Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 12: The Boy That Chose Her

Beatrice glared down the trail at Subaru. She was wearing a white sleeveless sundress with an embroidered floral pattern that shimmered in the morning sunlight. Her hair was down and tucked under a white wide brim sun hat that had a large cream colored bow wrapped around it. The ensemble was finished off with small white sandals that matched her dress. Subaru's heart jumped as he saw her. Not with pain, but with warmth as she walked down the hill and up to him. He was about to open his mouth to confess his feelings when Beatrice raised her hand and dropped it to send him flying. The helpless Subaru landed near Adella with his face in the river water. As he picked himself up and wiped his eyes, Adella spoke.

Adella: "Oh my, time for me to return to camp and make breakfast."

Beatrice: "That would be best, in fact!"

Beatrice spat the words as Adella rose from sitting and walked past her. Adella paused next to Beatrice to deliver a message before continuing up the mountain.

Adella: "Lady Beatrice, please be gentle with him. I believe you'll want to hear what he has to say."

With that, the head maid took her leave. Subaru finished brushing himself off and turned to face Beatrice.

Beatrice: "You-you jerk! Leaving me behind, I suppose? You should have just told me you d-didn't l-lo-"

Subaru: "I love you, Beako."

Beatrice froze as Subaru spoke. She looked up to meet his gaze and judge his expression. His eyes seemed honest but she was uncertain. Seeing this, Subaru continued speaking.

Subaru: "I'm sorry for leaving. I had to do some soul searching. But, I listened to my heart. I love you, Beako."

Beatrice: "How can you...say it so easily, in fact. Idiot! I was supposed to say it first, in fact…"

Subaru: "I think you made it clear with that kiss…"

Beatrice: "Shut up!"

Subaru: "Sorry, but I can't… there are some things I need to tell you."

Beatrice could tell by his tone that he was serious. She offered no complaints and simply nodded to Subaru.

Subaru: "I still love all of our friends back in the other world. I'm not giving up on them. However, since we have time, I'm fine with staying here with you until we find a way to save them."

Beatrice: "What about...Emilia?"

Subaru: "I still love her, and Rem too."

Beatrice: "Oh…"

Subaru: "But, I'm in love with you, Beako. I'm choosing you. I will always have them in my heart as my dearest friends, but I want to be with you. I need you by my side…not as my spirit…I want you to be Subaru's Betty…as a…woman."

Beatrice: "R-really!? A w-woman! But...why, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Because I love you. I love your soft hair. I love you the way you hold my hand all the time. I love the butterflies in your eyes when I watch them under the night sky. I love how you aren't afraid to send me flying with magic. I love how soft your lips are when we kiss. I lo-"

Beatrice: "Okay! I get it, I suppose! Stop."

Beatrice covered her face with her hands in embarrassment. Subaru could see that she was already as red as a tomato and decided to relent.

Subaru: "Most of all… I love that you were able to see me for me. You wanted to learn more about me and trusted me as your contractor. Even with that motivation, you never looked at me as a mystery or a hero. Actually, you made this entire world just so we could spend time together doing simple things. I had forgotten how… comforting… that could be."

Subaru took a serious tone with his last sentence. Beatrice searched his eyes but only found a familiar hint of doubt mixed with pain. She hadn't seen these eyes since arriving in this world and she scrambled to try and comfort Subaru.

Beatrice: "I chose you as my contractor just as you chose me as your spirit, I suppose. Subaru is Subaru and Betty would never consider otherwise, in fact."

Subaru: "Beako... I haven't been entirely honest with you and that needs to change now. I can't forget about my friends because I've been through so much to keep them safe. That includes you, Beako. I couldn't say anything to Adie, but there has been something else holding me back. Something that still scares me even in this world..."

Beatrice's eyes widened at Subaru as his final statement confirmed her earlier concerns. Holding back her fears, she pleaded for any means of lessening his burden.

Beatrice: "Tell me what has been bothering you, I suppose. I've noticed that you always seemed reserved in the other world. Like you were shouldering something horrible, in fact. Yet, you always show up with a perfect plan or stumble upon the answer out of dumb luck. I won't even mention the witch's scent...What is troubling you? I trust you completely, but Betty can't do anything if you leave her in the dark. Please tell me...Let me help you…"

Beatrice started to form tears in her eyes as she spoke. Subaru felt her sincerity and knew he had to meet her in return. He reached out for her hand and placed it over his heart as he knelt before her.

Subaru: "Beako, you can use mana to read vitals, right?"

Beatrice: "Huh? Yeah, I suppose."

