Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 3: The Light in Her Eyes

Following their day at the beach, Subaru noticed a definite change in Beatrice. In the days that followed, she had become more brazen in expressing her desires. It had become common for her to join Subaru in his futon on chilly nights, except now she was asking permission instead of sneaking around. She even began requesting meals from Adella. Subaru had made note of her preferences, or lack thereof. Beatrice preferred sweets and not much else. Adella humored the girl and started teaching her to bake. Meanwhile, Subaru had started using his newfound free time to venture further out on the castle grounds. In doing so, he had found a small forest in the west and noticed some foraging bushes there. This gave him an idea, so this morning he sought out Beatrice before she wandered into the kitchen. He spotted her in a simple blue short sleeved dress, much like the one she wore for their first dinner. She sported her trademark hair drills today adorned with dark blue bows. To finish the ensemble, she wore white frilly stockings with black glossy shoes.

Subaru: "Looking good, Beako, can I borrow you for a moment?"

Beatrice: "How forward, I suppose. I must say, I knew this day would come. You are a beast, in fact."

Subaru: "H-hold on! Just what do you think you are saying!"

Beatrice: "Adella explained to me the true nature of men, I suppose. She said I should expect this behavior from you, but not be tricked so easily, in fact."

Subaru was floored. Just what was that head maid saying to Beatrice? He would have to have a lengthy discussion with her later. For now, he needed to properly invite Beatrice to join him. It was time to pull out the big guns.

Subaru: "Well if that's the case, I guess you wouldn't be interested in a new spot I found. Too bad, the berries there were extra sweet. It would have been perfect for pastries."

Subaru had played his trump card and turned to walk away. Beatrice's eyes went wide, she had to know what these berries tasted like. As Subaru moved forward to leave, he felt a small tug at his back. Beatrice had taken the bait.

Beatrice: "W-well, I wouldn't want to waste berries, I suppose. Perhaps...you could take me there… I would like to go, in fact."

Subaru: "Well when you ask so cutely, how can I say no?"

Beatrice pushed the mocking Subaru forward, then made her way to the kitchen to inform Adella of her new plans.

Beatrice: "Adella, I need to reschedule my lesson, I suppose. Subaru has offered to take me to gather fresh ingredients for our pastries, in fact."

Adella: "Fufufu. It's about time, I should say."

Beatrice: "Huh?"

Adella: "I expected the Master to ask you to spend time together much sooner. It is only appropriate that he make up for ending your beach day early."

Beatrice: "I don't know what you could mean, I suppose. It is a simple trip to gather supplies, nothing more, in fact."

Adella motioned for Beatrice to join her by the door as she cracked it open slightly. Beatrice glanced through and saw Subaru sitting at the dining table, smiling in thought.

Adella: "Does he normally smile like that when making a 'simple trip'?"

Beatrice slightly blushed as she responded to Adella's preposterous question.

Beatrice: "Well he is an idiot, I suppose. Maybe he enjoys mundane tasks, in fact?"

Adella: "I see. It must be truly convenient to live in your own world whilst living in your own world. I truly envy you, Lady Beatrice. I shall pack you a lunch and obtain some baskets for berry gathering. Please make your way to the foyer. Byeee!"

Beatrice: "Wai-"

Before Beatrice could inquire further as to what the maid meant, Adella danced her way out of the room. Beatrice puffed out her cheeks and went to bring Subaru to the foyer.

Subaru: "Hey, Beako. Are you ready to go?"

Beatrice grabbed Subaru's hand and pulled him to the foyer without making a sound.

Subaru: "Beako, pouting isn't a cute look for you. Do you not want to go?"

Beatrice: "That isn't it, I suppose. I'm s-sorry, I do want to go, in fact."

Adella: "Ohh? Well isn't that just the most adorable admission?"

Beatrice scowled at Adella as the head maid handed Subaru a large basket.

Adella: "I packed a lunch, blanket, and a couple gathering baskets. Enjoy your time together you two!"

With that, Adella pushed the two out the door. Subaru grabbed Beatrice's hand and led her toward the forest. The sun was beating down so Subaru unzipped his tracksuit's jacket and tied it around his waist. He had slowly been marking a trail over the last few days so that Beatrice could easily follow him with her small strides. They followed the trail of matted down grass to the top of a hill where they could lay eyes on the treeline of the forest.

