Chapter 14 - Kisses And Cuddles Are Not Cheap

Once Ryū finished work, had dinner with her colleagues and then a shower, Bell told her to come back to the room where they just spoke now. This is where he'd speak to her and Eina again.

Then he asked Ryū if she'd be okay to sleep with him tonight. Only sleeping, with their nightwear on. He wanted to cuddle her to sleep and make sure she was okay. Plus, if she had any nightmares about her familia, then he'd be there to comfort her. Again, only with kisses and cuddles.

Ryū was completely flabbergasted, making all sorts of strange noises and gestures, before finally saying yes. Eina had told her to expect this during their girl talk yesterday, but he'd never force her to do anything she wasn't ready for. She could testify to that.

What surprised the golden haired waitress even more was when she learned Eina had already embraced Bell, intimately, before they confessed their love for each other on the city's walls. Not in a quiet forest under the moon during the middle of the night. The half elf giggled when she heard that but explained how difficult it would be. Bell was a famous adventurer now and the city wouldn't let him leave unless it was a city wide matter. Plus, the nearest forest was a long way away. If Ryū wanted romance, Bell would deliver on it. Eina was confident about that and promised to tell her later about the date that consummated their relationship.

The memory of that conversation still made her feel hot under the collar, but then she remembered Bell was still waiting for an answer. With an obvious nervousness, she said yes.

With their day planned, they went their separate ways, but not before Bell pulled Ryū into a long kiss. No sounds. No smiles. No other movement. He simply kept his lips on hers, trying to communicate everything he helped for her. His commitment to always be by her side. No matter what. She could rely on him.

.

At the guild headquarters, Eina met with Bell in a consultation box.

When he arrived, she could barely contain herself.

Once the door was locked she launched herself at him.

"I missed you." She smiled.

"I missed you too."

It had barely been a day since she last saw him, but ever since he told her that he loved her.

And wanted a family with her one day.

Eina hadn't been able to stop thinking about him all day.

Her bed never felt as warm or as comfy without him.

Like she was missing a part of her soul.

She needed to be with him again.

But first…

"Bell, how did it go? The talk with Syr."

He opened his mouth to speak, then remembered what he felt. It was embarrassing.

"I'll tell you tonight with Ryū, when she's finished work too. Until then, you've got me." Eina squealed in delight, before kissing him again.

Then almost as if remembering that she was still at work, tried to make herself presentable.

Bell laughed.

"Hey Eina, what would your colleagues say if they saw you now?" She turned her head away, apparently she couldn't take the tease. "Well?" Still, he pressed on.

Eina didn't seem to want to say anything, but it also seemed like she was hiding something too. Bell decided not to press even further, if it was important she'd tell him.

Plus, there were more chances to tease her later.

Once they sat down and began their season, things felt professional again.

She blamed herself for him almost dying on his escape to the eighteenth floor. Bell tried to protest, but Eina stopped him with a hand held up, before continuing. He was no ordinary adventurer, so she should have prepared him accordingly. From now, their study lessons would be longer and harder. Filled with more knowledge about the middle floors than before. Bell gulped.

Her study sessions were hard enough already and she wasn't getting paid for any of these extra personal lessons as she called it. But seeing how she loved him; he couldn't blame her. He would have done the same.

They had three days until Welf was finished with Bell's new equipment. Their party had lost a lot of weapons and armour on their trip to the eighteenth floor. Plus, his light armour got beaten up pretty badly against the goliath. While still usable, Welf insisted on crafting new gear for him. Eina had agreed too, since she wanted to make sure Bell was safe.

That would have explained why their table was so full of parchments, ink and books right now.

For the rest of the morning, Eina drilled everything related to the middle floors into his brain. Their break being only to go out and have lunch. They left the guild separately to avoid being seen together.

However, when Bell reached the lobby he was stopped by two girls who handed him an envelope with an extremely fine and sealed wax emblem. Ingrained on the wax was a bow and arrow in front of a sun.

