Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 14: A Shoulder to Smile On

The sharp smell of salt and the sound of crackling woke Subaru from his slumber. Hot smoke filled his lungs as he tried to take in his surroundings. His faculties slowly returned to him while he felt around the bed to wake Beatrice, but to his horror she was nowhere to be found. Subaru leapt from the bed and stumbled to his feet. The lack of oxygen forced him to stay low as he made his way to the hallway and was met with a blaze of fire. He tried to avoid the more intense flames as he made his way towards Adella's room calling for Beatrice.

Subaru: "Damn! Where could Beako have gone?!"

Panic filled his movements as his strides became more violent and uncontrolled. Upon getting closer to Adella's room he saw that the inferno that filled the castle had begun to devour the door to the head maid's quarters. Without thinking, Subaru slammed his shoulder into the door and screamed for Adella over and over. Sharp pain shot through his arm as he repeatedly slammed into the door until the heat from the flames caused the strength to leave his body. He fell to his knees and vigorously cleared his throat while clutching his arm.

Subaru: "Adella already made it out of the castle, right?! I'm sorry, I can't get through the door… I'm sorry…"

Severely winded, Subaru climbed down the stairs to the tea room which was already engulfed in flames. The couch where he had created so many cheerful memories now lay in ruins and the radiating heat threatened to scorch Subaru's eyes. The boy turned towards the dining room but the flames proved too intense as smoke filled his vision and forced him towards the foyer. Tears streamed down his face as he screamed for Beatrice and Adella. He considered running to the kitchen just to be sure, but as Subaru stepped forward he heard a loud groan followed by a resounding snap. The threshold of the foyer bowed under the heft of the stone and pinned Subaru under its weight. Given fresh air from the collapse, the fire grew more violent and surrounded him as he tried to pull himself free. Subaru cried out in protest.

Subaru: "I can't… die here… Beako… After all this, I can't… I don't want to die anymore! I don't want to be all alone. Please, Beako.. Please!"

?: "S-b-u!"

Subaru craned his head as he heard a panicked voice but couldn't find the source. The weight on his chest lessened but still felt like it was squeezing him.

?: "Wa-up!"

Subaru's head started to feel light as his consciousness started to slip. The voice had changed into a cry which pierced through to him as his vision went white.

?: "Subaru, wake up! I'm right here, in fact!"

Subaru's eyes opened as he tried to sit up but found himself pinned to the bed by a small weight on his torso. His skin was covered in a cold sweat and he appeared to be wearing the clothes that he had fallen asleep in the day before. He gazed down to ascertain the source of the weight and was met with a look of pure relief from Beatrice. The small spirit was still in her dress from yesterday, but her eyes were filled with worry. She gripped Subaru tightly around his chest and stared into his eyes waiting for him to reply.

Subaru: "Beako…"

Subaru wrapped his arms around Beatrice and squeezed her as tight as he could. The embrace was slightly painful, but Beatrice didn't care and returned his hug. They continued in silence for a few minutes before Subaru finally spoke.

Subaru: "I'm sorry…"

Beatrice: "Don't apologize, in fact. Just calm down… you were calling for Betty frantically…It quite scared me, I suppose…"

Subaru: "..."

Beatrice: "If you want to tell me, I can listen, I suppose."

Subaru: "There was...a fire. I couldn't find you or anyone else. I searched for you and I got hurt."

Subaru paused as tears rolled out of his eyes and his voice crackled as he spoke. Beatrice kept her eye contact and hugged him tighter as he continued.

Subaru: "I thought I was going to die again but I didn't care about the pain. I was afraid I was going to lose you…"

Beatrice raised her arms and climbed up Subaru until they were face to face. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pushed her face next to his. She whispered gently into his ear.

Beatrice: "Subaru… I'm right here, in fact. I will not go anywhere without you, I suppose. After all, I am under contract."

A cool feeling of relief spread through Subaru as Beatrice cradled his head. Her hair felt amazingly soft against his cheek. He exhaled loudly to relax himself before speaking.

Subaru: "I know, Beako… I'm sorry that I'm so weak."

Beatrice: "Nonsense, you aren't weak at all, I suppose."

Subaru: "Huh?"

Beatrice: "Betty can't understand what it feels like to die, I suppose. But it must be scary and hurtful. Most people only experience it once but you keep going on after carrying such a burden, in fact. You are strong, I have seen it over and over again. Even when you feel weak, I'll be there to keep you safe."

