Artemis sighed gently as she began to wake, the morning sun peeking in through a gap in her curtains. She rolled in her sleep drawing the covers over her, nuzzling her pillow for a moment before her eyes began to flicker awake.
"Wakey wakey Artemis. You've got a date with a very lucky boy today!"
"Hmmm?" The blue-haired goddess sat up slowly, yawning widely covering her mouth with one hand as the other rubbed at an eye.
She blinked for a second as the world came into focus to see a brightly smiling Hestia standing at the end of her bed, one hand in a thumbs up, the other holding a hair brush.
"W-Wait t-that wasn't a dream?!" Her eyes shot to the side looking at the beautiful pink summer dress hung up ready for her.
"Hehe surely you weren't that drunk that you can't remember." She walked over to the dress and smiled, "You picked this one out yourself. You had been so worried that Bell wouldn't like it." She started giggling. "It was so cute to see you like that!"
"H-Hestia!" She turned away blushing hard at her friend teasing.
'Oh no!' All the memories from the night before came rushing back. The drinking, the dress shopping. The the…
Her face went scarlet as she rubbed her legs together under the cover. 'When did I fall from grace? I get this way when I think of my students… Sure Bell is sweet, handsome and above all else kind.'
"I...I don't think I can do this Hestia!"
"Don't be silly! You're both going to have a wonderful time!"
She sat up and cowered in her covers. "B-But what if he doesn't want to go with me? What if I make a fool of myself? What if…"
"Baka! You're overreacting! Firstly Bell wouldn't deny any opportunity to go on a date with you! If you embarrass yourself Bell won't judge. Now shut up and get a shower so I can comb your hair."
"Ugggh!" She fell back into her pillows. "At least make me a cup of coffee while I shower!"
Hestia dropped her head to one side as she looked at her confused "What do you mean? I'm getting in with you silly!"
"Wait What!?"
Hestia grabbed the edge of her cover and pulled it away from her.
"We haven't bathed together in so long. Come on, it will be fun, just like the old days! Besides, we've got to plan out your date."
Artemis sighed as she sat up in bed, dropping her legs to the floor before clutching her head. She wasn't hungover, but felt a little groggy, it was taking a few moments to clear the cobwebs from her head. But a nice shower and a cup of coffee would quickly sort that.
"Come on, cheer up. Bell is going to be all over you by the end of the day. Who knows, maybe you'll finally lose your virginity."
"Mmmm maybe." She yawned before she realised what she had said.
"HESTIA!"
"Hehe, what, it's true… A hug leads into, a kiss under the moonlight a secluded ally as he bends you over, You begging for his…"
"HESTIA!"
Artemis might have been feeling sleepy still, but she was perfectly awake now.
Shaking the thoughts of Bell kissing her under the moonlight and pretending she never had the ones where his hands began to explore, she stood up and marched her way over to her bathroom.
"Let's… Let's just get ready okay?"
"Of course we want to make you look extra special for your crush."
She winced slightly at the word 'crush', her heart skipping a beat wondering if Hestia might be right. She kept trying to avoid thinking about him, but any moment her mind began to wander, suddenly all she could see was his happy laughing face.
She took a breath and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Let's just get clean." She said as she entered the bathroom, turning on the shower.
"Hehe good come on this won't take too long…"
Moments later. "Hestia! Watch where your hands are going! I said to wash my hair, not my body!"
Hestia giggled in amusement. "Oh, be quiet! I'm only trying to help. You didn't have this issue back in heaven. Hehe, if it bothers you so much just imagine it's Bell gently massaging your body.
"Hestia!"
"He-he-he." Hestia giggled as she leaned into her friend's back. "I'm only joking. Now have you actually had a thought about what to show him?"
"Oh… Yes actually." She smiled as she felt Hestia gather her hair up and begin to wash gently.
"I mean, we will start at Babel, that's obvious. I'll show him around the city a little. The open market, the various business districts so he knows where to buy clothes and so on. I know he loves heroes, so I'll show him the guild and the weapon and armour shops."
Hestia smiled
"You really thought hard about this didn't you? But don't you think you're being a little too professional?"
"W-What do you mean? I thought I got all the important spots in..."
Her friend shook her head. "No no It's not that but… Well it just sounds like one of the guild tours without the boring guide… You have him for the whole day. Why not do something fun?"
"I..I mean.. I need to show him the city, but… what would you suggest?"
She placed a finger on her cheek thinking for a moment.
"Well... You could go drinking? Dancing? Oh, you could hire one of those little rowboats they rent on the river, that would be really romantic.
"R-romantic?" she blushed a little before shaking the thought away. "Hestia, please stop making this awkward!"
