Finally, chapter three. It took a year, but we got here. This chapter ended up being very long, so I've decided to split it into two parts. Part two will be released in a few days to a week.
This is where we start to deviate from canon and get into some original events. This chapter and the next take place during the one year time gap between Arcs 4 and 5.
I have spent the better part of the last 7-8 months working on this. I wanted to make it as good as possible, and I think that I've done that to the best of my ability. I hope that you all enjoy!
"Su—u! Sub—! Sub—u! Sub—ru! Subaru! Subaru!"
His breathing was as rapid as the sweat that poured down his face. With his pupils dilated, he grabbed something — anything — as tightly as he could.
Subaru's mind scattered into bits and pieces. He felt cold, lost and unsure of himself
Unrelenting fear held him down, refusing to let him go. It was suffocating.
His ears were ringing. His entire body shook. He could only acknowledge the sounds of his own heavy breathing as it coincided with the quick beats of his heart.
In a way, it was akin to a dreadful song: one which perfectly sang the tune of the nightmares which always haunted his dreams.
As the ringing in his ears slowly but surely ceased, his body stiffened. There was a noise that came not from him, but from something beside him.
The sound of sniffling and anxious shuffling caused his head to turn. Even through the dark, he could clearly see what — no, whom it was.
Still in her nighttime attire, Beatrice sat beside him with tearful eyes, tightly holding onto his arm with a hopeful desperation.
Without delay, Subaru's mind started to piece itself back together. He became more aware of his surroundings until, eventually, he was able to somewhat understand what was going on.
"Be—Beatrice?" he questioned with a soft mutter, coughing a bit. "What's wrong?"
Her grip on his arm somehow intensified. Looking into her eyes, Subaru saw how they narrowed into a disapproving glare.
Laced behind it, however, was an unyielding worry.
"… What's wrong?"
Her hushed tone gave him chills. Immediately, he was met with the realization that he'd asked a very stupid question.
Subaru expected her to lash out at him, but she never did. Instead, Beatrice regained a sympathetic expression. The glare in her gaze faded, softening into something much sweeter. Her grip also softened, allowing her to properly convey her love and care.
"You were yelling in your sleep," she whispered, holding his hand. Her thumb soothingly stroked the back of his palm. "When Betty arrived, you were scratching your arms. They were bleeding."
Subaru's breaths hitched. Instinctively, he looked down at his arms, only to find little to no trace of injury.
It seemed as though Beatrice had already healed him. The scars, however, would always remain.
His eyes shifted to the side, unwilling to look at her. How could he? Even a mere glance would tear his heart apart.
"... I'm sorry," he said.
They were predictable, near meaningless words, but they were spoken straight from his heart. A genuine apology.
Still, it made neither of them feel any better.
"... Why?" Her head turned steadily to face him, though Subaru still stubbornly looked away. "Why are you hurting so much?"
Beatrice's voice strained as more tears welled up in her eyes. They strolled down her cheek, dripping onto his arm.
Subaru winced. He couldn't even begin to imagine how terrible she was feeling.
Just days ago, he had held out his hand to her. He had promised to make her happy. He had promised to rid her life of sadness and pain.
… So much for keeping that promise.
"Please, tell Betty," she begged. Her voice was no longer a whisper as she pleaded, "Please tell me why you're in so much pain!"
He took a deep breath. It did little to ease his staggering heart, but it allowed him to momentarily gain some mental clarity.
With each word that came from his mouth, Subaru felt a part of him die again. "I'm sorry, Beatrice, but I can't tell you."
His voice trembled with an immense regret, but also desire and uncertainty. His anxiety only grew as he awaited her response.
"I don't understand," she eventually whispered, hanging her head.
With reeling breaths, her tears continued to fall. Subaru could only hold his breath, wanting nothing more than for her pain to end.
For a moment, she struggled to find her words. "Was it something that Betty did? If so, please let Betty regain your trust!"
"Don't say that!" Subaru shouted, only to freeze. He hadn't meant to yell, but he couldn't let her think like that.
He would never let her think like that.
After a few seconds of silence, he spoke in a quieter tone, "It'll never be your fault."
Though he couldn't see it, Beatrice's expression softened. She matched his hushed voice, "I don't understand."
"I know you don't," Subaru said. "I don't expect you to."
"Why do you sound like you've given up?" Her voice broke, as did her heart. "We made a promise to be together! To stay together. We're supposed to be a team, in fact!"
Silence infected the air like a plague, only cured by Subaru's muttered words, "You don't know how badly I want to tell you."
"Then tell me, I suppose."
Her voice was assuring and firm. She scooted closer to him, holding both of his hands in a secure and hopeful embrace. She yearned to share his plight.
