Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 2: Magic and the Sea

A warm morning light radiated through the open curtains as the small spirit stirred. Beatrice blinked several times and wiped the sleep away from her eyes. Subaru lay facing her in a deep sleep. She couldn't help but notice his sleeping face and how calm he seemed when he was at rest. It reminded her of when he rested on Emilia's lap pillow while Beatrice was observing the mansion from her library. Except this time, this face was hers alone. Several minutes passed before her mind started to awaken and the situation became apparent.

Beatrice: "Su-subaru!?"

Subaru: "..."

Beatrice: "How did I get here…? That's right, I suppose. I climbed in here last night… Out of necessity because of the cold! It was self preservation, in fact!"

Subaru: "...zZz"

Beatrice: "He must have rolled over in his sleep, I suppose… Erk!? His face is so close, in fact!"

Beatrice was embarrassed, but could not pass up this opportunity to etch this image into her mind. She didn't know why, but she felt that this was a very important memory that she did not want to forget. It was while she was focused on staring intently that she was caught off guard by a certain boy.

Subaru: "Beako? What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

Beatrice sat up violently. Her body went entirely rigid. The unthinkable had happened, and her mind panicked as she tried to come up with a suitable explanation to hide her shame. No such result came and so she went with a tried and true method. As she waved her hand, Subaru went flying towards the door. However, unlike the library, the door in this room did not open and Subaru landed firmly against it with a resounding thud.

Beatrice: "Ehh!?"

Subaru: "Ouch, Beako what the hell?"

Beatrice: "U-um, you startled Betty, I suppose! I had no choice last night but to try to warm you up. Quite how a master cares for a pet. However, I did not consider that you would be so brutish to abuse our distance like that! I will have to put you on a shorter leash, in fact!"

Subaru: "Okay, I'm not sure what you are talking about. But can we agree that the use of magic here is uncalled for!? You could have killed me!"

Beatrice: "I will consider it, I suppose. But you need to control your primal urges. I have a maiden's heart, in fact!"

Subaru: "Fine, this is probably the best outcome I can expect. I'm sorry for startling you, Beako. Can you explain one thing, though?"

Beatrice: "You ask a lot from your victim, I suppose. I will oblige this time, in fact."

Subaru: "Why did you open all the curtains before staring at me like that?"

It was then that Beatrice realized that the curtains were indeed open. Color drained from her face as she considered that her intimate memory might not be hers alone. As she considered who the culprit might be, she naturally turned her suspicion toward a meddlesome head maid.

Beatrice: "Nevermind that, I suppose! I have urgent matters to attend to this morning. Quit being lazy and get dressed before breakfast!"

With that, she stormed past Subaru and exited the room. Subaru was left alone and utterly confused, wracking his brain over the prior events. A single thought crossed his mind before he resigned himself to get dressed.

Subaru: "If we need to get dressed, then why did she storm out of here in a nightie?"

Beatrice stormed down the stairs and made her way to the kitchen. Adella, notably gloveless, was busy kneading dough to make fresh bread for breakfast. Adella hummed a song as she worked, quite unaware of the impending storm. Beatrice burst through the threshold with a loud slam of the door.

Adella: "Lady Beatrice!? Why are you still in your nightwear? Do you require assistance changing?"

Beatrice: "What did you see, in fact?"

Adella: "Excuse me?"

Beatrice: "When you opened the curtains this morning, what did you see?"

Adella: "Fufufu, whatever could you mean to imply? I am the head maid, I make no note of the Masters private business whilst completing my daily labors."

Adella deftly dodged Beatrice's question, but noticed that tears were starting to well up in the corners of the girl's eyes. Adella could tell that Beatrice was filled with conflicting emotions and she decided to offer Beatrice an olive branch.

Adella: "However, it is a head maid's duty to be expectant of her Masters' behavior. Perhaps you could indulge me by explaining your normal morning routine? So that I might schedule with consideration to your privacy."

Beatrice realized the head maid's intentions. She could turn back on this confrontation and have her dignity spared. Given the situation, she normally would have taken the option. Yet, her heart was a storm of strange new emotions that had emerged when she opened her heart to Subaru. She instead took this opportunity to ask Adella some questions.

Beatrice: "That is fine, I suppose. From now on I would request that the fireplace be lit before I adjourn to the bedroom. I would also ask that you announce yourself when entering rooms. It is basic manners, in fact."

Adella: "Yes, of course, Lady Beatrice. I shall return to my duties immed-"

Beatrice: "One more thing, I suppose… What do you think of Subaru?"

