The next few days had been more than a little hard for Bell. Hestia and Lili had actively avoided him and Bell was still anxious about this secret everyone had been hiding. Thankfully, his friends were very supportive and did their best to ease his busy mind. Though, Bell wasn't the only one with something on their mind.
In the Hostess...
Mia: You want to what now?
Ryuu: I-I would like for you to teach me how to cook.
The dwarf raised her eyebrow at this as she wasn't expecting this kind of request from the elf. She could take a few guesses at why Ryuu was doing this and smirked at each one of them.
Mia: Does a certain boy have to do with this?
She smiled more when Ryuu blushed at her words.
Mia: Hahaha! Now the elf wants to learn how to be a proper woman for her man!
Ryuu: Y-You don't have to say it so loud!
Mia: Anyway, you know this ain't gonna be an easy job for you.
Ryuu fought away her blush and gained a serious look on her face.
Ryuu: I do. I... want to do more for him. I figured this would be a good place to start.
Mia: Did Syr set you up for this.
Ryuu: Um, no, I actually asked her if this was a good idea and she said it was. She did give him lunches before.
Mia: Yeah, well, we'll be working to make sure yours are edible for most people. I'm sure he'll call anything you make delicious, but he'll have more of a reason to when we're done.
She bowed in gratitude.
Ryuu: Thank you, very much!
Mia: Then, we'll be practicing early tomorrow.
The elf nodded and got back to work. The next morning, she woke up and prepared for her lessons with Mia. The dwarf knew what she was dealing with and decided to start very, very slow.
Mia: We can make a simple stew with vegetables and meat. First, you can start by peeling and cutting this potato.
Ryuu: Understood.
She grabbed a knife, in reverse grip, and was about the begin before she was stopped right away by a bash to the head.
Whack*
Ryuu: Ow!
Mia: The hell are you doing?!
Ryuu: *Holding the potato* I was going to start peeling.
Mia: With that grip?! You look like you're going to mug it!
Potato: (I SURRENDER!)
The dwarf had to show her how to properly hold the knife then how to cut.
Mia: Just like that. I'll be back in a few minutes to see how you do.
She left and Ryuu got to work. By the time Mia got back, she went to observe how the elf did. She saw the chunks were horribly inconsistent with their sizes, but not unworkable.
Mia: You can cut up the bigger ones, then we will move on to the next step.
Ryuu: Yes.
She then taught Ryuu about carrots, the meat and prepping the pot. After about an hour, they finished putting the dish together and Mia was ready to taste test.
Mia: *Slurp*
She tried the stew while Ryuu nervously awaited her response.
Mia: Hm, it's passable.
Ryuu: You mean...
Mia: Yes, this will be good enough.
The elf mentally celebrated her first victory in the kitchen.
Mia: Tomorrow, we will try this again, but this time, you'll do it alone and I'll see how it turns out.
Ryuu: Okay.
Mia: Alright, put that aside and get to work.
The elf nodded and went to help the others. Everyone else was slightly surprised to see the bright smile on her face, but decided that it was good enough that she was in that mood and didn't push further.
With Bell...
The boy was now getting ready to go the Dungeon with his Familia after a while. However, he still felt awkward with Lili since the prum was unusually quiet. Welf just sighed before they all went down and got back to their duties. As they prepared, Mikoto also noticed Haruhime looking detached from what was happening and went to her.
Mikoto: Lady Haruhime?
Haruhime: Huh? What?
Mikoto: You've been looking distracted. Are you feeling ok?
Haruhime: Y-Yes, I'm fine.
Mikoto: You say that, but your body says otherwise.
The renard was confused, but saw the woman was looking up to her ears which were drooping.
Mikoto: This is about Sir Bell, isn't it?
She could hear the renard hold back sniffles as she trembled.
Haruhime: *Sad* I-I... I was too late.
Mikoto: Lady Haruhime...
Haruhime: Although, it doesn't matter anyway. Master Bell never saw me like that to begin with. *sniffle* Even so, why does it hurt so much?
She grabbed her chest and cried while Mikoto pulled her into a hug. She wasn't sure what to say to the sobbing Renard, but did what she could to help comfort her. After a while, she calmed down.
Mikoto: Are you ok?
Haruhime: No... but I'm feeling better now. We should be getting ready anyway.
Mikoto: You shouldn't force yourself. Sir Bell will understand if you're not feeling up to it.
