AN: Thanks to JDUBZ for being the usual awesome Beta Reader he is. :)

Chapter 3: Beach

October 23

"Rem, did you remember the sunscreen?"

Rem tore her attention from the palm trees and turned to Subaru with a guilty expression. Before leaving for the beach, Subaru tasked Rem with bringing the sunscreen. However, she was easily distracted by Subaru who was checking out his body in a mirror. He'd wanted to make sure he looked good...enough.

She entwined her fingers nervously, refusing to look at Subaru because of the mistake she made. "Um, R-Rem may have forgotten. I'm sorry, Subaru-kun."

Subaru reached across the carriage and gently poked Rem on the cheek, making her look at him.

"Have no worries, Rem, you're hero is here to save the day!"

After his flamboyant declaration, Subaru pulled out a corked bottle of sunscreen from a bag of his. And presented it like a treasure.

Judging by Rem's happy reaction, it might as well have been a treasure.

Rem gasped lightly, "Subaru-kun is Rem's savior!"

She gladly took the bottle from Subaru and looked at the white substance inside. "Rem does get sunburnt easily. I hope Subaru-kun doesn't mind a tan Rem." At this, she looked at Subaru and smiled. Subaru couldn't help but smile back, her's was just so contagious.

Imagining Rem with a sunburn made him smile devilishly, "Aww man, Rem, if you get sunburned I won't be able to keep my hands off you."

Of course, Rem blushed. She tried balancing her breathing while holding a hand to her chest, which felt her rapid heartbeat. "Oh, Subaru-kun, please. You mustn't say such dirty things to Rem. It's embarrassing."

Subaru instantly caught onto what she was saying and frantically tried to reassure her of his true motives, "Nononono! You're getting the wrong idea, Rem! I'm not implying that! I'm not saying I wanna touch you anywhere inappropriate or anything! I was just making a little joke is all! I mean, it wouldn't be something I wouldn't want to do, but it's not something that's appropriate for us! I'm gonna shut up now!"

Subaru and Rem both stayed silent for a few minutes, embarrassment taking over both of them.

As they neared the Sileo Beach Rem began to marvel at all the shops and markets that lined the entire length of the street they were going down. The items for sell differed greatly than the ones sold in their own town. Here, they had more exotic fish, different spices, different clothing, and weird sorts of knick knacks made of shells.

Just as the carriage turned a corner, both Rem and Subaru got a clear view of the white sand beach.

Subaru loved how the sunlight reflecting off the ocean waves glistened in Rem's eyes, giving them an even more endearing look.

"Have you ever been to the beach, Rem?"

Without even looking at Subaru, Rem replied as she studied the waves with intense interest. "No, Subaru-kun. Rem has always wanted to, but Nee-sama and I just never could."

Subaru liked to learn more about Rem, it was something he enjoyed because he found her to be a fascinating person. "I think they're alright. I was never really an outdoors kinda guy. But now that I live with a girl I gotta be more open to things."

Rem raised an eyebrow at this, "Be more open to things?"

Subaru played with his hands, unsure now how to answer that exactly, "You know, if I'm more willing to do things I normally wouldn't, I would look like a better man. I'm pretty sure that's how that works. Like now, I don't mind going to the beach just as long as you're coming too."

This made Rem chuckle, "In Rem's eyes, Subaru-kun is just as manly as any other. And Rem will always be happy to be by Subaru-kun's side forever."

Surprised by this, Subaru scratched his neck nervously, "F-Forever? That's a pretty bold statement."

"Does Subaru-kun not like Rem enough? Rem will go away if he wishes so. That will make Rem sad." Rem emphasized her point by faking a sad smile, knowing well that Subaru would refuse.

Subaru refused, "No, I would be happy to have you by my side, Rem. And, well, to be with me forever you'd have to wine and dine me first. Haha!"

"Rem doesn't understand the meaning of your phrase 'wine and dine me.'"

"It means just what it means. Usually, before a couple gets...intimate, they first go on a date where they eat and drink." Subaru tried explaining as properly as possible, unsure of whether or not he did a good job.

Rem looked thoughtful, "Hmm. Subaru-kun once told Rem that a date was when a boy and a girl so someplace together. Subaru-kun and Rem are always alone at home where we eat and drink together."

Subaru reached forward suddenly and silenced Rem with a finger, "Ah ah ah! I know what you're thinking, and it's not the same."

The action shocked Rem, but when Subaru removed his finger he saw that she was smiling. It was a beautiful sight that he wanted to burn into his memory forever.

"Rem loves how gentle Subaru-kun can be."

The driver of the carriage pulled on the reins, stopping the carriage. She took off her hat and started fanning herself. Sweating under the hot sun, she jumped off the carriage and opened the door, saying to the two occupants, "Alright, we're here."

