Work Text:
Take Care
Around early in the afternoon it started off as a mere irritation at the back of her throat. The half elf Emilia drank some water and continued with the heaps of paperwork on her desk. Later on, a wave of exhaustion struck her. Could she have overexerted herself? She was warned many times not to after all.
By sundown, everything became hot as her strong immune system fought this bug. She stubbornly stayed by the desk until the huffing and puffing Puck emerged out of her silver hair with words of wisdom.
"A Queen must first help herself then she can help others."
Tomorrow will be better. She told herself as she groggily took her sick self to bed.
When the girl woke up the next day, she found herself in an even worse condition than yesterday. Her breathing was strenuous, her nose was stuffed and runny and whenever she'd cough, it'll be the most incomprehensible pain throughout her body.
Today couldn't have gone possibly worse. Her long hair was messy as it lay on the sweat soaked pillow; tired eyes were gazing at the ceiling like it was the endless void.
She hated being sick. She hated showing any weakness.
Emilia's eyes were slowly closing. Just as she was about to fall asleep again, the slimy cough shot her in an upright-seated position.
A slight knock on the door alerted the half elf.
"Emilia-sama, may I enter?" A familiar voice spoke on the other side.
She was too tired and sick to say anything and roll off the bed to go hide, all so Ram wouldn't see her like this. When no response came, the door creaked open.
A pink haired Oni dressed as an elegant maid made her entrance. She was energetic and her loveable self as she gracefully walked to the curtains and opened it, much to the dismay of Emilia who didn't want bright sunlight on her.
"Good morning sleepy head." Ram said in an almost monotone voice. "I am used to Puck waking you up..."
Puck who was incredibly strict with Emilia's eating and sleeping routines was sympathetic towards her daughter. Sleep was the best medicine usually.
"Oh, um, I have a cold. Father told me I can sleep in, but it's nothing really." Emilia said with a coughing fit.
"Let me check your temperature then Emilia-sama." Ram approached the sickly half elf, not considering her personal space.
"It's a cold Ram, I assure you. I appreciate your concern but-Achoooo!" It was a mouse squeak sneeze from Emilia.
Ram stood on her tippy toes, placing her hand gently on Emilia's forehead. The demon and half elf's faces were an inch away from each other.
"Hm..." She had a deep contemplative look, much different than her usual poker face. Emilia awaited the diagnosis.
"Cold shcmold." Ram said bluntly. "You have the flu. I shall inform Roswaal that you'll be in bed for a few days."
"Wait, uh, days?" A day was pushing it already for her.
Emilia's nose was blocked. "That's not necessary, Ram. I-"
She coughed again. "I'll be fine, honest!"
Obviously, Ram wasn't buying what the girl was selling. "As caretaker of Roswaal's mansion, I take exemplary responsibility of the land and anyone residing within it. Please refrain from such ignorance and arrogance. I expect such fertilizer from Barasu, but certainly not with you, Emilia-sama. Shame on you..."
Ram tucked the grumpy half elf in against her wishes. Emilia moaned about how she wasn't stubborn. Every move was done with such finesse. The pink haired maid made the bed flawlessly, not a wrinkle in sight. She replaced the older pillow for a clean scented one.
"There. Much better now, isn't it?" Ram had a small smile. She was proud of her nifty work.
Emilia, while enjoying the pampering, wasn't too fond of the special treatment. She felt it was undeserving since she was only lying down. Only those who worked hard deserved to be rewarded.
"I suppose so..." Emilia responded with puffy sick cheeks.
"Acting like Betty Tsk Tsk." The maid shook her head. "I'll have Rem Rem make you some special soup It's a perfect concoction that'll cure your ailment."
As Ram made her exit, she said one more thing. "And remember Emilia-sama, there's nothing wrong with being weak, however, staying weak certainly is. Just ask Barasu."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean!?" Another familiar voice spoke in the long mansion hallway.
Emilia wanted to hide under the bed covers. She certainly didn't want him to see her like this, so vulnerable. For some reason whenever she saw him there was butterflies swimming in her tummy. It was complicated.
"If Barasu's small pea brain can't comprehend it now, you never will."
"Excuse me?"
