Bell was up and now had to come up with a plan for his date with Syr. He knew that she was the real monster rex of the week, so he needed to be prepared. The good news is that Hestia was still staying with Hephaestus, so he just needed to check in the Mansion every now and again. He could at least try to make it look like he was staying there a decent amount of time like making food for himself which was usually just a light breakfast. As he left and closed the doors, he made his way to the Hostess and tried to come up with a date plan for him and Syr. Even if this was only to show his gratitude, he at least had to make it genuine. Knowing Syr, that would be difficult with all her teasing.
Bell: (I can never tell what she's thinking. Anyway, what should I even do with her?)
Before he knew it, he arrived at the pub and everyone was getting it ready for the day. Anya was outside to greet him.
Anya: Good morning, white hair, nya.
Bell: Good morning, it Miss Syr here?
Anya: Yeah, she's upstairs. I'll go get her.
Bell was let inside by her and greeted everyone. He then heard loud footsteps coming down which was Mama Mia.
Mia: Boy, are you here for Syr?
Bell: Ah, y-yes!!
Mia: Well, sorry to say, but she's unavailable today.
Bell: What?
Mia: You can ask her.
She motioned her head behind her showing the girl in uniform but with a bump on her head.
Syr: Bell?
Bell: Miss Syr!! Are you ok?!
Syr: I-I'm fine!! Looks like we won't be having our date today. Mama Mia caught me slacking and punished me- I mean today's going to be a busy day and she needs everyone to be here.
Bell: (So she was being lazy again...)
Syr: *Squinting* You thought something rude just now, didn't you?
Bell: N-No!!
Syr: *Giggle* I'm just kidding. Still, I have some time and I could use your help with something.
Bell: That would be?
She just smiled while dragging the boy to her room.Syr: *Blushing* Oh... yes, bell... right there. AH!!
Bell: Sorry, did that hurt?!
Syr: No it's fine. You can go deeper now.
Bell: A-Alright, I'm going in again.
Syr: Mmm!! Oh!! Oh!!
Bell: Please stop making those sounds! *Blushing*
Syr: I-I can't help it... you're too good.
Bell: I'm still not sure why you asked me of all people to clean your ears.
The boy took the cleaning stick out of her ear and she sat up on the bed.
Syr: Do you really think I can rely on any of them for this?
Bell: I-... (Actually, she has a point.)
He imagined all the different ways they would hurt her. Ryuu would be too clumsy and hurt her. Lunoire and Mia would probably ended pulling her brain out her ear instead of what she actually needed. Chloe was, well, Chloe and the same was with Anya.
Syr: Well, anyway, thanks for that. I usually have someone else do that, but they couldn't this time. I'm going to head down now, and you can just think of something fun for us to do next time.
Bell: Alright.
The two made their way back down and he found Ryuu by the doors with a broom. She sweeped the floors but Bell saw a beautiful smile from her that made his heart race. She was lost in her own world while Bell tried to reach out to her.
Bell: Ryuu.
Ryuu: Eep!
Splinter*
The elf was startled when she heard him call to her. That's because she was still daydreaming about the date they had before. The stories they shared and the time spent together was engraved into her mind and she constantly replayed those happy memories over and over which made it easy for Bell to surprise her and make her bend the broom a little as a result.
Ryuu: B-Bell!
Bell: Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Are you doing ok, you seem out of it?
Ryuu: I'm fine!
What the boy didn't know was that date she had made a significant improvement to her emotional health. Just last evening she had the most beautiful smile on her face with some pink on her cheeks while she remembered their date. Her friends saw this and all had smirks on theirs but couldn't tease her from how busy they were. At least Mia was happy because many people payed extra to have the elf serve them with that smile of hers.
Ryuu: Are you doing anything today?
Bell: Not anymore I guess.
Ryuu: Good, then you have extra time to plan your date with Syr. She was quite excited last night and wondered how you were going to treat her.
Bell: I honestly think I got lucky here. I wouldn't have been able to come up with a good enough with such little time. I'll be sure to treat her right tomorrow.
The elf smiled at how considerate he was being towards her friend, yet her heart tightened at those feelings not being thrown her way.
Ryuu: I'm sure she'll be glad to hear that.
Bell: Mhm! I'll be back tomorrow, see you!!
