Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The alarm rang.
Then again.
And again.

It already has been the third time that Subaru had hit his alarm clock to snooze some more, but he didn't want to bring forth the wrath of his mother.

She was a gentle and kind soul, but her eyes could melt the coldest of ice creams, something he shared with her.

He rubbed his eyes and pushed himself up. His room was a mess, mangas were strewn out across the floor, a plate from last night's dinner was on his counter and even his dirty cloths were out. It looked like a museum exhibit titled 'Life of a Dropout'

He managed to drag himself out of bed, groaning, "Uhhhhhh... why did i think it was a good idea to humor my parents."
He started doing has daily stretches, one arm to the left, the other to the right, one foot up, the other out.

With all the strength and energy he could muster he shouted out, "VICTORY!!!!" Well... at least he tried sounding enthusiastic. He sighed as he started heading to go to the bathroom to brush his teeth and do the bare minimum to look presentable for the first day of school.

After some time he managed to get on his school assigned uniform, a black jacket, clean white shirt, and a tie that didn't quite stay straight.

He looked straight at the mirror, started looking at himself for a bit before frowning. "Still a disappointment," he muttered. "At least a well-dressed one," before heading downstairs to great his parents.

Downstairs, he walked to the kitchen and saw his mother finishing up breakfast as his father was reading the newspaper. He went to his mother, and as Naoko turned to see him she had a warm smile on her face.

"Subaru, it's quite surprising to see you up so early, but I guess I'll be seeing a lot more of that." She sized him up, but: "You look great honey, ready for your first day back." Subaru faintly smiled, trying to look happy for his mother even if she knew he was putting up a front. "For sure, mom. Can't wait to go back to worthless studying for stuff I don't need and teachers breathing down my neck if I start snoozing first period."

Kenichi looked up from his paper, "Then don't slack off, Subaru. Don't tell me that your old man has more energy then a young'n like you."

Subaru turned his head to look at Kenichi. "Yeah, sure dad... say, I'm quite surprised that you didn't wrestle me out of bed like you usually do."

Kenichi chuckled at him. "I didn't want to leave my son looking like a mess his very first day back. Besides I would have if you stayed in bed for ten more minutes. You better count your lucky stars."

Subaru shook his head with a faint smirk on his face as he took a seat at the table.

Soon enough Naoko finished up breakfast and served it, scrambled eggs with sausage. Subaru ate it as fast he could so he wouldn't be late for school.

Subaru packed his bag and started to walk out the door but just before he fully opened it, Naoko ran up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Try to have a great day, Subaru." He nodded his head. He'll humor his parents... Just for today.

------------------------------------

The streets were filled with fellow students walking by, the April weather hitting his face. Subaru stared straight, thinking of the many ways he could embarrass himself and mess everything up.

He really did think school was pointless, he used to be the best on everything he did and always tried his best. But somewhere along the way, he stopped being the best at what he was good at, and everything seemed pointless. He tried filling that void with being the center off attention, basically making a fool of himself. Until it finally clicked to him, he wasn't anyone special, just a guy who had nothing going for him and tried to make people like him.

"Sigh".

After a few minutes of walking later, he turned a corner and there it was, the new school he was enrolled in. He walked closer as waves of fellow students walked alongside him. Subaru stopped at the main gate as he read the banner:
Lugunica High School - Welcome, New Students!

"Guess this is it," he said quietly. "Another loop begins, huh?"
He started walking to the opened doors and entered the school.

Subaru looked around. This school was like nothing he had seen before: it had three floors, multiple labs, and even a grand library, not like Subaru even knew the difference between them.

He was looking at the library's doors, bookshelves stacked upon bookshelves. "I wonder if they have the latest issues of Attack On Titan in there, or at least Dragon Ball," he said. He closed his eyes, and turned to leave— BUMP!

Someone had grazed his arm and bumped into him. "Watch where you're going, I suppose." He heard what sounded like a feminine voice say.

He turned to face the aggressor. "Watch where I'm going? You mean watch where you're going, you—!" Subaru stopped his sentence short as he saw a small figure open the library door and step inside, not paying any more mind to him.

Subaru stared at the closed glass doors. All he saw was a pare of twin drills entering the library. "Was that a grade schooler?" Subaru said, wondering of what just happened. He looked to his left to see a clock, it pointed to seven twenty. "Oh, I have ten more minutes..... I HAVE TEN MORE MINUTES!" Subaru scrambled to a random hallway.

This school is big as hell. No way I can find my class in this amount of time!

He stopped running. Panicking wasn't going to help him out in this situation. He took out a school map he got when he entered and scanned around.

Okay Natsuki Subaru, think think, where could class 3-A be, maybe at this floor...? No, this floor seemed to be where all the extra stuff is at, not main classes.

Subaru was starting to loose hope. First day in a new school and already he was gonna be late. Biggest loser award goes to yours truly.

"Hay, you lost?"

A voice that came from behind him was calm and polite, carrying a tone that made Subaru straighten up before turning.

The guy standing there had bright red hair, a composed posture, and an easy, sincere smile. His uniform was neat, his eyes clear and confident. The type of student teachers loved and everyone respected instantly.

"Uh– yeah", Subaru said, scratching his cheek. "I'm looking for class 3-A, but this place is like a labyrinth. No Minotaur, though, so points for that."

The red haired student chuckled lightly. "You must be new. Don't worry, it's easy to get lost here. I can take you there, its on my way."

"Wait, for real? You'd do that?"

"Of course." He extended a hand. "Reinhard Van Astrea; it's a pleasure to meet you."

Subaru blinked, then shook his hand. "Natsuki Subaru, professional at getting lost. And uh, thanks. You're a life saver."

"It's no trouble," Reinhard said warmly. "As part of the student's consult, it's my duty to help students and alike in need." He gave off such warm energy, it felt like being next to a tall golden retriever.

They walked side by side, passing through corridor to corridor. The sound of morning chatter filled the halls. Subaru stole glances at him; everything about Reinhard screamed perfect. He probably had perfect grades, great manners, and a girl fan club just as the cherry on top.

Meanwhile, Subaru felt like a piece of gum, stuck under the shoe of fate.

They reached an empty hallway. Reinhard pointed to a door.
"This is class 3-A. You'll be in good hands here."

Subaru nodded, hesitating for a moment. "Hay, Reinhard.... thanks, seriously."

Reinhard smiled that same bright, effortless smile. "No need to thank me. See you around, Subaru." He walked off, his presence as radiant as the morning sun. Subaru watched him go, then sighed.

"Great, my first friend is a walking inspirational poster."

He turned back to the classroom, muffled talking coming through it. As he reached out and grabbed the handle of the sliding door, he whispered under his breath:

"Okay, Subaru. Round two. Don't screw this up

The door slid open, the sound echoing faintly through the hallway—
And his new life began.

Chapter Text

The classroom was already almost full as Subaru stepped inside. Conversation was cut off for just a moment—enough for twenty pairs of eyes to dart his way.

That half second stretched on forever.

"Ah, you must be the new student to our fine school I was told about."

The voice that came from right in front of him was smooth, almost theatrical. The man standing there had pale white skin and wore a teacher's uniform, but his colorful tie and too-confident, smug smile made him look more like a magician than a teacher.

"W-well, yeah," Subaru said awkwardly. "That's me, the new guy."

The teacher nodded and folded his hands together. "Then allow me to introduce myself. I'm your homeroom teacher, Roswaal L. Mathers, or Mr. Mathers if that's to your liking. Please, come in, come in~."

Subaru stepped forward, each step feeling heavier then the last. Roswaal gestured toward the front of the room

"Class, let's all welcome our new student, shall weeee? Go ahead, introduce yourself."

Subaru looked at the sea of unfamiliar faces. Some curious, some indifferent, a few smiling politely. He swallowed. "Uh, hey. Name's Natsuki Subaru. I, uh.... transferred here 'cause my old school didn't exactly work."

I couldn't exactly say I'm basically a drop out and that my parents managed to get a bum like me to get accepted back to a school like this, now could I?

"I'm hoping that we could get along and that my annoying and persistent personality doesn't drive you guys mad."

A few students chuckled. The tension in his shoulders loosened just a little.

Roswaal smiled with a flailing smile. "Hehe, an honest young man, I see~. Well, Subaru-kun, please take the empty seat beside Emilia over there."

Subaru followed the teacher's gaze—and for a second, forgot how to move.

The girl he was being seated next to had long silver hair that shimmered faintly in the sunlight streaming through the window. Her violet eyes blinked at him, soft and curious. She smiled, small, polite, but warm enough to melt through his nerves.