"You're excused." Ram couldn't help but be boast full about it. "Emilia-sama is busy resting. She has the flu. Don't bother her with your otherworldly mating calls. No one finds them appealing over here."
Ignoring the oni's regular roasting session, Natsuki Subaru attempted to lean over the small Ram who was blocking the entrance of the doorway. "Wait, my Emilia-tan is sick? Then let me help her!"
The eager Subaru's wind was punched out by Ram's palm. "You did more than enough. For all we know you could have gotten her sick."
"Me!? I'm stronger than ever!"
"Uh huh, and so are the germs. Now shoo."
She swatted at him with her hands as if he was an annoying fly. Subaru moaned in disappointed.
With a sigh of relief, Emilia's back pounced back onto the gigantic bed. Yet she couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed that he wasn't there. Odd...could be just the fever.
The spoon was slowly turning in the steaming bowl of strong edible herbal recipes. It wasn't pleasant to look or smell, let alone taste, but it gave results.
"Say Ahhh!" The blue haired maid known as Rem brought the spoon to Emilia. She wasn't a fussy eater by any means, but that stench was too foul.
The half elf dismissively shook her head. The oni frowned.
"Come on, Emilia! Don't you want to get better?" Rem pouted.
"It has green peppirs in it." Emilia protectively hugged the pillow in her arms.
"Yes! It's rich and filled with vitamins and minerals!" Rem gave a hearty smile, obviously, referring to a thinly slices green skin hanging over the spoon.
"They're the devils!" She crossed her arms to make the point across, despite her runny nose.
Rem groaned at the comparison. She understood that Emilia was delirious because of her high fever so she couldn't see that her comment was offensive to her own kin. "No, it's yummy. Now eat it!"
"Here comes the dragon!" Rem brought the spoon closer again but to no avail. Seemed like every attempt would just end fruitless.
Emilia childishly turned her head sideways every time, dodging the incoming spoon. "Never!"
With demonic quick reflexes, Rem managed to get the medicine in Emilia's mouth. The half elf coughed it all up making a mess all over her nightgown.
"You made such a big mess!" Rem brought a handkerchief to clean the girl, but even then, the half elf was distrusting towards the demon.
"Emilia-sama please! I'm trying to clean you!" Rem pleaded.
"Nuh uh! You're just trying to get me to eat that gross green stuff!" The fevered state she was in reminded the demon of time she and Emilia drank a bit too much.
The smaller girl leaned over, but Emilia remained stubborn. She climbed on the bed, but the half elf dodged and weaved. Rem attempted to be more assertive by climbing on top of Emilia. Completely oblivious to them, someone had snuck in and caught them in the act.
Subaru smiled. "Am I... interrupting something?"
All of a sudden, a sweet plan entered Rem's mind. She mentally rubbed her hands together for this scheme.
"Subaru-kun, Emilia made a mess. Why don't you go and clean her?" She whispered to him. She was about to leave the room. However, Subaru didn't catch the hint.
He pointed to himself. "Me? The member of the opposite sex?"
He was blushing hard. This was extremely inappropriate and not to mention, he had so much other duties around the house. Subaru felt like he was taking advantage of a sickly girl.
The impatient Rem, rolling her eyes, took an example from her twin sister, jabbing him hard in the side with her elbow. That knocked the wind out of his sails and some more common sense too. Inwardly letting him know that he won't be getting another opportunity like this.
"Anywho, I believe I just heard Ram calling please take good care of Emilia, Subaru-kun!" Rem gave her savior a bright smile, donning her head towards the dazed half elf. She whispered to him. "Don't mess this up."
While he understood his role now, Subaru was uncertain what the demon had to gain from this all. He saw her blue bowl cut hair sticking out behind the doorframe while she peeked. 'What was her endgame?' He wondered.
"Stare..."
Regardless, Subaru straightened his butler jacket and checked to see if his breath was fresh. 'Yes, still got it!' He confidently walked up to Emilia who simply looked at him with a runny nose. It was too late to hide now.
"So, I heard my amazing Emilia is sick!" He gave her a warm smile, which made her day a bit less gloomy.
"Just..a little." Emilia pinched her fingers. She had a slimy cough afterwards.
"Oh, that doesn't sound so good! Let's go get you in a warm bath Missy."
