Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 19: By Your Side is Where I Need to Be

The time before the festival passed quickly with Subaru making daily trips to the village for the purpose of crafting the stage needed for the play. Though he was diligent in his work, he made certain to keep his promise to Beatrice by leaving early in the morning and returning home as soon as he was able. Lately, the spirit had started waking up with Subaru and following him around the castle before he left. This unusual behavior would continue once he returned with Beatrice proving to be inseparable from him. While it struck Subaru as strange, his work schedule kept him more than busy. Within one week, the combined efforts of Subaru and the village had resulted in a nearly complete stage. To Beatrice's reserved joy, she and Adella would travel with Subaru to the village to practice their lines. The small stage was mostly made with lumber from the local forest and had a large red curtain that could be drawn by even the most diminutive of the villagers. The girls would keep the curtain down so that they could practice while keeping it secret from the children. Adella and Niki had also decided that Subaru would have to wait until opening night to watch Beatrice in action, much to her chagrin. To return the good will that the village had shown him, Subaru began helping locals with their festival preparations. Before he knew it, it was the day before the festival and the last stall that needed his help was the cafe. The chef had tasked him with hanging up ornate paper lanterns of various hues, and so Subaru was crouched near a pile of collapsed lanterns while absorbed in his work. He wore the village tunic as he had taken a liking to the light fabric and found it more suitable for outdoor labor than his normal track suits. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Subaru began to methodically construct the lanterns before adding a small candle. It was while performing these duties, that a small pair of eyes had started watching him from afar.

?: "Stare…"

Peeking around the corner of a nearby house was none other than Beatrice. She was wearing a sleeveless light blue sundress complete with a floral pattern ribbon tied into a bow across her midsection. She complemented the ensemble with white sandals and a large cream colored sun hat that covered her hair as a few strands gently blew in the wind. She was staring daggers into Subaru's back. As of late, she had been finding any reason to seek him out and keep an eye on him. It was if a small piece of her heart was aching and being near Subaru brought temporary relief. The small spirit leaned out from around the corner as she furrowed her brow and occasionally let out a sigh.

?: "What are ya doin'?"

A familiar voice rang out from behind Beatrice as she stumbled forward and lost her balance. Just as she began to fall face first towards the ground and out of the safety of her cover, something pulled her dress and suspended her in the air. Regaining her composure, Beatrice stood back up and spun around with her fists extended by her side. Clearly in a huff, she was met with Niki's toothy grin as the cat girl sweetly spoke.

Niki: "Yer spyin' again, aren't ya?"

Beatrice waved her hands in front of her and fervently denied any wrongdoing.

Beatrice: "I-I am not spying, in fact! Betty doesn't know what you are talking about!"

Niki: "Fine, but ya know Della is gonna get mad again if yer late comin' back from break. She was just lookin' fer ya."

Beatrice: "Hmph!"

Niki: "She sent me to find ya, but I can give ya a few minutes if ya need some quality time?"

Beatrice: "Q-quality t-time! Nonsense! I was simply going to let Subaru know that he should give it his best, in fact!"

Niki: "Whatever ya say… Just make it quick. I'll keep Della busy!"

Beatrice: "Don't make assumptions, I suppose!"

The adamant spirit marched away in a huff while Niki snickered. Deciding to give the couple some privacy, Niki turned around to make her exit. Unfortunately, she was instead greeted with a dangerous aura as a familiar karate chop connected with her head. Meanwhile, with the area seemingly clear, Beatrice eyed her target and broke into a small sprint before jumping onto the crouching Subaru. The impact was soft enough that he wasn't knocked over but was surprised to find his girlfriend's arms wrapped around him.

Subaru: "B-beako!? What if someone saw you? I just got the town to stop fawning over us."

Beatrice: "Grr… You said you would spend time with me, in fact!"

Subaru: "I did. But that was when we rode here two hours ago! I think you will be fine. Does Adie know that you're here?"

Beatrice: "Again with that maid, I suppose. She isn't in charge of Betty, in fact! I'll have you know that-"

?: "Now, now, might we calm down before you say something that would hurt my feelings, Lady Beatrice?"