Subaru coughed, trying to hide how off-guard he was. "R-right, got it." He made his way to the back, trying not to look like a buffoon while moving there.

As he did, he caught two glances, a pair of identical pink and blue eyes from twin girls sitting towards the back, one looking bored and uninterested, the other quietly studying him.

He sat down next to the silver-haired girl, setting his bag under his desk.

"Um... hi," she said softly.
"I'm Emilia."

"Subaru," he replied, forcing a smile to hide his nervousness. "Guess we're desk neighbors now."

Her smile brightened just a bit. "It's nice to meet you, Subaru."

He nodded, trying to look casual while his brain quietly screamed. She's gorgeous. Why do I have to sit next to a literal angel on my first day? He couldn't tell if he was blessed or if he was going to make a fool of himself as usual.

The bell rang, cutting through his thoughts. Roswall clapped his hands once. "Alright, everyone, take your seats~. Let's begin class!"

Before Roswaal could even begin the lecture, the classroom door slid open. Students turned their heads to see who was entering. Subaru did the same and his eyes slightly widened as he saw who was entering.

"Betty is here, I suppose."

Roswaal turned to his right to look at the short girl. "Ah, Beatrice, you know you're late, right~?"

The drilled haired girl who's was named Beatrice humphed at the teacher. "Betty knows she is, and she doesn't care, I suppose. Betty needed to get some books from the library before coming, in fact."

Roswaal sighed, seemingly being used to her attitude. "Yes, yes, I assumed so, this is the first day of school after all; you do this every year. Now sit at your seat so I can get started~."

Beatrice, holding a stack of books in her hands, made her way to the farthest back corner of the class and took her seat.

That was the girl who bumped into him this morning! She looked like a life sized doll up close. Her twin drills, school girl uniform and small frame make her look like she came straight out of a barbie set.

"Alllll right students, grab your text books and turn to page 109."

And so it begin, Subaru's least favorite part of school.... the actual studying.

Few hours later

"Ahhhhhhhh," Subaru muffly groaned onto the desk, his arms covering his face.

This was soooooo boring, why did I ever agree to this. I don't need any of this crap. I already decided that school was pointless.... screw me for trying to humor them, I suppose.

As he was spaced out, head on his crossed hands, he felt a light tap on his shoulder. "Hay, Subaru, do you know what Mr. Mathers said about element combustion?"

He turned to see Emilia's curious face, waiting for his response. "I know less then you, I have been spaced out for the past hour or so."

Emilia sighed and shook her head, "You really need to pay more attention, Subaru. I have seen your face on your desk more times than you've picked up your pen."

"Weren't you the one who asked me for help?"

Emilia puffed out her cheeks. "That's not the point, Subaru, you need to care more about your education." Subaru was about to counter her argument, until—

Ring Ring Ring!

Thank God, saved by the bell.

Roswaal stopped writing on the chalkboard and turned to the class. "That's the bell. Head to lunch, everyone~."

Everyone packed their things and started to head out. Subaru was doing the same, till—

"Hay, Subaru, would you like to join us for lunch." It was Emilia asking him to sit with her for lunch. Subaru clenched his fist, thinking the heavens for this gift.

"Hay, Emilia, what's taking you so long? You better hurry up before all the good lunches are taken."

A soft spoken voice appeared behind Emilia.

Emilia turned around, "Oh, Rem, I was just asking Subaru if he wanted to join us for lunch."

Subaru turned to look to see to whom was Emilia speaking to. Subaru saw the blue haired twin from before, the one that was studying him soon after joining the class.

"Subaru, huh... you're the new student, right?" she said with a polite tone.

"W-why yes I am, Subaru Natsuki, your residential loser." He extended out his hand to her.

Rem chuckled before accepting his hand. "I'm Rem, and right there is my sister, Ram." She pointed to the person next to her, a spitting image of her, just with pink hair.

Subaru went to go shake her hand too, but as he extended his hand to her, she gave him the look of disgust and walked passed him.

Subaru was stunned for a few seconds. "Ouch."

"Emilia, you sure it's wise to bring someone like him to our group? I sense nothing but failure and disappointment coming from that boy."

Subaru clenched his head. Yup, that one left a mark.

"Don't be so negative about people, Ram. Besides, as far as I have spoken to him, he seems like a honest and nice guy."

Before Ram could retort, she was interrupted. "You people are so noisy, I suppose." Beatrice got up from her seat, packed her bags, and started heading out.

"You know, Beatrice, you're also always welcomed to join us too," Emilia said.

Beatrice stopped by the door and said without facing Emilia. "As if Betty would like to spend her free time listening to you people, I suppose. I would rather spend my time in the library, where everything is peaceful and quiet."

Beatrice stepped out of the classroom, closing the door behind her.

"What's wrong with that child?" Subaru retorted.

"Be respectful, Subaru." Emilia turned to face Subaru. "Beatrice might be rude at times but she isn't a child, in fact, she's the oldest out of all of us, eighteen."

"That loli is older then me!"

"Subaru!" Emilia pointed at him.

Subaru put his hands up, "aright, aright, yeah, be nice." Subaru sighed before continuing, "anyways, I think its best if I just go on my own. Thanks for the invitation though."

Emilia nodded, accepting his response. "Alright, if you ever change your mind, we will be in the table far left corner of the cafeteria, okay?"

Subaru nodded as he grabbed his bag and followed the sea of students to the cafeteria.

---------------------------

The cafeteria line was long, but eventually, he grabbed a tray—a bowl of curry rice, some miso soup, and a carton of milk that looked suspiciously like it was plotting to explode.

He looked around for a few minutes, trying to look for an empty table to sit at. Eventually his efforts proved futile as he noticed that every table was taken.

"Guess I'll take this one-man show outside," he muttered.

He slipped out through the side doors and found a quieter courtyard behind the gym. The air was cooler here, the hum of the main crowd fading into the distance.

As he rounded the corner, he heard someone talking.

"-and if you change these numbers and put the others over here, you should get better results and a higher pay out in the market."

Subaru blinked. A student with grayish hair sat on the grassy floor, leaning his back against a tree. He was holding a small text book as a squirrel laid beside him.

Either Subaru was seeing things, or he was witnessing a real mental break first hand. Was that guy really talking to a squirrel?

Subaru walked up, "Uh... you okay, man? Or should I presume that I'm talking to a lunatic."

The boy jumped a little after hearing him. He looked up at Subaru. "Oh, um.. I didn't see you there, you startled me." The student took a moment to compose himself before continuing. "No, I'm not crazy, I'm just talking to Ricardo over here." He pointed at the squirrel."

Subaru stared. "You named the squirrel?"

"Of course. Everyone deserves a name." The guy stood and brushed off his uniform. "I'm Otto Suwen." He extended his hand out.

Subaru grabbed it, "Natsuki Subaru, its nice to meet you Otto.... and Ricardo."

Who was he to judge? This school had lots of interesting characters anyways.

"So anyways, what are you doing out here? Besides talking to animals."

Before Otto could answer him, a loud voice broke through the air "Oi, Otto! You seen my Sis around, I'm already lost in this damn school!"

A younger boy stomped around the corner-blond, messy hair, sharp eyes and teeth, with a scowl that looked permanently glued to his face. He wore the school's freshman uniform, but his tie was loose and his sleeves rolled up like he'd just come from a brawl.

Otto sighed. "They actually allowed you to attend the school, Garfiel? And please lower your voice, you'll scare off the animals."

"This is my indoor voice, ya twig!"

Subaru raised an eyebrow. "... And who's the pint-sized thunderstorm?"

Garfiel turned, glaring. "The hell'd you just call me, four-eyes?!"

"I don't even wear glasses!"

"Then I'll lend you some so I can knock 'em off your face!"

"Garfiel!"

A sharp, firm voice cut through the air. The three turned towards the path leading to the main building.

A tall, elegant girl with long blonde hair walked towards them, carrying her own lunch. Her expression was calm, but her tone held authority.

"Honestly," she sighed. "I look away for five seconds and you wonder off looking for trouble."

"F-Frederica!" Garfiel said quietly, straightening up. "I wasn't doin' nothin'!"

She raised an eyebrow. "You were yelling again, weren't you?"

"....Maybe."

Subaru, caught between amusement and confusion, decided to cut in. "So, I'm going to guess that you're both siblings. Am I right?"

Frederica nodded politely. "That’s right. Frederica Baumann. And this loud one is my little brother, Garfiel."

