Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing EX

Chapter 5: Valentine's Day Pandemonium

While walking the castle halls, Subaru happened to notice that the bedroom door was shut. Normally this would not have caught his attention, but a series of what could only be described as high pitched shrieks were emanating from the closed door. Perplexed, the boy softly knocked and called out to the anonymous culprit within.

Subaru: "Beako… is that you? Are you alright?"

?: "Wha...huh? AHH!"

A loud shout answered from within followed by the sound of rustling. Subaru stood outside the door with a quizzical look on his face as the sounds dissipated. With his interest piqued, he couldn't allow himself to just walk away. Observing the hallway for any onlookers, he resorted to lowering his head to rest his ear against the door. Before his cheek could come to a rest, the door abruptly swung open and Adella stood eye level with a cheery smile painted across her face.

Adella: "Fufufu, Why hello Master Subaru. Was there something that I can help you with?"

Jolting back to his upright position, Subaru avoided eye contact as a rosy hue spread across his cheeks.

Subaru: "U-uh, no… I just thought I heard something strange. Is Beako okay?"

Adella: "Indeed. Your book has once again proved to provide an endless source of entertainment."

Subaru: "My book? Wait… is this another holiday?"

Adella: "Who is to say? But if I were you, I would think about a holiday that only you two could celebrate and plan accordingly…"

With a sing-songy voice, Adella slowly shut the door in Subaru's face. The boy made his way downstairs while wracking his brain over the riddle that Adella has posed upon him. What holiday could she be referring to? Subaru thought over the past events with Beatrice to try and determine what she could mean. They celebrated several holidays as a group and recently included the village. He then thought of the events from their camping trip and gulped in realization.

Subaru: "It couldn't be… A holiday for… l-lovers! Valentine's day!?"

In a panic, Subaru began to pace wildly as he tried to decide what an acceptable gift would be. He considered what Beatrice might get him and came to a halt. What if this was a trap? He imagined the smug face that she would make as she laughed at the large amount of effort he put in on her gift. Shaking his head clear, he resolved to do his best and ran into the kitchen. From the hallway, a certain head maid was giddily observing and nodding her head.

Adella: "Now for my part…"

Later that evening, Subaru was hard at work in the kitchen when he heard a knock and turned to see a small piece of parchment on the floor in the doorway along with a box. He picked the parchment up and read it loud.

"Your presence is requested in the tea room. Please bring your gift and let love's arrow find you… Signed, Cue-ped"

Assuming that the anonymous sender meant "Cupid", Subaru lifted the box and viewed the items within. Looking them over, the contents of the box appeared to be a burgundy suit with white undershirt accompanied by matching black bowtie, belt, and shoes. The boy shook his head and acknowledged that the only person this meddlesome could only be Adella. And so, after changing in the kitchen, Subaru nervously walked to the tea room with a small box in his hands. Upon entering the tea room, he saw that the fireplace was lit and that the normal candles were absent. The table in front of the couch housed a large bouquet of ornamental flowers and a heavy sweet scent lingered in the air. Placing his box on the table, he turned his attention to the couch. Illuminated by the flickering the rising fire was none other than Beatrice. Her normal dress was replaced by a long crimson silk gown and she wore her hair in a braided ponytail. Complementing her dress were scarlet elbow length gloves and heeled shoes. The girl sat on the edge of her seat with her fingers gripping her knees through her dress and had yet to make eye contact. Subaru quietly lowered himself to the couch on the opposite side and glanced over at her. With the room silent except for the crackling of the fireplace, the couple traded gazes until finally they met. Unable to look away, they stared into each other's eyes for a time until Subaru broke the silence.

Subaru: "Beako… You look gorgeous tonight…"

As blush filled her cheeks, Beatrice fought the urge to look away and instead offered a meek response.

Beatrice: "You look very nice as well, I suppose."

Subaru: "So… is this the reason you were shrieking in the bedroom earlier?"

Beatrice: "Irk! Betty does not 'shriek', I suppose!" She may have made… sounds… when she discovered such an embarrassing holiday, in fact!"

Subaru: "Yet, you still wanted to celebrate it?"

Hesitating, Beatrice began to turn a deep shade of crimson before leaning over the arm of the couch and producing a large folded envelope and thrusting it towards Subaru. Without meeting his eyes, she blurted out her response.

Beatrice: "I-I wanted… to c-celebrate it with… y-you, I suppose!"

Subaru: "Beako… I-"

Beatrice: "You never understand a maiden's heart, I suppose! Open it already, Betty cannot wait any longer, in fact!"

As the embarrassed spirit spat the words, Subaru turned his attention to the gift in her hands before gently taking the envelope. It was light but had a surprising density to it, he thought as he deftly ran his fingers under the fold and removed the treasure within. His eyes widened as he viewed what appeared to be a sizable red paper heart. Upon closer inspection, it was composed of several different materials including pink folded tissue paper flowers and white frilly ribbon borders. While examining, Subaru discovered that one side was ajar and he gently unfolded the heart to find a small scribbled message within.

