The next morning, Ryuu had woken up with a minor headache. She would have held her hand to her head had it not been for the fact that her arms were too busy being around the rabbit sleeping next to her. A blush quickly invaded her face, worsening when Bell turned to her in his sleep so that they were now face to face with each other.
Ryuu: (Please don't wake up right now.)
Bell: *Stirring* Mm...
Her prayers went unanswered as the boy began to wake up. He opened his eyes and was blessed with the sight of a bright red Ryuu.
Bell: A fairy? I must still be asleep...
He said this tiredly, but Ryuu quickly snapped him out of it.
Ryuu: T-This isn't a dream. *Blushing*
Bell: Hm?
The reality slowly set in and now Bell was blushing as hard as Ryuu. Not only that, the two were still holding each other. Bell looked down and saw his arms around her which made him cry out and move away.
Bell: AAAAH!!!
*Thud*
Bell: I'm sorry!!
Ryuu: I-It's fine- nnn...
Bell: Ryuu?
Ryuu: Sorry, just a little headache.
The two freshened themselves and went down to have some breakfast which Bell paid for since he troubled Mia again. Last night felt like a blur to the elf, so she wanted to know what happened and if it has anything to do with her head pain.
Syr: You sure you want to ask that, Ryuu?
Ryuu: Yes.
She nodded her head before seeing Syr smile at Bell. The boy then recalled the events of the previous night and blushed again.
Ryuu: B-Bell? *Turns to Syr* What happened last night?
Syr: You may have had too much to drink last night. *Smiling*
Ryuu: I was drunk?!
Syr: Yeah...
Bell could only nod and look away.
Ryuu felt mortified and began to imagine several scenarios of what could have happened.
Bell: Uh...
Syr: Bell?
Bell: I-I'm gonna check on the mansion again.
He left the room and now Ryuu was even more worried.
Ryuu: Syr, please, what did I do?!
Syr: You may have forced him to sleep with you.
Now the elf had steam rising from her head. That could only mean one thing, but she remembered the two still had their clothes on. However, a question still lingered in her mind.
Ryuu: Did I embarrass myself? *Blushing*
Syr: There were a few strange things you said.
Ryuu: What?!
Just then, some of the others began joining in.
Lunoire: Yeah, It was something like "I'm a naughty elf who needs to be tamed."
Ryuu: THERE'S NO WAY I COULD HAVE SAID THAT!!!
Chloe: Eh? But it's true, nya.
Mia: Even had him princess carry you to your room while you slurred your words.
Lunoire: You said some stranger things on your way there anyway.
Chloe: Yeah, like how much you missed him since he didn't stay the last time, nya.
Ryuu: No...
The color drained from her face while her friends were doing their best not to laugh and give away the aim of their teasing.
Syr: You even said how much you care for him. You can never say that to his face normally. The words of a drunk are the thoughts of a sober elf as they say.
She let out a pitiful scream as the rest of them began snickering at her reaction. The dam had already broken and everyone laughed loudly causing Ryuu to look at them in shock.
Syr: Haha! Sorry, but that was just perfect!
Lunoire: I honestly didn't think you'd fall for all of that.
Ryuu: You made that all up?! *Angry*
Mia: Except for the parts where you said you missed him. Those were still true.
Ryuu: Ah...
Her anger faded and was replaced with embarrassment once again. How was she going to face Bell now?
With Bell...
The boy was currently back at his home and laying on the couch with his head in his hands.
Bell: She missed me? She meant that, so does she... no she couldn't.
He shook his head in disbelief at that idea. He's known the elf for long enough that it sounded impossible to him.
Bell: The cool, stoic Ryuu having feelings for me? That can't be right.
Bell paced around the living room with the thought on his mind. As he continued dwelling on it, he was aware of one thing: it made him happy. For reasons he had yet to understand,he liked the idea of her feeling that way. Now the question was how he felt about her. The elf was a close comrade as well as a good friend to him, but what if there was more to it than that? He thought back to the time they spent in the safe zone while they were trapped in the Deep Floors. How they embraced each other to keep themselves warm after they escaped.
Bell: Do I feel the same about her too? It doesn't feel the same as it did with Miss Ais. If anything it felt more. Agh!!
