Syr went to bed last night eagerly waiting to see how the new couple in the pub would handle their first day together. She got up and got herself ready before heading off for the other two.
Syr: Hey guys, it's morning. Hm?
Upon looking, she saw the two fast asleep with peaceful looks on their faces. Bell was flat on the bed while Ryuu slept right next to him with a small smile on her face. Syr giggled to herself before going to leave, however, she got stopped by the massive frame of Mia standing behind her.
Mia: And just what are you doing?
Syr: *Nervous* I-I was just finishing up and getting ready.
Mia: And what of the elf and the rabbit? You runts are already running behind schedule.
She stepped around Syr and went to the room to find them in the same spot as Syr did. Naturally, Mia figured out what the girl planned the day before and assumed that all went well for the elf.
Mia: (Hmph. 'Bout damn time. Good for you, girl.)
She left the room while Syr waited outside with a worried face. The worry turned to confusion when she saw the dwarf leave with her eye closed as she quietly shut the door.
Syr: Mama?
Mia: They don't look like they'll be up anytime soon. We'll just have to make do without them. Now, run along. *Moving her down the stairs* There's a lot of work to do.
She felt generous enough to let the girl sleep in. A decision she would regret as the two would be sleeping for another hour before she had enough.
Mia: (Yep, that's enough.)
She stomped back upstairs and opened the door to see the two sitting at the edges of the bed with very red faces. When they heard the door open, they snapped their heads towards it and found an annoyed Mia glaring at them.
Mia: So, you lot are finally up?
Ryuu: Ah!! M-Mama Mia!
Mia: It's about time! You slept in longer than I thought! If I'd known you were going to take this long, I'd have woken you up an hour ago!
Bell: What time is it? *Nervous*
Mia: Almost 9...
The elf paled when she realized how long she slept in.
Ryuu: I-I'm very sorry!! I'll get ready right away!!
She ran out of there leaving only Bell and Mia in the room.
Mia: Before you go, I gotta ask you something first.
Bell: Mhm.
Mia: You and the elf, you're together now?
Bell blushed and nodded sheepishly. The idea of having a girlfriend still embarrassed him.
Mia: *Smiling* Good for you. Now, she may be very clumsy, but you won't regret your choice. Plus, seeing her acting more positive is refreshing for all of us who've known her for a long time.
Bell: Y-Yeah, I feel lucky to have her too.
Mia: That being said...
The atmosphere took a dark turn as she grabbed his head and squeezed.
Mia: If you hurt her, well... *Cracking her knuckles* I might have to come out of retirement.
Bell: *Scared* I-I won't, I swear! She's the most important person in the world to me and I'd never hurt her!
The dwarf's face softened.
Mia: Good. Once you got your food and said goodbye, you can scram for the day.
Bell: Okay.
Bell washed his face in a sink downstairs before paying for some food. Ryuu joined him and the two ate quietly and awkwardly. The other waitresses watched them with glee as they did their work.
Anya: They're at it again, nya!
Lunoire: *Smirking* Even eating together. They do it all. The two might as well hook up by now.
Chloe: His ass is ripe for the taking.
Lunoire: Hey, maybe you shouldn't-
She was unable to act on her urges as Mia got a firm grip on her tail.
Mia: Get back to work, lazy cat! There's no time for your crap! *Dragging her by the tail*
Chloe: NYAMEROOOO!!!
The others had to be careful about enjoying the show and making sure Mia didn't attack them too. Back with Bell, the two continued to struggle with finding away to ease the tension between them. It was nothing but silence and the occasional stealing of glances at the other.
Bell: ...so, about last night.
Ryuu: *blushing* Y-Yes?
Bell: I'm not sure how to go about this. Should we act like a couple outside?
The elf thought about it for a moment before shaking her flushed head.
Ryuu: S-Sorry, that's too embarrassing!
Bell: I-It's fine. There is something else on my mind anyway.
Ryuu: What?
Bell: How should I tell my Familia? They'll be back soon and I'm wondering how I'll break the news about us.
Ryuu: You have a point. I'm sorry to have to put you on the spot like that.
Bell: Please, don't apologize. Telling them about the greatest girl I know was never going to be easy but-
Poof*
He couldn't continue before steam started rising from her head and his compliment. Bell was still right about how hard it would be to tell everyone. It was hard enough in the pub as everyone watched what the two were doing.
Ryuu: Ahem. Anyway, what are your plans for today?
Bell: For the most part, I just need to get the Mansion ready for when everyone comes back. Once they arrive, we'll probably celebrate as a Familia here. I'll ask Mama Mia for a reservation at dinner tonight once I've thought about it more. Also, us... *Blushing*
Ryuu: *Blushing* W-We can tell them together once the pub closes.
Bell: That sounds right.