Hestia sighed. "Stop making it so easy then. He's of age, take him drinking; it's the weekend so nobody is going to bat an eye. Just make sure you get him back safely…"
"B-But he's still my student…" She tried to justify not going drinking again but Hestia glared at her.
"Ughh just do what you want...Anything I say will be picked apart. Just do something…"
Hestia pulled her fingers through her long blue hair.
"Just think about it, now close your eyes as I rinse you off."
The rest of the time was just simple chit chat as the two dried themselves off. Artemis stopped at the door as she noticed the pink summer dress laying on the bed.
"He-he.." Hestia giggled as she walked in behind her, still drying her hair with a towel.
"I can't wait to see his face when he sees you wearing that. He's sure to love it after all you personally picked it for him."
Artemis took a deep breath, steadying herself for a moment. Closing her eyes, she tried to breath out slowly.
The dress was cute, but thinking of Bell looking at her in it made her feel like she had butterflies in her stomach.
"I… I'm not sure I can do this Hestia."
Hestia poked her side. "Don't be like that. If not this then what? Your teacher outfit? Those ungodly rags you always wear?"
"Well…" A sudden flash of Bell's flustered smile, but shining eyes ran through her mind.
"It is cute."
Hestia nodded rapidly. "Very, it suits you… Go on just put it on if you don't like it you can change into something else. Come on, be quick, it's going to take ages to braid your hair."
Hestia held up the string of white flowers.
Artemis gave a small huff, before dropping her towel and picking up the dress.
'Let's see how I look now I'm sober…'
She slowly slipped into the tight fitting summer dress. Every curve was noticeable in some way as she looked herself over. But even she had to admit it looked really niceThe dress was subtle, not really revealing at all, but as she moved it clung to her gently revealing her curves.
"Sooo? Are we doing this properly or not?" she held up the flowers in her hands.
"Come on! I've never seen you look this good. Let me do your hair so you can see it!"
"Alright Hestia, fine!"
She sat in the chair at her dressing table and pushed her loose hair back over her shoulders so it fell down her back.
Hestia smiled as she slowly began to braid her friends hair, she was focused on her task to the point she didn't say a single word. It was a slow process, but as she made progress Artemis understood why it was worth the wait.
"Done!" Hestia said with a big smile Artemis saw reflected in the mirror.
She turned her head from side to side for a moment before a big smile spread across her face.
"See worth it. Just think what Bell will say when he sees you.."
Artemis giggled.
"Knowing him, he will just blush and stutter for a few minutes."
Hestia leaned into her friend's shoulder. "Hehe, you picked up on his mannerisms as well. That or you spend far too much time teasing him."
Artemis blushed a little but quickly recovered. "No, it's just something I noticed… J-just drop it alright; what time is it anyway?"
Hestia glanced at the clock. "Oh! We're not late, but if we want to get some breakfast on the way, we have to leave now."
Artemis stood and looked at herself in the mirror, the last moment of self-doubt running through her.
"But…"
"Nope!" Hestia grabbed her hand. "No time for buts! We have to go!"
"If we head there now, you and Bell can go somewhere nice for breakfast!"
"Come on!" Hestia cried out with glee as she stepped back, pulling her friend along. "Grab your purse and let's go!"
"H-Hestia…!"
…
*YAWN*
Bell was a little tired as he woke up that morning. It being a Friday night previously, he had sat up reading until quite late. Still, despite needing to wake up, he was looking forward to Hestia showing him around the city that day.
He stretched as he yawned, putting on his usual brown coat and dark black trousers.
"Beeeellll!" A voice called out to him from outside his room, he sighed this wasn't the first time she had done this after drinking the night before. He headed over to the door to greet her but never expected it to be kicked open.
"Change of plans Bell!" She shouted as she took a few steps forward before collapsing on his bed, her face snuggling into his covers. "I'm too hungover to go out today…"
"O-Oh…" Bell gave a small sigh, he had rather been looking forward to their day together.
"It's fine Hestia. Do you want me to get you some water?"
"Aww don't sound so down, Bell. I wouldn't leave you hanging like this." She rolled over and stretched. "It just so happens someone else agreed to take you today"
Bell stopped at the door and turned around. "R-Really...Who?"
"Hmmm… It's a surprise, why don't you go downstairs and see?"
She propped herself up on her elbows and grinned at him.
"Go on now, oh and here." She tossed him a small money pouch. "Don't spend it all at once. Have fun Bell"
He gave her one of his bright smiles as he slipped the pouch in his pocket.
"Thanks Hestia! I hope you feel better later."
"I will Bell, off you go now!"
He quietly closed the door to his bedroom as he slipped out.
