Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 13: Breaking Bread and Building Boundaries

Several days had passed since Subaru and Beatrice shared their confessions. The time since then had been relatively peaceful. Niki had started to visit the castle often to talk with Beatrice and bring ingredients to Adella. Subaru and Beatrice had been basking in the novelty of their relationship. In place of the thrill from the camping trip, a slight awkwardness had begun to rise between the new couple. On this particular day Beatrice sat on her bed brushing her hair while Subaru stirred from a short midday nap. He sat up in his bed and smiled goofily at Beatrice while she returned a small blush-filled smile. As Subaru fully woke up, he broke from her gaze and blushed slightly before speaking.

Subaru: "G-good afternoon, Beako."

Beatrice: "G-good afternoon, I suppose."

The small spirit fidgeted as the conversation fell silent. Subaru sat quietly for a few minutes before continuing.

Subaru: "Beako-"

?: "Aha! I caught ya in the act! Smoochin'!"

Before Subaru could finish his thought, the door to the bedroom slammed open startling both of the residents. As they turned to see the intruder, Niki stepped forward with a huge grin on her face. She opened her mouth to continue her teasing when the brush that Beatrice had been holding flew across the room before impacting on Niki's head. As the small cat girl was pushed back from the open door, Beatrice stood up and stomped out of the room in a huff. Subaru rose from the bed to check on Niki, who regained her composure before speaking.

Niki: "What did I do? Wait Bea! I'm sowwy!"

Niki dashed off yelling after Beatrice leaving Subaru alone. He knelt down to pick up Beatrice's brush when he heard the familiar voice of the head maid from behind him.

Adella: "That was quite a commotion. I take it Miss Niki is here?"

Subaru: "Yeah…"

Adella: "That's definitely not the face of someone who just woke up to the girl he loves. Did you already make her lose interest in you?"

Subaru: "..."

Adella: "I see my teasing must not be as playful as previously thought."

Subaru: "Sorry Adie, you're plenty funny. It's just… how did I talk to Beako before we started dating?"

Adella: "Oh, I see. So the afterglow is finally wearing off?"

Subaru: "What do you mean?"

Adella: "Well, Miss Niki did have a point when she teased you about things changing now that you are dating. You two spent so long tiptoeing around each other and now you don't know how you are supposed to talk anymore."

Subaru: "That's exactly how I feel. I don't know what the rules are and I don't want to upset Beako. The result is that it's hard to have a conversation."

Adella: "Hmm. You need to be more assertive."

Subaru: "Huh?"

Adella: "Lady Beatrice is...slow to act on her emotions. I'm afraid that you have the duty of taking the lead."

Subaru: "Will she really like that? I think it might make her mad."

Adella: "Master Subaru, any momentum is better than being stagnant. You are going to have to learn the right balance for your relationship. Besides…"

Adella leaned towards Subaru's ear and whispered her next statement.

Adella: "There isn't a woman who wouldn't be happy to see the man she loves motivated to make her happy. Fufufu."

Subaru: "I guess that makes sense. You sure are helpful with things like this Adie."

Adella: "Just one of many skills I possess as a head maid. Things might get rough for you two, but you'll be okay if you stay motivated and honest. I'm rooting for you, Master Subaru. Thank you, by the way."

Subaru: "Why are you thanking me?"

Adella: "Well, you finally asked for help! I didn't have to chase after you this time."

Subaru blushed at Adella's observation. He felt a slight twinge of guilt for always making Adella hunt him down when he was wavering.

Subaru: "Well, my head maid told me to rely on her more…"

Adella: "Indeed. You should save that sweet talk for Lady Beatrice, yes?"

Subaru: "Erk! Right… about that, I have one more favor to ask you, Adie..."

Subaru whispered his request to Adella before returning to the bedroom to change. The head maid stood in the hallway and voiced her thoughts.

Adella: "Master Subaru; full of surprises. Consider your favor granted."

Meanwhile, Beatrice had moved downstairs to the tea room. She sat on the couch with her arms crossed while Niki grovelled on the floor. This continued for several minutes before Beatrice finally responded to Niki's apologies.

Niki: "Please forgive me! I was just playin'! I'll knock next time..."

Beatrice: "Fine, I suppose. I wasn't even that angry about that, in fact."

