The bell rang signalling the end of class, the two had been reading and giggling the entire time as they had been reading the book the entire time. However, they had only gotten so far into it and Bell was left wanting more.
"So what's your first thought Bell?" Haruhime spoke gleefully, putting the book into her bag and turning to get his opinion. Her green eyes staring into his, waiting for an honest answer.
Bell smiled "It's great! I loved the part where he stared down the dark knight. To be met with such overwhelming force and being able to still stand and fight. It's Amazing!"
"I know right, though my favourite part is later on and I wouldn't want to spoil it for you." She looked at the clock and then back at Bell… "Ummm… D-do you also have a free period now Bell?"
Bell shook his head. "N-no I have an Archery class next and…"
Haruhime's eyes widened. "Y-you're taking archery?" She cut in her voice seemingly full of worry.
Bell scratched his head. "Y-yeah… W-why what's wrong with that?"
"B-but you're a man, surely you know about the teacher and her hatred towards them!" She leaned forward grabbing his arm, her eyes staring into his trying to display her concern.
He didn't know what to think, he had only known Haruhime for less than an hour however in that time he had to admit she was a kind individual and probably would be concerned about something like this.
"Ughhh I've heard but I refuse to believe one person can be like that, especially a teacher, I refuse to judge them until I've given them a fair chance myself."
The shy Renard turned away, still holding his arm. It took a moment but she finally let go.
"F-forgive me it's just… Enough people have spoken about her that… Just promise me you'll be careful."
Bell nods and gives her a large smile. "I promise." He looks at the clock and gulps. S-sorry Hime, I have to go, I'll speak to you tomorrow okay!" He rushed out of the room nearly hitting multiple other students as he barged through the door as he tried to bring himself into a run. Haruhime just watched, she was about to reply but he had already disappeared. She blushed a little as she brought her tail to her lap.
"H-He gave me a-a nickname…" Her hands brought her tail to her face as she hid her large smile and blush behind it. 'I can't wait to see him tomorrow.'
Bell had run through the school at lightning pace, down the stairs and out into the main courtyard, he sighed with worry every time he looked up at the clocks. He only had so long to get to his next class, and they had to be at opposite ends of the school. He dug deep and continued sprinting past a few girls on the way who watched him and giggled.
"He-he Isn't that the new boy? He's so fast and cute. Almost like a rabbit running from someone." The small tanned girl said following the boy as he turned a corner.
"Hmmm did someone say rabbit?" A tall blond-haired girl looked up from her snack as she looked around the area. "I don't see it…" She said looking a little sad.
"It's not an actual rabbit Aiz… We're talking about the new transfer student."
"Oh," She muttered, seeming not that interested and yet she still looked around the courtyard like she was.
In the background, the two amazons argued with one another.
"Seriously Tiona why do you take such an interest in that kid?"
Tiona smiled at her "Because he's cute! Come on Tione you have a crush on Finn why can't I have one on Argo-Kun."
Tiona sighed "You've given him a nickname? You haven't even spoken with him? Seriously, are you even my sister?"
Aiz continued to look around as the two argued. Though she felt the warmth of her snack fade and she quickly turned back to finish it. Devouring it in a matter of seconds before looking up at one of the clocks. "We're gonna be late…" She said in a quite uncaring voice…
The other girls looked at her confused and then also turned to the clock nearly screaming, "S-shes right come on let's go already!" All three rushed to their next class…
"Ugghhh" He dropped to his knees, clenching his chest as he fought to catch his breath. He took long deep heavy breaths to try and stabilise it. He hadn't realised how long he had been holding it at the end. He had only just made it in time, the bell rang and he turned to the entrance.
The building was still in bad shape as classrooms go, it was the worst of the lot but he wasn't about to judge a book by its cover. Places like this have stood the test of time and no doubt have some history around them. He smiled, being careful not to knock the door as he stepped inside. The building was quite large, having its own entrance and multiple rooms. To his surprise, it looked more like a home than a classroom.
"I wonder if this was already here when they built the school? If so, why not renovate it with all the rest?"
He took a peek into a few of the rooms finding scorch marks and other such damage to the surrounding area. Heading out and through the main hall he arrived at another set of doors that opened up into a large garden area. However like everywhere else in the house it was all but destroyed. The plants had been ripped out by the roots and the grass burnt with only patches remained. As he followed it he found what looked to be a makeshift Archery range A couple of targets were set up at one end while standing opposite, was a woman.
'That must be the teacher.' He deduced, since she was the only one there. As he moved closer to get a better look he stopped and gasped in his hand.
"A-Artemis!?"
He stood back in confusion as she watched her grab an arrow from her side.