He finally turned to face her, allowing their eyes to nearly instantly lock together. Through her touch and gaze, Subaru could feel Beatrice's love and worry.
"Please, tell Betty what is hurting you so much. No matter what, I will always be here for you, in fact."
"I know," Subaru said with a broken voice. "But I can't."
Each plea further ruptured his heart. With every moment that passed, he felt the abyss grow within his soul. He wanted so desperately to reach out — to tell her the truth — despite knowing that he couldn't.
With a low, defeated tone, she only said, "I see."
Beatrice paused. She thought to herself, hanging her head as her hands gripped his own just a little bit tighter. Her touch conveyed a sense of reassurance that momentarily caught him off-guard. It was the exact opposite of how she sounded just seconds ago.
With a near endless ambition, she looked straight into his eyes.
"Even if you can't tell me, I will still be here for you, in fact!" she exclaimed. "Just as you reached out to Betty, I will reach out to you, Subaru! You just need to trust Betty and take her hand, I suppose."
Her words radiated the tremendous passion that she so desperately wished to convey. Subaru was left speechless as his heart swelled, unable to form a single word in return.
"No matter what, I will help you. Betty will always remain by your side because you are Betty's number one. You always will be, forever and always, in fact. We promised to make each other happy, so I plan to fulfill that in earnest, in fact."
Beatrice held a hand over her chest as she spoke. Her heart had completely mended, overflowing with the love that she so resolutely felt. She wanted to share it with him.
Subaru couldn't look away from her. Her expression made his chest flutter, yet, at the same time, it made him feel guilty.
What did he do to deserve someone as wonderful and amazing as her?
"I love you, in fact."
Beatrice blessed him with a beautiful smile. As his breaths stuttered, his face was cast aflame.
"I love you too," he said, only for his gaze to wander away. "I just …"
One of her hands went to his cheek. Her touch was soft and gentle, wiping away the unwelcome tears that stained his face. Her hand slowly guided his head, subsequently forcing him to look upon her smile once more.
In that moment, Subaru felt his inner turmoil wash away. He couldn't find the will to tear his gaze away from hers again.
As he looked deeply into her sky-blue eyes, studying the pink butterflies that lay within, his thoughts came to a resolution.
He knew what he wanted to do. He knew what he had to do.
Even if it wouldn't work — even if it was all in vain — he still had to try. He wanted to try. He owed that not only to her, but to himself, too.
His mind, heart, and soul were each enthralled with an unwavering desire. His anxiety grew, fearful of the consequences that were to come, yet his expression solidified, more determined than ever.
Subaru took a deep breath, trying unsuccessfully to relax himself. The weight on his shoulders was paramount, but he took his time in easing their burden.
"Beatrice, I— I have something that I need to tell you."
"Anything, Subaru. Betty is always willing to listen."
He couldn't hold back a smile. Even just hearing those words made him feel so much lighter.
Their fingers quickly intertwined themselves in a gentle, reassuring hold. There was so much that he wanted to say.
There was nothing that he would regret, even if — when — this didn't work. No matter what happens next, Subaru was just happy to have her by his side.
"Beatrice, I …"
Still, he hesitated. Anxiety sept into each breath that he took.
Despite his fear, Subaru remained strong. He could feel his will and determination prevail as he focused solely on his partner's eyes.
It was now, or never.
After taking one, final deep breath, he spoke those five fateful words, "I can Return by D—!"
Everything froze. Reality became swept in something cold, dark and ominous. It was invisible, but Subaru could see its blackened hue as it surrounded him on all sides.
On cue, a hand grabbed and caressed his heart. The hand tried to pull his soul into the abyss, to meet the entity shrouded within, but it refused to budge.
An icy breath tickled his ear, making his whole body erupt in an agonizing shiver.
…
"I love you."
…
Only a second passed. The chilly atmosphere began to dissipate, leaving no trace of its presence other than the memories it had left behind.
Those three words echoed in his mind, filling him with dread. Though it was gone, Subaru could still feel the entity lurking beside him, lurking amongst the shadows.
The atmosphere still felt cold, despite being warm again. For a moment, he fruitlessly grasped at his aching heart.
Beatrice was holding him close. Her embrace was tight, yet also indescribably gentle. He felt safe and secure within her arms.
She was unwilling to let him go. Subaru didn't mind.
Unlike the dark, foreboding presence which coated him in endless misery, Beatrice's embrace covered him with limitless life. He wanted to stay in that position forever.
He steadily reciprocated, allowing her to relax, too. Knowing that Subaru was okay, Beatrice's accumulated stress slowly began to fade.