It was from Apollo familia.

During lunch, Eina warned him to be careful. Picking a fight with other familias was not a smart smooth, even if they started it. She was there last night, so understood everything.

When they returned to the guild, Eina waved him goodbye. She had other duties to attend to. So Bell told her where to meet him, after she got off work and got changed. Then, they would go out for dinner together, just the two of them, before waiting for Ryū in the room he rented at a nearby inn.

Until then, Bell decided to visit his goddess to share the news about the surprise letter from Apollo familia.

Hestia said that they couldn't ignore it, not after his fight with them yesterday, so they accepted.

In three days, Bell and Hestia would attend their 'Celebration of the Gods'.

.

Later that night at the inn, Bell felt very comfortable as he and Eina were happily snuggling together in bed. Partially clothed. They didn't want to get too excited after all, since Ryū was going to sleep in this bed with him later tonight. Much to Eina's disappointment. She wanted to sleep with him.

But she wouldn't for two reasons.

One, the bed was barely big enough for two people to sleep together.

And even if they could fit three people, there was a problem with the duvet.

It was far too small for three people, especially when Eina loved to hog it all.

The second reason why Eina wouldn't be sleeping with Bell tonight was because she understood Ryū.

Today would be the first time she got to sleep with Bell.

Even if it was only kisses and cuddles, that was a major step for an elf like her.

They needed some time alone and she wouldn't ruin it for them.

There would be plenty of time to sleep with Bell later.

Plus, share him too.

That last thought made her all hot and bothered.

It was still an idea for now

Eina didn't know how that would all work, but she trusted in Bell.

He wouldn't neglect or abandon either of them.

That much was clear.

Until then, she would enjoy her alone time with him as much as possible.

.

Bell and Eina had tried to talk for as long as possible, but they almost fell asleep while cuddling each other in bed.

At the same time, that was when Ryū appeared.

When she saw them in a very intimate position, she backed out and slammed the door shut.

Then apologised.

"Ryū! It's not what you think, come back in here. Please." Bell laughed, while Eina just dug deeper under the duvet. She was not ready for this.

Once inside the room, Ryū still refused to look directly where Eina and Bell were cuddling.

"Eina, could you sit up and show Ryū that you're wearing some clothes?"

The half elf reluctantly pulled back the duvet to reveal a pair of black trousers and long sleeve white v neck shirt with a beige cardigan that ran down to her waist. They fit her well as Eina's curves moulded her clothes, giving a very sexy appeal. It took every ounce of mind strength Bell had not to ravish her in bed.

Ryū seemed to have recognised his dilemma too, because she found Eina's look to be very attractive as well. It was a strange feeling, since she had never really considered women in that way before.

While she was just dressed in a fresh set of her working clothes. She didn't have much else in her wardrobe. Which made her a little sad.

"You see, she's fully clothed and so am I."

Bell tried to get up, but Eina whined in displeasure and pulled him back down to bed. She was losing her human blanket, the source of all her warmth.

"Eina... Please... Not now, come on." Another whine. It seemed as if she wanted something, but what?

Grandfather, help me!

He begged within his mind.

"Women always want what other women have."

No other lesson came to him, so he had to think.

What did Ryū have that Eina wanted?

"Oh, so you want to sleep with me too."

His statement was meant for Eina, but he was looking at Ryū.

She looked almost ready to run away, before Bell forced himself not to laugh and corrected his mistake.

"Sorry, I meant Eina. If I promise to sleep with you tomorrow, will you let go of me now?"

"Mmmmm hmmp." That sounded like a yes, so Bell got up. Walked to Ryū, before holding her hands and looked into her eyes as though asking for permission.

Ryū was much stronger than him, so any sudden reactions could have her throwing him through a wall like he was nothing. He didn't want that.

She nodded and he brought his hands up behind her as they kissed. Ryū had been incredibly tense since she came into the room. So he gave her a long kiss followed by several shorter ones until she calmed down.