"Yes!" He heard Hestia cry. "Bell's bed! Heaven!"
Bell smiled to himself wondering who could possibly have agreed to show him around on such short notice. Perhaps a friend of Hestia's, but he couldn't understand why anyone would show a random stranger about.
…
Artemis stood nervously in Hestia's living room. It had only been a few moments since the little goddess had gone to fetch Bell. She breathed slowly, trying to calm her nerves, trying not to fidget, but her stomach felt like it was full of butterflies again. She jumped slightly as she heard Bell's feet on the stairs.
She stood up and sat down multiple times before ultimately remaining standing as she heard the footsteps draw ever closer. She gulped, turning away from the door trying to hide her nervous expression.
A moment later the door swung open and she looked up at him as he entered the room.
There was a long moment of silence. As he had glanced at her, he had frozen, hand still on the door, paused mid-stride.
She stood quietly waiting for him to say something, her face getting hotter as every second passed. She couldn't quite look at him as she felt his eyes run from her feet to her eyes as he slowly took her in.
'She's so cute…!' Bell took in her bare legs, the dress just showing a little of her thighs being quite modest, but enough of her creamy skin showed to be enticing. His eyes trailed upwards to see her hands clutched gently before her as she fiddled, trying not to look at him but glancing now and then to see his expression. The way the skirt flared over her hips as she moved from side to side as it clung to her body was slightly hypnotizing, and it took him a few moments before his eyes moved up to see her bare arms, the pink dress hanging loosely around her top, but catching the shape of her breasts as she moved. He felt his heart flutter as he looked up at her cute pout and her ever deepening red face. Her braided hair fell down her back filled with white flowers, making her look like a cute maiden. Bell felt like he had died and gone to heaven seeing the beauty before him.
"H-Hello Bell… It's… It's nice to see you again."
He jerked up with a start and a cry of "EH!" as he suddenly came back to reality.
"Ah! Miss Artemis! I'm sorry, but…" He flushed a little. "You really surprised me! You look so good… I… was just taken in for a second."
She blushed… "W-why thank you Bell that's kind of you to say…"
The two became engaged in awkward silence as they both blushed hard, turning away.
Bell gulped quietly. 'Aww, gods...What do I even say...I wasn't expecting Miss Artemis to be the one showing me around… She looks so pretty in that dress. Oh, gods, I don't know if I should be super happy or terrified!'
Artemis, while embarrassed, tried to reassure herself. She made a promise to Hestia to show Bell the city and a good time. It would be most unfair to him if she backed out now.
"I-I...I hope you don't mind the sudden change Bell… I know it's a surprise to see me out of school, but Hestia thought you'd prefer it…"
"N-No! I don't mind at all!"
He wanted to say how much of a nice surprise this was and just how excited he was feeling knowing she would take him around the city that day, but she was his teacher after all, so the words never reached his lips.
She could see he was nervous about the whole situation. How could she not? She was feeling the exact same thing.
"R-Relax Bell...I'm just like anyone else outside of school. Plus, there's no need to be so formal. Please call me Artemis."
She bit her lip a little trying to break the tension in the air but it was hard to shake the image of them being just teacher and student.
"I…" He gave her a smile. "S-Sure… A..Artemis."
She also smiled as the tension was momentarily lifted.
"W-we should get going… I hope you don't mind if we get breakfast first…" she rubbed her arms as she prayed her stomach wouldn't growl at that moment.
"I only just got up, so that sounds nice."
She smiled brightly. "I-In that case, I know a quaint little cafe near the market. Let's go Bell."
For whatever reason, she took a step forward and grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the door. She took a step only to feel resistance as she looked back.
"Is everything okay, Bell?
He looked down to see her hand holding his. It felt strangely nice as he looked back and smiled. "Yeah… Lead the way Artemis"
….
They both felt a little awkward as they walked together, leaving the church behind. Both silent for a few moments.
"What do you feel like for breakfast Bell? I know I suggested the cafe but we can go wherever you like."
He looked at her and shook his head. "No no I trust your opinion this is my first time seeing the city so I'm not even sure what to expect."
"Then let me take you to my favorite place, but let's go the long way. I'm sure the smells of the street market will get your stomach rumbling."
Bell's smile only grew as she guided him through the street market, every stall looked unique and specialised in some manner of delicacy. The smells or grilled meats and fish overwhelmed his senses as he started to drool from the aroma filling his nose. He kept close to her side as she guided him through the light crowd.
"Stay close to me Bell, you can easily get lost in the crowd if you're not careful." She was moving slowly so he could see her, but as they got deeper into the market the more people seemed to appear joining the ever growing crowd.