She nodded and waved him goodbye as he ran out the door. She sighed blissfully to herself while Mia had walked up to her.
Mia: Girl, if you're done here I need you to-
She stopped when she saw the broken broom on the elf's hand. Ryuu snapped out of her trance when the dwarf had called her and she suddenly remembered what she was doing and what she did to the broom.
Mia: *Sigh* This had better not be a reoccurring issue. The rabbit is gonna get it if he makes you distracted and break things.
Ryuu: I-I apologize.
She ran back to the kitchen and went to help the others prepare for the day. Mia held the broken broom in her hands and wondered about the future.
Mia: (This is what love does to people and she's no exception. You better not hurt her or you'll be in worse shape than this broom, boy.)
Back with Bell, he felt a shiver run up his spine while walking through the streets. While he did, he passed a stand where he saw Ais and Riveria. The elf was currently staying to the side while the girl ordered her jagamarukun. Riveria saw the boy and went to greet him.
Riveria: Mr. Cranel.
Bell: Miss Riveria, good morning!
Riveria: Good to see you doing well. I see you're able to move normally again.
Bell: Yeah, getting out of the casts is refreshing. So, what are you doing here?
Riveria: We were coming back from some business with Goibnu. As wanted to stop by this stall and here we are. I'm still thinking it was too early to bother the God, but he didn't mind the visit. If anything he seemed glad her sword wasn't in as bad a shape as it was the last time.
Bell: Considering what your Familia does, I can only imagine.
Riveria: Yes. Well, what brings you here?
Bell: Nothing in particular, just have something coming up that I need to plan for.
Riveria: And that is?
Bell: *Blushing* A d-date?
The elf gained an amused smikr when he said that.
Riveria: Really now? Well, she must be a lucky girl.
Bell: Please don't tease me. This is just a Thank you for everything she's done to help me.
Riveria: Either way, I hope you both enjoy yourselves.
Bell: Right, goodbye.
The boy left as Ais had returned with her bag of snacks, missing the boy by just a little.
Ais: Was that Bell?
Riveria: It was. He just came to say hello before going back to his business. Now, come along, we have work to do today.
Ais and Bell looked back at each other as they moved apart. Ais saw him and wanted to ask if he wished to train with her again. Bell looked at her and felt his heart beat faster, but only a little faster.
Bell: (I should've at least greeted her too.)
The next day...
Bell: Ok! Time to put this into action!
He dressed in the same outfit as last time and left to pick up the girl at the pub. When he got there, he was stunned to see the girl is in a white dress with a sun hat on. Her eyes turned to meet his and she got a bright smile on her face before she rushed down the steps.
Syr: Bell, you're here!
Bell: Yeah, are you ready?
Syr: Yup, we still have some time before the afternoon. I said I was leaving so we can go now.
Bell: Okay.
For the first few hours, it had been going smoothly for the two of them. They walked around the city and talked about little things while Syr showed him some more places he'd never been to before, but in the end, they were having fun.
Bell: Wait, she really did that?! I thought Ryuu was kidding!
Syr: *Giggle* No, that did happen. Anya was out cold after and Mama Mia got really angry.
Bell: (Poor Miss Anya...)
The boy suddenly felt a shiver and looked around making Syr confused at what he was doing.
Syr: Bell?
Bell: (Who's watching me now? Well, whoever it is, they aren't happy.) It's nothing.
Syr: *Grabbing his hand* Come on, Let's grab something to eat!
Bell: I guess I'm hungry- wait!!
They went to a place Syr liked to eat at. If she was recommending it, Bell didn't have a reason to refuse. They sat and ate their food when Syr had brought up another topic.
Syr: So, have your sleeping issues been getting better?
Bell: Yeah, I'm starting to handle sleeping on my own. Still, have nightmare every now and again, but it's getting much better.
Syr: I'll bet it is. You looked so peaceful next to Ryuu it was hard to imagine you had that problem to begin with.
She gained a smirk on her face while Bell's exploded in red.
Bell: H-Hey!!
Syr: Sorry, sorry. I'm just glad to see you doing better. After watching you stumble to us that night, I got scared for you.
Bell saw her smile fade and it was replaced with a look of worry.
Bell: I'm really sorry for worrying you.
Syr: If anything you should apologize to Ryuu. Then again, I guess you did two days ago.