"Are— Are you okay?" she asked with a strained voice, still reluctant to pull away. "Are you in any pain?"
"I'm okay. I'm not in any pain," Subaru quietly answered. With his face nuzzled into her shoulder, he continued, "Thank you."
They finally separated, though they still remained close. They looked at one another earnestly, conveying a mutual love that would never cease.
For a second, her lips curved slightly up, and the remnants of her tears seemed to almost sparkle. "Forever and always, Subaru. Just as Betty said, you are her number one, in fact. You are never alone."
… She was right. He wasn't alone.
He would never be alone again.
That was something that he would never forget.
"I love you," she said.
Those three words echoed in his mind. A warm sensation swelled in his chest, one that made him feel safe.
His soul relished that feeling. It wanted nothing more than to embrace it and never let it go.
That was exactly what he did.
He held her again, and Beatrice quickly melted into his arms. The comfort that they felt compelled them to never relinquish their hold on each other again.
When they were together, they felt at home. Home lies where the heart is, and their hearts would always belong together.
With tear-filled eyes, he finally answered, "I love you, too."
For minutes, nothing else was said. The two lovers only basked in the solace of the other's company. It was all that they truly needed.
But they both knew that there was still more to address. Despite being reluctant to talk again — to separate and let go — their belief in each other pushed them forward.
They begrudgingly relinquished their embrace. Beatrice fixed him with a knowing expression, her lips parting in a whisper, "You're cursed."
Subaru turned away. He didn't want her to look at him; to peer into the abyss of pain, trauma, and shame that he was always forced to hide. "Yeah. It's something like that."
"Each time the Witch's scent became more intense, it was because of your curse," she realized. "I— I never noticed."
He comfortingly held her hands. "Don't say that," he said. "It's not like you could have known, and it's not like I was shouting it out for everyone to hear."
Subaru chuckled, trying his best to smile, but it seemed to do nothing to ease her internal pain.
"How long, I wonder?" she dreadfully asked. "How long have you been cursed?"
"Since before we even met."
Beatrice winced. From that alone, Subaru knew exactly what she was thinking.
He interjected, "I know that look."
Suddenly, he dramatically crossed his arms over his chest, shaking his head disapprovingly. It caught her off-guard.
"I'm not having it," he said. "Nope, not at all. Now, repeat after me: 'It's not my fault'."
"H-Huh?" she stuttered, confusedly blinking at him. "What are you—"
"Nope!" he exclaimed, making an "x" with his arms. "Denied! Try again. Say: 'It's not my fault'."
"B-But—!"
"Nope!" he interrupted, crossing his arms. With another disapproving shake of his head, he continued, "You better say it, or else I'm just gonna keep doing this. I have all night."
Beatrice grumbled, averting her gaze with a noticeable blush. She desperately wanted to argue with him, to disagree with his decision, but she knew that she wouldn't win.
Reluctantly, she complied. "I-It's not my fault, I suppose."
Subaru immediately looked proud of himself, fixing her with a confident smile. "See? Was that so hard?"
A coy laugh escaped from her lips, matching his grin with one of her own. She could never resist his theatrics for too long. "You're impossible, I suppose."
"You know, I consider that to be one of my more difficult qualities. Unfortunately, you're stuck with it now."
Her grin persisted, if only to grow bigger. "Betty knows what she signed up for. It's just another trait that Betty loves about you, in fact."
Memories from just a few nights ago resurfaced in her mind. She would never forget what he did for her.
It was his stubbornness that finally enabled her to finally take his hand, forgoing the library which held her captive for centuries on end. So, in that aspect, how could she not love that attribute of his?
As his face went red, she laughed again. He tried to find something to say, only to come up short of anything clever. Beatrice would only find a way to tease him again if he tried.
Still, he was happy. Nothing in the world could ever compare to moments like these.
"Betty has made her decision, I suppose," she suddenly spoke. "We will be sharing this room from now on!"
Her exclamation, full of confidence, nearly made Subaru choke on air. "W-What?"
"You heard me," she said, pridefully puffing out her chest as she crossed her arms. "Betty will be sharing this room with her Subaru from now on, in fact."
"Like— Like you mean this room specifically?"
"That's correct, I suppose."
Subaru slouched, trying in vain to make himself invisible. "… So we'd be sharing the same bed?"
"Is there something wrong with that, I wonder?" she immediately questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Betty's Subaru is always so warm: perfect for cuddling, in fact."
The blush on his face persisted as he stuttered, "L-Look, I don't think you understand how hard this'll really be for—"
She smirked. "Sure I do, I suppose! As a matter of fact, Betty feels a little chilly right now. Could Subaru do the honors of warming me up, I wonder?"