Releasing her embrace of Subaru, Beatrice dropped to her feet and turned to face the head maid who had appeared out of nowhere. A quick glance to the side revealed that she had Niki in tow. The cat girl was rubbing her head as if she had been disciplined and Beatrice surmised that she had been outed by her best friend.

Beatrice: "Is there something you need, I suppose?"

Adella: "Lady Beatrice, we were supposed to take a five minute break before returning to rehearsal. Yet again I find you here...with Master Subaru..."

Niki: "I tried to buy ya sometime fer goo goo eyes, but I failed!"

Beatrice: "That's quite alright, I suppose. She doesn't play fair, in fact."

Adella: "How can you say that? I just want to make sure you put on a good show for a certain special boy in your life…"

Beatrice: "Grr… I know what I'm supposed to say, I suppose. This is nothing for Betty, in fact!"

Adella: "Then it should be no issue to come and show us how grand you are?"

Beatrice rolled her eyes before relenting to Adella's argument. The display made Subaru chuckle at the absurdity, but the fact that Beatrice had stolen away to spend time with him made his heart fill with warmth. The distraction, however, caused his hand to slip while unfolding the paper lantern he had been working on. The delicate decoration fell to the ground as a surge of pain spasmed up his arm and Subaru instinctively grasped his finger with his other hand. Upon releasing the digit in question, he saw a line of crimson form across the tip of his pointer finger.

Subaru: "Ouch… Damn…"

The break in conversation left Adella and Niki turning their attention in concern, but the small injury threatened to give Beatrice a conniption. She flailed her arms as she pulled Subaru's hand and gravely inspected it before clutching it in both of hers. A dim green light emanated from her clasped hands and Subaru could feel the injury slowly closing while the pain subsided. Beatrice looked up at him with moistened eyes and met his gaze. It wasn't long before the two felt the flat stares of their audience digging into them.

Niki: "Bea… it was a paper cut…"

Adella: "Indeed… I knew your doting was bad, but this is…"

Niki and Adella: "So cuuute!"

Adella and Niki giggled playfully with mocking smiles as Beatrice began to turn pink up to her ears and her eyes began to spin.

Adella: "Well, I am glad to see that you're not ashamed to display your love in public anymore. Master Subaru, can you send her back to the stage once you calm her down? I think the teasing was punishment enough, fufufu…"

Subaru: "Will do…"

Beatrice: "Awawawa…"

Adella and Niki took their leave and left Subaru who was making an animated display of shaking Beatrice by her shoulders to bring her back to her senses. After a few minutes Beatrice appeared to calm down as Subaru addressed her.

Subaru: "Beako… it's your own fault for letting yourself get carried away."

Beatrice: "Sorry, it's Betty's fault that you keep getting distracted, I suppose."

Gazing down dejectedly, Beatrice kicked her feet at the ground as she blushed. Something seemed peculiar, but seeing her acting so pitiful tugged at Subaru's heart and he searched for a way to lift her spirits. An idea struck him as he excitedly reached for Beatrice's small hand. The spirit looked at him quizzically as Subaru flashed a confident grin and proclaimed his idea.

Subaru: "We can have lunch together!"

Beatrice furrowed her brow in annoyance as she flatly responded.

Beatrice: "Were we not already going to have lunch together, in fact?"

Subaru: "Yes, but we normally eat as a group. I was thinking that maybe you and I… could go somewhere more private."

A small blush spread across Subaru's cheeks while Beatrice's eyes shimmered as she realized what he intended. She bristled with excitement and gave her answer.

Beatrice: "Like a date… yes… I accept your conditions, I suppose. You may have lunch with Betty, and only Betty, in fact."

Subaru: "Sounds good to me, Beako. Think you can go back now?"

Beatrice: "Indeed… I shall return, in fact."

Subaru: "Alright, I'll see you soon."

As feelings of anticipation simmered between the couple, Beatrice gave an appreciative smile and turned to take her leave. However, she paused momentarily before turning back to deliver one last statement. Beatrice's eyes were closed and she clenched her fists against her chest as she quickly blurted the words.