Subaru paid the woman in full with a respectable tip for having to suffer in the sun for so long. The drive from their home to the shores wasn't exactly short distance.

Afterwards, Subaru and Rem walked the pier and checked out the various shops. First thing they needed were swimming suits, something that Subaru was excited for for reasons that included Rem.

"How about this one, Rem?"

Subaru held up a cute pink bikini with small ribbons that adorned it. On the surface, Subaru held an innocent smile. However, inside, Subaru was smiling devilishly at the thought of Rem in something so revealing.

Rem looked at the garment and blushed, "I'm not too sure, Subaru-kun. Isn't it a bit…,.small?"

"I see what you mean," Subaru pulled up the piece to inspect, and started putting it away, a dead look on his face, "I guess I'll just put it back."

"Wait," Rem blushed at the thought of wearing it, but, "if it makes Subaru-kun happy Rem will use it." She grabbed the bikini and balled it up in her hands, an unsure look on her face.

Smiling again, Subaru release his eagerness on the matter and practically dragged Rem to the changing room, "Great! You'll look good in it, I swear."

Subaru looked at his media for the fifth time. He was still waiting for Rem to try on the bikini by hanging around the side of the cloth curtain.

It's been five minutes. What's going on?

He was just about to call out to Rem to see if she was okay, but Rem's voice was faster.

"S-Subaru-kun?"

Suddenly, a blush spread across Subaru's face. "Yes, Rem, I'm here. Are you almost done? Y-You don't need help d-do you?"

Rem answered spastically, as if feeling the same thing Subaru was feeling, "N-No no no! Rem is alright. I'm just n-nervous about showing myself."

"We can get you something else if you like."

Even though she was more embarrassed than she'd ever been in her life, Rem still refused, "No, Subaru-kun said this will make him happy. So Rem will do it."

Subaru gave the curtain a wink and a thumbs up, "I believe in you, Rem. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Trying to stall, Rem asked, "You promise you won't hate Rem?"

The curtain shifted. Subaru sighed, "I can assure you that no matter what you'll look amazing."

Rem's face flushed red. She looked down at what she was wearing before catching her breath. There were only very few people who had seen her nude, and now she was about to be half naked in front of Subaru. It was something she didn't think would happen for a while longer.

"Okay, Subaru-kun, Rem is coming out." Shutting her eyes, Rem slowly pushed aside the curtain and revealed herself to Subaru.

It was like a dream come true. Dressed only in the pink bikini, Rem stepped in front of Subaru with a shy look and a strong blush on her face. The same went for Subaru.

After a second, Rem opened her eyes and stared into Subaru's eyes. There was a moment between the both of them that sparked a warm feeling inside them. It was this feeling that made Rem smile a smile that radiated love.

Subaru was the first to speak, breaking his absent mindless and reaching out, "R-Rem, you look….unbelievably beautiful."

Rem cupped her face, smiling, "Subaru-kun, please, saying such cute things will make Rem blush." It was perhaps the happiest moment of her life then and there, being praised by Subaru about her body.

Subaru tried his best to prevent his eyes from wandering to other parts of Rem besides her face, ultimately failing. This was visible proof to Subaru that Rem was more gifted in the chest region than her sister.

"So, uh, Rem? Y-You like it? Don't like it? Too small? T-Too uncomfortable? Whaddya think?"

The smile on Rem's face widened when she noticed Subaru's…..content stare. It proved to Rem that Subaru liked her, both for who she was and what she looked like.

Rem nodded and put her hands behind her back, leaning towards Subaru. "It feels a bit drafty, but if Subaru-kun likes it then Rem likes it."

With no shame, Subaru gave Rem a thumbs up and announced his agreement with the swimwear. With a small giggle, Rem skipped back into the booth and changed back into her normal clothing.

Meanwhile, Subaru leaned on the nearest wall and started catching his breath.

Three shops and one hour later, Subaru and Rem finally arrived to the blue waves of Sileo with an umbrella and a picnic basket filled with food. The first thing they did was cover each other in sunscreen, an activity both liked secretly. Well, with Rem it wasn't so much of a secret.

"Subaru-kun's back is so soft Rem can just sleep on it."

Subaru just laughed and enjoyed feeling Rem's small hand rubbing his back. It was a wonderful feeling that he hoped to feel again someday.

Turning around, Subaru got to see Rem in her swimwear again, and began to feel his mind go numb. She was so beautiful it was stupid. In fact, Subaru began to wonder if it was making him stupid because he started getting words jumbled around in his mind.

Rem placed the bottle into Subaru's hands, "Now my turn, Subaru-kun."