"Wait a minu—"
Subaru didn't have a chance to finish speaking as his entire body was secured in a tight, greedy hug. The bed let out a soft squeak as their two bodies fell against it, only to quickly settle in place.
When his head hit the pillow, Subaru realized that Beatrice was lying right beside him, their positions allowing his gaze to linger on her cute, beautiful face. His blush only deepened.
She still grinned from ear to ear, draping the blanket over them both in one swift pull. All he could do was lay there, stunned.
"What's wrong, Subaru?" she amusedly teased, wrapping her arms around his back. "You seem lost for words, I suppose."
He closed his eyes, grinning softly. "I was just thinking of how amazing it is to see you so carefree."
She let out a light huff as she blushed. "It's only natural when I'm with you, I suppose."
Subaru laughed a little. "So, do you feel any warmer?"
"Betty was never cold to begin with," she smugly replied. "I just wanted an excuse to cuddle with you, I suppose."
"I should've known," Subaru said, feigning disappointment with a small shake of his head. "You could've just asked, you know."
"Where's the fun in that, I wonder?" she teased, fixing him with a sly grin. "But if you want Betty to be completely honest, Subaru's touch is very soothing. It calms Betty's heart and soul. I— I love it, in fact."
"... I really don't know what to say in response to that."
"Understandable, I suppose," she said with a lighthearted laugh. "You must be enchanted by Betty's irresistible charm."
"How could I not be?" He laughed. "I don't think I could ever get used to your teasing, Bea."
"As expected, I suppose. Betty's flirting is unparalleled and— Wait, what did you just call me, I wonder?"
Subaru blinked at her, noting the sudden shift in her tone. Her expression seemed stupefied, like she was more shocked than anything else.
"Oh, the nickname?" he asked. "I just thought it was cute, but I can stick with your full name if you really don't like it."
She didn't answer right away. Instead, she tilted her head down, trying to hide her face from him. Subaru would have gotten worried, had he not seen the ever-darkening blush that tinted her cheeks.
With a cute mutter, she said, "Betty will allow this, I suppose."
Sporting a knowing smile, he answered, "I'm glad that you like—"
"However!" she loudly interrupted, looking at him with determination laced into her reddened face. "Only Betty's Subaru is allowed to call Betty by that name, I suppose!"
Keeping his previous expression, he replied, "That's fine by me—"
"And don't you dare think that this is over!" she exclaimed, interrupting him once more. "Betty will find a suitable nickname for you too, in fact!"
With a laugh, he said, "This isn't a competition, you know."
She grumbled as she calmed down. Instead of saying anything, she subtly shuffled closer to him, all while her gaze coyly wandered away.
Noticing her movements, Subaru laughed a little. "I never thought that you'd be able to say such embarrassing things so casually. You're usually always so collected and reserved."
"... Only around you, Subaru."
The embarrassment in her tone was clear, but so was her passion and love. It warmed his heart.
With a muffled voice, Beatrice muttered, "I told you that you were perfect for cuddling, I suppose."
With both of her arms wrapped around him, she pulled him closer. The darkness hid the redness of his cheeks, conscious of how closely she snuggled into him.
"But not nearly as perfect as you," he assuredly replied.
The color of their cheeks matched. Together, they mutually shared an awkward yet tender pause.
Neither of them spoke for a while after that. Their feelings didn't need to be said. All they did was focus on the comfort of the other's close embrace.
Soon enough, their mutual embarrassment shifted into a mutual peace. They began to relax, closing their eyes as their minds gradually drifted into the land of dreams.
With a tired voice, Subaru whispered, "Goodnight, Bea."
"Goodnight, Subaru," she softly answered. "As long as Betty is by your side, no harm will ever come to you, in fact."
Subaru smiled warmly. "I know."
The two fell asleep, ensnared by the comfort of the other's touch. Even in their dreams, their thoughts would only be occupied by each other.
That was why, for the rest of the night, Subaru's nightmares didn't dare return.
Beatrice's breath hitched as she dipped her toes into a body of hot water. She gradually lowered herself further, slowly letting the water envelop her entire body. Once she was comfortably submerged, Beatrice let out a satisfied sigh.
She leaned back, relaxing against the wall as she unwittingly muttered to herself, "When Subaru recommended a relaxing bath, Betty didn't think that it would feel this nice, I suppose."
While she would rather be at Subaru's side, she couldn't deny how comfortable this was. She supposed that, sometimes, solace could be good, too.
Aside from the occasional drops of water, the room was silent. It gave Beatrice the opportunity to close her eyes and completely lose herself in her thoughts.
