Chapter 53: Laundry
Being set up with bed sheets and towels to fold, Rem and YN worked patiently with each other, occasionally Rem would stop YN on a different set of towels or sheets and show him the way that specific type would need to be folded.
YN: Like this?
Rem: Yes. Those will need to go into the bathing room, so YN-kun can set those aside for now.
With Rem more experienced then YN was when it came to laundry, she had finished her pile much sooner.
Rem: Rem needs to soak the next load of laundry, can YN-kun manage until Rem comes back?
YN: I sure hope so.
Leaving for the next room over where the laundry was actually washed, YN was left alone to fold some of his own pile.
Pulling out a large bed sheet, this was one he hadn't any experience in dealing with yet.
Just how big is this? It looks sort of like the one Rem had on her bed...
As YN struggled to find the seams to match up to make the first fold, a smaller piece of cloth fell, having been entangled inside the larger bed sheet.
Landing at his feet, it was small, smaller than any of the hand towels he had folded.
Is it a wash cloth of some sort?
Picking up the cloth, YN went to find its corners, ready to fold the square shape into smaller squares.
Except—
Where's the other corner on this thing?
Unfolding the cloth in its entirety, it was no square, and it's material was not one for a utilitarian use.
With three distinct sides, and an almost pocket-like shape with three openings, YN flipped the cloth around until he saw one tiny label on it.
That's strange... But I recognize the writing...
In this other world's language, there was only one word he knew as well and could read better than even his own name.
YN: 'Rem.'
Perplexed by the existence of her name on this, YN finally held the cloth all the way out, realizing it's full shape.
Huh, this is... —!
YN: —Hk!
Held out in front of himself, was a pair of Rem's most private undergarments.
P-Pantsu!
Immediately balling them up in his hands and looking wide eyed around the entire room, just in-case someone was watching him, a panic filled YN.
W-What are these doing in here?!
Uncupping his hands, YN sneaked another look at the forbidden cloth he now held in his hands, the label conveniently being the first thing he saw again.
As if he were not allowed to look, YN cupped his hands once more, averting his eyes.
If it were anyone else's I might be able to look but since it's Rem's... Aagghh, I just can't bring myself to! But wait, if these are Rem's... That means she's worn these. Which means they've touched her—!
As if realizing he shouldn't even be allowed to touch such a precious heirloom, YN dropped the undergarment from his hands.
Gently parachuting to the ground, the garments landed perfectly.
I-I can't just leave them here! What if someone sees!
Imagining Subaru or Emilia walking in was bad enough, but Ram? Or Rem? He'd surely need to beg Subaru for a Return By Death.
Picking them up and immediately scrunching them into his pocket, YN knew what he had to do.
I've gotta go give these to Rem now. If I go to her, she'll understand, right? If they go missing or she catches me with them later that'll bring up more questions...
Leaving the folding room, YN walked a few paces down the hall to the laundry room. With the door just cracked open, he peered inside, making sure Rem was alone.
Seeing the blue haired maid stir the large cauldron of warm, soapy water, there were other clothes that were being hung up to dry around the room.
Watching as she finished-up soaking a new load, Rem turned to the hung clothes and put her hands on her hip.
Rem: Oh, Rem should fold these. It won't take more than a minute...
Grabbing a basket and beginning to unclip the first article, Rem paused for a moment before folding the one she now held in her arms.
Bringing it close to her face, Rem seemed to smell it, taking a large whiff before folding up the cloth and setting it in the basket.
Watching as Rem continued, she repeated this same action for the next three pieces of clothing she grabbed off the drying wire.
Does she really make sure each piece smells fresh?
Grabbing the fourth, YN could easily tell what this article of clothing was.
Those are pants... My pants...
Suddenly, shocked that he hadn't noticed it yet sooner, he realized something monumental.
Those are all of my clothes! Only my clothes!
Knowing the oni had such a keen sense of smell, it became apparent what Rem was doing.
She's smelling all my clothes!
Having half a clue why she was, had it been anyone other Rem, he might have been slightly freaked out.
But... since it is Rem...
Feeling almost flattered that the girl who held his heart still seemed so infatuated with himself, YN couldn't really come up with a complaint.
