How peaceful. How relaxing. How... slothful.

For the past few days, and prior to that aswell, his mind had been constantly trapped in a vortex of thoughts and worries, shifting continuously from one another, stressing and tiring him out. But now, for whatever reason, it all ceased, like it was never there to begin with. He was completely at peace, blissfully, without any pain or suffering afflicting him. Or, well, almost.

There was a feeling, like he was forgetting something incredibly important, telling him that it wasn't the right moment to let yourself indulge in a blissful sleep. Telling him, that there was someone on the other side that desperately needed him, Natsuki Subaru, of all people. And it kept growing and growing, slowly infecting all of his mind, until finally-

He was finally brought back to reality.

"There's something really soft under my head..."

And in fact, his nape was resting onto something really comfortable, a sensation that brought back some nostalgic, but more than anything unpleasant memories, reminding him of a time not too long ago in which he was at his wit's ends. A time in which he was saved by a really similar softness.

"This may be nice, but my head is still bursting apart from the inside..."

Grumbling lightly without opening his eyes, Subaru lamented the intense pain that instantly attacked him as he woke up. And with this pain, the memories of what happened before he blacked out started coming back. The date, the shops, the restaurant, the waiter and...

"EMILIA!"

Shooting up from his comfortable spot, he sat up with his eyes wide open, wide awake and his blood pumping. He finally remembered the reason why he wasn't in the mansion in the first place today, and how he was supposed to make Emilia feel better. But, in the end, everything went awry and he himself ended up causing problems with her. And now, panic kept growing inside his heart as he looked around, in search of the silver haired girl, examining every inch of the dimly lit plaza he was in.

"Where did she disappear to... fuck, I can't believe I lost her like this. And isn't it already evening? What happened while I was passed out!?"

It appeared to be late evening, and the sun was probably about to set, as only a couple of buildings' roofs to the east were dyed orange, alongside a bunch of scattered around clouds in the navy sky. The lamps weren't lit yet, and oddly, there was nobody around, creating a pleasant, and almost romantic atmosphere. But, Subaru had no intention of enjoying it, for he was too busy looking around in a frenzy without care for anything else in the world. That is, until he heard a familiar androgynous voice speak up in his usual carefree tone.

"Hey, Lia, it seems he finally woke up."

Looking behind him towards the direction of the sound, he found a grey cat floating in the air, talking whilst sneaking glances at him. And, her eyes sleepy and a groggy attitude seeping from her, a silver haired girl in a white dress was there too. Her hair was slightly messy, and her eyes a bit bloodshot, but except from that she seemed the same Emilia as always. She was sitting on a bench on the perimeter of the plaza, her thighs slightly reddened like something was lying on them just a while ago.

"How the hell did I miss her?"

Speaking to himself in a still worried, but less tense voice, Subaru wondered how he managed to fail to locate the extremely easy to spot girl, seemingly sitting in the same place he woke up at too.

"Must've been the panic combined with my sleepiness or something."

Enjoying the view of the cute girl doing cute things, such as straightening her skirt and rubbing her sleepy eyes whilst yawning, he slowly walked over with his hands in his pockets, willingly ignoring the head-splitting headache.

"Sorry Puck, it seems i've dozen off. I was sooooo tired from my sleepless nights lately that... wait, why am I talking about this!? Puck, Subaru is gone! H-he was definitely here, b-but now...!"

Just now noticing how her lap, which should have been a pillow for someone, was empty, she too shot up from her seat in a hurry and started looking around in a panicked manner, until she heard a cough coming from near the bench. Turning back, she was greeted by a smug flying cat and a dark haired boy waving at her.

"Yo."

"SUBARU!"

Almost like a repeat of what had transpired just minutes ago, she screamed her name and started running towards him, a glint of panic in her eyes. Confused, Subaru didn't move from his spot, not even when Emilia jumped over the bench with ease. Only when she picked him up like a princess did he start protesting, voicing off his confusion and uncomprehension of the situation.

"Shhhh. Don't panic, Subaru. This is all for your own good."

Emilia didn't listen to a word he said, and after sitting down on the bench and placing the young man's head on her lap just like she did hours ago, the half-elf shut him up by placing a finger on his lips and slowly caressing his hair with utmost care.