Right now, to her, the bath felt like a sanctuary in its own right.
"The bath is reeeeally relaxing, isn't it, Beatrice?"
"Yeah, you said it, I suppose."
It took her a moment to fully realize what had just happened. Startled, she jumped back in the water, her eyes widening as her head snapped toward the source of the voice.
"Y-You! What are you doing here, I wonder?!"
An innocent voice hummed. "Isn't this bath open to everyone? I saw you come in, so I thought I could come in, too."
Sinking herself back into the water, Beatrice grumbled, "It is, I suppose. But that doesn't mean that you should intrude on Betty's alone time, in fact!"
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she said, genuinely apologetic. Beatrice could tell that she felt guilty, which made her start to feel bad. "Should I leave?"
"Don't bother, Emilia-sama," another voice interjected. "Ram is sure that Beatrice-sama doesn't mind."
"Now you too, maid?" Beatrice said with a glare. "And you dare speak for Betty, I wonder? You have some nerve, I suppose."
"Oh, please." Ram rolled her eyes, waving away Beatrice's meager threats. "You spend every waking moment with that irritating Barusu. You can use some time with girls for a change."
Beatrice scoffed as Ram stepped into the water, soaking herself just like the two girls before her. "That's because Subaru is the most amazing person in this world. Betty wouldn't trade him for anything, in fact."
"Ha!" Ram laughed. "That Barusu can't even compare to Ram's greatness. Even Garf or Merchant Boy has more charm than him."
"Even Subaru's ground dragon has more charm than you, maid," Beatrice taunted. "At least Patrasche has a wonderful personality, I suppose."
"Ha!"
"Come on, you two! Don't fight!" Emilia pleaded, pouting in Beatrice's direction. "Don't let Ram's comments get to you, Beatrice. That's just how she is."
Crossing her arms, the spirit scoffed once more. "Anyone that falls in love with an old, perverted clown automatically has a meaningless opinion about this subject, in fact."
"How amusing," Ram commented with a straight face. "Because it's you, Beatrice-sama, Ram will let that comment slide."
Closing her eyes, Beatrice turned her head away with disinterest. "Even so, Betty has no care for your opinion."
Ram fixed her with an amused, knowing look as she spoke, "Clearly you do, if you're willing to say this much. You can't fool me, Beatrice-sama."
"You guys!" Emilia exclaimed, standing between the two. As unnecessary as her actions were, it successfully forced both Ram and Beatrice to stop talking. "Please, stop bickering! We're supposed to be relaxing, so let's just relax, okay?"
Neither of the two girls verbally responded to Emilia's plea. Ram simply reclined comfortably in the water whilst Beatrice grumbled to herself off to the side. Emilia, despite not being completely satisfied with their reactions, chose to find her own spot, as well.
Many minutes passed as the girls continued to bathe in silence. Beatrice eventually relinquished her frustration, trying to clear her mind. She couldn't deny that Emilia was right. She came here to relax, so letting Ram's words get to her head was only going to cause more harm than good.
Still, that wouldn't change the fact that her alone time was rudely infringed upon. Her annoyance from that fact likely wouldn't waver any time soon.
Small ripples and splashes in the water garnered Beatrice's attention. She opened her eyes, immediately fixing Emilia with a judgemental gaze. "This is not a pool. Don't swim and play around like it is, I suppose."
"Oh, sorry, Bea," Emilia apologized, clasping her hands together with a guilty laugh. "I just wanted to move around a bit."
The spirit's eyebrow twitched, hesitating to raise her voice. "If you're truly sorry, don't call Betty by that name again."
Emilia blinked confusedly, touching her chin in thought. "Do you not like that name? I swear that I've heard Subaru call you that a bunch of times. You always blush and look really happy when he says it, too."
"That's none of your business, I suppose!" Beatrice exclaimed, unable to hide the rising blush on her face. "That name is just specially reserved, in fact."
"Ooooh, I understand," Emilia said with a smile. "Don't worry, Beatrice, I'm not trying to infringe on you and Subaru's bond!"
Emilia gave Beatrice a little salute, as if to affirm her loyalty. Beatrice let out a small breath, easing herself before she spoke, "I'm aware, I suppose."
"And yet you defend Barusu like he's your princess," Ram teased, a sly grin on her face. "How embarrassing. At this point, you're more of a knight than he is."
With another scoff, Beatrice replied, "Betty's Subaru has a charm greater than any knight. He saved Betty, and those actions will stick in Betty's heart forever, in fact."
Beatrice's thoughts momentarily drifted, thinking of Subaru and everything that he'd done for her.
