Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 5: A Girl and Her Sweets

Subaru's eyes opened as light flickered in through the windows of the bedroom. He felt a tug on his hand and glanced up towards it. Beatrice's small fingers were gently entwined with his as she slept. Subaru sat up slightly to get a better look at her sleeping face. She had a peaceful smile and a pink glimmer across her cheeks. Subaru was entranced by her cute appearance and unwittingly leaned in as he inspected her. The weight shift jostled Beatrice, who opened her eyes to find Subaru's face in close proximity.

Beatrice: "Oh...good morning, Subaru...aahn…"

Beatrice: "..."

Beatrice: "S-SUBARU!?"

The spirit yelled as she pulled the cover over her head. Subaru jerked his head away in response as the warm feeling of blush spread over his face. The two sat in awkward silence until Beatrice spoke from under her blanket.

Beatrice: "Subaru...were you watching Betty sleep, I suppose?"

Subaru: "U-uh, yeah, I was. Sorry, Beako, you were just so cu-"

Before Subaru could finish, Beatrice uncovered her head and interjected.

Beatrice: "T-that is enough, in fact! Say no more! Perhaps… you can make up for your behavior during our date."

Subaru: "D-date!?"

Subaru remembered the question that Beatrice had asked him last night during his exhaustion. He felt his cheeks heat up in response. Did Beatrice understand what a date was? Subaru decided to keep his thoughts to himself as Beatrice interjected.

Beatrice: "Surely you haven't forgotten, I suppose?"

A slight disappointment hovered in Beatrice's voice as she questioned Subaru.

Subaru: "Of course not, Beako. I'd be happy to go on a d-date with you!"

Beatrice: "Is that so, I suppose? I guess if you are so enthusiastic, you must be feeling better, in fact?"

Subaru: "Oh yeah, I'm feeling a lot better today. I need to thank you again, Beako. Thanks for taking care of me."

Beatrice: "V-very well, I must take my leave, I suppose. I wasn't able to use the bath yesterday so I will be using it this morning. I suggest you use it after, in fact."

Subaru: "Yes, of course. I'll be waiting, then."

Beatrice grabbed a change of clothes from the wardrobe and began to make her way to the bath. Subaru watched as she opened the bedroom door to leave. After the door had fallen shut behind Beatrice, Subaru decided to set out his clothes for the day. An unexpected creak interrupted his plan as Beatrice nervously poked her head back into the room.

Beatrice: "Subaru…"

Subaru: "Yes, Beako?"

Beatrice: "Betty is happy that you are feeling better, I suppose. I look forward to our date, in fact."

With that, Beatrice ran down the hall towards the bath. Subaru was left standing in the bedroom awestruck by the spirit's newfound honesty. He slowly smiled as he thought back on her admission and continued to set out his clothes. It wasn't long before Adella came to inform him that the bath was ready. Subaru took his bath while Beatrice went to the kitchen to speak with Adella about her date plans. Beatrice found the head maid finishing breakfast preparations.

Adella: "Well, well, Lady Beatrice. Good morning. What brings you to the kitchen this early? I'm afraid I don't yet have any sweets prepared."

Beatrice: "That's not why I am here, I suppose. I will also have you know that Betty eats more than just sweets, in fact!"

Adella: "Fufufu, so much energy this morning! I take it that things between you and Master Subaru have improved?"

Beatrice: "Y-yes, I suppose. Regarding that, Betty wanted to ask you if we could use the kitchen today, in fact."

Adella: "The kitchen? Whatever for?"

Beatrice: "For a date, I suppose. Subaru and I are having one today, in fact."

Adella stopped what she was doing and turned her full attention to Beatrice. A smile crept across the head maid's face as her eyes seemingly brightened at this revelation.

Adella: "A date? Oh my, it's finally happened! I am very elated for you, Lady Beatrice! Congratulations are in order!"

Beatrice: "What are you going on about, I suppose? Subaru and I have gone on many dates already, in fact. Why should this be any different?"

As if a fuse had blown in Adella's head, the light in her eyes faded and her smile twisted into a sinister frown. She motioned for Beatrice to lean in closer and whispered.

Adella: "Lady Beatrice, what do you think a date is?"

Beatrice: Really? Betty is not so foolish to not know what a date is, I suppose. It is when two people do something together, in fact."