Folding and putting away his pants, the next article of clothing Rem grabbed was another story.
Wait! Those are my—!
Having grabbed a pair of YN's own undergarments, Rem held them out in front of herself.
Don't tell me she's going to—!
Feeling his heart beat faster and faster as the cloth approached Rem's face, YN gulped down a large lump in his throat.
Perhaps just shaking the door he was against enough to make it move ever-so-slightly, the hinges groaned, immediately alerting Rem that someone was at the door.
Knowing she was doing something... questionable, the sudden sound frightened Rem so bad it caused her to throw the undergarments up into the air in a panic.
Turning quickly to see who was there, Rem fumbled with her words before—
Rem: Wah! YN-kun what-are-you—...
Stopping her words in their track, the previously up-thrown and airborne undergarments landed. Right on Rem's head, halfway, looking like an ill-fitting hat.
Knowing YN recognized what was now on her head, Rem's face was now completely red.
Hoping to maybe diffuse the situation by changing the subject, YN voiced out the only thing he could hope to as soon as he could.
YN: Oh, Uh...
Seeing the girl's face manage to turn more and more red, YN needed to say something now. Anything.
YN: D-Do you make sure every piece of laundry is fresh before folding them?
Bad choice.
Now knowing YN was entirely privy to what she had been doing, Rem was at a breaking point, her face could become no more red, her body could not shake anymore, her mouth could not talk her way out of this.
Rem: Ehe...
Watching as her lip quivered and eyes began to bubble with small tears, Rem did the only thing her subconscious could do. Pulling the undergarments over her eyes to try and hide her face.
Rem: Ehheeehh *sniff*...
Oh goodness.
Slowly approaching the potentially smoldering explosion, YN walked up the now sniffling maid as a few tears made it down face, past the undergarments.
Pinching the cloth, YN gently pulled up on them. Feeling no resistance from Rem, he removed them the rest of the way.
Looking at him was a girl unsure of what was going to happen next.
Is he mad? Is he upset? Will he no longer like Rem after this?
While not exactly sure how to console her, Rem's eyes still bubbled with tears and she continued to sniffle, awaiting what she thought would be a bad reaction from YN.
Having an idea what might be a better thing to say now, YN sought a solution that maybe brought him down to her level this time.
YN: Do you wanna know something that might make you feel better?
With Rem only giving him a larger sniffle in reply, YN reached into his pocket and pulled out the cause of him now being in that room, and catching Rem in a most vulnerable state.
YN: I was folding a big bed sheet when these fell out... I know it might be even more embarrassing but I knew I had to come tell you...
Opening his palm, the pair of undergarments that belonged to Rem were presented to her.
Gasping deeply at their sight in YN's possession, Rem had a new blush form on her face, from a different type of expression.
Quickly snatching them from his hand, Rem shoved them into the pile of clothes she had set aside, potentially her own, to get them out of sight.
Having turned her back, Rem slowly returned to facing YN, a cocktail of emotions on her face now, as it beamed its red complexion at him.
Rem: YN-kun...
Not wanting a repeat of the waterworks from before, he smiled at her the warmest he could.
Rem: First YN-kun saw Rem... *sniff* and then YN-kun saw Rem's...
YN: 'We've seen each other's.' is how you should think of it.
Not hearing any anger in his voice, Rem's expression softened a bit more.
Rem: YN-kun... isn't mad?
YN: Not at all Rem...
Bringing her in close to comfort her, Rem leaned her head against YN's chest.
YN: In fact, it was kinda cute—
Looking up with a face of relief, Rem let him continue.
YN: —seeing you, and well, seeing... them.
Burying her face in YN's chest once more, Rem balled her hands and began to gently hit YN's shoulders with the heel of her fists.
Rem (muffled): It's all YN-kun's fault! If he hadn't had been spying on Rem then—
YN: Me? Spying?
Giving a friendly laugh and hugging her, YN retorted Rem's tsun-fueled reaction.
YN: I seem to recall you proudly proclaiming that you always watch over me!
Looking up at him, Rem stopped her pounding.
Rem: Rem observes! She doesn't spy...