Subaru: "Well this is the forest, Beako. We still have a little longer to go. Are you still good to walk?"

Beatrice: "This much is fine, I suppose. How much longer until we arrive, in fact?"

Subaru: "I think we will be there just in time for lunch. If that's too long, I can carry you on my back."

Beatrice: "T-that won't be necessary, I suppose. Betty has her pride, in fact. If it comes to that, you can crawl on all fours while I ride you like an animal."

Subaru: "What was that? You don't want me to take you to the berries?"

Beatrice: "Grr… Fine, I suppose. Let's just keep going. No riding will be necessary, in fact."

Subaru smiled as he took Beatrice's hand once more. They continued down the trail into the forest. The tall trees provided adequate shade from the sun and made the trip a little easier. The forest wasn't dense so rays of sunlight flickered through the trees. The contrast of light brought out the dark umber of the bark; Subaru recognized the trees as some variety of pine. Small pine cones and juniper berries littered the forest floor. Before long they arrived at a small clearing in the wooded area. Subaru set down the large basket and produced a large blanket from it. After unfolding it, he gave it a hearty shake and lowered it over the ground. Seemingly satisfied that this would be a sufficient spot for lunch, he looked over at Beatrice. She was frozen with her gaze locked on the bushes growing nearby their picnic site. Subaru spoke up to get her attention.

Subaru: "Beako."

Beatrice: "H-huh? Oh yes, this will be a suitable spot, I suppose."

Subaru: "That so, Beako?"

Beatrice: "Yes, just set it down, I suppose."

Subaru: "Beako, you seem to be focused on something else. I've already prepared the blanket."

Beatrice: "O-oh!? Umm...I seem to be suffering from fatigue, I suppose. That must be it, in fact."

Subaru: "Beako, do you want to grab some berries to have with lunch? I can set up the rest if you want to take a basket and-"

Before Subaru could finish his thought, Beatrice snatched the basket from his hand and ran towards the bushes. Subaru smiled to himself while Beatrice began to fill her basket. After a few minutes, Subaru had the lunch prepared and Beatrice returned with her spoils.

Subaru: "Did you find good ones, Beako?"

Beatrice: "I did, I suppose. Betty has an eye for it, in fact."

Subaru: "That's good to hear! I grabbed some water from the nearby stream to wash them with, but we should eat our lunch first. Adie would be upset if we didn't."

Beatrice squinted her eyes at the thought of waiting for sweets. Since she couldn't argue with Subaru's logic, she resigned to agree. Subaru revealed that Adella had packed sandwiches again. Once she had been given her share, she began to unabashedly take large bites as fast as she could. Alarmed by the sudden change in Beatrice's etiquette, Subaru waved his hands in protest.

Subaru: "Beako, slow down! You're going to make yourself sick."

Beatrice: "Nonshince, I shuppose. Gulp...I am simply trying to make the best use of our time, in fact."

Subaru: "That a fact? That 'best use' wouldn't include dessert, would it?"

Beatrice showed no sign of acknowledging Subaru's question, but she did slow her pace. Soon after, the two finished their lunch. Subaru retrieved his flask of water and rinsed the berries before presenting them to Beatrice. Her eyes appeared dazzled by the introduction of the sweets. Subaru could tell that they were some variant of blueberry. However, it was immediately apparent upon inspection that Beatrice had no skill in foraging. The berries were of various sizes with many appearing unripe. Before Subaru could explain this fact to Beatrice, she had already managed to shove a handful in her mouth. The small spirit swooned as the sweet flavor danced across her palate. Subaru's fears were confirmed as Beatrice went stiff and a small shiver went down her spine.

Subaru: "Beako, are you feeling okay?"

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "Beako, I think you may have picked some unripe ones…"

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "You need to spit them out before you get sick!"

Subaru moved to pat Beatrice on her small back. She seemed to return to her senses upon feeling Subaru's touch.

Beatrice: "Blech! Pfft! Why, I suppose? Why would you poison Betty, in fact?"

Subaru: "I didn't poison you! I was going to tell you, but you started eating without giving me a chance!"

Beatrice: "To think that I would be tricked by such an animal, I suppose!"

Subaru: "Calm down! Here, try this."

