Chapter Text
She wasn't sure what had happened. However, it had installed a great deal of fear into her. Her shaking hand reached for the sleeve of Subaru's jacket. At the sudden tug he gave her a side glance. Rem was wide eyed staring straight ahead at nothing. Her other hand shook at her chest trying to get her bearings. She didn't look his way at all but held on to him like her life depended on it. "Rem, you...?"
"Are you alright?" Ricado asked his face far too close to the boy's. Everyone had gathered around waiting his plans. Subaru didn't respond to his calls.
"Yeah. I guess my save point updated." The last part was whispered under his breath. The oni heard it but remained silent unsure of the meaning. The cursed boy sat down the color returning to his cheeks. His recovery was fast, far too impressive for her. In her head she was still going through what happened. So, something had happened to Subaru? Swallowing hard she sat down she was still holding onto him. "There are a few things I've realized about the Witch's Cult. Anyone know of a power to overwrite someone's consciousness so that you can take over their mind?"
"In an old book I saw something similar. It was old magic with certain conditions. Only members of the Witch's Cult and their targets could do it." The spirit knight spoke up.
"That would be the fingers?" The healer asked.
"Most likely, they're spare bodies. Really it is disgusting; they really are an evil group."
"So than if we wipe out the fingers?"
"If that happens his soul would have nowhere to go and that would be the end of him." Everyone sounded rather hopeful at the simple conclusion.
"I hate to burst your bubble. Sorry, I don't think it's just the fingers. I think he can get to me too. What should I do?" Rem's head snapped in her hero's direction. What was he talking about?
"Huh?" Other than an exclamation gasp no one else answered him. He kinda figured that the silence would be his answer. Maybe he could think of something on the way. Actually he really had no choice in the matter.
The minute Subaru wasn't the center of attention the maid pressed her back against the boy's chest. She felt the strong desire to share some type of physical touch. "Are you alright?" He questioned though he knew the answer to such a rhetorical question.
"Rem didn't even know what had happened but I can imagine. Is this something you go through often? It hurt a lot. I've never felt such a painful feeling from my heart before." The pain of her curse was nothing to the pain of the thought of his death. The black haired boy could have died and she never would have known.
"I'm sorry."
"Ah, Rem's not blaming you or anything. It's nothing to be sorry over."
He gave a fake smile. It was bit bitter and he spoke with a hint of self-loathing in his voice. "Are you upset your hero isn't as perfect as you think?" The black haired boy helped her on the reptile's back. Then he leaped up himself.
"Never, if anything Rem loves you more. You're much more human now and I can see that and help you from this point onward. After all, all I want is to share in your burdens. Depend on Rem." The demi human felt her resolve strengthen one hundred fold. She craned her neck to offer a loving smile. It was enough to lighten his heart. She turned and faced forward again watching the road. "However, if you feel guilty enough can Rem may ask a favor? Please wrap your arms tighter around me; I'm still a little shaken up about this." Without delay both arms tightly enfolded around her middle. From his position behind her he wasn't able to see the smile that graced her features.
He buried his face into the side of her neck a few tears rolled down his face to land on her jaw. "Sorry Rem, you may experience many more horrifying things in the future because of me..."
"It is but a small price to pay. I love you, Subaru."
The closer they got to the town the more anxious the cursed couple got. The maid wasn't able to rest at all. Her body was too restless and her own thoughts flooding her over worked mind. "We'll be sticking to the first plan of you and Wilhelm going to the mansion. I know the spy who will be joining us; we won't fall for it again."
"I understand."
---
"You have a visitor." Ram announced the moment they entered the mansion. Emilia was already by the door anxiously awaiting news from the hornless girl. Red eyes drifted over to the old man who bowed slightly in greeting.
"You are from Crush's household, aren't you?" Purple eyes drifted to the other side of the butler noticing the younger oni. "Rem? What are you doing here?" Worry that something had happened to Subaru Emilia quickly closed the gap between them.