She had no idea how she was going to get out of bed, let alone walk all the way to the bathroom. "Uggh, Subaru...please it's fine. I can just change into something else, really!"
Subaru walked up to the bedside and scooped her in his arms. She was as light as a feather and almost weighed nothing. Her violet eyes were wide as Subaru gave her a cheesy grin. "Nonsense! The hot water will do you wonders!"
Emilia blushed. She didn't believe she had much say over the matter anyways.
"You helped me with all my injuries, so it's only fair if I, Natsuki Subaru, pay you back!" Subaru walked out of the room, bridal carrying Emilia in his strong arms.
Emilia smiled. "Dummy, it won't do you any good if I get you sick too."
Subaru walked down the extensive hallway. "Then you can nurse me too and maybe give me a sponge bath! EMN! Emilia Major Nurse!"
Emilia covered her mouth as she had another coughing fit in Subaru's arms. Did this man have an acronym for everything of her? "I'll...try my best."
Subaru was satisfied by that answer. "That's all I ask! And if you want, I'll even give you a piggyback ride to your room when we're done!"
"Geez, Subaru, I'm not a child! Stop treating me like a little kid!" She wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Hey, you thought I was a kid." Subaru quickly came to his own defense. Obviously, referring to the time she stopped him from drinking. "You thought I was 10! 10! I'm 17 you know!"
For someone stuck in ice for so long, Emilia didn't have a good concept with age and that includes her own too. "Subaru looks so young!"
"My, you two are having fun!"
The two found their paths crossing with Roswaal Mathers. The man with clown make up smiled for them, which sent Emilia into a worried and stuttering frenzy while being cradled. She should be working, not slacking about.
Detecting her distress, he simply smiled with his purple lipstick on. "No need to fret Emilia-sama. Ram already informed me of the situation. Please get better soon!"
Subaru smiled. "I'll take good care of Mili, Roschi. You can count on me! She'll be on her feet in no time!"
Emilia whispered to Subaru, but it was still audible for Roswaal to hear. She murmured. "Put me down Subaru. I have legs."
"That's good, then you can use them when you're all better!"
He could only chuckle at their banter. Roswaal bowed before taking his leave. "Very well. I shall leave you two to it. Subaru. Emilia-sama."
Emilia pouted at Subaru with his overconfident smile. Couldn't he go a day without embarrassing her in any way?
Subaru took off his jacket and rolled up his white sleeves. While Emilia was busy in the changing room, Subaru filled the pool with warm water. It was a relatively huge bath, so he had to wait awhile.
He wished it went faster because his mind started to wonder. Emilia threw her purple nightgown over the door. He gulped.
"Right, bubble bath. Almost forgot." Subaru clicked his fingers. He just wanted something anything to distract him.
"Subaru..." Emilia called him out nervously.
Subaru spun around. In front of him stood Emilia with a towel wrapped around her body. He tried to avert his eyes, but it was damn near impossible especially with her long model legs on display.
Subaru scratched the back of his head. "Wow, is it me or is it hot!? Must be all that steam! You know they say the moist air will really help clear your sinuses..."
His attention went to the towel that hugged her curves."...and stuff."
She looked away. He did the same.
Emilia blushed. She was perplexed on why Rem had placed them in such a compromising position instead of just simply helping her.
Subaru gave his hand. "Let me help. You can get dizzy in this place."
Emilia reached out and took his hand. He helped her sit down in the shallow part of the bath. Any embarrassment was washed away when she felt the warm water. Subaru sat behind her on the edge, rinsing her hair before applying shampoo.
"Lean on me..."
Subaru started singing absent-mindedly. It must be a song in his world. She never heard something like that. It was different but not in a bad way.
"Subaru that song..."
"Hmm, you like it? My mom used to sing it for me when I was little and sick!" Subaru smiled. "My English, of course, isn't so good so I can't remember the rest of the lyrics."
"It's very nice and peaceful! Please go on!" Emilia said.
He went on humming it at her request. "Yeah, she loves music all over the world. That's how my parents met! They went to the same high school together. My dad was pretty popular among the ladies, but he only had eyes for my mom."