He slumped on the couch as the morning progressed.
Bell: Maybe I should ask someone else about this? Who though?
An idea popped in his mind and he now found himself at Blue Pharmacy.
Bell: Maybe Lord Miach knows something?
He knocked on the door and heard a muffled response on the other side.
Miach: Coming.
The door opened and the blue haired Gid saw the rabbit.
Miach: Bell? This is a surprise.
Bell: Sorry to bother you.
Miach: No need to be a stranger. Please, come in.
Bell gladly let himself inside to see only Naaza awake currently.
Naaza: Morning, Bell.
Bell: You're up early, Miss Naaza.
Naaza: Have to get the shop ready for the day. The others will be up in another hour or so. It is rather early even for them.
Miach: So, what brings you here?
Bell: Actually, I need you advice on something.
Miach: I can't promise anything but I'll try to help as best I can.
Bell: That would be more than enough.
Miach: Let's go somewhere better.
He lead them to a different room where the two could talk more openly. They sat across from each other at the table.
Miach: So, what do you need advise for.
Bell: Uh, I sort of am having trouble assessing my feelings.
Miach: Could you elaborate?
Bell: Sure. You see, I've felt this way before about another person, but she feels different.
Miach: If I'm understanding this right, you're wondering if you truly feel romantic feelings for this woman?
The boy nodded and blushed.
Bell: Y-Yes.
Miach: Hm. Let's see, we should compare your reactions to both of them. So, when you are with them individually, how did you feel?
Bell: Well, before, I would feel really nervous. My heart would race and I'd get jumpy.
Miach: And how do the two girls compare?
Bell: I was with the first one recently, and the feeling almost disappeared. I felt like I could act normally With the other girl, I think it's even worse with her.
Miach: I see. Well, were you able to notice anything about how she acted with you?
Bell: I mean, she was somewhat similar, but I'm having doubts.
Miach: Why?
Bell: Because it just sounds impossible. Someone like her having feelings for someone like me just doesn't sound realistic to me.
Miach: That's just you not having enough confidence for yourself. If she was acting at all similar to how you did, then the odds of her feeling the same would be decently high. Of course, that's just my opinion.
Bell: Do you really think so?
Miach: Yes. I might not be an expert, but my gut is telling me this is right. Besides, if the feeling grew stronger, then this girl is clearly important to you.
Bell: *Blushing* Yeah, I trust her with my life and more. I hope she feels the same.
Miach: Then I guess we have a rough idea of how you are feeling. I think it's safe to say you're in love with her.
Bell's face got redder, but he somehow was able to speak clearly.
Bell: I-I see. Thank you for your help.
Miach: Anytime. I'm just glad I could do this to repay your Familia for taking on that request.
Bell: It was no trouble at all. I'm only disappointed I couldn't join them.
Miach: Speaking off, when are they returning?
Bell: I'd say another 3 or so days. Goddess is also going to be done with her new load at work around the same time.
Miach: It would sound like your vacation is coming to an end.
Bell: Yeah, she can be a handful.
Miach: True. Just try not to let her push you around too much. I know her enough that she can go out of control rather quickly.
Bell: I will. Thank you again.
With that, he left and thought about the wisdom the God had left him.
Bell: Now what? I don't think I have anyone else but...
The image of a silver haired waitress laughing at him appeared in his mind.
Bell: Ah, this would only spell trouble for me. I don't think that's a good idea.
Bell: (Why...)
He now found himself sitting next to said girl on a bench. While he was walking the streets still in the morning, he passed by the Hostess where Syr saw him with a troubled look. Wanting to help/escape from work, she told Mia, very quickly so the dwarf couldn't respond, and left with the boy.
Syr: So, what's wrong?
Bell: (Should I just go out with it?)
A grimace appeared on his face as he closed his eyes. Syr looked at him with great concern until the boy began blushing.
Syr: Bell, you know I'm willing to listen
You can take all the time you need.
He opened his eyes and saw the sincere smile on her face. This allowed him some courage to let his thoughts out.
Bell: I-I...
Syr: Mhm. *Nodding*
Bell: I think... I-I'm in l-l-love... with Ryuu. *Blushing*
Syr: Oh?