The sword demon got to one knee and bowed. "I am Wilhelm Trias. I have come on my master's behalf." The spirit user turned her attention back to their guest. Questioning the oni would have to come later.
"Really? I received a blank letter from her..."
"I see, so it is true. While this is a shameful thing that letter was tempered with and conflicts with her true intentions."
"So it was a mistake." Her voice held a bit of relief in it. It was a bit of good news for the few days of pain and disappointment she had.
"Yes. We would like to evacuate those who remain in the mansion and reside in the village."
"There is a dangerous ring of criminals near the forest." Ram spoke up at the confused face of the half elf. "Wilhelm has already prepared forces necessary to stop the enemy."
"Why does Crusch want to help this domain so much?"
"The margrave sent my master an alliance proposal. The condition is to share mining rights."
"I see."
"Half of the villagers will go to the capital."
"Ram will lead the other half to the Sanctuary. Our master is heading that way now."
"Oh, I see... Then everything is already taken care of. But this is a bit strange; everything is a bit too well-timed." Rem couldn't help but briefly smile at the long haired woman phased it. Yes, everything is well-timed when it came to her savior.
The door slammed opened with a large noise the echoed in the main entryway. "Pardon me. Movement from the group in the forest has been detected! There isn't any time to waste. Please take shelter this region will be a sea of blood. What are your orders, sir?"
The older man turned his attention to the silver haired woman and waited for her approval. "I understand. I gratefully accept your kindness. Have the villager already been made aware of the situation?"
"Yes, it has already been taken care of it." The head maid said.
"Alright, let's go." There was a certain tone of determination in the king candidate's voice.
Emilia watched the carriages take off one by one. She felt a gentle pull on her sleeve and turned to see a sweet child smilingly at her. "We're ready, please take care of us." Behind her was her group of friends all wearing friendly smiles.
"Uh, I think there has been a mistake."
"No, given the number of people and carriages we must ask you to ride with these children."
"Are you sure about that? Wouldn't it be better for them to ride with someone else?"
"We want to ride with you and Rem!" Petra pouted a little. "You're the lady who's around Subaru and watches our radio calisthenics. It looks like you always have a good time talking with him." Petra beamed at her with the innocent of a child. Any friend of Subaru was a friend of hers. "Please ride with us."
Emilia's face overcame with emotions as one by one the kids welcomed her. The taller woman shifted to look at the older twin. "Ram, be careful and take care of things at Sanctuary."
"You take care as well. You'll be safe with my sister." They watched the peach haired girl got into another carriage and departed before them.
Their wagon was the last one in the line. All the carriages heading to the Sanctuary left before the ones heading to the capital. Inside the carriage was silent. With kids on board it was a bit unsettling that they were so well behaved.
Rem glanced away at the passengers. Emilia was shifting her gaze too much and showing how uncomfortable with the situation she was. She wanted to speak but didn't know how to. Blue eyes closed as she tried to relax a little. She wasn't sure if she could answer questions the elf would have anyway. Was she suspicious? Did she know that Subaru was behind this? Hopefully this will be a quiet trip.
"Are you alright, Rem?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Are you sure? You look like you want to fall over. I would like to offer you my lap..." The long haired woman trailed off. Rem smiled warmly with the kids surrounding her there was no room from her on that side of the wagon. That was just fine though after all the oni would rather have a rewarding lap pillow from Subaru.
"Rem, did Subaru send you?"
The servant was dreading having to answer questions relating to him. Of course she knew they would come eventually. "Yes." She replied honestly. Rem was never one to lie, omit the truth sure, but never outright lie. "Once he learned there was going to be conflict he insisted that Rem should go. He thought Rem would be able to help convince people to evacuate."
"That was wise." A frowned formed on her face. There was no way she would've been able to get the people to listen. There would be no guaranty that a stranger like Wilhelm would have been able to get them to move either. It really was thanks to the twins. The villagers saw and interacted with them on a weekly base. The twins had their trust; trust she wasn't able to gain. She couldn't do anything.