'W-wait she can't be…'
Artemis took a deep breath. As she nocked the arrow and looked up at the target. She adjusted her body, panting her feet, taking a side on stance. Before slowly drawing the string back and once she was satisfied with the draw released it. The arrow was released from the string and flew across the garden as it effortlessly flew straight into the centre landing perfectly.
Bell found himself amazed by the shot, taking a seat and watching her from his little corner. He marvelled at her skill and effortless ability to hit the centre every time. Bell was surprised at the way she was dressed. He hadn't seen her in this outfit before. As he glanced over her, his memory flipped back to meeting her for the first time… in that pencil skirt, he thought next of her less formal clothes that she had started wearing recently. But the visage before him now was something else.
She looked like the goddess she was, dressed in what he could only guess as her traditional outfit. Her azure blue hair was tied back with a golden clasp and a white ribbon tied in a large bow, braided half way down until it reached another golden clasp, after which it hung loose. She wore a sleeveless dress with bare shoulders. The dress was white in the centre with purple sides, ending at the top of her breasts, where the white panel stopped and the purple sides crossed, wrapping around her neck. Her bare arms had gold bands wrapping her upper arms and wrists, which covered the dark purple gloves on her hands. She wore an extra white half skirt on one hip and an armour plate on the other. Long dark boots wrapped in lighter leather straps reached up to her thighs.
A small amount of time passed as he watched her and he had forgotten to announce his presence. It wasn't until her concentration faltered and she put down the bow crossing her arms. Taking a look up at the nearby clock and tapping her fingers against her arm.
"Where is he! He's ten minutes late!"
She grabbed the bow and quickly and violently shot an arrow at one of the targets splitting the already centre arrow.
'And here I thought he would be different from all the rest!'
Seeing her angry shot scared Bell. He was too far away to hear her so he had no idea why she had gotten so angry. It wasn't until he took a look at the clock that he realised.
'Ohhh crap! I'm late!'
He wasn't but to her he was. She didn't have any idea he had sat back for soo long watching her in awe.
He gulped as he got up from his position and took a single step forward. He was just about to announce his presence before accidentally stepping on a squeaky floorboard. Artemis, who was already lining up another shot, stopped. Hearing the sound and turning to adjust her aim and firing a shot. Bell's eyes filled with horror as the arrow barely missed his head hitting the wall behind him.
Artemis looked at him only to go wide-eyed realising who she had just taken a shot at. She dropped the bow and ran over to him.
"B-Bell I'm so sorry you're scared. A-are you all right?"
Bell was just shaking at his knees as she came closer. The whole thing left him terrified and his brain genuinely thought he was going to die. However, because of this, he held his breath for far too long. And he found himself lacking the air to stay conscious. He fell forward only to be caught in the arms of Artemis. His face hitting her chest though he had no idea of this. He had fallen unconscious mid-fall and was laying near lifeless in her bosom.
"B-Bell? Bell!"
She shook him trying to get him to wake up but it was no good. He was out cold. She found herself in a very particular situation as she slowly brought the boy down to the floor. She was the cause of all this and felt it was unfair to let him rest on the floor so instead she carefully lifted his head and placed him into her lap. She silently waited, watching the time go by as he remained unconscious. Twenty or so minutes had passed and he had seemingly fallen asleep much to her displeasure.
'Ughh what should I do? The normal procedure says I need to take him to the nurse's office. But that's so far and…" She looked down seeing him snuggle his head into her lap and turn over she blushed a little and smiled.
'He's so cute when he's sleeping…'
She stopped as her hand was just about to reach his hair. She made this mistake last time. Another fault of hers and yet it happened again. He was late and she reacted badly to his presence...
'Can I really call myself a teacher…?'
She felt extremely guilty as she looked down at the boy she nearly hurt twice. She had no reasons to so the things she did and all she could do was hope he'd forgive her. She had no reason to expect his forgiveness, so she did all she could, hoping that he would.
"Artemis…"
"Huh?" She looked down at the boy who was still asleep, b-but she could have sworn he just said her name. She shook her head believing it to be her imagination. Her hand was still being deprived of the joy of stroking his soft hair. Ultimately the idea got the better of her and she started playing with it once again.
'I'm a terrible person for enjoying this when it's my fault it happened.'
Yet even as the guilt crept up on her she didn't stop, even getting so lost in the moment she ran a finger over his cheek.
'He's so cute... Even though he's my student…'
"Mrs Artemis?"
She ran a finger over his lips and smiled.
"Shush Bell just rela…"
She looked down to find two red eyes staring back at her. A momentary silence started between them lasting a few minutes before Bell broke it.