Adella: "Master? Umm, I think he is kind enough. A passing grade for a Master, if just barely."

Beatrice: "Do you think there is anything he likes, in fact?"

Adella: "Well now, that is a sizable question. I would need to understand your intentions, Lady Beatrice."

Beatrice: "O-oh, umm, Betty just wants him to feel comfortable, I suppose. I am simply returning a debt, in fact. It would lessen my debt if I could settle his heart as he did for me."

Adella, completely misinterpreting Beatrice's explanation, decided that she had to try and help her Master. After seeing her Masters so calmly sleeping together, she simply knew that Beatrice must be feeling sickness of the heart.

Adella: "I understand now, Lady Beatrice. Perhaps you two can make an excursion today?"

Beatrice: "An excursion? Where would we go, I suppose?"

Adella: "To the beach, of course!"

Beatrice: "The beach!? Why, I suppose? It's a wet and dirty place not fit for a maiden. It would ruin my clothes, in fact!"

Adella: "That's exactly right, Lady Beatrice!"

Beatrice: "Huh?"

Adella: "Yes, you see, the best way to reach a man's heart is through his body! You can wear a swimsuit to the beach and when Master Subaru gazes upon it, your beauty will surely settle his heart."

Beatrice: "Irk! Betty...swimsuit...Subaru, in fact. If it might settle his heart, I must consider it, I suppose."

Adella: "Perfect! Come with me to my room and we can prepare and set up a plan of battle!"

Beatrice: "Battle? Why-"

Before she could raise her question, Beatrice's hand was taken by Adella. Adella quickly pulled her out of the kitchen and led her to the head maid's quarters. With that, the misunderstanding gained traction as it barreled forward with astounding speed.

Meanwhile, back in the bedroom, Subaru was examining the wardrobe.

Subaru: "It's full of clothes… All my size. Did Beako do this?"

The wardrobe was filled with many different types of formal and casual clothing. All the articles appeared to be in Subaru's size. He began to pick through the options, ultimately deciding on a light cream tracksuit with blue embroidery. Much to his surprise, it had a zipper, which he had not seen since travelling to another world. He donned the tracksuit and stretched his body to check the fit. It was as if it was made for him and roused a small feeling of satisfaction. After a while,a small knock from the door drew his attention.

Subaru: "Come on in!"

Beatrice entered the room wearing a light yellow sundress with straps on the shoulders. Her hair was still flat but she carried a large white sun hat in her hands.

Beatrice: "Subaru, you picked a decent outfit, I suppose."

Subaru: "Thanks Beako, you look lovely as well. Did you create all these clothes?"

Beatrice: "Irk!? Lov-...nevermind. My mana is responsible for this world, I suppose. You are responsible for the clothes. Your thoughts and desires, in fact."

Subaru: "Me? Desires? Can you explain?"

Beatrice: "Well, I guess it can't be helped, I suppose. Since we arrived in the Imagine Castle, we have been it's masters. As such, we can alter and create things based on our desires. I have been using it to alter my clothes and hair, things I am normally not allowed to do because of my status as a spirit. I thought you were aware. You've already been creating things, in fact."

Subaru: "But I didn't know I was creating the clothes!"

Beatrice: "Not the clothes, I suppose. You created a person, in fact."

Subaru: "What!?"

Beatrice: "I had assumed that it was due to your perverted obsession with maids, I suppose. I was quite mad, in fact. I acted agreeably as to not become the target of your lust."

Subaru: " Hey! What kind of guy do you think I am? More importantly, are you talking about Adie?"

Beatrice: "You weren't aware, I suppose?"

Subaru: "NO! Why would I assume I had created a person?"

Beatrice: "Isn't that what you humans do, I suppose? I would say it's completely natural, in fact."

Subaru: "Please don't make me explain why that is incorrect."

Beatrice blushed as she realized what she had said. Now was not the time to get flustered. She was on a mission from Adella and she had to succeed.

Beatrice: "Nevermind that, I suppose! The weather outside must not be wasted. It is perfect beach weather, in fact. Surely even you can figure that out?"

Subaru: "The beach? I guess that explains the hat. I mean, I did see swimwear in the wardrobe too. Where did you come up with that idea?"

Beatrice: "Erk! U-um, I believe Betty already said that it is the best use of our time given the circumstances, in fact. So please prepare and meet me for breakfast."