YN: Well, if you observe, then shouldn't you have observed me finding your panties and this wouldn't have happened at all?
Rem: Rem was—!
Unable to counter and seeing her face pout up, YN shook his head.
YN: I do have to say, they were pretty soft...
With another dash of red going across Rem's face just as it had started to return to normal, she pouted again and turned her head to the side.
Rem: Well Rem found a hole worn in YN-kun's...
Somewhat surprised to hear his only original pair was deteriorating, YN was now caught off guard.
YN: What? I don't believe it.
Snatching the pair from his hands still, Rem rotated them until the spot was clear. Right on one of the seams, the stitching was coming apart.
Rem: See?!
Seeing her adorable pouting face pointing so energetically to a hole in underpants of all things, YN began to snicker.
And snicker.
And laugh.
And finally, the laughter reached its apex of contagiousness.
Also beginning to snicker, Rem at first tried to conceal with her hand, but unable to, she as well gave into the laughter.
The two, seeing each other having dropped their guards finally, embraced each other as they laughed at the absurdity of the entire situation.
They laughed at their own foolishness.
They laughed at their own relief.
They laughed at each other's forgiveness.
Rem and YN laughed as they held each other, knowing that everything was alright, and cherishing their own resiliency.
Having taken all of his clothes down off the line, Rem brought them back into the folding room to finish from where she had left off.
Finally getting through all of his own pile, Rem was about to be done with all of YN's clothes too. As she went to the last item, YN's jacket, Rem gave YN a weak smile.
Rem: YN-kun, there was another reason Rem wanted to do laundry...
Somewhat intrigued by what that reason could be, YN gestured for her to continue.
Rem: Well, normally Rem and Nee-sama don't exchange gifts for our birthdays, so when she got Rem a very pretty dress, it caught her off guard.
YN: So I take it you want to give her something in return, right?
Rem: Yes. Which is why—
Holding up YN's jacket, Rem presented it as the article to her problem.
Rem: —Rem would like to buy your jacket.
Only receiving a blank stare from YN, Rem shook the jacket one more time, as if trying to provoke an answer from him.
YN: I— uhh.
Why my jacket? What?
YN: Rem, I don't have a clue what it's worth in this world... Besides, what does buying my jacket have to do with getting Ram a gift?
Rem: Rem wants to give it to her.
YN: Huh? I-I don't know, Rem. It feels a little odd giving Nee-sama my old jacket, doesn't it? It might as well be a hand-me-down at this point...
Rem: Nee-sama sometimes laments when we need to go into some of the more drafty parts of the mansion. She very much dislikes the cold and sometimes brings up when you let her borrow your jacket, and how warm it made her.
YN: *Sigh* Rem—
Rem: —And as for it being YN-kun's old jacket, that doesn't matter to Nee-sama. YN-kun forgets that something like this doesn't exist in this world.
Shaking her head, Rem continued.
Rem: Rem doesn't know how common such a miracle cloth might be in YN-kun's world, but here, it's one of a kind. That makes it a perfectly acceptable as a gift, no?
Seeing that she did have a point, YN was still reluctant on her paying him for it.
YN: Really Rem, you can just have it then, there no need to pay—
Rem: No! If Rem is just given this, then it's meaning to Nee-sama from Rem is nothing! YN-kun himself might as well just give it to her...
Knowing how she felt from his fiasco with procuring the tometo, YN conceded to selling it to her.
YN: Then we're back to the first problem, aren't we? If it's one of a kind, then how do we evaluate the price?
Putting a hand to her chin, Rem thought for a moment before coming up with an idea.
Rem: YN-kun.
Responding with a "Hmm?", Rem pitched her new idea.
Rem: What if... Rem traded something for the jacket?
YN: Uhh, well, what did you have in mind?
Giving YN a blush, and stepping toward him, Rem puffed out her chest.
Rem: H-How about Rem let's YN-kun do whatever he wants to Rem?
Hearing how sultry she had said the last part of her sentence, YN didn't know how to respond. Sure, he understood what she was hinting at... But what did she expect him to say?
Still unable to respond, they were interrupted by a door suddenly opening.
?: Rem, you should be more tactful with your offers.
Turning to see who had just entered the room, her pink hair made her immediately recognizable.