"U-ummmm Ughhh I... ughhhh"
He could feel the incredibly soft thighs below him almost like he was on a large pillowy marshmallow. His head sinking further in with every little movement. Before he could lose himself in the dreamy bliss however his thoughts turned to another unusual feeling. One that had both served to wake him and excite him.
'Her hands are so soft…'
He tried to ignore this for as long as possible but that was harder than expected. His cheek seemed drawn to it. Forcing his head to lean into it causing his childish grin to grow even further.
"This is nice."
Artemis's eyes widened.
"Y-your not supposed to be enjoying this!"
Yet even as she said this she continued to stroke his hair. Playing with the messy and untamed locks that shot out in every direction. Her heart was beating faster than normal.
"M-miss… W-what happened?"
He looked up into her eyes again only this time without joy but confusion as he wondered how it was they ended up in this position Artemis could only look away, her eyes finding the wall with the arrow still embedded in its side.
"Y-you frightened me… I was expecting you much earlier... Instead, you decided to turn up late…"
She released her hand from his cheek depriving him of the blissful experience and as he tried but failed to reconnect to her warm touch, her arms came up, to just under her breasts as she crossed them pouting a little.
"Y-your first day and you had to show up late! I hoped that you were different from all the rest, it seems…"
She turned her head away from him.
"My hopes were wrong."
Bell rolled out of the lap pillow and into the apology position. His head hitting the floor as he began to beg for forgiveness.
"I-I'm sorry I'm so sorry please forgive me I-I tried to get her I-its just…"
He gulped. He couldn't possibly admit to her that he had been staring at her for fifteen minutes; she was already annoyed at him for being late. Mentioning it ran the risk of her getting even more pissed off and in Hestia's own words:
"Bell, whatever you do, don't upset or anger Artemis in any way. The last thing you need is her to hate you."
His mind was made up the moment his carers words returned to him. Though he wasn't the type to lie, he also knew when to bend the truth a little.
"I-I got caught up in history… and I forgot how long the walk from there to here is… By the time I realised I was going to be late I ran as fast as I could… S-sorry if I scared you because of it... "
She glared at him through his half truth held up as she sighed.
'Ughhh I don't think he intended to be late… I suppose I should let him off the hook. B-but he's obviously hiding more than he's letting on and I can't accept that!'
"D-don't think I'm just gonna let you off the hook. Even if you were slow at the start, fifteen minutes to get here is unacceptable."
She glared at him.
"Mistake or not you must be punished to make sure it doesn't happen again."
Bell felt her unmistakable disappointment leaking out of her eyes and directly at him. He had his reasons but he was too embarrassed, afraid to say them. He just bit his tongue and accepted his punishment.
"Y-yes miss, I promise it... won't happen again…"
He sat on his knees and waited for her to decide his punishment. It took longer then he was expecting and his eyes found themselves wandering downwards. He had always wondered what she'd look like as a goddess. None of the outfits she wore expressed that. Well until this one that is. Somehow it just suited her. It was both appealing to the eye but also practical. Though given her personality the first one was probably just happened by accident.
'D-damn I bet she'd look good in anything…'
He gulped as he found himself staring at her once again.
She glared at him as she noticed his eyes wandering her body, although she had started to get used to Bell looking at her now, especially after his wide open stare at her in that outfit Hestia had made her wear. Still, it annoyed her.
Bell flinched at her glare and looked away again.
"S-sorry…" He said quietly.
"It's just…" He plucked at his hair in frustration.
"You look so amazing Miss Artemis! Like a real goddess!"
Artemis blushed and turned away from him, crossing her arms with a pout.
"And I don't look like a real goddess all the time?"
"That's not what I mean! I… I didn't say that! I mean…"
Bell blushed hard.
"You're.." he muttered before speaking up.
"You're like the goddesses and spirits I saw in Hero stories… I've always wanted to see a goddess or spirit in real life dressed like they were in the stories. A few of the books had pictures…" He trailed off…
"I'm sorry… I.."
"I guess I was just overwhelmed when I saw you. You looked so amazing! Just like in a hero story! And that shot you landed, it was perfect!"
Bell looked up at her with excitement in his eyes.
Artemis turned away from him so he couldn't see her fierce blush and the little smile that she was struggling to stop from erupting on her face at his remark.
She covered her mouth with her hand as she turned, just in case, she didn't want him to see.
After taking a moment to recover her breath and calm herself down, she turned back to him.
"Well… I guess you notice this place is in a bit of disrepair?"
Bell looked around, almost ironically, it was obvious.
"Yeah… I was wondering about that… I mean why hasn't this place been rebuilt yet?"
"Hmm.." Artemis smiled at him as she walked towards him.