Haruhime: No!
Her friend flinched back at her suddenly raising her voice.
Haruhime: Ah! Sorry! I just don't want to put my feelings above everyone else. I don't deserve to do that.
Mikoto: You can't think like that! You can always-
She was cut off when a hand was put on her shoulder. Mikoto looked into a tearful face that did its best to smile.
Haruhime: No, I've already lost. I will still support him like always. I shouldn't worry Master Bell for something like this.
She knew she couldn't go any further here, so Mikoto dropped it as the two continued gearing up. Some time later, they all met up by the front gates and were ready for the day.
Welf: I found some quests that ask for drops near the Middle Floors. I'm hoping to keep extras for materials I can use later.
Bell: I'm sure we'll be fine.
Mikoto: Considering how many we get normally, we'll get plenty.
Bell: Sounds great! Let's get going!
As they made their way there, they happened to pass by the Hostess by plot convenience- I mean, chance and Bell noticed Ryuu waiting outside. She walked over to them with something behind her hands.
Bell: Ryuu?
Ryuu: *Holding out a sack to him* I made lunches for you.
She managed to suppress a blush this time as Bell took it.
Bell: Wow, thanks! I didn't know you cooked!
And then the dam broke and her face grew red once more.
Ryuu: I-I had Mama Mia help me. I hope y-you like them.
Bell: I-I will. (She looks so pretty like this.)
He was also blushing as he saw her nervously fidget while giving the food to him. He and the others, minus Lili, thanked her before moving on.
Later, in the Dungeon...
Slash* *Poof*
Mikoto: *Sheathing her sword* How are we looking now?
Lili: *Holding the quest sheet* This next floor should be the last one. Lili is also running low on space with the drop items.
Bell: Haaaah... we shouldn't be much longer. You guys good to go?
Welf: Yeah, I'm all set!
The others nodded as well and they moved onward.
Meanwhile...
Riveria: And that is where babies come from.
She closed the book while Ais stared at the ground with a red face.
Riveria: This is all important since the child is to be cared fir by both parents. It's why I tell you to find the boy you want to stay with for the rest of your life.
Ais: Is that why you asked about love?
Riveria: Exactly. If both of you love each other, that should not be a problem. It's also why I asked you about that Bell Cranel boy.
Ais: I... I'm not entirely sure, but...
She recalled all the good moments she'd spent with him and liked how warm and happy it made her feel.
Ais: I think I do... *Embarrased*
Riveria: *Worn out* (Finally, we're getting somewhere!)
Ais: But what about that other feeling I told you about?
Riveria: Huh? Well, let's see. As I recall, you didn't like what you saw with the two of them.
The girl shook her head.
Riveria: Then that means you feel jealous about the elf girl.
Ais: Jealous. I see.
She felt a little better knowing how she felt now.
Ais: How do I stop it?
Riveria: That is a bit more complicated.
Ais: What if I took her place?!
Riveria: Hm?
Ais: Yes! I'll go stay with Bell and have him hold my hands instead!
She ran out to look for him while Riveria chased after her with a pale face.
Riveria: Ais, wait!
Luckily, she caught up before any damage was done. The two went back and the elf had to do more explaining about how best Ais can handle her new feelings.
Riveria: (She can finally start leaving the shell she locked herself into. I only the boy hasn't made it as far as I fear with the elf.)
The next day...
Bell has shown he has made it far enough with Ryuu as he stayed behind in the Hostess to sleep with her again. Though, that was mostly because Syr tricked him into it again. By now, it was very early morning, so she would at least wake him up so he can run back home.
Syr: *Walking into their room* Bell~ hm?
She saw the two were still asleep. Ryuu had her arm across his chest, but what the girl noticed most was the pitched tent the boy had near his waist.
Syr: (We'll, that's a new sight. I've never seen that side of him before.)
She looked back and forth between the two as a devious smile appeared on her face.
Syr: (Sorry, Ryuu, but I just can't help myself. A little peek couldn't hurt.)
She quietly made her way to him and removed the blanket before getting to his pants. After undoing all the safety restraints, she feasted her eyes on the beast hidden from her sight.
Syr: (Let's see what we have here.)
Her eyes weren't ready for what she was about to witness after getting past his underwear. Her eyes were wide and dull as she saw the snake like creature in his pants. She quickly put everything back on the two and walked out. She slumped against the wall outside.
Bell's Dick: (Yeah, you better run!)