Adella looked through Beatrice as she thought to herself. How could the girl be so misinformed? Was this spirit perhaps an idiot? Adella decided to rectify this travesty and whispered to Beatrice.

Adella: "Not quite, my lady. You seem to be missing one key piece of information."

Beatrice: "What piece is that, I suppose?"

Adella: "While a date does indeed consist of two people engaging in activities together, the people in question are, without a doubt, potential lovers."

Beatrice "L-lov-lovers!"

Beatrice's eyes began to spin as her face filled up with shades of crimson. She wobbled on her feet as Adella reached out to steady her.

Adella: "It would seem that your eyes have been opened."

Beatrice: "L-lov-lovers… I asked Subaru on a date as… l-l-l-"

Adella: "Lady Beatrice, I dare say, you seem to be focusing on the wrong part of the revelation."

Beatrice: "H-huh?"

Adella: "You see, Subaru is already aware of what a date is…"

Beatrice: "...and he accepted my offer…"

Adella: "Indeed."

Beatrice: "What does this mean, I suppose?"

Adella: "Fufufu, I can't answer that! At the very least, I should say Master Subaru might see you as a woman."

Beatrice: "As a woman…"

Adella: "Oh my, is that unacceptable? I can go have a stern talking with him and cancel your date-"

Beatrice: "T-that won't be necessary, I suppose. I'd like to continue as planned, in fact."

Adella saw that the embarrassment that flowed from Beatrice had been tempered into unease. The head maid decided not to tease her any further and offered words of encouragement.

Adella: "Potential."

Beatrice: "Huh?"

Adella: "Potential. Potential lovers. I think you should have fun today with Master Subaru and not focus on the implications. Enjoy yourself and the rest will sort itself out!"

Beatrice: "Right, I suppose. I don't quite understand everything, but I am looking forward to baking sweets today, in fact."

Adella: "So that was your plan. I see, then I will make the necessary preparations! Please give me some time while you enjoy your breakfast Lady Beatrice. Master Subaru should be down any minute."

Beatrice: "You are right, I suppose. Then we will join you after breakfast, in fact."

Adella: "Yes, as you say, Lady Beatrice. I am rooting for you!"

Beatrice: "I don't know what you mean by that, I suppose. Regardless, thank you for all your help, in fact, Adella."

Beatrice gave Adella a slight nod and made her way to the dining room to greet Subaru. Adella, left alone in the kitchen, muttered under her breath in astonishment.

Adella: "Did she just thank me…?"

Subaru made his way down the stairs after finishing his shower. He had decided to swap out the normal tracksuit for a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of light brown slacks with darker dress shoes. He was slightly embarrassed at dressing so formally, but he knew that this was important to Beatrice and he wanted to look the part. He remembered what guys back home would wear on dates but clothes like that didn't exist here. Beatrice always dressed so formally so Subaru wanted to meet her halfway. As Subaru entered the dining room, he was surprised to see Beatrice standing. She wore a long sleeve white blouse and a dark brown dress with shoulder straps that were fastened in the front with large brass fasteners. The dress was longer compared to her normal dresses, but Subaru could see that she had white stockings and polished brown shoes underneath. Beatrice spoke as Subaru approached her.

Beatrice: "H-hello, your bath went well, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Uh, yeah… Were you waiting for me, Beako?"

Beatrice: "N-not at all, in fact! Betty was just surprised to see Subaru in such nice clothes, I suppose"

Subaru: "Well, it is our d-date… I noticed that you're wearing pretty clothes today, too."

Beatrice: "T-thank you…"

Beatrice took a seat at the dining table after squeaking out her response. She looked at Subaru and at the seat next to her as she furrowed her brow. Subaru smiled at her and approached the seat.

Subaru: "Is this seat taken?"

Beatrice: "No, I suppose. I would like you to sit there, in fact."

Subaru: "Well, I had already planned to. Don't mind if I do."

Subaru sat next to Beatrice and the two were served breakfast by Adella. They made small talk while they dined, although something seemed different. He didn't know why, but Beatrice seemed more nervous than usual today. Subaru was about to ask her about it when Adella approached them with a folded cloth in her hands.

Adella: "One for you, Master Subaru, and for you, Lady Beatrice. Try them on!"