Subaru: "Please just do it, okay?"

Beatrice's hand shook as it started to glow with green light over Subaru's chest. He felt her mana swirling within him as he leaned in close and whispered to Beatrice.

Subaru: "I'm not sure if this will work, but I have to try. I have to find a way to tell you… Here goes… I ca-can return…"

Subaru immediately noticed that the normal feeling of terrible dread was absent. Was this a delayed reaction? He trembled as he remembered former consequences for revealing his most cursed secret. His chest tightened as he considered giving up and retracting his statements, but the time for that was no longer available in this world. His love for Beatrice welled within him and Subaru's resolve to move forward with honesty came forth. Subaru yelled his truth with great intensity as the clear winner of his warring emotions was declared.

Subaru: "I can...return by death!"

A gust of wind blew down the trail as Subaru made his admission. He knelt with his eyes locked on to Beatrice searching for any adverse reaction, but, to his shock nothing else happened. Beatrice looked at him puzzled as he froze but her questions quickly turned to concern as she saw tears streaming from his eyes.

Beatrice: "W-what happened, in fact? Are you okay, I suppose?"

Subaru collapsed onto Beatrice who slowly lowered him to the ground and laid his head on her lap as he sobbed. He cried and cried to the quiet forest as Beatrice silently stroked his head. She thought to herself that he was like a baby when he was like this. This was the boy she loved, so she would wait to hear his explanation. Worry, sadness, regret, and even some happiness escaped Subaru as he released the torrent of emotions that were troubling him. While the chaotic feelings were being expelled, a small afterglow began to take hold. For the first time, freedom was within Subaru's grasp if he could allow himself to take it. After a while, the boy slowly returned to his senses and lifted his head off Beatrice's tear stained legs. He wiped his eyes and turned to face her.

Subaru: "T-thank you, Beako…"

Beatrice: "Don't mention it, I suppose. After all...from now on this lap is...your pillow when you need it, in fact…"

Subaru: "I'll try to remember that."

Beatrice: "Please do, in fact. Now...will you tell me what just happened, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Yeah… It's a long story, but…"

Subaru went on to tell Beatrice of his many lives and how they all came to a tragic end. Beatrice sat quietly and listened as he told her of their multiple meetings and how they ended. After every story she still looked at him with a serious look and listened on. They sat near the river and talked for hours before Subaru made it to the current events. Pulling a small handkerchief from her pocket, Beatrice gently cleaned Subaru's cheeks while she pondered to herself. After giving it careful deliberation, Beatrice spoke to him.

Beatrice: "I believe you, I suppose. You aren't smart enough to make up a story that grand, in fact."

Subaru: "Ouch, but thanks, Beako. You have no idea how much it means to hear that. I haven't been able to talk about it since…"

Beatrice: "Since you spoke with mother… My magic that created this world is similar to what you described, I suppose. That's probably why the curse hasn't followed you here, in fact."

Subaru: "I guess I should have suspected as much, but I was having so much fun, that the curse had slipped my mind. Now you know the truth, I'm not a hero…or special. I'm sor-"

Beatrice: "Stop. No apologizing, I suppose. I did not choose you because you were a hero or some special person. You were quite against that, in fact. I chose you because I wanted you… You promised to keep me entertained, so p-please don't try to back out now! I-I also wouldn't mind if...from now on...you were to be Betty's Subaru...as a man, I suppose"

Subaru looked up at the small spirit who had been strong throughout his entire confession. Yet, at the mention of disregarding him, Beatrice became flustered. Relief filled Subaru's chest as a small smile crept across his face and he took the opportunity to assuage Beatrice's fears.

Subaru: "I understand, Beako, I just want to be honest with you before we move forward. I intend on spending all my time with you no matter what. From now on, no secrets I promise!"

Beatrice: "Huh? Then I have no choice but to agree, I suppose. It would seem we have a lot of time to discuss things, in fact?"

Subaru: "That is true... We do have one more night here and I think I'd like to spend it with you, Beako."

Beatrice: "I would like that, I suppose. Betty has her own past, too…but…with Subaru she can also work to move forward. Betty is here to help Subaru too, in fact.

Subaru: "That sounds like a good plan to me. We'll make baby steps…together. Should we start by walking back to the campsite?"

As if to answer for her, Beatrice's stomach gave a loud groan as a reply.

Beatrice: "S-sorry, we skipped breakfast and it's almost lunchtime, I suppose."

Subaru: "Way to ruin a moment, Beako. You're right though, let's go eat."

Beatrice: "Hmph! Okay, I suppose."

