Chapter 52: Dinner Date
YN: Okay, I think the last thing I need to do is plate the food...
With YN just about to start dishing Rem's share onto her plate, suddenly the door to the room flew open, sending a gust of air about the room, causing the tiny flames on each of the candles to flicker and hold on for dear life, causing several to not survive.
With most of the light in the room scattering about as the candles stabilized, in jumped through the door a figure of black when a familiar shade of blue, and a recognizable rattle of chains.
Rem: YN-kun! Nee-sama said—
*Splunk*
Freezing mid motion, YN lost the balance of the spaghetti on his serving utensil meant for Rem's plate. Thankfully, landing on its intended target, the orange sauce and noodle mixture still arrived in a less than graceful way.
Immediately noticing the ambiance of the room, Rem lowered the chain she held leading to her morningstar.
Rem: YN-kun...
An expression of immense confusion covered her face from what she saw before her.
YN: Is... Is everything okay?
Still dumbstruck, Rem croaked out her words.
Rem: N-Nee-sama said YN-kun was cornered by a large spider...
YN: — — —
Unsure of what he should say to her, Rem nervously lowered her morningstar more and looked around the room, trying to gather what YN was doing in a candle lit room.
Rem: Umm... can Rem ask what YN-kun is doing in the room her and Nee-sama cleaned today?
Seeing the girl softly ask what everything was for, YN felt his cheeks become slightly more flushed. YN finally let Rem in on what he had been up to.
YN: Well, since we've been dating for a week now, I thought I'd make you a nice dinner to celebrate, but since that anniversary fell on your birthday too, I-I decided to do it the night before... So here we are.
Slowly, Rem put together the pieces. Looking around herself more, Rem analyzed what she had walked into.
The candles, the flowers, YN-kun's cooking, and even—!
While she at first hadn't understood why Ram insisted on her trying her new dress on the night before their birthday, it all suddenly made sense.
Rem: R-Rem's dress...!
Coming to the realization as she looked down at the dress she was asked to wear, a wave of shock went across Rem's face.
Rem: Y-YN-kun did all this for Rem?! A dinner?! A-An anniversary?!
Giving the blue haired girl a weak look, YN finished properly setting the table while he answered.
YN: Well, Ram, bless her heart, set up a lot of this on her own.
While still holding the hilt to her morningstar, Rem put her hand to her chin.
Rem: That would explain why Nee-sama wanted this room clean... But Rem still doesn't think she deserves this... Rem made YN-kun a cloak, but this was far more work to set up. Rem must find a way to repay YN and Nee-sama.
YN: Me and Ram I think are even, I cleaned the kitchen from the Chef's visit in exchange for this I'd say.
Rem: Nee-sama does dislike cleaning the kitchen... and this room was on our list of ones that needed to be cleared out.
YN: Then I guess it's nothing to fret over. Here—
Walking around the table, YN pulled Rem's chair out.
YN: Take a seat, everything's ready. Happy birthday, Rem.
Finally being able to have the atmosphere he'd hoped for with Rem, YN took in the finer details of her dress. While this all black dress was more reserved than her normal maid attire, it's exposed shoulders and form fitting checkered waist band were definitely alluring.
Having her take her seat and pushing her in, YN took his just opposite of her. As he sat, he noticed the candle light gently flicker across her soft face as it highlighted the last of Rem's wardrobe differences.
Gone was her usual maid hair-band adorned with its frills and white flowers, and in its place was a simple all black one, perfectly matching her dress. Her usual purple hair-clip that held her hair away from her single exposed azure eye still remained nonetheless, acting as a pleasing accent color to the black dress, spare her beautiful blue hair.
Rem: If YN-kun stares any harder, Rem doesn't know what she'll do.
Realizing he was, YN shook his head and explained.
YN: Sorry, the candlelight just brings out how cute you are... I don't think I've ever told you, but your blue hair is really beautiful.
Bashfully using her free hand to nervously readjust the hair kept away from her eye, Rem blushed.
Rem: I-It is?
Nodding as he poured Rem a glass from the pitcher, he elaborated.
YN: Yeah, of course. But I'll be honest, blue hair— and pink hair too for that matter, didn't exist in the old world... Not outside fiction or dying it anyway.
Rem: But YN-kun still likes it?
YN: Very much so, yes. Your eyes and your hair compliment each other so well.
Pushing her shoulders together and looking downward with a continued blush as she was showered with compliments, Rem looked back up.
Rem: Umm, Rem only wears her hair this way because Nee-sama started to… If YN-kun wants... Rem can try changing it or growing it out...