Niki: "Huh? You seem pretty grumpy this mornin'. Did Mister do something bad?"

Beatrice: "No...that's not the case, in fact…"

Niki: "Yer actin' strange… wait… were you actually smoochin' in there?"

Beatrice: "Grr… NO! We haven't done anything like that since the camping trip, in fact!"

Beatrice raised her voice, much to Niki's surprise. Niki pondered the situation with her fist on her chin before speaking.

Niki: "Huh? WHA!? So yer mad because you weren't smoochin'?"

Beatrice: "Irk!? N-no! I just want to be able to talk to him, but it is proving difficult, I suppose."

Niki: "That idiot. Has a cute girl and can't even talk to her. I'm gonna go yell at 'im!"

Beatrice: "Wait! No-"

Niki stood up and started to walk towards the stairs. Before Beatrice could object, Subaru rounded the corner and cut Niki off. Niki was surprised by the sudden appearance of her target, but also by his appearance. Subaru was wearing tan slacks with shiny brown shoes and a white collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Niki glanced over at Beatrice who was also stunned by the sight. Subaru looked around the room at the surprised girls before speaking in a confident tone.

Subaru: "Hello, Niki. Would you mind if I borrow Beako?"

Niki: "Er, uh… sure? I gotta talk to Della anyway. Ya better be nice to her, or else!"

Subaru: "I promise."

Niki: "Fine. I'll be back. No funny business..."

Subaru: "Yes, mom."

Niki: "Hmph"

Niki slowly ascended the stairs while glancing over her shoulder and glaring at Subaru. He couldn't tell if this was serious or part of a gag. After Niki was out of sight, Subaru took a seat next to Beatrice on the couch. He hesitated before grabbing her small hand and intertwining his fingers with hers. Beatrice jumped at the unexpected touch but didn't try to stop Subaru. Her face turned a shade of crimson as she met his gaze.

Subaru: "Beako…"

Beatrice: "Y-yes?"

Subaru: "Would you like to go on a date with me tonight?"

Beatrice: "O-oh, um, it's so sudden, in fact…"

Subaru: "Well, I guess it doesn't have to be today…"

Beatrice: "NO! I, um, would like to go, I suppose. Where are we going?"

Subaru: "Well, I wanted to go have dinner together in the village. Just the two of us. I think if we have a nice talk, maybe we can shake off some of this anxiety?"

Beatrice: "Is that why you are dressed up like a commoner, in fact?"

Subaru: "Really!? I thought these looked nice…"

Beatrice: "Erk!? They do, in fact! Betty is sorry, I suppose…"

Subaru noticed that Beatrice had almost sounded like herself, but she proceeded to withdraw. He couldn't help but think that even when uncomfortable, Beatrice's mannerisms were cute.

?: "Well, if I look so pretty, then how about a smooch! Mwah! Mwah!"

A small pair of ears poked up above the back of the couch between Subaru and Beatrice as Niki made her best attempt at a deep voice. Beatrice's eyes fell shut in a scowl as she puffed out her cheeks. Subaru started to fear that she might burst when a karate chop landed on Niki's head from behind. The source of the attack was Adella, who had followed Niki to the tea room.

Adella: "Now, now, Miss Niki. We should show the Masters some respect when they are having a heart to heart."

Niki: "Owowow… Why is everyone hittin' me on the head today!?"

Adella: "Who can say? You might reflect on your actions and find the answer?"

Niki: "Yer mean today, Della! Grr…"

Adella: "Oh? I guess you wouldn't want to have dinner with me while the Masters are out?"

Niki: "No…"

Adella: "Too bad, I guess I'll have to eat fish curry all by myself…"

Niki's eyes lit up at Adella's suggestion, but she tried to hold herself back. Just as Subaru thought her resolve would win over her immaturity, Niki walked over and grabbed Adella's sleeve before speaking.

Niki: "You win this round, but no more hittin'!"

Adella smugly smirked at Subaru before responding to Niki. Subaru glanced over at Beatrice, who had remained silent through the entire exchange. Normally, small looks from Adella were enough to set her off, but she seemed distracted and her expression was one of worry and not anger.

Adella: "I accept your terms. I also have a special project that I need your help with."

Niki: "What is it?"

