After some more time passed, Bell cleaned up the Manor some more before waiting by the gate for his Familia. His stomach was filled with butterflies remembering what he and Ryuu talked about.
Flashback...
Bell: Are you sure?
Ryuu: Yes. You can welcome them first. I will come by later and we will break the news together.
He felt a lot better knowing she would be there to help him. Heaven knows how Hestia or Lili would react when they returned.
Bell: *Smiling* Thanks, Ryuu. I'm glad to have you with me.
Ryuu: I'll always be by your side when you need it. The same you way you were for me that time.
She gave him a quick hug to reassure him before the two parted ways until later.
End of Flashback...
He saw people come and go until the carriage carrying his friends finally came through. They looked tired, but that was because of how early it was. That changed when they saw their friend after a while.
Welf: Bell!
The boy ran to their carriage and greeted them all.
Bell: Hey, guys!
Lili: Master Bell! We're back and the mission was accomplished!
Bell: Good job, everyone.
Mikoto: It was an interesting trip. We should go drop this off and find Lady Hestia.
Haruhime: Yes, let's not delay.
They all went to the Guild first to confirm their successful quest. Eina was there and was more that happy to check for them.
Eina: All right. I can very much confirm the quest to be a success. Here is your reward for participating.
She handed the valis to Lili who happily took it from her.
Lili: Now then, let's bring these goods to Lord Miach.
After a quick trip there, the God welcomed and thanked them for their support.
Miach: Naaza and I will be sure to send a shipment to you as thanks. I know it probably isn't enough, but-
Bell: No, that's more than enough! We're just glad to help you!
The god smiled as their transaction was completed. Now Bell was at Babel looking for Hestia. They waited for a while until she came out of the elevator leading up.
Hestia: *Sigh* Finally...
Bell: Goddess!
Her face immediately brightened when she heard the voice of her beloved child.
Hestia: Bell!
She ran to him and threw the boy into a hug.
Hestia: It's so sweet of you to wait for me! *Sees the others* So, did the quest go well?
Welf: *Thumbs-up* Yup!
Mikoto: No problems to report. All of us came back safely.
Haruhime: Lord Miach was very happy.
Hestia: Excellent. Then tonight, we celebrate!
Bell: I can order food from The Hostess for us so we can stay home. I've done my best to keep it clean.
Hestia: Sound good to everyone?
They all nodded and the plan was decided.
Meanwhile, in another place, Ais was having an internal conflict. The main cuase being she'd never been able to find Bell for the last several days. Finn had her preoccupied with Familia business, but in the time she had to herself, the rabbit continued to elude her. She sat on her bed, wondering where he was.
Ais: (Why can't I find where he is? He isn't home when I was there or in the Dungeon. He wasn't even in the hospital with Miss Airmid either.)
She mentally stomped her feet and wondered if he was somehow avoiding her. Then Riveria came into the room.
Riveria: Ais?
Ais: Yes?
Riveria: Just reminding you that we'll be going to the Hostess later tonight. Loki wanted another night out for us.
Ais: Okay.
The girl kept wondering why she felt she lost something, but she would ask Riveria about it later. For now, she needed to find Bell and get her mind to relax.
With Ryuu...
The Elf worked as normal as she could, but deep down, she was nervous about breaking the news about her and Bell's relationship. Syr noticed it and did her best to comfort her. That, and the counted the days she would wait before they caved.
Syr: Mama Mia has the heads-up, so you can go later.
Ryuu: Thank you.
Syr: You still nervous?
Ryuu: I am. It's clear he has other girls after him. I just don't want him to get hurt for my sake.
Syr: You should try to be more positive. I'm sure it'll be fine.
They had their things to do, but the two lovers spent it mentally bracing themselves for the night. It came sooner than they would have liked, but there was no turning back now. Bell came to the front doors of the pub where Syr let him in.
Syr: Perfect timing!
Bell: Thanks. *Nervous*
He followed the girl and noticed Mia had a sour mood during the night.
Syr: Sorry, we just had to deal with some difficult customers who didn't know better. Probably because they were drunk.
Mia: *To the drunks* Don't whistle at me. I'm not your fucking dog. You look more like a dog than I do. *Annoyed*
She threw the patron out the doors after that while Bell watched with fear.
