Happiness' End Chapter 14: Normality?, an oh my goddess! fanfic

A/N: This is my first shot at an AMG related fic. Although the story line follows fairly closely to the manga at the beginning, that is all that will be related to it.

Further notes that should be noted are that if you HAVE NOT read the manga past volume 19, you should NOT read this story, as it is a tangent off a major plot line in volumes 19 and 20, but involve different situations that didn't happen in the manga.

I honestly have no idea how long this fic will be, it depends on whether or not I believe it's finished, which may be soon.

I'm still having a hard time putting ideas into words, although I know what my overall plot will look like. I've had visions so to say --;

Happiness' End

End of Chapter 13:

Belldandy slowly sat down next to his futon and gazed at his features. They seemed so peaceful and wonderful when he was asleep, almost like an angel. Belldandy smiled at that thought, for she truly knew what an angel looked like, but she couldn't help the comparison.

Whenever she came here to watch her loved one and reflect on certain things, she had always left before long, but this night was different. She wanted to be close to him, even if he didn't really approve of it.

'Grant me this one wish,' was all she thought as Belldandy slowly slid next to Keiichi in his futon. She rest her head on his shoulder area and smiled.

To her surprise and delight, his arm soon moved around her and she heard him mumble her name in sleep and smile. She, too, smiled and drew herself close to him before drifting off to sleep.

She knew answers would be wanted in the morning, but she didn't care. All she wanted was to be close to the man she loved, her Keiichi.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 14: Normality?

Keiichi stirred slightly at roughly six in the morning. He had to be at work rather early than most normal days would allow for. It wasn't a Wednesday, but he had agreed to the request from his boss that he would do so to help out. Keiichi still felt like he was slacking off at work and wanted to make up for the time he had lost.

As his mind cleared, he tried to rub his eyes with both hands, but felt a pressure at his left side. He looked a bit groggily over to the sleeping figure of Belldandy, who was laying next to him. He just smiled and turned to go back to sleep, thinking it was all a dream.

That was until he moved his one of his legs and it made contact with one of hers. His eyes flew open again and he started stuttering and moved back slightly. He kicked himself mentally to calm himself down and to prevent Belldandy from waking up. She looked so beautiful when she was sleeping, and he hated to wake her. He gently brushed a stray strand of her flowing hair away from her face and smiled.

No sooner had he done so, then had Belldandy's blue eyes slowly fluttered open to look at him smiling at her. She smiled back at him and slowly sat up.

"Good morning Keiichi-san," she stated in a rather light and hoarse voice. She covered her mouth and blushed slightly as he just chortled.

"Good morning Belldandy, did you sleep well?"

Belldandy shook her head, "Not until I came in to be with you…I had trouble sleeping until I was calmed by being with you as you slept. Is that alright? You aren't mad are you?" She finished her last question with a small pout and hurt look in her eyes.

Keiichi shook his head quickly, "No, no that's not it. I was just wondering. You never seem to have problems with sleeping so it's rather odd."

"No, I have problems sometimes, but I never voice them. I was too afraid to worry you and my sisters. I usually come to watch you before I go back to my room to sleep, but last night I just wanted to stay."

Keiichi nodded, "I understand. Sorry, but I should probably be getting ready for work now."

Belldandy glanced at the clock and nodded. She stood and walked to the door way before turning around, "I shall have breakfast ready for you by the time you get ready."

As Belldandy left, Keiichi couldn't help but smile. They were getting closer together, which he didn't mind at all. He loved her just as much as he always had. Their love had always been tested, but had pulled through all the time in the end.

Keiichi quickly stood and gathered his necessary clothing for work before heading to the bathroom to take a quick bath. He felt refreshed and somewhat relieved after the short bath, which always seemed to be the case. He moved to the hallway to hear gentle humming coming from the kitchen. He smiled and turned the corner just as Belldandy had finished making a small breakfast for him. He also noticed the rather large lunchbox sitting on the counter.

Keiichi knew how lucky he was, and thanked Kami-sama everyday for letting Belldandy stay with him; silent prayers and thanks that he knew that the elder god could hear quite easily.