Ram made a weird face. "Fortunately for everyone that isn't here, they were spared from seeing such a love-struck face caused by Barusu of all people."
"Look who's talking, Miss Roswaal simp!" Beatrice countered with a confident look. "You should see your face whenever that perverted man merely enters a room, I suppose."
The maid raised a brow. "Simp?"
With a prideful stance, Beatrice continued, "It means 'someone who is desperate for the attention and affection of someone else'!"
"I'm guessing that Subaru taught you that word?" Emilia asked. "I've never heard it before."
"That's right, I suppose!"
"Oh-ho. Even more proof that the idiot Barusu is negatively affecting the great Beatrice-sama's well-being," Ram spoke, a cocky grin on her face. "We should purge this influence from you at once."
As Beatrice fixed Ram with an annoyed glare, Emilia's eyes twinkled as she said, "You must reeeeally love Subaru, huh, Beatrice?"
Oblivious to Emilia's smile, Beatrice's expression shifted. "Of course. Betty's love for her Subaru extends further than the world itself, in fact."
"Ah, I see!" she said. "To be honest, I was expecting that you'd say something else."
Somewhat surprised by Emilia's words, Beatrice asked, "Like what, I wonder?"
"Something like …" Emilia suddenly cleared her throat, taking a small breath. Doing her best to mimic Beatrice's voice, she said, "'Subaru is the best! Subaru is the greatest! Subaru can do anything! I love Subaru'!"
In an instant, Beatrice's face was cast aflame. She stuttered, struggling to find her words, "Y-You! Are you mocking Betty, I wonder?!
With a small laugh, Emilia waved her hands out in front of her. "No, no. I'm actually reeeeally happy that you two are so close now. I think that it's super sweet."
Beatrice relaxed a little bit, sinking into the water up to her neck. "Well, thank you, I suppose."
"You're welcome!" Emilia beamed before adopting a thoughtful expression, falling silent.
Both Ram and Beatrice noticed the sudden shift in Emilia's demeanor. It was as if she was pondering many of life's wondrous questions.
She stayed silent for a while before setting her sights on Beatrice's once more. "Say, what's love like?"
Beatrice gave her a curious look. "May I inquire as to why you're asking, I wonder?"
"I'm not sure," Emilia admitted, directing her gaze upward. As she looked at the ceiling, silently thinking of what to say, she let herself smile. "I don't know much about it, but I think knowing more about love will help me become a better person."
Humming softly, Beatrice gave Emilia's words some thought. Her question was simple, but the response that she sought was ever-complex.
In all honesty, Beatrice didn't know how to answer. It took a few minutes of silent contemplation before she even found her footing and, even then, it wasn't much.
"Betty can't fully discern an answer," came her reply. She glanced to the side, letting out a small breath. "My heart is very expressive, yet it's still difficult for me to interpret everything that it wants to say, I suppose."
"Can you try?" Emilia asked, subtly pleading. "Can you just tell me how it feels to be with someone you really, really love?"
Beatrice let out another breath, lowering her head to focus on the water. "Our hearts and souls feel bound as one, I suppose. It hurts to be apart. Being together always feels natural. We would do anything for each other, in fact."
Emilia's eyes suddenly sparkled as she looked at Beatrice with wonder and fascination. She seemed to resonate with Beatrice's words, causing her eyes to reflect her admiration.
"You and Barusu have an irreplaceable bond, Beatrice-sama," Ram suddenly chimed in, sporting a surprisingly genuine smile. "The two of you share an incredibly deep and intimate understanding. That's why it feels natural."
Beatrice blinked at Ram, momentarily taken aback by her words. After a moment, she grinned, too. "Yes. Betty can't help but agree, I suppose."
The bond between herself and Subaru was profound. It went beyond words. It went beyond their contract — beyond their relationship as lovers — and etched itself deep into their respective souls.
Despite that, there were still chains around Subaru's very being. They kept him bound and unable to move despite how desperately he wanted to reach out to her.
Beatrice's most desired wish was to unbind those chains and unveil the secrets that he's been forced to guard so deeply within. Only then could she help shoulder his burdens — only then could they be truly happy together.
"By the way, Beatrice," Emilia said, bringing the spirit out of her thoughts. "I've been meaning to ask you something."
"What is it, I wonder?"
Thinking to herself for a moment, Emilia asked, "I've been wondering why you've been a bit grumpy today. Is it because you're pregnant?"
Silence persisted for a long moment until Ram's unrestrained laughter shattered it.
Beatrice's face showed a bright red as she failed to comprehend Emilia's words. "W-What are you on about?!" she exclaimed. "Betty's not pregnant!"
"You're not?" Emilia mused, seemingly oblivious to what was happening around her. "But I saw the two of you kiss at the Sanctuary."