Knowing what it must mean for Rem to offer something like that, YN shook his head.
YN: I couldn't ask that of you. Besides, the way it is now is exactly how it was when I first saw you. The angel that came in and woke me up for the first time with such kind and caring words had that same, short blue hair that complimented her cute round face so much.
Taking a sip of the cold water in an effort to cool herself off from the barrage of flattery, Rem looked back to the person who held her heart.
Rem: Rem sometimes hears good marks on her appearance from others, but even the ones from Nee-sama don't compare to how it makes Rem feel when her Hero says he's so infatuated with her.
YN: Well, it's a lot more than just that, Rem. You've shown me so much kindness and done so much for me... I really hope this maybe begins to show you how much I appreciate you and everything you do.
Rem: Rem definitely feels it. The candles, the food, and the flowers—
Slightly removing one of the cut stocks from the vase, it was white flower in the apex of its bloom. Giving the flower a smell, Rem smiled at its fragrance and returned to its place in the bouquet.
Rem: Seeing these always makes Rem so happy because YN-kun works so hard to make sure they're happy and healthy, just like he does for his Rem.
I really only weed, prune, and water them... But if she thinks that highly of it, I'll take the compliment.
Setting the flower back in the vase, it was accompanied with a *thud* on the ground as well. Knowing Rem was still holding her morningstar when she took her seat, YN pulled up the table cloth on his side to look if Rem had simply set it under the table, after all, he didn't want to stub his toe on it.
Looking, all YN found was Rem's feet and the rug that covered the wooden floor. No morningstar could be found.
It's just... gone?
Seeing Rem's knees come together, she also spoke.
Rem: YN-kun.
Looking back up at his date, she wore a pout on her scarlet face.
Rem: A gentleman shouldn't try to peek.
YN: Wha—? No, no! I just didn't want to kick your morningstar—
Slightly tilting her head, her blue bangs moved so both of her eyes could be seen. Winking, she teased YN.
Rem: But, since YN-kun is Rem's date, he can look later if he wants.
Feeling his own face turn red at the idea, YN quickly changed the subject, moving both of their plates over to in front of them in a nervous fashion.
YN: So, uhh, anyway, here's my attempt at something that's usually a cliché for someone to make their date.
Lightly touching the orange and noodly mixture on her plate, it seemed Rem was as perplexed by the dish as much as her sister was, but perhaps not as negative of a light. Still somewhat surprised at the prospect of tasting YN's cooking, Rem was intrigued more about it.
Rem: Rem must ask, what is it?
Scratching the back of his head, YN hoped to explain in a way that didn't lead into a tangent of explanation Rem was so prone to starting.
YN: It's a dish called spaghetti. It's tomato, or in this world, the closest thing being 'tometo' sauce over long stringy pasta noodles.
Seeing Rem's eyes light up, she knew exactly what this was.
Rem: Otherworldly food!
Truly having all of the maid's attention, YN had to choose his words carefully. He had to keep Rem's excitement on the food, not the subject.
YN: Of course, this was really my own attempt with what I had on hand... It unfortunately doesn't look anything close to what it might look like in my world.
Giving Rem a weak smile as he explained his shortcomings with constructing the dish, she tilted her head.
Rem: Are... Tometos, or as YN-kun called them 'To-may-tos' orange in his world?
YN: No, they're just as red as the ones are here, it was the spices that didn't seem to match up at all.
Putting a hand to her chin, Rem recalled how similar things like fruit were to as YN described them.
Rem: And that's why it changed color?
Nodding at the maid, he took his first bite, spinning the noodles up onto his utensil.
YN: Yeah, the spice that was used was a yellow color... Thankfully it was Ram who helped me out with that, she got to taste it pretty close to how it should regardless.
Smiling at the praise of her elder sister, Rem took her first bite as well.
Rem: That's Rem's Nee-sama, she's very talented.
Experiencing the taste for the first time, Rem was thoroughly impressed with YN's attempt.
Rem: Hmm! It's good! Rem never would have thought to pair tometo reduction with pasta.
YN: That's another shortcoming too. The noodles aren't quite right either, they should be longer and thinner.
Seeing her slurp down one of the aforementioned noodles, Rem tilted her head as she did so.
Rem: To get them thinner... That would take a special tool Rem would imagine.
Shrugging, YN also took another bite.
YN: I have no clue, I actually had to call in Subaru to help with regard to that. He knew how to make these, and they're the closest thing I could hope to find.
Sighing, YN concluded his criticisms of his own dish.