Bell: I-I was just thanking her for helping me with my problem among other things! It's the same with you!
A glint appeared in the girl's eyes before she put on her best sad face.
Syr: You mean this isn't a real date? I came here because I wanted to show my affection for you.
Bell: I-I- uh...
Watching him trip over his words, Syr broke down laughing with Bell looking at her with shock.
Syr: S-Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
Bell: Please stop teasing me.
Syr: Aw, but you're so cute when you're like that! I am curious though, was your date with Ryuu a real one then?
Bell: It-
He stopped abruptly while giving his answer. What did he really think about it. It was supposed to be like that at first, but by the end he felt that it was much more than that.
Syr: *Smirking* Does the rabbit have a crush?
Bell: *Blushing* Huh?!
Syr: How could you do that when you already have me?
Bell: Wait, Miss Syr...
Syr: Just kidding.
Bell: What?
Syr: Truth be told, I wouldn't mind it if it was Ryuu I shared you with.
Bell: H-Hang on, we aren't even dating!
Syr: Aw... what does she have that I don't? Is it because she's an elf? Is that why you like her?
Bell: L-Like her?! Argh! Can we please just drop this subject?
Syr: Alright alright.
They paid for their food and left. As they continued walking, Bell was dwelling on what Syr had said.
Bell: (How do I feel about her? I mean, she's a trusted allied and a valued friend, right? Do I feel the same for her as Miss Ais?)
Right at that moment, he felt something in his head click.
Bell: (What's going on?)
Every other time he thought about her, his heart beat quickened and his face flushed, but now it was different. It felt weaker like there was almost no change to begin with.
Bell: (Come to think of it, when was the last time I even thought about her? During the expedition it was about getting stronger, completing the assignment and getting everyone out alive. Then it was with me and Ryuu when we were doing our best to survive. After that was all the nightmares I got when I returned. Ryuu and Miss Syr were willing to help me so I could sleep better.)
The reality had sunk in the rabbit's mind and he realized that the Princess he thought he longed for was fading away from him. Thus, he began to ask himself the big question.
Bell: (Was I really in love with her. She did save me, so was I or was it just admiration to become someone just as strong?)
He was brought out of his thoughts when Syr had tapped him in the shoulder.
Syr: Hey, I've been calling you.
Bell: Oh, sorry.
Syr: Are you ok? You looked like you were deep in thought about something.
Bell: I was. Wait, where are we?
The boy was looking around and realized they had arrived at Maria's orphanage.
Bell: When did we get here?
Syr: I told you I wanted to come here next. I guess you didn't hear me but you did follow wherever I dragged you and here we are.
Bell: Oh... (I was so caught up in my own head I didn't realize.)
Syr: I wanted to see the kids after a while so let's go!
Bell: Woah!
She dragged him again and knocked on the door before a brown haired woman opened it.
Syr: Maria!
Maria: Oh, it's been some time, Syr. *Looks at Bell* Ah, you're here as well.
She leaned closer to the girl and whispered in her ear.
Maria: Is this a date?
Syr blushed a tiny bit and responded with great satisfaction.
Syr: Why yes, it is.
Maria: How lovely. Well, come in, the others will be glad to see you.
They let themselves in and the kids soon crowded the two of them. While Syr was busy attending most of them, three in particular had been next to Bell on a couch.
Rye: You're out of the cast!
Roux: Are you still hurting?
Bell: No, I'm all better now.
Fina: Why are you with Miss Syr?
Bell: Uh, I'm just thanking her for something. It isn't what you think it is.
They tilted their heads in confusion before Syr came over to them.
Syr: What's going on here?
Rye: Syr, what are you here for this time?
Syr: Oh you know, just wanted to drop by and it's been a while since we were last here.
Bell: Yeah, I was busy in the dungeon for a while and I've spent most of my time back up here recovering.
Rye: Can you tell us about what happened?
He looked at Bell with sparkling eyes and Syr had an amused smile on her face. Bell felt a tiny shiver before Syr put a hand on his shoulder and whispered into his ear.
Syr: It's okay, you don't have to.
Bell thought about it and realized he could just make some parts up. He was under a gag order by the guild, but her could use this to polish his story telling skills. Besides, only a few knew about his story there so making a fake one but keeping some of the truths might lighten the weight on his shoulders. He told of the start of it when his Familia had arrived to the middle of the Middle Floors. They got worried when they heard about how he got separated from his Familia and had to survive a horrible monster with only another with him.