He didn't say anything, but moved a little closer, his shoulder gently rubbing hers for a moment.
"I.. I might be a little lost already… I'm not quite sure which way is home anymore… this place is so big."
She squeezed his hand to reassure him. "Don't worry Bell, It's a big city but once you start to walk around it it becomes easier to navigate."
"For instance." She smiled as she quickly turned a corner dragging him down another street. "Orario is broken up into sections with a main road leading through the middle of each one."
She looked up to find the small street that the cafe was situated on. However before they went inside she stopped and looked at him.
"All roads in the city lead to Babel. Given its the main hub of activity it can be seen from anywhere in Orario. If you ever get lost just head for the tower."
He nodded as she pushed the door open, looking up at the sky as seeing the giant tower reaching up into the sky once again. It could be seen from anywhere in the city.
"Ohhh Artemis welcome!" A waitress stepped out to greet her. "Would you like your usual table?"
She blushed a little. "No, I have a guest today. Could I get a table for two please?"
The waitress, a short chienthrope with brunette hair, gave her a small bow. "Oh of course." She looked up at Bell taking a moment to take him in before she smiled.
"In that case I've got a perfect little table on the balcony with a wonderful view of Babel "
"Follow me." She gave Artemis a big smile, secretly pleased to see the girl with a gentleman.
Artemis took the first step as the waitress came to her side with a curious look on her face. "So?" She whispered so Bell couldn't hear them. "When did you two start dating?"
Artemis held in a gasp as she walked with the waitress she had chatted with over the last few months, glancing behind at Bell who had stopped for a moment to take the place in.
"It's not like that." She said quietly.
The waitress smiled. "No no of course not, I just mistook the hand holding, the attention you put into your appearance and the way you look at him." They both stopped at the stairs to wait for him.
"I always knew you'd find someone nice. Don't worry I won't interfere with your date."
The waitress grabbed her hand for a moment. "You must also tell me where you got that dress. It is really pretty. Good luck!" She whispered into her ear as Bell walked towards the stairs
The two followed behind her as she led them upstairs and onto what looked to be a private balcony with a single table placed in the middle overlooking the city. She smiled brightly as she moved the two chairs round closer to one another before standing to one side.
"Can I get you both anything to drink?" She asked as they took their seats. Art blushed a little when she realised what the waitress had done as Bell's leg pressed gently against her.
She coughed and nodded. "Yes, a pot of tea please ohh and some of those little pastries to share."
The waitresses' tail wagged gently as she wrote down the order. "Anything else?" She asked gently, but both of them gently shook their heads.
"One couple's special coming up!" she giggled to herself before skipping off back inside leaving the two alone again.
Artemis glanced at him before looking down and away, not sure what to say or think, feeling awkward in her dress, a large blush crossing her face.
Noticing her nervousness, Bell spoke up.
"Oh Wow!" He turned and watched the cook in the kitchen as they started to toss chopped vegetables in a wok.
After a quick sizzle and a roll of the pan, the little chienthrope who was standing on a chair just to reach the top of the oven turned and gave him a thumbs up and a happy smile. "I'm gonna cook you the best breakfast ever!"
Bell tilted his head for a second. "I thought you ordered pastries?"
Artemis giggled. "I guess she's a little enthusiastic?"
"Neea is always like this. She knows my order off by heart."
Bell smiled as he got to see a more personal side to Artemis then he would in the classroom. They were still student and teacher but the formality had gone.
"So you come here often, I take it?" He asked with a small amount of curiosity in his voice.
She nodded. "Yes, when I first arrived in Orario this was where Hestia brought me for my first meal. Since then I've been coming back every so often."
"More like every weekend!" Neea called out from the kitchen.
"Neea!" Artemis turned and blushed. Though all this did was cause her to giggle. As she brought out a plate of small pastries.
"She comes here anytime she has a day off. Orders a small plate of pastry and chefs choice breakfast. Quietly sipping her tea as she looks up at Babel."
The goddess blushed. "Not every time! Only when I'm walking this way."
She placed the plate down on the table along with a small cup and saucer for each of them.
"Though this is the first time she's ever brought a man along with her. You must be someone very special Mr?"
"EH! M-Miss Neea! It's not like that!"
She waved a hand in Artemis's face. "Yeah well, I'm just asking him a few questions." She turned back to the white-haired boy and smiled. "So what's your name?"
Bell glanced at the mortified looking Artemis for a moment, before looking back up at the waitress.
Recovering from his own embarrassment, he held his hand up.
"N-Nice to meet you Miss Neea. My name's Bell."
"Ohhh so polite, Artemis has bagged herself a real gentleman I see."
