A/N: Hello everyone. I'm glad so many of you enjoyed last week's chapters. This chapter is really loosely based off of Emilia and Subaru's date, but from a much different perspective. I'm sure a lot of you have you been waiting for what's going to happen in this chapter, so please, enjoy.

And also, big shoutout to tobychevy, ShuTDown, and Haseo8 who found last weeks grammar errors.

Chapter 42: From Zero

Having decided to endure the fatigue he felt, YN pressed on, and was instructed by Ram on what to do in order to allow Rem to sleep later into the morning.

Almost through with his final task, YN was shoveling the remaining snow off the major walkways around the mansion and its surrounding gardens. Although the day was warm and sunny, the snow was melting particularly slowly.

Having just finished clearing a pathway, YN was on the final one that still needed shoveling. Preparing to shovel, he heard a second shovel slide into the snow next to him.

Looking over, with the sun brightly reflecting off the snow lighting up her angelic face, her blue hair glistened.

Rem: Good morning, YN-kun.

Feeling a wash of emotion fill him, it was the first time he'd seen Rem since they spent the night together. Focusing in on her lips, the feeling of them had been set in stone with his psyche. Seeing them purse into a smile, waiting for him to respond, YN snapped himself too.

YN: Oh uhhh, yes. Good morning— well, I guess it's closer to 'good afternoon' at this point, isn't it?

Giving a look of embarrassment as she replied, Rem lowered her head.

Rem: When Rem woke up so late, she was worried she left Nee-sama with all the morning work, so Rem ran to her to apologize.

Looking back up, the maid smiled once more.

Rem: But then she said that YN-kun had decided to cover for Rem, so she wanted to thank him, so...

Leaning in, Rem placed a kiss on YN's cheek. Feeling her soft lips land on his face, they left a warm spot when they departed, which spread across his entire face.

Standing back and admiring the reaction YN had, Rem smiled more brightly than the light coming off the snow from the midday sun.

Clearing his throat, YN steadied himself.

YN: So, I take it you didn't have a hangover?

Rem: Rem did wake up with a slight headache, but it's nothing bad.

Sticking her tongue out and tilting her head, Rem tried to hide her embarrassment of the fact she'd been less than professional.

YN: That's not too bad then. I'm glad you got some sleep then still. I haven't really slept at all.

Rem: To tell the truth, Rem actually woke up not long after YN-kun had started Rem's tasks for the morning, so during that time, Rem worked on her evening tasks.

Surprised to hear that, YN questioned further.

YN: You managed to get all that done by now?

Nodding, Rem answered.

Rem: Yes. Although he hadn't done much to help, Subaru-kun had also already finished some of Rem's evening chores as well, making things go quicker.

Thinking back, YN had seen Subaru doing some tasks. Putting his hands on top of the snow shovel and resting his head on that, he looked up as he recalled.

YN: Come to think of it, I did see Subaru running around doing some things, but I figured he was just getting ready for his date. Why did he decide to help all of a sudden?

Covering her mouth while giggling, Rem explained.

Rem: Nee-sama decided that Subaru-kun had enough time before his date to work, so when he tried to get out of it, she hid his picnic basket he had prepared and promised only to say where she had hidden it if he helped.

YN: Jeez, that's kind of harsh, but also funny.

Digging his shovel into the snow, YN tossed the first load off the sidewalk.

YN: So what are you going to do now? I'm almost done here, but when I am, I have to secretly chaperon Subaru and Emilia on their date. And who knows how long that'll be?

Smiling in response, Rem declared her intentions.

Rem: Rem will help YN-kun finish here, and then assist him with supervising Subaru-kun and Emilia- sama's date.

While happy to have help, YN felt guilty about Rem having to work more.

YN: Wouldn't it be better if you rested?

Taking a load of snow with her own shovel, Rem made her case.

Rem: But since we won't be directly involved with Subaru-kun and Emilia-sama's date, wouldn't that be some nice alone time for YN-kun and Rem?

Realizing she had a point, YN gave in.

YN: Yeah, we can't really squander an opportunity for that, can we?

With Rem smiling brighter than the snow once more, they each went to work, quickly clearing the last path.