Subaru continued to massage the shampoo in her hair. "Of course, people spread rumors about dad being a ladies' man of some sorts, so my mom never gave him a chance when he finally had enough courage to ask her out."
Emilia's hair was so long it felt like it would go on forever. "He really wanted to win her heart. With a little pleading on dad's side, mom's friends told him about her favorite albums and songs. He couldn't understand or speak a lick of English but that didn't stop him! My dad took on some part time jobs to afford extra cram school lessons so he could learn the language. And then one day, he performed her top song at her house!"
Emilia returned his smile with a smile of her own. She looked up. "I take it went well?"
Subaru laughed, cleaning behind her half elf ears. "No, he was terrible! My mom said that was the worst rendition of the song she had ever heard, but she immediately said yes after! I guess mom saw the effort he put into it, or just wanted him to stop ruining her favorite song, or a bit of both!"
"What's your father's name?" Emilia asked.
"Oh right, how silly of me! My dad is Kenichi, and my mom is Naoka Natsuki."
"I see...I see. In a way, Subaru is exactly like Kenichi-san. You both see obstacles in your way, but it doesn't stop you two! You two are resilient."
He found himself blushing really hard at the compliment. "You really think so? Cuz I try to be like him!"
But he frowned shortly after, thinking that ultimate goal was too far to reach. "I try to be..."
'Must be nice.' She was envious how Subaru had such great recollection of his past and family. When she attempted to access her memories, the only thing she received is a mind-numbing migraine. It's as if there was a barricade. However, through all those broken frozen fragments there was a part where a woman with short silver hair cradled her, humming a harmonious tune.
Subaru helped Emilia rinse her hair. He stood up and walked to the side of the massive bath. "Now to clean Emilia's feet!"
She sinked deeper into the water out of embarrassment. Only her head was sticking out.
"Don't worry about it, Subaru. I can do it myself."
Emilia leaned over to illustrate her point, but only ended up proving Subaru. She coughed vehemently.
"Don't strain yourself. That's why I'm here."
She blushed, trying to reassure him. "Really. It's fine."
"Why are you making such a big fuss about it?" Subaru tried to come up with his own conclusion, looking shocked. "Emilia..."
"...are you by any chance ticklish?"
It was the quickest head shook she ever did, and that was what gave her completely away.
"Well then you won't have any problem with me cleaning those cute toes!"
"No!" Emilia kicked water at Subaru. Some of the water splashed on him. He took this opportunity and grabbed her slippery ankle.
"HA! Got you!"
Emilia pulled her leg back using all her power. Subaru underestimated her physical strength. He lost his balance and fell into the tub with her, sending almost the entire bathroom under waves of water.
"Subaru!"
She stood up frantically searching for him, but with the crazy amount of bubble bath it was near impossible to find the boy.
Slowly, Subaru emerged out of the water, drenched and covered in bubble bath foam. For Emilia the sight was too hilarious. She tried to suppress her laugh but ultimately failed.
Coincidentally the bubble bath foam was shaped so it would look like he had cat ears and a beard.
"Subaru, your face hahaha!" She laughed uncontrollably, coughed and proceeded to laugh even more. "You look like Puck haha!"
"You even have some-hahaha" Emilia pointed to her eyebrows. She couldn't finish her sentence before laughing again.
Behind his foamy mustache, Subaru smiled. He was glad to see her condition improving. Laughter was the best medicine too.
After cleaning and redressing, Subaru helped Emilia back to the bedroom chamber. She insisted on walking there, much to Subaru's disappointed who was adamant on the earlier offer.
Emilia shook her head.
He realized he had to step his foot down. "Now Mili tan, I know it's not tasty, but you have to take the soup. You want to feel better, right. I'm going to get more so don't try to barricade the door with ice."
"...Will you..." Emilia hesitated for a second. Maybe this was too much of a childish request. "Will you make sure there isn't any green peppirs in it?"
She really hoped he wasn't disappointed in her.
Subaru gave a glance towards the door to make certain there were no passer by's for what he was about to be complicit in. He knelt down, whispering. "Tell you what, I am going to personally remove them for you! How does that sound?"
Emilia nodded with a huge smile.
"Just don't tell Rem or Ram, okay? I don't want them to kill me." 'Again...'