"Loud' ain't my middle name, Sis!" Garfiel protested.

"It might as well be," Frederica replied with a faint smile.

Subaru chuckled. "Man, this school's got characters. I'm Natsuki Subaru, by the way. Residential loser and stay in door bum."

Frederica slightly chuckled from his self jab. "It's nice to meet you, Subaru. I hope the day's been kind to you so far."

"Kind enough," he said, glancing at Otto and Garfiel. "Met a squirrel, got threatened by a freshman. All part of the experience."

That got a laugh out of Frederica, after which she suggested they sit down.

They all sat down on the grassy floor—Otto feeding the squirrel, Frederica unpacking a neatly wrapped homemade lunch, and Garfiel digging into something that looked like three sandwiches stacked on top of each other.

Subaru picked at his curry and, for the first time since morning, felt oddly at ease. The conversation flowed easily, the most surprising part is that the walking alarm clock himself liked what he did. They bonded over watching anime and reading Manga, something that put a smile on his sister's face.

Soon enough the bell rang and they needed to head out. Subaru waved them goodbye and told them that they should do this again sometime.

"Well, that was interesting. It was pretty fun though."

----------------------

Two hours passed and it was already the end of school. Subaru packed his bag and headed out the door.

He entered the hallway where fellow students were ready and eager to head home. He passed through waves of them, passing around a corner and then stopping.

He was back the the library's doors again. He doesn't know why, but for some reason he looked through the glass doors again to see what was happening in there.

A small petite girl was in the corner of the library, stacks upon stacks of books around her. The same drilled haired girl from earlier.

Subaru went to go to open the door but he stopped. He didn't even know why he was reaching for it, but something inside him told him to enter. Was it empathy? He wasn't sure himself.

"Mom is going to worry about me if I'm late coming home, especially on the first day."

Subaru stepped back and headed out the front doors and out the gates.

---------------------

Subaru grabbed the door knob and twisted it, "Mom, I'm home."

He entered his house and closed the door behind him. He could smell the scent of fresh food being made.

He walked to the kitchen and saw his mother working in the kitchen. Naoko turned to see Subaru. "Subaru, welcome home. How was your first day back?"

Subaru took off his shoes and jacket, leaving his white shirt on.

"It wasn’t so bad."

Chapter Text

The fresh air hit Subaru's face as he opened and closed his door. He sighed as he walked away from it. "New day, same tedious school," he said.

But there wasn't actual malice behind his words for the past two weeks. Subaru Natsuki had actually been enjoying himself; he was no longer just humoring his folks, but attending by his own will.

He'd somehow weaseled his way into Emilia's friend group—with his amazing skills and charm, of course.

Still, it felt natural being with Emilia, Rem, and Ram. They all bounced off each other perfectly, like a continuous power plant of pure chaos.

Before Subaru knew it, he was already in school and sliding the door open. He immediately started walking to Emilia. "Morning, Emilia-tan. You look like an angel, as always."

Emilia checked. "Good Morning to you too, Subaru. I see that you're energetic as ever."

"Don't you get tired of making a fool of yourself, Barusu?"

Subaru turned to the less-than-welcoming voice, and locked eyes with the pink haired twin.

"Yeah, good morning to you too, Ram. I see that you're as loving as ever." He paused. "By the way, can you say my name right? It's Subaru."

"That's what I said, Barusu."

"Subaru."
"Barusu."

"Look, S-uba-ru."
"B-aru-su"

Subaru facepalmed, shaking his head. She had to be doing this on purpose, right? Does she get a sick kick on teasing me like this? Pure evil.

"Okay, okay, that's enough, Ram. Stop teasing poor Subaru, he already gets enough of that from the others."

Subaru turned his attention to the nicer, blue haired twin. "Thanks, Rem, you need to teach your sister how to treat people."

Rem chuckled. "Ram is kind when you get to know her, she just has a special way of showing it."

"Stop putting words in my mouth, sister, you'll start planting the idea that I value him more then the dirt I stand on into his head."

Before Subaru could say a retort to that, Roswaal slid the door and walked in.

"Gooooood morning, my lovely students. Now get your conversation finished and get class started, shall we~."

Everyone took their seats and class started.

"Alright everyone, its been a couple of weeks and I wanted to make this lesson a little bit more fun."

Roswaal turned to the chalkboard and started to write something down. The students waited patiently, wondering what he was doing.

Roswaal finished and put the white chalk down. Subaru leaned on his seat, clearing his eyes as he read what it said: "class project-partner work".

"As everyone can see, we are having our first project of the school year. Isn't everyone excited?" No one said anything as the room got so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Roswaal cleared his voice. "I presumed that would have been the reactions."

Roswaal walked to everyone's seats, handing them each a small peace of paper. "Now everyone, write down your names on this paper."

Subaru picked up his pen and wrote down his name. From the looks of it, this will be like a slots game.

Subaru prayed to the heavens that his partner would be Emilia: "Please, whoever hears my prayer, please let it be Emilia."

"Did you say something, Subaru?"

"O-oh uh, it was nothing, Emilia-tan."

Emilia nodded and wrote her name down. Soon everyone did and Roswaal went around picking them back up.

He went in front of the class, put all the notes in a jar, and scrambled them.

"Now everyone, let's see what fate has for each one of you."

Subaru was basically sweating bullets. The odds didn't look good. A one out of twenty people. "I guess I wouldn't be mad if I get Rem.... please god don't give me Ram."

He glanced at Ram across the room. Her blank expression wasn't fooling him—she was probably praying to anyone to not get him.

Roswaal's voice cut through the air, snapping Subaru's attention back to him.

"Hiroto and Kenji."

The two boys looked at each other and nodded. Looks like they were happy with the results.

One by one, everyone's names were called and paired up with.

"Ohhhh, looks like fate favored the twins—Ram and Rem."

Ram let out a sigh that she didn't know she was holding. "Thank you for not putting me with Barusu." Subaru could have sworn she said under her breath.

"Subaru Natsuki-"

Subaru's heart stopped. This was it, his fate would be decided right here and now. "Please, please, please, please."

"And Beatrice."

Subaru's whole mind shattered—his plans, hopes, dreams all washed away, just like that.

Subaru slowly looked behind him to the farthest corner of the room. Beatrice popped her head out of her book, glancing at Subaru then quickly hiding her face again.

For that split second, Beatrice looked as though she had been personally offended and cursed by the universe.

"Nice one, Subaru, you got Beatrice. She's smart; you'll finally get an A."

Subaru looked to his right to see Emilia's face smiling at him. Subaru put up a front. "Yeah.... soooo lucky," he said, his smile wavering.

Emilia, none the wiser, gave him a thumbs up as she was paired with someone else.

Subaru put his face on his desk. "Great... just great." Subaru didn't dislike Beatrice per se, but, well... that was just because they hadn't really talked at all to each other.

The most they'd interacted was that bump from his first day here. Any other interactions were small quips from her like, noisy, I suppose or fool, I suppose.

Still, even if it wasn't Emilia, Subaru couldn't help but be intrigued by her. She was always in the school's library, surrounded by stacks of books. Subaru couldn't help but feel sad for her, because in truth... she was truly similar to him in that way.

It's just Subaru hides his loneliness with friends, jokes, and being the center of gravity while she wears it on her sleeve.

"Now everyone, get with your partners and work together. This project will be about folktales, so be creative and show me something amazing~."

Subaru saw everyone get up from their seats and head to their assigned partners.

He was the last one to get up from his seat. He turned to see that Beatrice hadn't moved a inch from her seat and that her face was still buried in her book.

He sighed as he moved closer to her. This was gonna be a long day.

...
...
...

The silence between them was deafening. Long and awkward—well, at least for him. She wasn't even glancing at him, treating him like a noisy mosquito.

"So uh... hay, Beatrice, right?"

...

"Um... hello... can you hear me?"

...

This brat, was she really ignoring him? I have to come up with something for her to speak. Hell if I'm doing this project on my own.

"Beatrice, Beatrice, Beatrice, Beatrice."

Subaru saw the slightest twitch on her face. This was having a affect on her.

Subaru slightly smirked and continued his assault.
"Beatrice, Beatrice, Beatrice.... Beako."

Beatrice's eyes widened slightly as she turned her attention to him, staring daggers into his soul, which made him sweat a little.

"What did you just call me, I suppose." Her voice was sharp and threatening.

Subaru's smirk faltered ever so slightly until he managed to compose himself.

"I see, so you finally acknowledge me. Here I thought that I was becoming invisible."

That comment only lead to her gaze becoming strong.