Subaru looked at the glass bottle stupidly, his mind unsure on how to process what was happening. "Wha-? Uhhhhh. Imma go uhhh. I-I-I-I-I uhhhh. Sure!" He blurted out the last word and started berating himself when Rem smiled and turned around to allow Subaru to put sunscreen on her back.

Subaru stuck the umbrella into the sand with slight difficulty. He was just about to ask Rem whether she wanted to eat or swim first but looked up to see that she was already making her way to the water excitedly. He quickly threw off his shirt and ran to catch up.

With happy energy, Rem practically skipped to the ocean waves but didn't go in. She made it partially into the water, but instantly jumped back when she realized how cold it was. By that time Subaru had already reached her.

Rem turned to Subaru while sticking her leg out to touch the water again with her toe, "Subaru-kun, it's cold."

Subaru tested the water by plunging his whole foot. "Wow. You're right, Rem this is cold." With a sly smile, he bent down and put his hand into the crystal clear ocean. "But you know what's worse than a little cold water?"

Rem, frightened about something worse, put her knees together and looked around nervously at the other people accepting the beach. "What, Subaru-kun?"

Looking at his submerged hand, Subaru hid his face from Rem. "More cold water."

A large wave of cold water began making its way towards them. Subaru noticed, but Rem did not. She was preoccupied with looking at the now hunched over Subaru

Chuckling with excitement, Subaru suddenly lifted his hand from the water and sprayed Rem with the cold liquid. Like he had planned, Rem screamed in shock at the cold and started cowering up.

"Come, Rem, let us face the cold together!"

With mindless happiness, Subaru swept Rem off her feet and carried her bridal style. Rem wiped the water from around her eyes and suddenly felt herself being lifted into Subaru's arms.

Confused, Rem looked at where Subaru was looking and asked, "Face the cold?" That was when she got it. Coming closer and closer to the two was a wave that was a little taller that Subaru.

To Rem it was a foreign sight that brought chills down her spine. She remembered hearing about them, they were apparently called waves. And waves in the ocean brought water. No, they were made of water. And the water she felt now was cold. So that meant…

Piecing it all together, Rem understood what Subaru meant. It was then, and only then, did Rem start to regret being with Subaru at that very moment.

"S-Subaru-kun?"

Subaru looked down Rem's worried face and gave her an encouraging wink. This, however, didn't help.

Rem turned to the ocean, watching as the wave came closer and closer. "Subaru-kun, please."

"Haha. Don't worry, my little Rem. I already know what you're thinking." Subaru's eyes held mischief that Rem couldn't help but notice.

"Rem doesn't like what Subaru-kun might be thinking." Closing her eyes, Rem tucked in tight so she resembled a pouty child fighting against their parents.

Unable to see the open ocean anymore, Subaru smiled wide, "You know me so well."

Rem felt the sudden jerk of motion as Subaru went sprinting towards the wave. That was when she opened her eyes again.

As they wave drew nearer, Rem began to scream in both fear and excitement. Meanwhile, Subaru laughed at the moment they were sharing together.

Before they collided with the wave, Subaru turned and threw himself into the wave to protect Rem. However, this did not protect her from the water.

The sudden rush of cold water made Rem shiver when she stood up, the water up to her shoulders. Next, Subaru broke the surface with a stupid grin on his face.

In a fit of random aggression, Rem splashed Subaru with water. "That's what Subaru-kun gets for making Rem cold."

"Hahaha! Ah come on, Rem, you'll get used to it." Subaru also splashed Rem with water.

Truthfully, Rem was starting to get used to the water. Although she didn't admit it, she showed it by slashing Subaru with more water. The battle turned into an all out war filled with airborne water, crashing down onto the enemy.

Rem covered her face that held a smile, stating happily, "Subaru-kun, stop!"

Subaru's unrelenting attacks didn't lessen, "Hey, you started it! Haha!"

Just then, another wave crashed into the two and sent both of them underwater. When they broke the surface, Rem tried tackling Subaru but found out that she was slower in the water. Thus, she ended up hugging him aggressively.

Confused, Rem felt Subaru's arms wrap around her too. She looked up with a, "Huh?"

Rem liked the calm look Subaru had on his face. He was smiling with his eyes closed, breathing evenly. He looked like he was just enjoying the moment peacefully. Deciding to join him, Rem leaned her head on Subaru's shoulder with a smile on her face.

They stayed there for only a few seconds before Subaru pushed Rem away to look at her. With a blush on his face, Subaru began to ask her, "Hey, Rem, do you ever think that maybe someday we could….I don't know, go on a real da-?"

A wave of water crashed into the two, ruining what Subaru was going to say.

