, except now my little buddy down there isn't!
Subaru groaned helplessly as he did his best to calm it down. Deep breaths. Don't think about anything. Maintain a state of Zen. Don't think about Echidna. Don't think about her face. Don't think about how good her breasts felt against him. Don't think about how gratifying it felt when her hips grinded onto his… Dammit!
"If you need help relieving yourself, I can lend a hand."
"No thank you!"
Whether Echidna meant that figuratively or literally, Subaru didn't want to know.
Echidna smirked at Subaru's internal struggle; she was surprised that he was actually able to resist her but she was entertained enough from their interaction.
Deciding that it was time, she snapped her fingers as green butterflies began to fill the landscape. Subaru's attention was drawn as he found that the green grassland immediately began to change forms. The green grasslands began to change into tall buildings and concrete roads and soon, Subaru's eyes became wide in shock.
Traffic lights, cars, people on their phones, everything was the same as he remembered them. Subaru suddenly found nostalgia filling inside him as he began to intake the scenery before him that couldn't be found in this world.
"Is this… Japan?" Subaru instantly recognized his original world, his home country on Earth.
"How is it? I constructed this world based off your memories. You can think of it as similar to the first trial. Of course, there's no test here so you don't need to worry about anything." Echidna smiled as she looked at Subaru's awe-struck expression. Without being in the Sanctuary tomb, it was pretty hard to do but when seeing her contractor's face, she felt it was all worth it.
"Natsuki Subaru, do you mind showing me around? Which places do you usually hang around?"
"Um, after I stopped going to school, I usually just stayed at home. Would occasionally go to an internet café or the convenient store at times also." Subaru already wanted to face palm himself after saying those words; it was obvious that Echidna was asking for a date place yet he just had to answer like that.
It also reminded him of how inactive he was back in the day and didn't do anything productive. He lightly bit his bottom lip in frustration at his own incapability and at himself.
Echidna was watching as his mood took a slight drop. She grasped her chin lightly, thinking for a moment.
"Hmmm, then let's go to the internet café."
"Huh, are you sure?" Subaru didn't that would be a good place for a first date but Echidna smiled at him.
"It's fine. I'm quite interested in the thing called the internet."
Subaru wanted to say more but decided not to when he saw the excited look in Echidna's eyes. Well, to the Witch of Greed who always wanted more knowledge, he guessed that the internet was a huge temptation.
"Well, I guess I can show you what it's like." Subaru was about to head off but then stopped. Echidna questioningly looked at him, wondering why he stopped but she quickly realized the reason as she saw Subaru offer his hand towards her.
"Want to hold hands? You know, since it's a date and all." He scratched the back of his head as he looked away a bit embarrassed.
Echidna smiled, taking his hand.
"Of course. I'm in your care."
…
"Ne, how do you use this thing?"
"That's called a computer. Here, there's a button to turn it on."
"Hmmm, this drink is quite unique. What was this called again?"
"That's a soda. There are different flavors too but they all have the same fizzle when you drink it."
"These noodles called ramen… what an interesting flavor. This must be an exquisite meal that you can only eat once in a while-"
"Ah no. You can buy a pack for cheap and eat it everyday."
"Hey, how do you use the internet?"
"Oi, that's going to take forever. Are you sure you want to know?"
"We have time."
"Oho, you better not regret it."
Subaru and Echidna began to spend time inside the internet café as Subaru began to passionately explain about everything he knew to Echidna. It was rare for him to teach Echidna about something and this was one of the few things he was knowledgeable in.
"You just click this and that and you can find almost anything you want? Indeed, that's quite convenient."
"Oh, you can manage messages through this as well? Ah, it's called emails?"
"Hmmm, what do you mean you can use money when you don't have it? A bank card? So, there's something like that?"
Echidna was a passionate learner. Anything she didn't understand, she would immediately ask and make sure she understood everything completely. Of course, there were some things that Subaru weren't completely sure about but he made sure to do his best in meeting Echidna's inquiries.
It was then Subaru realized something. It didn't matter where you were. As long as you were with the person you loved, any place could be a date. Usually, he would try to bring Emilia to a romantic area such as a flower field or a walk under the moonlight when on their dates.
However, even though they were in an internet café, just seeing Echidna being happy about learning new things and partaking in one of his few hobbies, he began to enjoy himself with her.
Subaru and Echidna were now playing a game with each other and while Echidna was just a beginner, she was quickly absorbing everything that Subaru was teaching her.
"Echidna."
"What is it? Did I do something wrong again?"
"No, nothing like that. It's just that… you're really kind, aren't you?" Subaru didn't miss that Echidna was doing this all of him. The part of his life that he was ashamed of was being embraced by the person besides him.
"Now then, I have no idea what you're talking about." Of course, Echidna didn't admit it but her expression seemed to have gotten a bit more jovial at his comment.
"I see. Thanks anyway." Subaru smiled as he returned back to his own screen.
"Oh, Natsuki Subaru." Echidna quickly spoke up as she remembered something. "After this, I want to check out the books called 'manga'. I'm particularly interested in some of the culture portrayed in there. Would you mind helping me select a few?"
It was a nonchalant request. Subaru saw no reason to refuse as he was about to open his mouth to agree.
…Wait a second.
Subaru's gut was telling him something was wrong. He felt there was an underlying intention that Echidna was hiding from him. Something like this happened quite frequently. She would get into his good books and then using the atmosphere, make him to do something that he would later regret.
He quickly reanalyzed Echidna's statement, trying to figure out what was bothering him so much. It was after a little while…
"…Echidna, what do you mean by… 'culture?'"
"Oh, I found through your memories that there were some very interesting manga that you would read and would later hide from your parents in a hidden place. I hope that you can help indulge me with such books of culture."
Echidna smiled.