Subaru chuckled to himself, he's feeling this overwhelming pressure on him now. "S-so anyways, about this project. How about we put aside our differences and work together to complete it... I really don't want to get a failing grade."

Subaru put his hands together and made a pleading face.

Beatrice stared back. She didn't know what to make of this, but she didn't like it.

"S-Stop with this foolish display, I suppose. Betty will reluctantly work with you because her grade is on the line, in fact."

Subaru let out a sigh of relief. Operation Get Your Loli Partner To Agree To Work With You was a success!

"Okay, Beatrice, how do we get started. Mr. Mathers said something about this being about folktales, right? You read lots of books, you must know some."

Beatrice shook her head. "Betty doesn't have time to read made up and historically inaccurate children's stories, I suppose."

Just like that, Subaru's hopes and dreams of an easy A were stripped away from him. His body limped forward on the desk.

"Great... just great."

Beatrice sighed as she watched the clown grovel in misery.

"Stop pouting, I suppose. This school has a library, remember? There's a high chance of folk stories being there."

Just like that, Subaru's back straightened as he bounced up from his seat. "Beako, you're a genius! I knew I could rely on you!"

The room went silent as Subaru looked to his right to see a couple of student staring at him and even Emilia chuckling.

Subaru nervously smiled, rubbing the back of his head.

"You're such an embarrassment, I suppose."

----------------------

Subaru walked beside Beatrice in the halls. Roswaal had let the two go to the library to study up on the project.

The halls were empty, the only noises coming were from the footsteps of an idiot and a shoulders-high girl.

Subaru looked down to her. Beatrice was still a complete mystery to him, only knowing that she was clearly a loner.

Subaru cleared his voice. "So, Beako, tell me a bit more about yourself."

Beatrice continued walking, looking straight ahead. "Are you seriously making small talk with Betty right now, I suppose. Why would I tell you anything about me?"

Subaru face faltered. "Hay, at least I'm trying to be kind here. Learning about someone is a great way to connect with them."

"Why would Betty want to connect with someone like you, I wonder."

"Harsh words coming from an ankle bitter. We're partners, like it or not, so we have to figure out how to work with each other."

Beatrice quickened her pace as she turned the corner. "Betty will let your comment about her slide, I suppose. However, do it again and she'll curse you, in fact."

They made it to the library doors and opened them.

Yeah... I highly doubt she could curse people.... right? Subaru gulped. He didn't really believe in magic or curses and stuff like that, but he'd rather not find out from a drilled loli.

Subaru followed her inside. The library was huge. Shelves stacked on top of shelves, the aesthetic of it seemed more like an ancient labyrinth than a modern day library.

While Subaru was in awe, Beatrice made her way to the front, where the old librarian was.

"Oh, back so soon, Beatrice?" the old lady exclaimed.

Beatrice nodded, "Yes, me and this fool were assigned to each other, I suppose. We need to see if you have any books about folktales."

The old woman nodded, "I see, need help with a little project, then? Well, young Beatrice, you're in luck. We have some folktales in the back left corner. I do hope they will be of use to you."

Beatrice puffed out her cheeks. "I told you to stop calling me young. I'm eighteen, not some child, I suppose. But... I suppose thank you for the help."

The old librarian warmly smiled at Beatrice as she started walking to the back.

Subaru, whom had seen the whole exchange, followed Beatrice. "Wow, that's the first time I have seen you speak to someone and not be rude, too. I didn't know you had it in you."

Beatrice huffed. "Betty only gives it to people who deserve it, not to people whom are foolish and crave to be the center of attention, I suppose."

That last statement struck a chord in Subaru. As if she knew him—who is she to test his character, to test who's worthy or deserving? They barley knew each other, who does she think she i-

"We're here, I suppose."

His thoughts were cut off by the declaration of their arrival.

They made it to a shelf of books in thee back corner of the library. Beatrice grabbed one and started skimming through it.

"Are you gonna stand there like a lost puppy, or are you gonna help Betty on finding a tale, I suppose."

Subaru was snapped back to reality. "O-oh, yeah." Subaru stepped forward and grabbed one of the books. "Momotaro," Subaru whispered to himself as he read the tittle.

Subaru opened the book. "Well, better get started."

One hour later

Subaru was sat on a seat next to Beatrice on one of many vacant tables in the library.

Subaru was bored out of his mind. The last thing he wanted to do was school work, but you add pointless and boring children stories into it, and he'd rather choose death.

Subaru glanced to the girl beside him. Beatrice was peacefully reading, a few other books stacked next to her.

How in the world could she not be bored, is reading really all she loved? What am I kidding, it most likely was, she would trade my soul in for a book any time.

Subaru closed his book and picked up the next. None of them had interested him and he was starting to lose all hope. "The Tanabata story," Subaru read softly.

"Hay, wait a minute, I think I know this one!." Beatrice, hearing him, looked away from her page to see what he was talking about.

"Yeah, the Tanabata story, my mom used to read me this when I was young." Subaru turned the page and started to babble about the story.

"The tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi, one a beautiful goddess whom was lonely and another a humble cowherder. A story of love and reuniting, that once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month, they are allowed to reunite together and be in love."

Beatrice was staring at him. She was a little bit in disbelief. This fool actually knew something more then just running his mouth.

"Betty is quite surprised you know something much about the story, I suppose."

Subaru chuckled. "Well, yeah, this was my favorite bedtime story as a kid, just something about two people whom are forced to wait every year to finally reunite with each other gets me invested... in a sad way, of course."

Beatrice snatched to book out of Subaru's hands to his surprise. She looked like she was skimming through the pages, but in reality she was reading every word.

"Two souls... waiting years to see each other only once a year... patiently waiting to see your other half, to be with the person you care for... your number one."

Beatrice stopped and noticed that Subaru was looking at her, a little bit speechless. Her cheeks turned faintly red as she classed the book.

"Y-Yes, this will do, I suppose. I'll do the writing and summarizing and you... you do the poster, I suppose."

"Heh, the poster, is that all that I'm good for? Coloring some big white piece of paper?"

Beatrice nodded.

Subaru sighed as he accepted it, his pride going along with his dignity.

Subaru looked across the library to see the time. "Damn, its almost lunch time." Subaru put his hands together under his chin, thinking.

So, we need to get this done by tomorrow. It'll probably be easy for her to do the writing and me drawing, but still. We need to know what the other is doing before the presentation.

An idea popped into his head. Man, no way this will work... but still, I guess I need to try.

Subaru turned his attention back to Beatrice. "Hay, Beako."

"Why do you proceed on calling me that, I wonder. I did not give you permission to call me by that."

Subaru ignored her. "We are partners and all... so I was thinking. To know what the other was planning and doing." Subaru took his very own Nokia phone out of his black school uniform jacket.

"That we could exchange phone numbers."

The room went silent for the fourth time today.

"W-what did you just say, I suppose?"

"For us to exchange phone numbers.... for the project."

Beatrice stared at him. Like, really stared.

"W-why would Betty give out her number to you, I wonder."

Subaru sighed, he knew that this wouldn't have worked out of the blue.

"Look, Beako, it's not for anything weird and stuff. I just need to know what you are doing and the other way around. You don't want to get a bad grade on this, right?"

Beatrice stared at him, her blue eyes piercing his brown ones.

Beatrice sighed. "Fine, I suppose for the integrity of my grade, I'll allow this."

Beatrice dug out her iPhone 4 from her bag, unlocking it to look at her number.

"Damn, am I the only person here with the old stuff?" Subaru exclaimed. He wasn't all that bothered by him having a Nokia, but still, seeing everyone with better tech made him feel like a cave man in the industrial period.

"What an old thing, I suppose."

Without Subaru noticing, she had already taken his phone and wrote down her contact.
"Hay, be nice to it. It's very sensitive when people call it old."

Beatrice rolled her eyes. "Only use Betty’s number for this purpose, I suppose. I don't need you texting me."

Subaru could swear that she had a faint redness to her cheeks, but he didn't press further on that.

"Yeah, of course, Beako, only important stuff, got it. You could always count Natsuki Subaru to keep his word." Subaru put a thumbs up.

"Betty doesn't trust your word or see value in it one bit, but I suppose I will have to anyways."

Subaru took back his phone and saw her number typed in. It read "Beatrice" as the name.

Suddenly the bell rung, signaling that their class has ended.

"Well, Beako, seems that it's over. I guess see you after lunch."

"Betty will not be searching for you, I suppose." She stood up from the chair and started to walk away.