Adella: "Secret! Just know that it is very important!"

Niki: "Aye, aye, Capitain Della! Niki is on the case!"

Adella: "Excellent! Lady Beatrice, you should go change. I'm sure Niki wouldn't mind letting you use the cart she came in on."

Subaru: "Good idea! Do you mind, Niki?"

Niki: "Sure...but if ya come back too late, I'm takin' the room and ya can sleep on that couch!"

After teasing Subaru, Niki expectantly looked towards Beatrice. The small spirit made no indication of addressing Niki, much to her frustration.

Niki: "Thought fer sure that would get a reaction outta ya!? Okay, Mister, take the cart and fix my best friend. Deal?"

Subaru: "Deal. Beako?"

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru gave Beatrice's hand a gentle squeeze. She looked down at the origin of the stimulation and back at Subaru.

Beatrice: "H-huh? Is something wrong, in fact?"

Subaru: "Yes, but right now I need you to go get changed for our date, okay?"

Beatrice: "Huh… oh yes, I will be back soon, I suppose."

Subaru: "I can't wait."

With that, Subaru released Beatrice's hand and she swiftly made her way back upstairs towards the bedroom to change. She heard the giggles of the group still chatting as she left. Her heart tightened as she reflected on the events of the last few hours. Why was she so nervous? She shook her head as she picked out a long sleeved dark blue dress with white embroidery that she thought would complement Subaru's outfit. Her movements paused as her mind focused on Subaru. She thought out loud as she donned her white stockings and under shirt.

Beatrice: "Why am I so flustered, in fact? I talk to him everyday, I suppose."

With expert movement, Beatrice pulled the dress over herself and snapped her fingers as mana pulled the fabric taut and tied a large white bow on her back.

Beatrice: "This should be easy for me… we already k-kissed, in fact. Adella's books didn't discuss this stage, I suppose. Usually they end after the kiss…"

The spirit slipped on her black shoes and buckled the straps before turning towards the mirror and adjusting her hair. After tying blue bows in her hair, mana once again swirled and her drill spirals formed from her twin tails.

Beatrice: "I need to calm down, in fact. I don't want him to think I'm strange, I suppose."

Once her appearance was to her liking, Beatrice descended the stairs to rejoin Subaru. As she stepped down, she saw Subaru who appeared to be staring at her. Her chest throbbed as she blushed, but she still couldn't get used to how honest his eyes were.

Subaru: "Looking good, Beako, are you ready to go? Adie and Niki are busy making dinner, so it's just us from here on out."

Beatrice: "Is that so, I suppose? Then shall we go, in fact?"

Subaru offered his hand to Beatrice and guided her to the foyer and out to the cart. After talking to the land dragon and offering the beast a snack, Subaru helped Beatrice into a seat on the cart across from him. Warm summer air blew across the cart as they made their way to town. Beatrice fidgeted nervously as Subaru addressed her.

Subaru: "Are you nervous, Beako?"

Beatrice: "Erk!? Um…why would I be, in fact?"

Subaru: "Well, I sure am."

Beatrice looked at Subaru quizzically as he continued.

Subaru: "Yep, I haven't been sure how to talk to you lately. I guess since you're my girlfriend, I get nervous about teasing you like before."

Beatrice: "I can understand that, I suppose…"

Subaru: "Yeah, it's been pretty bad."

Beatrice relaxed her shoulders and kicked her feet slightly.

Beatrice: "To be honest, I have also been nervous, in fact."

Subaru: "Yeah, I think everyone knew, Beako…"

Beatrice: "Grr… I am not so predictable, in fact."

Subaru: "Hahaha… see that's more like the Beako I'm used to."

Beatrice turned her face away to pout as she turned a light pink. She exhaled heavily before speaking.

Beatrice: "You may be right, I suppose. I do enjoy talking to you like this, in fact. I was afraid that maybe you wanted your g-girlfriend to be sweet…"

Subaru: "Wouldn't I be dating the wrong person for that?"

Beatrice: "Grr…"

Subaru: "Just kidding, Beako. I meant it when I said I love you. That includes your grumpy parts. This is our relationship and we can change or not change anything we want. So, I'd like it if you pick on me from time to time."