They finished eating and Bell paid for his meal. Bell was getting ready to leave and Ryuu went outside to see him off.
Bell: Alright, I'll be back later once I've got everything cleaned up back home.
Ryuu: I'll be sure to save you a table. *Smiling*
Bell: Thanks. See you tonight. *Waving goodbye*
Ryuu: Mhm, bye.
The boy began to walk away and Ryuu would've gone back in if not for Bell stopping abruptly and turning around.
Ryuu: Bell?
Bell: Oh yeah, one last thing, Ryuu. *Turning to her*
Ryuu: Yes?
She tilted her head slightly, but then quickly felt her face heat up when she saw the boy look at her with a happy expression unlike what she's ever seen from him, and that says a lot when the boy practically radiates positivity.
Bell: *Smiling* I love you.
Poof*
The elf's face was bright red as she shuffled nervously. The turned her head away for a moment before turning back with a small smile.
Ryuu: I love you too. *Still blushing*
Hearing those words gave Bell another boost of energy as he nearly skipped down the street to his home. Meanwhile, Ryuu composed herself before heading back inside, not realizing some had overheard what happened outside. Only a step in, she was met with Lunoire, Anya and Syr, all who had smug grins and faces that said "We saw everything" on them.
Ryuu: U-Uh
Lunoire: So, you wanna explain what all that was? *Teasing smirk*
Anya: Nya, white hair was so happy after you said that!
Syr: It was such a sweet scene! It was like it came straight out of a romance novel!
Ryuu: Please stop...
Mia: Alright, you brats got enough of a show for the morning. *Looking to Ryuu* Don't think you're off the hook either, girl. I wanna hear everything from your mouth too.
Ryuu: A-After we close. We'll explain it together.
The dwarf gained a satisfied grin and nodded.
Mia: Good enough. Now, back to work, all of you. The bunny boy is gonna be back by dinner so we should close sometime earlier than usual.
Ryuu: M-Mama, you don't have to-
Mia: Quiet. This is a matter that's serious for both one of my girls, and the rest of them too. I need time to hear and think on every detail as well as being able to open on time tomorrow. You and the boy just be ready to tell your story by the time we close.
Ryuu: Yes, Mama.
With that, all of them resumed their duties for the day. Bell was now back at Hearth Manor and checked to make sure everything was fine.
Bell: At least no one tried breaking in after all this time. *Rolling up his sleeves* Time to get this place ready.
The boy would spend much of his day cleaning to prepare for his Familia's return. Bell came to the quick conclusion that he should give Haruhime more credit for the work she does.
Bell: Gods, how does she do this?
He looked around and was satisfied with his work. The ground floor was pretty much finished.
Bell: Only 2 days left. Hopefully everyone takes the news well.
Timeskip...
It was now later into the night and Mia had just finished closing up the shop. Because of the special news she got, the dwarf felt generous enough to cook everyone dinner for once. It had also been a while since they were able to enjoy themselves a bit. Little did they know that this also gave her the excuse to to them twice as hard the next day, but they didn't need to know that. Everyone sat at a table while Ryuu waited in the middle for Bell.
Anya: White hair is running a little late, nya.
May: Just give it some more time.
Lunoire: I doubt he would run away from something like this. Mama would hunt him down and drag him back here if he did.
Speaking of him, Bell opened the door and let himself inside.
Bell: Hello, sorry for the delay.
Syr: Bell, perfect timing! We're all waiting for you!
He saw the audience that was in the pub and gulped. Nervously, he shuffled his way between the seats before taking one next to Ryuu, who already had some pink on her cheeks. The atmosphere around the two was already awkward, but Mia broke it once she came out of the kitchen with some food.
Mia: Alright, you two know why you're here. The food is some incentive for you to spill what happened, so you can talk whenever you're ready.
Bell: O-Okay.
He looked all around him and saw all the staff watching with great curiosity. His nerves were high until he felt Ryuu grip his hand with hers. He turned back to her and nodded before starting.
Bell: I guess we can address the elephant in the room. I know you've been curious about what has been going on between us and, to put it simply, we're together now. *Holding Ryuu's hand*
Apart from Mia and Syr, who already knew it was confirmed, many were shocked to hear the news.
Lunoire: I thought you two would still be dancing around each other.
Anya: Nya?! Ryuu and white hair are dating?!
Chloe: That glorious ass of his, and she gets it all to herself, nya!
They all voices their disbelief while Mia just played along.
Mia: *Looking to the elf* So, you've both come to that decision?
Ryuu: *Blushing* Y-Yes, we have.
The dwarf then huffed before putting both hands on Ryuu's shoulders with a smile.
Mia: Well, I'm glad to know you were able to take this step in your life. Still, I'm a bit surprised rabbit boy is the one you liked.
