The Meeting.

After coming back home Bell brought the purchase to Haruhime in the kitchen. Apparently he had spend more time in the city than intended, so it was already time for the meeting.
They used the big living room to fit all three Familias inside. Welf and Ouka moved a desk for Lily to put down all her papers and books she had prepared beforehand, it was her who would lead the meeting. Bell just wondered why she had glasses on her nose and lifted them up somethimes while having an evil smile. Haruhime walked around, pouring tea for everyone before sitting down.

Lily cleared her throat. "Let us begin. As you all know we´re united in an alliance from today onwards." Lily nodded to Hestia.

Hestia looked at Miach and Takemikazuchi for a moment. "We three agreed to an order of command. Each Familia will keep its own structure, but for the party Bell will be the captain and Ouka serving as vice captain, with Daphne third in command. Lililuka will lead the supporters together with Naza."

Lily continued. "It must be clear to you all, that we can´t just clear one floor and moving on to the next one. As the incident with master Bell showed, each floor from now on will be much harder than the one before. We also have a financial problem. The expedition failed so we had to pay a fine to the guild." At this point Lily nodded to Miach.

"We three had a talk with the guild and described our situation. For now we will be on hold for the next expedition." He made a gesture to Takemikazuchi.

"It is not in the interest of the guild to send us to an expedition we cannot fulfill. They know it would be to dangerous to press on and opening a chance for a catastrophe."

Lily continued. "Our next goal are two different things. One is to explore the dungeon until the 27th floor but avoid fighting the Amphisbaena. We have to get used to the monsters there and train ourselves. The other one is..." Lily gave Naza a signal.

She stood up. "We will need more supplies, we just don´t have enough and i would like to stock up, so we will have to do what high grade adventurers call "farming" in various floors."

Lily took a sip of tea. "For this we will form two different parties from time to time, moving in one big group may be wiser for defence and fire power but food and other stuff for ten people is to much. We have to consider the way back to the surface everytime we go down. And let´s not forget we have to rest. The parties will vary." Lily sat down for a moment to relax her voice.
She said ten being aware that there were eleven people in the Familias but Naza would not enter the dungeon.

Miach stood up now. "There is also the point to get used to every member, to know what weapons and tools they use, where their strength is, where the weakness."

Hestia took over. "And we have what you could call a luxury problem." She looked to Bell.

He looked confused. "Me ?"

Hestia nodded. "Might be better to say your level. If you keep leveling that fast we will have to do more complex expeditions at some point and that is a problem when the other members don´t have the strength for that."

It was Takemikazuchis turn again. "And one of our biggest problems is neither strength nor supplies but money. The "farming" Miss Naza mentioned is also for making money to fight our debts."

Miach continued. "To make it short, our next goal is to get stable. I´m sure the slight oppressive feeling we all have will vanish after getting rid of the debts." He smiled at Naza after his words.

Lily stood up again, while Haruhime refilled her tea. "Lily looked through the books and talked to some merchants and the guild, the most profitable way for us now is to get mermaid tears.
Or rather to take down every monster and take the loot on our way to the 25th to 27th floor, where we will find mermaids. The drop of a tear is rare but brings enormous profit. As far as Lily knows no other familia is "farming" them speciafically right now. And Lily wants to mention a special case. Whatever your goal is when you go into the dungeon, when you encounter a unicorn, let your goal slip if you must but take down the unicorn...BUT ! Only if it is save, don´t take unecessary risks."

Bell hold up his hand. "So the two parties will be formed with approximately the same strength ?"

Lily answered. "Not when one group goes down to the 27th floor and the other on a higher but most of the times yes."

Hestia spoke now. "I think everyone gets our situation. Another thing to say is, Miach and Takes familias will move in the mansion, we have way to much room for just us, each you two will take on of the side wings. You can remodel them until it fits your taste."

"""OH !""" That was unexpected for a few members.