Beatrice's eyes widened at Subaru's admission, but her gaze slowly softened as she smiled. She could tell that Subaru was worried about her and it made her heart warm. This time it was Beatrice who grabbed Subaru's hand before speaking.

Beatrice: "Well, it was Betty that chose such a clumsy animal, in fact. I can stand to put up with teasing from time to time, I suppose. Just don't forget to be a little sweet at your discretion..."

Subaru: "Sounds good, Beako. Although it was pretty cute to see you getting nervous."

Beatrice: "Would you like me to dislodge you from the cart, in fact?"

Subaru: "I almost forgot how scary you are… Joking aside, try to relax. If you get nervous, just know that I'm nervous, too."

Beatrice: "Okay, that makes me feel better, I suppose. I feel rather foolish for overthinking things again, in fact."

Beatrice leaned toward Subaru and wrapped her arms around him before speaking her next words.

Beatrice: "Thank you for trying to cheer me up, in fact. I l-love you…"

Subaru blushed as he returned her embrace. This Beatrice was slightly different from the one that first brought him to this world, but the fact that she could smile so earnestly was enough to make him feel content. The two separated and began to discuss their dinner plans as the town came into view. It wasn't long before the couple disembarked and made their way towards the cafe. Beatrice was a local celebrity for saving Mina, but it appeared that the townsfolk were keeping their distance. Subaru was thankful for the peace and approached the cafe with Beatrice in tow. They picked a table that was somewhat isolated and waited for a server to approach. A small cat girl clad in an apron approached their table before speaking.

Server: "Good evening!"

Subaru: "Good evening, just the two of us tonight."

Server: "Hehe, are you two the lovebirds?"

Beatrice: "H-huh!?"

The small spirit's face flashed crimson as her mouth fell open. Subaru quickly interjected before Beatrice could continue.

Subaru: "I assume that Niki told you?"

Server: "Me? She announced it to the whole town! You two are so adorable! I want somebody to sweep me off my feet… aww…"

Beatrice: "T-the whole t-town…"

Server: "Yeah, we are all rooting for you! I'll even bring you a special dinner!"

The server skipped away happily leaving Subaru to console the lifeless Beatrice. He couldn't help but feel sorry for Niki and what awaited her when they returned to the castle. After a few minutes, the joyful server trotted back with a large plate filled with various cooked fruits and fish piled high.

Server: "A special meal for a special couple! On the house! Congratulations, you two!"

Subaru: "Isn't this a little flashy?"

Server: "It's a special dish for lovers! It's supposed to grab attention! I gotta go back, but let me know if you need anything. Enjoy!"

As the server left again, Subaru turned to face Beatrice. He had wanted to get away from the castle for some privacy, but that plan had been derailed entirely. Beatrice had a slightly tired look on her face but she smiled at Subaru when she met his gaze with hers.

Beatrice: "Please don't fret, I suppose. I'm happy to spend time with you, in fact."

Subaru: "I guess you're not the only one who is an open book…"

Beatrice: "Indeed, but I like that about you, I suppose. How are we supposed to eat this, in fact?"

Subaru: "It is pretty overwhelming. I could feed you, Beako?"

Beatrice: "Not a chance, in fact."

Subaru: "Aww…"

Beatrice: "Ehh...umm...if you are going to be that dejected, I can t-take one bite, I suppose…"

Beatrice looked down as she spoke. Subaru was caught off guard by her acceptance and looked at Beatrice with an astounded look.

Beatrice: "Ha...Haha...Hahaha! You really thought Betty would let you feed her, in fact?"

Subaru: "Well I see you made a full recovery…"

Subaru smiled as Beatrice's laughter filled his heart. This was the happiest he had ever heard her laugh and he made a mental note to remember the sound. Afterwards, they managed to finish their meal and say goodbye to the server before heading back to the cart. Subaru remembered to bring a meal for the land dragon before getting in the cart with Beatrice. As he took a seat, he noticed that Beatrice was nervously standing.

Subaru: "Why are you standing, Beako? We're about to take off."

Beatrice: "I want to sit, I suppose…"

Subaru: "Then sit?"

Beatrice: "Fine!"

Beatrice plopped down on Subaru's lap without making eye contact. Her small frame leaned against him and he could feel her heart racing.

Subaru: "Beako… kinda reminds me of when we traveled to go camping."