Beatrice shuffled out of the room in a huff. Subaru thought about it and agreed that the beach did sound nice right about now. He got excited when he thought about it. There was one thing he wanted to check before he went to join Beatrice for breakfast. He held his hand out and focused on an image in his head. Suddenly a comb appeared in his right hand.

Subaru: "So it really is magic, huh? This should be interesting."

Subaru grabbed some swim trunks and quickly made his way downstairs to join Beatrice in the dining room. She was sitting in her usual spot and seemed a bit fidgety. Subaru made his way to a seat next to her. The two had a quick breakfast with light conversation as Beatrice seemed to have her thoughts elsewhere. Once they were finished, Subaru stood up and offered his hand to Beatrice.

Subaru: "Shall we head out?"

Beatrice: "It seems to be a good time for it, I suppose."

Adella: "Please have fun Masters, I will prepare the castle for your return. Good luck Lady Beatrice."

Subaru thought what Adella said was odd but his thoughts were cut short as Beatrice grabbed his hand and dragged him to the foyer. She slipped on a pair of white sandals and opened the main door. Subaru followed suit as they took a left turn from the entrance and made their way down the flight of stone stairs that led to their destination. The large sea that connected to the beachfront under the castle overhang was a deep azure. The gently lapping waves seemed to harmonize with the delicate warm breeze that tickled Subaru's nose as they approached. He looked down to see Beatrice's expression and was thoroughly astounded. Beatrice's eyes were open wide with wonder and her lips were slightly parted in a face that could only be described as dazzling.

Subaru: "I guess you never got to see anything like this when you were stuck in the forbidden library."

Beatrice: "Betty had read about such things, I suppose. I never thought I would see or feel such a thing. I had resigned myself to the impossibility, in fact."

Subaru: "Beako."

Beatrice: "Huh? What is it, I suppose?"

Subaru: "As your contractor, I demand that you experience this in full right this instant!"

Subaru gripped Beatrice's hand tightly and pulled her quickly down the stairs. She was running to meet Subaru's stride as they reached the sand. Subaru looked around as if to be assessing the area, then pulled her over to a flat stretch of sand with plenty of sun.

Subaru: "This should be perfect!"

Subaru put his hand forward in the same position as when he created the comb. The result was a large towel spread across the sand and a broad parasol. Beatrice walked over to inspect Subaru's work. She placed down her bag and slipped off her shoes before stepping onto the sand. She turned to face Subaru and spoke as if to grade his effort.

Beatrice: "I see you are taking full advantage of Betty's mana, I suppose. Although, it's not t-terrible… I find it acceptable, in fact"

Subaru: "I'll take that as a 'thank you'."

Seemingly ignoring him, Beatrice reached into her bag and produced what appeared to be a small bucket and shovel.

Beatrice: "Now, as my contractor, I must request your assistance! Adella told me about constructs that can be created without magic. The condition being that they can only exist on the beach. Are you familiar with this concept, in fact?"

Subaru: "Pfffttt! Haha!"

Beatrice: "What is so funny, I suppose!? Perhaps you think Betty cannot create such constructs? Well, I'll show you, in fact! I no longer require assistance!"

Beatrice marched off toward the waterfront. Subaru watched as she collected sand, seemingly curating grains by examining them before sprinkling them in her bucket. After she made a few passes and appeared satisfied, she promptly threw the sand into the air. Subaru was astounded as Beatrice started coughing and rubbing sand from her eyes. Was this four hundred year old spirit perhaps an idiot?

Beatrice: "Ekk, ekk, bleh!"

Subaru: "What was that!?"

Beatrice: "I was summoning the constructs, I suppose. Perhaps Betty has no talent for this, in fact."

Beatrice looked down, defeated. Subaru decided to correct her mistake.

Subaru: "Beako, did Adie perhaps mention a 'sand castle'?"

Beatrice: "Huh? She may have used that terminology, I suppose."

Subaru: "May I use the shovel?"

Beatrice handed Subaru the small shovel and watched in fascination as he scooped sand in the bucket haphazardly. He then guided her closer to the water to continue the lesson.

Subaru: "The secret to my ultimate sand castle building technique is adding a small amount of water to the sand to bind it!"

Beatrice: "Hmm, I see, I suppose."

Subaru went back up the beach away from the water and confidently flipped the bucket upside down. Beatrice was surprised but quickly understood as Subaru lifted the bucket. A bucket shaped structure was left behind atop the warm sand.

Subaru: "Okay, Beako, your turn."

Beatrice: "Right!"