"You like Hero stories Bell?"
He nodded.
"So… you know the gods came down from Tenkai and we granted our blessing to you children of course. But as now, we had to live. This…"
She gave a bright smile, gave a little almost gleeful jump back, spread her arms and spun with joy for a moment.
"This was my first Familia home… back when Orario was first founded."
Bell's jaw dropped for a moment, remembering he wasn't talking to a normal girl, but an infinitely old goddess. Spending his time day by day with her, he hadn't forgotten of course, but the reality of what she had just said was quite the reminder.
"Wow… this place is a thousand years old?"
Artemis nodded.
"I was surprised to find it here, in the school, when I first joined. I was amazed to find it still standing. Once I realised.. Well, they were planning to knock it down."
Artemis frowned as she said that.
"I couldn't let them. But they said unless I could hold a class…"
She bit her lip, not wanting to admit any more.
"Well…"
Bell glanced around with an expert eye. He had spent his life working on a farm. Keeping buildings maintained? It was part of his daily life. Laying roof tiles, fixing doors or fences.
He gave one of the loose, sticking up floorboards a kick.
"It wouldn't be too hard to get this place back into shape, with a little work…"
Though he frowned for a moment.
'But It's gonna take more money then I have to fix this though…'
Without funds, there was little he could do other than basic maintenance and that wasn't gonna help much now. This place needed major work. He knew he could do it himself to save on maintenance costs but he still needs money for materials and tools…
"I-Isn't there anything you can do? S-surely the school has to maintain classrooms and buildings it owns?"
She let out a heavy sigh and a saddened look.
"No, not in this case… You see this building isn't officially owned by the school. Officially myself and my familia own it; the building of course but not the land it's on. Because we abandoned it, the school has every right to remove it…"
She let a small tear fall down her cheek as she held her arm.
"I have so many good memories here. I-I couldn't watch them all just disappear. I-it's one of the reasons I agreed to teach at all. I took on archery classes to keep it from getting demolished however… While I was able to keep it.."
She leaned against the post and looked around.
"The school refuses to provide funding unless I hold a significant class. However, my first class was…"
Bell could see the hurt in her eyes as tears came close to flowing out.
"T-they didn't listen… They didn't care to learn or even respect the building… I caught some of the boy's playing with fire magic in the back… If I hadn't gotten there in time t-then…"
Bell came over to comfort her. But he could only do so much, as much as he wanted to hug her and tell her it's okay, everything is fine. He couldn't because she was a goddess and his teacher. Throwing his attraction to her aside, it was still morally grey.
Yet his hand still managed to find hers.
"I-I had a huge falling out after I removed them from my class.. Rumours started spreading about me, I didn't care about them but they did the job. Soon everyone left and nobody wanted to join the class with the archery bitch…"
Bell gritted his teeth, 'How can they be so cruel… All she wanted was to keep the memory alive… To disrespect a place so much they deserved to be kicked out…'
He tightened his grip on her hand.
"Then they were the ones at fault, not you!..." He said loudly…
Artemis blushed as she realised he was staring at her and his hand was atop hers.
"B-Bell…"
He looked into his eyes.
"In the few short days I've gotten to know you and… And I can tell you're not like what people say.. Y-yes you can be…"
He looked behind him to see the arrow.
"Extreme at times… But I know you care. About teaching and the memories of the past."
He looked away and bit his tongue… He had spoken impulsively and now it wore off he was super embarrassed. Artemis was about to say something but then the school bell suddenly rang sounding the end of the day.
Bell retracted his hand and got to his feet. He rubbed the back of his head and felt a huge wave of embarrassment hit him as he turned away blushing. He needed to think of something to change the conversation quickly…
"S-sorry… I've got to get going…"
He said getting to his feet and fleeing the makeshift archery range.
"W-wait!" But it was too late he was gone. She waited and let out a huge sigh resting her head against the post and looking around the old building.
Broken walls, floors and doors were signs she needed to do something soon.
'I guess I should try and get some funds…'
Without realising it. Bell had run all the way home. Dropping at the front door he found himself confused and uncertain about why he ran.
"I-it wasn't like she was angry… Ohhh crap! I forgot all about my detention…"
He hit his face with his palm as he looked back in the direction of the school. With a heavy heart, he knew it was too late to run back and apologise, He would just have to face what was coming tomorrow morning. Still trying to catch his breath, he leant back against the door, breathing hard.
"Ah!" He cried out loud as the door suddenly opened and he fell onto his back.
He lay there for a moment, one hand pressed to his forehead as he panted. Gathering his thoughts, he looked up. Only to see Hestia staring back down at him with an amused expression on her face.