.

Eina watched them both go at it as if she wasn't even here. True, Bell had just been cuddling and kissing her "and" took her out for dinner, but she wanted him for dessert too.

The sweet sensation that Ryū was happily enjoying right now, if the way her ears waved up and down were any indication.

She made a low whine when she felt like they had gone on long enough. Eina might have accepted Ryū into his harem, but there was only so much teasing she could take.

.

Bell chuckled. Oops, he forgot Eina was in the room with him as Ryū started to turn from salamander to the sun. She stared at his chest, looking horrified by what she had just done. Bell laughed even more. It looks like they all needed a little more time with this harem of his.

"Ryū, why don't you go sit on the bed with Eina, while I grab the chair and start explaining." She gasped, before slowly nodding, then gingerly did as he asked.

She got into the bed without any troubles, but what amused him the most was when Ryū started sniffing curiously. Her face melted happily with a blush as she realised what this was. Bell's scent wrapped around her as she brought the duvet up to her face.

Eina pouted when she realised what had happened too and so began a mini tug of war for who would get most of Bell's side of the duvet.

As much as this amused, Bell knew he couldn't let it continue. So he broke it up in the only way he knew how.

"Girls, if you really want me that badly, then why don't we all sleep together." It was framed as more of a statement than a question, but it had the desired effect. Both girls turned red instantly and stopped what they were doing.

Now that he had both of their attention, the meeting began.

He told them of his talk with Syr, who had "persuaded" him to give her a chance. That was the only way he saw to keep Ryū's friendship with Syr intact. Hopefully, Syr would give up after a while. If not, then Bell would stop it. Of course, Ryū knew most of this, she was there when it happened.

However, Bell told them that he had no real intention of bringing Syr into his harem. Three girls was more than enough. Three girls was all he needed and he was very happy with all of them so far.

Eina and Ryū beamed at his praise.

"Any questions?" Both girls looked at each other and said no. "Okay then-" But then an idea took to leave his mind.

Two girls. No. Two beautiful elves in his bed who wanted him, and he was going to send one of them away? Not happening, his brain told him.

"Go on, my boy. You know you want to."

His grandfather's voice seemed to encourage.

Bell gulped.

Was he really going to do this?

Ah, just do it.

He worked hard for this.

"Eina, Ryū." They both gave him curious looks. "I want to cuddle both of you... at the same time."

Two pairs of elven ears stood up, along with their eyebrows.

Bell froze as he watched the two of them look at each other, blushed at him, before repeating the entire process again. Eina then seemed to whisper something into Ryū's ear, which made her squirm. Then nodded, slowly.

Eina smiled deviously at him. "Just a cuddle, Bell. You're not allowed to devour us both at the same time. Not until you've had Ryū at least." Bell's eyes almost popped out of his head as he imagined that dream scenario.

"Wait-wait-wait-wait!" The full elf stuttered.

.

"Shhh... I'm helping you." Eina whispered in a very hushed tone with the duvet covering her mouth. "Wouldn't want Bell getting too greedy now would we? This is your first night with him, right?" Ryū nodded. "Then you need to spend some time alone with him. It'll be special. I know, because I've slept with him too." Ryū's eyes popped out; Eina had already told her that they had done that. Her mind ran away with what he might do to her too, but Eina brought her back down to earth.

"Don't worry, Bell's not going to do that with you tonight. So, just relax and enjoy yourself." She nodded again. "Plus, Bell's been working very hard recently. I think we should let him cuddle us for a bit, right?" Another nod, slower this time.

Then Eina smiled, before turning towards Bell.

"Okay Bell, why don't you crawl in between us?" She smirked, while patting the space under the duvet.

"Excuse me?" He said disbelievingly.

.

Eina had gotten too bossy recently. This was not the guild anymore.

That's what he thought.

"Bell, if you're going to have a harem, you need a strong dominant frame. Don't be afraid to order your girls around. Nicely. You can also be a little rough with them, but I'm not going to teach you that today."