Hestia continued. "But something beforehand, man and woman will use different bathrooms, I don´t want some accidents to happen, especially to my cute little Bell !"
Some chuckled lightly.
Lily took turn again. "Lily thinks with that for now all is said. We will end the meeting here and give the Miach familia and Takemikazuchi familia time for moving, of course we will help."

Having said this all rised from their seats and started to leave the room. Haruhime would stay at the mansion, cleaning up and preparing dinner. Mikoto and Lily went with the Takemikazuchi familia to help them with moving preparations, Bell and Welf with the Miach familia.

There was much to do.

.

The next day.

.

Bell woke up with dark eye bags. Again a night where he woke up every five minutes until he was exhausted. For a moment he laid still.

"I just want to sleep..."

It was the same for a few weeks now. At least he didn´t had to help today with the moving, he and Welf brought over all the stuff from Nazas laboratory and now the both weren´t allowed to help further, because now they were at the personnal stuff and with every member being female, that would be uncomfortable.

"Time to get up..."

Bell dragged himself out of bed and to the bathroom, maybe a shower would help with his fatigue. With closed eyes he stood under the water, enjoying the warm water. He smiled wryly.

"I´m fifteen and feeling like an old man right now...grandfather would laugh."

The thought of his grandfather let him smile as he heard the bathroom door open, probably Welf or Ouka. Bell shut-off the water and stepped out of the shower, in the same moment he heard a gasp.

"Morning." we mumbled while rubbing water from his eyes and opening them.

Before him wasn´t Welf or Ouka...it was Cassandra who was frozen and at a loss for words. The next moment when he noticed her eyes wandered down a bit he yelped and grabbed his towel to cover up himself. The scream brought Cassandra back to her senses.

"E-excuse me ! I-I took the wrong door !"

She whirled around and slammed the door behind her, leaning against the wall on the outside. So her dream about an incident was right after all. The next door opened and Daphne stuck out her head. "Cassandra you coming ?"

With tears in the corner of her eyes from the shock Cassandra rushed over.

"Waaaah Daphne !"

"What did you do this time ?"

In the mens bathroom Bells heart pounded, that was unexpected.

"Phew...now I´m awake."

.

The situation at the breakfast table twenty minutes later was very awkward. Daphne glanced in Bells direction from time to time, Bell guessed Cassandra told her what happened. Finished with the breakfast they helped Haruhime cleaning the dishes, after that Bell went to his room to get his armor and weapons, he had to start getting back in shape.

For two hours he went through his movement sequences, even in spite of his Falna he was out of shape and quickly started to sweat alot. Maybe due to his lack of sleep it angered him a bit. At least his hand was fully healed.
After taking a quick shower he left the mansion in direction of the Benevolent Mistress, he might be a little to early but better than being late.

.

Bell wasn´t the only one who had a restless sleep this night, Ryuu tried to suppress her yawn while cleaning the tables, it was almost noon and about time for them to open. Normally the first guests would be mostly woman from town and a few female adventurers, later when the most adventurers came the menue would change. Mia charged adventurers higher than normal townsfolk.

"If they want to eat our food they can pay." That´s what she said.

Syr came from the kitchen to set the tables. "Ryuu are you okay ? You look tired."

Ryuu shook her head. "It´s okay, just a bit trouble sleeping."

Syr looked worried. "You won´t get sick on me ?"

Ryuu smiled tired. "Don´t worry."

Both looked up when a knock was heard from the front door, it was to early for guests and the whole staff was here already. Syr went and opened the door.

"Ah Mr. Bell, you´re pretty early !"

Bell waved for a greeting. "But not that much early."

Ryuu came to Syrs side. "Mr. Cranell its not even noon."

His eyes widened a bit. "Eeeh ? Did I mistook the time that much ?"

Mama Mia came from the kitchen. "Whats going on here ?...Ah boy, even earlier than appointed how nice of you come in."

They closed the door behind Bell and Mama Mia took him aside. "Say are you good at fast writing stuff down that someone dictates you ?"

