A/N: Okay, I know I said I was going to take a break but to be fair I did take a break yesterday. I just couldn't help but write. I'm having a good time writing this story and once I start writing I just can't stop. This chapter is just a few hundred words short of the last chapter. My original idea was that this chapter was supposed to be 2 chapters but I just decided to combine them.

With that noted, this is also the chapter for all of you who wanted some Bell and Asfi romance to happen.

Anyways, enjoy!

I woke up, faceing an unfamiliar wooden ceiling. I still felt light headed and my mind felt hazy but as time went on I started to remember what had happened. By some miracle I was alive. Then my mind thought of Bell, he was in worse shape than I was.

"Bell!"

I shouted as I tried to get up but couldn't. My body screamed in pain as I tried to move even just a little. It was then I heard a familiar voice in the darkened room.

"Andromeda, take it easy you're in no shape to move yet."

I looked over and saw Lion standing beside me. She looked like she hadn't slept in days.

"Lion? What happened, where's Bell? Is he alright?"

"Calm down, Andromeda. Take a look for yourself."

She gestured over to another bed on the opposite side of the room. It was Bell and from what I could see he was at least breathing. I left out a sigh of relief, I wasn't too late.

"Lion, what happened?"

"Well where should I start. After the two of you busted through the doors half dead you fainted. You've been out for about three days and I've been the one looking over the two of you. You were lucky, if you two were just a few minutes late Cranel would be dead and I'm sure you would be worse than you are right now."

"What about Freya? Her child was the one who attacked us, what happened to him?"

"Lady Freya did come forward about the attack. The person in question was swiftly kicked out of her Familia but the Guild hasn't found him to properly punish him. Some of the other Gods have been talking about the best course of action on what should happen next including Lord Hermes and Lady Hestia."

"Have they come to a conclusion yet?"

"No, not yet but they've all met here a few times already. Next time they arrive I'll let them know you're awake so they can fill you in themselves."

"Alright, thank you, Lion, for everything you've done for Bell and I."

Lion smiled. It was rare to ever see her smile.

"Don't worry about it. The two of you are my friends and I made a promise that I wouldn't let anymore of my friends die. Now, I have to return to work, if you need anything just call for me."

"Alright."

Lion then left the room as I laid back down in the bed. Three days had passed since we were attacked. I could only imagine how Lord Hermes has been acting. I started to reflect on everything that had happened between Bell and I from the moment we met to now.

Even though this isn't one of the best memories with him, I still treasure every second with him. The moments where we had to fight for our lives had to be some of the single most scariest memories. I couldn't stand losing his smile, the smile that I ended up falling in love with.

As I was lost in thought I started to drift off to sleep once again.

Another three days had passed since I first woke up at the Hostess of Fertility. Everything seemed to calm down since that day at the festival. The Guild gave up their search for Allen Fromel. Bell still hadn't woken up yet but according to Lion he's fine. In the battle with Allen, Bell suffered from multiple stab wounds that were close to being fatal, some broken ribs and bones, overall compared to me I just got out with a wound to my stomach and a few minor fractures.

I should probably start investing in some more armor considering this has been the second time I've been stabbed in my stomach.

I was finally able to sit-up and now I spent my days looking out of the window in the room I shared with Bell.

This was just another peaceful day, however, little did I know a certain God was about to ruin that peace.

"ASFI!"

An all too familiar voice yelled down the halls. I could hear at least three pairs of footsteps run down towards our room.

"Lord Hermes! Don't just barge in there! Miss Asfi needs her rest and so does Bell."

"Listen, tell me whatever you want but you can't stop me. Just let me see her for a few minutes and then I'll leave."

"Yeah, Miss waitress! They are our children and our responsibility, hence we have more authority than you do!"

The door slammed out to reveal Lord Hermes, who looked like a complete mess, and Lady Hestia, who didn't look any better, with Syr standing behind them mouthing an apology to me.

"Asfi, you're awake. How do you feel? Are you hurt? Are you not feeling well?"

Lord Hermes ran up to me with tears on the corners of his eyes and grabbed a hold of both of my hands. In all the years I've known Lord Hermes I've never seen him cry or get as emotional as this.

"Lord Hermes, I'm fine, everything is fine. I'm sorry for worrying you."

"No, no, it's my fault Asfi. I wanted to visit you but they kept saying that you were resting but then Miss Syr told us that you woke up and I rushed in here as soon as she told us the news."

"I see, well in any case I'm glad to see you again, Lord Hermes. It's been quiet without you to be honest."