Rem: Nee-sama.
Stepping between them and putting a hand on her hip, Ram somewhat scolded her younger sister.
Ram: Your innocence this early in the relationship is far more valuable than any piece of clothing, no matter how exotic.
Oh crap, how long was she listening for?! What does she end up hearing?!
Taking the jack from Rem, Ram looked it over.
Ram: For what reason would Rem want this?
Rem: Nee-sama... Rem wanted to give it as a gift in exchange for the dress you so kindly bought her...
Smiling softly at her younger sister's intentions, this also clued YN into the fact she hadn't been listening into the conversation for too long.
Ram: Rem, seeing you wear the dress and being as happy as you were was repayment enough for your Nee-sama.
Turning to YN though, Ram spoke in a more serious manner though, she continued.
Ram: However, since YN obviously has no money to his name, and since Ram is still owed for her assistance in helping him last night...
Putting on the jacket, Ram finished her declaration.
Ram: —Ram will take this as repayment.
With the jacket now on Ram, she zipped up the front a little under halfway, leaving the top part of her blouse still exposed.
Without the bulk of her winter dress underneath the jacket, it fit much more loosely then it had before.
Spinning around once as if showing off a new dress, it was apparent that it was much too big for her. The halfway zipped jacket nearly reached her dress in length, the sleeves were far too long, and one of the shoulders had already slumped off, leaving the other pulled over.
Clapping, Rem applauded her older sister.
Rem: Nee-sama is so cuuuuute in her new jacket!
With Rem already conferring his jacket to be under new ownership, YN sighed.
YN: I guess it is pretty cute on you.
Replying with a hearty "Hah!" and placing her hand back on her hip, Ram replied.
Ram: While Ram appreciates YN's statement of the obvious, I should remind you to save such statements only for Rem. Now then—
Heading for the door, Ram spoke as she left.
Ram: For a day-off, you two have done quite enough. Enjoy the rest of your evening together. We have a busy day. YN.
YN: Y-yes?
Ram: All the vases in the mansion are due for new flowers. Please be mindful to spread out the collection of new ones so we don't have any barren areas form in the garden.
YN: Can do.
Nodding to YN's reply, Ram left, leaving the two alone once more.
Turning to Rem, she gave him a look of slight embarrassment.
Rem: Rem is sorry she couldn't buy YN-kun's jacket... Now he has nothing to replace it with...
YN: Nonsense, Rem.
Rem: —?
YN: You made me a really nice cloak, remember? That's more then a replacement, it's an upgrade if anything.
Feeling appreciation for her gift, Rem hugged YN before speaking up again.
Rem: Should we head to YN-kun's room for study then? It's been awhile since he has.
Knowing it meant even more time together, YN agreed.
YN: Yeah it has been awhile, hasn't it? Maybe I'll be more motivated then normal.
Cheerfully nodding, Rem took YN by the hand, leading him down the hallway.
Ya know? She could take me anywhere like this and I would never complain.
AN: Well, I do have to say, that is the end of what I might consider "Act 1" of this fic. It's been well over a year now since I first put "pen to paper" on this project, and I never imagined it would get the attention that it did.
But, fear not, while the fic may not be updated for a bit as I write the next part, I want you all to know this fic will not be forgotten. I can promise that.
I'm actually planning on writing one more adventure for our hero before we step into arc 3. I will set out writing it in its entirety before I release it, and from there while it gets its weekly releases, I will begin writing arc 3 (which I already have tons of written down ideas for).
I love reading all your reviews on the chapters and I look forward to seeing more in the future, and of course, giving you all more to review as well.
And as one last bit of good news, there's a new Rem short story being released around the 25th of June this year, so while we wait for it to be translated, everyone will hopefully have some more wonderful Rem content to look forward to.
I hope to see you all again really soon. (More story below!)
Having arrived back into his room and going about studying, YN was making excellent progress towards his learning for a change. Accomplishing perhaps what he would have been able to do in two or three nights worth, he was definitely making up for lost time.
YN: Between seeing my shortcomings with going to the village, trying to get a hold of the tometos, and just having such a long break when it came to studying in the first place, I think I just had much more motivation than I normally do.