Subaru: "Uh...Beako? Aren't you forgetting something?"

Beatrice: "Huh? I don't think so, in fact?"

Subaru: "Isn't there something you wanted to tell me?"

Beatrice: "Hmm? Oh! Y-you idiot! I got caught up and forgot to say it...but you already know, in fact."

Subaru: "I still wanna hear it."

Beatrice looked away from the smiling face in her lap as her cheeks became a rosy hue. Although Subaru had seen this countless times, he couldn't help but feel dazzled as Beatrice's glistening eyes anchored onto his while she gave her reply.

Beatrice: "Grr...fine, I suppose! I-I love you, Subaru."

Subaru: "I love you too, Beako. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Beatrice: "I-if I must, I suppose."

Subaru: "Try again."

Beatrice: "Ehh? Y-yes, I suppose. I would... like that, in fact. Please be my boyfriend!"

Subaru: "Gladly."

Subaru stood up and offered Beatrice his hand before lifting the spirit to her feet. As Beatrice was about to step forward, Subaru pulled her into an embrace and wrapped his arms around her small frame to draw her in close. He knelt down slightly and looked into her surprised yet flickering eyes as if to transmit his intentions. Silently understanding, Beatrice slowly closed her eyes and her lower lip quivered ajar in anticipation. Subaru seized the opportunity to connect his mouth for a kiss. A mutual warmth spread across the couple as the natural sounds of the waking forest hummed quietly in the background. The two stayed in this position for a moment before separating. Subaru looked at Beatrice, whose face was covered with a tender smile. He squeezed her hand that was still entwined with his before starting the walk back to camp with his new girlfriend in tow.

Back at camp, Niki and the children were sitting around the campfire while Adella prepared more fish skewers for lunch. Niki let out an exasperated groan before speaking.

Niki: "Ugh...Are they okay? They gotta be hungry by now."

Adella: "They had a lot to talk about, I'm sure they'll be back soon."

Niki: "With some good news, I hope."

Adella: "I have faith in Master Subaru. If anyone can win Lady Beatrice's heart, it's him."

Niki: "I just know that he better not make her cry! I'll have to drown him in the lake fer real this time!"

Mina: "Don't drown mister!"

Soba: "Yeah!"

Riko: "Just let me beat him up for ya!"

Nana: "So rude."

?: "I agree, you shouldn't talk about others behind their back."

Niki: "Yeah, yeah. They aren't here so- Wait a minute!"

Niki looked over at the source of the voice near the children to see Subaru with a pink faced Beatrice pulled along behind him. Niki jumped up from the bench and ran over to him before continuing.

Niki: "So...yer back! Does that mean that… ya know…"

Niki winked at Subaru and made several hand gestures that he had never seen before.

Subaru: "Uhh… gestures aside. Beako and I are now dating if that was what you wer-"

Niki: "Squeeeeeeee!"

Niki screeched as she pummeled Beatrice and Adella looked over at the announcement. The children were a mix of smiles from the girls and jealous scowls from the boys. Subaru smiled as he took a seat to watch Beatrice and Niki.

Niki: "Ya did it, ya really did it! Ya smooched him, right? Was it slobbery? Did ya use your tongue? Tell meee!"

Beatrice: "T-t-tongue! N-no!"

Niki: "Aw, kept it classy, huh? I thought fer sure that you would after ya were strutin' around here yesterday toutin' yer feminine wiles."

Beatrice: "A-a-awawawa!"

Beatrice was hastily reminded of her behavior yesterday and all the embarrassing things she said while pretending to not be affected. Niki had unleashed a landslide of shame as Beatrice went pale and started blabbering. Adella swooped in to her rescue as she grabbed Niki by the ear.

Adella: "Now, Miss Niki, we should let the new couple bask in their afterglow. I'm sure they are both tired and would appreciate a relaxing afternoon."

Niki: "Owowow! Okay, I'm sorry! I'll quit teasing, just let go!"

Adella: "Splendid."

Adella released Niki's ear and Niki rubbed the previously assaulted ear with tears in her eyes.

Niki: "Ya don't have to be so mean! That's a sensitive part of a lady, don't cha know!"

Adella: "Well then it's a lesson you won't soon unlearn, right? Now everyone please come over and have some lunch. I made extra for our lovebirds. Congratulations, you two."

Subaru: "Thank you! Beako, do you need help up?"

Beatrice: "Awawawa…"

Subaru: "Just give me hers, I'll feed her."

Adella: "So brazen already… I may need a fan before this is over with."