Beatrice: "I know, I suppose. I wanted to try it again, I was too flustered to remember, in fact."

Subaru: "Yeah, you were...it's not so bad when we are alone like this."

Beatrice: "Ahn… yeah… I'm having a good time, in fact…zzz..."

Subaru: "Why don't you take a nap and I'll wake you when we get back?"

Beatrice: "Darn… you figured out my plan, I suppose...zzz…"

Subaru lowered his arms over Beatrice to keep her secure as the sun set in the sky. He could feel the softness of her dress as the sweet smell of her hair wafted to his nose. He grinned as he laid his head back to feel the seabreeze from the cart. In what felt like no time at all, the cart arrived back at the castle. Subaru whispered in Beatrice's ear to wake her and she looked up to meet his gaze. They smiled back at each other and sat for a moment before leaving the cart. Once they entered the foyer, Subaru took Beatrice's hand and immediately made a break for the stairs.

Beatrice: "H-hey, where are we going, in fact?"

Subaru: "I had Adie work on a surprise for you while we were gone. I want to be the one to show you."

Subaru led Beatrice to their bedroom before opening the door and escorting her in and closing the door behind them. Beatrice scanned the room looking for signs of her surprise. Her gaze fell onto the place where their separate beds were supposed to be. Instead, a larger single bed took up the space. Beatrice's eyes went wide and she turned her gaze towards Subaru. Subaru put his hand behind his head before speaking.

Subaru: "Surprise, Beako… I figured you always try to sleep in my bed anyway. The end of the camping trip was pretty special, not that we have to sleep like that! I just thought you might like the option…"

Subaru had turned a deep red while sputtering the last words. He went silent and tried to search Beatrice's face to see her response. She met his eyes with a glare while her face went crimson behind her scowl.

Beatrice: "IDIOT! How did you think I would take this, I suppose? We start dating and you get us a bed!? Are you a pervert, in fact?"

Subaru: "Beako, I didn't mean it like that! Now that you mention it… oh no…"

Beatrice stomped over to Subaru and gingerly hammered her fists into his chest. They were not hard impacts and Subaru could tell that her anger was slowly turning into embarrassment.

Beatrice: "You idiot...Betty did like sleeping like that, in fact… Yet, you're such a brazen pervert, I suppose…"

Subaru: "Sorry, Beako…"

Beatrice: "Don't be, I suppose… It's a nice gift and Betty knows you didn't mean anything suspicious, in fact… I guess… I'm trying to say… Thank you… I love you...idiot."

Beatrice stopped her barrage of fists and looked up at Subaru with moist eyes. Subaru, who was now aware of how close Beatrice was, stood still and stared into her eyes as she continued.

Beatrice: "Now would be an appropriate time for discretionary sweetness, I suppose… It is the only solution for the awkwardness, in fact…"

Subaru: "If you say so… I'm still half expecting you to send me flying out the door…"

Beatrice: "Idiot…"

With each word, they moved closer to each other as Subaru leaned in for a kiss. He could feel her breath as they were about to connect when a loud sound echoed through the room startling them. A certain cat girl stepped in with her arms raised before playfully announcing her thoughts.

Niki: "Thought ya could sneak in, huh? Maybe yer tryin' to get in some smoochin'..."

Subaru and Beatrice: "..."

Niki: "Ahh...EHH…EEK! I'm sorry, this is not the right room… please continue…"

The bedroom door fell shut as Niki ran as fast as she could down the hallway. Subaru was stunned at seeing the cat girl actually embarrassed, but Beatrice immediately screamed.

Beatrice: "YOU TOLD THE ENTIRE TOWN, IN FACT!

Subaru: "Aren't you mad about the wrong thing-"

Before Subaru could finish, the small spirit kicked into a sprint and gave chase. The sounds of yelling and yowls filled the castle halls as Subaru laid back on the new bed. Now that his heart had stopped racing, his body felt heavy. He was glad to have the old Beatrice back and happily reminisced on the events of their date. From downstairs, he could now hear the sounds of lecturing and made a promise to thank Adella once the castle had calmed down. Currently, the day's excitement had caught up to Subaru and he unknowingly drifted off to sleep with a grand smile on his face.

Chapter 13 End