Upon realizing the implications of Emilia's words, Ram's laughter only increased. It became so intense, in fact, that it obnoxiously echoed throughout the entire room.
"W-What the—" Beatrice stuttered in disbelief. "Kissing does not conceive children, in fact!"
Emilia adorned a confused look. "It doesn't? But Puck never told me otherwise."
"No, it doesn't, in fact!" Beatrice exclaimed. She held her face with a mix of irritation, annoyance, and shame. "What in the world was Bubby thinking, I wonder?!"
Ram spoke through her laughter, "Even though they've been sharing a room for a while now, Barusu is far too cowardly to actually try anything like that."
"Like what?" Emilia questioned. "I'm still confused."
"Ram will tell you later, Emilia-sama."
"That's it," Beatrice said, standing from her spot. She cared little for her dignity anymore. "I'm leaving, I suppose."
Ram gave her a knowing look as she exited the bath, all while Emilia developed a frown. Beatrice simply chose not to listen to anything that they were saying as she left.
When she reached the changing room, she looked at herself in the mirror. She took deep breaths, conscious of her rapidly beating heart. Her face was like a smoldering fire: a fire which she desperately wanted to put out.
Beatrice didn't know what she was feeling, exactly. Emilia's question had done something to her. She was embarrassed, somewhat humiliated, but also happy?
She didn't really get it. Even as she got dressed, leaving the room entirely, she pondered the meaning of her feelings. In the end, she pushed it to the back of her mind.
Her relaxation time was tarnished. It somewhat irked her, but she didn't let it annoy her too much.
She would much rather relax with her Subaru, anyway.
"Happy birthday, Subaru!"
Subaru nearly fell flat on his butt as soon as he opened his bedroom door. When he looked up, he was nearly blinded by Beatrice's beaming smile.
"I hope that you've had a great day, I suppose!" She pridefully puffed out her chest, smirking at him. "Now allow Betty to make it even better, in fact!"
Her demeanor oozed confidence. It left Subaru breathless as he disbelievingly asked, "Bea … What is all of this?"
She put a hand on her hip as she gestured around the room. "Your surprise party, in fact!"
Subaru finally took a minute to look around, seeing all of the custom, handcrafted decorations that covered most of the walls and furniture. He had to blink a few times to make sure that it was all real.
The most prominent decoration was the large "Happy Birthday" sign that stretched across the room from above the window. Black and pink colored balloons also floated around in various places, with some of them even shaped like stars and butterflies.
None of that, however, was comparable to the huge, two-tier-tall cake. It was clearly home-made, with its edges decorated in icing that was shaped into little stars, and its borders colored in patterns of black and orange. On the very top, the words "Happy Birthday, Subaru!" were neatly written and fonted in a way that showcased Beatrice's own personality.
"Did you—" He paused, taking a moment to process what he was seeing. "Did you do all of this yourself?"
With her nose held high, she boasted, "Of course! I think that I did quite well, too, I suppose."
His eyes drifted toward the cake for a moment. "You don't think that it's a little … too much?"
"Nonsense," she denied, waving off his concerns. "Betty's Subaru deserves nothing but the best, in fact."
He definitely got the best, all right. It was way more than he deserved, though.
Without saying another word, Subaru got to his feet, marched straight up to Beatrice, and enveloped her in a big hug. It surprised her, throwing her off-balance, but she reciprocated the embrace.
"S-Subaru?" she asked, somewhat concerned. "You know that Betty loves your hugs, but this one feels a little bit different, I suppose. Are you feeling okay?"
Unbeknownst to her, he was smiling and nearly crying. With a small sniffle, he whispered, "I've never felt better."
Beatrice only stayed silent. She accepted his answer, melting into the hug. They remained that way for minutes on end, simply enjoying the moment.
"Alright!" Subaru suddenly exclaimed, separating himself from their shared embrace. He quickly wiped his eyes before energetically putting his hands on his hips. "Since you made so much cake, you're going to have some with me! And I won't be taking no for an answer!"
As Subaru began his trek towards the cake, Beatrice put up her hands in show of refusal. "No, no, Betty can't do that. This cake is for you, I suppose."
"Hey! What did I just say?" Subaru turned back to her with a goofy grin, pointing at her accusingly. "If you say no again, I'm gonna have to come up with more of our custom spell names, just for you."
She whined dramatically, slouching where she stood. "Please, don't. The acronyms are always embarrassing!"
Subaru hummed in faux thought before shrugging with mock acceptance. "Alright. Then, no cuddles for a week."
"You're bluffing—"
"Two weeks."