Rem: Rem almost can't keep up. Does YN-kun think he'll remember all this though?
YN: Hopefully. But I think the biggest reason I'm learning so much is thanks to my adorable tutor.
Rem: Well, YN-kun's adorable tutor has seemed to run out of lessons for the time being. Tomorrow, Rem will start bringing something a little more challenging than children's books, is that alright?
Nodding, YN agreed.
YN: Yeah, I think that works. And also, Rem?
Extending a hand to YN as he asked for her, Rem pulled YN up and out of his seat with a "Yes?"
YN: Thank you, again. For everything you do for me.
Rem: Hmm, then Rem certainly deserves some praise, does she not?
Going to give her the headpat she knew he expected, Rem stepped closer rather.
Rem: Umm... Does YN-kun think Rem could get a kiss instead? B-But on her head? Like this afternoon...
YN: Of course.
Taking the maid into his arms, YN leaned his head down into her soft blue hair, and kissed the girl as he had before.
Feeling a shiver run through her body like last time, it felt almost if her knees wanted to give out.
Lifting his head up, YN wanted to make sure Rem wasn't in any sort of discomfort. Feeling the maid entirely leaning on him now, he let her down on the side of his bed and sat next to her.
Giving him an embarrassed expression with a blush on her face, Rem wiped her forehead with her wrist.
Rem: Rem apologizes... She let herself become too far gone for a moment.
Somewhat curious as to what she meant, YN tilted his head.
YN: Um, Rem, are you sensitive on your head? Is that why you always seem to enjoy the headpats? Sometimes maybe a little too much?
Averting her eyes for a moment, Rem brought a fist to her chest.
Rem: It is rather selfish of Rem... but the truth is... yes.
Intrigued by her answer, YN raised his hand to her hair once more as he sat next to the maid. With her eyes still looking away and in thought, he caught Rem off guard as he searched in her hair, slightly parting it with his finger.
Wincing at the contact of his finger, he didn't hesitate this time, searching for the cause of her reaction instead.
Rem: Uwu~~
Very lewd Rem noises!
Letting him continue to search briefly, YN found a small part in her hair, around where he had just kissed her.
Is her skin hyper-sensitive here or something?
Taking just his finger tip, YN made one circular motion across the exposed skin of Rem's head.
Rem: A-heh!
Grabbing YN's arm with both of hers, Rem stopped him. Startled by her reaction, he was afraid maybe he hurt her.
As she opened her eyes, they were slightly watery, and the blush on her face had grown darker too.
Exhaling suddenly, Rem gave YN a weak, but warm smile.
YN: D-did that hurt?
Shaking her head, Rem let go of his arm, placing it on her lap.
Rem: No... It just felt really good.
Somewhat understanding what she meant, it nonetheless perplexed YN.
YN: Why are you so, uhh, sensitive there of all places?
Wrapping her fingers around his held hand, Rem smiled even more warmly at YN.
Rem: It's probably because that's where Rem's horn comes from.
Recalling that was about where her horn formed when she entered her oni mode, YN had figured that since it wasn't materialized, it must not affect her in any way.
YN: I only remember seeing it about two or three times...
Rem: W-would YN-kun like to see it now?
YN: That won't stress you, will it?
Admittedly, YN was intrigued by it. He hadn't really gotten to see it like he had with the rest of her face.
Shaking her head, Rem explained.
Rem: Not unless Rem does anything that requires a great amount of mana. Simply exposing the horn isn't demanding.
Letting his curiosity get the better of him, he nodded for Rem to go ahead and manifest her horn.
Closing her eyes and feeling the grip on his hand increase, Rem concentrated her mana.
As her hair slightly rustled as if a passing breeze was going by, a light began to shine where YN had just touched on her head.
Purple in color, the light grew and began to take shape. A point started to form, and with that, it began to grow.
Like a butterfly breaking from its cocoon, the horn reached its apex. A slight hum could heard, perhaps from the mana is radiated and absorbed from the air around it. Shining brilliantly, Rem opened her eyes, slightly wider then she normally did, awaiting YN's reaction to it.
This. This is what makes her an oni, isn't it?