"Hey, Puck, can you help me out? I'm still reaaaaaly worried, so I want to check if Subaru's head is allright."

"Sure. No problem."

The grey haired cat floated to the still confused boy, and just like Emilia's, his hands (or paws?) started glowing a white light, which soon engulfed the young man's entire body. Checking to see if the half-elf's eyes were closed, the spirit closed in towards Subaru's ear and with a smirk on his face started talking.

"You made Lia worry again, but I would've taught those guys a lesson myself if you hadn't done it, so I guess you're forgiven!"

"O-ok, thanks."

With this, the spirit closed his eyes aswell and focused on healing, letting the young man bask in the magic for a couple of minutes during which he stayed as still as possible, still confused about a lot of things.

"It seems it's fine now. How are you feeling, Subaru?"

At the end of the session, the slightly sweaty Emilia sighed, and in a really motherly manner asked this of the boy. Puck in the meantime had already returned to his crystal, probably tired from the extra work he was forced to do, so it was just the two of them now. Subaru tried to get up from the half-elf's thighs, which he really enjoyed lying on, but still felt embarrassed about doing so, only to get pushed down by a saddened Emilia. Accepting the situation, he started talking.

"W-well, I guess i'm feeling fine? I just have a pretty strong headache, but except from that i'm good and dandy."

The questions he previously held resurfaced, and this time he jumped up from Emilia's lap just like he did when he woke up, feeling extremely panicked at the thought of what might've transpired whilst he was out cold.

"That's not important though! What the hell happened? Last thing I remember, we were in front of that piece of shit's restaurant, and it was still daytime, and he was insulting you, so I punched him, and then-"

"Subaru! Please, calm down for a second."

The worked up Subaru immediately stopped his rant, mainly because he saw the serious expression on Emilia's face, and partly because shouting like that only increased his headache. Sitting down near the silver haired girl, he looked at her in the eyes, and with a nod prompted her to talk.

"Well, after you assaulted that waiter-"

"I didn't assault him! I just gave him what he deserved for talking like that about y-"

"SUBARU!"

"...sorry. Please, go on."

"... After that happened, whilst you were talking to me, a bodyguard came out of the building. It was this huuuuge armoured knight, that immediately learned about what transpired thanks to another waiter that observed the scene. Without wasting any time, he ran up behind you and hit your nape with the hilt of his sword to knock you out. He was about to take you away, but I managed to stop him by explaining my identity and your circumstances."

"My... Circumstances? What's that supposed to mean? And why would they try to take me away? I just gave that asshole what he deserved!"

The girl was now fidgeting, obviously hesitant to say something that she wasn't really proud of, like a little kid admitting he ate the last cookie. He found this incredibly charming, but he still dispelled these thoughts as quickly as they came, focusing yet again on the task at hand.

"W-well... Puck, he told me to say that... y-you're a mentally unstable traveller here in the capital for treatment... A-and that I was showing you around."

"what."

"I-i don't know what that means either! And, well, after that, I brought you here. It was supposed to be our final destination, but well... You were bleeding sooooo much, so I and puck kept healing you until we were too tired to continue. Then, I fell asleep, and you know the rest of the story... A-anyways, i'm sorry, for saying such... things, about you. I really, really really didn't want to lie about my loyal servant! I'm not a liar, believe me!"

"O-ok,ok, dont't worry about it too much. If it worked, I guess that's for the best. But, what about the second part?"

"About why they were taking you away? Well, isn't that normal? You attacked someone, they usually throw people into jail for stuff like that, you know?"

Subaru was getting impatient, and blood had started going to his head, making it pulsate like an organ of it's own, because apparently everyone but him thought it was normal that someone could get away scot free with insulting a royal candidate out in the open.

"Now, I can see why I could be considered in the wrong. I did sucker punch that guy in his ugly snot. But, that guy insulted you,Emilia, literal ROYALTY! You're basically a princess! And people are in the right if they talk to you like that? Are you kidding me!?"

