ㅤ
❛ Oh, don’t be frightened, darling . . .
⠀⠀I promise to make it beautiful. ❜
𓆩 A velvet voice. A bloodied blade.
⠀⠀And an appetite for what lies beneath. 𓆪ㅤ
ㅤ
⠀
𝕳er gaze tracked the handkerchief across his brow. That grin was new; she studied it with quiet curiosity.
❛ Perhaps I've underestimated you, Subaru… Did those ordeals make you braver, or simply harder to break? ❜
⠀
Now with some steady breathing, he finally takes the handkerchief from her slowly and wiped off the sweat, a grin appeared.
"If going through hell over and over again so many times counts for ya, then.....You could say I've changed a lot since our last meeting....."
⠀
𝕾ilent as silk, she moved in until only inches remained between them. Violet eyes held Ram's without mercy, studying every tremor, every breath —— savoring that fear as though it were something 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬.
⠀
⠀
❛ This takes me back… That day… When Subaru wore that same look when I found him. His heart 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 so sweetly, and fear clung to him like the most intoxicating perfume. ❜
( ❦ )
⠀
⠀
“ 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 . it is only natural
to feel slight 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 the mere
fact that you’re able to breathe
the same air as ram is rather
𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 . are you not
supposed to be 𝟔–𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭 under .ᐣ ”
↵
⠀
❛ I didn't have time to savor him that day. Duty can be so inconsiderate… but tonight dear Ram… nothing plagues my attention, and you are a rare indulgence. We have all the time in the world. ❜
( ❦ )
⠀
⠀
𝕿he unexpected confession gave her pause. Elsa studied his uneasy laughter, the handkerchief still offered between them.
❛ You surprise me, Subaru. Most people would prefer never to see my face again… What happened to you? ❜
⠀
As a bit more sweat came running down, he took one slow and deep breath, trying to calm himself down....
".....heh, not at all, and being honest, is kind of nice seeing you again after a lot of other stuff that's happened.....as weird as it sounds..."
A little chuckle slip out.
⠀
𝕸eili's name arrested her attention. A small stillness settled over her, fingers resting at the edge of her sleeve.
❛ I'm relieved to hear that. The child has a talent for mischief… I trust you've been kind to her. ❜
⠀
⠀
𝕬 glance slid toward Emilia's throat before returning to her eyes; the old temptation was there, but Elsa made no move for her blade.
❛ You're safe from my knives today. I haven't been paid to make you bleed. ❜
( ❦ )
⠀
“ just a bit difficult for me is all.
Last time I saw you, you were hell-bent on killing me as well as Subaru….doesn’t quite seem like that’s the case now.”
Unless she had a poor judgment of the situation which was entirely possible
“Only other reason I can think of
+
⠀
❛ Playing coy? Not in the slightest. I'm simply enjoying myself. You may express your disgust however you please, Ram… but that little droplet upon your cheek tells me far more than your insults ever could. ❜
⠀
⠀
𝕿hat single bead of sweat drew her back like a whispered invitation. Elsa turned, approaching Ram with languid grace, her gaze following its path down the maid's cheek. Such delicious unease was wasted at a distance.
( ❦ )
⠀
⠀
the sheer 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 of your words
alone caused a chill to run down
her 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 —— a bead of sweat
trailed down her cheek . as you
turned she 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 .
“ do not make 𝐦𝐞 feel anymore
𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 of you . ram is in
awe on how you can play coy
as an 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 individual . ”
⠀
⠀
𝕿he stammer delighted her far more than his polite inquiry. A lace-edged handkerchief emerged from her sleeve, offered toward his perspiring face.
❛ Quite well, Subaru… Though you look terribly pale. Am I really such dreadful company? ❜
The way his heart was beating was nothing short but fast. Even after all this time.....That feeling of dread he's had since they first met hadn't left still.
Sweat would begin to fall down his face...
"Y-you're kidding.....? Of course it did....h-how's it been?"
⠀
𝕽am's disdain settled between them like a drawn blade. Untroubled, Elsa tilted her head, studying the maid with an almost feline curiosity. A gloved fingertip traced her own jaw before she turned away, perfectly at ease.
⠀
⠀
❛ Oh, Ram… I'd be terribly disappointed if you adored me. Your sharp little tongue is far more entertaining than any compliment. Besides, affection is such a fleeting thing… I'd much rather be unforgettable. ❜
⠀
⠀
“ was that your attempt at flattery
.ᐣ how 𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 . my confidence
is none of your concern ˏ you
need 𝐧𝐨𝐭 trouble yourself with
it . 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 considering that
ram is not quite 𝐟𝐨𝐧𝐝 of you ”
↵
⠀
𝕿he half-elf's question drew a thoughtful pause. Her gaze returned to Emilia, untroubled.
❛ Must there be a grand reason? I still have a living to make. Though seeing you again is a charming surprise. ❜
⠀
⠀
𝕬 low hum followed Emilia's account. Elsa glanced down at herself, as though searching for a scorch mark beneath the fabric.
❛ How thorough of you… Fire does make identification so terribly inconvenient. ❜
( ❦ )
⠀
“In our defense, there wasn’t much left of the body, what was left was charred beyond recognition. More fitting as a cremation than a funeral”
It was strange having such a conversation with someone that had been so intent on killing Subaru and anyone else that had been close
+