Ryuu: Bell has done a lot for me. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
After that, they all congratulated the two, one by one. The two then went on to talk about how it started from recently.
Bell: Well, it started from when my Familia and I got back from our expedition. Ever since then, I've been having trouble sleeping.
Mia: You looked nearly dead when Syr found you and brought you inside. How many sleepless nights did you go through?
Bell: A lot. My Familia tried to help, and it did work for a time, but it eventually stopped and I just couldn't get any rest.
Lunoire: And that's when you came here?
Bell: Yeah. I was just trying to clear my head with a walk, but I was really tired and I guess I ended up in front of this place.
Syr: Yeah, I let him in and had him stay the night.
Anya: What's that have to do with Ryuu, nya?
Bell: *Blushing* I-I, uh...
Ryuu: Syr can explain it.
The girl had a smirk on her face as she told them what happened.
Syr: Well, I tried to get Bell into my room so he could sleep with me. *Putting her hands to her face* Oh, just thinking about it makes me blush! Helping him with his sleeping problems by sleeping with him! *Squeal*
May: *Sweatdrop* Your getting side tracked.
Syr: Oh, right. Hehe, well, it didn't work out as I'd hoped.
Lunoire: What?
Bell then took that as his turn to explain.
Bell: She tried to tell my which door to go to, but I was too tired to count correctly. I accidentally ended up in Ryuu's room by mistake and slept with her.
The elf's face was bright red at his words. The others just laughed at the scenarios that played in their heads.
Bell: The next morning was an awkward one since I got woken up from being shoved off the bed.
Ryuu: Sorry about that.
Anya: You're lucky she didn't throw you through the wall. She's done that for a lot less.
Ryuu felt the memories of what she's done to people who tried touching her return to her, specifically Anya, and she did her best to look away from them.
Mia: *Teasing smirk* I take it sleeping with her helped you with your problem?
Bell: Y-Yeah, it did. I slept better than I ever did days before.
Ryuu: After that, Bell explained what was going on with him, so Syr and I proposed that he spend the night here.
May: So, with you, nya.
Ryuu: Mhm.
Lunoire: Did you get better, Bell?
Bell: Yeah. Being here at night helped a lot with my sleep. I was really grateful to both of them for their help.
Lunoire: And that's when the love settled in? *Smirking*
Bell: *Blushing* Y-Yeah. Ever since I met them, they've done so much to help, and I guess I fell for her overtime.
Chloe: But that was only a few days!
Syr: Oh, don't be like that. Love just works in mysterious ways.
Lunoire: Yeah, but didn't you pretty much set them up?
May: I always thought you wanted him.
Syr: I did, but some of you already know of her circumstances.
That silenced them for a but as they understood her.
Syr: Ryuu is my friend and of course i want her to be happy.
Anya: But you put in so much effort for white hair, nya.
Syr: I don't have to worry about that too much. *Smiling*
Both Bell and Ryuu blushed at that as Mia raised an eyebrow.
Mia: Boy, I better not be hearing you thinking about taking another one of my girls.
Bell: I-I-I'm not! I would never think that!
May: I never thought you to be a play boy. Is Ryuu not enough?
Inside, Bell was panicking, but Ryuu came to the rescue.
Ryuu: It's fine.
The all turned to her.
Ryuu: I know Bell isn't like that. Truthfully, as happy as I am to be with him, part of me is still guilty about taking him from Syr.
She looked guilty and they all tried to comfort her. She thanked them for their words before Mia had some of her own.
Mia: I'm guessing she had a talk with both of you about how she didn't mind sharing if it came to it.
After that, Syr's expression gave it away along with the red faces of the new couple.
Lunoire: You're seriously considering this?!
Ryuu: I-I...
She took a deep breath before continuing.
Ryuu: I am. Syr is the only one I'd be fine sharing a man with. I just hope that doesn't bother you, Bell.
She looked worriedly at her partner who waved his hands in front of him.
Bell: N-No, I won't judge you. It doesn't bother me if you feel that way. Still, even considering the idea makes me doubtful. I don't want to be unfaithful to you.
All of them had smiles on their faces. Even when presented with the idea, it was nice to see him being the good person he is.
Syr: I never forced that decision on you. I'm just saying that it's the best case scenario for all of us if you both come to it.
They let the scene play out before them and didn't say a word.
Lunoire: (I wish I had popcorn right now.)
Anya: (I wish I had fish.)
Chloe: (I wish I had his ass.)
Ryuu and Bell looked to each other before looking back at her.
Ryuu: We just need time to talk it out.
Bell: Sorry.
Syr: No, it's fine. You don't have to force yourselves to make that choice. (Yes... Yes, all according to cake.)
While this happened, Mia watched and grumbled a bit at what Syr was planning.