Subaru unfolded the cloth to reveal a white apron. He put the collar over his head and tied the ribbon behind his back. While musing over the decent fit, he looked over at Beatrice who had a smaller pink apron. She was flailing her arms behind her back frantically with a scowl on her face. Identifying the problem, Subaru moved behind her and took her apron ribbon in his hands.

Subaru: "Hold still, Beako. I'll tie it."

Beatrice: "Erk!?"

Beatrice went beet red as Subaru pulled her apron tight. She had not noticed him move behind her and was taken by surprise.

Subaru: "Is that too tight, Beako?"

Beatrice: "FINE! It is fine, in fact! Adella, are we ready to begin, I suppose?"

Adella: "Fufufu, but don't you want Subaru to help you dress?"

Beatrice: "H-huu? NO, NO, NO!"

Adella winked at Beatrice and reached behind and untied her own apron.

Adella: "Is that so? Then Subaru, would you mind tying my apron?"

Subaru: "I don't mind, just a sec."

Subaru finished tying Beatrice's apron and moved over to tie Adella's. He felt a tug on the back of his shirt. Subaru turned around to find a flushed Beatrice holding on to him.

Beatrice: "I-it is a little tight… could you adjust it perhaps, I suppose?"

Adella: "Oh, it seems I need to prepare the ingredients. I will manage my apron myself, Master Subaru. Please tend to Lady Beatrice with extreme care."

Adella turned to return to the kitchen, but not before extending her tongue at Beatrice. Beatrice returned the action with a scowl. Returning to his previous position, Subaru adjusted a flustered Beatrice's apron.

Subaru: "Is that better?"

Beatrice: "That will do, I suppose. We had best go to the kitchen and begin, in fact."

Beatrice grabbed Subaru by the hand and brought him to the kitchen. On a large table, Adella had set up two stations with bowls, whisks, boards, and rolling pins. Various types of flour and the berries they had foraged were in containers alongside jars of milk and butter. Adella motioned for Subaru and Beatrice to step up to the stations before setting some eggs, sugar, and a piece of paper on the table.

Adella: "Here is a recipe for you two to share. Master Subaru, please do keep Lady Beatrice from overusing the sugar. I will be over at the counter preparing lunch if you need anything."

Subaru: "Got it! Look, Beako, it looks like we'll be making muffins."

Beatrice: "Muffins? I am not familiar, I suppose."

Subaru: "That's okay, I'll show you."

Subaru began adding ingredients to his mixing bowl while Beatrice stared intently. Following the recipe, he created a pile of ingredients in his bowl and presented it to Beatrice for observation. She instinctively dipped her finger in the mixture and brought it to her mouth. The face she made after could only be described as disgusted.

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "Beako, I haven't mixed or added any sugar yet!"

Beatrice: "Poison."

Subaru watched as Beatrice moved back to her station and haphazardly added ingredients to her bowl mimicking his. Her eyes went wide as she reached for the sugar, but before she could get her hands on it Subaru grabbed the bag and handed her a cup. Beatrice stared at him quizzically.

Beatrice: "Not enough, in fact!"

Subaru: "You haven't even mixed it yet, just wait until you mix it to see how it tastes!"

Beatrice: "Grr…"

Beatrice puffed her cheeks and went back to her bowl in a huff. She glanced over at Subaru before producing a chocolate bar from her pocket. She smiled to herself as she dropped it in her bowl. She reached over for her whisk and began to furiously mix. After a few minutes she stopped and spoke her thoughts aloud.

Beatrice: "This is difficult, I suppose. Is there not a faster way to mix, in fact?"

Subaru: "Nope, at least not in this castle. Gonna have to use the secret technique of muscle power!"

Beatrice: "Power…"

Beatrice focused her hand above the bowl and imagined pouring her mana into the whisk. Subaru was focused on his own mixing and could not have predicted what happened next.

Beatrice: "Ahhh!"

The whisk began to stir the bowl at a steady pace as Beatrice smiled and relaxed her focus. All of a sudden, the speed began to increase at an uncontrollable rate. Subaru noticed that something was wrong as Beatrice hopped around in protest. Drops of batter flew through the air and across the kitchen. In response, Subaru reached out and pulled the whisk from the bowl as Beatrice's magic faded. After making sure the danger was clear, he spoke to the flabbergasted spirit.