Whilst pretending to do something else, Rem and YN watched as Subaru and Emilia proceeded down the steps of the mansion, and made their way down the pathway to its main gate.

Seeing the two exit the fenced area of the mansion's immediate grounds, Rem and YN nodded to each other.

Having changed back into the same clothes he'd arrived at the mansion in, YN hoped these would be less conspicuous then his work clothes, which were his only other choice.

Having grabbed a hooded cloak of all things, similar to one Emilia had at one point worn, but without the "ears" on top of it, Rem returned to the front door where YN awaited her.

Seeing him raise an eyebrow to her choice of outfit, Rem moved her hands up to her hood and let the light shine on her face a tad more as she explained.

Rem: Both Rem and Nee-sama have a set of matching cloaks for when our maid uniforms aren't the best for the situation, but we must change our appearances quickly.

YN: Well, I guess it stands out less than a maid uniform, and it hides your identity.

Rem: Yes, it is quite effective! Which is why—

Revealing her hands from beneath her cloak, Rem handed YN a neatly bundled and folded mass of fabric.

Taking it, YN unfolded the fabric until he realized what it was.

YN: It's—!

Letting the fabric drop to its true form as he examined it, it became apparent immediately what it was. Poking her head around the side of it as he held it out, Rem made herself visible again before continuing, hoping to see YN's reaction.

Rem: Rem made it herself! Please, try it on!

Unbuttoning the collar, YN adorned the handmade cloak he was just given, but not before noticing a small tag like inscription written inside, just below the hood seam. Sounding out the words as best he could, YN read them aloud.

YN: 'Made by Rem, for her YN.'

Seeing the maid as cheerful as ever, YN flipped his hood up, buttoned the collar, and spun around once.

YN: How does it look?

Clapping her hands together, Rem was proud of her work.

Rem: It looks just as Rem had planned it to, and Rem is very happy her measurements were accurate.

Examining the cloak further, YN felt how light it was, and how well it breathed. He also noticed that all the lengths were perfect for his own stature. The cloak did not fall so low as to be stepped on or be caught on certain things. This was also the case for the hood as well, it was large enough to cover his face but not obstruct his view.

Truly, it was a work of high quality, and also one that had the kindness and compassion of its seamstress induced into it.

While nearly identical to the one Rem wore, it's collar button was much more masculine looking then the ornate blue ribbon of her own, being a simple metal clasp instead. And the fabric, it was much darker in shade compared to the one Rem wore.

This would work really well in a rocky or dry environment for concealment, or even as a contrast color in a more lush area maybe?

To say the least, YN was genuinely impressed with what Rem had made for him.

YN: Geez Rem, you really didn't have to. But I am impressed with just how well it fits. How did you get the measurements so accurately?

Smiling with pride, the maid tilted her head and closed her eyes as she did.

Rem: Rem simply took them in the morning while YN-kun was still asleep.

While not exactly shocking at this point given Rem's other habits, YN was still nonetheless slightly taken aback by her bold methods.

YN: A-Ahh, I see. But anyway, thank you Rem. I really like it.

Rem: When Rem had seen YN-kun let Nee-sama borrow his jacket, Rem was afraid he might not ever see it back, so Rem prepared a replacement, just in case.

Stepping closer, a look of hope built in Rem's eyes.

Rem: But because YN-kun likes it so much... Perhaps that is worth praising Rem?

Lowering her hood and leaning her head forward, Rem squinted her eyes in anticipation.

Deciding she had earned it, YN awarded Rem with the headpats she so desired.

Wincing as she had done the first time he had patted her head, YN still was unsure why she did so.

More l-lewd Rem noises.

With both of their faces red now, YN turned to look out the window next to the main door of the mansion. Noticing them, he saw Subaru and Emilia just walk out of sight, and enter into the forested part of the road that leads up to the mansion from the village of Arlem.

Adorning her hood upon her head once more and moving to open the door, Rem gestured for YN to follow.

With that, the two began their covert observations.

As Subaru and Emilia neared the village, Rem and YN poked their heads out from behind a tree, just far enough to keep the two in their sights.

YN: Looks like another busy day in the village.

Rem: It appears we'll be able to blend in with the crowd.

Seeing the village children catch sight of Subaru, they pulled him and Emilia away, taking them out into the open field by the village center, where Subaru had instructed the village on radio-calisthenics.