Subaru had a faint smile as he sighed. "Yup... wasn't counting on it."

He looked back down to his phone. "Beatrice" feels weird. Shouldn't this be the part where he gets all excited about getting a girls number? His very first one. But it didn't feel like that.

Subaru clicked the contact name and changed it to "Beako".

He sat up from his chair, grabbed his bag, and headed off to lunch.

-------------------------

Subaru was laying on his bed at night. Crayon in hand, drawing the best he could. "I mean.... this looks close enough to a sky goddess."

He was almost done with the drawing. He felt kind of insulted that his great talents were mitigated to simple children's drawings, but he guessed that's all he's useful for.

He could already hear Ram's voice saying that: "I guess this is all you're useful for, Barusu."

He shivered at the thought of it.

He looked to his left to see his phone on the bed. Before he knew it, the phone was already in his hand, staring into the contacts list. "Beako."

He clicked into it and started typing.

Hay, Beako, how is your end of things?

...

Uh, hello

...

Beako

Jeez, didn't I tell you only to text me if it was important, I suppose.

Yeah, you did. This is important. Can I not ask my partner about how they are doing?

If you must know, Betty has already finished with the writing part, I suppose.

Damn, you're fast. I expect nothing less from my drilled teammate.

Flattery will get you no were, I suppose.

Just learn to take a compliment, you loli.

What did you just call Betty, I suppose!

Nothing, nothing. Anyways, I have to finish up the project. See you tomorrow in class beako. Make sure the bed bugs don't bite.

You're annoying, I suppose.

Subaru closed his phone and placed it back on the bed.

"Me, annoying. That's rich coming from her." He went back to drawing his master piece.

*

Beatrice placed her phone on the desk beside her bed. "He's annoying, in fact."

Near her bedside, she pulled down the things supporting her hair that turned them into drills. Her blond hair became flat, the ends of it still a light pink.

She climbed into the bed and tucked herself in. When she had fully wrapped herself, she did nothing but stare at her ceiling, thinking of today. More specifically, about her dimwit of a partner.

"But... I suppose he isn't the worst."

She turned to the side and shut off the lamp light, shutting her eyes.

"Subaru Natsuki."

Chapter Text

Subaru....
Subaru...!
SUBARU!

Subaru jolted back to reality, hearing the voice of an angel calling out to him.

"Huh...? uh, Emilia-tan, sorry, I was out if it." Subaru's vision became clear. Emilia was standing in front of his desk, looking down on him.

"Subaru, are you okay? All class you have been spaced out. You didn't even hear to bell ring."

Subaru rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, sorry about that, I just... have stuff on my mind, that's all." Subaru chuckled to himself.

Emilia looked down at him, unconvinced, but she let it go for now.

"So, anyways. Do you have plans for today, Subaru?

Subaru rubbed his chin. "Well... No, not really, Otto is out taking care of his animals, Garfiel got in trouble today, so that's a no go because he's probably getting his ear chewed off by Frederica. So, nope, doesn't look like it. Why do you ask?"

Emilia smiled sheepishly. "W-well, Rem and Ram headed out of school early. I usually walk home with them because, to be frank, I'm a little scared of walking back alone, so... Would you like to go with me, Subaru?"

W-wait... that's— no... there's no way I just heard that right. I must be dreaming, yes, yeah, that's it. I'm dreaming right now.

Subaru lifted his hand and pinched his cheek. "Ouch." He felt a sting tingle across his body as Emilia looked on in confusion.

Okay, I'm not dreaming, this is real. Finally, the gods have heard my prayers. This is it, my main character moment where the pretty girl asks the main guy out to do something and one thing leads to another to progress the love plot.

Subaru cleared his throat, the heat from his face visible. "W-Why of course, Emilia, I couldn't leave you all alone walking back home. What kind of gentleman would I be if I did that?"

Emilia looked at him skeptically. "You aren't a gentleman at all, Subaru."

Subaru heart and pride took a blow, a critical hit from the angel herself.

"You wound me with your words, Emilia-tan. But that still doesn't change my image or opinion of you."

Emilia shook her head, a smile on her face.

"You always know how to make a fool of yourself, Subaru, but I guess it wouldn't be you without it."

"Of course it wouldn't. I'm Subaru Natsuki, after all. The most clueless person in all of Japan."

"At least you got something right about yourself, I suppose."

Subaru jolted a little as he heard the voice. He turned around to see Beatrice, having finished packing her bags and now heading to the door.

"Oh, hay Beako, I didn't even see you there."

"Betty was just about to leave, in fact. She was just getting stuff finished."

Beatrice slid the door open.

"H-Hay Beako, one more thing."

Beatrice stopped in her tracks and slightly turned her head to look at him. "What is it, I suppose."

"Sorry about the project like before, I truly mean it." Subaru put his hands together like he was praying.

"... you have been saying this to Betty for the past week, I suppose."

"Yeah, and I'm not gonna stop until you accept it."

"... if Betty accepts it, will you stop bothering her, I wonder?"

"You know I can't do that, Beako, what would you do without me?"

Beatrice scoffed as she headed out the door.

"Betty forgives you, I suppose. Don't let my generosity go to waste."

Subaru saw her leave, her drills being the last thing out before the door slid back closed.

Subaru pumped his fist up. "Yes, I did it! She finally accepted my apology."

"Hm, you two seem close, Subaru. I have never seen Beatrice really make friends with someone."

Subaru chuckled slightly. "Careful, Emilia, if Beatrice ever caught you saying that I was her friend, she'd l curse you to another world, like an Isekai."

Emilia checked, "I doubt Beatrice could do that. But really, it's truly wonderful seeing her talking to someone."

Subaru had to agree with Emilia there. He barely knows Beatrice, and yet... It felt good being around her. He had a strange pull to Beatrice that even he couldn’t understand.... wait, the walk.

It doesn't help that it's so much fun teasing her. He quite enjoyed their little back-and-forths. He secretly thinks that Beatrice enjoys them too; she'd just rather die than ever say that.

Subaru stood up. "Anyways, Emilia, we should get going now. The staff are going to think that we are going to stay the night if we stay here any longer."

Emilia nodded. "Yes, I suppose you're right, Subaru."

Emilia led the way out the door. Subaru closed it behind him as they both slipped out of the empty classroom.

__________________

Subaru was walking beside Emilia on the path. She had said that her house was quite a length away from school, asking Subaru if he was sure if he wanted to join her.

Subaru of course, insisted on coming. He wouldn't ever pass this chance up; it was a one out of a million lucky rare drop, like getting an SSR in your very first multi.

Subaru, as usual, was rambling about random stuff as Emilia listened intently.

As they turned a street corner, something popped out of the edge of Emilia's bag, shiny and bright.

It caught Subaru's attention. "Hay Emilia, what's that poking out of your bag?"

Emilia, puzzled, looked behind her and saw something shiny sticking out. Emilia panicked slightly and pulled it out gently.

Emilia examined it, probably to check if it was okay. Subaru had never seen Emilia like this. What could that thing do to make her so on edge?

"H-Hay, Emilia-tan, what even is that thing?"

Emilia turned to Subaru's voice, looking silently at him for a second before turning her head left and right to see if the coast was clear.

When she finished, she turned her attention back to Subaru. "You promise to keep this a secret, right?"

Subaru wasn't quite sure what was going on, but if it was a request from Emilia, he would do it in a heartbeat.

He put a hand to his chest. "Well, of course. I swear on my honor as a knight and a trusted member of the elite, I-"

"Subaru!"

He sighed, seeing the distrust and slight irritation on her face. "Yeah, sorry, you know me, Emilia." He cleared his throat.

"I promise, I swear on my life, and to our friendship, that I won't tell a soul."

Emilia hesitated, before sighing and accepting his words.

She stuck out the small object in front of them. "This... this is an insignia... my insignia."

Subaru looked at the insignia that was displayed in front of him. It was gold with black outlines, a red gem of sorts in the middle of it.

"Wow... this thing looks quite expensive. You must have spent a pretty penny for this."

"Actually Subaru, I,.. I didn't buy this. The school gave it to me."

Subaru's eyes widened a little, his eyebrow narrowing questionable.

"Wait, what is the importance of this thing? And why you?"

"Because..." She stopped her sentence before continuing. "Because I'm running for student body president."

Subaru stood there, not quite sure of what to make of what Emilia said. "St-Student body president?"

Emilia nodded gently. "Yes, I'm running for the position. Mr. Mathers convinced me to. He is a great help and my biggest supporter, he's like my benefactor."