Syr: The order were put in advance, so I'll just go find them for you. Wait here.
While she left him there, he noticed some of the Loki Familia there and figured he would at least greet them. That, and they saw him.
Tiona: Hey, it's Mr. Argonaut!
Bell: Hello. *Greeting them*
Finn: Well, nice evening, Bell Cranel. I don't think I've seen you since your Familia left for its expedition.
Gareth: Heard it was pretty rough. You doing ok, lad?
Bell: Oh yeah, I'm much better. Thank you.
Ais: You were hurt, right? Are you better now?
Lefiya glared a little bit, but knew he'd been through a lot from the news she heard.
Bell: Oh, uh, yeah, but I'm fine now. I got out of my cast a while ago and I'm basically Dungeon ready again.
Finn: Good for you. Are you eating here alone?
Bell: No, I'm picking up food for everyone. My Familia wanted to celebrate a safe return from a quest outside.
Gareth: Sure you can't stay for a pint or two?
Bell: Haha, sorry, but I don't drink.
Bete: Kids your age aren't into that anyway. I doubt you could handle a few sips of this.
Riveria: Alright, no need for that. You have a good night with your Familia, Mr. Cranel.
Bell: I will. Thank you.
He was about to head back before Ais tugged on his sleeve.
Bell: ?
Ais: Um, do you think we could train again?
Bell: I-I don't think so for now. Maybe in a few days?
The girl nodded happily before the boy left their table.
Tiona: You seemed pretty excited there, Ais.
Riveria: She couldn't find him for a while and was getting a bit antsy. Lucky for her he was here.
Tione: You're fine with this?
Riveria: She can always use more friends her age. Ais clearly enjoys spending time with him.
Lefiya didn't like that implication, but decided to keep it to herself while Bete grumbled about how that wasn't happening. Loki also returned from the restroom before they went on with their night.
With Bell...
Bell: I wonder what's taking so long?
Right as he said that, Syr and Ryuu came from the kitchen with the things he needed.
Syr: As you requested. Your orders are ready. 5 full specials, one spaghetti plate, and one Ryuu to go.
Bell and the elf blushed when the girl presented the elf like a menu item Bell ordered.
Ryuu: Y-You didn't have to say it like that. *Blushing*
Syr: Tee-hee!
Ryuu: I-In any case, we should be off, Bell.
Bell: Right.
He took her hand and the two walked out of there. Walking past the Loki table, a few noticed how they left the place.
Tione: You guys see what I saw?
Tiona: Yeah, they were holding hands.
Gareth: The boy has good tastes going for an elf! *Chugging his beer*
Ais saw it too and for some reason, it upset her seeing it. Riveria noticed as well and made a mental note about it for later. Back with Bell, he and Ryuu talked about what they should say to them, but they were still very much nervous about the ordeal. It wasn't much longer until the time came.
Bell: You ready?
Ryuu: You're here with me, so yes.
Bell opened the gates and the two let themselves inside where everyone was waiting.
Mikoto: There you are.
Welf: Took you long enough! I'm starving!
Hestia: Yeah! Come over here and sit so we can eat...
She saw the elf come in with Bell and her mood tumbled a downward.
Hestia: Why is she here?
Bell: Oh, she helped me carry some of the bags here.
Lili: Did she now?
Bell: She's also staying over with us.
They all understood that there was a hidden meaning to that which Lili and Hestia were most alert to.
Ryuu: *Bowing* I apologize for the intrusion.
Bell: Don't be. Let's go eat.
He went with everyone else and took a seat at the massive table their had. Much to their surprise, the elf had taken the seat next to Bell while the other was occupied by Welf who was already sitting there before they arrived.
Hestia: (Who does she think she is taking the seat next to him?!)
Lili: (Grr... thieving elf.)
They sent glares to her which she tried to ignore. Everyone else savored the delicious food after eating meager rations for the past several days.
Meanwhile...
Loki and her children finished having their night and planned to drink more back at their home. However, a certain elf had her own agenda to attend to with her daughter, who she noticed was feeling down ever since the boy left the pub that evening. Riveria went to Ais' room and knocked on her door.
