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

Chapter 10: Close Intimacy

YN walked up the stairs to his room. Pacing himself since he knew Rem was going to be waiting, YN tried to calm his nerves.

You know her, but she doesn't you. Just be considerate and nice and I'm sure we'll be right back to where we started.

Placing one hand on the doorknob, YN took one final breath and pushed away his negative feelings as much as he could, forcing a more positive expression and voice.

Turning the knob and letting himself in, he found Rem standing by his desk already, books stacked neatly on one corner and parchment and ink ready on the other side.

Rem: Good evening YN.

Rem greeted YN in her static, nearly expressionless voice. His heart sank hearing her talk to him in such an unfamiliar fashion.

YN: Evenin' Rem.

Taking his jacket off, YN hung it in his closet, and went to sit down.

Strictly out of habit, he grabbed the quill and dunked it in the ink, and began writing his own name over and over again. Observing behavior that was odd to her, Rem simply continued to watch. After filling a few lines, YN put his quill down, and turned to Rem, who was still observing what YN was doing.

Seeing that he was done, Rem picked up the parchment and gave the words a look over.

Rem: It appears you know how to write your own name at the very least. Was someone else teaching you before this? To write your name again and again as practice?

YN: Uhhh, well, you could say that.

Rem: Does YN know any other words?

YN: A few. Here I'll write them as best I can.

Jotting down a few dozen words, he tried to form a sentence.

He watched Rem's eyes trace the sentence over and over again.

Rem: Your grammar is also lacking it seems.

That evenings tutoring session had turned into Rem trying to find where YN was skill wise and begin teaching from there. After more or less seeing the extent of YN's literacy, Rem retired for the evening rather abruptly and earlier then normal. YN was slightly worried by Rem's continued coldness in her behavior toward him. With his worries filling his mind, YN retired not long after Rem had departed.

***

Rising early in the morning, YN woke and began the day's work.

Trimming more hedges and edging more walkways, YN finished even earlier then the last time he did, early enough that even Ram hadn't come to tell him he was done for the day.

YN began to reflect on the previous third day he experienced.

YN: If I seem to recall correctly, Rem and Ram were swamped with stuff to do today and dinner ended up being late because of it....

With an idea sprouting, YN placed his fist into his open palm. With a mission in mind, he searched the mansion for Rem. YN finally located her in mansions wash room, scrubbing the drained bath with Ram.

YN: Howdy Rem. Howdy Ram.

Looking up from her rather lazy scrubbing, Ram was the first to pay any attention to YN.

Ram: Are you having trouble finishing your tasks, NY?

YN: Actually I finished them up early, and I know you guys are busy today, want me to take over here?

The twins looked at each other then back to YN.

Ram: You've already clipped the lawn? Edged the—

YN Edged the walkways? Yes. Trimmed the shrubs? Yes as well.

Feeling accomplished at the surprised face on Ram, it was a feeling quickly dulled by the slight scowl on Rem's face.

YN: Hmm? Something wrong Rem?

For a brief moment, there was silence between them all.

Finally breaking the almost half minute of silence, Ram spoke up.

Ram: Well, since he's willing to work more, I will get started on a few other things then.

Stepping on up out of the pool, Ram handed off the scrubbing broom to him and walked towards the door, but not before turning around and speaking to Rem.

Ram: His hair. That's what you were staring at NY for, right?

Rem: Yes.

Hearing her older sister's question, Rem perked up slightly.

YN: T-thats what was bothering you?

Instinctively touching the top of his head, YN felt somewhat vulnerable.