He quietly walked up behind Belldandy and wrapped his arms around her waist, which caused her to jump slightly. She turned her head slightly to look at the young man.

"Thank you, Belldandy, for everything."

She smiled and quickly kissed his cheek, "You're quite welcome, Keiichi-san."

As they both sat down to breakfast, Keiichi ran over a few thoughts in his mind. He knew that he loved her, and that she loved him, of that he was sure. However, wouldn't it be better to rather openly express those emotions instead of trying to deny them or hide them?

"Belldandy…"

"Yes, Keiichi-san?"

It was now or never, he realized. This was pretty much his only chance.

"How would you feel…about…"

"Yes?"

"Moving in together?" Keiichi was talking rather slowly and turning a faint shade of red.

"But aren't we already together?" Belldandy asked looking rather confused.

"Well…I guess so yeah, but I mean…"

"Yes?"

"Into," he sighed and prayed silently, "you know…the same room?"

Belldandy looked rather surprised, but that soon turned to a look of warmth and affection, "If you would allow it, I would enjoy it very much, Keiichi-san."

He smiled at her reaction, "Then what about this evening when I get back? Then we could move what you want into my room and tell your sisters. I just hope Skuld doesn't kill one of us, namely me."

"I would never let either of them hurt you, Keiichi-san, not if I could help it."

He kept his smile and nodded, "Well, thank you for the breakfast, I should get going now."

She stood up and cleaned up quickly then walked him outside to his bike and gave him a kiss, which he, in turn, returned. She seemed especially happy that morning.

As Keiichi left and Belldandy started to walk back inside, she noticed the large statue in front of the temple. Lying at its base and sleeping soundly was the demoness whom they all had punished yesterday. She quickly cast a levitation spell and pulled Mara inside and set her on the couch. The least they could do after tormenting her so was to give her a nice meal and the antidote before she left.

Belldandy then walked to the bath to take her morning dip before starting her day in full.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Belldandy finished with her refreshing morning bath, she set to work on breakfast for the others. She made a little extra for Mara as she prepared everything. She also knew that everyone currently in the house would have to have a long talk before things could be set straight again.

After around 8:30 am, both her sisters started to stir. Belldandy knew the morning ritual by then. Both would come to eat, the Skuld would leave to work on a project and Urd would either claim the TV or go back to her room and do things, things which Belldandy had no inkling whatsoever to see or hear.

Soon, all three sisters were gathered, and while the other two ate, Belldandy sipped at her tea. She looked to both her sisters before getting to the subject.

"Shall we wake up our guest?" She asked sweetly.

"Huh? Who crashed here last night? Megumi?" Urd looked up from her breakfast with a bit of surprise etched in her still exhausted features. She had used a great deal of energy just laughing at Mara's expense.

"No, we must talk with Mara. I figured we could at least do so civilly," she stated as she looked to Urd. At the mention of that name, Urd had snapped fully awake and was looking around. "Please Urd, no fighting. I just want to talk to her and then we can give her some remedy and send her away."

Urd looked a tad concerned, but waved it off, she knew better than to argue with Belldandy. That didn't mean Skuld didn't though.

"But onee-sama! Why should we treat her special? She's done so much to hurt you and Keiichi! She should just be left that way."

Belldandy looked at Skuld sternly, "No, we will warn her about what further actions may implicate and if she precedes her course in the future, she will be properly dealt with."

Both Skuld and Urd stared at Belldandy. That was the first time either of them ever heard her say something like that before. They knew that she was getting a bit emotional and maybe even a little more human at times, but this was an interesting situation. Belldandy, the sweet, innocent and pacifistic goddess had just called in a threat, if need be, against someone, even if it was a demon.

They just nodded as Belldandy got up and retrieved the still prone form of the demoness from the couch. She laid her to rest on the floor in front of the table and slowly tried to rouse the sleeping demon. Mara just mumbled something no one could hear and turned sideways. Urd just grabbed a cup of water and tossed it on Mara. The demoness woke sputtering and looked around.

As Mara recognized her settings, she paled. She looked at all three goddesses and around the room in the temple, which appeared to be the kitchen. She was considering making a run for it when a voice interrupted her plans and thoughts.