The duo partners in crime made a pinky promise. It didn't take long for Subaru to return with a new bowl of soup. With a bit of reluctantly, Emilia allowed Subaru to feed her. The soup was still foul, but actually edible now that those green monsters were out of the equation.
Subaru personally wasn't fond of tomatoes and turnips in that very same food group. Although, he was persistent on keeping that a secret, he wanted to look cool in front of his crush.
Subaru scooped up the last amount of soup with the spoon. All the faces Emilia made, no matter how disgusted she was, was absolute adorable, along with her slurping noises. He kept that to himself, as she would only refer to him as a dunderhead for finding such things amusing in the first place.
There wasn't a trace left when Emilia was done. She laid back down on the bed with her clogged up nose, feeling like she took those days she was able to breath normally for granted.
"You did great Emilia-tan! Why don't you go get some sleep? I'll do the dishes."
"Wait..."
He was about to leave when Emilia stopped him again, this time by tugging on the back of his butler jacket.
"Stay here...please."
Subaru smiled. Without saying a single word, he sat back down on the bedside, fidgeting uncomfortable. He looked around for something, anything to do. However, thanks to Ram's meticulous cleaning skills, the place was spotless.
Emilia sensed his discomfort. "You can go if you want to, Subaru. I don't want to be clingy or anything."
"You kidding right? You need to be clingier more often! I really enjoyed spending time with you, Mili! Like, you're so busy, which is understandable, but I had you all to myself today!"
Emilia smiled. "You're really weird Subaru."
He laughed at her statement, taking it more as a compliment than anything else. "It's nothing really hehe."
Emilia pondered something. "You worked really hard Subaru. Why don't you lay down for a moment?"
She even moved a bit back to give him more space and to assure him he wouldn't catch whatever took a hold of her. "I won't tell Rem and Ram that you're slacking off.
Needless to say, Subaru didn't let the opportunity to share a bed with Emilia get squandered. He laid down.
Emilia pouted. "You're so tense."
"Just y'know. Don't want anyone to get the wrong idea."
"Wrong idea?" Emilia wondered what he meant by that. It took the drowsy half elf a minute to process. "There's no need. Everyone knows Subaru is like a little brother to me."
His face dropped.
"But of course, I know Subaru wants us to be more like a couple." The fact that she acknowledged it made his heart dance.
"You have no idea, Mili!"
She had some notion with how enthusiastic he always was, but she wanted to hear it from him. Emilia wiped her nose, lying on her side to observe him. "Really? How big will our family be?"
"Like this." He stretched out his arms as humanely as possible to emphasize how much exactly. "I want us to have fourteen kids! We'll have our own little place by then. It won't be as big as Roswaal's house, but everyone will be playing outside."
Emilia's eyes widened, blushing, "Subaru, that's a lot!"
"Too much? Then how about we half it by seven?" He acted as if it was far more reasonable. She wasn't even certain where she was going to find the time. However, it didn't mean that Emilia was vehemently against the idea.
The problem was that kids didn't like her very much. Emilia was reminded of that small girl's harmful words when she tried to save her and her family from the giant snow monkey mabeast. Not to mention the time when children from the capitol hurled witch insults and whatever small objects laid about on the streets at her. When a stone flew close to her temple, she had to beg Puck not to go on a genocidal spree. Kids could be cruel, but they didn't know better.
They were merely a product of their environment. Their parents taught them this fear and hatred for The Witch of Envy. Maybe once she becomes ruler, she can change that perspective. Proving doubters wrong is the best revenge.
Emilia's smile quickly disappeared. "You know elves age differently, so we won't be able to grow old properly together."
Even though she was a half elf, it still remained relatively the truth. It was a harsh reality and one she preferred not to divulge in. Maybe
now that Subaru knew, he would a bit more realistic.
Or so she thought.
Instead, he smiled. "And?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Dummy, didn't you hear what I said?"
"I heard you perfectly clear, Emilia tan. It's just it doesn't make me love you any less." He simply shrugged and continued. "I don't care if it's only a fraction of your life span. I want to be a part of that, a part of you."
Subaru grinned. "Besides, when I'm older, wouldn't it be so cool that we'll have almost matching hair colour! That is, if you don't mind me with white hair."