"Roswaal is helping you? Well... this seems like great news; why keep it a secret?"

"Because we aren't allowed to say that we're running before its announced."

"We? There's more then one running."

Emilia gasped silently, covering her mouth with her fingers. She knew that she couldn't lie her way out of this one. Subaru was all stubborn and would just keep on pressing her.

"Yes... three other people are running."

"I see, I'm guessing they gave you that to keep it safe because they wanted to test you guys. If you can't keep a simple insignia safe, how would you be worthy enough to represent the whole school?"

Emilia looked at Subaru's face. She was in quiet disbelief. "Yeah... I guess when the time comes, you can be quite deductible Subaru."

Subaru snapped his fingers, a smug look on his face. "Well, of course. You think I'm just a pretty face, but I can be quite smart at the right times, Emilia."

Emilia put the insignia back into her bag, zipping the bag closed.

They continued to walk, turning another corner.

"Say, Emilia, who are the other three people running?"

Emilia looked down and shook her head slightly. "I don't know, I haven't seen them. Honestly, my part in all of this was a split second decision. I... do you really think I can be a good representation for the school?"

Subaru thought about it. She was smart, kind, gentle, and quite cunning when it came down to it. "Of course I do, Emilia, you of all people should be the one to."

Subaru stopped in his tracks and gently looked at her. "You're the kindest, sweetest, most loving person I know. You're more like an angel sent down to grace us mortals with your presence. There is a one hundred.. no, OVER NINE THOUSAND percent chance you win."

Emilia just started, lost for words of what she heard. She looked down and eventually smiled, a little tint of red to her face. "You say the weirdest things, Subaru, but.... thank you."

Subaru lifted his hands and projected a thumbs up to her. "Of course. I'll be your number one supporter."

Emilia chuckled warmly. She was about to take a step before—

SWOOSH!

Subaru's eyes could barely capture it. He was blinded by the wind and the velocity of the action.

He landed on the floor and quickly rubbed his eyes.

"Emilia!"

Subaru saw her on the floor rubbing her head in pain. Subaru looked to his left to see someone running away, cutting into neighborhood. The last thing that Subaru saw was a red scarf and what he could barely make out to be blonde hair.

"M-My bag!"

Subaru heard Emilia's voice and turned to it. She was still on the floor, school bag missing.

Subaru turned back to the nonexistent person. "That thief! Who the hell would steal from a school girl!?"

"Subaru, I need to get my bag back! My insignia is in there!" Emilia cried, her voice full of distress.

Subaru quickly stood back up and went on to the direction the thief ran to. "I won't let them get away that easily!"

Subaru went off running, Emilia stumbling back onto her feet, running not that far behind him.

Subaru turned every single corner and was running at full speed. Each turn was a step closer to the thief.

Two minutes of running Subaru could finally see the thief right in front of him. "Get back here, coward!"

The thief was running out of places to go. The neighborhood they chose to run to didn't leave a lot of room to hide or escape.

The thief finally slipped up and turned a corner into a dead end. Building surrounded them on both sides.

They turned to see a disheveled and out of breath Subaru. His hair way down, clear exhaustion on his face. He wasn't going to let that stop him though, not in all hell.

"Caught you!" Subaru gasped. He was bent down, holding his knees with his hands. He took a deep breath to catch his breath and to compose himself before straightening back up.

He looked at the shadowy figure surrounded by the shadow of the alley and building. "Now hand over the bag!" He shouted angrily, his sharp eyes narrowing.

The figure moved slightly closer. Subaru eyes widening as he saw what it revealed.

A short girl with blonde hair and crimson red eyes appeared from the shadows. A red scarf was draped around her neck.

Subaru's hands slowly went down. He was taken off guard, and that was all that she needed.

The girl ran up to him. Subaru, processing this, didn't have enough time to defend himself from a kick landing on his side.

He gasped for air as his hand moved to his kicked left side, collapsing onto the floor.

The girl looked behind her to Subaru, a expression on her face that Subaru couldn't read, before she ran off.

Subaru winced on the floor for a bit until he heard the voice of his guardian angel.

"Subaru!"

Emilia found him in the alley. She bent down on her knees.

"Subaru, are you okay? What happened?" Her voice was rushed, filled with concern.

Subaru took a few more breaths before responding. "Y-Yeah, I'm okay.. just... got the wind knocked out of me, that's all." He said, chuckling a bit.

Emilia sighed in relief, before frowning. "This is not the right time or place to make jokes, Subaru."

"Yeah, I know, it's just how I cope, you know." He slowly stood back up with the help of Emilia.

"What even happened, Subaru?"

Subaru wasn't quite sure what happened himself. All he knew was that he got rocked by girl.

"I saw the person who stole your bag."

"Y-You did?"

Subaru nodded his head. "Yeah... I... I think it's best if we reported this to the police."

Emilia nodded her head in agreement.

This was not what Subaru had in mind for a walk back home with Emilia.

Chapter Text

"What do you mean you can't do anything!"

Subaru yelled at the front office woman in the police station.

"Sir, please calm down. I have already told you our situation and we can't do much about it."

Subaru was just about to raise his voice again till he felt a soft hand touch his shoulder.

"Please Subaru, thats enough. If they say that they can't do anything, then they can't."

Subaru looked back to see Emilia. Her face was wavering but she had a look of resignation.

But.... Emilia, the insignia, your running, the position! Don't you want that, without the insignia you can't do any of that!"

"I know Subaru, but... what is there left to do, we have spoken to the officers and they said they couldn’t do much."

An officer was listening into there conversation, "listen to your friend there kid."

Subaru turned to see a tall middle age men in police uniform.

"What you described to be a short blonde haired girl, with red crimson eyes. It matches descriptions of a few other people who have had there things stolen in that area."

Subaru raised his voice, "Then why haven't you checked, send some officers to go scout out the area and fined her!"

The officer looked sternly at Subaru, "I advise that you lower your tone with me boy." He said to him before continuing.

"Besides, we can't afford officers leaving there posts in the cities to come to this small area to search for some girl. The cities crime rates have skyrocketed the past few months and we just can't risk officers leaving."

Subaru stared, dumbfounded of what he just herd.

The officer stared at the kid and sighed, he could tell that he was just obviously trying to help out his friend and felt a little bad for getting angry at him.

"Look kid, I might sent some to check it out okay. Im not promising that ill be today or anything but thats the most i can do, my hands are tied."

Subaru was just about to open his mouth till he was stopped by Emilia grabbing his hand.

"Thank you officer, we should get going now. We really appreciate you taking your time to talk with us."

Emilia dragged Subaru out of the station. Stopping when they reached the walkway.

She let go of his hand and looked to him. Having a face that he never seen on her.

"What the hell do you think your doing Subaru!"

Subaru was a bit taken aback by this, he has never seen sweet Emilia yell at anyone. Of course he would have been the first.

"I.. I was just trying to help you Emilia."

"Yes but your taking it to far, you can't just yell at officers and expect them to just help you out. We are lucky that he took pity on us and decided to send officers over."

Subaru bit his tounge, he wouldn't... shouldn't talk back to her because is truth.. he was in the wrong. His head limped down a little and turned his head to the side, not saying a word.

Emilia sighed, seeing what her words had on Subaru, she felt bad.

"Im.. im.. s-...sorry Subaru... lets just go home. I should have been back a few hours by now... my folks are probably worried sick by now."

Subaru nodded his head, still not looking at her. "Yeah... we should go now."

Emilia took the lead, walking away from the station. Subaru walking close behind.

20 minutes later

They walked side by side now but throughout there journey they haven spoken a word to each other.

Great, just great, nice job there idiot. I couldn't just keep my loud mouth shut huh. Now the kindest girl in my school hates me.

They left the city area and returned back to there original raute.

A few minutes passed and still no words exchanged. Emilia was looking at the floor walking forward, while Subaru was trying to look anywhere but her direction.

Subaru couldn't handle any more of this, "Emilia im... im sorry for how I acted. I.. was just trying to get the insignia back."

Emilia didn't say anything.

Subaru took that silence to heart and looked away again.

"Yeah... I know Subaru, i do appreciate it.. really." A soft and defeated voice ringed through to air.

They had come into a understanding ground. They turned on to a path. Subaru looked away from his right and looked straight. His eyes widening slightly.

"R-Reinhard"

A tall person with school uniform and with bright red hair appeared in front of them. He heard the voice calling out his name and turned.

"Ah, Subaru and miss Emilia." His face turned into his usual kined and bright smile.

"What are you two doing out this late." He said, ine eyebrow going up.