Bell thought for a moment. "I guess."

Mia grinned. "Good then you will take the orders from the guests, this will help alot. But first you need other clothes."

He followed Mia upstairs while Ryuu and Syr looked at each other for a moment, before continue their work. Mia showed him the changing room where she hung up his uniform on a hanger.
Mia went downstairs and called together the girls.

Ahnya was the last coming out of the kitchen. "Whats wrong nya ?"

Mia crossed her arms. "Just wait."

After a few minutes they heard footsteps and Bell appeared at the stairs.

"""Ooooh !""" Some girls called out.

He wore a butler uniform with black pants, a white shirt and a black jacket, in one hand he hold two white gloves. Bell looked a bit embarassed under the eyes of the girls.

Syr clapped her hand. "That looks good on you Mr. Bell !"

Ryuu nodded. "You look professional Mr. Cranell."

Chloe was the most excited. "Purrfect Nya !"

Then Mia clapped her hands once. "Okay girls thats enough, back to work. Ryuu you will show him how to do it."

"As you wish."

Syr winked to Ryuu as she passed her. "Lucky you."

Ryuu coughed softly, Bell looked amazing in the suit, it was something completely new to her. She showed him around, how to move between guests and how to hang up the orders at the kitchen he had taken. Unnoticed by everyone in the restaurant the sky far away rumbled.

.

.

Ryuu took up another four plates from the kitchen counter, balancing one on each forearm and holding on in each hand. It was almost two hours after noon and the restaurant was fuller than usual. Bell had all the looks on him, not only being something new in the shop but the female customers were very pleased with the sight of the well build young man. Apparently it got around quickly, so more customers came in. And he did a very good job, no matter how fast the orders came he wrote them down perfect. Some customers even tried to overwhelm him but he didn´t lose.
Thanks to his lessons with Eina he had much harsher experiences in writing stuff down fast. But not only writing fast won the customers over. Ryuu gave him a quick tutorial how to behave and Bell took that one step further. When he was finished with taking an order he bowed down with one hand in front of his chest with closed eyes.

"Thank you for your order Mylady." and "Please wait a few minutes Madam."

Some of the older customers giggled when he did that, they were a bit embarassed to be called that by such a young man.

He might be a natural, thought Ryuu. And Bell got tips...high tips. The only person in the shop looking more at Bell than the customers or Ryuu was Chloe. Or to be more precise she looked at bis butt.

"Mnya...what a nice view. Nyeheheh"

Around four hours after noon the last customers left, so they closed the restaurant for an hour, to take a break and change the menues. Mia was pleased with the lunchtime business.

"Man boy you sure are useful, it´s rare to have that many guests around that time. If you ever quit being an adventurer I will take you into my staff with pleasure." she grinned.

Bell rubbed his head. "Th-thank you, I´m just doing my best like everyone else."

They arranged two tables near the kitchen door and sat down to eat a meal made by Mia. That alone made all the work worth it, Bell even forgot his fatigue, he just had to much to do while working.

Ryuu sat down beside Bell, Syr on his other side. "Mr. Cranell the tips you got are yours alone, everyone makes their own, that keeps us motivated."

Due to Bell having so much to do earlier, the rest of the staff had a more relaxed time than usual and only for one person that was a bit of a problem...Ryuu. She hoped it would be more crowded in the later afternoon and evening, Ryuu needed more work or she would get sleepy again. Even now from time to time her eyes went heavy, so she would shake her head a bit to wake herself up.

Runoa, Chloe, Ahnya and Syr came with plates from the kitchen filled with food. It was Mama Mias Risotto with vegetables and chicken, Ryuu loved this meal, it was the first meal from Mama Mia she had ever tasted. And even though Mama Mia said it was a pain, she made Ryuus share in an extra pan, because she prefered a lighter taste than the rest of the girls. When all sat down they thanked for the food and started eating.

Bell took his first bite. "Mmmmmh this is awesome !"