"Ah-ha." Bell scratched at the back of his head awkwardly. "I-I don't know about that…"
"Nonsense, Artemis wouldn't look at a man unless they were gentlemen." She smiled, pouring his tea for him.
"Tell me Bell, Isn't Artemis quite beautiful?"
Bell looked at the smiling girl as his face flushed scarlet.
"W-W-W-well… I-I-I... I mean…" He glanced awkwardly at Artemis.
Neea moved in front of Artemis. "Pretend she's not here, Bell. Besides I'm sure she won't mind."
Artemis's hand reached up for a moment, as her mouth began to open, wanting to stop the girl, but now she couldn't see Bell, she suddenly stopped. A desire to hear what he might say pausing her actions.
"W-well she's…" He paused for a moment. It hadn't taken long for Neea to notice that he was a shy young man.
"She's very pretty…"
Neea smiled "Come now Bell, you're not holding back on me now?"
"Ahem…" He blushed harder. "I-I'd never seen someone with blue hair before, it's really beautiful."
Artemis clutched at a lock of her hair.
"Right, it looks so soft and luxurious you just want to run your hands through it"
Bell nodded "Yes and her smile is so amazing it fills me with joy anytime I see…"
He trailed off as he realised that behind her back Artemis could hear every word he was saying. It was embarrassing to think he had even said such things in her presence.
"Hehe, I agree Bell. Please enjoy your tea."
She gave him a short bow, unable to suppress her happy smile.
At that moment she really wanted to lean in and whisper 'Good luck!' in his ear, but she thought he might jump out of his skin if she did. She walked away as if nothing unusual had happened, wanting to glance back and see Artemis's face, but knowing better, leaving the pair to themselves.
Bell found himself in a very awkward situation as he found himself alone with Artemis once more. His eyes shifted up from his tea to look at her but quickly back down as he dared not make eye contact in that moment.
They both sat for a moment, neither quite sure what to say to the other.
"I ugh…" He tried to say something, anything to ease the tension but in the end, it was Artemis that managed to get hold of the situation.
"N-No I...I didn't mind besides Neea can be like that always prying the answers she wants out of people…"
She blushed as she looked at his face with a reassuring smile.
"W-Well, she seems like a nice person… I guess she didn't mean any harm."
She nodded. "Come let's not worry about that too much your tea and pastries are getting cold."
"They do smell good… You pick first." He said smiling.
"Ohh no I couldn't" She picked one up and moved closer to his face. "I'm sure you'll like these come open up."
He couldn't quite believe it, the sight in front of him. Artemis in her fading pink dress, her blue hair braided behind her back, leaning forwards the pastry in her hand as she mouthed 'Ahhh…' at him.
He blushed but opened his mouth. He wasn't going to say no. "Ahh" He watched as she slowly placed the pasty in his mouth. The flakey buttery goodness overcame his taste buds as he smiled, closing his mouth and chewing.
"Mmh!" Artemis smiled at his reaction as a big content smile spread across his face.
"Good isn't it?" She asked, taking a bite out of the pastry in her hand.
"Mmm It soo good!" He said quickly, swallowing the mouth full. Artemis giggled as she let go quickly after putting it in her mouth so her fingers weren't eaten.
Neea suppressed a giggle as she tossed the vegetables in her wok.
'They didn't even notice… I wonder if that was their first indirect kiss?'
She did let out a quiet giggle, unable to help herself.
'Do they even realise how flirty they are being? Ahhh… If I could fall in love like that…'
This continued for a few minutes as they both chose another pastry each and fed it to the other. Unaware that every time they were getting more and more looks. But their giggles filled each other's ears and the world around them faded.
Both sat back in their chairs with gentle content smiles as the pastries were finished and they sipped on their tea for a moment.
Neea knew her timing though and just before things got quiet and awkward between them, she approached with two full plates.
"I thought you might like to try Artemis's favorite!" She said as she placed Bell's plate down.
"Hmmm You might have to watch out Bell, this girl has expensive taste."
"Eggs Benedict!"
"At first I thought you might like to share one." She turned and winked at Artemis. "But I think you two have done enough of that for one meal."
"T-Thank you Neea." Artemis gave her a gentle smile.
Neea smiled back with a big grin spreading across the face of the small girl, before she quickly turned and left the couple to themselves.
Neither of them wasted any time in eating their breakfast. The smell alone made them both salivate at the mouth. Bell waited for Artemis and Artemis for Bell. When they realised they were both doing the same thing they shared a giggle and nodded in agreement before digging in.
"Mmm!" Bell placed a fork full in his mouth. "Mmm…. Mmm…" She giggled as she watched him enjoy his food.