Lady Hestia, who was standing behind Lord Hermes approached me with a look of concern written all over her face.

"So how's Bell?"

Lady Hestia asked.

"Lion said that he's doing much better than he was before. It shouldn't be long until he wakes up."

"Well that's great news."

Lord Hermes interjected in his usual care free voice. Lady Hestia on the other hand looked like she was about ready to break down in tears.

"Miss Andromeda, I'm sorry."

"Lady Hestia, why are you apologizing?"

"Because I said some horrible stuff to you and Bell. I disrespected you and I am eternally sorry for what I said about you."

"Lady Hestia, there is no need for that."

"Yes, there is. You saved Bell's life and for that I am forever in your debt. If you want to have a relationship with Bell then I won't stop you."

"L-lady Hesita, it was nothing like that! Bell and I are just friends, nothing more."

I tried to explain but I could tell by the look on Lord Hermes' face he wasn't buying it.

"Oh really? Well here I was thinking the two of you would make a good couple. Looks like we'll have to make other arrangements."

He said in a teasing manner.

"Arrangements? What are you talking about Lord Hermes?"

"Hestia, myself, and some of the other Gods have been talking and the Guild has even approved of this as well. Until Allen Fromel is found we want you and Bell to leave Orario for awhile."

"You want us to leave Orario? But I can't do that. I have responsibilities and I'm sure Bell does as well. Besides where would we go if we left?"

"Don't worry about your responsibilities. Aisha said that she would take up the duty as acting captain for the Familia."

"And Bell said that if anything were to happen to him, we've asked Miss Lion to act as our captain. We've had plans like this in place ever since the Xenos incident. It's always better to be prepared."

"Okay, but that doesn't explain where we would go."

"That's simple. You two would return to Bell's village. His Grandfather and I were good friends so I kept an eye on his old house just in case of situations like this happened. But if you and Bell aren't a couple then I can always make other arrangements."

It was obvious what these two troublesome Gods were after.

"You two are really going to make me say it aren't you?"

Both of the Gods shook their heads.

"Alright, it's true I have feelings for Bell. When I saw him hurt, it shattered my heart and I wanted to help him, I wanted to save him, I want to love him."

"Well looks like you'll get your wish. As soon as Bell wakes up and can move again, I'll send the two of you on your way. Anyways, that's it for now. Keep us updated on Bell."

"Alright, Lord Hermes, I'll see you later. And Lady Hestia, thank you."

Both Lord Hermed and Lady Hestia exchanged a look before smiling towards me, then left with no other words.

Thanks to that push from the two of them I finally realized my feelings towards Bell. For a while I was still conflicted on if it was love or if it was just an attraction. But, now I've decided, I'm in love with Bell Cranel.

Roughly, another half a day passed after Lord Hermes' and Lady Hestia's visit until Bell finally woke up. He started to shift in his sleep until he had a reaction that was similar to mine when I first woke up.

"Asfi! Gah, dammit!"

As soon as he spoke tears of happiness started to flow from my eyes. Bell was alright!

"Bell! You're alright. You don't know how worried you made me."

"Ah Asfi, you're choking me!"

"Oh sorry, I'm just so happy that you're alright."

"No, I should apologise for worrying you. But, do you know what happened? The last thing I remember was being attacked."

He said as he rubbed the back of his head.

"After I found you I tried to stop Allen, but I was no match for his speed. Then the captain of the Freya Familia actually was the one to stop him and save both of us. He gave me a potion which was just enough for me to carry you here before I fainted. I woke up a few days ago while you've been in a coma for about a week."

"A WEEK!? GODDESS HESTIA IS GOING TO KILL ME!"

"Relax. Lady Hestia and Lord Hermes visited us yesterday. Basically to sum up what they said was that Lady Freya had no idea about the attack and she kicked him out of her Familia but the Guild hasn't found him yet to deliver their punishment. Then the rest of the Gods in Orario had a few meetings and they've come to the conclusion that since Allen is still out there they want the two of us to leave Orario for awhile."

"They want us to leave Orario? But what about our Familia's? We are both captains and plus where would we go?"

Bell was just as surprised as I was when I first heard the news that we would be leaving Orario.

"Lord Hermes said that Aisha would take over as acting captain and Lady Hestia said that Lion would take the part as acting captain for you. As for where we would go Lord Hermes said that we would go back to your home village."

"My home village? But, I haven't been back there in months."

Bell looked saddened at that part of the news.

"Lord Hermes said that he's been taking care of it. Apparently he knew your Grandfather."

"Lord Hermes knew my Grandpa?"