"How is Subaru? Is he getting his healing sessions?" She asked trying to get out of her negative mind set.
"Subaru is..." Rem opened her eyes and rested her head against the back covering of the wagon. "...Healing. He is in a lot of pain." The maid swallowed hard trying to convey his feelings to the future king. "Subaru really does a lot with the best interest of everyone in mind; in ways that we'll never know about. So it is really hard to notice sometimes. Even Rem didn't know until recently." How many times had he died for them? She couldn't begin to think about it. Rather she didn't want too. The thought of dying was awful to begin with but to die so alone was much worse. The smaller girl looked at her. Emilia remained silent an unreadable expression on her face. "I really need to thank you."
"Whatever for?"
"Without you allowing me to stay by Subaru's side I never would have been able to support him like he needs." Tears slipped down her cheeks. She made no movement to wipe them away but averted her eyes away from the other girl. The demi human was unable to get her emotions under control. The town was nothing more than a dot on the horizon.
"..." The tall woman's gaze dropped to her lap. The amount of emotion the calm maid normally showed made her uneasy. Unconsciously she squeezed the hand of whoever's hand she was holding. She didn't understand anything. For the best the carriage fell into silence and remained that way.
---
The carriage stopped for a short brake and a bit of lunch. The children were allowed a little freedom to move around. Without the time to make an actually make a snack the peach haired maid had given them some dried meat for their travels. Rem could only stare at the meat strip as her mind wonder to the status of her hero and the others. How many casualties was there this time? The twin forced the strip of meat into her mouth and chewed. She wasn't hungry nor could the girl remember the last time she ate either. Rem over chewed till her jaw hurt and was able to swallow it.
"There is a slight concern weighing on my mind." Wilhelm voiced out walking over to them and addressing the half elf. "I would like to take a small number from our forces to eliminate it."
"Is there any way I can help?"
The old man smiled at her consideration. "Don't release the hands of the children." The silver haired woman was stunned into silence. His blue eyes drifted towards the matching blue eyes of the maid. The demi human nodded fully understanding. She couldn't be at Subaru's side but the sword demon could.
He mounted his dragon taking a small force with and heading into the direction they came in. Emilia looked a bit dejected and worried.
"It's time to start moving again." The driver announced. All the kids were safely herded inside the wagon.
"We'll be out of the forest soon."
At the sudden sounds of explosions the wagon harshly jerked forward. The kids whimpered in fear clinging to Emilia's limbs. "It's okay, just hang on tight. There's nothing to fear." Emilia talked as calm and soothingly as possible. Rem kept one hand on the carriage while the other held Patra close to her body.
'The old man ran into someone behind us.' Puck voiced out without taking a physical form. 'He was right to separate from us. Don't worry though his strength is nothing to mess with. We won't be needed.'
The wheel of the wagon hit a rock sending part of their transportation into the air and crushing back down. Her lavender eyes shifted towards the maid. Moments before it looked like she was holding Petra; now it looks like Petra was completely supporting her. "Rem, are you alright?" Her round cheeks have lost a bit of color and over all she looked rather sickly.
"Rem is fine; maybe a little sick, very much...extremely, a little sick." She covered her mouth just in case. Normally she would never suffer from motion sickness but the stress put on her body hit her limit.
"Whatever happens, I'll protect you both." Luka spoke starting a chain reaction from the others.
"Don't worry, we're fine!" A child shouted his eyes closed tightly.
"We promised that we wouldn't let you go!"
"What? I'll protect you guys. You don't have to protect me. Who made you promise that?" Emilia questioned. It was unlikely to be one of the twins.
"Subaru!"
"That was supposed to be a secret!" Petra scolded a frown on her face. The other kids flinched.
"Subaru?" Her eyes glanced over at the maid to see if she reacted towards the news. The oni was fully out of it and not paying attention.