She gave him a moment as he clutched at his cheek and enjoyed the new flavours in his mouth.
"You've never had anything like this before Bell?" She asked, deciding to make a little conversation as they ate while also secretly wanting to know more about her only student.
"No!" He instantly answered.
"Before coming to the city, I lived in a small village… Just the smells of the market were amazing… and these things." He picked up a pastry, biting into it. "So good."
She smiled. "Ahh I remember when I first arrived here. I was overwhelmed at first." Her smile faded a little as she took a deep breath.
Bell glanced up at her as she did.
"I know… it's…." He glanced around. "It's all so new! And…." He shuffled in his seat. "It's not easy to get used to…"
She nodded. "I lived in the forests with my familia...We would hunt monsters for nearby towns, share stories under the moonlight…" She sighed. "I miss those days, I still haven't gotten used to living in this city."
At that moment all Bell wanted to do was reach out and grab her hand. He sighed in his heart as he held back.
She laughed a little. "That's probably why Hestia wanted me to be the one to show you around. Two out of place people in the big city."
She took a bite of her food only to place her knife and fork down.
"We haven't spoken much about how you've been handling your new surroundings have we, Bell? Are you having difficulty adapting to anything?"
"Well… " He glanced around, unsure of himself. "No...It's just everything has been so… overwhelming…"
She smiled "Hmm? Yes, that's normal… Coming from the quiet countryside to Orario is bound to be. Don't worry you'll get used to it soon enough. After all, Hestia told me you've made friends quickly, yes?"
Bell gave her a bright smile. "Yeah! I have…" He shuffled in his seat for a moment. "I think I might have made a best friend actually!"
"Ohh? That's good, What's their name?"
Bell gave another smile, happy to talk about his new friend.
"Her name is Haruhime! I'm so glad I met her, we both love reading hero stories together!"
Artemis felt her smile fade as she tried to keep it on her face. The face of the fox girl was enough to annoy her though she had no idea why.
"Ohhh…." She tried to look happy. "Thats nice to hear Bell"
He scratched the back of his head with a smile. "It's been nice, she's really made me feel welcome in the school. I…. Well, You understand Miss Artemis, moving to the big city and everything…."
"Yes Bell…" her attempt to hide her displeasure was becoming more difficult as she remembered seeing them under the tree together at school. Hestia was right about one thing: it did rub her the wrong way.
"W-well I'm happy for you Bell… Friends are a great distraction from your worries. But I don't need to go on. Come eat up we have a lot to see and do today"
Bell tucked into his meal. "Mmm This is so good, I can see why you love this Artemis!"
She blushed hard, noticing he hadn't said "Miss" this time.
"Good, enjoy it Bell." She smiled as she also tucked into her food.
Once they were finished Neea came back over.
"Soo you two how was the meal?"
Bell fell back in his seat patting at his belly.
"That was the best Neea! I can see why Artemis comes here so often!"
Neea smiled "Hehe does that mean we've hooked another returning customer?"
"You bet!" Bell smiled up at her.
Artemis grabbed his hand under the table and looked at him.
"Yay In that case I can't wait to see you both next time, right?"
Bell gave her another one of his bright smiles, Artemis smouldered for a second, before pouting gently and turning away, with a tiny smile of her own.
"Hehe, I'll take that as a yes then. You can pay downstairs when you're ready unless there's anything else I can get for you two?"
They both shook their heads and Neea leaned into Bell's ear. "Next time, why don't you bring her for a romantic dinner Bell. I'll be sure to reserve you a table."
Bell's face flushed hard as Artemis gasped.
"Neea!"
The waitress girl just gave him a wink as she smiled at him, before turning away, her tail wagging gently as she walked, looking over her shoulder for a moment.
"Enjoy the rest of your date you two!" She shouted before heading down the stairs.
Once again the pair glanced awkwardly at each other, both desiring the other so much, but at the same time, unable to admit their need for each other.
"W-w-we should go Bell... I-I'll go pay!"
She quickly got to her feet, turning fast to hide her growing blush as she hurried down the stairs to pay the bill. Leaving the still in shock Bell alone.
"Neea! What the Hell was that all about!" Artemis hissed in her ear making sure Bell didn't hear her.
Neea giggled.
"Come on Artemis." She replied quietly. "I mean.. Your dress…Your hair." She giggled again. "Don't tell me you don't want him…"
Artemis blushed hard.
"He-He… I can see why… he is rather handsome…"
She giggled again. Leaning in closer as she noticed Bell coming down the stairs.
"Good luck! Ohh I made this picnic for you both. You know, just looking out for my favourite customer." She winked as she handed the basket over to her.
"Oh.." Confused for a moment she quickly accepted the basket in her hands. "T-Thank you."