Riveria: Ais? It's me. May I come in?
Ais managed a small yes and the elf went inside. Once there, she saw her daughter curl up and sitting on her bed with a depressed look on her face.
Riveria: Is there something you want to talk about?
Ais: *Nods* It's when Bell left with the elf. I... I didn't like seeing them hold hands like that.
She was surprised to hear this since this was a new one from her. Riveria pushed the girl on.
Riveria: Why is that?
Ais: I was looking for him so I could train with him more. I liked doing that with him.
Riveria: Just training?
The girl's cheeks went slightly pink when she recalled the lap pillows she would give him.
Riveria: *Smirking* (So, it's like that.) I'm going to need a but more than that if I want to understand this. Tell me, Ais, what do you think of Bell Cranel.
Ais: What I think? Um, he's a rabbit?
Riveria: *Sweatdrops* No, I mean what he means to you.
Ais: Means to me?
Riveria: Yes. You said you enjoyed spending time with him. Do you think of him as your friend?
Ais nodded at that.
Riveria: If you had the option of being with him more, would you?
Ais: Yes.
Riveria: I see. Then do you like the boy?
Ais: Like?
Riveria: As in, you have feelings for him.
Ais: I'm not sure what that means.
Riveria: (Okay, this might take some time.)
Back with Bell...
Bell: So, how did the quest go?
Welf: With everything we've been through, it was a piece of cake.
Mikoto: He's right. Even Lady Haruhime and Lady Lili managed just fine. It goes to show how much weaker surface monsters are.
Bell: That's good. And you, Goddess?
Hestia: Thankfully I didn't get sick. I worked like normal, but I stayed there to work more hours. Although, Hephaestus did cut away 10 million from my debt.
Lili: Couldn't you have asked for more?
Hestia: Yeah, but I didn't want to be too pushy with her. It's not like she was overly desperate anyway, but I wasn't just going to turn away an opportunity like that.
Haruhime: Did anything interesting happen with you, Master Bell?
Welf: Is that even a question? He was out of the Dungeon and taking it easy the whole time.
The boy sweated a little since he knew he had to bring it up sooner or later.
Mikoto: I'm also a bit curious as to why you brought her with you. *Pointing to Ryuu*
He grew more nervous and he saw Ryuu was more or less the same. They gave a glance to their partner before deciding now was the time.
Bell: I actually wanted to talk about that. I wasn't sure how I would bring it up, but now would be as good a time as any.
He took a deep breath before taking the next step.
Bell: I'm sure you all know, this is Ryuu. She's a waitress at the Hostess and a reliable ally of ours.
They nodded, wondering where this was going. Bell hesitated for a moment as a blush crept up his face before continuing.
Bell: She's also my girlfriend.
...
Silence. That's all the noise that existed in the room after he said that. Ryuu herself was blushing just like him while everyone else stared, gobsmacked at the two. Their brains didn't fully restart until Welf broke the silence.
Welf: You and her? Together as in a romantic relationship?
Bell nodded.
Bell: Y-Yeah...
Welf grinned before he threw he arm around his shoulder.
Welf: Congrats, man! I can't believe you finally found someone for you!
Mikoto: I agree. This is good news for you, Sir Bell.
Bell: *Smiling* Thank you.
Haruhime: This is certainly a shock, but I'm happy for you.
He noticed the sad tone in her voice, but turned to Lili and Hestia who had yet to say anything so far.
Bell: Lili, Goddess, I know this is sudden, but I want you to hear me out. Ryuu has done so much for me. Much more than I'll ever be able to repay her.
Lili: B-But being together...
Bell: That has to do with what happened with me these past few days. I'll tell you everything, but what about you two?
Hestia said nothing before walking up to the elf.
Hestia: Tell me, do you love Bell?
Ryuu: I-I...
She was surprised by the question. She didn't give a response at first until she thought about her words.
Ryuu: Yes, I do.
Hestia: I know my Bell has been through a lot ever since the expedition. I assume you helped him with that.
She nodded as the goddess sighed.
Hestia: Fine, I'll at least hear this out, but don't you dare leave out any details.
Bell: I won't.