Subaru: "Beako! The batter gets easier to stir as you mix. Look at the mess- huh? Hahaha!"

Subaru cut himself short as he noticed that a large glob of batter had landed square on Beatrice's nose.

Subaru: "Beako, it's all over your face. Come here. Why is your batter brown anyway? Did you add chocolate?"

Beatrice: "Perhaps I did, I suppose. Who's to say, in fact?"

Beatrice walked over to Subaru, who proceeded to wipe her face. Or he would have, had he not been feeling a bit mischievous. Subaru dipped his finger in her batter before drawing whiskers on the small spirit's face.

Subaru: "There you go! You're a real beauty."

Beatrice grabbed a glass and checked her face in the reflection. Upon seeing her face she furrowed her brow and dipped a spoon into Subaru's batter before flinging it at him. The shot rang true and struck him square in the face.

Beatrice: "Animal!"

Subaru wiped his face with a hand towel as he responded.

Subaru: "Look who's talking!"

Adella: "Now, now. I dare say you make an adorable little mouse, Lady Beatrice. However, if you continue I fear there may not be any muffin batter left to bake."

Adella passed a towel to Beatrice. The spirit glared at Subaru for endangering her precious sweets.

Beatrice: "Grr… Let's just put it in a pan already, I suppose!"

Subaru: "Coming right up! Let's add the berries and I'll grab the pans."

Beatrice and Subaru divided the berries and poured them into their mixes. Subaru brought over a set of muffin pans and showed Beatrice how to pour the batter into them. Beatrice followed his example and before long the two had their pans ready for baking. Subaru waved to Adella to get her attention.

Subaru: "Adie, looks like we are about ready."

Adella: "Great, looks like you two had a fun time. Lunch is ready so why don't you go ahead and eat. I will clean up here and have your treats ready soon."

Beatrice: "Soon! How long is that, I suppose?"

Subaru: "I think you mean 'thank you'. Adie, that sounds great, are you sure we can't help clea-"

Adella flashed an intense glare towards Subaru, ending the question before it could be asked. Subaru bowed hastily before dragging Beatrice from the kitchen by her hand. They had lunch in the dining room before deciding to take turns washing up. They adjourned to the tea room to await their treats on the couch by the fireplace. They made small talk for a while before their conversation topics dwindled. It was Subaru that decided to address the elephant in the room.

Subaru: "Did you have a good time, Beako?"

Beatrice: "I did, I suppose. It was a rather nice first date, in fact."

Subaru: "F-first date, huh?"

Beatrice blushed at her own admission, however she continued.

Beatrice: "Correct, in fact. Adella explained to me what a date entails, I suppose. So this would be my first one."

Subaru: "So you know what a d-date is!?"

Beatrice: "I learned this morning, I suppose."

Subaru: "Is that so…"

An awkward silence fell over the room as Subaru searched Beatrice's face for her intention. Beatrice had a gloomy look in her eyes as she broke eye contact and started fidgeting with her hands. Subaru felt a small tug at his heart as he reached out and grabbed the small spirit's hands. Beatrice looked up in surprise as Subaru spoke.

Subaru: "Beako, you're thinking too much again."

Beatrice: "Huh?"

Subaru: "Do you regret this date?"

Beatrice: "Of course not, in fact! It is very enjoyable, I suppose."

Subaru: "Then that's all that matters. If you want to call it a date, then it's a date. I'm happy to go on more with you."

Subaru sat back as the reality of what he just said hit him. Did he just ask her to go on more dates? He blushed as he realized the implication, but before he could start to ponder, a light impact landed against him. He looked over and saw Beatrice had pushed her crimson face into his chest.

Beatrice: "Now who is overthinking, I suppose? Although it pains me, I must admit that you are correct this time. I quite enjoy your company and would like to go on more dates, in fact. Even if it implies that we might be p-pot-poten-"

?: "I'll interject here! Dessert timeee!"

Beatrice pulled her hands out of Subaru's and leaned away from him abruptly. Adella had snuck up behind the couch and presented the freshly baked muffins with plates and forks. She sat the items down on the table before addressing the room.

Adella: "Dessert is served. Dinner will be ready soon, but I figured you would like to try the fruits of your efforts. No harm in an early dessert."

Adella turned to leave but stopped and uttered one more observation as she left.