"I recommend the Goddess park… It's lovely this time of year and…" She began to whisper in her ear. "Nobody will bat an eye if you start making out."
Artemis's face flared up as her brain started to picture that very scenario.
"N-Neea! Stop saying things like that… it's embarrassing."
The waitress merely waved her aside. "Just take the damn basket and enjoy yourself. If you didn't like him you'd have never brought him."
They both went quiet as Bell joined them downstairs. Neea smiled brightly at him, giving a little way as she shoved the basket into Artemis's arms.
"Right, that's everything. Artemis must have something special planned, Bell. She even bought a picnic for your date, how romantic."
Artemis shot her a death glare only to get a smug smile in return. Bell just smiled back at the waitress. "T-Thankyou for everything Neea… I'll be sure to return soon."
"Hehe, so do I Bell." She skipped over to him and leaned close to his ear. "You know if things don't work out between you and Artemis… Maybe we can have a romantic date."
She knew the goddess was giving of murder vibes behind her but it was all worth it to see the albino boys large blush as she winked at him.
"Bye bye you two don't be strangers!" Neea quickly moved them outside and bid them farewell before skipping back into the store.
Bell was still blushing from the strange womens flirting but he quickly snapped out of it when he felt Artemis grab his hand.
"Come on Bell! We have lots to see!" She said with an annoyed voice. Bell couldn't understand why so he merely smiled as she dragged him along.
…
Despite her irritation at Neea, it didn't take long for Artemis to calm down. It was a beautiful day with a clear blue sky, the sun shining down brightly. Bell was confused for a while, wondering what he might have done wrong as she pulled him along, but after a few moments she had calmed and they fell in step next to each other as they walked.
He didn't say anything, but she hadn't let go of his hand.
She cleared her throat before giving him a small smile. "The market stalls sell almost everything you can think of. Weapons, Armour, hunting supplies, food…"
She giggled "Not that you'll need those sorts of things. It's not been long since Adventures became a second thought."
Bell smiled at her, thinking of Hero stories, the pictures in the books he had read growing up.
"It sounds amazing, I'd love to see it!"
She gripped his hand unknowingly. "We can also get you a bow. I-I'm still working on getting funds from Hermes to make repairs but in the meantime…"
She cleared her throat again. "I mean it will only be a training bow… Just so you can practice in your free time."
She tried to remain professional even now. Having no luck getting funding in the past it was unlikely they could practice in the archery house. What was worse she was forbidden to teach him outside without getting the guilds permission.
She glanced at him, only to find his eyes shining, a bright smile on his face.
"I always wanted a bow of my own!"
She giggled at his enthusiasm.
"Now, now Bell, you're not an adventurer. As far as the guild is concerned you can only carry weapons if you're registered with them or a familia…"
Bell's head dropped a little. "Oh…I suppose that makes sense. I suppose I shouldn't get my hopes up huh?"
She sighed. "Ever since Zeus completed the three great quests the guild has been cracking down hard on everything. I'm a goddess of the hunt and they even make me get a licence!"
She stopped and took a deep breath. "Don't worry, I'll help you get a hunter's license when you're ready then you'll be able to buy and carry a bow in the city."
She couldn't help but smile at his youthful optimism as he looked back up at her, his smile returning as he thanked her.
He looked thoughtful for a moment before turning back to her.
"What about out of the city? We could go hunt right?"
She shook her head. "It's not that simple… The forests are under the guilds… Protection after the elves complained of outsiders entering sacred lands… The guild in its infinite wisdom used it to regulate hunting as well. Ugh if they catch you the least of your worries is getting your license revoked."
Bell shook his head a little confused for a moment.
"It was never like this in my village…"
She smiled. "Then you grew up far outside the guild's reach. Around here if it can be controlled or regulated the guild is surely behind it. It's strange how things have changed, It only took Zeus completing the quests to set it all in motion."
She looked up at the sky covering her eyes with her free hand. "When Zeus and Hera disbanded their familia. The guild stepped in, former adventures were given jobs and privileges in the end the guild had the best of the best working for them and even Freya and Loki couldn't match them…"
She squeezed his hand and turned to face him. "You're not in the countryside anymore, Bell. With security and protection comes rules and laws. Don't worry I'll go over them all in our next lesson. For now, just try to enjoy yourself okay."
He smiled back at her nodding, before glancing behind him. "We took a left, then a right? Didn't we? This place is a maze, I'm not sure if I'm lost already…"
"We have all day. Don't worry I'll make sure you're at least able to find your way home."