YN: In reality, it's really a bastardization of what it's supposed to be. For that, I'm sorry.
Rem: Rem doesn't mind at all. It's very good. Next year maybe when the tometos are back, Rem will try and make some 'speg-hety' herself.
Smiling at the idea of Rem making food from his world, YN imagined what they would look like in a year.
One year from now? I wonder what sort of things me and Rem will experience by then... How much closer will we get?
Wishing he had a crystal ball to show him, the two enjoyed their meal in peace.
YN: Here, I'll handle the clean up.
Rem: *Phuah* Rem can't eat another bite...
With the night getting later and later, Rem had eaten her fill of the food and was already tired from a long day of work beating the dust from the rugs. Yawning after finishing all that she could, YN was ready to call it a night for the sake of her rest.
Rem: Will YN-kun walk Rem to her room?
YN: Of course.
Standing from his seat, YN helped Rem up. Gently taking her hand, it led to a hug.
As the two stood surrounded by candlelight, Rem hugged him tighter and tighter.
YN: Is something wrong, Rem?
With her face buried in his chest, her voice was muffled.
Rem (muffled): Rem just wants to show how much she appreciates YN-kun dating her.
Giving a slight laugh at her choice of words, he ran his fingers through her hair.
YN: I wouldn't choose anyone else.
Feeling her pressed up against him, he felt the gift he still needed to give her in his pocket still.
Oh I almost forgot!
Coming apart sooner than Rem wanted to, she gave him a questioning look before she noticed him reaching into his pocket.
YN: After you made me that cloak, I felt like maybe I had to get you something too.
Pulling out the necklace, he kept it cupped in his hands.
YN: It's nothing as special, but I hope you like it.
Revealing the pewter and blue gemmed necklace, Rem's eyes opened wide.
Rem: Y-Y-YN-kun! That's far too nice Rem! Where did—? How did—? Was this what YN-kun got with Nee-sama going to Arlem?
YN: I picked it out mostly because the gem matched your eyes.
Shaking her head, Rem denied what was fact.
Rem: R-Rem's eyes aren't that pretty!
YN: Well, I'd have to say that's correct. They're even more beautiful than the gem.
With her face going a stark shade of red, Rem fidgeted where she stood from the cheesy compliment that she knew YN wholeheartedly meant.
Presenting the necklace to Rem, YN hoped she would notice the pair of strings, which she did.
Placing it in her gentle hands, she immediately inspected the joints between the two halves, unclasping the two from each other.
Rem: —!
Inspecting each half, Rem reattached the two and disconnected them again.
Rem: A set!
YN: Yeah. You've got three whole different ways you can wear it if you like.
Shaking her head, Rem handed the un-gemmed, outlined half to YN and adorned the blue gemmed half around her neck. Falling just below where her maid collar would end, and right above where her exposed chest might begin, the small inner half with its brilliant blue gem looked wonderful on her, perfectly pairing with her eyes and hair just as YN had hoped.
Taking the other, outer pewter half, Rem walked behind YN, tying the necklace around his own neck and allowing the small, almost ring-on-a-string like necklace to fall just below the collar line on his own shirt.
Confused as to why Rem was making him wear one half, Rem smiled at YN while holding her half with one hand, and elevating the other half on YN's neck with her other.
Rem: Now if anyone doubts YN-kun and Rem are dating, we have these as proof since they fit together just as well as we do.
Realizing the symbolism of it, YN agreed.
I'm glad she likes it so much.
YN: It does look really good on you.
Coming in for another hug, Rem pushed the side of her face into YN before offering her hand to him, ready to call an end to the evening.
Taking her hand, YN led Rem down the dark hallway, down the stairs, and to her room.
Standing by her door, the two hugged once more, this time in the dark. Pulling YN down to her height, Rem pressed her cheek up against his own, nuzzling herself against him.
Standing back up straight and opening the door for her, YN bid her goodnight.
Going to close the door behind her, Rem stopped.
Rem: Isn't YN-kun forgetting something?
Seeing the silhouette of the maid standing in the doorframe, YN wondered what she meant as the little bit of light that came from the moon and found its way through any nearby windows slightly illuminated her blue hair.
YN: Umm, I— hmph!
Before he could ask, he felt a tug on his collar bringing his upper body down once more and having his lips blocked by a familiar soft sensation.
Feeling the first ever addition of tongue with this kiss however, YN felt pressured to also follow Rem's lead.
Coming apart after they both finally reached the need to breathe, they both lightly gasped for air.
YN: W-wow.
