A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 5 - Part 21

"Ugh, shit!"

I shuddered from the phantom pain of having my head ripped apart by a .44 Magnum bullet. The sensation lingered for a few seconds, along with the horrible afterimage of the whale opening its jaws to swallow me like a sandwich.

"What's up, Leandro?"

"Everything okay, boss?"

Rem and Nadir turned to look at me, interrupting their cleaning and forging activities respectively.

Since we were going to be working very hard on weapons production, I asked Rem to take charge of setting up Nadir's workshop, which looked like a dump.

The place was quite neat and well-organized. Nadir didn't even notice the changes, as he spent the entire day creating more weapons.

"I'm fine, it was just a sudden pain."

I dismissed the matter with a cheap lie, getting Nadir to return to work with a shrug. However, Rem wasn't convinced and reprimanded me.

"Don't try to hide it. The witch smell got stronger just now."

"You never miss anything, huh..."

I scratched the back of my neck, annoyed by the girl's perceptiveness.

"Come with me."

Surprisingly, Rem grabbed my arm and dragged me into the kitchen-dining room. With an authoritative gesture, she ordered me to sit down, which I did without complaint.

For a moment I thought I'd be interrogated, but contrary to my expectations, Rem turned her back on me and began chopping ingredients. In less than five minutes, he presented me with a lush array of vegetables and meat between two pieces of bread.

"I'm sorry, this is the best I can do for you."

"Funny you say that like it's such a small thing!" I exclaimed, smiling and taking a big bite of the sandwich. "Thanks, this makes it all worth it."

Rem looked down and expressionlessly adjusted her bangs.

"Is it really that good?"

"Yes, but I wasn't just talking about the sandwich. You being here means a lot to me."

My hands were shaking. The memory of the whale and my suicide were too fresh. If I weren't with Rem, I might have gone crazy by now.

"For me too..."

"What do you mean?"

Rem's words took me by surprise, and I couldn't suppress my curiosity. She clenched her hands against the fabric of her uniform.

"I only think about working and helping as much as possible, since I'm worried about being unnecessary, or even a nuisance. But you make it seem like everything I do is very important and valuable."

"Well, even if they're small actions, you put a lot of effort into them, and you do it with the best intentions. You may not realize it, but you're irreplaceable, Rem."

"Um." She nodded. "What I mean is, it always cheers me up to hear your praise."

Her cheeks colored slightly as she slurred that last line. At that moment, I realized Rem was showing me her vulnerable side to make me feel better. How messed up did I look to have inspired this act of compassion in her?

"Someone appreciating your efforts is the least you deserve, Rem."

I responded modestly, saying what I really thought. I wasn't special for treating her well.

I rubbed my eyes to regain focus and continue working. I'd already done the hardest part, which was dying; which reminded me of something else...

"Oh shit, the notes!"