Beatrice scooped up sand into her bucket and wandered down the beach to collect water. Once she felt that the mixture was complete, she returned to Subaru and promptly flipped her bucket. The result was less than perfect; her mold stood and then crumbled into a dome shape. She sat still and stared at her creation.

Subaru: "No worries Beako, that just means you used too much water. Try again!"

The two spent the morning building castles on the beach. After a few hours, Beatrice got the hang of it and even was brazen enough to try structures that Subaru couldn't build. He assumed this was her pride in response to failing earlier. As the sun passed the center of the sky, they decided to wait under the parasol and have lunch. Beatrice reached in her bag and presented a box with sandwiches and two drinks.

Subaru: "Wow, that looks delicious!"

Beatrice: "Yes, that maid does have her uses, I suppose."

Subaru: "Well let's dig in. Then after a short wait, we can swim!"

Beatrice: "Y-yes, that is the point of being here, I suppose. The battle begins, in fact."

Subaru: "Battle?"

Beatrice: "Nothing, I suppose! You misheard me, in fact. Eat quickly, we do not have time for silly conversation, in fact."

Subaru couldn't get a read on Beatrice today. He knew something was off but she seemed happy to be at the beach so he would shelf the conversation for now. After the two had finished their lunch, Beatrice stood up and motioned her hand to a small tent. Subaru guessed she must have created it as a makeshift changing room.

Beatrice: "You go first, I suppose. Betty needs time to prepare herself. Hurry now, in fact!"

Subaru: "Yeah, sure, no problem."

Subaru quickly entered the tent and changed into his swim suit. As he exited the tent he saw Beatrice quietly pacing. As Subaru got closer he could see that the spirit was blushing.

Subaru: "Everything okay, Beako?"

Beeatrice: "Eep!"

Beatrice sprinted off to the tent without answering. They would definitely need to talk about what was bothering her, Subaru thought. He collected his thoughts and patiently waited for Beatrice to return. He considered that maybe she was embarrassed about the sand castle. It could also be that she was overwhelmed by the new experience. Subaru carefully considered how he could help the girl cheer up. It was then that he realized that a significant amount of time had passed.

Subaru: "Beako? You okay in there?"

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "Beako if you don't hurry it up, the sun is going to go down."

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru looked forward at the beach as his mind wandered to pass the time. He wondered more about the magic that created the castle. Could it also affect nature? He put his hand forward and tried to create a wave to no avail. Normally he would have given up there, but since he had the time, he decided to try again by pouring more magic into it. He concentrated all his magic into the sea. Had he been paying attention to his surroundings, the next event might have been prevented.

Beatrice: "Al-alright, I suppose. I have returned, in fact."

Beatrice jumped in front of Subaru with her face bright red. In place of her sundress, she now wore a bright yellow two piece swimsuit with white polka dots and frills around the shoulders and waist. She closed her eyes and awaited Subaru's response. Subaru might have complemented the girl, had he not been focused on the tremendous wave that approached Beatrice from behind. Left without an answer, Beatrice tried speaking again without opening her eyes.

Beatrice: "Su-subaru-u, please say something. My heart cannot take the silence, I suppose."

Subaru: "Hrk!? Bea-"

Before he could finish, the wave that Subaru had created came crashing down on the beachfront. The force knocked Beatrice forward off the ground and slammed Subaru onto his back. He tried to open his eyes but could not see. It felt as if a small weight was laying on his face. Since it seemed soft and had a pleasant smell to it, Subaru wondered if the wave had pushed some sort of flowers or fruit ashore. He was jolted back to his senses with a shriek.

Beatrice: "Wawawa! IDIOT! IDIOT! IDIOT!"

Subaru: "Huh?"

With that outburst, Beatrice used her magic to leap into the air and down the beach into the sea. As he witnessed this spectacle, Subaru touched his face. There was no doubt now. Moments ago, Beatrice had her midsection pressed against Subaru's face. Subaru recalled the sensation as he considered what happened. However, before he could formulate a response, he noticed something very wrong. Beatrice was thrashing in the water and waving her arms. Subaru hadn't considered that the girl couldn't swim.

Subaru: "Beako! Hold on, I'm on my way!"

Subaru ran down the beach and began swimming to where Beatrice had landed. He picked her up by her underarms and placed her on his back as he swam back to shore. He gently placed her on solid ground and tried to meet her gaze. As Subaru opened his mouth to speak…

Subaru: "Bea-"

Beatrice: "No! I'm going home!"