While the sounds of battle got further away the speed of the wagon still didn't slow down. They still needed to put more distance between them and the fight. The kids relaxed a bit as the path became smoother. Even Rem looked a bit better as she panted for fresh air. Petra stroked her back.
'Are you thinking about Subaru?' Puck asked.
'Yeah, but I still can't believe it.'
'If Subaru is leading these forces everything would make sense. Rem being here, Ram not arguing, the villagers willing to evacuate.'
She took a quick glance at the oni who looked a bit better not that the ride was smoother. 'But why? After everything...? How could he even do all of this?'
'Something is behind us.'
The carriage came to a hard stop jolting all the passengers. The wagon sank a little when extra weight had jumped in. The oni perked up immediately when her eyes landed on her hero. Emilia looked surprised and remained quiet. The black haired boy looked determined as he fell to his knees. Kneeling near an uneven looking plank he ripped it and the surrounding ones off. Once the hole was big enough he grabbed the bag and turned to leave.
"Magic stones?!" Rem gasped in terror recognizing the glow from the bag and the stronger smell of the witch. She was completely unaware the dangerous stones were that close to them.
"Wait, why?"
Once mounted on his partner's back Subaru turned to smile at the girl. He didn't verbally answer but the smile was more than enough. He snapped the reins and Patrasche dashed off. Trying to put as much distance between the bombs and the people he cared for.
Rem held onto the edge of the wagon with half her body out watching the small form moved towards the whale's body. The light from the explosion was bright on their retinas and the aftershocks from the gust of wind pushed her over onto her back.
Once the air pressure lessened without hesitation the small girl leaped out the back of the carriage. Her knees clasped from her weight and she fell to the ground. Her knees landed on top of some small pebbles. It hurt; in more ways than one. The number one pain in her heart was the fact that Emilia jumped off the back of the wagon and was able to rush to his side when she couldn't. She watched as the spirit user ran getting further and further away from her. The only comfort the twin could bask in was the fact her heart was still beating. That meant his was too. Emilia could heal him and she couldn't. Emilia was the one he wanted to see most in this moment.
She brought her hands to her chest and prayed. Hopefully he wasn't too injured. Tears gathered in the corner of her eyelids. It was probably for the best to stay and watch over the children.
---
The demi human sat on the back of the carriage with her sight on the dirt below. Her motion sickness was gone. Everyone was catching up or getting healed. Even Petra, who for most of the ride was by her side, had gone off for a little freedom. Patrasche rest nearby Ferris had healed the small injuries and burns she had sustained. Her head lifted and turned towards the stump of the historical tree. Not that long ago they had spent a nice moment there before the battle with the whale. Rem turned to look at what she saw. Her face brightened and she got her feet.
"Subaru!" As fast as she could speed walk she shortened the distance between them. Without hesitating she threw her arms around him and rubbed her tear stained face against his chest. The boy exhaled in relieve, wrapping his arms around her in return. "I'm sorry. Rem couldn't tell there were stones nearby. I thought that scent was still coming from me." He picked up the tone of anger in her voice. "Rem will retrain her nose. This will not happen again!"
"Don't worry about it. All that matters is that everyone is safe." The oni offered a small smile at his words basking in his affection.
The half elf cocked her head to the side. "Were you two always this close?" The cursed couple shared a look. Rem stayed quiet she was going to agree with whatever the boy says. Regardless if it would hurt her.
"Yes, something like that. I do love her." He spoke with a clear unwavering tone. It shocked her but also it made her unbelievably happy. Admitting it to Emilia really felt like a concrete promise that nothing would get between them. "Let's just say Rem has the ability to stop my heart." He placed her hand on the top of her head.
Emilia's face looked unreadable. In the few seconds of silence that pasted the cursed couple didn't know how to feel. Was she going to outright reject their feelings? The taller woman finally smiled. It was one she used when she didn't understand what was happening around her. "Isn't that great Rem?"
"Yes!" Though Rem debated if his joke was in good taste or not. For a few more seconds they stood around in silence. Both of them allowed the oni who wanted her own time with her hurt savior.