The campers gathered around and ate their lunch. Subaru was able to calm Beatrice down enough to get her to eat before Niki jumped in with more questions. Beatrice did her best to answer while keeping some things private. Seemingly satisfied for now, Niki suggested that they go over by the lake so the children could play games. Subaru led Beatrice over to the lakeside where Adella had just finished laying out a blanket before turning to them.

Adella: "I have a feeling that Master Subaru didn't get much sleep last night."

Beatrice: "That is probably the case, I suppose."

Subaru: "Yeah… I gotta admit I'm pretty exhausted."

Beatrice: "He also cried like a child for quite some time, in fact."

Subaru: "Beako! You don't have to tell her that!"

Adella: "Seems that it is worse than I feared… Feel free to lounge on this blanket. Miss Niki and I can handle the children. Do keep in mind, you are in public…"

Subaru: "What kind of guy do you think I am?"

Adella: "Master Subaru, would you really like me to answer that question?"

Subaru: "No...I guess not…"

Adella: "Quite right. However, I am happy for you and Lady Beatrice. I hope we continue to get along well during your time here. Byeee!"

Adella danced away after giving Subaru a heartfelt smile that he hadn't seen on the head maid before. Subaru groaned as he could only envision the trouble that was waiting for him in the castle from now on. He plopped down on the outstretched blanket and Beatrice gingerly lowered herself next to him before speaking.

Beatrice: "You should lay down, I suppose."

Subaru: "But what will you do?"

Beatrice: "I don't mind... watching you sleep….in fact…"

Subaru: "Super creepy, Beako."

Beatrice: "Idiot! Quit teasing me when I just want to be next to you, I suppose!"

Beatrice turned her face away from Subaru to hide her blush. Subaru decided to ease up on the small spirit and laid back on his folded arms to gaze up at the clouds.

Subaru: "Any chance I could get that lap pillow again?"

Beatrice: "Not a chance, in fact. Despite what I said earlier, lap pillows must be earned, I suppose."

Subaru: "Geez, I thought this would be the part where you became dere dere…"

The girl glanced over at Subaru as he said a strange word she didn't understand, but decided to disregard it and stretched out next to him to watch the clouds pass by. A pleasant breeze blew over them as the trees swayed back and forth. Occasionally they could hear the children yell or Niki berating them as they played. Beatrice exhaled softly as this was the first time she felt at peace since the camping trip started. She smiled softly and rolled onto her side so she could watch Subaru. Subaru's breathing slowed as he drifted off to sleep with Beatrice's smile watching over him. A few hours passed like this before the children scrambled onto the blanket and hopped onto Beatrice and Subaru.

Riko: "Wake up, mister!"

Nana: "Della says it's time to eat!"

Beatrice: "Fine, fine, I suppose. You shouldn't jump on people without permission, in fact!"

Mina looked up at Beatrice with her eyes as wide as saucers.

Mina: "Can I jump on you, Bea? Mina doesn't want to be a bad girl."

Beatrice: "Ehh!? Of course you can, I suppose! Mina is a good girl, in fact!"

Seeing this interaction as he slowly rubbed the sleep from his eyes, Subaru was determined to give it a try. He took Beatrice's hand and made his best attempt at being wide eyed as he met her gaze.

Subaru: "Can I have a lap pillow, Beatrice?"

Beatrice instantly slammed a karate chop into Subaru's head before speaking.

Beatrice: "No."

Subaru: "You didn't even consider it!"

Beatrice: "No need, I suppose. An animal has no need for pillows, in fact."

?: "Are ya gonna keep up this lovers quarrel fer long? We're hungry over here!"

Niki had stormed over to gather the children. Her tone was harsh but she had a toothy smile on her face as she scooped up the two cat girls and ordered the boys to drag Subaru. Beatrice sat on the blanket as the group moved toward the campfire and yelled after them before following.

Beatrice: "W-wait for me, I suppose!"

The campers gathered around the campfire for dinner as Subaru sat with the children and told them stories from his home. Adella stirred the pot and filled up bowls for everyone. Beatrice sat next to Niki but this time neither her or Subaru felt far from each other as they enjoyed the company.

Niki: "Wow, this is good! Are those potatoes? What is it?"

Adella: "It's a fish soup. I thought it would make a good meal for our last night here."

Niki: "No gettin' sentimental, I'm gonna be crashin' yer castle all the time!"

Mina: "Mina too!"

Adella: "I'm sure Lady Beatrice would like to entertain guests in the castle."

Beatrice: "That would be fine, I suppose."

Niki: "Then that settles it! I'm moving in. Subaru, yer on the couch now!"