Working their way through the village, taking a less visible route, Rem and YN took a vantage point where they'd be the least conspicuous. Sitting down, the two found a familiar bench, shaded by a nearby tree. From here, they were right across the road from the village center with it's field and gazebo.

Clasping YN's hand, Rem leaned on his shoulder as they watched their objectives, shrouded by the passerby of those heading to and from the market area.

Rem: YN-kun remembers sitting here with Rem for the first time, doesn't he?

YN: I do. Ram left us here to go shopping.

Thinking back, YN remembered his and Subaru's mission to investigate the village when this had occurred, in an attempt to find whoever it was placing the curse.

Rem: Rem never would have thought our relationship would have turned out like this. But Rem is very happy it did.

Squeezing her hand, YN replied.

YN: Me too Rem.

The two were silent as a gentle breeze went by, finding its way into each of their hoods, it was a refreshing feeling. Looking to his side at the maid who rested her head on him, YN saw the little specks of light that made their way through the tree's cover dance as the wind moved them.

As the breeze subsided, Rem spoke back up.

Rem: Rem was going to ask YN-kun what a 'date' was, but Nee-sama said YN-kun told her what 'dating' was.

YN: Yeah?

Rem: Yes. She said it's more or less a form of courtship that's casualized, is that correct?

YN: Yeah. Compared to what qualifies as 'courtship' here, I'd guess that's a pretty good way of describing it.

Before Rem could ask more, the two of them both saw Subaru and Emilia wave goodbye to the village children, and head off in a new direction.

Standing up, they both knew that they must depart and follow, staying far enough back to not be noticed. Keeping a hold of his hand, Rem held it up between them.

Rem: Can Rem ask we at least stay like this? Holding each other's hand as we walk through the village?

YN: Of course.

Departing in pursuit, the two walked hand in hand.

With their eyes still on their objectives, one thing was apparent to both of them.

Subaru[-kun] and Emilia[-sama] aren't holding hands.

Following them around a corner, Rem spoke back up once more.

Rem: When two people are 'dating,' what does this mean they are? Rem can guess they aren't betrothed to each other, since it's more casual, but what is the point of a 'date' in dating?

YN: Hmmm. I'd say it's an offer to have some one-on-one time with another person you have interest in. If only for the chance to see if the two of you can relate to each other intimately, and to see if feelings of romance can blossom.

Continuing to follow the two who were on their date, the path Subaru and Emilia were on now began to lead out of the village, towards the meadow just past the trees that surrounded the village.

Stopping behind the corner of the nearest house, YN and Rem let the other two get a good distance away before following so closely again.

Taking the opportunity, Rem further inquired.

Rem: So once it is determined that those feelings exist mutually, what is next? Certainly not marriage proposals.

YN: At that point, those people are 'dating.' That's what I'd call it anyway.

Rem: Then are those that are dating exclusive to each other then? Or is it so casualized that someone could be courting many people at once?

YN: Honestly? To some, that's what it might mean. But in my opinion, if it isn't exclusive, I don't see the point in saying that it's 'dating.'

Continuing forward as Subaru and Emilia were far enough away to be followed once more, YN gestured back to Rem to follow.

YN: Dating is supposed to be when those feelings are supposed to be tested and see how well they grow. If more than one is growing, it makes it hard on each to reach their potential, and eventually, one will need to be culled so the other may flourish. And the longer you wait, the harder it can be. It just never ends well.

As the two approached the exit of the forest, Rem and YN sat behind a bush, hidden in the shade while Subaru placed a blanket down in the midst of a grassy clearing, fully surrounded by flowers of all colors and shapes.

Rem: What else goes on when two people are dating? Nee-sama had mentioned something about hand holding, and even...

Turning and making eye contact with each other, the two stared at each other, waiting for Rem to finish.

Rem: ...Even kissing.

Seeing Rem's face turn a slight shade of crimson, YN swallowed a lump growing in his throat.

Is she implying what I think she's implying?

With movement catching their eye, the two watched as Subaru placed his picnic basket down on the ground as Emilia sat with him.

Rem: YN-kun.

Turning toward the cloaked girl to his side, she removed her hood, letting a soft breeze dance through her blue hair.