"That's what he said. Anyways, you should eat something. I'll go tell Lion that you're awake."

"Thank you, Asfi. And thank you for saving me. If you weren't there then I would be dead."

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad I wasn't too late."

-Bell POV-

After I woke up to Asfi crying and almost hugging me to death, she filled me in on what had happened while I was asleep.

Lord Hermes and Goddess Hestia came to visit us which actually made me feel guilty. The last time I spoke to Goddess, we got into a huge argument. Some of the stuff I regret saying now but at the same time I know that she was only trying to look out for me and some of the stuff said was necessary.

I'm not sure if I'll be able face her after that.

I had a fast recovery since I was asleep for a week, I immediately started to do everything I could so I could do things on my own again. Asfi, Miss Ryu and Miss Syr all yelled at me on multiple occasions for pushing myself too hard while being injured, but what can I say, I didn't want to bother them after everything they've done for me already.

I have a huge debt to pay to everyone.

After a few days Asfi and I were on the road towards my home village. Would we return to Orario? Only time could tell but I like to think that maybe we would return after everything died down.

My home laid deep in the mountains in a small, rural village and was about a weeks trip from Orario. As we traveled memories of my past started to come back to me. A mix of emotions spiraled through me, I was happy that I was finally visiting after being gone for a few months but at the same time it was saddening. After all this was the last place where I saw my Grandpa and where I heard the news that he was missing and most likely dead.

That was what sent me to Orario in the first place. I can thank my Grandpa for my dream to become a hero.

-One Week Later-

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I was home.

Asfi and I walked through the door into the small wooden cabin. Everything was just as I left it. A wave of nostalgia crashed over me.

"I'm home, Grandpa."

I whispered to myself. It was then that I turned my attention to Asfi.

"Well this is it. This is where I grew up. Make yourself at home, I'll get the fire started."

"Pardon the intrusion."

I walked over to the fireplace and placed some logs into it and used Firebolt to light them. I admired the flames as they danced for a moment. For who knows how long this was going to be my life now, living alone in a rural village with a beautiful woman. I could feel my face start to turn red as the thought of being alone with Asfi came to my mind.

"Bell? Bell? Hey, Bell, are you feeling alright?"

I looked over to see Asfi crouched down next to me.

"Y-yeah, everything is fine. It's just I haven't been here in so long, so many memories are coming back. It's a little overwhelming."

"Ah, well if you need to talk I'm willing to listen. If we're going to be living together then that means we're going to have to help each other out."

"Thank you, Asfi. You should relax, it's been a long journey. I'll start making dinner for us."

"I'll look forward to it."

I made dinner for the two of us. It wasn't anything fancy, just some left over rations that we had from our trip. I was going to go into village tomorrow and go shopping or I could always go hunting, but I think Asfi would strangle me if I ended up doing something like that. I may be healed but my injuries did end up affecting my overall combat ability.

We sat down at the table that was situated near a window. It was just as small as I remembered it. I also remember my Grandpa always looking out that same window as if he was remembering something or even looking forward to something.

"Bell, is everything alright? You're not eating."

"Oh no, I'm fine. I was just remembering something."

"I bet it's difficult for you. Considering the reason why you came to Orario in the first place."

Asfi had a sympathetic look. In a way we were both the same in the regard that we left our homes, the only places that we knew for most of our lives, for Orario.

"I won't lie, it's not as easy as I thought it would be. Everywhere I look, memories just come back to me. But, I know my Grandpa wouldn't want me to be sad."

"From what you've told me he sounds like he was a good man."

"He was. Maybe since Lord Hermes knew him, he could tell me some stories about my Grandpa."

"Knowing Lord Hermes he would probably exaggerate the truth."

"Maybe, but if it means that I could learn more about my Grandpa then that's fine with me. Outside of the time I spent with him, I never knew anything from his past."

"Anyways, changing the subject, how are your injuries doing?"

Asfi asked me. It was probably best that we changed the subject considering it was getting more depressing by the second.

"For the most part I'm healed except for a few spots that still hurt but not as much as before. How about you, how are you doing?"

"I shouldn't complain. Compared to you I got off easy with just a single stab wound and a few fractures."

"I'm sorry that I dragged you into that. He was only targeting me yet you got hurt trying to save me."

"Don't worry about that, Bell. All that matters is that we're both alive now."

"I suppose you're right, but still. Asfi from this point forward I swear to you that I'll always be there to protect you no matter what it is."

Asfi started to blush but at the same time had a heart warming smile on her face.