Mia had a smug grin on her face. "Of course it is awesome."

"No I´m serious, this is the best thing I´ve ever tasted !"

Syr pouted by his words and turned her head demonstratively away from Bell. "Hmpf !"

Noticing what he had done right now he panicked a bit. "Ah no eh I mean-..."

But now Syr smiled. "I know, I know Mama Mias cooking is the best after all."

Ryuu swallowed her bite and said. "Don´t worry Syr, you cook way better than I do."

Chloe said with a wide grin. "Well thats not hard nya !"

The elf squinted her eyes. "You have no right to talk."

"What did you say you useless elf Nya !"

"I´m not useless !"

Mia threw them "the glance" and their squabble ended, she looked to Bell. "Say Boy."

Bell looked up. "Hm ?"

"Where did you learn this kind of manners ? Surely Ryuu didn´t show you all of what you did."

Now the attention of the girls were all on him. "My grandpa told me to be nice to gi...to woman. Treat them like a gentleman so they will smile."

"Sounds like you would be a nice catch." Mia said between two bites. "Ah but remember one thing. My restaurant is not your hunting ground get it ?"

He stuttered when she said that. "Huh ? Ah no...I mean...I´m not, I would never."

"Then i don´t have to be afraid you will go after all of my girls, but one or two would be allowed."

Before Bell could answer Ryuu and Syr shouted in unison. "Mama Mia ! Mr. Bell/ Mr. Cranell would never do that!"

Mia laughed thounderous. "I´m joking, but funny that you two react like that."

Now it was for the two to look uncomfortable. Runoa, Chloe and Ahnya laughed to that, while Bell looked perplex. The shutters rattled a bit, it seemed like the wind was getting stronger.

.

After they finished their meal and cleaned up, it was time to prepare for the evening. Mia told Bell to change into his regular clothes, he would get an apron but moving around to much in an unfamiliar suit would be unpleasant and she doesn´t want her newest "employee" to sweat in front of the guests.

.
After opening the restaurant again Bell was surprised how fast it was filled. Now the time to shine for real came for the skilled waitresses, each of them moving between the customers like it was nothing. For now Bell stood by the entrance, would greet new guests, showed them a free table and took the order.

There was only one table left when the door opened and he saw a familiar face.

.
Two elves entered, covering their faces with hoods against the wind. "Sheesh its getting stormy and...wah ! Bell Cranell !"

The elf that had spoken had chestnut colored hair, was a bit shorter than him and wore a short pink dress with a red jacket...and she belonged to Loki Familia...Lefiya Virdis. The other elf had a white dress with a dark blue jacket and black hair, Bell had never seen an elf with black hair. However he remembered his job.

"Welcome dear guests, would you allow me to show you your table ?"

"Why are you working here ?" Lefiya was irritated.

Bell showed them the way with one hand. "I help out today."

"Aha...will you be outer waiter today ?"

"No I will only take the first order, on of the girls will serve you then."

The other elf looked curiously at him and whispered to Lefiya. "Who is that ?"

Lefiya whispered in return. "He´s after Miss Aiz from my familia, watch out he is a ladykiller who enjoyes the hunt !"

Bell sighed a bit and took the first order, when Ryuu fell into his eyes. She swayed lightly while walking and even though she didn´t show it on her face, he who knew her could see she was not feeling good. Right now she took a tray from the counter with three jugs full with beer, maybe he should help her. Bell went in her direction and just before he arrived at her, Ryuu had to make a turn to evade a customer and then it happened...she tripped. In the one second remaining Bell was aware of four things.

Ryuu couldn´t stop her tripping.

Her eyes went wide.

The beer would spill and...

he was in her direction...

Splash !

Coughing and gasping Bell was hit from head to toe with three liter of beer. Thankfully he was the only one that was hit, if a customer was hit that would be way worse. Some of the guests were surprised but a few laughed by the sight of him.

Ryuu was shocked. "Mr. Cranell I´m so sorry !" She stepped over in a hurry.