Beatrice: "I love you… and I look forward to seeing you later, I suppose. Goodbye!"

Before Subaru could respond Beatrice had broken into a full sprint. Heat filled his chest as he tried to find words but failed and could only stare onward. Yet, as the brazen spirit moved further away, the sentiment he wanted to convey found its way to the surface. Words escaped his mouth and he called out to Beatrice.

Subaru: "I love you too!"

Due to the distance that Beatrice had created, Subaru yelled his message. Perhaps the torrent of emotions had caused Subaru to overcompensate as the boy awkwardly professed his love much louder than he had intended. Beatrice jolted as she heard his admission, but continued at her brisk pace nonetheless. The boy might have seen a meek smile emerge across Beatrice's face had he not been distracted by the giggling villagers that began to look out from across the area. The chef walked out from the cafe to berate the boy for shirking his work, but ended up laughing all the same. A severely embarrassed Subaru made an apology before continuing to work for the rest of the morning. As the sun reached the center of the sky, he was given permission to take a break and cleaned his face and hands in a water basin before glancing up the pathway from the cafe. With impeccable timing, he saw a certain giddy spirit happily walking towards his workplace. Although she had been acting odd lately, he couldn't help but feel refreshed upon seeing her. In her hands she carried two carefully wrapped boxes that she swung back and forth as she approached. Witnessing the scene was enough to make his chest tighten up as he thought that her infectious smile suited her. Lost in his thoughts, Subaru felt a tug at his shirt and looked down to find that Beatrice was furrowing her brow and meeting his eyes.

Beatrice: "Has the sun baked your brain, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Have I ever told you that you have a way of ruining moments?"

Beatrice: "Erk!? Betty just arrived here, in fact! I went through the effort of bringing your lunch and this is the reception I receive, I suppose…?"

Subaru: "Sorry, I meant to say… Thank you, Beako. I appreciate it."

Beatrice: "That is more acceptable, I suppose."

Beatrice nodded in approval while Subaru flashed a friendly smile. It was at this time that a familiar voice called out to the couple. As they turned to see the source of the voice, both Kobe and Ricardo came walking towards the cafe. Subaru merrily waved to the approaching duo and, once they had arrived, began to make small talk.

Subaru: "Good to see you both again. Thank you for letting me borrow the clothes, Kobe."

Kobe: "Don't mention it. I reckon you've earned them by now. They don't fit any of us anyway."

Subaru: "Thank you! So what brings you here?"

Kobe: "Just two old men about to have lunch. Ahh…"

Following Kobe's gaze, Subaru looked down to see Beatrice sizing up the unfamiliar cat boy. Noticing her evaluating expression, Subaru decided to give an introduction.

Subaru: "Beako, this is Ricardo. He's the lumbercat that I worked for."

Her eyes flickering with realization, Beatrice nodded towards Ricardo before offering a greeting.

Beatrice: "Hello, I am Beatrice. Thank you for taking care of my idiot contractor, I suppose. I hope he did not cause you too much trouble, in fact."

Kobe heartily chuckled as a smile crept across Ricardo's face. The lumber cat bowed his head toward Beatrice and began to speak.

Ricardo: "I am Ricardo, good to finally meet you. No worries, he is a fine idiot. Quite hard working."

Beatrice: "Yes… that may be one of his redeeming qualities, I suppose."

Unable to hold his tongue any longer, Subaru raised his voice as he interjected.

Subaru: "Hey! I am standing right here!"

Ricardo: "It was just a friendly conversation. Can you dispute anything that was said?"

Subaru: "Well… I'm not an idiot. At least not all the time!"

Ricardo: "Fair enough. Besides, I can see from your lunches that things are going well between you two. I take it that you took my advice to heart?"

Referring to his parting words from their previous interaction, Ricardo eyed Subaru expectantly. The boy's cheeks went pink as he glanced at Beatrice.

Beatrice: "What does he mean, in fact?"

Subaru: "Well… uh..."

Ricardo: "I told him to kiss you, of course."

Beatrice's expression stiffened as she recalled something Subaru had said recently. After a few moments, her face flushed as she turned to Subaru with anger in her eyes.