And he never got the chance to.

"Girls like a man who isn't afraid to give them orders, but sometimes they'll try to order you around too. It's to test what they can get away with. To see what kind of power they have over you. Once they have it, you'll never get it back. So don't yield. Remind them every now and again who's in charge. If they're playful, do the same. If they're being unreasonable, then be the opposite. Most of all, don't say anything you're not willing to do right then."

Bell nodded to himself.

"Eina, when did I say you could order me around?" She was about to respond, but he cut her off. "Have you forgotten about that time already?" Her face dropped instantly. She knew what he was talking about and buried herself under the covers. While Ryū looked petrified.

"It's okay Ryū, I'm not going to do anything with you tonight. Just a cuddle and a few kisses." He chuckled.

She nodded, then made space for him.

He took off his boots and climbed in.

Ryū was in his arms as he cuddled her from behind, while Eina hugged him from behind too.

This is heaven. Bell told himself as he gently squeezed Ryū and inhaled the scent of her freshly washed hair. It was still a bit cold and wet, but he didn't mind. Especially when Eina's incredibly generous chest warmed him up from behind.

In fact, both girls lit a fire within him. Plus, they were both as soft as each other. He purred like a kitten, before shifting himself into a more comfortable position. While taking great care not to touch Ryū's chest. Bell didn't think she was ready for that, yet.

.

Eina didn't mind things like this, that way she'd be able to pull away from them later. Otherwise, she'd never leave.

This was a new and exciting experience for her, not sharing a bed with two others, but being the big spoon for a chance.

She always wondered how that felt, so she experimentally kissed the back of his neck a few times.

That released a few angelic moans from her Bell that she had never heard before. Eina decided to try some more. Then began to create a song of her own as she took full advantage of this rare and exciting moment.

.

At first, Ryū felt Bell's embrace fill and cleanse every part of her soul. It was as if his warmth burned away all of his worries, guilt and fatigue.

Mama Mia had worked her particularly hard today.

But there was something that scared her more right now. She couldn't see what was happening behind her, nor could she turn around to check what was causing those strange moans to happen.

Was this some kind of human mating ritual she wasn't aware of?

Then Eina's giggles caught her attention.

Bell wasn't making those strange noises on purpose, but because of what Eina did.

Ryū made a mental note to ask her about them later.

Plus, the noises he made were strangely comforting, if not alluring. They sounded like the humming lovers would make or so she thought.

Wait, I'm making those noises too!

She realised this when Bell massaged the back of her neck with his lips.

No wonder he made those noises. This feels like heaven.

Nothing in the forest made her feel as comfortable as this.

That was when Ryū became a cuddle addict.

Starved from the touch of another for so long.

She grabbed Bell's hands and brought them to her chest.

.

A little while later, Bell realised that Ryū had fallen asleep. Not just any sleep, but a deep slumber. He himself was close to that too.

But then Eina reluctantly left his back exposed, inviting in a cold breeze which shook his spine.

"Eina..." He weakly protested.

"I'm sorry Bell, but Ryū should have you alone for tonight." She whispered. "It's only fair."

Bell was too sleepy to say anything else, except this.

"Okay, but give me a kiss, before you go. Please." His last word made Eina quietly chuckle.

She kissed him on the check, but Bell wasn't okay with this and let out a whine of his own.

"Eina..." He complained.

With a heavy sigh crawled back onto the bed, over his head, then pecked his lips.

Making a happy Bell moan in satisfaction.

Eina laughed again, quietly.

"Goodnight, my love." She said, before opening the door.

"Goodnight Eina, and I love you too." He whispered before, before Ryū whined in her sleep and pulled his arm closer towards her chest.

Eina shook her head ruefully with a knowing smile, before leaving them alone for the night.

.

When Ryū woke up, she told herself that this was the best sleep of her life.

Then a hand groped her chest.