Leaning her forehead against his, Rem spoke between her breaths.
Rem: The darkness always makes Rem feel more romantic, she just couldn't contain herself.
Taking a few more short breaths, Rem again backed into her doorway.
Rem: As much as Rem would like to have YN-kun for longer, and in her room, we have a busy day tomorrow.
YN And I still have to clean up...
Giving a smaller kiss on the cheek, Rem stepped back and began to shut the door behind her, leaving her head poked out, she bid YN farewell.
Rem: Goodnight, YN-kun.
YN: Goodnight, Rem.
Watching as the door shut with a *ker-chunk*, YN wandered down the dark hallway before stopping to put his hand on the wall, sighing in relief as he did.
YN: That was one hell of a kiss...
Shaking his head, YN proceeded back upstairs, and began to clean up.
Getting everything folded up, put away, and wiped clean, YN began setting about to blow all the candles out.
YN: This is going to take awhile...
Blowing the first candle out, as he extinguished the flame, so were all the other countless amounts of candles in the room. Only the departing sound of a gust and the wind it left through his hair exceeded his now darkened vision.
Finding himself in pitch black, YN stumbled backwards.
YN: What the hell...
Looking to his left and to his right, YN saw nothing.
Pulling his phone out and turning on the flash light, he looked around before a sudden, pink— almost red figure filled his vision as he turned around.
YN: AAh!
Dropping his phone, the figure became lit up once more, this time from its own source.
Holding a small rock lamp, the pink figure was none other than Ram, standing alone in her nightgown.
YN: Goodness gracious Ram, you're really going to kill me if you keep sneaking up on me like that.
Ram: And Ram will continue in order to harden YN. It is vital to Rem's own safety that the man Ram hangs her hopes on doesn't succumb to such frights.
Recalling her reasoning for the last time she had scared him, YN also remembered she had also spontaneously appeared after his last alone time with Rem as well.
The party... She was right outside the door when I left Rem's room. And now this time too...
YN: You also sure make a bad habit of doing it right after I have a nice moment with Rem...
Ram: Rem's Nee-sama is just simply making sure her younger sister had a good time on her date, which it sounds like she enjoyed herself.
Scratching the back of his head, YN kept his thoughts to himself.
She almost enjoyed herself too much at the end there...
YN: So what brings you up here?
Ram: I was simply checking if YN had bothered to clean up in the event Rem had succeeded in pulling him into her bedroom for the night.
YN: —Hk!
I'm starting to think Rem isn't the only one watching me all the time now.
Ram: —But, since that's not the case, Ram thought she would reward you by blowing out all these candles.
Realizing that she had made use of her wind magic, he realized how it had gone so dark, so quickly.
YN: Must have been a pain to light them all...
Waving away his concern with her free hand, Ram explained.
Ram: Oh, Ram simply had Roswaal-sama use his fire magic. He was able to light them faster than Ram could put them out.
Imagining the control that must have taken, YN shook his head.
YN: Well, I'll have to thank him then.
Ram: As you should.
Turning to leave the room with the only light there was, YN scrambled to reach his phone before the room went dark again upon Ram's absence. Reaching the door, she turned once more, this time giving YN an extremely rare, but also extremely unfitting weak smile.
Ram: There was also one other thing Ram needed to tell YN. Tomorrow, Rem may be a little ecstatic about celebrating her Nee-sama's birthday... Just please do your best to indulge her, even if it would seem less than flattering for myself... And also make sure to remind her that it's her birthday as well.
Knowing Ram only wanted the best for her sister, YN nodded in agreement.
YN: Yeah, don't worry. I will. And Ram?
Ram: Hmm?
YN: Thanks again, for helping with all this.
Shaking her head and speaking as she walked to the door, Ram answered.
Ram: YN's thanks is unneeded. Ram will continue to assist as long she hangs his hopes for Rem on him.
Taking her leave, YN watched as the last bit of her nightgown danced across the floor, and out the door.
Removing all that he had brought into the room, YN retired for the night, excited to wake up to his Rem like he always did the next morning.
Being woken up in the morning by Rem, she seemed to be in a bit of a rush.
Sitting up in bed wiping the sleepiness from his eyes, Rem enthusiastically explained to YN what to expect for the day.
Rem: Roswaal-sama said there's no real duties to be performed today, so it's essentially a day off.
YN: But something tells me that we'll still be doing other 'chores' though still, huh?
Giving YN a simple wink, Rem got up off the bed and walked to the door.
Rem: Rem will be needing YN-kun in the kitchen as soon as he is ready.