When Rem resurface, she looked to see that Subaru was yelling at the ocean, daring it to do that again. With a giggle, Rem reached through the water to find Subaru's hand.

Subaru immediately stopped yelling when Rem wrapped her fingers in his. He turned to Rem and went beet red upon seeing her beautiful smile that could make his day any day.

"Subaru-kun, maybe it'd be better if went back to a more shallow part."

Without even hearing his answer, Rem started guiding Subaru back to shore. All the while, Subaru was grateful their hands were underwater because otherwise Rem might've felt how sweaty they were right now.

About an hour later, Subaru and Rem went back to their spot on the beach and started eating. As usual, the good was provided by Rem; meaning it was delicious. Subaru proved this by constantly complimenting the food, making Rem smile each and every time.

After their small dinner, Subaru decided to take Rem to a place on the pier. Subaru wasn't sure Rem had ever tried ice cream, but if she didn't then he would be happy to introduce her to it.

"Say, Rem, do you feel like dessert?"

Rem stopped watching the waves and jerked her head towards Subaru. Her excited reaction was what pleased Subaru, "Yes! Rem likes dessert!"

Smiling, Subaru reached over and started rubbing Rem's hair, "Haha, I thought you'd say that."

"What does Subaru-kun have in mind?

"That depends, have you ever had ice cream?"

"Oh, that's cool."

This was Subaru's reaction upon discovering that the lovely couple that owned the ice cream shop were the inventors of it in this world. It wasn't anything like soft serve ice cream since this type was an earlier version. If anything, it was more like a snow cone with sweet milk and fruits.

Rem held the cup up to her face, inspecting the large mix of ice and colorful fruit, "This is ice cream?"

"Yeah, sure." Subaru handed Rem a spoon. "Um uh, ladies first."

Rem dug her spoon into the ice cream and scooped up a large portion. Forgetting any and all proper ways of eating, Rem happily stuffed the ice into her mouth with a delighted, "Mmmm!"

Having never had this type of ice cream, Subaru hesitated at first but got more confident upon Rem's satisfied moan of approval.

He tried his own portion and agreed that it was basically like shaved ice, only creamier. By the time Subaru only had his first taste Rem was already on her third.

Rem swallowed, saying happily on her tippy toes, "It's just like Subaru-kun!"

Subaru raised an eyebrow and looked at the now uneven mound of ice and it's now messy state. With this, he asked, "How?"

Rem held up a finger, "Because, like Subaru-kun, it makes me happy."

Subaru blushed and started rubbing the back of his head, "Ahaha hehe, that's, um, that's a pretty weird thing for ice cream to do."

Rem leaned forward and rested her head against Subaru's chest, saying, "But it's true."

Looking at Rem's peacefully form, Subaru decided to make a move. Moving an arm over Rem, Subaru rested his hand against Rem's side. He tried to scoot her closer so they could be closer but Rem suddenly yelped in both surprise and pain, "Ow!"

Subaru inspected a glass bottle of some sort of green gel. He passed it to a tan Rem when he was done, "It says here that it soothes and gets rid of sun burns."

With small tears at the corner of her eyes, Rem said, "Rem hopes it's like the stuff at the mansion." The stuff being a strong ointment to cure sunburns, something Rem would get on occasion if she was gardening outside for too long.

Subaru was unsure how to respond since he had no idea what the stuff was, "Well, this stuff is aloe vera. I'm sure it'll be just as good...probably."

Rem looked sadly up at Subaru, "Probably?"

Subaru smiled at Rem and purchased the bottle.

After, Subaru and Rem began walking around the pier, wondering what to do. Subaru decided that then was a good time to figure out sleeping arrangements, "So where should we sleep, Rem?"

"Hmmmm." Rem put a finger to her mouth as she thought. After only a second, Rem stated that she wanted to sleep somewhere near the ocean so she could still see it. Subaru couldn't say no to such an innocent request and started walking with Rem to find any motels near the beach that had vacant rooms.

Slowly, Rem slipped her hand into Subaru's as they walked through a small crowd of people. Subaru noticed this of course and smiled as the sun began to fall to the horizon.

Rem and Subaru were able to find a motel that had a beautiful view of the sandy beach and the crashing waves only an hour later. Behind a closed door, the two began to do what needed to be done.

"Ah ah ah ah, S-Subaru-kun. It hurts."

"Just don't move, Rem. I'll do all the work."

"Ow, Subaru-kun is too rough. Please be gentle."

"Sorry, I'll slow down."

Subaru stopped applying so much pressure to Rem's back as he rubbed the aloe vera onto her back. Rem's sunburn was worse than they had ever thought before since even the slightest touch hurt.