"Subaru, I don't know where you come from, but here in Lugunica it's normal for people to hate me. After all, I look so much like her, the witch of Envy... the being that caused so much death and pain to all people. And i'm no princess, Subaru. Even if I were, that'd be irrelevant. Even the nobles think like this..."

She bit her lip, eyes cast down onto the pavement, obviously concealing the true feelings she's hiding within, trying to put on a facade that convinces no one for the sake of not worrying those she cares about. A sight that threatened to release all of Subaru's restraint. His hate for this country's people just kept spiking up without showing sign of stopping.

"But you're not her, aren't you? Just cause you've got really pretty hair and pointy ears, doesn't mean you should be everyone's scrapegoat!"

"T-they're not pretty! And that's not why! People see an ancient, dangerous threat in me, something that reminds them of a dark and scary past. It's only right that... they hate me. And like I said before, i'm already used to it. That's just how things are, Subaru."

Silence descended upon them, and only the quiet, distant sounds of carts and voices could be felt. The lanterns were lit now, and the two's discussion, illuminated by magic crystals under the now starry sky, seemingly came to an end. But-

"Like hell I can accept that."

"Subar...u?"

"I said I CAN'T ACCEPT THAT! Fuck those guys! They just don't know how great you are! How kind, how hard-working, and how cute! They've never met you, and are just influenced by some dumb prejudice! But don't worry, Emilia! With me by your side, we'll make sure to teach them about it, so you'll never have to bear such a burden again!"

He got up from the bench, and putting a foot onto it, he shot a finger up towards the sky in a typical Subaru pose, whilst showing off his full toothed smile to the moody girl. But, she didn't laugh, nor smile at the silly young man that was trying to cheer her up. Feeling that something huge was coming, Subaru's smile started fading away, and his arm began hurting.

"Subaru, about that. I think... it's for the best if... we each go separate roads, from now on."

His arm fell powerless to his side, and his mind was dyed white, unable to take in the words he just heard. A gentle breeze, chilly and refreshing passed between them, seemingly signifying the barrier that had just been created between the two, between master, and servant.

§-§-§-§-§

It wasn't true. He didn't just hear that. She didn't just say it. He must've misheard. There was absolutely no way it was coming to an end like that. His brain was adamantly refusing to process that fated last sentence.

"I-i'm sorry... I did say we would employ you without a time limit, and you may have trouble finding work somewhere else, but... i'll make sure Roswaal will give you an appropriate sum for your troubles, a-and a recommendation for anywhere you'll apply."

"Em...ployment? Reco...mmendation?"

His weak voice and clouded over expression scared the half-elf a little, but she still replied nonetheless.

"Well, yes. That's the least I can do for you, Subaru. Though, if you wish to ask anything of me personally, I will not hesitate to do anything in my power to satisfy you! A-and... if you wish to, leave Lugunica, you can also... take away Rem with you. Y-you seem to get along, after all, so maybe-"

"Emilia. Please, shut up."

"-hk."

He had always spoken to her in a gentle and carefree manner, so now that he addressed her so harshly, Emilia couldn't help but flinch.

"Money? Employment? Rewards? Oi, are you hearing yourself, Emilia? Did that guy hit your head too? Or did you suddenly become a stupid, dumb silly girl?"

"S-subaru, what're you saying? A-aren't you going a bit too far...?"

"Am I, though? Cause to me, it seems like i'm not going far enough! Also, didn't you say you were used to this? Aren't a couple of insults nothing for our, big, strong, mighty and all-knowing Emilia?"

"I-i never said that! A-and i'm not big, mighty and all-knowing either! Subaru, what happened all of a sudden? A-are you unsatisfied with my offer? I-if so, just say it, there's no need to say those things..."

"If i'm unsatisfied with something, it's with how YOU think YOU know what I want! Do I seriously seem so shallow that i'd care for those kind of things more than I care for you guys? And where did this all come from? It's literally out of the blue!"

"It's not out of the blue! I mean... How many times will you risk your life for us, for me? Even on a peaceful day like this you were hurt, a-and under my watch too... i-i can't allow this to happen anymore!"

The girl had begun to tear up once again, strongly rejecting the feelings surging in her heart, telling her she was committing a grave error that she'd regret for the rest of her life.