Sometimes YN forgot, other than maybe being attributed to her quirky nature, Rem wasn't human like he was.
I never really put any thought into it before... but I guess that technically makes Rem a demi-human, doesn't it?
YN would have never guessed he'd end up with a girl that wasn't human per-say, but somehow, that maybe kind of felt right, like somehow that was bound to happen.
Mesmerized by the hum and the light it gave off, YN had a strange, strong desire however.
YN: Rem... can I—
Rem: Yes! O-Only if you want to though...
Answering enthusiastically before he could even finish asking, Rem slightly tilted her head toward him, inviting his touch.
Slowly extending his finger, YN could feel a slight warmth radiating from her horn as it glowed. Placing his finger on the back slope of it, near the point, it was warmer than Rem's body temperature, but not exceedingly hot. Shivering and wincing from the gentle contact, YN recoiled his finger before Rem responded.
Rem: I-It's fine! It's just... sensitive...
Returning his finger to where it had been, Rem repeated the same action, but controlled herself better this time. Slowly, YN ran his finger down the rear slope, and as he did, Rem's legs fidgeted more than normal.
Reaching the bottom of her horn, Rem calmed more, breathing slightly heavy. Giving him a weak smile when a pink blush on her face.
YN: D-Does it tickle?
Shaking her head, Rem bashfully replied.
Rem: No... It just feels really good.
Tracing his finger back up her horn, he reached the point once more.
Rem: Eeuu~
Reaching for his free hand, Rem grabbed it and sat it in her lap, holding it with both hands. As YN's finger passed the point and traveled down the front of her horn, Rem tightly squeezed his hand as she winced more and legs restlessly squirmed.
YN: Rem, I can be done if—
Rem: More.
YN: O-Okay.
Not wanting to deny her, YN placed two fingers on the side of her horn, and ran his finger down its entirety, feeling how warm and smooth it was.
Rem: Aha~
Tightly squeezing his hand, Rem sighed heavily, giving YN a look he'd seen before.
That look in her eyes... It's like after the party... Don't tell me, is she enjoying this that way?
Rem: YN-kuuuun~
Seemingly desiring more, YN wanted to be sure of what was happening, if only to prepare himself for what might happen next.
Putting his two fingers, one on each side of her horn, he traced the two slopes up and to the point.
Rem: Haaa!~
Not sure if he had gone too far, Rem didn't give him much of a chance to ask, or even think.
Letting go of one his hand with one of her, she grabbed the other hand that had just touched her horn. Having him by both wrists, Rem pushed her body into his, pushing him flat on the bed. Shaking her head as she talked, the light from her horn radiated it's magenta glow on both of their faces, now close enough to feel each other's breath.
Rem: Rem can't take it anymore!
Pressing her lips against his, the two engaged in a sudden passionate kiss of Rem's lust filled creation.
Unable to escape, effectively pinned down by the currently empowered oni, YN simply decided to go along with it.
Feeling the heat of her horn radiate against his forehead, his only hope was he didn't get poked by it.
Finally, coming off for air, Rem sat upright and looked down at YN, who still currently had his wrists held down. Both were breathing heavily.
Being able to speak, the pain he felt on them made itself known now that the kiss was over.
YN: Hey Rem, can you let up on the grip a little bit?
Realizing she had let her desire get the best of her, Rem instantly unhinged her iron grip on them and recoiled by her hands, and her horn.
Rem: Ah! Rem is so sorry, she—
YN: —It wasn't that bad! You can still do that if you want, just not as tight next time, okay?
Giving YN a look of guilt as she saw the red marks on his hand, Rem leaned back down for a hug. Wrapping his arms around the girl in return, Rem leaned back up, bringing YN with her.
Letting go, YN scratched the back of his head.
YN: That sure was... something else, wasn't it?
Resting her head on his shoulder, Rem agreed.
Rem: Yes. Rem knew her horn could make her lose control, but never like that...
YN: Is horn lust something all the oni had?
Figuring he was familiar enough with Rem to ask in such a way, YN inquired about what he was curious about.
Looking out the window, a more despondent expression adorned Rem's gentle face. One that reflected her sad and unfortunate past as a series of passing clouds covered the brilliant moon outside.