Bells clothes were soaked. "It´s okay...it was an accident."

Mama Mias voices came from the kitchen entrance. "What are you doing you useless elf !"

Ryuu took a towel out of her uniform while Ahnya came rushing over with a bucket full of water and a mop.

He rubbed his face with the towel. "Don´t worry I will wash my clothes when I get home."

But she contradicted. "Please Mr. Cranell I have to make up for my mistake, my pride as an elf demands it, come upstairs I will wash your clothes."

"Is that alright ?"

Her face was serious. "I must insist."

Bell followed her upstairs while he were careful not to touch any customer with his wet clothes. Upstairs Ryuu guided him to the bathroom and gave him a towel.

"Please put your clothes down at the entrance, I will wash them while you shower."

He looked at her. "But I don´t have any spare clothes. The only dry clothing I have right now is my underwear."

"You can wait in my room after you showered until your clothes are dry."

"What ? I can´t go into a girls...into your room !"

But Ryuu was unshakable. "Please Mr. Cranell, my honor depends on it."

He swallowed. "Fine..I guess."

Ryuu bowed her head. "I have to thank you."

.

Inside the bathroom Bell took of his clothes and put them near the door. When he closed the shower door he heard the bathroom door open slightly.

"I have found an old shirt for you Mr. Cranell, it may be a bit big."

"Thats okay thank you.." It was a bit awkward talking to Ryuu while he stood under the shower.

.

After showering, he thought it was his third today already, he tried on the shirt, not perfect but okay. Bell opened the bathroom door slightly, looking left and right until he was sure no one else were here, then he slipped out in just his underwear and a shirt and went to the room Ryuu had pointed at. Good thing Ryuu made sure the door was unlocked.

And there he stood...for the first time in a girls room...in Ryuus room...in his underwear alone in the dark...great.

From the window he heard rain patter against it and rumbling, the rain was getting worse by the minute. Not to mention he was cold, maybe he could lend a blanket ? He looked at Ryuus bed and his face got hot. He could not help it, he couldn´t freeze here or he might get sick.

"I´m sorry Ryuu." he whispered apologetically, before he slipped under the blanket.

At least it was warmer in here. How long would he have to wait ? To his bad luck his fatigue kicked in again and before he knew it he fell asleep.

.

.

Three hours later Bell woke up when the door creaked. He couldn´t see much, because Ryuu who came in had not turn on the magic stone lamp. Bell heard heavy rain patter against the window.

"Bell, are you awake ?" Ryuu whispered.

"Y-yeah..sorry for using your bed."

Ryuu laid down Bells clothes on a chair. "It´s okay, we´re closed for the day because of the rain, the storm seems to approach faster than anticipated. But I don´t think you can go home with the weather like that."

"Wh-what ? I can´t just stay here."

"Mama Mia allowed it but told me to make up for my mistake."

At first Bell was not sure what she meant but then he heard the rustling of her clothes and shut his eyes. Why was she undressing now ?

"W-what are you doing ?"

"What do you mean ? I´m changing into my sleeping wear."

"Eh ? But why here ?"

Ryuu switched into her sleeping shorts while continiuing. "I asked the other girls and they said every man would be filled with joy to share my bed."

"You don´t have to go that far !"

She turned her back to him, making sure he wasn´t looking before she became topless and switched into her sleep shirt. Both pieces were dark green. When Ryuu was finished she slipped under the blanket on the opposite side of Bell.

They laid there in silence.

Ryuu broke the silence first. "Bell...are you mad at me ?"

He had turned his back to her, it wasn´t easy for him to lay in one bed with her. "No, of course not."

She adjusted her blanket. "Thank you, I´m glad. Good night."

Easy for her to say. "Good night.."

But what Bell didn´t knew, it was definetely not easy for Ryuu what she did just now. Her heart pounded so loud she was sure he heard it. At first it seemed like a good idea what Syr suggested, Runoa and Chloe approved of the idea.

