(Rem x Reader) Re:Reader - Starting YOUR New Life in Another World

Chapter 31: Headpats and Hope

Chapter 31: Headpats and Hope

After their moment together, Rem had been called away by her sister to help prepare breakfast for the day. On Rem's instruction, YN remained in bed until she came to inform him when everything was ready.

Upon Rem's return, YN rose from bed, immediately feeling the exhaustion from the night before still in his legs. Struggling to steady himself, Rem helped correct his balance as they both walked to the door. Stepping out into the hallway, YN began to feel slightly more energized, smelling the morning meal coming from the dining hall.

YN: I think I've got it from here Rem, thank you.

Taking a few steps on his own, YN still felt sluggish, but had enough strength to be independent now that he was more awake.

Rem: If YN-kun needs Rem's assistance again, she will be right beside him.

Smiling at Rem, YN acknowledged her offer.

Picking up his walking speed now as the two approached the corner that would lead to the stairs downward, Rem leaned in front of YN, slightly slowing him back down as she made a shy request of her own.

Rem: Ummm, is Rem being helpful to YN-kun right now?

Somewhat confused to her question, YN raised an eyebrow before responding.

YN: Uh, yeah, you are. I mean, I wouldn't have expected anyone else to have helped me walk to the hallway like you did.

Stepping in front of YN with stars in her eyes, Rem eagerly replied.

Rem: T-Then please...! Feel free to praise Rem!

Bringing her two closed hands to her chest and bowing slightly to YN, Rem shut her eyes and tilted her head forward, as if waiting for something in particular.

YN was clueless on what Rem was doing or what she had meant by "praise her." With a second or two of silence passing between the two, Rem's eyes seemed to shut harder, as if expecting something.

Completely guessing, YN brought up his hand from his side, and gently hovered it closer and closer to Rem. Perhaps it was her sense of smell or her training, but Rem appeared to be able to tell YN was moving his hand close to her as her expression became more and more anxious.

Slowly, YN placed his hand on the maid's blue hair, and gave the girl two gentle head pats.

Immediately Rem's face flushed red, her knees wobbled, and on each pat, Rem let out a small wincing noise, prompting YN to stop.

Opening one eye, Rem saw the expression of confusion and surprise on YN's face, prompting her to shut her eyes again in embarrassment.

Giving Rem a final pat, all of her previous symptoms returned, wince and all. Lowering his hand, YN's mind was abuzz.

Uh, why did that entire interaction feel so lewd??

Standing back up straight, Rem looked at YN with slightly watery eyes, as if she just endured a great emotional upheaval.

Not wanting to let an awkward silence grow between, YN spoke.

YN: I think they're all waiting for us, aren't they? We don't want the food getting cold, right?

Regaining her composure and nodding, Rem and YN continued on to the meal hall.

***

Arriving at the table, Rem departed to plate the table, leaving himself, Subaru, Roswaal, Beatrice, and Emilia present at the table. Small talk was had. Of course Emilia once again asked about YN's gate.