"Let's return to the carriages. I would like to rest properly for a little." Slowly the smaller girl pulled away but held onto his hand. After a quick check on Patrasche the black haired boy sat in the carriage. The short haired girl immediately curled up at his side and fell into a peaceful asleep. He kept her near enjoying the closeness just as much as she does. Petra promptly stole his other side lightly leaning against him. Emilia sat across from them slightly unhappy over the arrangement.
"Can you tell me everything that you've been up too while we haven't seen each other?"
"Didn't Rem tell you?"
"She told me some, but I would like to hear it from you."
"I have no problem explaining myself to you. However, if you don't mind; I got blown up recently. I don't think I could have a proper conversation right now. Nor is this the place." He put his free hand on Petra's head. The elf frowned knowing this was something that should be kept from the innocent ears of the kids. Slowly he flopped down taking Rem with him. He found a comfortable position on the wooden floor resting the maid on top of his body. Her relaxed body molded into his.
Rem wasn't sure how much time had passed but she had the best rest of her life. When her blue eyes fluttered open and the first thing she saw was her savior. Joy filled her person and she nuzzled closer to his warmth. "How do you feel?" Subaru whispered one amber eye opened.
The oni beamed. "Much better. Most of my mana has returned." Her eyes glanced towards the half elf that was also asleep. "How did things go with Emilia? Did you make up?"
"No, we haven't spoken about that. She just healed my injuries from the explosion." The servant cocked her head to the side. It surprised her that they didn't rekindle immediately. During the ride she thought Emilia wanted nothing more than to fix their relationship. And of course Subaru wanted her back.
"Are you afraid she won't forgive you?"
"It's not that. Actually I think she had the right idea. So I've been thinking about it this whole time." Pain flashed through his amber orbs and Rem saw it.
"Talk to Rem, I'm always here."
"I don't know how much you know about our fight. A part of why she left was because she didn't understand. She can never understand. I don't blame her for that anymore; a normal person can't understand the pain I go through. If I stay around her chances are she will be pulled into another dangerous situation. I don't want that anymore; I don't want people I love in danger. I don't want to put you through that."
"Are you going to run away?"
"I finished everything here can you still call it 'running away?'" He pouted knowing full well she had a point. "You really know how to give me some tough love." He reached out to caress one of her cheeks. She smiled and nuzzled into his palm.
"Rem has said this before but I will follow you anywhere. So I'd be extremely happy to go with you. I want the chance to make you slowly fall in love with me; to be the only woman in your life fair and square." She closed her eyes and placed a hand on her stomach. "Rem has already given you all of her love and her future. However, will you truly be happy? Just the two of us. Would you regret it years later? Don't you want to remain by her side?"
"...I am in love you, you know? I wouldn't regret anything with you ever, I promise."
"And I'm in love you but we're focusing on your feelings right now not mine." She could see the hurt in his face. The fear that his emotions weren't getting through to her. "Moreover, if you were to leave Emilia's side the only thing you would be doing is leaving her without as much protection. Roswaal already thought the cult would attack. This attack would have happened regardless of you being there. She's a target because of her race not because of our curse. So you need not to blame yourself."
Much to the maid's dismay the butler moved to sit up. She followed suit sitting as close as possible. "I can't seem to stop that. Mabeast of all types seem to like me a little too much." The short haired girl remained quiet but repositioned herself into his lap. His arms automatically wrapped around her middle. Rem smiled affections like this were starting to feel normal. Like such an intimate act wasn't inappropriate. They were comfortable with each other. He rested his cheek on the top of her head.
"Why don't you tell me what you plan on telling Emilia. It might help you."
"I'm not sure what to say."
"Didn't you want to apologize? Start with that."
"I'm sorry for everything."
"And? What are your feelings? What does your heart want to say?"
"I love you." He voiced. He allowed his mind to shut down to have his heart take over. "I want to stay by your side; I want to see you smile. I want to help you get to the throne too."