Smiling as she shut the door, YN remembered Ram asking him to play along with whatever Rem had planned for today.
I wonder if wanting me in the kitchen is part of her plans...
Getting out of bed and readying himself for the day, YN trotted down the stairs and to the kitchen.
Walking into the kitchen past the empty dining hall, YN smelled the aroma of cooking food.
I keep finding myself having a series of unfortunate events involving this kitchen, don't I?
Hearing the door open, Rem immediately ran up to YN, mixing bowl in hand.
Rem: Ah! YN-kun. Beat this for Rem.
Nearly dropping the suddenly entrusted bowl, YN proceeded to the only clear piece of countertop to stir the mixture of— well, he assumed batter of some sort.
While he lazily mixed, his attention was mostly taken up by watching Rem dash from one side of the kitchen to the other. Chopping, pan frying, oven checking, pot watching, she was doing everything.
Feeling a bit of deja vu, it occurred to YN that the kitchen was yet again missing a key resident.
YN: Hey Rem, where's Ram?
Stopping dead in her tracks, Rem looked at YN with a tilted head.
Rem: —? Sleeping of course.
YN: W-why?
Pouting, Rem continued what she was working on.
Rem: Nee-sama should get to do the one thing she always wants to on her birthday, shouldn't she?
Remembering that it was Rem that normally woke her up every morning, YN realized the reason for her absence.
Watching Rem pull her sleeves up and begin to chop ingredients with a large chef's knife, YN elaborated his realization.
YN: Ahh, you're letting her sleep in, that's nice of ya. But uhh, won't she miss breakfast?
Turning around suddenly, Rem walked right up YN, still holding the large kitchen knife. Getting really close to him, he practically needed to lean back.
Going from her serious look to a pout of worry, it looked like Rem was really struggling with something. With her lip quivering and the knife still up in the air, Rem was oblivious to how close it was to his face.
Rem: R-Rem forgot about that part!
Silent in reply, YN's eyes simply darted back and forth between the knife and the worried maid's eyes.
Seeing how she had been careless, Rem took a step back, lowering the knife with an "Eep!"
Sighing, YN patted the oni's head.
YN: We'll figure something out. For now let's uhh, work on anything that's going on now... What are we working on?
Giving YN a bashful look before the sound of the teapot whistling took her attention away from him, Rem did her best to explain.
Rem: All of this is breakfast for the other residents of the mansion, where over there, and what YN-kun is working on is Nee-sama's birthday cake.
YN: I see—, is there any reason you're doing both of these things at the same time?
Rem: It's going to take time for the cake to set, so Rem needs to start that part early. But breakfast is also happening soon, so Rem had no choice but to awaken YN-kun and request help.
Not being able to recall any urgency in her voice when she woke him up, YN felt a tad guilty for not coming down sooner. Knowing time was of the essence though, he motivated himself to help as much as he could.
YN: Just tell me what to do, I'll do my best.
Going about focusing on the cake, Rem worked on finishing breakfast.
Rem: Erm... Rem needs to chop more... There won't be enough for everyone else...
Hearing Rem complain, YN chimed in.
YN: What's up Rem?
Rem: Rem accidentally only made enough for four plates... Rem was too distracted and forgot Beatrice-sama eats at the table now, but knew Nee-sama wouldn't be in attendance.
Shaking her head, Rem tried thinking of a solution.
Rem: If Rem skips herself, that only one more is needed—
YN: Skip me too then. I can survive, plus you're going to need help making something for Ram too, won't you?
Giving YN a guilty look, Rem felt bad making him help without any food.
Rem: *Sigh* If YN-kun insists.
YN: Don't sweat it, Rem. We've only got a little bit of time left before Roswaal comes down and breakfast starts. Do you have his tea ready?
Rem: Oh, no! Thank you for reminding Rem!
Getting the plates set and delivered out to the other mansion residents, YN and Rem retreated back into the kitchen where their work didn't stop.
Rem: Now we can focus on finishing Nee-sama's cake.
YN: W-Wait, it's your cake too though. But I'll admit, it is a little sad having to make your own cake...
Putting a fist to her chest, Rem shook her head.
Rem: Unless Rem made it, no one else would... But, even if Rem makes it, that doesn't mean she can't enjoy it too.
Finishing her point with a smile, YN admired the maid's perseverance.
Having let the cake cook after pulling it out of the oven, all that was needed at that moment was to let it settle.
Looking up at the stone color-clock, Rem worried about the amount of time they might have left before Ram woke up.