Outside their room...
Syr: (Oh, Ryuu...)
The girl had more planned, but was too shocked to act on any of it.
Syr: (Great, now I'm scared for her, jealous and horny!) *Irritated*
With Bell and Ryuu...
The two were busy having their own lewd dreams.
Ryuu's dream...
The two were laying on a couch and sharing a blanket while relaxing. They enjoyed the quiet peace until Ryuu blushed and spoke to Bell.
Ryuu: *Blushing* B-Bell?
Bell: Hm?
Ryuu: *Inhales* I-I think I'm ready now.
Bell: Ready for what?
Her face was redder now, but she made her desires known to him.
Ryuu: I want to have a child with you! *Blushing*
... *poof*
Bell's face was now red as well.
Bell: W-Wha- I mean, y-you- a child?!
Ryuu: Mhm... *Steam rising from her head*
Bell: I... o-ok then. I'm ready when you are.
Ryuu: *Smiling* Thank you, Bell.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ryuu: We would like to buy one child, please! *Blushing*
The two were now at Maria's Orphanage and talking to the woman running it.
Maria: Of course, here!
She brought a miniature looking version of the elf to the two. Ryuu saw the baby girl and thanked the woman as Bell handed her the money for the child as she handed the baby girl to them.
Bell: She's here! Our baby is here, Ryuu!
Ryuu: She's perfect. *Tearing up*
In the real world...
Ryuu: *Drowsily* I love you, Bell...
In Bell's dream...
The boy opened the front door and sighed tiredly.
Bell: Today was rougher than I thought. Ryuu, I'm home-
He stopped when he saw the elf in a maid outfit, but one more revealing than normal. He could see more of her chest and other areas she would normally cover up.
Ryuu: *Smiling* Welcome home, Master!
She then walked to him and grabbed him by the arm and dragged him up the stairs.
Bell: W-Wait, I still haven't eaten dinner!
Slam* *Thud*
They were now in their bed as the elf looked at him seductively.
Ryuu: You can have me. *Winks*
Bell: N-No, I couldn't-
Bell's Grandfather: [Don't you dare chicken out of this!]
Bell: [Grandpa?!]
Bell's Grandfather: [There is only one course of action to take, my boy!]
Bell: [What are you-]
Bell's Grandfather: [RRRRRROOMANCE!!!]
He gulped before he grabbed the courage he needed to dive into the main course.
In the real world...
Syr was brought from her thoughts when he heard light moaning coming from inside.
Syr: (Now what?!)
She opened the door again and saw Ryuu moaning a bit, red in the face, as Bell nibbled on her ear while still asleep. The elf woke up and saw her friend watching this as her face grew redder.
Ryuu: T-This isn't- AH! w-what it looks like- mm!
Syr: *Holding her hand to her mouth while smirking* Oh, don't mind me. You can let Bell finish you. It's still pretty early.
She left the two once more while Ryuu was panicking internally.
Ryuu: Wait, Syr! Ah! Bell, please wake up!
She gently shook him and he groaned a bit from waking up so early.
Bell: *Her ear still in his mouth* Mmm? Whhh? Hm?!
The elf panted harder since her sensitive ear was still being nibbled by the rabbit. Bell saw this and quickly withdrew from his morning snack.
Bell: *Blushing on the other side of the bed* I-I-I am so sorry!!!
Ryuu: I-It's fine, you were still sleeping. S-Syr wanted you to wake up early so you could go back to your Familia.
Bell: Oh, right! Tell her I said thanks; I should go!
Ryuu: *Waving goodbye*
Bell left and Ryuu wiped her ear, though, a feeling lingered in her body after what he did.
Ryuu: (Why do I feel... disappointed? Should I have let him- NO!!! That's too far! We should be married first then-)
Poof*
The memories of her dream came back to her as she thought of marriage. Ryuu would be having minor internal conflicts, but Mia had methods of helping her focus. She once more got to practice on her cooking before it was time to get ready for the day.
With Bell...
He arrived back home, but Hestia was waiting in the living room with a book on her lap.
Hestia: Welcome home, Bell. *Sarcastic*
Bell: G-Goddess?! Why are you- AH!!!
He was startled by her sleep deprived face. She likely waited for him the entire night.
Hestia: And where were you last night?
Bell: I-I spent the night with Ryuu at the Hostess.
Hestia: Grrr... why didn't you come home with the others?! You should be sleeping with your Familia!