Subaru: "Thanks, Beako. You know I might be a burden, though."

Beatrice: "You are hopeless, but you are Betty's Subaru, in fact"

Subaru: "I expected you to blush a lot more after saying that."

Pulled out of the moment by Subaru's teasing, the reality of Beatrice's words hit her along with a wave of pink heat in her cheeks. Subaru smiled softly back at her, his fears assuaged. Sensing his calmness, Beatrice continued playfully.

Beatrice: "It makes me glad that you can tease me, I suppose. Consider it special treatment to make up for your night terror, nothing more, in fact."

Subaru: "Sure thing, Beako. In that case, can I ask you something?"

Beatrice: "I can answer, I suppose."

Subaru: "Why are you still wearing your dress?"

Beatrice: "Is that a perverted solicitation, in fact? That is not the 'special treatment' that Betty was referring to, I suppose. Disgusting."

Subaru: "I meant why are you not in your pajamas? Geez…"

Beatrice: "Well… you went to sleep early in your clothes, in fact. I wanted… to join you, I suppose…"

Subaru: "Wait, does that mean you were sleeping on top of me in your clothes this whole time?"

Beatrice froze at the question as she conspicuously tried to come up with an excuse. The pink in her cheeks had become full crimson up to her ears. Subaru couldn't help but smile at the girl.

Beatrice: "Don't smile and presume so smugly, I suppose! I'm going to take a bath and change, in fact! I suggest you do the same, you are quite sweaty. As expected from a gross animal, I suppose."

Beatrice pushed herself off of Subaru and stomped over to her wardrobe and then to the bedroom door. Subaru called out to her as she left.

Subaru: "Hey… Thank you, Beako. Really, I mean it. I love you."

Beatrice: "Grr… you pick the worst times to say such things, in fact. You need to properly consider a maiden's heart! That being said… I love you too... I suppose. I'll be back soon, so get ready for a bath."

Subaru: "Will do."

With that, the two took their late baths before changing into their pajamas and retiring back to the bed. For the first time since the camping trip, they held each other as they slept. Subaru made sure to hold on to Beatrice tighter than usual and the small spirit indulged him, if just for a night. With his mind clear and heart relieved, morning came with no further hardships. Sunlight filled the room as the couple slept in and a soft knock at the door stirred them from their rest. Subaru called out towards the knock and a certain head maid proceeded to open the door and enter before speaking.

Adella: "Good morning, Masters. I hope I did not bother you, but there is something we need to discuss."

Subaru sat on the bed in his pajamas facing Adella with Beatrice groggily joining him. Subaru noticed that the normally relaxed head maid appeared to be slightly uncomfortable. Adella would not meet Subaru's gaze directly and nervously fidgeted with her hands while waiting for his response.

Subaru: "Adie… Is everything okay? Sorry that we slept in."

Adella: "It is no problem at all. If anything, it is my fault for not anticipating the possibility…"

Subaru: "What do you mean? You aren't making any sense…"

Adella: "My apologies, I just didn't expect Lady Beatrice to be climbing the staircase to adulthood so suddenly. If you intend to continue doing so in the castle, I can make appropriate arrangements for you both if you like. Your privacy is of utmost importance!"

Beatrice, who had been half asleep listening, suddenly yelped as her eyes started to spin. Subaru was frozen in shock as he tried to process what Adella had just said.

Adella: "I'm sorry, if this is not a good time I can return later?"

Subaru: "...I think you need to explain yourself. What do you mean 'staircase to adulthood' and what 'arrangements' are you referring to?"

Adella: "My, my, Master Subaru… To make your head maid say such things… I can see Lady Beatrice has awoken the deviant in you, fufufu…"

Beatrice: "EHH! Awawawawa…"

Subaru: "Adie, please stop before we lose Beako… What are you talking about?"

The head maid made a quizzical face as a slight shade of pink crossed her otherwise porcelain cheeks. She looked to the side away from Subaru as she reluctantly spoke.

Adella: "Well… umm… did you two not... consummate your relationship last night?"

Subaru's jaw dropped agape as Beatrice fell backwards on the bed before burrowing under the covers. The trio stayed silent like this for an uncomfortable amount of time before Subaru cleared his throat and spoke.

Subaru: "Adie… you are mistaken."