Rem: Nee-sama might wake up any time soon... Rem needs to come up with something for her breakfast now too... Does YN-kun have any ideas?
YN: Hmm...
Putting a hand to his chin, a solution quickly came to mind.
YN: How about first off we make her breakfast in bed. Everyone likes that.
Clapping her hands together and putting each into a fist of determination, Rem approved of YN's idea.
Rem: Yes! What a good idea! YN-kun has Rem's utmost admiration!
Turning to fetch something, Rem pulled a wooden tray out from a cupboard. Setting it on the counter, it boasted two legs to keep it upright, perfect for setting over one's legs if laying in bed. It also had a small lip around it's perimeter to help in preventing spills.
Rem: Now, what to make?
Knowing it needed to be something quick, but good, YN had another stroke of brilliance. Snapping his finger, he proposed the idea.
YN: French toast!
Getting a blank look from Rem, she eventually tilted her head and repeated the name, as if asking for clarification.
Rem: Fer-ench toast? Is that something from YN's world?
Knowing he was on the cusp of going off on a tangent explaining what "France" was, YN did his best to prevent such a derailment with time being such a precious commodity.
YN: Uhh, think of it as a poor man's pancake. It should be quick and easy to make.
Nodding at YN's suggestion, he went off listing the ingredients, having a basic idea of what went into French toast.
YN: Okay, we're going to need bread—
Grabbing a fresh loaf, Rem placed it where they would begin making this new, exotic dish.
YN: —Milk, eggs.
Setting a carton of fowl eggs left over from the mayo fiasco and a fresh jug from the chilled storage, Rem awaited further order.
YN: —and uhhh... shit.
Going wide eyed from what Rem assumed was the next ingredient, she suddenly had a bad feeling about the dish.
Rem: Ummm YN-kun, we wouldn't really—
YN: Huh? —No, no! I just realized something that might be a hurdle, a really big, familiar hurdle.
Somewhat relieved it was only an expletive, Rem was nonetheless curious what the issue was.
Giving Rem a weak look, YN listed the final two ingredients.
YN: I don't take it you have any idea what 'vanilla' or 'cinnamon' is, do you?
Shaking her head with a distraught look, Rem was unsure what either of these new words were.
YN: *Sigh*, the spice incompatibility theory strikes again it seems... But, I wonder if—
Pulling his phone out, YN opened his education app and searched simply for "French toast."
YN: —maybe we can find a substitute.
Not sure what he'd find, only one result populated. It was a single footnote from a lesson he'd had to read on the Roman Empire of all things. Going to the result, the page referred to what was supposed to be the proto-version of what was today known as "French Toast."
Showing only a single page of what is only described as a "first century cook book," the recipe and differences between the two weren't elaborated on, but rather only on the picture from the old book.
Which was written in—
YN: Gah, it's in Latin.
Tilting her head at another odd word, Rem repeated the word like she always did with these things. However, YN knew they were on a dangerous teetering point of being distracted, but not wanting to be rude to her curiosity, he only lightly touched on the subject.
YN: Eh, dead language spoken by a now long gone empire—, now I wonder if I can translate this...
Copying the text, YN hoped the translation on his phone would work. Only having access to local dictionaries, it spit out a result that could only be described as "antiquated."
YN: Okay, uhh...
Peering onto the phone YN was fretting over, Rem wondered with great curiosity just what all the symbols meant.
YN: Okay, yeah... This should work. Change of plans. We're going to be making uhhh—
Squinting his eyes at the translated name, YN didn't know how accurate it was.
YN: 'Another Sweet Dish.' Which thankfully, I think we have everything for. But Rem—
Locking and putting his phone away, YN placed both hands on her shoulders.
Blushing from the sudden intimacy, Rem tried to minting a serious expression much like YN was.
YN: Please tell me you know what 'honey' is.
Silent in reply, Rem bent down to a nearby cabinet, pulling out a corked jar. Uncorking the top, Rem revealed a comb, covered with the sweet, golden liquid he knew well.
YN: Alright, we'll need that and some cooking oil.
Nodding in great enthusiasm, Rem went to retrieve the oil.
Setting up the ingredients in the order they would be needed in, in the dishes they'd need to be in, YN prepared to read off the crudely translated recipe to Rem, who was ready and waiting.
Clearing his throat, YN started.
YN: Okay, uhh, first 'break fine white bread into rather large pieces with the crust removed.'
Rem: Um, 'break?'
Shrugging, YN replied.
YN: That's what it says. I assume that just means slice it though.