She almost threw the offending hand through the window, before realising who it belonged to.

Then blushed, before hiding under her duvet.

Last night, she had fallen asleep with Bell.

And Eina.

Eina.

Eina!

Ryū's head turned around, but she couldn't hear her breathing.

"You need to spend some time alone with him. It'll be special. I know, because I've slept with him too."

She remembered Eina's words from last night.

"Sleeping in are we?"

Mama Mia's grin infiltrated her mind and Ryū jumped out of bed, sending Bell flying into a nearby wall.

"Bell! I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She repeated her words again and again, until Bell realised what had happened.

He was worried at first and had asked what was wrong, but she quickly calmed him down first.

Ryū looked out the window, which confirmed her worst fears.

She had slept in.

"Bell, this is not funny! Mama Mia is going to be angry at me!" He couldn't stop laughing as he stood up. "Stop laughing!" But Ryū couldn't stop herself either.

.

"Okay. Okay."

It took them a while, but eventually they calmed down.

"Come here." Bell's hands reached out to her, while his fingers curled towards him, obviously asking for a hug.

Ryū slowly walked up to him and accepted his offer.

"You know… if we're late already, we might as well enjoy this for a little longer." Then kissed the top of her head to remind her of what she'd been missing, if they left now.

Seeing how she was still conflicted; Bell made another suggestion.

"I'll help out too, if that makes you feel any better." He meant working with her at the bar.

She squeezed him a little.

So that was a yes.

Then they crawled back into bed.

.

"Ryū, I've been thinking, would you be okay doing this once a week?"

The elf's ears perked up.

Could she?

Yes, but Syr…

No, Bell had asked her.

She could afford to be a little selfish this time.

"Yes. Please, Bell."

"Okay." He kissed the back of her neck. "Once a week then."

Ryū hummed positively in response as he feathered her neck with even more kisses.

But Bell wasn't done yet.

"Ryū?"

"Hmm?"

"How would you like to go on a date?"

Her entire body went stiff.

A date?

She had never been on one of those before.

Suddenly, she started thinking of what they would do.

What should she wear?

Oh Alise, I wish you were here right now!

"It's okay Ryū, I'll take care of it. Unless there's something specific you want to do?"

Ryū shook her head.

"Okay."

.

Now all Bell had to do was figure out how to get Ryū out on a date with him.

She had already been scolded by Mama Mia earlier for running off to save him on the eighteenth floor.

Then, she had slept in and missed some of her morning shift today.

Things weren't looking good for them.

Maybe he could offer to work at the Hostess of Fertility to make up for it.

Plus earn a chance to date Ryū sometime this week?

That might work.

They stayed in bed for a while longer with Bell hugging Ryū from behind, before deciding that it was enough.

If they skipped too much of Ryū's morning shift.

Mama Mia might go hunting for them.

Neither of them wanted that.

.

When they arrived in front of Mama Mia, she was not pleased.

"What time do you call this?"

Both Bell and Ryū flinched at her words.

"I'm sorry, it's my fault." Bell explained.

"Don't cover for the elf, she knew what she was getting into." Ryū started fidgeting.

He'd never seen her scared like that before.

"Or did you never learn about the bees and bunnies?" Then Ryū turned the darkest shade of crimson he had ever seen.

Sniggling could be heard from the kitchen behind them as Mama Mia smiled menacingly at him and Ryū.

"W-We didn't do that! Only cuddles-" Bell stopped himself before he said anymore.

But that didn't stop the towering dwarf from smiling even wider.

"You didn't force yourself on her, did you?"

"No!" His eyebrows shot up.

Bell would never do such a thing, but he couldn't help feeling guilty under Mama Mia's gaze as she leaned in. Eyes squinting.

.

She looked deep into his soul for any sign of foul play but found none.

The kid was pure, but she sensed some experience from him.

Not with Ryū though.

Whatever, it was none of her business.

Plus, if he did try to force himself, Ryū would beat him into a pulp as a level four.