"Let this be irrevocable proof that Betty belongs to Subaru. Even if he is an idiot."

Ignoring the ending sentiment, Subaru felt a warmth wash across his cheeks as he turned to face Beatrice. As if anticipating his reaction, the girl met his eyes with a look of expectation. This only served to worsen Subaru's anxiety as he delivered his appraisal.

Subaru: "Beako, Its…"

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "So much better than my gift! I'm sorry!"

Defeatedly slumping his shoulders, Subaru rose from the couch and slowly walked out of the room leaving Beatrice flabbergasted. As the spirit stood to follow him, she noticed that his box still sat on the table. Curiosity filled her mind as she reached out and removed the lid.

Beatrice: "What could be so bad, I suppose?"

A small white piece of folded parchment with uniquely scribbled words rested on top of the contents. Beatrice squinted as she tried to make sense of the terrible handwriting.

"Beako, thank you for another holiday. You probably found the one I have the least experience with. The valentine you deserve is much more than I can provide but I am going to try my best. I know you can create almost anything in the world, so I made you something you haven't heard of before. A dessert from my homeland, Purin."

After reading, Beatrice removed the parchment to reveal a large tower of what she thought might be pudding. The desert was a white cream color with a light brown glaze on top. Served on the standard tableware from the kitchen, the presentation could be described as plain. Despite this, Beatrice's eyes sparkled while she grabbed a small spoon from the box and carved a large amount from the top before promptly placing it in her mouth. The girl froze as her taste buds were stimulated by the intense sweetness and the jelly-like structure that was neither too hard nor too soft. A few moments passed as Beatrice stood with a dazed look before she shook her head to clear her thoughts. With Subaru long gone, she glared towards the doorway and loudly proclaimed.

Beatrice: "IDIOT!"

Meanwhile, Subaru had retreated to the bedroom where he was sitting on the bed with his face resting in his hands. Beatrice's gift was both aesthetically pleasing and thoughtful with its message. He felt a surge of guilt for running away but he couldn't stand proudly by when his gift seemed like a paltry sum in comparison. As he began to mope, the door slammed open with a roaring crash and Beatrice came rushing forward in a flash. Before he could react, the small spirit came barreling into him. Knocked back on the bed, he looked down to see that Beatrice had wrapped her arms around him and was holding him in an embrace.

Subaru: "B-beako? Why?"

Beatrice met his gaze with an angry determination in her eyes as she loudly answered.

Beatrice: "You ran away from a maiden, I suppose! Scum like you deserves to be punished, in fact."

Subaru: "I-is this the punishment?"

Beatrice: "Indeed, why did you run, I suppose?"

Unable to distance himself, Subaru was forced to stare into her moist eyes as she searched his face for an answer. Relenting to the situation, Subaru began to passionately blurt out his thoughts without reserve.

Subaru: "My gift couldn't stand up to yours! I don't want you to think I don't care about you. You are the first person I see when I wake up and the last image in my head when I fall asleep. Our time here together has been unforgettable, but I want to keep making more memories with you Beako! So please let me redo my gift, I can do better-"

A soft hand brushed against his face, interrupting his rambling. Beatrice, who had been perched on his chest the whole time, was radiating heat as her blush had spread from her cheeks to her ears.

Beatrice: "It was not a competition… but, Betty can see how much you were worried, I suppose. If you mean what you were saying, then I think we both understand each other, in fact."

To his surprise, Beatrice raised her head and connected her lips for an impromptu kiss. The shame drained from his body and was replaced by a tranquil warmth as they remained connected. Regardless of his gift, Beatrice understood him all the same. Her feelings received, the girl pulled back from Subaru with a serene smile on her face. The loss of heat made Suabru bring his fingers to his mouth as he longed to return to the comfort. It was at this time that his head began to clear and noticed a distinct sweet taste. Looking flatly at Beatrice, he nonchalantly raised his inquiry with her.

Subaru: "Beako?"

Beatrice: "Yes?"

Subaru: "Did you open my gift and eat some already?"

Beatrice: "H-huh? How did you… Irk!"

As she came to realize the source of Subaru's question, Beatrice jumped off of the bed and ran from the room. However, this time it was Subaru that gave chase with a grin on his face. Determined to make this a memorable Valentine's Day, Subaru and Beatrice filled the castle with sweet laughter while spending the rest of the day in each other's company.

Chapter 5 End

Happy Valentine's Day!

A short word from the author:

Thanks again for following the main series! The comments and reviews are always very positive and it makes me happy to know that you are enjoying the content. The upcoming "reunion" chapter for next week has been particularly fun to write and I cannot wait to see your responses! I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. As always, thanks for reading.

-mangocannon