Bell: Y-You're not mad?
Syr: Should I be?
Bell: W-Well, I mean, you always pretend you're in love with me, so I-
Syr: Pretend?!
Bell: H-Huh?
Syr: Oh, sorry. I guess my playfulness finally got the better of me.
Bell: Miss Syr?
Syr: Bell, you should know I was never lying. I've been in love with you for a while now.
Bell: I... I don't-
Syr: You don't have to say anything, Bell. I'm not mad at you. If anything, I was trying to bring you and Ryuu together.
Bell: You were?!
His eyes were wide open as he stared at her. All those time he and Ryuu got together recently were part of her plans?
Bell: How far back are we talking?
Syr: I'd say when you first stumbled at the pub half asleep.
Bell: Seriously?!
Syr: Hehe.
Bell: Even me ending up in Ryuu's room?!
Syr: Ah, no. That was an accident.
Bell: What?
Syr: *Looking away* I may have told you the directions to my room, but you were really tired and went to Ryuu's by mistake.
Bell: But after that?
Syr: Yeah, I helped you to spend more time together.
Bell: But why do this? Didn't you want me? Why help someone else?
Syr: I guess because Ryuu is a special case. You've heard about her past, haven't you?
Bell: Yeah.
Syr: Then you should know that I want my friend to be happy.
Bell: But what about you? You've done so much for me and for her. You deserve that opportunity just as much.
Syr: You're right, but the problem was that you never looked at me in that way. It is partly my fault, but everytime I tried to profess my feelings, you would shrug them off or someone would interrupt us at the best part.
Bell: I'm sorry...
Syr: It's fine. I'm really just being hopeful that you'd open yourself to me as well.
Bell: You mean, like a harem? *Blushing*
Syr: Well, it'd only be me and Ryuu, but yes, that's my best case scenario.
The boy's mind was going into overdrive at the idea of having both of them.
Syr: Anyways, back to the topic of you and Ryuu. I can help set you two up to talk this out. Perhaps tonight after we close?
Bell: You're really willing to do this?
Syr: I can see it working out.
Bell: If it's not trouble, then I guess we can try.
Syr: Great! You can stop by for dinner and talk it out in her room.
Bell: R-Right.
Syr: I'll see you tonight!
Bell: Sure.
With their plans set, the two were preparing themselves as they went their separate ways. Now Bell was back home and mentally preparing himself for later tonight.
Bell: This is all going to be settled soon.
He fell lower in the chair he was sitting in as he played many scenarios of what could happen in his mind.
Bell: Grandfather, I wish you were here to give me some kind of words of encouragement.
Zeus: [RRRRRRROOOOMAANCE!!!]
Bell: Hm, maybe I do have issues?
With Syr...
The girl returned almost an hour later as the prep for lunch nearly concluded.
Mia: Finally back, are ya?
Syr: Sorry about that.
Mia: Right...
Bonk*
Syr: OW!!!
Mia: Now get back to work.
After nursing the large bump on her head, she went to look for Ryuu. She ended up finding her setting the rest of the vegetables in the storage room before it was time to cook.
Syr: Ryuu!
Ryuu: Oh, you're back.
Syr: Yes, but that's not important right now. I have something really important to tell you.
Ryuu: And that is?
Syr: Bell is coming again tonight, so you need to use this chance to tell him how you feel!
And just like that, the elf's face exploded in red.
Ryuu: W-What?!
Syr: I set up a chance for you to confess your feelings tonight.
Ryuu: W-Wait, you can't just do that! Besides, the best place to confess love is in the forest under a full moon! Ah-
Her face grew redder as she revealed more of her romantic fantasies.
Syr: Well, isn't that romantic? *Smiling* Still, you should loosen up a bit. You aren't getting married or anything.
Ryuu: M-Married?! Hang on, why are you even doing this?!
Syr: Doing what?
Ryuu: H-H-Helping me with Bell. *Blushing* Better yet, how are you so sure I feel that way for him?!
This futile attempt to keep her well known secret was amusing to Syr, but it wasn't going to slip past her.
Syr: Look, I'm pretty sure everyone in this bar knows you like him. Even the others know how bad you have it. I figured all the teasing was obvious.