Fina: D-Did you win?
Remembering the fight with said monster and all the struggles he went through, a smile grew on his face.
Bell: Yes, we beat it.
The kids cried out in joy at their hero beating the big, scary monster.
Rye: Then what?
Bell: Well, we ended being really hurt and we got stuck in the Deep Floors for a few days.
Rye: How did you make it?
Bell: We eventually found a safe place to hide. The two of us did our best to recover before trying to climb up again. We didn't make it too far, but eventually we found my Familia and all of us made it back safe and sound.
They had a sigh of relief after hearing what happened. By the time he finished, it was beginning to get late.
Syr: Wow, that was a long one. It's getting late and we should get going soon.
Rye: Come again, ok?
Bell: Of course.
Fina: Bye!
They waved the two goodbye. Bell and Syr thank Maria for her hospitality and the two left.
Syr: It's nearly sundown now. Time sure flies when you're having fun.
Bell: You're not wrong. Should we go back now? I don't want to trouble Mama Mia more than I have already.
Syr: That would be for the best, and Bell?
Bell: Hm?
Syr: Thank you for today. I had a lot of fun with you.
He simply smiled back at her and nodded.
Bell: Me too.
They walked back to the pub where they saw the place was getting ready for the dinner rush. Most of the adventurers were about to leave or already leaving the dungeon by now, so the pub would he crowded soon. Bell and Syr walked through the entrance and the staff greeted them.
Anya: Nya, you're finally back!
Lunoire: You should get changed quick.
Syr: Yeah, I will. *Turns to Bell* You should come by for dinner.
Bell: I will, I just need to drop by my home for a bit.
It was then that Mia had walked over to them.
Mia: Well, now that you've had your fill with two of my waitresses, I hope you'll pay up by buying a lot of food tonight.
Bell blushed while many of the staff did their best to hide their amused faces. It was already getting fun to tease Ryuu after what happened and the boy was another fun toy. He quickly ran out of the pub hearing some laughter behind him followed by many punching sounds and cries of pain. Arriving at his home, he took a quick shower and changed into his normal clothes before heading back to the Hostess. He stepped back inside where Syr had sat him by the bar. In the kitchen Syr went back to grab someone.
Syr: Hey, Ryuu.
Ryuu: ?
Syr: I'm a bit busy right now, could you get someone's order for me, please?
Ryuu: Very well. Which table am I serving?
Syr: Oh, that one. I'm counting on you, Ryuu!
She pointed to where Bell was sitting and Ryuu's face flushed when she saw the rabbit sitting there. She turned back to her friend only to find she was no longer there.
Ryuu: She set me up again...
She clenched her fists before composing herself and walking to Bell. The boy himself had already decided on what he wanted, but wondered why she had left before taking his order.
Ryuu: B-Bell.
Bell: Hii!
He was startled once more not expecting the elf to be serving him this time. As for Ryuu, her composure broke once more and she had to hide her blushing face behind her notepad.
Bell: R-Ryuu!
Ryuu: I-I'll be serving you tonight. What are you having?
Bell: I'll have a spaghetti plate and a glass of pineapple juice.
She nodded and quickly wrote it down before rushing back into the kitchen. Syr looked at her withba smirk before whispering something to Mia. The dwarf sighed as the girl once more used the "For Ryuu" card to enable her pranks. And so, Mia went to Ryuu and told her what Syr wanted.
Mia: We can take care of the order. You can go sit with him if you wish.
Ryuu's face reddened further.
Ryuu: W-Wait, I can't just-
Syr: Don't worry, we can handle it. You go have some fun with him. I know you want to~.
Steam began rising from the elf's head as Mia sighed. She could already tell this was going to be a reoccurring problem.
Mia: (The boy better eat a lot tonight.)
With Bell...
He suddenly felt a shiver while waiting for his food. Bell was startled once more when he heard Ryuu take the seat next to him, still blushing.
Bell: Ryuu, what are you doing here?
Ryuu: T-They said I could take break.
The boy looked at her with concern as her face was very red.
Bell: *Feeling her forehead* Maybe they were right, you're burning up.
That action would only worsen the problem as her face got redder and she started steaming again. At that moment, Bell realized what he was doing and quickly retracted his hand.