"I could ask you the same thing boyscout", Subaru raised his finger, pointing at him accusingly.

Reinhard chuckled, "your comments are always welcomed Subaru." He stept forward, standing right in front of them.

"To answer your question, I was just heading out of school right now. I was working on something late and they allowed me to stay late."

"They allowed you to.. oh right, your a student council member."

"Indeed I am, many privileges are lended to me. But now its your turn to say."

Subaru's eyes went limp, averting his eyes from the walking motivational poster. "We... we were at the police station, Emilia's bag got robbed, it had her insignia in it."

Reinhard nodded in understanding. "The insignia, thats the one that every person running for body president gets. I'm deeply sorry Emilia."

Emilia just nodded, her smile wavering as she tried to mask the pain.

Seeing this Subaru's hands tightened as he remembered the thief. "That damn girl, who does she think she is. If I had one more chance I'll smack that scarf from her and.. and..." He scoffed, looking away in anger.

"Scarf?"

Subaru heard reinhard question.

"Yeah, blonde, red eyes, short and wearing a red scarf around her neck. I tried to stop her but.. she got the jump on me."

I couldn't just say that I got rocked by a girl, what would people say about me if that ever came out.

Reinhard had a unreadable face. He put his hand to his chin and what Subaru could tell, started thinking.

Subaru stared at him, waiting to see what he would say.

Reinhards eyes widened, "Subaru, this girl you speak of, was she wearing ragged clothing."

Subaru pondered for a second about the girl who kicked his guts out. "Now that you mentioned it, she was... wait.. DID YOU SEE HER!"

Reinhard nodded, "Yes, I believe I did, I saw a girl mirroring your description enter an abandoned building. I believe it used to be the old trade hut, back in the 90s."

Subaru could hug reinhard right now. No way this was actually happening.

Not only was reinhard a reliable and nice guy, but also a deus ex machina.

"Reinhard you blessing of a human."

He turned excitedly towards Emilia. "This means we can get your insignia back."

Emilia's body got a bit straighter.

"Really?"

"Yes! Alright reinhard, tell us the location of it so we can pay that rat a visit."

"Actually Subaru, I will be accompanying you, this involves a student body candidate. As a member of the council, its my duty to help in any way i could until I fined my own person to serve."

Subaru didn't fully understand what reinhard ment by that. "What do you mean fined a person to serve."

"Each counsel member selects a candidate to fully support and help them win during the voting process throughout the year. I myself don't have one and therefore ill support each and everyone in the best of my abilities."

That explanation made really no sense to Subaru. This felt more like a selection of the thrown then just the highest position that a student could have.

"Whatever, we don't have time to question the school's weird ways of selecting people. We need to go get Emilia-tan's things and insignia back."

Reinhard nodded and led the way to the spot he saw the girl enter. Subaru followed close behind, Emilia a couple of steps behind him.

________________

"This is the place, right Reinhard."

He nodded, "Yes, this was the place I saw that girl enter."

Subaru looked at the place standing before him. It was a two floor, dusty, worn down shack of sorts. It looked so out of place near the other buildings but to be fair. This part of the town was pretty much vacant, so this would be the best place for a thief to live.

"Subaru, I'll enter first. I will tell you if its safe to enter. Miss Emilia you'll be the last to enter, and make sure no one sees you enter. Entering abandoned places is illegal."

Emilia nodded, her noddes having a bit more energy to it then required.

Reinhard smiled and grabbed the dusty door nobb and pushed open the door, even more dust passing through him as he entered.

He had left Subaru and Emilia alone by themselves.

"Subaru?"

He heard a voice calling out to him.

"Yeah Emilia."

"Do you really think that we'll fined my insignia here, n-not that im douting Reinhard’s word or anything but.. what are we gonna do about the girl."

Subaru really didn't know what to say to that. He hasn't really thought ahead, what would they do with the girl?

"... I really don't know Emilia.. but even still, I'm not going to quit cause things got complicated, we are going to get that insignia back, I put my word on it."

Emilia nodded back, her face getting a bit brighter from his words.

"The coast is clear", Subaru heard a quite voice say inside the building..

Subaru turned his head around to face Emilia.

"You ready?"

Emilia nodded her head, ready to face whatever obstacles layed ahead.

Subaru entered first and Emilia soon followed, making sure to look to see if anyone was near by before entering and closing the door herself.

Inside look even worse then the outside. Old furniture layed on the floor, little pest and roaches made this place there paradise. Looking like it was ground zero for another plague.

Subaru covered his nose with his hand. "This place smells worse then I would have imagined." His voice muffled from his hand.

Reinhard’s voice came out as a wisper, voicing his observation. "Up ahead, there's a staircase. If my deduction is correct, the girl must be in the higher floor."

He took the lead, walking towards the stairs. Subaru and Emilia followed close behind him.

Up the stairs they went, each step making a little creek sound.

The second floor wasn't any better from the first, a narrow hallway with two doors facing from each other.

All three heard muffled voices coming from one of them. What sounded like bickering.

Reinhard as always was the first one to walk towards the voices.

Subaru now was feeling the heat. He wasn't getting cold feet or anything but now was questioning if facing who ever layed ahead was the correct call.

They reached the door, the three of them putting there ears towards the door.

"Stop being stingy and drink the damn medicine old man. The voice appeared to be fet up with whomever it was directed towards.

"You just had to get the worst tasting one did you."

"Stop yapping and drink!"

"Wow, they seem to get along" Subaru wispered to the others.

Reinhard pushed the door so ever so slightly and peered his eye through the small crack.

He saw a blonde haired girl with what seemed to be a red scarf around her neck. The other thing that catched his attention was a darker skinned man on the bed.

He had white hair, well what was left of it and looked bigger then a usual person would.

The girl watched as he took the cup and drink the medicine inside it. When he finished with it, he place the empty cup on the furniture next to the bed.

"You didn't get caught did you?"

"Of course not, I'm not some amateur anymore. I did however get cornered by some school boy. But I took care if him quickly, it was pretty pathetic how he went down by one kick though."

Subaru clenched his fist, "Why that little." He growled slightly.

"... you know I don't like you doing this right, I should be the one out there."

"Well, you're not, your too sick to be getting yourself caught."

Subaru looked up to see Reinhard’s face faltering. When they entered he had the face if somone determined to get the insignia back but now... one if pitty.

"Reinhard.. you okay man"

Reinhard said nothing. He stopped leaning into the door.

I have never seen him like this, what could be going thro- wait, is he reaching for the-.

"Reinhard wait!" Subaru screamed out as he saw the red head reach for the door to push it open.

That got the attention of the girl. She turned to see a tall red haired guy and two other people peeking there heads out from two different sides if the door.

"Intruders!" She said.

She reached out and grabbed a nearby knife on the furniture.

Subaru was definitely feeling the pressure now.

Reinhard put his hands up. "Wait, were not here to fight."

The girl pointed the knife to him, not trusting a single word. "How did you fined this place. Are you one if the people i stole from. Y-You better get out if here if you know whats best for you!"

The girls crimson eyes stared daggers into Reinhard’s calm firey blue once.

"Please, put down the knife, we just came here fo-."

"WAIT, I recognize those two. Your the one i stole from today."

Emilia stepped out from the doorway and entered the room. Subaru followed after words.

The girl snickered to herself. "And the one that I put on the ground. Being beat by a girl must feel pretty embarrassing huh."

"Hay, you just got me a bit off guard thats all!" He pointed at her, trying to save what was left of his dignity.

"Everyone stop!"

A voice ringed out from behind the girl.

"B-But old man Rom."

"Just wait Felt, lets (cough cough) just hear what they have to say."

The girl who was apparently named Felt begrudgingly lowered the knife pointed to Reinhard.

"Now, speak boy. What have you come here for. To get your stolen belongings maybe?"

Reinhard bowed his head. "Why yes, me and my companions have traveled her to reclaim what was stolen from the silver-haired girl. More importantly, the insignia you have robbed."

"The insignia, no way, no way in hell im giving that up! I can sell that for a decent amount in the market."

"But it isn't yours!"

Emilia voice appeared out behind Reinhard, a bit louder then she ment to.

"As if I would care about what is your's or not. People like you are what I hate the most, privilege folks like you!"

Felts voice grew louder by the minute.

"I need this more then you! I need this, I just do!"

Reinhard looked behind the screaming Felt, the person who is Rom looked pail, most likely very sick.

"This guy.. is he your family." Reinhard asked Felt.