Now steaming was rising from her head and her ears were as red as her face.
Syr: Let me just tell you I'm not mad.
Ryuu: Huh?
Syr: Ryuu, you're my friend. I want you to be happy, so you shouldn't feel like you're taking him from me.
That idea had barely crossed the elf's mind. All this fantasizing about Bell and she forgot Syr has feelings for him too.
Ryuu: Syr- mmh!!
A finger was put on her lips to silence her.
Syr: I just said not to let it bother you. I already had this talk with Bell earlier and I'd rather not have to repeat myself a bunch of times.
Ryuu: B-But, no matter how you look at it, I'm still taking him from you.
Syr: Maybe, but it doesn't have to be like that if it bothers you.
Ryuu: ?
Syr: *Blushing* I mean, if it's you, I wouldn't mind sharing.
Ryuu: S-S-Sharing?!
Her lewd mind went to work as she pictured the three of them in a relationship. She and Syr taking one of Bell's hands in theirs.
Ryuu: (Nonononono!!!) *Shaking her head*
Syr: *Giggling* Keep that lewd mind of yours under control.
Ryuu: L-Lewd?!
Syr: Look, I'm not asking you to share Bell for my sake. I'm just telling you that tonight is your best chance to finally see eye to eye with him. As fun as it is for us to watch you two dance around each other, we'd all be happy to see you be happier with him.
Ryuu: I... I'm not sure what to say.
Syr: Figure out what you want to say to him. Remember, I'm rooting for you! *Smiling*
Ryuu: Thank you! I promise to repay you, my friend!
Syr: Stop with that! You know all of us will support you! *Smiling*
Ryuu: You're right.
Her gaze went down as she smiled too.
Syr: Just be sure to control yourself if it works out. Although, I doubt either of you have what it takes to go that far.
Ryuu: S-Syr!!
Syr: Hehe! Later!
She left Ryuu in there to picture what it would be like for her and Bell to take it too far. She shook her head back and forth before remembering the fact that she and Bell had already shared a bed multiple times.
Slam* *Slam* *Slam*
She repeatedly slammed her head on the wall to get a grip on herself. Her heart was thundering in her chest and it would stay like that until the hour of reckoning arrived.
Timeskip several hours...
The dinner service was nearly over as the rest of the customers were finishing their food. The night was coming to a close and many who weren't passed out drunk were getting tired. The only ones who weren't were a red faced rabbit and elf along with a dwarf who was counting her earnings for the night. Since Syr warned her ahead of time, Mia had made sure Ryuu was away from any plates, cups or utensils. Pretty much anything that she needed to pay for repairs as the elf was in another world entirely in her mind. Many of the waitresses were wondering why Ryuu was acting even stranger than usual. They would catch her muttering some things throughout the day, but those questions were answered when they saw an equally red faced rabbit walk in for dinner. They all had smirks on their faces as the prayed for their friend's success. After finishing his meal and paying for it, Bell walked up with Ryuu to her room where they sat on opposite sides of her bed. It was still somewhat noisy downstairs, but the only thing they could hear was the sounds of their own breathing and heartbeats.
Bell/Ryuu: (Too awkward!)
Trying to find anything to talk about, Ryuu decided to first apologize about last night.
Ryuu: I-I heard I caused you some trouble after drinking last night.
Bell: H-Huh?
Ryuu: I was told you had to carry me back to my room because I was completely drunk. I apologize.
Bell: N-No, it was no trouble at all!
Ryuu: Just please tell me. Did I say anything strange to you?
She grew more nervous as Bell wondered if he should tell her what happened. A few moments passed before he decided to tell her.
Bell: Y-You... you said you missed me.
He looked to the floor with a blush as Ryuu had ears as red as her face was. She was unbelievably embarrased at herself. Even if it was true, there was no way she could live this down.
Ryuu: I-I'm so sorry-
Bell: Was that true?
Ryuu: Huh?
She was cut off at that.
Bell: Did you mean that when you said you missed me?
Ryuu: ...
She didn't give an immediate answer and now her head was steaming. She looked away for a bit before turning back, but all she could manage was a nod. He didn't show it, but he felt immense relief at that. It was enough for him to think that it could work.