Adella: "H-huh? I heard you two yelling each other's names, followed by Master Subaru deeply sobbing. Then the Masters used the bath…"

Subaru: "I can assure you that there is a very reasonable explanation for everything, but you have it wrong. Beako and I haven't done anything like that! Also, why would I be sobbing?! Wait, nevermind, please don't answer that…"

Adella: "So Lady Beatrice's chastity is still intact?"

The small ball of covers on the bed shook at Adella's words. Subaru decided to put an end to the line of questioning.

Subaru: "Yes Adie, can we please stop talking about this in front of Beako? At this rate she may create another world to get away from this one…"

Adella: "Indeed, it appears that I was in the wrong and I humbly ask for your forgiveness. I will adjourn to the kitchen to prepare lunch."

Subaru: "That would probably be for the best."

Adella performed a small apologetic bow before turning to make her exit. However, before taking her leave, she abruptly turned back and made eye contact with Subaru and made one last offering.

Adella: "However, Master Subaru… Just let me know when you intend to walk that path with Lady Beatrice, I can make the previously mentioned arrangements with haste."

The head maid flashed a devilish smile as she backed out of the room and closed the door. Subaru was motionless with shock as he tried to decide if this was an honest mistake or a manifestation of Adella's recent boredom. After taking some time to settle his thoughts, he turned his attention to Beatrice. The girl was still hiding under the sheets and had not made a sound since her initial outburst earlier. Subaru gently lifted the sheet before speaking.

Subaru: "Beako, any chance we can just forget about this?"

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "You know… this is kinda funny when you think about it."

The small spirit kicked her foot forward from under the blanket landing a solid blow to Subau's cheek before emerging with a scowl across her flushed face.

Beatrice: "IDIOT! IDIOT! IDIOT! Grr!"

Subaru rolled off the bed and instinctively brought his hand to his face where he was hit before trying to defuse the situation.

Subaru: "Hey, what did I do? Just calm down, Beako-"

Before he could finish, Beatrice had already lifted her hand and sent Subaru flying out of the bedroom. As he laid prone facing the ceiling, Subaru thought that there might have been a better way to handle the delicate situation. Eventually, Beatrice relented and allowed Subaru into the room to change before silently joining him for lunch. The group sat at the table in complete silence as they ate. Beatrice wore a one piece purple dress with short sleeves and wavy frills along the hem. She kicked her legs showing off her black stockings and matching purple shoes as she sat with a scornful look. Subaru, who wore a beige tracksuit with white shoes and shirt, glanced back and forth between Adella and Beatrice while he ate. The tension between the two seemed to be only one way as Adella kept a playful smile while making eye contact with Beatrice. Subaru felt like he was watching a fuse burn as the two girls were on opposite ends when it came to sensitive subject matter. The war of attrition was finally halted when Adella spoke.

Adella: "Are you going to make that face at me all day, Lady Beatrice?"

Beatrice: "Whatever could you mean, I suppose? I have no need to make faces at anyone, no matter how uncouth they might be, in fact."

Subaru watched as the players served their first attacks while he heavily considered sneaking away from the table.

Adella: "Is that so? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were upset with meee…"

Beatrice: "Why, have you done something worth being upset, in fact? I do not have the time to keep track of every nosy, inappropriate, underhanded move you make, I suppose."

Subaru thought to himself that Beatrice had used way too many descriptors for someone who was claiming not to be upset. He looked toward Adella for a way to deescalate the situation but saw that her pink eyes burned with a determined look. Was she having fun pushing Beatrice's buttons? Just as it seemed that the lunch table was about to derail, a sound came from the other room. A door shut and footsteps headed towards the dining room. After a few seconds, a familiar cat girl stumbled into the dining room carrying a small crate. Niki placed the crate at her feet before facing the group and opening her mouth. However, seeing the look on Beatrice and Adella's faces, Niki took a step back in retreat before speaking.

Niki: "W-what's with yer faces!? I already apologized fer yesterday!"

Seeing a possible way out, Subaru cleared his throat as he entered the conversation and responded to Niki.

Subaru: "Ehh, yeah… this isn't about that. There… might have been a misunderstanding between these two earlier…"

Niki: "Huh! My best friend and my favorite supplier of fish are fightin'? Why didn't ya say so!?"

Subaru: "Uh, are you talking about Adie-"

Niki interrupted Subaru before he could finish his thought.

Niki: "Niki is on the case! Lemmie guess, this guy is at the center of the problem?"