"The closest thing I have to one. He's basically my grandpa. He took me in when I was a baby, thrown away by my own folks, as if I care about them anyways."

"Reinhards throught tightened, his eyes lowering even more."

Subaru noticed Felts body shake ever so slightly.

"He's... he's not well, i.. I can't loose this old man cause.. cause.. he's the only family i have left! And I'll be damned if I let the world take him from me!"

The three of them watched the girls outburst. Subaru felt bad for her.. yet still, he's not going to let her just get away with the insignia.

"Even still, that doesn't give you the excuse of stealing people's belongings. What gives you the right to do that. You think your special because the world has given you a bad hand. News flash, everyone struggles with stuff everyday, your not the exception!"

Felt was about to scream back at Subaru until.

"Felt, give them the insignia."

"WHAT!"

Felt turned at old man Rom. "No, no way, didn't you hear. We need this money to-."

"Felt!" Rom said sternly.

That made Felt stop talking and back off a bit.

"Give the young girl back her insignia. I can tell its important to her. They came all this way to get it back, a rich person would have just bought another one."

Felt hesitated before scoffing. She digged into her pocket before pulling out the insignia and quickly placing it into her hand.

"There, you have your stupid insignia. Now leave, leave us alone."

They got what they were here for. They didn't get Emilia's bag but the insignia was the most important thing.

We should just take the win and get out if here.

Subaru and Emilia were about to head out the door.

"Wait a moment."

Reinhard's voice reached everyone's ears.

He walked up to Felt. She was staring up at him as she approached her.

"What do you want. You should leave before I change my mined of stabbing you."

Reinhard ignored her threat. In sted just smiling down at her.

"Felt right", Felts eyebrow cocked up.

"How would you like to come with me"

Subaru's jaw hang loose as Reinhard said that. Everyone else equally as shock from Reinhard’s proposal.

"W-What!". Felt exclaimed, her gard being more up then before.

"Sorry, let me rephrase that. How would you and Rom like to live with me back in my place. I promise the place there is more then enough room for both of you to stay there."

Felt couldn't believe what she was hearing. Old man Rom seemed equally as confused as her.

"And why would be do that. We just met you, you really expect us to belive you."

"No, I didn't really expect you two to belive me right away. I have nothing but my word, but I do promise that you two don't have to stay in this place anymore."

Subaru wasn't to sure about this himself. "You sure that's okay Reinhard, wouldn't your parents be a little concern about there son bringing home two strays."

Reinhard’s snile faltered before going back to normal. "My parents will be of no problem, I live alone."

Subaru wanted to question him more but his thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of sirens blaring in the background.

"I knew it, you were just stalling time till the police arrived!" Felt screamed out.

Reinhard looking confused looked at Felt. "I assure you that we didn't call the police."

Subaru looked at Emilia.

"You did scout out the area before coming in right?"

Emilia frantically nodded her hed. "Yes I did... well... i-i belive i did."

Subaru palmed his face, Emilia's guiltyness was cute and a little frustrating.

Subaru turned back to Reinhard, "look Reinhard, we have no time. We must go because if I'm correct, what we are doing is trespassing."

Subaru looked around the room and saw a window. There it was, there ticket out.

He grabbed Emilia's hand and ran to the window, getting it open and looking down. "Come, its not a big drop!"

The downstairs door opened, the sounds of footsteps creeking the old floors.

"Reinhard." A weak voice was directed to him. He turned to see Rom looking at him.

"Do you give your word that Felt will be safe in your care."

Reinhard put a hand to his chest. "Yes, I promise to protect Lady Felt with all i got, I put that on my position as a council member. "

Rom nodded at that response and turned his head towards Felt. "Felt, go with him."

"What!" She look more angry then confused.

"No way, I can't leave you behind gramps."

"Yes you can, please go with him. Live the life that I couldn't give you. Your a intelligent and cunning young woman, I believe that you'll do great things Felt."

Tears threatened to spew out of Felt's eyes.

"I.. i.. I can't, there must be another way."

They heard footsteps coming upstairs.

"Come on, there's no more time!" Subaru said.

Reinhard having no more options and having the blessing of Rom, grabbed Felt and swooped her into his arms. Felt tried to struggle off of him but it was futile.

"Put Me down this instant!"

Reinhard ignored her, "Come, we must go now."

He was the first one to go out of the window. Subaru still holding Emilia's hand followed suit. Him landing on his ass rather then the dramatic superhero landing he hoped for.

There wasn't any time for pain though, they needed to get out of there as soon as possible.

So they did, Subaru and everyone else ran for the hills. Reinhard of corse being far ahead of Emilia and Subaru.

This guy is ridiculous, he's like if somone maxed out all there stats at birth.

A few minutes of running and they couldn’t hear the sounds of the sirens anymore. They stopped in the middle of the empty road.

Felt seeing this pushed herself off of Reinhard.

"I need to get back."

Before she could take another step, Reinhard grabbed her wrist.

"L-Let go of me, I need to get back to old man Rom!"

"I'm sorry but thats not an option."

A few seconds of struggling proceeded before Felt eventually stoped.

"Wh-Where are they taking him." Felt asked Reinhard.

"He's sick, if im correct they would most likely take him to the hospital to cure his condition. After words they'll probably take him to jail and question him about being in that place."

Felt looked down, trying to stop the tears from coming out. Seeing this, Reinhard put his hand on her shoulder.

"Felt, I was entrusted by Rom to look out for you. I promise that no harm will come to you and to get Rom back."

Felt slowly lifted her head up to look at him. Her glassy crimson eyes staring into Reinhard’s firey blue once.

"You swear?"

He nodded his head. "I do, I promise to get him back. But for now, you must come with me." Reinhard extended a hand toward her, wanting her to take it.

Felt stared at it, hesitating to take it before doing so. "Fine... I believe you. But I swear if you brake your word, I won't hesitate to cut your face up, pretty boy."

Reinhard chuckled, "I don't doubt that you would Lady Felt."

Reinhard look towards Subaru. "I belive this is were be part ways Subaru. Please, take care of yourself." Reinhard turned and started to walk away, Felt right beside him.

Subaru watched prince charming and Felt leave.

"... What the actual fuck just happened." This was definitely not what Subaru had planned for a simple walk home with Emilia.

"Phhh, h-hahaha." Subaru heared a cute laugh coming from behind him. Turning to see Emilia softly laughing.

Subaru looked at her, confused. He found nothing funny about there situation.

"Um, Emilia, you good."

Emilia stopped laughing and took a breath of fresh air. "Yes Subaru, I'm okay. Its just.. I never ran from the police before, this isn't really something I do. It just got me a bit excited, thats all."

Subaru didn't really know how to respond to that but he did get to see Emilia's angelic face smile, so that was a plus for him.

Emilia took out her phone and checked the time. It read 8:30.

"I should have been home a couple of hours ago." Emilia grimaced at that.

"Fortuna is going to give me a earful, poor Petelgeuse is probably worried sick about me."

Subaru nodded in agreement. "Yeah, my parents are probably worried about me to." Subaru smiled and closed his eyes while rubbing the back of his head.

While he was doing that, he felt two soft objects collide onto his chest. He opened his eyes to see Emilia hugging him. His ears grew red and cheeks burned.

"Thank you, Subaru. Without you, I wouldn't have gotten my insignia back, truly, I am indeted to you."

He frantically shook his head. "No no no no, really its all good. I couldn't just let my friend get robbed, truly its all fine, really."

Emilia stepped away and bowed towards Subaru. "Thank you again, see you tomorrow Subaru and take care of yourself." Emilia walked off in another direction.

Subaru was left alone now. "Man... what the hell happened today."

____________

Subaru grabbed his door nobb, preparing himself to whats to come. "Mom, dad im ho-."

He was immediately put in a grapple holed by his old man.

"Were the hell were you Subaru, you had your poor mom worried."

Naoko stood in the distance. "Actually honey, you were the one freaking out about Subaru."

That made Kenichi hold on Subaru loosened and Subaru got free.

"Hay, come on now. I thought you promised not to talk about that."

Naoko chuckled before turning her attention to her son. "Seriously Subaru, where were you?"

Subaru got up and look at his mother. "I was just out helping out a friend, I promise to talk about it in the morning while breakfast but im beat right now."

Subaru headed upstairs, his parents not forcing him to talk about it any further. They knew how there son was.

Subaru threw himself onto the bed. Sighing a breath at he didn't know he was holding.

He didn't close his door, get into night clothes or even properly get into bed. Right there and now, Subaru Natsuki dozed off. The events of tonight's still playing through his head.