Slicing into the loaf and removing a singular piece, Rem tore the crust off and turned to YN, awaiting further instruction.
YN: Next is 'soak the bread in the milk and the beaten eggs.'
Giving YN a weak look at the prospect of intentionally making soggy bread, Rem seemed to be seeking further clarification.
Simply nodding, this part made perfect sense to YN.
Dipping the perfectly fine slice of bread into the mixture, Rem gave the resulting sad looking piece a look of disgust.
Rem: I-Is Nee-sama really going to like this?
YN: We gotta fry it first. Into the oil it goes I guess.
Putting his phone away and taking the wet lump of bread away from Rem, YN gently set it into the hot oil.
While not enough to fully submerge it, Rem stepped into help, taking a small ladle and she continuously poured more oil over the top in order to cook the top before flipping it.
YN: I think that's about good.
Setting the freshly fried piece onto a cooking cloth, he lightly blotted away any excess oil and let it cool.
YN: Ah ya see? It doesn't look too bad once you cook it.
Fetching the jar of honey, YN used the comb to lightly drizzle the final ingredient, finishing their first attempt at the 'sweet dish.'
With the cooked bread glistening in honey, Rem couldn't deny it did look good.
YN: Go ahead, be the first person to try another otherworldly food.
Using her utensil to break off a small piece of bread, Rem put the bite into her mouth after blowing softly on it.
Rem: —!
Putting both her hands on her cheeks, she mushed her round face even more circular.
Rem: It's good! But maybe...
Going to the spice cupboard to retrieve more ingredients, Rem sprinkled a dash of a few different spices into the egg mixture and prepared another piece. Repeating the process, Rem tried the new attempt.
Wincing from the heat of not letting it cool down as long, Rem looked as if she was truly enjoying it nonetheless.
YN: Well, they seem to have your approval.
Nodding with great passion, Rem agreed.
Rem: Yes! These will work great for Nee-sama!
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
Outside Ram's bedroom, Rem knocked, just in case her sister was indisposed.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
Giving her one final chance, Rem opened the door, revealing a room where only the light came from the near-midday sun desperately clawing its way in through the gaps in the curtains.
Rem: Goodmorning and happy birthday Nee-sama!
Wasting no time, Rem walked over to the curtains and opened them just enough to let light in, but not to shine directly on Ram.
Ram: Hmmmm...
Groggily waking up, Ram slightly sat up in bed.
Still holding the tray of food, YN took a few steps further into the room. Walking back to him, Rem took the tray and went to her sister's bedside.
Rem: Rem and YN-kun have a very special surprise for you!
Placing the tray on her bed, Ram sat up more, reaching her arms up high to stretch before rubbing the tiredness from her eyes.
Leaving it on her bed, Rem walked to the other side of her room to prepare a few other items for Ram's morning, but not before Ram gave YN a suspect look for also being present.
YN had never been inside Ram's room, so this was a new experience for him, and as such, he stood back, not wishing to make the early-morning-Nee-sama uncomfortable.
Giving only a silent wave and small smile, Ram surprisingly returned one back to him.
Hopefully she realizes I'm doing as she asked me to; going along with Rem's plans for today.
Grabbing a chair and sitting next to her bedside, Rem smiled from ear to ear.
Rem: Rem and YN-kun made this for Nee-sama. Please, enjoy.
Looking down the unknown dish set before her, Ram poked it once or twice with her utensil.
Ram: Rem. What is this?
Rem: It's, uhh... Hmm...
Looking to YN for an answer, he was just as clueless as to what to call it.
'Another sweet dish' just sounds stupid, and I think Rem also knows we can't call it 'French' toast without sounding extremely suspect...
Ram: Well? Ram figures such a... different dish should have a name, correct?
Getting a more worried look, but also not wanting to lie to her sister, Rem's legs fidgeted.
Rem: It's uhh, just something YN-kun came up with! Something YN-kun has in his homeland! It's bread soaked in milk and eggs, and then fried!
Lifting a brow to the idea of cooking soggy bread, Ram's expression stiffened.
Ram: YN, is this some sort of a joke to feed wet bread to people?
Rem: Nee-sama! Rem doubted it too... But it is very good! Please try it! Won't you?
Giving in to her younger sister's request, Ram took a bite. With a slight blush growing on her face, one of great approval, Ram took another.
Ram: This is acceptable. Thank you, Rem.
Smiling brighter than the sunlight now freshly illuminating the room, Rem was happy her sister was enjoying the fruits of her labor.