"Do you just have the need to protect me or…?
"I need to protect you."
Blue eyes closed. "Thank you, Subaru you're really a great friend."
"Umm...what was that?" He pulled away slightly dishearten by her words. Why did the oni just friend-zone him during their practice?
"Do you want the best answer or the more realistic answer?" She asked knowing that he was going to get upset with her response. "I've seen the way you look at her versus the way she looks back. To me, her eyes don't reveal that she sees you in such a passionate light. I've also watched the way my sister stares at Roswaal when she thinks Rem isn't paying attention. Thus I believe my portrayal is rather accurate."
"I feel as though I can't argue with that. So you're preparing me for heartbreak? But you still believe I should speak my feelings to her? Besides, I don't think you should be using your sister as a reference point."
"I think you would regret it if you keep your feelings on the inside. Nor is it healthy it would consume you. I once heard that a woman in love in more beautiful than normal. It shows with sister. The way she acts and the way she smiles really makes her glow more than normal. Her cheeks redden just enough to make her eyes pop." The twin's cheeks were lit red with the thought of her sister. Her expression returned to normal when addressing the elf. "I haven't noticed Emilia smile in such a strong way."
"I think you might be a little bias, you do have a siscon after all... Just out of curiosity how do you see me stare at her?"
"Your stare is one of attraction. You're face brightens when you look at her too. It's cute; Rem wants to keep that expression on your face."
"In what way do I look at you?"
"You look at me in a kind and affectionate way. I love the way you look at me, it's cute, and it really makes Rem feel special."
"Calling me cute again? Well, you are special."
"All of Subaru's faces are cute after all." The oni blushed and smiled with a giggle. It felt like it wasn't often enough for her to get approval from him. There were times she thought about purposely putting herself down just to hear Subaru's praise.
"Not many girls would be as calm as you are about this whole mess of a situation."
"Rem just wants you to be happy. Your relationship with Emilia doesn't really affect your relationship with me. Of course that doesn't mean I won't fight for you if necessary. Rem is ready to prove my love is stronger here. As for our-" The oni looked around, everyone in the back was asleep and the driver couldn't hear them. "'-Binding contract' I take great comfort in knowing I'm the only one you can talk to about it. I won't say death doesn't scare me but there is reassuring knowing that I won't ever be alone either." The fear from her death earlier still remained. That chilling feeling would always remain. It happened instantly but there was still suffering involved. Her heart was being crushed but she was still able to feel her body hitting the ground.
'Binding contract' huh? Well Subaru thought that was certainly a cute way of putting it. It made the horrific curse sound like an intimate unbreakable bond like what Puck and Emilia shared. Thinking of it that way did take a bit of the morbid horror off. The elf had stated that Puck was her number one and vice versa. They did show it to each other. Subaru couldn't deny that Rem already puts him first in most situations. Could he do the same and put her first?
The black haired boy dropped his head a bit. "I think I still needed to be reassured about that, thanks." There was no point in dwelling in guilt. Yet that doesn't mean the next time he dies he wouldn't feel more guilt.
From a distance the tall woman started to awaken. They both quickly stopped talking. Just to be on the safe side the maid slide off his lap and sat properly next to him. Emilia sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Rem are you feeling any better?"
"Yes, thank you for your concern." From her sitting position she bowed respectfully.
"Subaru what about you? Do you have any shadow pains from the wounds I healed?"
"I'm fine, thank you." Silence fell over them. The maid gently tapped his side with her elbow trying to get him to speak. The children were still asleep at least some part of their conversation could be addressed. If anything at least get rid of the uncomfortable air around them.
He bowed politely. "I'm really sorry about before."
The long haired woman shook her head. "No, I'm sorry too. To think you still went through all the trouble." Silence fell over them again making the short haired girl frown. Why wasn't he speaking? He still had more to tell her. Closing her eyes she latched on to his arm with a sigh. The black haired boy didn't react to it. Her eyes opened as she addressed the silver haired woman with an emotionless tone.