Subaru stared blankly at her.
He blinked a few times, took a deep breath, pinched the bridge of his nose with one hand, and then finally let out a sigh of helplessness.
"… I might be a little late in saying this… but Echidna… you really do have an unhealthy interest in erotic things, don't you?"
"Endlessly." Echidna responded heartily.
Later, Subaru grudgingly brought Echidna to a manga café where she immediately read her heart out in the 18+ section.
"Natsuki Subaru, did you like our date?"
Echidna had brought him to an empty park as their final destination. The sun was already beginning to set as it laid at the horizon.
"It was pretty alright… no, I really enjoyed it actually." Even if there were a few questionable things, the overall atmosphere was very nice. The fact that he was able to experience the things that he thought he would never experience again was already enough for him.
Subaru and Echidna both gazed at the setting sun, appreciating its luster. The sky had a beautiful tint of orange and indigo as the night was beginning to set.
"Natsuki Subaru, what would you say is 'greed?'"
Subaru turned to look at Echidna, who was still looking at the sky. She had a serene face as if she was thinking about something in the far past.
Subaru thought for a moment before coming up with an answer.
"Seeking what I want and never giving up until I get it."
Subaru drew from his own experience as he decided to reference a bit what Wilhelm told him when they versed against the White Whale.
Echidna nodded towards his answer, agreeing.
"Hmmm, as expected of my contractor. You really are suited for me." Echidna finally turned as her black eyes coolly locked gazes with him. "Greed is an eternal desire that cannot be abandoned. In your case, continuing to persevere no matter what may come your way until you reached your desired future.
"Natsuki Subaru, don't ever forget your greed. Your greed and what you seek is what defines you. Even when you want to give up and things may look impossible, that desire is what will propel you in the end. I believe that your greed is very beautiful."
"Haha, if that's coming from the Witch of Greed herself, I suppose I am quite greedy." Subaru gave a chuckle. What a curious thing greed was. If going by what Echidna said, everybody had a small part of greed within them. Was that a good thing or bad thing?
"However, let me give you one piece of advice, Natsuki Subaru." Echidna gave a solemn look towards him.
"Don't let your greed devour you. Such a huge desire as saving everybody can easily be tainted and become a burden to you. The third trial that you went through… I'm sure that I don't need to explain more."
"… I know." Subaru wouldn't be able to forget it even if he tried to. The third trial may have been short but in reality, hundreds of years were jammed into his brain and forced him to see the results of saving everybody no matter the cost.
"Well, it's not like I have the right to tell you this as a person who allowed their greed to control their life. I began to seek knowledge, forgetting the reason why I did so in the first place, seeking it just for the sake of it. I wonder, what kind of answer will your greed come up with? Will it be the same as mine? Or will it be different?"
"Echidna…"
Was it regret of her past actions? Was it sorrow from her circumstances? Subaru entertained himself with those thoughts but quickly shook his head. No, Echidna wasn't that sort of person. Subaru knew that much. She was telling him purely just to inform him. That was the Witch of Greed.
"Echidna, I think you changed though. If anything, you're not just the Witch of Greed to me."
Echidna looked at him with a bit of surprise before laughing. She crossed her arms, letting her chest rest on them as she walked closer to him.
"I guess you are right. The Witch of Greed, who contained knowledge desired by many people and was feared for her obsessive desire and power…"
She leaned forward as her lips pressed lightly against his ear, exhaling a soft and warm breath, causing shivers to go through Subaru's soul.
"…has now become a woman who is completely subjugate to your lust and for you to use as your toy, right?"
"!" The blood in Subaru's body began to churn as his focus was instantly disrupted. Subaru's gaze became more intense as Echidna hooked her arms around his neck, letting her black eyes look directly into his own.
"Ah, actually there is one thing that didn't change. As the Witch of Greed, I will do whatever it takes to get what I want. It simply happens that what I desire has now changed."
"Wa-wait…" Subaru's mind couldn't adjust to the atmosphere as quickly as his body did. He wasn't prepared as his defenses were left vulnerable to Echidna's advances.
Her voice was soft enough to melt his soul and her eyes became deep enough that he found himself lost in their sweetness and charm.
"Ne, Natsuki Subaru. Is it wrong that a bad witch is seducing you? But, you like it, don't you? Even though you know I'm smooth-talking you, it feels good, doesn't it?"
"I…I…" Subaru didn't know what to do. He didn't want to do anything, letting Echidna decide for him.
"Yes, let me handle it now."
Echidna finally pressed her lips against Subaru, making Subaru hesitate for a moment, before kissing her back in full passion. The fire within his body has already been set alit as he pushed her down, tearing away her dress as it revealed her beautiful naked body.
Subaru looked at her, appreciating what he saw before taking off his own clothes and then pressed her body underneath his own.
From that point on, it was a fairy-like dream as the two embraced each other in their primal needs and desires.
Love.
Echidna was now starting to realize how love was one of the most powerful driving forces in this world. It was capable of overcoming any sin, even being able to satisfy her seemingly endless greed.
Echidna still wasn't sure what love completely was. However, she was sure of one thing.
She loved Natsuki Subaru and as she continued to learn and spend more time with him, her love would continue to increase. If he was suffering, she would be the first by his side. If someone threatened his life, she would be the first to hate that person. At this point, even if Subaru hated her, she would still love him. Even if he abandoned her for that half-elf, she would still do her best to support him in some way.
Echidna found herself laughing at such ridiculous thoughts. Had she changed this much already?
"Love is quite interesting, isn't it?"
Author's Note: I actually thought that I was done for Echidna content but I'm pleasantly surprised that I actually found the inspiration to write more. Maybe it's cuz of my desire to see more Echidna x Subaru and end up just doing it myself. As usual, please leave a review and thank you for reading!