'Oh.. Blue and white stripes today…'
Bell thought to himself for a second, before he suddenly realised what he was looking at.
"EH!" He cried as he bolted upright.
"Hehe like what you see Bell? Don't be shy"
"H-H-H-Hestia!"
Bell squealed as his face burned.
"So Mr late, flustered and out of breath, where have you been?"
"I…"
He looked away blushing a little.
"I got into a bit of trouble with Miss Artemis…"
Hestia raised an eyebrow at the mention of her friend's name and grabbed the boy by his collar.
"Okay inside Bell you're gonna explain what you did!"
After being dragged downstairs and thrown onto a chair, Bell found himself explaining the day's events to a less than happy Hestia. However, as he slowly begins to explain her expression turns from anger to joy.
Hestia burst out laughing.
"Hahaha ohhh Bell I thought you upset her in some way or insulted her honour. I wouldn't worry about being a little late."
Bell rubbed the back of his head.
"Y-yeah but still… I ran off before anything was said. Surely she's gonna be upset with me over that?"
Hestia smiled at him and took a seat next to him.
"You really care about what she thinks about you huh? That's cute Bell, I bet you have a little crush on her don't you?"
Bell blushed madly at the goddess comment. He shook his head and tried to think up a reason for the things he was saying.
"N-no I mean she's pretty, smart and caring but I…"
Hestia intercepted him.
"Ohhh you think she's pretty?
Bell realised what he just said and looked away...
"You're only digging yourself deeper, Bell."
Bell didn't know what to say. Of all the people to have to chat with Hestia had to be one of the most teasing people he knew. Maybe not as bad as Zeus but being in a house with Alfia soon changed that…
"I've only known her for a couple of days. She's just… Unlike anyone I've ever known or seen…"
'Her and Haruhime are two new experiences for me…'
Hestia smiled, getting to her feet and straightening out her outfit.
"Yeah Artemis sure is amazing, she's had it rough these past few months but… I'm glad you're giving her a chance and seeing her for who she is…"
She gave him a hug.
"Get some rest Bell. Don't worry about the whole detention thing. I'll have a word with her tomorrow about it."
Bell nodded though it was still early he agreed with her suggestion. He felt sluggish and decided to get a quick shower and an early night.
Grabbing his dinner that Hestia had left to keep warm in the oven, he ate quickly before washing his plate and deciding to go wash himself.
Stepping into the shower, he shivered for a second as the hot water hit his skin, but he gently began to relax as the warmth eased his muscles and mind. He always appreciated a hot shower at the end of the day, working on the farm had been physically tiring, school was the opposite. His mind began to drift as he closed his eyes and the shower washed away the stress of the day.
His mind began to drift, reflecting over the day. Haruhime's beautiful smile flashed in his mind, he'd enjoyed spending time with her today, he was looking forward to seeing her again.
As his thoughts wandered, he recalled seeing Artemis dressed in her hunting outfit for the first time, as he saw her shoot her bow perfectly.
He stopped for a moment, reflecting on that image, pausing under the shower, just like he had done the first time he saw her like that.
She was stunning, Bell couldn't help but play that bow shot over and over again in his mind.
Then an image flashed in his mind. It was the first day he had met her, when she was wearing that skirt and she had walked away from his desk.
Once that image entered his mind, he couldn't stop it from playing over and over again, that sinful little wiggle.
But Bell was a young man with needs… the bathroom door was locked.
A few minutes later, the shower was shut off and a rather ashamed of himself Bell dried himself off and quietly went to bed.
Meanwhile, Hestia waited until she heard his room door close and started laughing to herself.
"Ohhh Artemis, you must secretly like him to… To think you'd give him a lap pillow not once but twice. Bell sure is a lucky boy"
She looked at the sky, it was still light out and she looked at the clock and smiled.
"Hmm maybe I should give them both a little push and I just know how"
It was later that night that Artemis sat down to a quiet drink with her thoughts. The day had been very strange for her. More soo to do with a certain boy than anything else. The morning events in the classroom made it clear to her just how foreign he was to this kind of life. He could read but not write like a lot of adventures. Yet he was eager to learn and listen unlike many of the rich or self-centred brats that she had seen day in and day out.
"Bell…"
She giggled to herself yet she didn't know why.
"Guess he's just like me…"
She took a sip of her drink and laid back, closing her eyes. Remembering a simpler time with her familia. However, the memory soon faded as it drifted to her coming to Orario for the first time.
"I wonder… What were his first thoughts? Did he feel fear? Excitement… Both?"
She knew better than to dwindle on the thoughts of a student. Though there were no specific rules about the things she could and couldn't do there. There was an unspoken rule to keep it professional. Well everyone except a few of the goddesses of beauty.