YN: Y-yes?

Rem: While not as planned out as Subaru-kun's, would it be fair to call when Rem comes to help YN-kun study, a date?

Feeling sweat grow on his brow, YN nodded.

YN: In a broad sense, sure.

Looking down and thumbing her own hands, Rem built up the courage she needed to ask her ultimate question.

Rem: Then since we have both been on dates with each other... and we know there are feelings.

Slowly raising her head, Rem continued.

Rem: ...And since we both hold each other's hands, and with what happened last night—

Jerking her head up to lock eyes with YN, Rem's eyes were filled with determination.

Rem: —w-we kissed. Would YN-kun say that... him and Rem... are—

She was about to say it. YN knew exactly what word would be leaving Rem's mouth. A word riding right over the same soft lips he had kissed only hours prior.

Mustering her strength, Rem found the resolve to speak her final word.

Rem: —dating?

Speechless at her question, YN failed to find the words to answer at first.

While not getting a bad reaction from YN, Rem took it as him struggling to understand her words, just as she had struggled to say them.

Rem: W-When YN-kun asked Rem if 'they could be more,' was 'dating' what he meant? Since Rem can assume 'dating' is indeed something from his world, and having been inside his head, knows how he thinks...

Grabbing his hand with both her own, Rem cupped them inside her own.

Rem: That's what YN-kun meant by 'more,' yes?

YN: Rem...

Looking at him with a hint of worry, Rem listened to his answer.

YN: 'More' means a lot more than dating... But—

Taking his free hand, he cupped both of hers with his now.

YN: 'Dating' would be the start of that, yes.

Seeing Rem's reaction to his words, it was clear something had "clicked" inside her thoughts. Coming in close, Rem leaned her head on YN's chest as she spoke.

Rem: YN-kun... You came into Rem's life at a time when she had begun to think nothing would ever change for her, and that she would be forever frozen in time. Frozen after what happened on that terrible, fiery night when Rem lost everything she loved in this world except for Nee-sama...

Feeling a light breeze fill his hood and rustle the leaves of the brush and trees around them, Rem continued.

Rem: But on that later dark night when Rem had lost herself and all she knew was violence, it was YN-kun who saved her. And when Rem was being carried by Nee-sama when we were all out of options, it was YN-kun who ran back to face the mabeast and gave us a chance to run. And after defeating the monster, he found his way back to Rem's arms, alive. Even that next morning, YN-kun had changed something in Rem's heart, one that would be the beginning of Rem's true feelings for him and had given Rem the power to set in motion the thing she needed to have. Someone to lean on, and to rely on, the one thing Rem had avoided having for the longest time.

Wrapping her arms around him now, Rem turned her face to the side, but continued her words regardless.

Rem: And that night after Rem was at the lowest she had ever been, after she doubted her hero and learned of all the pain she had caused him, and for a moment, truly hated herself, it was YN-kun who said what Rem needed to hear most, when she needed to hear it most, from who she needed to hear it from most.

Looking up at him, Rem went on.

Rem: Rem doesn't know exactly when YN-kun had fully unfrozen her heart and restarted time for her, but through his patience and kindness, Rem can say for certain, that at this very moment, Rem knows that time is moving for her again.

Reaching down and grabbing both of YN's hands, one in each of her own, Rem took half a step back while another breeze went past them.

Rem: So if YN-kun wants to be something more, let's start now. Right here. This will be our first step, from square one. No—

As Rem took another step back, she held YN's hands still as they were lifted up, a larger gust of wind came from the meadow, a rainbow of flower petals rushed past both of them. With the branches parting, a sunbeam shone upon Rem as the petals danced around her.

With a twinkle in her eye, Rem spoke her words.

Rem: We'll take our first step, from zero!

Feeling his own hands begin to tremble from Rem's words, YN gazed into her azure eyes.

Pulling her in, YN hugged Rem tight as the breeze died down, the light subsided, and the petals fell around them.

This is... the start of 'more.' The start of us. The start of the one thing I couldn't find back in the old world.

YN: Yes... Right now. From zero.

To both of them, it was today they'd mark as the beginning.

Today, Rem and YN were dating.

Today, Rem and YN were something "more."