He subconsciously squeezed her hand, not wanting to let go as he glanced around. Getting used to the city had been difficult his first few days, but so far everything was so new. He had seen more new faces before he'd arrived at the cafe for breakfast than people who had lived in his village. The hustle and bustle of the place, despite the quiet areas Artemis had led him down, had been a little overwhelming.
She smiled as they turned another corner and Bell's eyes went wide.
Bell had thought things had been busy in the streets where he had to step aside for a horse and cart.
The cacophony of noise that flooded out as he stepped around the corner shocked his ears. He looked up to see a street so full of people, he had no idea how they were moving around. It seemed so packed. Looking down the long street, he saw stall after stall, each one packed with different exotic goods, one just a boutique of flowers, another packed with ice selling fish, a spice stall where a big burly man was arguing with a customer about the price of a few strands of saffron. Powerful smells swept his senses, bright banners advertising their goods hung everywhere down the market. Tradesmen shouted loudly calling out their wares, customers haggled back and forth trying to get the best price.
Artemis felt Bell tense as his hand gripped hers.
She squeezed back to try and reassure him, though all it accomplished was changing his view to her.
"Relax Bell… Don't worry it's always a little overwhelming at first but also exciting. You never had anything like this in the country so it's bound to be a shock."
She looked around for a brief moment before turning her attention back to him. "We can go take a seat if you're feeling overwhelmed?"
He shook his head, but didn't let go of her hand.
"N-No." He glanced up at the crowd. Turning back to her he smiled.
She smiled back but was still standing her ground. "You don't have to act strong for me, Bell. I felt the same when I first came here. Come let's sit for a moment and we can decide where we want to go."
"Here…" She turned, pulling him gently towards a bench under a tree set in the middle of the crossroads.
"I have to admit…" She said as they sat down together. "When I first came to the city, after years of living out in the wilderness, only hunting with my Familia, it was difficult at first." She giggled for a moment. "Ahhh. the first time Hestia brought me here? I had to sit here for a good ten minutes Bell, it was all so much…" She trailed off for a second, lost in the memory.
Bell was taken aback by her honesty. "B-but you seem so confident with everything. I can't imagine you being overwhelmed."
She shook her head. "No…" She glanced up at the moving crowd. "You get used to it… That's all." She gave a small snort. "The good and the bad. I won't lie somethings you just never get used too…"
She had felt it was a shame that something she had to learn quickly was to make sure a small ragtag orphan didn't bump into her. She had quickly found her purse had been cut and her money stolen. She felt sorry for their situation but couldn't accept anyone stooping so low as to steal.
"Keep yourself out of trouble and you'll be fine. The guild and familia's keep the streets free of most crimes. Though don't expect them to help you if your purse gets stolen!"
Bell nodded, moving his money pouch into a pocket inside his jacket.
She squeezed his hand again, still not really noticing she was holding it.
"Calm now? Want to give it a try?"
He looked up only to see the huge crowds of people rushing about. His head went a little dizzy as he laughed nervously. "N-No… Can we wait a little while longer?"
She smiled, giving him a reassuring nod. "Of course Bell. Take as long as you need."
He looked back at the bustling crowd, so many new faces, everyone dressed differently, so many new races as well. Elves, animal people.
Artemis squeezed his hand again as he watched, she couldn't help but watch him as he sat there fascinated. It was seeing herself when Hestia gave her the tour. It made her more endearing to his situation. They were two out of place people in the big city. It was only fair that she did everything to make him feel welcome.
She gave a little blush as she realised how close they were. Finally noticing their hands connected firmly together. It was strange that she had only realised at that moment as she became aware they had been like this since they left the cafe.
"F-Fine…" She moved his head and gently lowered him into her lap. The crimson blush on her face was hidden as she turned away. "J-Just don't get used to this… I'm still your teacher…"
His blush was equal to her as his head rested on her soft lap. While it was strange to do in public he quickly realised nobody cared. His worries melted away as took in the beautiful goddess. He rolled over to look up at her and with a big smile, he met her gaze.
"Thank you, Artemis… I'll try not to."
She blushed a little more at his words before closing her eyes and running her hand through his hair. 'I might have to start rewarding him more in class..'
Authors Notes.
Chapter 7 is done. It's not as long as I planned, but unfortunately, I don't have the time I did to write a great deal. Between getting sick and having to make up for time off work I'm not going to be getting another chapter out for a while. So I made the choice to cut this one short and make it up when I have more time on my hands. The same goes for Ktp which is currently on hold. It takes far too long to even go through everything and until I have the time to go through and get everything down, I don't feel comfortable writing another chapter just to make mistakes. So I do apologise to all those that were looking forward to the next chapter.
I hope you are all staying safe in this hectic world. Thanks for taking the time to read.