"Aphrodite has no pride.. She surrounds herself with students and worse still plays with their desires… To think that I thought about sending Bell to her…"
Deep down she felt a tinge of regret for even suggesting it. True, she had only known the boy a couple of days but Hestia seemed to adore him in their conversations and had taken quite a liking to him. While she was not sure about him at first she knows Hestia and trusts her judgment.
"Bell…" A flash of his face and she found herself blushing alittle. It was strange for her. This was the first time she ever felt such emotion towards someone…
A sudden knock at the door broke those thoughts however and she turned to clock hanging on the wall.
"Hmmm who could be calling round at this hour?"
She got to her feet, placing her drink down on a small side table and walking over to the front door.
"Who is it?"
There was only silence for a brief moment until.
"Really you have to ask? Who else is gonna come and see you at this time?"
The childish voice of Hestia soon bellowed through and Art smiled as she began to unlock her door. It took a minute but finally, she got it open. She was greeted by Hestia staring her down arms crossed standing in the cold and dark holding a bag.
"Seriously you like your privacy way too much. At least lose one or two locks…"
Artemis just laughed this comment off.
"Come on in, make yourself comfy, I'll get you something warm to drink…"
Hestia stopped shivering as she entered the warm home. Though she quickly made her way towards the fireplace to warm up.
"What would you like?" Artemis called from the kitchen.
"Coco if you have it… If not Coffee will do"
"Okay won't be two minutes."
Hestia quickly perched herself by the fire and warmed her hands. Slowly but surely her body began to warm up and she slowly backed away towards the nearby couch...
Artemis soon returned holding a steamy cup in her hand.
"Here you go just the way you like it."
She handed her the drink and sat down next to her. Picking up her own and clinging them together. She took a sip and relaxed into the cushioned seat.
"Soo what brings you on a school night. I'm not going drinking with you and Miach again…"
Hestia laughed and shook her head. Also taking a quick sip before placing the drink down to one side.
"No no nothing like that. I just wanted a chat, was all."
Artemis looked a little confused.
"About what? Is it important? It must be if it couldn't wait till tomorrow…"
Hestia once again shook her head.
"No no I just wanted to get your thoughts on Bell was all? I mean it's been two days and you haven't said anything at all."
Art looked at her glass and thought for a moment. "Hmmm well.. I mean…"
She kept pausing trying to think of a reason to explain her lack of a response. Normally when it came to her former class she'd go on and on about them being disrespectful or perverts…
"Hmmm, I've never seen you this stumped over one boy. Could he be the one?"
Artemis blushed as she turned to her friend in shock. An evil smile said it all she was implying something though and she knew exactly what it was.
"N-nonsense Hestia!"
Hestia's smile didn't falter. "Ohhh your blush says otherwise?"
Artemis glared at her long time friend.
"I'm not blushing!"
"Yesss you are"
Artemis clenched her skirt and turned away. Her mind wasn't helping the situation. For whatever reason, it decided to recollect her with the moment in the archery house..
'Damn it, why does that keep happening!'
She calmed herself but didn't make eye contact with her friend. She could already feel her eyes driving into her back…
"Okay, I was just joking…"
Artemis sighed as she turned back to her friend…
Hestia decided to stick to the topic of Bell but more of a personal side hoping to get her to open up a little on the boy…
"Still I'm kind of glad I get to look after him. He's kind, hardworking and helpful plus…"
She smiled and leaned back looking up to the ceiling.
"I get to see him shirtless from time to time. You'd never believe it but he's seriously.."
She looked to Artemis.
"Toned…"
She found herself staring at her friend. Who was looking at her with a strange, nay large amount of curiosity in her eyes.
'W-wait I-is she really not going to try and stop me?!'
She was now curious… She was only joking about her liking him before but now…
"I mean I know he works out in his spare time but… He must have been doing some serious training before coming here…"
She watched Artemis closely. At first, it looked like she wasn't paying attention. But that wasn't the case at all. In fact, it looked like she was thinking about something. It wasn't until her cheeks went a deep red that she realised what that something was.
'Oh, Heaven… She really is thinking about it! Artemis… The goddess that despised men, sex and any dirty thoughts… Is thinking about her only student, shirtless!'
She remained silent watching her friends slowly go deep and deeper into her imagination. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for her and she wasn't about to let it slip…
"Hello! Earth to Artemis?"
Art suddenly snapped to attention as her head shot to the side to look at her friend.
"H-huh?!"
She looked at Hestia who was smiling at her. It was… Unnerving almost like she knew exactly what she was thinking about moments prior…
'I-I can't believe I was thinking about Bell like that… W-why is this happening!?'