Not that it would ever happen.

Bell seemed like a good person.

But he had attracted dangerous attention.

Syr.

And she wanted no part of that.

Her only concern was her girls.

So, Mia backed off and smiled normally.

.

Bell gulped.

He didn't know who was more terrifying.

Her or Syr.

The rabbit made a prayer to the heavens that he would never find out.

"Ryū, get into the kitchen." Mama Mia said next, then stared at Bell. "What do you want?" He gulped again.

"I-I'd like to make up for today and take Ryū out on a date next week."

This week was almost over, plus he needed to take care of a few other things. Like getting back into the dungeon as his money was now looking dangerously low.

"Oh ho ho. What makes you think I'll let you do that after the little stunt you pulled today?"

"I can work."

"And what can you do?"

"I can wash the dishes like last time."

Mama Mia gave him a withering stare, but Bell refused to show weakness. He didn't try to stare back, just absorb all the pressure she was laying into him.

"One week."

His eyes bulged out.

"One week?!"

"Yes, you'll work here every evening for one week straight! No breaks. No freebies and no running away."

"But I have to go to Apollo familia's party in three days." He protested.

"Oh, so you don't want to go on a date with Ryū this week?"

"I do, but I can't ignore this invitation!"

"Not my problem."

Man, this woman really didn't play fair.

Then Bell had a crazy idea.

"Mia-sama, what is the Hostess of Fertility known for?"

"Are you blind? You've been here a few times and fallen in love with one of my girls, what do you think?"

Bell couldn't refute that last part; he walked right into it.

"Okay, so it's the girls, the atmosphere and the food?"

"Are you asking or are you telling me?"

"Telling..."

"Correct, especially the food."

Of which he had no doubt, but Bell was confident about his plan.

"Then I challenge you to a cook off."

For the first time in his life, Bell saw Mama Mia surprised, then rip out the loudest laughter he had ever heard. She even gave his grandfather a run for his money if he were still here.

"Boy, I don't know what you ate this morning, but you don't want to go down that route."

"Yes, I do." He was confident in his request.

"Oh, have something special do you?"

Bell just smiled.

"Okay, I'll bite. We'll cook one dish each and everyone here will taste it. If you beat me, you'll work only three days. Plus, I'll let you choose the days within reason."

He could accept that.

"Don't grin. Because if I win, then you work here for two weeks instead. No breaks."

"Two weeks!" Bell almost shouted.

The price of losing was steep.

He gulped.

Did he really trust in his plan that much?

"Okay."

His opponent put out their hand.

"Shake on it."

So he did.

"The challenge is in two days during the morning. Just before service."

Then he had no time to lose.

Bell ran out of the shop in search of ingredients.

It was at that moment he learnt that kisses and cuddles were not cheap.

In fact, they carried huge risks.

But this risk was worth it.

For Ryū.

Anything was.

.

A.N.

Fun fact: (From light novel 6, described when Bell talks to Hestia about the letter from Apollo familia)

When Bell first arrived, two months ago from the day he got the letter from Apollo familia, the season was beginning to change from Winter to Spring.

That means Bell was born during the winter months, because if the story is going to last only one year without Bell aging. Then he must have just turned 14, before arriving in Orario. Hence, he was born during the winter.

Also, the cook off between Mama Mia and Bell was not planned at all.

I realised that I was few hundred words short of 4000, my minimum for each chapter, so I kept writing until I came up with that.

And now that I think about it, no fanfic author has DARED to have a cook off with Mama Mia.

You've had better chance fighting off the black dragon by yourself IMO. Lol.

Anyway, as for what dish Bell's gonna cook.

Well, you'll just have to wait and see. ;)

It's gonna be good!

But I'll give you a hint.

It's a British dish.

If someone can guess what it is in a review, then I MIGHT accept a request for a scene you guys want to see, but no lemons!

Chapter 14: 4730 words. (Including a few dots that act as transitions and dividers)