"What is it, Rem?" The spirit user replied in an overly happy tone. She was glad that the maid wanted to break the silence.
"I love Subaru; Rem wishes to remain by his side eternally. How do you feel about this? What are your feelings towards Subaru?"
"Rem?!" The human jumped shocked by her sudden words. His face flushed. Sure he had wanted to admit his feelings but for some reason found himself unable too. Why? The words came out so easily when talking to Rem. Because he knew deep down it was Rem and not Emilia speaking? Why was it easier to tell the servant his feelings? It couldn't simply be because she already returned them right? He gazed over at her; the oni didn't glance at him after making her bold declaration.
"Huh? Eh?" She seemed dumbfounded unable to give a formulated verbal response. Her cheeks tinted as she studied the smaller girl's position. While Rem had latched on to him she pressed as much of her body up against his.
"Subaru loves you." She added much to the older boy's growing horror. One fast hard look from cold blue eyes shut his mouth immediately. He didn't speak so Rem was doing it for him. Simple. Problem solved? He averted his eyes and let the girl handle it.
"I-" Emilia's eyes dropped to her lap. After a few heavy seconds she formulated an actual reply. "I'm flattered, but..." The minute 'but' escaped her lips it felt like a knife stabbed his heart. Words that follow 'but' were never good words. "I never thought I would see the day someone would tell me that they love me. I don't know what to do. I may never be able to properly respond. What if I can't? Will you be angry with me?"
"I won't get angry not matter what your answer is, I promise." Subaru calmed down a bit now able to look her in the eyes. Hopefully it would also have the same effect on the older woman.
"Rem, how do you really feel about this? You can't be happy with this then." She seemed quick to get someone else into the center of attention. There was still a small amount of panic in her pitch.
"While nothing would make me happier than to be Subaru's only woman. I'm fine with this, I respect his feelings. At the very least I don't feel threatened and I know I can't be replaced in his heart." She looked up while Subaru looked down at her. As if there were opposites magnets their foreheads touched tenderly. When they pulled away the demi human focused her attention back on the older woman who was watching them in awe. "Please do not worry about Rem and answer to your own feelings. No one would be satisfied if you don't."
Subaru's eyes softened at her. "Don't stress over it. Take your time and figure out your emotions."
Emilia fidget with her fingers avoided eye contact. "At this current time I don't feel that way. I don't know if I'll ever look at you in that way. Sorry, you're like a kid brother."
"I'm the younger sibling here...?" Wasn't being deemed 'like a brother' worse than 'just a friend?'
"But I don't think anyone needs to worry with Rem by your side." It kind of seemed like she was trying to justify her feelings. No on commented on it. "At least you're in good hands."
"Indeed I am." The boy huffed out feeling relieve that this tense atmosphere was starting to disappearing. The cursed boy felt extremely lucky to be cared for by such a fantastic woman. Someone who wanted to fight for you, but also, respected your feelings no matter what. "You know, I'm not really as upset with this rejection as I thought I would be." His heart felt light as if nothing was weighing it down. Was it because of his earlier practice with Rem? Was he prepared for her rejection on his romance? He glanced down at the small girl. She must have felt his eyes on her making her look up innocently.
"I'm not perfect but I'm trying my best to be good enough." The oni's mouth dropped slightly. Where did that come from? It surprised even him. The younger girl gently cupped Subaru's cheeks rubbing her thumb against his cheeks. She guided his face close to hers till their lips touched softly. The kiss was everything they could have hope for. Sweet and affectionate, comforting and reassuring. Subaru loosely wrapped his arms around her waist. This was love, it just had to be.
"Subaru?! What are you doing?! Are you impregnating Rem? Aren't you moving a little too fast? Their wasn't even a wedding yet! There are kids here too!" To say that the couple broke apart in complete surprise was an understatement. The elf's hidden face was completely red behind her hands. She peeked out between her fingers.
"...What?"