Beatrice: "Erk!? W-wait… Didn't you mention this when you came back to the castle that day, in fact? I remember you saying something about Ricardo, I suppose…"

Putting his hands up in front of his chest, Subaru tried to disengage from the irate spirit.

Subaru: "Beako, just calm down. I can explain."

Beatrice: "You only kissed Betty because someone else told you, I suppose! IDIOT! Did you even want to, in fact!?"

Subaru: "O-of course I did! Beako, can we please talk about this... in private?"

Kobe: "Y'all always make for a good show! Don't worry, little miss, your guy here was missing you quite a lot. He told me all about it over some sake! No doubt, he was running home to see you!"

Kobe had intervened with a good faith gesture to try and spare Subaru from any further embarrassment. However, he and Subaru looked towards Beatrice and saw that her reaction was less than understanding. Her already pink face was now becoming redder by the second as she began to air her grievances aloud.

Beatrice: "N-now you're drinking too, I suppose? I let you out of my sight for one night and you become a deviant, in fact!"

Subaru: "Beako! You're misunderstanding! Why are you so angry?"

Beatrice: "Hmph!"

Turning her attention away from Subaru, Beatrice bowed slightly to Kobe and Ricardo before addressing them.

Beatrice: "While it was a pleasure, I must take my leave, in fact."

The two villagers nodded in return before watching while the red faced spirit began to make her way toward the trial leading away from the cafe. Unsure if he should follow, Subaru pitifully looked on as Beatrice marched away. As if to answer his question, Beatrice abruptly stopped and pivoted to face him with her feet firmly planted shoulder width apart and raised her arm to point at Subaru. The boy saw this and instinctively flinched, but no burst of wind followed Instead, Beatrice raised her voice to call out to him.

Beatrice: "What do you think you are doing, in fact? While you are a deviant, this only shows that Betty was correct in making you stay by her side, I suppose. You are to follow me this instant!"

Subaru: "Irk! Yes, I'm coming, Beako!"

Subaru hastily said his goodbyes to Kobe and Ricardo before chasing after Beatrice. Once they had made their way out of sight, Kobe exhaled loudly with a light laugh and Ricardo took the opportunity to voice his thoughts.

Ricardo: "They are definitely in love. Even if it is unnecessarily loud..."

Kobe: "Now you see why the town can't stop talking about them."

Ricardo: "Good for them, now let's eat in peace."

With that, the two old friends entered the cafe for a quiet lunch. In contrast, Subaru would spend much of his lunch trying to rectify the situation with Beatrice. The couple ventured away from the village to where they had previously fished with Niki and the children. After making sure they were alone, Beatrice produced a blanket and dropped to her knees to hand out the premade lunches. Joining her in what could only be described as an awkward silence, Subaru opened his box to reveal several neatly packed sandwiches that Adella had been favoring lately. Why was Beatrice acting so strangely? Her anger wasn't unfounded, but her emotions had been varyingly intense all day, Subaru thought. All he knew was that he wanted to speak with her and while he began to unpack his meal, Subaru spoke softly to Beatrice.

Subaru: "Beako, are you still mad at me?"

The suspicious girl listened as she ate, but remained indignant while offering a response.

Beatrice: "Do I have a reason to be, I suppose?"

Subaru: "I don't think so…"

Beatrice: "Then I am not mad, I suppose."

Subaru: "…"

Beatrice: "..."

With that exchange, the lunch passed quickly as neither one knew what to say to each other. The lack of communication caused a small pain in Subaru's chest and was made apparent in his somber expression. Without meeting his gaze, Beatrice finished her meal and sat quietly. Subaru noticed that she had a few stray crumbs on her cheek and reached across with a napkin to assist her. Beatrice instantly raised her hand to swat his advance away but Subaru expected this and seized the opportunity to wrap his arms around her in a comforting hug. Stunned, Beatrice began to half heartedly pound her fists on his back. However, as her emotions reached a boiling point, her fists unclenched and she fervently returned his embrace. Feeling a light breath against his neck, Subaru whispered into Beatrice's ear.