She couldn't understand her strange thoughts and the fact was Hestia wasn't helping. But what could she do. Tell her to stop because they were affecting her? That would only make matters worse.
"Hmmm? Thinking about something, were we? Or perhaps… Someone?"
Art rapidly shook her head.
"No no no!"
Hestia almost burst out into laughter. But managed to compose herself before she attempted to speak.
"You're a terrible liar, you know that? Come on. You can tell me?"
The goddess refused to budge. But Hestia already knew who it involved and she knew just how to get her friend to slip up.
"I bet you're thinking about Bell aren't you?"
Artemis blushed a little as she realised her friend hit the mark spot-on.
"N-n-no I was…" She began to stutter and blush even more as she began thinking about Bell again. All she could do at this point was look away.
Hestia had her on the hook now all she had to do was slowly reel her in. A smug smile graced her lips as she showed the excitement on her face.
"Y-your slipping Artemis… Surely you know it's impossible to hide anything from me? We're best friends after all practically sisters you can tell me anything..."
She placed a hand on her shoulder and turned her grin into a caring smile.
Meanwhile, Artemis was having a mini-crisis in her head. She was thinking about Bell that much was true. Though her thoughts were all over the place. Never had a boy caused this much confusion and feelings to crop up, That alone was a reason not to tell Hestia. It was true they were the best of friends… But Hestia was also a huge teaser…
"Come on, you haven't even mentioned one bad thing he's done yet?"
Hestia started to prod the hornet's nest and it was working.
"That's because... H-hes not given me a reason to…"
Hestia glared at her almost to gauge her lie. She broke and turned away.
"Ohh? Is that so?"
Her devilish smile returned. She knew from conversations with Bell that she had been annoyed with him a couple of times. But it was quickly forgiven and if there was one thing Hestia knew about Art, it was she never forgave men.
"So he's not, let's say… Been staring at your ass in class?"
Artemis shivered at the thought but didn't look at her friend. Her face said it all afterall…
Hestia on the other hand already knew the answer. She knew full well Bell had a wandering eye. She even indulged it a little, making him believe he was getting away with staring when she wasn't looking.
"Silence… None at all? Not even a quick peek? Or perhaps the goddess of the hunt can't spot a student peeking at her panties?"
Artemis was currently trying to compose herself. Her brain was working against her as it reminded her of every single glance, stare and peek Bell ever made at her. Gods it was a lot.
"I bet you liked it… You probably even dropped your chalk a few times just so he could get a good look."
Art shook her head but her blush only got worse as her imagination went wild. Somehow she was picturing the scene in her head.
'Hehe, she looks like a schoolgirl that just realised her first crush. Still, I almost have her, I just need to…'
"Enough Hestia!"
She was too late. Artemis finally somehow managed to recompose herself.
"Why does this even matter anyway?"
Hestia wasn't about to let this one go. In fact, she now had a different trap lined up.
"I just want to know why you're lying to me about Bell?"
Artemis crossed her arms.
"I'm not lying about Bell…"
Hestia sighed with disappointment. "So you're saying he's not been in any trouble?"
Artemis quickly shook her head.
"Then why the Hell did he come to me saying you put him in detention?"
At that moment Artemis knew she fucked up. She had totally forgot about the whole detention and now she was paying the price. She could only look down in shame.
"Ahha I knew it. You've been lying to me this whole time now fess up!"
Artemis pouted a little and mumbled something.
"Hmmm what was that?" Hestia asked "I couldn't catch it?" She raised a hand to her ear and leaned closer.
"Hmmp! She folded her arms "He was late for class!"
Hestia sighed, "Really that's it… What class?"
Artemis looked away. "Archery…"
Hestia brows lifted at this realisation.
"W-wait you're letting him do Archery? I thought you said you'd never teach it again?"
Artemis placed a hand on her cheek. "I wasn't.."
"So why let Bell?"
Artemis looked into her drink. She wasn't even sure of that reason.
"I don't know… At first I was just trying to push him away from it…" She closed her eyes and remembered back to that moment. It was his eyes… Those big red eyes looked so sad.
"He looked so sad… I just felt so sorry for him. I thought maybe he would just give up and quit after the first day…"
Hestia pulled her friend into a hug. "But now you don't want him to, do you?"
Her friend could only nod in response and for Hestia that was all she needed to hear.
'For Artemis to want something… Even if that something is Bell. I have to help her.'
Now that she knew the two had some sort of feelings for one another even if they were not sure of them themselves she had a reason to move forward with her plan as she stared at the bag.
"So what did you think of that new outfit I bought you?"
Hestia started nudging her side.