Beatrice huffed and pouted at him, but stepped toward the cake. Once she reached Subaru's side, she begrudgingly grabbed a plate and took her slice.
With a half-hearted glare, she said, "You wouldn't even be able to stick to that condition if you tried, I suppose."
Subaru grabbed his own slice of cake, sporting an eccentric smile. "Yup! But I'm glad that you agreed to this anyway, Bea! It means a lot!"
"The things that I do for you, I suppose," she amusedly grumbled, forming a smile of her own as they both walked away.
With their plates in hand, they sat on the bed. Together, they ate, bantered, and enjoyed each other's company.
When they ran out of cake on their plates, they went to get more. At times, they even fed one another, laughing all the while.
To others, it may have seemed like an ordinary birthday celebration. To Subaru, however, it was one of the best parties he'd ever had.
On one late night, as it stormed and rained outside, all but two were soundly asleep.
In the dark confines of their bedroom, Subaru and Beatrice huddled together under their blanket. As always, they were like two peas in a pod. A book sat between them with only a single, small light illuminating its open page.
Beatrice held a pen in her hand, dancing its tip on the paper with determined vigor. When she was done, she gave Subaru an optimistic look.
"Did I do it right, I wonder?"
Subaru tilted his head, studying her work. "Kinda. Do you want me to show you again?"
With a firm nod, she replied, "Yes, please."
Beatrice handed Subaru the pen, which he gladly took. He sent her a teasing wink, sporting a goofy grin. "Watch closely."
She playfully rolled her eyes, but nodded at his words.
As the pen skidded upon the paper once more, Beatrice's eyes studied it with unparalleled focus. She memorized each and every motion that his hand took.
Once he finished, she retook the pen from his grasp. Immediately, her hand moved across the paper with a beautiful and careful elegance. Subaru's pride in her only grew with each character that she wrote.
As the final stroke graced the page, Beatrice retracted her hand with unmatched excitement. She looked at Subaru, watching hopefully as he examined her work. The moment his smile widened, her expression became confident and smug.
"So, what do you think?" she asked, very sure of herself.
"It's amazing, Bea," he complimented, admiring her writing. "You really are a fast learner."
On the paper was Subaru's full name, written with perfect handwriting in his native language. At the sight, Subaru really was proud.
Beatrice held her nose up high at his praise, boasting, "Naturally, I suppose." She fixed him with a small smile, giving him a slight nudge with her elbow. "But, I also had a great teacher, in fact."
Subaru blushed, averting his gaze. "Let's not go that far."
She only giggled at his response. When Subaru looked over at her, her dreamy expression became clear as day, making him even more flustered.
They began to stare into each other's eyes, equally mesmerized by the details within. Before they knew it, their faces inched closer and closer together until, eventually, their lips connected in a harmonious union.
It was a short kiss, yet it lit up powerful fireworks in both of their chests.
Their breaths tickled one another as they separated, starting to cuddle. For a while, they simply appreciated their closeness.
Subaru broke the silence a few minutes later, addressing Beatrice with a newfound motivation, "Hey, Bea. Can I see the pen for a second?"
Somewhat surprised by his unexpected enthusiasm, she handed him the pen. He quickly began to write something on the page, all while Beatrice watched with great interest and wonder.
Upon finishing, he looked at her with a smile and asked, "What do you think of this?"
Beatrice studied his handwriting, acknowledging the foreign word. "What does it say, I wonder?"
"It's your name, Bea."
At his words, she looked at him in shock. When he handed her the pen, she slowly took it from his hands, unable to pry her eyes away from the letters on the page.
"Do you think you can try writing this now?"
His question snapped her out of her stupor. She gave him an eager nod as she gingerly took to the paper in front of her.
Subaru watched as Beatrice wrote her entire name in perfect strokes. He found himself impressed, ready to compliment her, only to become silenced as she continued to write.
He found himself more and more stunned with each character that she wrote. Subaru was overwhelmed with disbelief up until her very last stroke.
"Bea … What is this?" he asked with incredulousness seeping into his whispered tone.
On the paper was Beatrice's name, written neatly in his home language, followed by his family name. Together, it spelled out, "Beatrice Natsuki."
She gave him a pure, loving grin. "It's my name, in fact. We're family now, aren't we?"
Subaru only stared at her handwriting, too amazed to think of a response. No words could describe how elated and touched he really was.
He gazed at her, admiring her peaceful expression as she cuddled back into his side. They weren't even married, yet she still considered herself a part of his family.
Subaru suddenly had a lot to think about. His mind wandered, but his musings always circled back to one, particular thought.
As he silently pondered the idea, an overbearing amount of joy filled his heart.