If it will make Bell happy its fine.

Ryuu saw no problem with he idea until she slipped under her blanket, then it hit her. At least it was not even close to be as embarassing as the night at the river on the 37th floor.

Just go to sleep, its nothing more than sharing a bed.

Ryuu used techniques she had learned in Astrea Familia to calm herself down. After a while her heart calmed down a bit. She was about to fall asleep when she heard the sound. Besides the rattling of the window under the strong rain she heard silent moans and rumbles. After a few seconds she was sure the sound came from inside her room. She focussed on the sound, closed her eyes and listened.
The sound was not only from inside her room, but came from the other side of the bed. It was Bell who made those noises. Ryuu turned around carefully and looked at Bell, who was tossing and turning himself around while making this sound. Even in the dark she could see his face, it was contorted. Maybe he had a nightmare ? Unsure what to do now, Ryuu watched him in worry. One time he woke up for a few seconds, panting before falling to sleep again.

Ryuu leaned over to him and whispered softly. "Bell...you´re safe here."

He calmed down a bit, maybe he would sleep now. Ryuu watched him for a while before she turned around again and tried to sleep by herself. Mama Mia said because of the storm they would start later tomorrow so she could sleep longer. Right before she drifted into sleep Bell started to move again, but this time he rolled over to her while turning around.

Then she felt his arm on her hip.

.
Ryuu froze, Bell was directly behind her, his left arm around her. Maybe in his half asleep state he mistook her for a pillow or wasn´t aware of his surroundings. Again her heart started to pound.
Ryuu should push away his arm but she just couldn´t. His breathing became calm in seconds and he went silent. Was sleeping like that calming him down ? Maybe he was still traumatized by the events, but also remembered the calm moment, where they had slept together at the river, with Ryuu in his arms. Her thoughts jumped around, being fully aware of Bells warm body snuggled up to her.

Ah this is bliss...no I can´t do this !...or...maybe ?...

It was Bell again who interrupted her thoughts, his arm started to move up a bit, his hand coming dangerously close to her chest. If it weren´t dark Ryuu was sure her face were deep red. Before he could do something inappropriate Ryuu stopped his hand with her own.

"I´m sorry Be-.!" She was cut off when his hand enclosed around hers.

.

For the next minutes she could do nothing, her mind was blank. Laying there snuggled up with Bell, her hand in his, his face right behind her hair, feeling his breath softly at her neck, was to much for her mind. Ryuu could only stare at their hands.

He holds my hand again...while we´re in bed...

The more Ryuu looked at the hands and breathed steadily, the more calm she became.

Her ears twitched as she heard a silent mumble from Bell. "Ryuu..."

Despite holding her hand he pulled her closer. Ryuu was embarassed...and happy...and calm...and much more things, all at the same time. And she just couldn´t hold her eyes open anymore. She pulled the blanket over the both of them as far as she could and snuggled up sleepy with Bell. Yes...this was okay...

"Good night, Bell."

The storm outside continued. No one understood why it arrived full two days earlier than anticipated. At first it hammered down like the wrath of Olympia itself, then the thunderstorm moved on and only heavy rain beat down on Orario. Some joked in their houses maybe it was an angry gods work from Tenkai.

But maybe the god had other intenions...like holding a Boy in a certain house ? Who could say.

.

The only thing that was certain was, for the first time in many weeks Bell and Ryuu had a calm and relaxing sleep.

.

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And pleasant dreams.

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Autors Note: Hey everyone thank you all for your Reviews, I take them to heart and am happy about every single on. I try to adapt the Tips you give and edited the writing style a bit, hope this makes it easier to read looking like that. There will be action scenes later in the story. I was happy with your respond to the christmas special and there will be more specials. On comes in February around the 14th, another would be Halloween but that will come way before october. So long, have a nice day.

Edit: I re-uploaded the chapter to erase some spelling mistakes, I thank "pix25" for making me aware of it. English is not my native language, I´m trying to improve it with the story.