"Fear not Mara, we simply wish to talk to you this morning. If you are hungry, there is breakfast in front of you at the table," Belldandy said gently as she sipped at her Darjeeling tea again.

Mara looked at all three of them rather oddly and warily, then at the food sitting in front of her. Her stomach growled and she gave in and began to eat quickly and ravenously, as a demon normally would have. After only a few short minutes, the demoness finished eating her meal with a look of contentment on her face. She remembered her situation and looked cautiously at all three.

"Now Mara, I can assume you know why what happened to you yesterday?" The demon nodded in response, figuring it had to do something with her little prank half a year ago that almost caused the mortal to let Belldandy go.

"I'd like to ask you to leave us be, but I know that won't happen will it?" A shake of blonde hair followed as a response. "Why Mara? Why must you constantly try to break things between all of us? Can't you just leave us be?"

Mara just kind of smiled mischievously, "You should know why. It's my job. I'm supposed to make life hell for people of your kind. Maybe even the morals too."

"I'm asking you nicely Mara, to please stop all of this. I would hate to have to act later if I find out you continued your little field work here," Belldandy looked coldly at her. Mara was surprised. Urd usually made the threats, but both she and Skuld were completely silent. Belldandy was doing all the talking and even trying to pressure Mara into submission.

"No chance girl, you know the rules. If I stop, my ass gets fried."

"And if you don't stop, you will be alone once again for 500 years in a very familiar seal," Belldandy snapped back. She was starting to become annoyed at the demoness, which was rare.

Mara snickered, "Yea, right. Is that what you're going to do miss goody-two-shoes? I doubt it, you couldn't even hurt a fly."

"You have harmed me and my family long enough Mara. With the last blunt of your actions, you have also hurt Keiichi-san severely, for that I guarantee you shall pay if you continue this course."

Urd leaned over, "You'd better watch it Mara, she's serious. I've never seen Bell this pissed before. Watch yourself."

Mara gulped and glanced over at Urd, then at Skuld who seemed to be watching the entire trade with boredom.

"I'll see what I can do, Belldandy. I'd hate to get on your bad side, especially after all that has happened," Mara soon stated with a small feral grin. "But if I can't stop it, what will happen?"

Belldandy shrugged and looked at her. Mara stared back in utter confusion and shock. Was this even the same person she had tried to torment in the past? She seemed so…so…different. Maybe it was all the influence of that mortal, Keiichi.

"Whatever, then I'm outta here," Mara began to rise, but was stopped by Urd.

"Not before the medicine you aren't; unless you want to walk outside and hug that thing again."

Mara shuddered and vaguely remembered the night before. All the pain. All the torture. Was that what she had put these people through? If so, she somewhat regretted it, but would never admit it. She loved causing mischief.

Both Urd and Mara left the room, leaving Skuld and Belldandy alone. Skuld was still surprised at how her precious onee-sama was acting, but she rather liked it. Now Belldandy wouldn't be pushed around by others. She never was in the past, really, but now she could, and even would, refuse some things that others had asked of her in the past.

Times were changing in the temple, but things seemed to be settling into a normal pace.

'Normal,' Skuld mused, 'this place hasn't been that word since…ever.'

She turned and left the room as Belldandy began to clean. Mara soon left as well, leaving only the three sisters alone in the temple to do as they pleased.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day soon passed by, yielding to afternoon and slowly night. Keiichi had arrived about an hour later than normal. He said that his boss had a few things to talk to him about, which didn't really worry the others.

After a meaningful dinner, that seemed to have a slight sedative outcome on everyone, Keiichi nervously glanced at Belldandy. He knew what was coming and had to try to explain it while still getting out alive. He knew Urd wouldn't really care, but Skuld would try to skin him.

"Umm…I think we should talk," he started rather apprehensively.

Urd and Skuld looked at him oddly and nodded while Belldandy only smiled.

"I know this may be…sudden…but, uh…" he started to rub the back of his head and neck, "Belldandy…no, actually I wanted her…to, um…"

"Keiichi-san asked me if I would like to move in with him in his room," Belldandy finished for him. Urd looked like she was about to pass out while Skuld looked around for a weapon to use.