Subaru pulled some ripe berries from the basket and offered them to Beatrice. She looked at him quizzically, but eventually gave in to the tempting sweets in front of her. As if a transformation had occurred, Beatrice's eyes shut and her mouth moved into a dopey smile. The sweet sensation washed over her as she transcended to a new reality. As Subaru witnessed this, he couldn't help but think that he might have just discovered the cheat menu for Beatrice.

Subaru: "I take it that you approve?"

Beatrice: "Uuu…"

Subaru: "Beako?"

Beatrice: "Uuu...waa."

Subaru: "Tell me if you don't want a head pat."

Beatrice: "Uuu…"

Subaru: "Okay, granted."

Subaru reached out and started to pet Beatrice's head. This was the first time he had actually registered touching her hair. It was soft, but had a firm stiffness that maintained the drills in her pigtails. Beatrice winced as he patted, her control slowly returned as she assessed the current situation.

Beatrice: "Su-subaru?"

Subaru: "Yes, Beako?"

Beatrice: "What is going on, I suppose?"

Subaru: "I asked you to speak up if you didn't want a head pat. You didn't have any objections, so I'm keeping my end of the bargain."

Beatrice: "Is that so, I suppose? Well, it does feel nice, in fa-"

Subaru: "What was that?"

Beatrice: "Die."

Subaru: "Now Beako, let's talk this-"

However, it was too late. Beatrice lowered her hand forward and Subaru flew through the air. He landed on the other side of the picnic site on his face. As his awareness returned, Subaru slowly stood up and brushed himself off. Beatrice watched as he approached her, but he showed no signs of anger.

Subaru: "I guess that's a fair punishment for my prank. I'm sorry Beako, I couldn't help but have a little fun."

Beatrice: "That is fine, I suppose. As long as you learned a lasting lesson. I will be happy to teach it again, in fact."

Subaru: "Not necessary. How about we finish picking these berries?"

Beatrice: "Yes, I suppose. We did make the trip for such a reason, in fact."

Subaru: "Sounds good. Just remember to pick ones like the ripe ones I gave you earlier."

Beatrice: "Betty can do that much, I suppose. We will split the work, in fact."

With that, Beatrice went to the opposite side of the line of bushes. Due to the height difference, Subaru couldn't see her very well. Yet, he had to agree that this was a faster way to collect the berries. However, every so often he could hear her talking to herself. She sometimes would hum or start singing 'one for me, one for the basket'. These small acts helped to assuage the lonely feeling in Subaru's chest. Sometime later, Subaru was nearing the max space in his basket. As he went to check on Beatrice, he heard the spirit angrily yell out.

Beatrice: "How dare you, I suppose! Drop it, you animal, in fact!"

Subaru ran to where Beatrice stood staring down at what could only be described as a large, grey squirrel. However, this beast was the size of a dog and when it stood on its hind legs, it challenged Beatrice in height. Most noteworthy was the item that it held in its mouth: Beatrice's gathering basket. As Subaru slowly approached Beatrice, the beast eyed him intently. Subaru frantically thought of a way to diffuse this situation, mostly out of fear for the animal. Before he could try to mediate the situation, the beast turned and began to dash into the forest. Subaru turned to Beatrice.

Subaru: "Bea-"

Too late. Beatrice used her magic to jump into the air and madly fly after the beast. Subaru did his best to keep up from the ground as he watched the scene develop in front of him. The beast jumped from tree to tree as Beatrice raised and lowered her hand, releasing gust after gust of cutting wind. The beast seemed to have natural instinct and a home field advantage as it deftly avoided Beatrice's attacks. After what felt like miles to Subaru's winded body, he arrived to find Beatrice driving the creature toward a large tree at the edge of the forest. The beast jumped high into the tree, but as it landed on a branch Beatrice launched her trap.

Beatrice: "Minya!"

As Beatrice uttered the words, a large stake of crystallized mana struck the tree and exploded. The shock of the impact caused the beast to lose its footing and tumble. As the basket was released from the beast's jaws while it focused on regaining its balance, Beatrice flew up through the branches and claimed her prize before landing on a branch at the tree top. The beast twisted its body and landed on the ground below. It looked back at Beatrice with a defeated scowl before dashing into the forest. Just as Beatrice was about to gloat, she heard Subaru from below.

Subaru: "Beako! The tree!"