Mia: (She better have thought this through. The more she leads them on, the harder she'll be hit when that time comes. Mor importantly, this rabbit needs to learn that my girls aren't for free.) Boy.
Bell: Yes?!
Mia: You should be aware that there'll be a hefty price to pay for my girls. You've already taken Ryuu and now you're considering Syr?
Bell: W-Well...
Mia: Just Ryuu was already fine. I might actually save money with her being with you. I can't even begin to count the amount of valis I've lost from her.
Ryuu's face lost color as she heard the dwarf rant about her past shame.
Ryuu: M-Mama, please don't!!!
Mia: Broken plates, ruined vegetables and her lack luster service. I'll finally be free of this useless elf.
Said elf felt an arrow at each of her words. The dwarf wasn't exactly wrong, though the insults didn't sit well with someone.
Bell: Hey, you don't have to be so rude about it! People make mistakes, but she doesn't deserve that slander!
Mia: I agree she's improved, but she still has her debt to me.
Bell: Debt? What debt?
He turned to her and Ryuu looked away, embarrassed and mortified.
Ryuu: I-I owed her valis for a meal she made after saving me.
Mia: That's right. Ignoring all the stuff she broke, she owes me that from years ago which is why she works here.
Bell: If that's the case, then let me help pay it.
The elf's eyes widened at that.
Ryuu: No, that's my burden! I can't have you do that for my sake!
Bell: *Looking to her* If it's for you, then that's exactly why I have to help!
Ryuu: No, I'm the one who has it and I'm the one who needs to pay it off!
Bell: But Ryuu... *Looks to Mia* Is there no way for me to help her?
Mia: You've done more than enough already. This is going to be between me and her now. *Turning to Ryuu* Can you tell me that you, body and soul, love that boy?
Ryuu: *Blushing* Yes. He gave me my new will to live again. I will do whatever I have to for him.
Mia: Well, don't try and cross the line too many times. Back to your debt. If that's how you feel, then you can consider it paid.
Ryuu stared at her with wide eyes and an open mouth.
Ryuu: What?
Mia: Do I gotta spell it out for you? You're free. You don't have your debt anymore.
Ryuu: But you said-
She was stopped short when Mia flicked her on the forehead.
Ryuu: *Holding her forehead* Ow...
Mia: You really are the same, stupid elf I met all those years ago. Did you really think I charged you 50 million valis for Risotto because I was felt like it?
Everyone but Syr: (50 million?!)
Mia: I did that so you had a reason to stay here and not go off to do something stupid and dangerous.
Ryuu: Mama... *Touched*
Mia: Since you've moved on from your past, there's no need for you to have that debt anymore. You don't need to work it off, just live your life happily now.
Ryuu was tearing up as she nodded happily at her.
Mia: And you... *Looking at Bell* you had better treat her right.
Bell: I will, I promise.
Mia: *Smiling* Good.
Once the happy moment passed, two waitresses cried out.
Lunoire" Why does she get to go?! What about us?!
Chloe: Yeah! This is unfair treatment, nya!
Suddenly, they felt great pressure on their heads as Mia had one in each hand.
Mia: *Dark look* Need I remind you of what you two did?
Lunoire and Chloe: *Whimpering*
Mia sighed and turned back to Ryuu.
Mia: Just remember, you'll always have a place with us here to call home. Don't even think about being a stranger here. *Smiling*
Ryuu: I won't, but I don't have any plans to return to adventuring, so I think I'll keep working here.
Her friends were relieved to hear that she was still going to be there with them.
Syr: *Hugging Ryuu* Yay!!!
Lunoire: *Rubbing her head* While it would be a relief, this place wouldn't be the same without you.
Anya: Yeah, you're one of us, nya!
Ryuu: *Smiling* My friends...
They all embraced while Bell watched them all with a smile.
Mia: Of course, don't expect me to go any easier on you. Rather than just taking money from your paycheck, if you break something, I might have to let the boy know about some of the events of the past you wouldn't tell him. One being your first day working here. *Smirking*
Ryuu: *Nervous* Y-You don't have to do that.
Mia laughed at that and many other joined her, but Ryuu was still worries that Mia wasn't kidding about that. Bell and Ryuu were both relieved that everyone at the Hostess took the news well. After that, they went on about their story if what happened during the last week. Many embarrassing moment were shared, against their will by Syr, and many laughs were had. Overall, they were happy for their friend. Bell only hoped that this would continue with his Familia.
AN: I'm really sorry this took so long to get out. Real life got in the way with both vacation and my new job, but here is the new chapter. After this, Bell will be breaking the news to his Familia.
Another thing is this person Argonaut32. He's the one behind this story and the creator of another great of his own. Show him your support as it would mean a lot to me that you enjoy his work like you do mine. If not, someone might come after you.
Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Feel free to leave your thoughts on this and I'll see you in the next one.