Bell: I-I'm sorry! I just got worried you might be feeling sick.
The elf felt her heart about to explode from her chest at what he was doing. On one hand it felt nice that he was worried about her. On the other, it was incredibly embarrassing that he was doing that, and in the open no less.
Bell: Well, if you're sitting here you may as well eat. You might feel better too. Don't worry, I can pay for it.
Ryuu: No, I couldn't trouble you like that.
Bell: It's fine, I don't mind.
Ryuu: But-
She turned and saw Mia staring at her with Valis in her eyes. She clearly wanted her to take up the boy on his offer making the elf sigh.
Ryuu: Fine, I'll have a risotto and a salad. A water is fine for a drink.
Bell nodded and asked Chloe to pass the order. She nodded and tried to get a quick feel but was stopped by a cold glare by Ryuu. Fearing for her life, she quickly ran inside to the kitchen.
Chloe: I thought I was dead, nya...
Syr: I'll handle the drink orders. You pass that to May.
After Chloe left, Syr went to grab a special mix she had gotten in advance. A special mixture that was tasteless and odorless as well as having the effect alcohol. The hangover after was also quite manageable so she didn't have to worry about putting Ryuu through hell early in the morning.
Syr: (Time for the next phase. Mwahahahaha!)
She slipped it into the drink before handing the glass back to Chloe along with the rest of the orders. Bell and Ryuu got their food and ate while talking to each other. The night had been more or less normal and they were done when Bell noticed Ryuu beginning to nod away and slur her words.
Bell: Hey, are you ok?
Ryuu: Hmm? *Hic* Yeshh, I'm fffffiiine. *Hic* There's two Bells.
Her eyes looked dull and her face was red again. Bell was wondering what happened to her when Syr walked up to them.
Syr: You should probably take her back to her room. We're still going to be busy here so I'd appreciate it if you could do this.
Bell: Okay.
Syr helped Ryuu into the back before helping her into Bell's arms. The boy was red in the face from holding her like that and Ryuu was flailing around.
Syr: Now now, it's bedtime for you.
Ryuu: Noooo~!
Syr: Sorry about her.
Bell: It's fine, I just hope this gets better tomorrow.
He carried the elf up the stairs and into her room before placing her in her bed. He removed her shoes and headpiece before placing a blanket around her. Bell was about to leave, but Ryuu had grabbed his arm.
Bell: R-Ryuu?
Ryuu: *Hip* Don't gooo...
Bell: Huh?
Ryuu: You still have scary dreams, right? *Hip* So you stay here.
The boy was in a difficult spot now. He could just break free from her grip and leave, but going against the wishes of a drunk wasn't the best idea from his experience. He had also gotten better with his sleep, but part of him didn't want to leave either. As embarrassing as it sounded, sleeping with her here appealed greatly to him. With a sigh, he took off his boots and coats before laying himself right next to her.
Bell: Hah... eep!
He was startled again when he felt Ryuu lay her arm across his chest. He looked over to her and saw she was still very drunk, but had a wide smile on her face.
Ryuu: *Hip* I missed you. You didn't stay the other night.
Bell: I-I-I... uh...
His brain would've had a meltdown before her felt her head drop and hear her start snoring. As time passed, he felt the shock and embarrassment fade as a quiet tranquility took over and sleep soon taking him as well. The night had gotten old and everyone was leaving now. Syr had finished her tasks and went to see how Ryuu and Bell were doing. When she entered the room, she had a satisfied smile on her face upon seeing the two of them embracing each other with peaceful looks on their faces while the slept. Quietly, she closed the door and went back to her room.
Syr: (Only a little more to go.)
She closed her eyes and slept as the day came to a close.
AN: I got caught up with others stories which is one reason among other why it took so long to get out. Another is thatI felt I was dedicating more time than I wanted to this hobby of mine since like January and Iwasn't putting more time into having fun in other ways. That being said, in doing that I saw how long it was taking to get chapters out. I'm still trying to balance everything out and hopefully I'llhave it down soon, but good news is my classes end in about 5 weeks or so meaning I'll have more time to write. Speaking of which, I've also been working on my other stories along with this so if other chapters drop soon, it's because they were written partly in advance and I'm not actually that fast.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading. Leave your thoughts and I'll see you in the next one.