Subaru: "Thanks… for not blasting me away earlier. I'm sorry to be so forward, but I can't let us

have a bad date."

Beatrice: "I-idiot…"

Subaru: "For the record, I definitely wanted to kiss you. You don't have to worry about that. You've been acting strange for a while now, what's going on, Beako?"

Beatrice: "I know that… Betty just felt… nervous when Ricardo said that… Betty has been feeling quite… nervous recently, I suppose. I am sorry I've been taking up so much of your time lately with my interruptions, in fact."

Subaru: "Huh? Why would you be sorry?"

Beatrice: "If I keep being bothersome, you might… tire of Betty, I suppose. I do not wish to be alone again, in fact!"

Beatrice unintentionally yelled the last statement which caused Subaru to flinch. Silence filled the air as the boy repeated the words in his head and stared on with a sorrowful look. All of a sudden, Subaru realized the anxiety that Beatrice had been handling by herself since he had left her alone in the castle. It had not been the first time that the girl was left alone and unsure, a fact that Subaru was all too aware of. Her demands for intimacy combined with her apologetic attitude had all started two weeks ago. A tinge of remorse for not understanding sooner pulsated through him. He dared not apologize, but instead offered Beatrice the words she so desperately needed to hear. Words he had said before and would undoubtedly say again. Tightening his embrace, Subaru vehemently offered his reassurance to the wavering girl.

Subaru: "Not possible, Beako. You're mine and I won't part with you so easily. I'm sorry I didn't notice you suffering earlier. I'm still the idiot, after all."

Beatrice: "You aren't an idiot-"

Subaru: "Yes, I am. You've been right by my side again and again. You're the first thing I see when I wake up and the last image in my mind when I drift asleep. I love you with everything I have. I'll say it anytime you need to hear it, you aren't alone. Not ever again, I promise.

Beatrice: "Erk! Y-you don't have to... *sniff*"

The breath against his neck suddenly became hotter as Beatrice turned bright red. Despite her embarrassment, her heart had become calmer at Subaru's assertion. The boy's words lifted her up as if to remove the anchor that had been threatening to drown her. As her eyes moistened, she buried her chin into his neck and softly cried. The weight of the emotions that she had been cradling spilled forward as Subaru held her and allowed her a sanctuary to weep unabashedly. He lost track of time as each heavy exhale of the overwhelmed spirit carved a wound into him. How long had she been shouldering these feelings? All he could do was hold her close and burn this feeling to memory as he made a quiet vow to never let Beatrice fight alone no matter the battle. Subaru could not possibly begin to fathom the emotional toll that four hundred years of seclusion might have had on Beatrice. Yet, in his small way, he wanted to provide a safe place where she could be herself without worry. Perhaps together they might be able to find a way to ease her heart, he thought. Eventually, Beatrice's breathing calmed and she slowly leaned back so that Subaru could meet her gaze. Her cheeks were pink and swollen but Subaru pretended not to notice as he produced a handkerchief and dabbed her face. Collecting her nerves after her cathartic episode, Beatrice silently allowed herself to be pampered. Speaking in a soft voice, Subaru addressed the spirit.

Subaru: "You can talk to me about these things if you want. I may not understand everything, but I can listen."

Beatrice: "Just being here is enough, Betty just let her emotions overwhelm her, I suppose. I thought I could handle it alone, but I seemed to have underestimated the situation, in fact."

Subaru: "Alright. I'm here for whatever you need."

Beatrice: "Thank you, I suppose. I did not expect to make such a display-"

Bringing her fingers to her cheeks as she spoke, Beatrice felt the tear stained skin and immediately turned her gaze to the side.

Beatrice: "You should not see Betty in such a sorry state, in fact."

Subaru: "I have no room to talk when it comes to crying. But you look beautiful, even when in a sorry state."

Beatrice: "Is that so, I suppose?"

A slight smile emerged on her face as Beatrice turned to watch the river which scattered sun rays across the choppy surface. A low breeze passed by the couple and Subaru turned his attention to the sun, which had moved a significant distance since they had retreated for lunch.