The cat girl motioned toward Subaru with her thumb. Beatrice and Adella both nodded in sync as Subaru felt the last of his dignity shrivel away.

Niki: "Thought so. Well sorry mister, but ya gotta go! This is girl time."

With that, Subaru was forcefully pushed out of the room by Niki. As he sat on the couch in the tea room, he put his head in his hands as he tried to convince himself that letting Niki intervene was a good idea. Meanwhile, the small cat girl was standing over Beatrice who was still seated. Niki squinted her eyes and moved closer to the small spirit who looked around nervously. As Niki moved within inches of Beatrice's face, she enthusiastically yelled.

Niki: "Quit bein' mad!"

Beatrice: "H-huh? Why are you so loud when I'm right here, I suppose? Besides, just telling me to stop being angry isn't going to resolve the issue, in fact!"

Niki: "Hmm… I'm outta ideas then…"

Adella: "Your motivation went away fast…"

Beatrice: "Why are you talking so nonchalantly, I suppose? This is your fault, in fact!"

Niki: "I got it! Why don't ya just hug each other real tight? That's what the little ones do when they get into scraps."

Beatrice: "H-hug!? Nonsense, I don't want a hug from her anyway, I suppose."

Niki: "What about from me? Watch out, I'm a comin' fer ya!"

Niki proceeded to pounce out of her shoes and onto Beatrice while latching on. Beatrice waved her arms in protest as Niki began to purr loudly. The spirit's face became pink as she gave in and let Niki embrace her. Adella, who had been watching the whole exchange, walked over to Beatrice before speaking.

Adella: "See, Lady Beatrice? how can you blame me for teasing when you make such cute expressions?"

The head maid knelt down to where Beatrice was sitting before embracing her alongside Niki. As Beatrice's embarrassment began to overflow, she shouted out in a meek voice.

Beatrice: "T-this doesn't mean I forgive you, in fact!"

Adella: "I'll try to be more considerate in the future, Lady Beatrice…"

Adella squeezed Beatrice tighter as she continued to speak in a sing-songy voice.

Adella: "It was a simple miscommunication, can you forgive little old me?"

Beatrice: "F-fine, I suppose. Just stop with your fake attempts at being cute, in fact!"

Adella: "Aww, guess I just can't win against how cute you are!"

Beatrice squirmed to no avail as the two girls continued to hug and tease her. Eventually, they stopped their embrace and proceeded to chat with each other normally. After some time, Niki called for Subaru to return to the dining room where the group addressed him while seated at the table.

Niki: "Nuthin' a good hug couldn't fix."

Subaru: "I really can't believe you did it…"

Niki: "What's that supposed to mean? I am the most reliable girl, I'll have ya know!"

Subaru: "Yeah, yeah… I know, Niki. So is everything good now?"

Adella: "Why yes, after much deliberation we decided that the whole misunderstanding was your fault, Master Subaru."

Subaru: "H-huh?! Why is it my fault!?"

Beatrice: "If you had just explained things up front, there would have been no issue, I suppose. You should work on being more dependable, in fact."

Subaru: "Y-you too, Beako? Have they turned you against me?"

Niki: "I also ate the rest of yer lunch."

Subaru slumped into a chair as the three girls giggled at his frustration. Before he realized it, the girls had surrounded him and drew him into a hug.

Beatrice: "I-idiot, don't be so down, I suppose. But don't get used to t-this either, in fact!"

Adella: "I knew it would be worth it to see Lady Beatrice's reaction!"

Niki: "I'm surprised she's lettin' us share, mister! It did feel wrong to leave em' outta the hug though..."

Subaru: "Y-you guys…"

Subaru couldn't help but flash a smile as his closest friends in the new world, along with his girlfriend, embraced him. This feeling was in stark contrast with the emotions from his dream from last night and he decided to engrave it in his heart. He wouldn't trade these precious memories for anything in the world. The group cheerfully joked and chatted as Adella cleaned the dining room and prepared to serve dinner. The head maid had created a dish of spicy sauteed fish as a thank you to their feline negotiator. By the time that dinner was over, the sun had started to set in the sky. Meanwhile, the crate that Niki had set aside earlier piqued Subaru's curiosity.

Subaru: "Niki, what's with the crate? More fish?"

Niki: "Heh? Oh! I almost forgot, that was the whole reason I came over! This crate holds a gift for us all! Aren't ya glad that yer friends with Niki?"