Shaking her head, Rem could not give an answer.
Rem: Rem does not know... Her memories from that time are still as clear as ever, but there was just such little time spent there... There is a great amount of things Rem does not know, and cannot hope to know now.
YN: But I'm sure you still miss them all like crazy, don't you?
Shifting her head on YN's shoulder, Rem was able to get a better look at him as she answered with a question of her own.
Rem: How does YN-kun miss his family and friends back from his old world?
Trying to gauge what kind of point Rem, he answered her question as truthfully as he could.
YN: I can't say I don't miss them, but what I've got here now is my main focus. I have my duties here, my responsibilities, and most importantly, I have you. Even if I could go back, I wouldn't. I understand I'm missing out on a lot of stuff, and they'll miss me too, but—
Taking YN's hand, Rem wrapped her fingers around his.
YN: —I think what you're trying to get out of me is how to better understand how you feel, isn't it?
Rem: They might be completely different things, but Rem can see many similarities.
Looking back out the window, Rem watched as the sky turned darker as the cloud cover intensified.
Rem: What YN-kun misses was taken from him in an instant, without his choice. But while the distance is immeasurable, he'll always remember those he left behind exactly as they were. To YN-kun, they will be frozen in time, much like Rem's heart was.
Putting her other hand on top of the one she already held YN's hand with, she continued.
Rem: Rem lost all of them so long ago now, and most of her memories after that are ones much like she has now, life working as a maid. But Rem has had much more time to mourn and reflect on them, unlike YN-kun. And just like YN-kun, it all happened to Rem nearly as fast as it did for him.
YN: They're very different things, but you can see the similarities, and because of that, we must have similar feelings, that's what you're getting at?
Turning to YN on his shoulder once more, Rem concluded her point.
Rem: Rem can't describe what it's like to YN-kun, but at the same time, Rem can't understand what it's like for YN-kun. But Rem can understand why YN-kun feels the way does, and Rem thinks he can understand why for Rem too. We both choose to prioritize the present, and what's ahead for us.
Nuzzling her face against his shoulder, Rem placed his hand against her cheek.
Rem: YN-kun helped Rem to see that when he unfroze her heart.
YN: Rem...
Rem: Rem is very thankful she has her Nee-sama, and Rem is also very thankful to have YN-kun to help her along.
Turning to wrap her arms around YN, the two leaned back on the bed together again.
The two remained laying together, sideways across the bed as Rem held him. While they were silent, they only listened to the light rain that began to fall, gently tapping against the window.
Pulling her arm out from under him, Rem looked up at the rain on the window before turning back YN, leaning on her elbow and bringing her other hand up to his face.
Gently running her hand across his cheek and lightly playing with his hair, he flinched one or two more times as she did. Feelings of unworthiness still plagued YN's mind whenever Rem so affectionately touched him.
Laying back down on her arm, Rem wrapped it behind his neck and under his opposite arm. Bringing her other arm over him, she clasped her hands together as she halfway laid on him, holding him as tightly as she could.
Rem: Rem will hold her YN-kun as tightly and for as long as it takes to get used to her gentle touches.
Without him speaking, Rem already had the answer to what he would say.
Rem: While it does make Rem's heart flutter knowing YN-kun thinks so highly of her, let Rem be just herself from time to time, okay?
Nodding, the two continued to listen to the soft pitter patter of the rain pick up.
YN: Any longer like this and we'll end up falling asleep together like this.
Rem: Rem would not mind that one bit. After all, YN-kun will need all the rest he can get once Rem has him help her correct the oni population problems one day.
Half asleep now, YN didn't entirely analyze the meaning of Rem's request until it was too late.
YN: Yeah, I'll help any way I can.
Whispering into his ear as he fell asleep, Rem was delighted to hear YN's willingness.
Rem: Rem will hold YN-kun to that~.
W-Wait! She doesn't mean...
Knowing what he'd just unwittingly agreed to, and being too tired and past the point of falling asleep, YN only had semi-conscious control of his thoughts at this juncture.
Look at her, already talking kids... Oh well, if that's my responsibility, so be it... No requests of Rem's is too large a burden to bear.
END ACT 1