Bell: Goddess, I should give my girlfriend time at night too. Besides, it's not like she can just sleep here... unless!
His eyes widened as he got an idea.
Bell: What if she moves in with us?!
Hestia: Absolutely not!
Bell: Why not? I'm sure Miss Mia wouldn't mind. (If I pay her enough.)
Hestia: There's no way that floozy is coming anywhere near here anymore!
Bell: Hey, why are you calling her that?!
Hestia: You shut up! Cheating rabbit! She doesn't deserve you!!!
She ran away to her room in tears as Bell was left stunned.
Bell: (Why can't she just accept us?)
AN: 'Cause she's a dick!
Several days later...
Overtime, Bell's life was able to find some kind of normalcy again. Although, one thing was out of place. Syr was acting differently than usual. The girl made no moves on the rabbit unlike normal. Bell and Ryuu also saw this and saw how she looked a bit detached from everything which worried them. So, they went out for lunch together as they discussed what to do about it.
Bell: We can't let this go on. This is our fault.
Ryuu: I know. Syr is my friend and I'm really worried about her.
Bell: Yeah, but the only way for it to work would be...
Ryuu: *Blushing* I know. It's just so shameful; sharing another man is not what most women would resort to.
Bell: I'm not a fan of it either. I would never be unfaithful to you.
Ryuu: *Smiling a little* I know. Syr did mention she was fine with the idea.
Bell: But what about you?
The elf gave no answer right away. Ryuu also wondered about the idea of sharing the rabbit. Obviously the idea sat poorly, but it was Syr. The girl meant nearly as much as Bell to her.
Ryuu: To be honest, I would have you all to myself if I could. *Blushing* However, if it is Syr, the idea doesn't bother me as much as it should.
Bell: *Surprised* It doesn't? I thought elves don't normally practice that?
Ryuu: They don't, as far as I know. Personally, I wouldn't either. We do only find one love and are rather picky about it.
Bell: Even if we ignore it, there isn't much we can do instead.
Ryuu: I know. So, how about you?
Bell: Me?
Ryuu: Yes. What are your thoughts about... dating Syr as well?
Bell: *Thinking* Well, to tell you the truth, she is amazing. In the time I've known her, she's done a lot for me. She's a nice girl to not just me, but to others as well.
Ryuu smiled when he said that and placed her hand over his.
Ryuu: Yes, she is.
They thought silently before Ryuu spoke up again.
Ryuu: We may have to talk more about this with her.
Bell: If that's what you want.
Ryuu: It is. Syr is our friend and she doesn't deserve to feel the way she does. Let's think about how to talk about it with her.
Bell: *Determined* Right!
And so, the couple was now considering adding a new member. Syr was acting differently than usual like they thought, but not for the reasons they were thinking.
With Syr...
The girl was lost in thought as she recalled something from several days ago.
Syr: (How in the world will Ryuu survive that- that- serpent at night?! Oh, Bell isn't even fully grown yet! How much bigger will it get once he's an adult?!)
Syr: *Shivers* (I'm so jealous! That thing should be going in me! I could handle it! That'll tear Ryuu's insides apart!)
AN: Place your bets, everyone. Can she handle it?
Syr: Ah.
She remembered a major part of her plan.
Syr: *Sad* (That's if Ryuu would let me join her with Bell. I doubt she will and I really don't want to resort to anything drastic.)
Her mind was full of complicated feelings. She felt sad about what the next phase of her plan would be as well as scared about the pet snake Bell is keeping in his pants. That also extended to a certain someone elsewhere.
Ottar: Is everything fine, Lady Helun?
Helun: Why do I feel scared?
Later with Bell and Ryuu...
Bell: Okay, it's time!
Ryuu: I only hope we don't regret this.
Bell: I don't think we will. I'd do anything for my friends and that includes Syr as well. Let's go he'll her.
The elf nodded as they embarked to find the silver haired girl and try to work an agreement.
AN: Slightly shorter, but necessary for the setup of next chapter. The plot thickens once more as the couple considers Syr, but what of this misunderstanding? Find out next chapter!
As always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Let me know what you thought about it and be sure to check out StevenShower/Argonaut32 for his own work. Give him some love so we can help him out of his slump and get an update on Heart of Alfheim. (No rush, man. Life gets in the way and you appear to have more troubles than me. Hopefully this helps.)
See you in the next one!