Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing EX

Chapter 3: A Special Gift

On yet another random day in the castle, Beatrice was laying on the bedroom floor reading the holiday book that Subaru had given her. As she flipped through pages, her attention was focused on a page that was covered in ornate trees with sparkling lights. Amongst the trees were sweets and cookies of various shapes and small wrapped boxes with large colorful bows. Beatrice's eyes sparkled as she viewed all of the wonderful images. A peculiar man in a red suit was front and center, which only served to deepen her curiosity. After several minutes of intense study, Beatrice rose from the floor and dashed to Adella's room while thinking out loud.

Beatrice: "We simply must, in fact!"

Meanwhile, Subaru had been scavenging for ingredients in the forest all morning. After mapping a few good forging locations, he decided to return to the castle for lunch. As he walked his makeshift trail back home, he felt a strange breeze going up the hill alongside him. His questions were answered upon reaching the crest. The familiar castle that Subaru had been living in for quite some time was now coated in a heavy layer of snow. Although the hill that Subaru had just climbed seemed to be the same green grassy verdant plain as before. This appeared to be an isolated incident and as he ventured closer to the castle he noticed that lights were emanating from the building. Subaru clutched his shoulders and his breath clouded from exhaling when he spoke.

Subaru: "This must be Beako…"

The shivering boy made his way to the large castle doors before pushing them open. His intention was to reprimand Beatrice for the abnormal weather, but his task was pushed aside by the sight in front of him. The foyer was covered in long stretches of tinsel and tiny ornaments glistened along the entryway. As Subaru walked toward the tea room, the warmth of the fire felt especially soothing to his cold body. He noticed that stockings were hung from the fireplace and that small toys and candies had been painstakingly placed within. Both confused and somewhat touched, Subaru traveled to the dining room to find Beatrice perched atop a step ladder. The small spirit was wearing a long sleeved velvet red dress with white furry trim. Her stockings mimicked candy canes and matched her festive santa hat. Subaru noted that her glossy black shoes matched the black buttons on her dress yet contrasted with her light blonde hair that she had down and flat under her hat. The precariously placed spirit was placing a large star atop a spectacular tree that rose to the ceiling of the dining room. The tree was covered in hundreds of ornaments and lights and stunned Subaru as he witnessed it. Without warning, Adella poked her head around the corner and smiled at Subaru before entering with a tray of cookies from the kitchen. She also showed the festive spirit by changing her typical maid uniform to a green hue and donning a small green hat which Subaru thought was fit for an elf. He would have mentioned the irony to Beatrice, but decided it would be better to hold his tongue for now. Adella approached him after sitting down the freshly baked cookies.

Adella: "Master Subaru, welcome back."

Subaru: "What is all this?"

Adella: "You might want to ask Lady Beatrice that. She has been quite busy all morning preparing this for you."

Subaru: "For me? Oh.. has she been reading the holiday book again?"

Adella: "Indeed. I think you should talk to her… Oh, it seems more treats require my attention…Byeee!"

With that, the head maid danced away into the kitchen while Beatrice, who had just noticed Subaru, descended from the ladder to address him.

Beatrice: "Welcome back, I suppose."

Subaru: "Beako, did you do all this?"

Beatrice: "What a silly question, of course Betty did, I suppose. The maid helped too, in fact."

Subaru: "But do you even know what this holiday is?"

Beatrice: "O-of course! Its Chriss Mass, in fact. I read about it in your book, I suppose."

Beatrice broke from Subarus's gaze and blushed as she spoke. Subaru thought it was odd, but the reason soon dawned on him as he interjected.

Subaru: "Beako… have you been learning my language so you could read that book?"

Beatrice: "N-no! Human languages are nothing for a spirit like Betty, I suppose. I hadn't even noticed, in fact."

Subaru: "Beako…"

Beatrice: "Enough about that, I suppose! Here, this is for you, in fact…"

Subaru: "But, I didn't get you anything…"

Beatrice: "Nevermind that. Betty read that this holiday is about togetherness and giving, I suppose. I didn't get you anything that grand, so don't worry, in fact."

Subaru took a small box from Beatrice's outstretched hand. His fingers gingerly brushed against the large bow before pulling it loose. As he removed the lid and he saw a plain piece of pink cloth sitting in the box. His face showed his puzzlement as he glanced up at Beatrice who was now red from ear to ear.

Subaru: "Beako, what is this?"

Beatrice: "W-well… you always talk about my hair and ask to touch it, I suppose… It is not uncommon for masters to keep a token from their spirits, in fact. I thought...you might l-like one of my r-r-ribbons… I'll keep one too...Irk!"

Unable to hide her embarrassment, Beatrice turned away from Subaru. The two stood like this for a few minutes like this before Beatrice felt a small tug at her hair. She turned around to see that Subaru was now standing empty handed. Beatrice felt her hair and noticed that her hair was now tied in a ponytail. The confused spirit questioned Subaru.

Beatrice: "D-did you not want the ribbon, I suppose?"

Subaru: "That's not true. I just think it looks better on you is all. Would you mind wearing it and keeping it safe for me?"

Beatrice's eyes went wide as Subaru innocently spoke his request. She hesitated before answering.

Beatrice: "Y-yes, that is fine, I suppose. T-thank you, in fact."

With impeccable timing, Adella returned to the dining room and cleared her throat before speaking.

Adella: "I believe it's time for treats is it not?"

Beatrice: "Err...Yes! That is why Betty did this after all, I suppose. Yes, no other reason, in fact!"

The head maid smiled as she prepared the table. As Beatrice turned to head toward her seat, Subaru tugged on her sleeve.

Subaru: "You forgot something…"

Beatrice: "H-huh? What is that, in fact?"

Subaru: "Merry Christmas, Beako."

Beatrice: "M-merry Christmas...Subaru…"

And so, the trio settled in to enjoy the festive treats and open small gifts. They spent the day together sharing stories and smiles around the fireplace until the late hours of the night. As Adella cleaned up the tea room before adjourning to her quarters, she couldn't help but smile at Subaru and Beatrice who had fallen asleep alongside each other on the couch. As the head maid covered the two up with a blanket and softly spoke as she made her way to the stairs.

Adella: "Merry Christmas, Master Subaru and Lady Beatrice."

Chapter 3 End

Merry Christmas!

A short word from the author:

Happy Holidays, I hope everyone is enjoying the story. Main series Chapter 10 release is on Sunday. I look forward to reading your comments. As always, thanks for reading.

-mangocannon