Bell: (It's now or never!!!) So, that means you feel we're more than just friends?
Ryuu: *Nods*
A moment of silence passed before he continued.
Bell: Alright then. So, part of me still isn't sure about this. I honestly still feel like I'm about to wake up from a dream, but this is something I feel I need to do. I think I- *Shakes his head* no, I do... Ryuu, I love you.
Her eyes widened and she finally turned to look at him. Bell still had his eyes closed as he let his feelings flow out of him.
Bell: I still don't know exactly about this feeling, but I do know you play a major part in it. After thinking about what we went through: the Deep Floors, coming back alive and even what we've done recently. The time we've spent together has been so special to me. Even when I was having nightmares, just being with you makes me feel safe and at peace. The date we had was one of the best times of my life and I'll always cherish that memory. I've asked around and everyone has told me that I'm in love. I still don't know if that's what I'm feeling really is love, but I want to believe it is. If it is, then I want to go through with it to the very end. I'm really sorry for coming out like this and I don't even know how you feel, but I promise I'll-
He opened his eyes again to look back at her only to see Ryuu still red in the face, but with tears leaking out of her eyes.
Bell: Ryuu! I-I'm so sorry!
Ryuu: So it's true? You love me?
Bell: *Blushing* I-I... Yes. I'm still confused about it, but I do know that you mean the world to me, Ryuu.
Ryuu: *Sniffle* I-I...
Bell: If I said anything to upset you-
Ryuu: No! It isn't like that!
Bell: Huh?
Ryuu: I'm not upset. I'm happy, really happy! My heart is practically bursting out of my chest after I heard the person I love confessing to me.
Bell: The person you loved? Me?
She wiped her tears and looked at him with a determined face.
Ryuu: Yes, you. Bell, I feel the same. I love you too.
Bell: This... this isn't a dream? You really mean that?
Ryuu: I do. When we were trapped down there, all I wanted was for you to escape alive. As long as you survived, I didn't care what happened to me. Yet, you came back for me. You saved me from my fears and even myself. You told me my justice was still alive. After we came back, I knew that I found it. I found my hero and I love him very much. That feeling only grew when we got out and as we recovered.
Bell could hardly believe it. Even in his wildest dreams, he didn't think it was possible, yet here it was. Ryuu was across the bed from him and the two had confirmed their feelings for each other. A silly smile was on his face the entire time Ryuu said her piece.
Bell: So then, what now?
Ryuu: I don't know. I'm not used to these kinds of things.
Bell: Well, should we at least call ourselves a c-couple?
The term embarrassed them greatly, but it had more powerful meaning to them now.
Ryuu: I-I think so.
Bell: Should... should we also...
Ryuu: Ah...
She blushed at the implication. The figured that was saved for married couples, but Syr had convinced her that wasn't entirely accurate and now she could see why. The two inches closer together and grasped hands on the bed while their faces approached the other. With their eyes closed, they locked their lips into a tender kiss that had the two mesmerized. After a few short moments, the two separated and looked at each other, still blushing.
Bell: That was... amazing.
Ryuu: I liked it... a lot.
Bell: S-So, can we...
Ryuu: Mmm... fine, but only one more. My heart can't take another.
They kissed once more as they sealed their new pact; not married, but together nonetheless. In another room, Syr was watching to see how their souls were reacting and saw the two orbs shining so bright she could barely keep her eyes on them.
Syr: Looks like everything worked out. I just hope this gamble will be worth it.
Even as she prepared the next phase of her plan, she took a quiet moment to congratulate her two friends. In the silence of the night, Ryuu Lion and Bell Cranel finally found one another.
AN: Well, I guess I finished this one faster. Let's all give a big hand to the two for becoming a couple. Bell is going to be excited to tell everyone when they get back. I scrapped several different versions of the scene, so this one would be the one that turned out best. Hopefully it was good enough.
On another note, I don't know how many people know about this, probably a decent amount, but I'll give the shoutout anyway. @StevenShower has released his stories on wattpad as well and was working on them for a while now. To the 5% of people who haven't yet shown him their love, go support his work there as he was the amazing mind behind this story as well.
Anyway, thanks again for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Leave you thoughts and I'll see you in the next one.