The damage from Beatrice's attack had severely weakened the base of the tree. The tree made a mighty groan as it began to lean toward the ground. As suddenly as it started, the groaning led to a subsequent crack as the roots were torn upward from the earth and the tree began to fall over. The shock from the plummet made a tremor run through the branches. Before Beatrice could get her bearings, she felt the surface under her feet disappear. With no time to react, she braced for impact with the approaching forest floor. As she collided with the ground, she noticed that it felt soft, warm, and a little wet. Notably absent was the feeling of pain. Beatrice unclenched her eyes and saw the soft gaze of a kind hearted boy looking down at her. This face was her contractor's, of course. Subaru had run with all his might and caught the small girl in what could be described as a princess carry.

Subaru: "Hah...hah… Are you alright Beako? Nothing broken? Any pain?"

Beatrice: "N-no, I suppose. My pride took the most damage, in fact. Betty should have jumped when she had the chance."

Subaru: "I think the entire forest is well aware of your magic. I'm just glad you aren't hurt."

Beatrice: "A contractor should not have such concerns, I suppose. But..."

Subaru: "But?"

Beatrice: "T-thank you, Subaru. I'm glad I was contracted to you, I suppose"

Subaru: "Erk!?"

Subaru was caught off guard by her sudden honesty. He stopped running and stood in the forest with Beatrice in his arms. Some time passed as he calmed his thoughts. Finally, Beatrice called out to him.

Beatrice: "Su-subaru-u?"

Subaru looked down at the bright red girl in his arms.

Subaru: "Sorry, Beako. What is it?"

Beatrice: "C-can you put me down now?"

Subaru: " O-oh, of course!"

Subaru sat the spirit down on her feet while he blushed. Beatrice took a moment to brush herself off and turned toward the fallen tree as if to change the subject.

Beatrice: "This won't do, I suppose. I cannot abide leaving such an unsightly mess, in fact."

With that, Beatrice closed her eyes and focused her hands towards the tree. A strong breeze blew her hair forward as her mana seemed to encapsulate the tree. Subaru was stunned as he watched the tree lift back up to its original position. A green aura glowed as the roots tucked themselves back into the ground. Beatrice lowered her hands as she surveyed the area. To a passerby, it would appear as if nothing of note had happened, much less a resounding magical detonation. Satisfied with her work, Beatrice turned back towards Subaru.

Beatrice: "I appear to have wasted our afternoon, I suppose. We should head back before Adella starts to worry, in fact."

Subaru: "Yeah, Beako. Lets make our way back."

As Subaru took her hand, he couldn't help but notice a tinge of disappointment in her voice. The sun had begun to set in the sky as Subaru led Beatrice back to the trail. His mind wandered to ways that they could spend more time together. This had to be the cause of her disappointment, he thought. They passed the clearing from their picnic and slowly made their way up the hill that overlooks the forest. It was then that Subaru had an idea.

Subaru: "Beako, would you mind staying out with me a little longer?"

Beatrice: "I can do that, I suppose. Nightfall will be here soon though, in fact."

Subaru: "That's what I'm counting on! Please wait here for a few minutes."

Subaru made his way down the hill. Beatrice watched as he reached out his hand and used magic to produce some strange items. They appeared to be small staves, but not any type she was familiar with. After a time, Subaru returned to Beatrice and sat down on the grass while he motioned for her to join him. Beatrice took a seat next to him and awaited an explanation.

Subaru: "Sorry, Beako"

Beatrice: "For what, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Well, I want to spend more time with you, So I might keep you out a little later than expected."

Beatrice: "Is that what this is all about, in fact? I fail to see why we couldn't just spend time together back at the castle, I suppose."

Subaru: "Wow, really expected a blush right about there."

Beatrice: "Quiet."

Subaru: 'Well it looks like the sun is down and the stars are coming out. Should be about time to start."

Beatrice: "Start?"

Subaru: "Yeah. Where I'm from, on warm nights like this one, we normally go and watch fireworks."

Beatrice: "Fireworks? Is that a type of magic, I suppose?"

Subaru: "You might say that, but they are made with science! You go and watch them at night with people you care about. I set some up for us and they should be starting any minute. I hope you don't mind, I used a little magic."

Beatrice: "People you care about…"

As Beatrice recited the words, she heard a sudden explosion echo through the area. As she was about to stand up in expectation of an attack, Subaru squeezed her hand with his left and pointed towards the sky with his right. Beatrice looked upward as, one by one, large colorful patterns painted the night sky. Different designs of different sizes appeared in front of her. Beatrice recognized some as flowers and others as stars. Just as she became accustomed to one type, another one would show up and sizzle or delay into a much bigger shape. After some time the light seemed to calm down and Subaru squeezed her hand as he spoke to her.