Skuld settled for a chopstick and raised it overhead and was about to go after Keiichi when Belldandy stopped her, "No Skuld. It was not only his decision to make, he asked me and I agreed."

"But, but onee-sama! That's not right! Not with a mortal!"

Belldandy's eyebrow twitched slightly at the mention of the word Skuld used to describe her Keiichi.

"Skuld, dear. Please tell me that you aren't siding with the other gods about this? If so, it is very disappointing. You know Keiichi-san very well, but still act like this?" Belldandy was staring rather intently at Skuld, her face showing many different emotions. The most prominent of which was disappointment and disapproval.

Skuld put down the chopstick and looked at the floor. She never expected that kind of reaction from her onee-sama, not directed at her. Urd was looking surprised at Belldandy, but smiled. It looked like her sister was starting to show her true colors. She absolutely refused to be separated from her man, even if it was one of her sisters that stood in the way.

Urd nodded, "Well it's about damn time if you ask me."

Keiichi looked over at her suspiciously.

Urd sighed, "No Keiichi, I won't try to pull anything. Not like you need my 'help' now anyway." She winked at him before turning to Belldandy. "Just remember Bell, he doesn't have the high endurance we have, so be careful with him."

Belldandy looked at her sister and blushed slightly. Keiichi was blushing furiously and looking at the table. Urd just laughed at them and excused herself, taking Skuld with her.

Urd knew she was going to have to have to talk to the pint size goddess, but she also knew that it would be best done alone.

Keiichi and Belldandy just kind of looked at each other a while before moving.

"Say, shouldn't we get ready to, uh…merge rooms?"

Belldandy looked back to Keiichi and smiled slightly, "Yes, now would be opportune would it not? We should get ready."

Both stood and nodded, then walked down the hall to Belldandy's room.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Skuld was staring at Urd with almost no emotion in her eyes.

"Now didn't I warn you Skuld? That long long time ago? Do you remember what I said?"

Skuld idly shook her head.

Urd sighed, "I warned you not to make Belldandy choose between you and Keiichi. You just did and it came back to bite you in the ass didn't it?"

Skuld looked at her, "But how can onee-sama love someone like him? A mortal like him? I just don't understand!" Skuld covered the sides of her head with her arms and pulled herself into a ball.

"It doesn't matter does it Skuld? She cares for him because he cares for her. She also cares for him because, unlike most of this planet, he is a very good person. He's kind hearted, gentle, tries to help everyone. His only weakness is his damn shyness. Belldandy saw someone in him that she could never see in anyone in Heaven, why try to make her stop?"

"So we should just let onee-sama ruin herself? Is that what you're saying?"

"I don't see how you could think that. If anything, it's just the opposite. Keiichi is having a good affect on her, even if you may not think so," Urd shook her head, "It would be best if you didn't try to separate them anymore, lest you get on Belldandy's bad side. And I mean her real bad side."

Skuld didn't say anything, but slowly and slightly started rocking back and forth.

Urd sighed, "Look kiddo, I know you don't like this, but it's the best thing for Belldandy. You should be happy for her that Keiichi is finally starting to get some guts."

Skuld only nodded and looked back at the temple. She would have to deal with the new situation, no matter how hard it was. She didn't like it that Keiichi was slowly taking her precious onee-sama away from her, but she had to deal with it. Belldandy would always be there for her, just not as she wanted.

Both goddesses slowly got up from the porch and walked back in the temple and tried to make themselves comfortable. They also watched, with some amusement, Keiichi trying to move a few things for Belldandy. He would trip almost all the time, but regained his balance just before he fell face first into the ground.

From the outside of the temple wall sitting on a tree across the street, a dark figure sat and watched all that had happened. Things were definitely getting interesting.

A/N: Still rather stumped, but I'm working on it. Filler chapters like this one may be seen. I may or may not make a sequel, depending on one of the two endings I have picked out. Then again, this may run 40+ chapters as a few other fics have. I need to advance K1 and Bell's relationship a tad, but nothing even really limey will be seen, aside from one particular scene. Deciding what to write about will be rather hard.