Subaru: "What? Why do I lose my bed?"

Beatrice: "Unacceptable, in fact!"

Niki: "Ohhh...and why is that?"

Beatrice: "Ehh...I simply must have Subaru at my side, I suppose."

Niki: "Ya gonna make smoochy faces with him, right?"

Beatrice: "N-no! I mean… m-maybe? I-"

Subaru: "Beako! Just don't answer, she's teasing you!"

With that, the banter continued while the group finished their dinner. After they finished up cleaning the campsite, the children stumbled around with glazed eyes as they settled down for bedtime. Subaru went with Niki to put the little ones to bed. Adella and Beatrice had a conversation under the stars.

Adella: "So, the operation was a success?"

Beatrice: "I should say so, in fact. It's hard to believe, I suppose."

Adella: "You don't give yourself enough credit, Lady Beatrice. You are a notable person and Master Subaru loves you very much. I tested his mettle myself."

Beatrice: "I know, he told me as much, in fact. I must tell you, I suppose. I am very grateful for your help. Thank you so much, Adella."

Beatrice deeply bowed to Adella which caused Adella to wave her hands in protest.

Adella: "A head maid cannot accept such actions from her Master! However, a head maid can express her sympathies as such…"

Beatrice raised her head as Adella protested only to be met with a gentle hug. Adella hugged the small spirit as if to express her happiness at the peaceful heart that now beat within Beatrice. The sweet moment lasted for a few minutes before being lambasted by a certain cat girl.

Niki: "Better watch out mister, ya got some competition…"

Adella and Beatrice separated as Beatrice gave Niki a scowl.

Niki: "Such a face! After yer best friend made sure that ya and yer boyfriend could share a tent!"

Beatrice: "I didn't ask you to do that, in fact!"

Niki: "Yeah, but ya wanted me to, in fact!"

Adella: "Calm down you two. I'm sure Lady Beatrice has her own plans for Master Subaru. We will just have to wait and see."

Beatrice: "W-what!? I have no such thing, in fact!"

Subaru made his way over to the campfire as Beatrice avoided his gaze.

Subaru: "What's up, guys?"

Niki: "We were just discussin' the fact that yer gonna sleep in the same tent fer the first time since becomin' a couple."

Subaru: "Irk!? What does that mean?"

Niki: "What! Don't cha know that everything is different now!"

Beatrice: "W-what!"

Subaru: "Y-yeah, why would anything change? Beako and I are already close."

Niki: "Boooring!"

Adella: "Subaru is right, Niki. They just got together. They will decide the right pacing for themselves."

Subaru: "Thank you!"

Adella: "That being said… I also have books on more tender matters if you need to do research, Lady Beatrice."

Subaru: "Vetoed!"

Beatrice: "Huh? Why? Research is always good before trying new things, I suppose."

Subaru approached Beatrice and squeezed her cheeks with his palms.

Subaru: "Beako, you may be old, but you are innocent. I won't let these bad influences ruin you!"

Beatrice: "Whasht are you talkinsh abouf, I shuppose?"

Adella and Niki laughed while Beatrice tried to figure out what was going on. With the sun long gone, the last of the campers decided to call it a night. Subaru and Beatrice took turns changing in the tent before settling into the futon facing each other. While they were inches apart the nervousness made them very aware of their situation. Neither of them knew how to address one another as they quietly broke the silence with a whisper.

Subaru: "Beako?"

Beatrice: "Y-yes?"

Subaru: "Are you embarrassed?"

Beatrice: "I'm not sure why, but yes, I suppose."

Subaru: "Nothing has changed and nothing has to change. Nevermind those two meddlers."

Beatrice: "W-what if...Betty wants a small change, in fact?"

Subaru: "U-uh, what c-change is that?"

Beatrice: "Maybe...you could...hug me, in fact? It might feel nice...to sleep… like that, I suppose. I can give you the lap pillow you wanted…"

Subaru: "..."

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "Lap pillows are earned, you said."

Beatrice: "I did, in fact."

Subaru: "Hugs are the same way."

Beatrice: "Oh…"

Subaru reached forward and pulled Beatrice to his chest. He could feel her heart race as they settled into their new position. Beatrice felt the heat from Subaru and thought that it did indeed feel nice like she thought. She whispered as she looked up at him.

Beatrice: "Thank...you… This is nice…"

Subaru: "I think so, too."

Beatrice: "I love you."

Subaru: "I love you too."

The intertwined pair had their first night's sleep as a couple and their hearts made a secret prayer that this feeling could last forever.

Chapter 12 End