Rem: Oh! That reminds Rem! We need to frost the cake! Rem will be back to get you up and take the dishes—
YN: Uh, how about you let me handle the cake? You can stay here and keep Ram company.
Rem: B-But—
YN: It's your birthday too.
Patting the oni on her head, her silky smooth hair was cool to the touch.
YN: I can manage. I'll come get you both when it's done.
Taking his leave, YN left for the door, keen on letting the twins have a moment to themselves. Just as he went to shut the door through, a voice called out.
Ram: YN.
Hearing Ram, YN turned to give her his attention, halfway out the door. Acknowledging her with a simple "Hmm?", Ram continued.
Ram: The necklace looks lovely on Rem.
Rem: Aww, Nee-sama...
Smiling at her adorable younger sister as she herself also now looked down to admire the gem around her neck, Ram snuck one last look at YN, closing her eyes and taking another bite of food.
Letting the birthday twins have their talk, he departed from the room with that.
Finding himself yet again in the kitchen, YN was scrubbing away at dishes as Rem brought them in.
YN: I'm glad the cake turned out well.
Setting a few more plates and pieces of cutlery on to the side for YN to scrub, Rem grabbed a few of the ones that had been cleaned and were drip drying. Taking a cloth, she quickly dried them the rest of the way and put them away where they belonged.
Rem: Yes, Rem has YN-kun to thank for helping to make it.
YN: I just did as I was told, nothing more, nothing less.
Letting the peaceful sound of the dull clanks of dishware and running water fill the air, the two worked on the dishes. YN would hand a dish off to Rem, and in doing so he would smile at her, to which Rem would smile back. Each time he'd try to clean the dish a little faster, just so he could see her smile again. And he'd hold onto the dish a little harder, making it take more time for her to grab it. YN told himself this was all under the idea that he didn't want her to drop it though, after all, they were wet dishes.
Running out of dishes, YN handed the last one to Rem, a large plate.
Drying the dish, Rem walked it over to the cupboard where it belonged. It's place was high, nearly towards the top, and with there being little room left, Rem stretched as tall as she could muster, standing on her tiptoes in her black dress shoes.
Watching the adorable maid, YN could see Rem try with all her might to reach the spot for the plate. As she stretched, the top of her stockings exposed a sliver of her fair skin, and as she leaned forward slightly, brought the rear of her dress up.
Not wanting the poor girl to potentially shame herself, YN came over and took the plate from her, easily placing the dish in its spot.
Seeing how easily he reached for it, Rem only for a moment was jealous, but with it being her YN-kun, she knew she didn't need to worry.
YN-kun will always be there for his Rem... for times like these.
Making sure the plate wasn't just going to slide right back out, he raised both of his hands to test the surrounding items, making sure they were secure.
As he did, from his flank, he felt a pair of arms wrap around him in a most caring way. Within Rem's embrace, he felt the maid rub her face into his side, trying to get the most out of the hug.
Letting go once YN finished, Rem hugged him again, this time from the front. Lowering his arms above her shoulders, Rem buried her face into his chest as he ran his fingers through her cool, smooth blue hair.
Resting his face on her head, he could smell the faint scent of flowers on her and from her hair. Lifting his head up slightly, he gently kissed the top of Rem's head, just above her forehead. The resulting connection gave her a shiver even YN could feel as she stayed in his arms.
That was... a little intense.
Coming apart slightly, Rem looked up at YN with a scarlet face and water in one of her eyes.
YN: Is everything alright, Rem?
Giving a gentle nod, Rem confirmed she was fine.
Rem: Y-yes. Rem just got caught up in the moment is all...
Having no reason to doubt her, YN let her go.
YN: I guess I did too a bit, you just looked so adorable trying to reach that top spot.
Seeing her expression soften upon hearing that, Rem lowered her head slightly.
Rem: Then YN-kun should feel the need to praise Rem, shouldn't he?
Giving the oni the headpats she so desired, they came with the rare, but familiar wincing that sometimes occurred when they were alone.
L-lewd Rem noises!
Seeing the scarlet on Rem's face darken, YN gave the maid a weak smile as she seemed to recompose herself.
Rem: Umm...
Seeing Rem had something to say despite her current state, YN simply raised a brow and gave her all the time she needed.
Rem: While it is a day off still... would YN-kun like to come fold laundry with Rem? It would give us more alone time...
Hearing the bashful blue haired girl's request, YN gave her one more pat.
YN: Of course. It's not work if I'm spending time with you.
Nodding and smiling, Rem took YN by the hand, and led him out of the kitchen and towards the wash rooms.