Adella: "Lady Beatrice, be sure to share, but not so much that you don't have any left for yourself. Your dessert, that is. A lady should treat her sweets like her secrets."

Subaru was confused by Adella's statement, but Beatrice looked down in thought. Subaru nudged her and pointed at her muffin. Beatrice's eyes sparkled as she examined the treat before her. It was almost too perfect to eat, but she managed to carve off a bite and brought it to her mouth. Subaru was focused on this moment as he once again saw her treat inspired smile. He thought to himself that it was even more dazzling than he remembered. Before long, Beatrice took notice of her onlooker.

Beatrice: "W-what, is something on my face, I suppose?"

Subaru: "U-uh, no… I guess I just wanted to see your smile."

Beatrice slightly blushed at Subaru's comment. However, she refused to let him ruin her dessert with awkwardness. She seized the opportunity to snatch a large bite of Subaru's muffin from his plate.

Subaru: "Hey!?"

Beatrice: "Spend lesh time staring and more time eating, I shuppose."

Subaru: "Fine!"

Subaru returned her sentiment by taking a piece of her dessert and plopping it into his mouth.

Subaru: "Erk!"

Beatrice: "What is it, I suppose?"

Subaru: "It's way too sweet, ack!"

?: "I should say so."

Subaru and Beatrice: "Huh!?"

Adella once again entered the room and spoke.

Adella: "I wanted to let you know that dinner is ready. My, my, so jumpy today. Although I am glad to see my Masters getting along so splendidly."

Beatrice: "Grr… we are coming, in fact."

Subaru watched the two girls interact and for a second he thought that Beatrice might be upset that Adella was interrupting their time together. His reflection was instantly interrupted as Beatrice picked up both muffins and scarfed them down before stomping off in a huff. Subaru spoke his mind out loud as he chased after her.

Subaru: "I didn't even get to try mine!"

Afterwards, the three had a relatively quiet dinner together. Once they had finished, Adella went to clean the kitchen while Beatrice ate more desserts. Subaru went to take a bath first and Beatrice followed after. The two met again in the bedroom where Beatrice confronted Subaru.

Beatrice: "Subaru…"

Subaru: "Yes, Beako?"

Beatrice: "Before we go to bed… I want to change something, I suppose."

Subaru flinched as Beatrice said this. Before he could form a response, Beatrice reached out her hand towards him. Subaru froze in a cold sweat and shut his eyes. He didn't know what Beatrice wanted, but he didn't step away either.

Beatrice: "There, much better, in fact."

Subaru slowly opened his eyes and saw Beatrice standing in front of him. Her outstretched hand was pointing towards his futon. The futon had disappeared and in its place stood a bed similar to Beatrice's. Subaru relaxed and exhaled as his fear was assuaged.

Beatrice: "Are you okay, in fact?"

Subaru: "Er...Yeah! The bed looks great. Why the change up though?"

Beatrice: "Betty may have been slightly mistaken when she made you sleep on the floor, I suppose."

Subaru: "That a fact?"

Beatrice avoided his gaze as he questioned her. Subaru couldn't hide his smile at Beatrice's embarrassment. Noticing this, Beatrice responded.

Beatrice: "D-don't misunderstand Betty! This is just a gift because you have been being a better animal lately, in fact! Its noth-"

Subaru: "Beako, be honest."

Beatrice showed her vexation on her face as she stormed over to her bed and climbed under the covers. Subaru reminisced that her behavior was similar to this morning. He was interrupted by a small voice from the bed,

Beatrice: "Grr...fine...perhaps this is more ideal for… holding hands…"

Subaru: "Makes perfect sense, Beako."

Subaru got into his bed and grabbed the small hand reached out towards him.

Subaru: "Thank you, Beako. Not bad for your first date?"

Beatrice: "Not bad at all, I suppose. Although you'll have to surprise me next time, in fact."

Subaru: "Challenge accepted."

Beatrice laughed at Subaru's determination and squeezed his hand.

Beatrice: "I look forward to it, I suppose."

Subaru: "Goodnight, Beako."

Beatrice: "Goodnight, Subaru"

With that, the boy and girl watched each other fall asleep while holding hands. Neither one noticed when the other drifted off as their thoughts were focused on the excitement of the day and their hope that it could happen again soon.

Chapter 5 End