"I-It was far too revealing! The skirt is far too short and the outfit itself is far tighter than the one I originally tried on!"
Hestia laughed
"Okay firstly there's no way that dress is revealing… Your goddess outfit shows more skin than that ever will… Secondly It's not my fault the store had mix up. Besides, Bell seemed to like it."
She blushed as she latched on to Hestia's comment. "H-he did?"
"Ohhh yes… In fact he seemed disappointed about you not wearing it today…"
"Ohhh…"
She looked down, something about that made her rethink it for a second only for her to shake that lone thought to the side.
Hestia meanwhile had her right where she wanted her.
"Think of it this way. He will pay more attention to you in class if you wear it again. I bet he won't even be able to take his eyes off you."
"I don't want him looking at me all the time!"
Hestia reached into the bag and pulled out an identical skirt but this one was slightly different in the fact it was a lot smaller than the other one.
"And if you were to wear this well…"
The goddess of the hunt blushed widely at the sight of the short skirt as she imagined what such a thing would bring.
"N-no way that's far too short! It wouldn't even hide anything!"
Hestia smiled
"That's kind of the point. Come on, I've done it once or twice and it works wonders…"
Her blush only darkend "I don't want Bell looking at me like that!"
"Ohhh, but your blush is telling me otherwise. In fact I know you're gonna wear that outfit again so I thought maybe I'd improve it a little."
"H-h-Hestia! I-I- would never..." She covered her mouth with her hand, mortified at what Hestia was saying.
"Ohhh come now Artemis. You wouldn't even entertain the idea if you didn't" her teasing and smile grew as she walked around her embarrassed friend
She leans in and smiles "I know you're gonna wear this outfit tomorrow, and I know for a fact Bell is gonna blush. But if you want to bet we can?"
For whatever reason. Artemis turned to look at her. Her eyes seemed a little bit interested.
"W-what wager?"
"It's simple really. You have to wear this outfit the entire time you're around Bell. Don't worry you don't have to be seen in public with it. If he blushes and comments on it at any point I win. If he doesn't you win"
Artemis thought for a moment and crossed her arms. "What do I get if i win?"
Hestia smiled, "You can make me do anything…"
Artemis raised an eyebrow to this. "Really? Anything?"
Hestia nodded.
"Hmm fine in that case you have to go on a date with Apollo and yes that's for the entire day!"
Hestia's face went white with horror. "Y-you've got to be joking?"
Artemis giggled "Hehe well you did say anything. You're gonna embarrass me… Well I'm only gonna do the same to you."
Hestia crossed her arms going silent for a moment. To Artemis it looked like she was contemplating her decision and was waiting for her to back out. For Hestia however she was just putting up a front. She knew for a fact Bell was gonna say something and the blushing part was a guarantee. The boy blushed pretty much at the sound of her name.
"F-fine!"
She held out her hand. However Artemis stopped before grabbing it and looked into Hesita's eyes.
"Wait a minute. What happens if I lose?"
Hestia smiled "Ohhh I'm not gonna say till you shake my hand. Need to be sure you're serious about this!"
Artemis took a minute and thought. However, something inside her got the better of her and she reached out and shook her hand.
"Fine, you're on. Now what happens if I lose?!"
Hestia smile only grew as she leaned in and whispered into her ear,
Artemis went from red to white back to red again within a matter of seconds. In fact, her body fell back and Hestia suddenly found herself holding her friend's unconscious body.
"Hehehe Ohhh just you wait, Artemis… You've got an entire day to get through yet."
Authors notes.
Chapter 4 sorry for the long wait. I've been extremely busy with work and life in general. Not a lot I can do about it I'm afraid and it was a toss-up between doing this or KTP. In the end I chose this simply because KTP require a lot more attention to detail while this is really just a fun Idea I had and chapters are much easier to write. Okay maybe its not what a lot of people were expecting in truth I'm not entirely sure where this story is going. Im just going chapter by chapter on this one.
Comments/Reviews
AshNinja- I just thought it worked better for the chapter. Really it was just to break it up as the day went along.
Pix25- We all had that one teacher that hated the job but got on with it anyway... Just so happens mine taught history lol. As for Haruhime and Artemis well... Who knows maybe they'll get along...
MonsterHamster- Don't worry it won't... This is gonna be a short/medium story... At least that's the plan at least...
Reviews over...
So anyway moving on yeah I can't say for certain when the next chapter is gonna be out... Could be a week... A month... I can't say I try to get a bit done in my spare time but a large part of that is sleep and well you can't write when you're tired. All I can say is wait patient and hope you enjoyed... Thanks and take care...
Discord link- /zvPcBt4