Subaru: "Beako, it's time for the finale."

Beatrice: "Finale?"

As if to answer her question, multiple fireworks sprang forth into the night sky. There were so many and in constant variation that Beatrice couldn't respond to one before another one showed up in her vision. She was completely astounded by the sight before her, and as quickly as they arrived, the fireworks sank back into the darkness, Leaving behind only an echo and a lingering smell of sulphur. As Beatrice calmed her heart down, Subaru's voice reached out to her.

Subaru: "What did you think, Beako?"

Beatrice looked forward for a second to think and then turned her gaze up to meet Subaru's.

Beatrice: "I quite enjoyed it, I suppose!"

As Beatrice spoke the words, she closed her eyes and gave Subaru the most grand smile that he had ever seen from the girl. He would not have believed it if he had not directly witnessed it himself. Beatrice's flaxen hair was illuminated by the moonlight while her pink cheeks were under tension from the sublime smile resting on her face. Subaru ingrained this memory in his head before returning a smile that paled in comparison. The two sat there for a moment in silence while the last signs of the fireworks disappeared. It was Beatrice who made the first sound as a yawn escaped her lips.

Subaru: "Beako, you must be tired from today. What do you say we get back to the castle?"

Beatrice: "Yes, I suppose. I am feeling quite fatigued, in fact. Brrr..."

Subaru noticed that the small girl shivered as she finished her statement. Without hesitation, he untied his jacket from his waist and draped it over Beatrice. Her face became rosy in response.

Subaru: "Then let's make our way back, it shouldn't be long now."

Beatrice: "Y-yes. Thank you, I suppose."

Subaru went downhill to clean up the remnants of the fireworks before returning to Beatrice. As Subaru grabbed for Beatrice's hand, he felt restraint when he tried to pull her forward.

Subaru: "Beako? Don't you want to go home?"

Beatrice: "It's not that, I suppose. Perhaps… I mean to say… Could you carry me, in fact? I seemed to have overexerted myself today."

Subaru: "I already told you earlier that it would be no problem. Besides, it's my fault for keeping you out late. Come on…"

Subaru knelt down and the small spirit climbed up onto his back before he stood up. He grabbed their basket and began the march back to the castle with his passenger.

Subaru: "Beako, I hope you had a lot of fun today."

Beatrice: "Ahn...Of course Subaru...zzz"

Subaru: "You hanging in there?"

Beatrice: "Not a problem, I suppose...zzz"

Subaru: "What was your favorite part about today?"

Beatrice: "Zzz...The fireworks, I suppose...I also enjoyed the head pat, in fact...zzz."

Subaru decided not to point out what the sleepy girl had just said, Although it did bring him enjoyment to hear it. He dashed up the pathway to the castle and pushed open the door to the foyer. As he entered, Adella approached him with an expectant look on her face.

Adella: "Judging by the time, I assume that things went well? I saw a very pretty light show from the castle. You really are a romantic aren't you Master Subaru?"

Subaru: "I don't know what kind of guy you think I am! We were just having a good time."

Adella: "Why, of course! Good job, Master. Allow me to take the Lady and prepare her bath. You may take yours after. Unless you want to join, that is…"

Adella spoke as she shifted Beatrice onto her back. In response to the suggestion, Subaru blushed as he broke eye contact with Adella.

Subaru: "Uncalled for! I'll put away the berries! Just tell me where to put them!"

Adella: "Oh, is that how it is? How honorable! I shall make haste, Master. Please place the berries in the kitchen. I will prepare them for baking and fermenting after I attend to the bath.

Subaru: "Fine, can do."

Subaru made his way to the kitchen to do as the maid had asked. After a short time, Adella returned to inform him of the availability of the bath. Subaru washed off the day's labors in the warm water. Afterwards, he felt particularly refreshed and made his way to join Beatrice in the bedroom. As he laid down in his futon, he noticed that Beatrice was already fast asleep in her bed, an afterimage of her radiant smile left on her face. As Subaru drifted off to sleep, he felt a small feeling tug at his heart. Today had been a perfect day and he wanted to share more days like this with Beatrice, if he could.

Chapter 3 End