Subaru: "Beako, we are definitely going to be late."

Beatrice: "Can we just stay a little longer, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Of course."

Beatrice: "Oh… and Subaru?"

Subaru: "Yeah?"

Beatrice: "I love you, too. When one says it, it should be responded to in turn, I suppose."

Beatrice gaved a drained smile as Subaru responded with one of his own in tacit agreement. Luckily, they hadn't revealed their lunch plans to the others and had made sure to block their picnic site from the peeking eyes of the village. Unable to break away from Beatrice, Subaru accepted her request to remain together. To his surprise, Beatrice slid her legs away from him and gently lowered her head into his lap so she could watch the waves roll by. Subaru felt his face flush as the small weight in his lap made his heart pound against his chest. He extended his hand and began to softly run his fingers through Beatrice's silken hair while the girl slowly dozed off under the warm summer sky. They remained together as the sun descended even further before Beatrice stirred and the lovers decided to return to the village and accept what punishments that might be waiting for them. Upon returning to the cafe, they found Adella and Niki waiting for them. Yet, Adella greeted them with a smile which made Subaru feel uneasy.

Subaru: "Adie, sorry I borrowed Beako after lunch."

Adella: "Fear not, once I heard that you were with her, it made perfect sense. The two romantic leads stole away for a midday encounter. How could I be mad at that? Bravo, Masters!"

Subaru: "Uhh… While you aren't wrong, I don't approve of the way you're describing it."

Niki: "Well, we were pretty much done anyways. Once Della heard that you two ran off, she started gushin' and making goo goo eyes. Hope yer ready fer openin' night, Bea!"

Beatrice: "Of course! Just try not to hold me back, I suppose."

Niki: "That's the spirit! Actually, mister, yer the one who should be sorry! You left all those lanterns!"

The words pierced Subaru as he feared that the chef would be rightly upset after putting his faith in someone who shirked their work multiple times. Looking at the pile of lanterns still waiting to be hung, Subaru felt a sense of duty as he proclaimed his plan.

Subaru: "I'll just have to stay late and finish the job!"

Beatrice glanced up at him with a flat glare of disapproval before sighing. The small girl stepped forward and lifted her hand, which began to glow as the mana poured forth and effortlessly lifted the lanterns to equally spaced positions across the cafe grounds. Seemingly satisfied, Beatrice nodded and snapped her fingers while each lantern lit up at once. The serene environment attracted attention from the villagers passing by and the chef emerged from the building and gave the group an affirmative hand gesture along with a hearty thanks before returning to his work. Subaru, who had maintained a blank stare the entire time, broke the silence.

Subaru: "You could have done that the entire time!?"

Beatrice: "Yes, I suppose. You could have done as much too, in fact."

Subaru's shoulders slumped as he had no one to blame but himself. Beatrice stood with a smug look on her face while Niki interjected.

Niki: "Wait, couldn't ya have just done that to build the stage, Bea? Then mister coulda just stayed at the castle. I didn't even think of that!"

In stark contrast to her expression before, Beatrice now froze as the color drained from her face. Subaru worriedly turned his attention as her stance began to waver. Before he could react, Beatrice fell face first into the ground with a panicking Subaru not far behind. A confused Niki watched the events and felt a painful tug on her ear from a certain head maid.

Niki: "Owowow! Della! What did I do this time?"

Adella: "I'm not completely sure, but I am sure my punishment is less harsh than Lady Beatrice's…"

In the last moments of daylight, the group was as energized as ever. With patience, Adella was eventually able to corral the couple back home with little hassle. With everyone loaded into the cart, they embarked on the return trip to the castle. Their relationship tempered by the day's events, Beatrice quietly held Subaru's hand for the entirety of the trip. Even though her heart still ached when she considered being apart from him, Beatrice found herself finding solace in his lunchtime promises. A tender smile emerged as she began to observe the fleeting trail behind the cart and as the village grew dimmer in the distance, a feeling of anticipation became contagious. With the festival starting tomorrow, expectations were bubbling as hopes for a fun and exciting time were shared by villagers and castle denizens alike.

Chapter 19 End