"Thank you Bell and I promise the same to you. Anyways, we should get to bed. We've both had a long journey and I'm sure this is all taking an emotional toll on you."

"Once again you're always right Asfi."

"What can I say? After having to deal with Lord Hermes for years I've gained the skill to read people fairly well."

As the fire started to sizzle out, Asfi and I got ready for bed. Considering it used to just be me and my Grandpa living here we had two seperate beds.

"Good night, Asfi."

"Good night, Bell."

The next morning I woke up later than usual and I probably would have kept sleeping if it wasn't for Asfi waking me up.

"Hey Bell, it's time to wake up. Come on, you don't sleep all day, we have to go to village to get supplies."

She took me by the shoulder and kept shaking me non-stop till I finally responded to her.

"Alright, alright, I'm up. Just let me get dressed and I'll meet you outside."

"Finally, I'll be waiting but don't keep me waiting for too long."

As I finally decided to crawl out of bed it didn't take me long to get ready. Even though we are out in the mountains there aren't that many monsters out here so I didn't worry about putting on armor and just decided to wear my casual attire minus the chest plate. But, I still brought my weapons just to be safe.

I walked outside to meet with Asfi.

She was also wearing much more casual clothing. She was wearing a dark blue skirt with a white button up with long sleeves. Even in such casual attire she still looked extremely cute.

"So are you ready to go?"

I asked as I approached her.

She just responded with a simple, gentle nod. The closest village was about a half days walk away. The village we were headed to itself wasn't that large, but it was the closest village to us. I do remember frequently visiting when I lived with my Grandpa. I know I've only been gone for a few months but I wonder how much it has changed, if it's changed at all.

We entered through the main gate, despite its size, the village was actually pretty busy today. It seemed to remain the same since last time I was there. Asfi and I started our shopping and then headed back home within the hour.

When we got back we put the bags of groceries on the table.

"Well it's my turn to make dinner tonight. Though I can't guarantee that it'll be any good."

"Do you need any help?"

"No, I'm sure I'll be able to handle it. You can just relax till then."

Once again the night went on like the previous. After we finished our meal I stepped outside while Asfi cleaned the dishes and sat down in the yard and admired the twilight sky.

The past few days have been taxing on me physically but emotionally, I'm not sure how much longer I could hold on. I didn't want to make Asfi worry about me more than she already did.

I felt guilty for not talking to Goddess Hestia before leaving. After realizing that she was only trying to look out for me, I wanted to apologize to her before we left but I never got the chance to even see her. Yet, she went out of her way to visit me. Just thinking about that made me sick to my stomach with guilt.

"There you are. I was looking for you. You know you're starting to worry me, you haven't been acting like yourself lately."

I turned around to see Asfi standing behind me.

"Oh, sorry about that."

"Let me guess, you needed to come out here to think?"

"Yes, about Goddess Hestia. I feel guilty after everything that I said to her and never even apologizing or saying goodbye before we left."

"Bell, you can't blame yourself for that. Lord Hermes was basically pushing us out of Orario for our own safety."

I could feel Asfi sit down behind me. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and rested her head next to mine. I started to blush at how close she was. I could feel her chest push against my back. It was comforting, it was like a comfort I never felt before. Asfi then continued her speech.

"But you're strong Bell. You're one of the strongest people I know. Against the Black Goliath, you didn't give up. During the Wargame with the Apollo Familia, you didn't give up. When you saved Miss Haruhime, you didn't give up. When the Xenos were in danger, you didn't give up. You just never betray what you believe Bell and I respect that about you. To be honest I think that's one of the reasons I fell for you."

"I'm not strong whatsoever. There are many other people much stronger than I am like Miss Ais."

"She might be strong, strength wise, but for you Bell, you're stronger in other qualities. For one, you've got a good heart. You're kind and innocent and you're always willing to help someone."

I put my hand on Asfi's arms and turned my head slightly to face her. Our faces were just inches apart. Once again I found myself looking into her blue eyes, the eyes that looked like the ocean. I shifted my attention towards her lips that looked so soft.

It felt as if time had stopped for us in this moment.

Slowly the two of us started to close the gap between us. Then I felt a sensation that I've never felt before as the two of us locked our lips together in a kiss.

We stayed like that for what seemed like just a few seconds but in reality it must have been much longer. The only thing that made us separate was the fact that we would have passed out from lack of air.

"Asfi..."

I was at a loss for words.

"Bell, I love you and there is nothing in this world that can change that."

"I love you too, Asfi."

We kept our conversation brief and locked ourselves in another kiss. The next thing I knew was that Asfi and I were now both sharing a bed.