Emilia pouted and groaned. "Subaru, that's not the point, it's-"
"See! Even when you're grumpy, being a pain in the ass and your nose is all runny, you're still adorable!"
Emilia sighed in complete and utter defeat. It's like all the information goes right into the ear and leaves through the other. She was too sick to argue.
"Come here." He beckoned her closer.
Emilia wasn't sure that was a wise idea. "Subaru, I'm going to get you sick."
"A simple flu won't take me Natsuki Subaru down!" He pointed to himself. Famous last words for her too, as she thought her contract would have made her completely immune to the likes of colds and possibly the flu. They were together the whole day, but this was pushing the risk factor.
"Please, don't do that." Emilia begged.
"Do what?"
"That!"
"You mean this?"
"Exactly! Those puppy dog eyes, Subaru!" Emilia pretended not see it.
"Is it working?"
"You're making me feel very bad, so yes! How can I say no if you do that?"
"Then don't, choose me Lia!"
She felt the pressure and finally gave in. "Fine, but Subaru better not blame me when you get sick!"
Subaru's face was lit up. "I would never do that. Now bring those Mili germs here."
'He's hopeless!' Emilia shook her head and crawled towards the spikey haired butler. She coughed a bit while adjusting herself in his arms. "Happy now?"
Subaru threw the cover over them both, pulling Emilia closer to him. "Why, I'm over the moon. Thank you for asking!"
She found her head resting on his chest. "Geez, I've never met someone whose so open about his feelings. There's nothing holding you back."
Subaru closed his eyes and grinned. He couldn't take all the credit. "Well, my mom and dad always told me to never beat around the bush!"
It certainly was not a bad trait to have especially when she's about to enter the political world, but even being honest and earnest has repercussions of its own. However, she'd rather not discuss work now.
"I'd say, you have our entire future planned out. You're quite the deviser, Subaru." Her words were muffled while her face was buried in his uniform.
"You know me, just shooting my shot!"
"Shooting your...shot? Sorry Subaru, I don't follow." There's that language barrier again.
"Basically, it means I want to tell you I love you every chance I get! If it's okay with you."
She looked up, smiling and sniffing her nose. "You say that even when things aren't okay."
It was specifically because of that why she was slowly falling for him. That reassurance and reliability that, no matter how bright or gloomy a situation might be, his stance will remain.
He kissed the silver hair that people despises and pulled her closer. Her face was burning up. This time it was not because of her fever.
She looked away, shyly implying. "I guess a reward should be in order for your hard work."
Subaru declined. "If you want to, but I think seeing Mili smile and get better is its own reward."
Emilia insisted, shaking her head. It was a motto she insisted on fervidly living through. "No, no, those who work hard deserve to be rewarded!"
"Hmm..." Emilia looked at him with great curiosity. She was contemplating, wondering what was within her reach currently. It was limited due to the fact that she was still indisposed.
She couldn't maintain eye contact with him for her proposal. "Um, I can give you a kiss...on the cheek."
Subaru blinked in disbelieve. That would mean that the angelic goddess lips would graze his skin for the very first time. He never had time to mentally prepare himself, so he was frozen like a statue. All of that oozing confidence he had was thrown out of the window. His heart was racing like a jackhammer.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. The usual vocal Subaru was speechless, which was very odd. She paid it no heed. If he didn't want this, he could simply dodge it. That's what she told herself.
Emilia leaned closer and Subaru still didn't move an inch. Hazel eyes met her amethyst eyes as both stared at each other.
He had no idea how people hated or feared those purple gem eyes of hers. Despite her ill state they were still sparkling. Subaru felt like he was drifting in a nebula. He could feel her warm breath on his lips. He had to refrain from doing anything stupid.
Emilia delicately kissed his cheek. It was softly like a butterfly had landed on him. She quickly withdrew and pulled back, waiting to see who was the reddest between the two. "Um, there."
"..."
"Subaru?"
"..."
"Dummy, why don't you say something!" Emilia was frantically punching Subaru's chest for a response while in his arms. A small smile crept on his face.
"I can finally tell everyone I've been kissed by an angel..."
Emilia could tell it was a fitting reward by just seeing his reaction. She made his whole night.