"And, if it means pushing you away to save you, I will not hesitate to do it! I, will, not!"

With this last sentence, a chilly wind shot out from her at high speed, seemingly a projection of her feelings onto the outside world. But, he wasn't shaken. His spirit and body were boiling far too hotly to get shaken by such a breeze.

"What if I don't want to?"

"Don't.. want to, what?"

"What if I think my place is here, with everyone else? And what the hell is that about Rem? Sure, I really care about her..."

He started walking closer and closer, uncaring for the ever increasing coldness of the wind, now so intense that it begun freezing over the bench.

"But i'm a really greedy guy, so just one girl isn't enough for me! I want all of them, all within my hand's reach! What if I refuse to get pushed away by you, what'll you do?"

He was now standing in front of her, looking at the confused and hurt half-elf's amethyst eyes, resisting the chilly cold with all his might.

"I... i-i... I will-"

"I don't care that I have to get hurt for you guys. No matter how many witch dogs or shaman puppies, how many crazy assassins i'll have to defeat, I will never once regret it, and I will not, for even one second, wish to leave you guys behind."

"..."

"...w,hy? Why would you go so far for me, for Rem, and everyone else?"

Taking a deep breath in, he shot a last glance at the moon, now rising up into the starry sky, adorned by fluffy looking clouds. He calmed his nerves down, and reminisced a bit on what he just said, barely holding on against the blizzard emanating from her.

"Because..."

Casting his eyes down towards Emilia's, he smiled once again, and without regretting a single thing of what he'd already declared, or of what he will in the next seconds,

"I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOU GUYS!"

He shouted this at the top of his lungs.

"And, i'm sure, i'll never regret loving you."

The blizzard slowly stopped, and the girl cast down her head, her bangs covering her face away from his vision. She was trembling lightly, but definitely not from the cold.

"Are, you sure? You might get hurt again."

"I'm prepared for it."

"You might find a better workplace if you search..."

"I couldn't care less about that. I'd be glad to eat crumbs and drink toilet water if it meant being with you guys."

"A-and, you could be together, with Rem... away from danger..."

"Didn't I just answer that last one multiple times? I love Rem, but I also love you, and Ram, and Beako, and... nah, I don't really love Ros-chi, but whatever. You get what I mean. And in the first place, she'd probably never agree to run away from everything anyways."

Quiet sobs started invading the plaza, and salty tears begun spilling from the crying girl's face. Uncaring for his own condition, Subaru took off his tracksuit jacked and hanged it around the girl's shoulders, whilst wiping away the water in her eyes with his hand.

"S-subaru, are you ok!? Your hand is so cold!"

"Y-yeah, i'm fine, just feeling a bit chil- Achoooooooo!"

"See! You're not fine at all! We need to go back to the mansion immediately!"

"Well, i'm not doing as badly as this frozen solid bench anyways. And, why aren't we in the first place at the mansion? Wouldn't it have been quicker to let Ferris heal me?"

They had begun moving away from their stop after shooting a quick glance at the block of ice in shape of a bench, when Subaru said this, prompting Emilia to stop in her tracks, her ears completely red.

"... You didn't think of it, did you?"

"W-well, i'm sorry for being too busy caring about y-!"

"OI! The hell have you kids done to this bench, huh!?"

Their banter was interrupted by a crude and angry voice, and as they turned back towards it, they saw a guard, evidently patrolling the night streets, running towards them. Emilia froze over, but Subaru's quick wits immediately kicked in, and taking the girl's hand into his he started running whilst dragging the girl behind him.

"S-sabaru, stop! We need to apologize, and fix what we did!"

"Nah, whatever, they'll deal with it themselves! Instead, let's make a run for it! I need to let out all this energy somewhere!"

Pouty and angry at first, the girl quickly got into the mood and begun running away from the law with the young man, hand in hand and smiles on their faces, just like two infants playing around. The entire city was woken up, as a couple of rascals ran and ran around it, their giggles and laughs loud and clear in the city's empty streets, resounding and echoing over the stone walls, seemingly sharing the two's happiness with the entire capital.

§-§-§-§-§

Heeeey. Sorry for the late chapter. You know the drill. Hope you enjoyed, and see ya next time. :)