Beatrice then stormed off visibly enraged. Subaru knew chasing her wasn't a good idea right now. As he cleaned up the beach area, the sun sank lower in the sky. Subaru dragged his feet as he trudged up the stairs back home. He opened the door and entered the foyer before being approached by Adella.

Adella: "Well, if it isn't my Master, the fool."

Subaru: "I don't have it in me to do this right now."

Adella: "I should say so, Lady Beatrice was very forthcoming with the details."

Subaru: "Is she here?"

Adella: "Yes, the Lady took a bath and has retired to her room."

Subaru: "She probably hates me, huh?"

Adella: "Not at all."

Subaru: "W-what?"

Adella: "Master Fool, you need to understand that the Lady has her pride. Due to my interference, she was planning a special day for you two. When her plans were led astray, she naturally became distraught."

Subaru: "Special day?"

Adella: "Indeed, I believe she is mad at herself for not reaching her desired results."

Subaru: "Which were?"

Adella: "Fufufu. Master Fool, women need their secrets. Why don't you ask her yourself? Go take a bath and come to the tea room. I'll take care of the rest."

Subaru: "Okay, I'll trust you Adie."

Adella slightly blushed at this response as Subaru left for the bath. He took a quick bath and changed into his pajamas. As he descended the stairs he hesitated before turning towards the tea room. He had to make this right, his heart told him so. He quietly entered the tea room and noticed that it now contained a couch in front of the fireplace. Most likely Adella's doing. On one side of the couch sat the small spirit in her nightie wrapped up in a large blanket. Subaru approached and sat next to her. She turned her gaze away from him, but Subaru started talking regardless.

Subaru: "Beako, I'm sorry about how today ended."

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "But I'm not sorry about anything else."

Beatrice: "Hmm?"

Subaru: "I'm not sorry about you cutely watching me sleep this morning. I'm not sorry about building sand castles together. I'm not sorry about enjoying a beachside lunch with you. I'm sure as hell not sorry about getting to see you in such a bewitching swimsuit. So please, don't feel bad about today. I don't completely understand your motives, but if you want to tell me about them, I'm here to listen."

Beatrice: "Subaru! I mean, thank you, I suppose… Honestly, I just wanted to help you feel more at home here. If Betty could settle your heart like you did hers then maybe…"

Subaru: "Maybe?"

Beatrice: "Then maybe Betty wouldn't be useless, I suppose. Betty just wants her Subaru to be happy with her. I've taken you away for myself and I thought I could do something to help you. The maid gave me some ideas and I wanted to try them with you. It was silly and embarrassing to try to impress you with a swimsuit. I guess it was still just for my happiness, in fact."

Subaru: "I am happy when you are happy. You are quite the idiot sometimes."

Beatrice: "Huh!?

Subaru: "Don't worry, I'm an idiot too. We both keep trying to make each other happy without considering what the other person wants. Seems silly, but I had a really fun day today and I would hate for a misunderstanding to ruin that. Let's try understanding what we each want and talk about it, okay? I don't want you making yourself uncomfortable on my account. Let's have fun together."

Beatrice: "I-I need time to process all this, I suppose. I will try Subaru, in fact. Thank you."

Subaru: "Sounds good Beako."

Beatrice: "Can I ask for something I want right now, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Of course"

Beatrice lifted part of her blanket up and offered it to Subaru.

Beatrice: "C-ca-can you sit with me awhile, I suppose? I'm quite cold, in fact."

Subaru: "Sure Beako."

Subaru joined Beatrice under the blanket. He compared this to how Beatrice had snuck her way in the night before and was filled with a warm realization that they might have decreased the distance between each other. Her honesty was genuine and refreshing. As a contractor he couldn't do much, but he could keep this little spirit warm as long as she'd have him. Beatrice leaned on him and let out a yawn.

Beatrice: "Ahhhn, thank you Subaru. Can you promise me one more thing, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Look at you with all the demands today. Though, I guess I hear you out."

Beatrice: "Maybe lay off the magic for awhile...zzz"

Subaru felt Beatrice relax against his arm as she drifted off. They had an active day and now that he was sure that Beatrice was okay, he felt all the exhaustion set thought that he hadn't made her cry again filled his mind as he drifted off next to Beatrice. It would be A simple scene if not for one out of place character watching from a distance. Adella entered the room as they slept.

Adella: "Excellent job, Master Subaru. Fufufu."

Adella dimmed the lights and stoked the fire before returning to her quarters.

Chapter 2 End