"It was only a friendly kiss, okay. So don't let it get to Subaru's head!" Emilia Maji Tsundere tried to convince the recluse.
Two could play at that game. He scowled. Nothing could ruin this moment for him. "A kiss is a kiss! I'm never washing this cheek again!"
Emilia having a serious personality way too often took his comment literally. "Please don't do that Subaru, it would be gross."
"Honestly, you're so silly." Emilia cuddled closer. "Is Subaru going to sing for me too?"
"I will perform the best serenade there is! Just give me some prep time." There wasn't a challenge he wouldn't accept for her.
"That would be...nice." Emilia's eyelids felt heavy. She was resting on his chest. Next thing the half elf was in deep slumber. He intended to a stay awake a bit longer but also fell victim to the sandman.
By the crack of dawn, Subaru woke up. Emilia was sleeping and drooling on his shoulder. As much as he wanted to stay with the sleeping beauty in his arms, he had to report in.
Carefully, not to awake her, Subaru lifted her cute face and used his own pillow as support in his stead. He took a while just to appreciate her before coming to the cruel realization that Ram was going to chew him out for neglecting his regular duties.
True to his words, that was what she had in mind. With her arms crossed and a repulsed emotion on Ram's face, she glared at Barasu like he was a squashed insect stuck on the heel of her shoe.
"I take it the laundry's done? The garden flowers are watered and the hedges trimmed? The kitchen floor mopped and the ceiling chandeliers are done and dusted too? Can't forget about the vases that need to be changed and refilled to spruce up manor. Not to mention the entire bathroom is a mess."
Subaru smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, about that..."
Ram's foot tapped impatiently as she awaited his explanation. 'This better be good...'
Subaru pulled a funny face mid-sentence. His nose started feeling itchy as well as his throat all of a sudden. "I was...Achoo!"
Despite her poker face, Ram was amused. She pointed a finger at Subaru. "I knew it, you were the carrier this entire time."
Subaru shoulders were slumped down. "I don't feel so good."
"Well, Barasu, you better pull up your bootstraps, because it's going to get worse. You have a lot of catching up to do. It's going to be a long day."
"Quit sulking, you're killing the flowers I handpicked." Ram smiled proudly. She lived for moments like these. She was going to work him to the bone. The punishment was fitting of the crime.
"You look jollier than yesterday!" Puck said. He materialized from the green crystal, observing Emilia's state.
She looked up, smiling contently, and hugged the pillow. "Feel better too!"
"I'm glad to hear. You gave me quite a fright, Lia. Promise me you'll put yourself first more."
Emilia wasn't going to make promises she didn't intend on keeping. "It's all thanks to Subaru. He took very good care of me!"
She squeezed the pillow he had slept on even tighter as she reminisced.
Puck's paw was rubbing his furry chin. "Could I have been wrong about him all this time?"
"He made my soup extra special. He made me laugh, changed my bed and carried me around. Subaru even helped me take a bath. He's a good guy, Puck."
Emilia's mental state also improved greatly too. He loved that she was happier, but the father remained overly cautious. "I only have one daughter. I have to be extra careful! I don't expect you to understand me now, but you will someday when you have children of your own."
Which in Puck's book won't be for a very, very, very, very, long time as far as he's concerned.
He floated around in the dimly lit room, wondering whether or not he was as excellent judge of character as he made out to be. Emilia was sleeping soundly once again.
Puck thought his age must be finally getting to him, but what did her precious, pure and innocent daughter say exactly?
'Subaru even helped me take a bath.'
Maybe he didn't hear that correctly. "He helped her take a-"
Puck's kitty cat eyes widened.
"He did-WHAT!?"
Natsuki Subaru's day was about to get a lot worse.
Author's Note: I'm busy with a lot Re Zero stories, around 9 more or less. Please look forward to them all! I'll probably get even more ideas once Prophecy of Throne hits the Nintendo E shop sale, and only then cuz my top priority is SMT Vengeance! Thanks for reading and for supporting my other stories too!
Bath scene was probably the most fun to write. Imagining Emilia's VA as she laugh was probably the crème de la crème lol. Also wanted to do my own spin on Subaru's parents. Since Naoka loves western food, I gave her a love for western music as well. They all need more love.
Aidan.