Subaru: "I thought you came over for food… But sure, let's take a look."

Subaru squatted down and lifted the lid from the crate. Inside he saw what appeared to be old paint cans with brushes and a few blank banners. Subaru looked at the items with a puzzled look before speaking to Niki.

Subaru: "Niki, did Kobe make you clean out a shed or something?"

Niki: "Well, yeah, but I haven't got around to that yet… WAIT! Whaddya mean? This is a gift fer everyone, I tell ya!"

Subaru: "What are we supposed to do with old paint?

Niki: "Grr… Oh yeah, here!"

Niki reached into the crate and grabbed a small piece of paper which she handed to Subaru. Upon inspection, it appeared to be a flyer of some sort. Crude drawings of cat people and shops were scribbled across the paper. It looked like there were also some lights in the sky similar to fireworks.

Subaru: "Is this a festival?"

Niki: "Bingo! Wishleaf is havin' its annual festival in two weeks! I signed us up to make a stall. Yer welcome!"

Beatrice: "Festival?"

Niki: "Yep, it's a big party with lots of lights, shops, and snacks!"

Beatrice: "Hmm, snacks… I will go, I suppose. Subaru, you will take me, in fact."

Subaru: "That was pretty quick… Sometimes you are really easy to read, Beako."

Beatrice: "Hmph, whatever, I suppose. Niki, what is this stall you mentioned, in fact?"

Niki: "We gotta make a shop or attraction and build a stall. That's why I brought paints and banners!"

Adella: "I see, I suppose we will have to come up with an idea then. Perhaps we should brainstorm tonight? I can prepare you a bed, Miss Niki. If you wish to stay the night."

Niki: "Umm, is it that late already... how about tomorrow morning? I gotta take the cart back before it gets too late since I'm supposed to watch the little ones tonight. I promise to stay over soon!"

Adella: "Ah, yes, then tomorrow morning it is."

Subaru returned the lid to the crate before storing it in the kitchen. The group then headed towards the foyer to say goodbye to Niki.

Adella: "I'll have breakfast ready in the morning, so I'll set an extra place for you, Miss Niki."

Niki: "Thanks, Della! You all should come see the kids again sometime. They're only that cute for a little bit! Anyways, I'll see ya in the mornin'!"

Subaru: "Will do, tell them we said hi! See ya, Niki."

Beatrice: "Goodbye, I suppose."

Adelle: "Farewell!"

After saying their goodbyes to Niki, Subaru and Beatrice retired to the tea room while Adella tidied up the kitchen. The spirit rested against Subaru on the couch as she pelted him with questions about festivals. After the sun had faded from the windows and Beatrice's curiosity was seemingly satiated, Subaru spoke softly to Beatrice.

Subaru: "Beako, what was with that hug today? I thought for sure that you were really mad."

Beatrice glanced up at Subaru as she leaned against him before answering.

Beatrice: "Well… I was really upset, I suppose. Yet, after Niki hugged me… I felt better, in fact. Then that meddlesome maid hugged me too…"

Subaru: "Yeah?"

Beatrice: "That felt even better, I suppose. Betty was forced to consider the multicative potential of hugs, in fact."

Subaru: "That a fact? And what exactly did you consider?"

Beatrice: "Much like magic, more casters means a more powerful spell, in fact. The same concept applies with hugs. Since it made Betty feel better, I asked them to try it on you as well, in fact."

Subaru: "Erk!?"

Subaru looked down at Beatrice who was returning his gaze. The couple soon had matching shades of pink on their cheeks. Beatrice continued speaking without looking away.

Beatrice: "I was still worried about last night, I suppose. So I thought it best to forgive Adella so we could all hug you too, in fact. I'm glad to see that it worked, you had such a genuine smile on your face earlier…"

Subaru: "Thanks, Beako... You know, you never stop surprising me. I'm glad I have you looking out for me."

Beatrice: "We have some good friends looking out for us too, I suppose."

Subaru placed his hand over Beatrice's as they sat together. He felt a profound sense of honor knowing that this spirit thought so highly of him that she would put him first over her own emotions. Subaru considered that perhaps Beatrice's personality had grown slightly in this sense. Regardless of the reason, it made him happy to be closer with the small spirit. Although it wasn't said out loud, the couple could feel mutual love from each other as they quietly whittled away the late evening together.

Chapter 14 End