He talked about his nightmares again and how he suffered sleep loss because of them. He thanked Haruhime for helping him by reading to him, but she apologized when he later told everyone about how they began to stop working. Bell got to the part where he wandered the streets at night before stumbling into the Hostess after hours. He told about how Syr offered to let him spend the night, though they knew there were hidden motives for that.
Lili: (That sly witch.)
After that, he told them about his awkward moment with Ryuu that they were both still embarrased about. He said they offered to let him stay there since that first night was one of the best he's had since he returned. Of course, he also told about the dates he took them on as thanks for helping him all those times.
Bell: One thing led to another and I started to realize I was falling in love with her. I guess she felt the same about me with how she acted when we returned.
Hestia: It's good to know you've at least moved past those nightmares.
Lili: But what about her feelings for you?
Bell: Um, those would be about what happened to us back in the Lower Floors.
Hestia: Let's hold off on that for now.
She walked to Ryuu while groaning in her head about this turn of events.
Hestia: (It's not fair! I should've been the one to help him!)
Alas, that was not that case and now she needed the elf's piece.
Hestia: Ryuu, now that you're together with him, I trust you will look after him as you've been doing these past few days?
Ryuu: Yes. I will be there I his time of need like he was for me.
Hestia: Bell, what about you?
Bell: Of course! Ryuu means everything to me! I'll do whatever I have to for her!
Sensing no lies, Hestia was caught with no way out. She grunted before mentally accepting the facts laid out in front of her.
Hestia: Well, it looks like that's that.
Bell: You mean...
Hestia: Agh... yes... I'll tolerate this relationship between you two.
The boy's face brightened at this. He thanked his Goddess and Lili, who teared up a bit, but knew that there was nothing to be done about this. Bell and Ryuu were relieved that his Familia were fine with their pairing and enjoyed the rest of the night.
Unfortunately, reality is often disappointing and far different than what most want to believe. That is why we will return to the point when Bell revealed the news to them and was beginning to be congratulated. Hestia and Lili had their eyes hidden by their bangs. Bell was enveloped by the accepting warmth of his friends, but had his attention grabbed by Hestia, who started laughing.
Hestia: Hahahahaha!
Bell was confused at this before the goddess wiped a tear from her eye.
Hestia: Wow, that was a good one. You almost had me there. I honestly thought you were saying you and this elf who monopolize time with you were a couple.
Bell: N-No, you heard right.
Hestia: I don't think I did.
Bell: Yes, you did. We're dating. *Confused*
Hestia: No you aren't.
Bell: What? Yes, we are. I just said so.
Hestia: No, you aren't!
They all felt the tension increase when she said that.
Hestia: Bell, don't tell me you've been fooling around with her while we've been gone.
Bell: G-Goddess, I haven't been doing that.
Lili: Then explain why you're claiming to be in a relationship with her!
He was startled when the prum yelled at him too.
Lili: All of us have been busting our butts out there while you were here, still recovering! When we get back, now we hear you guys are dating? I don't think so!
Bell: Lili, you don't have to yell. *Trying to calm her*
Hestia: Bell, I thought you said you would behave while we were gone? How could you do this to us behind our backs?! *Crying*
Bell: Goddess?! Why are you crying?!
Hestia: *Pointing to Ryuu* Because she used all that time to take you away from me!
Lili: You?! This harlot took Master Bell from me! What did she do to make her think she could have him to herself?!
The others saw this going south and tried to dissolve it.
Welf: Hey, settle down. Bell isn't some prize you're entitled to win.
Mikoto: Sir Welf is correct. We all just need to take deep breaths and settled down.
Lili: No! You shut up! You don't understand what's happening!
Bell: Hey, you're being rude! You still have to apologize to Ryuu for insulting her.
Lili: Lili will never apologize to that thieving elf!
Hestia: What even makes her so special? I thought you were after Wallenwhatsit? *Sniffle*
From there, Bell told them about his sleeping problems. Hestia and Lili gave traitorous glare to Haruhime until Bell mentioned how even her efforts were beginning to fail. He eventually got to the Hostess where they cursed that girl for setting him up.
Hestia: It's all her fault! That witch helped set up the elf for stealing you!
Bell: Hey, don't call Miss Syr a witch! She's been a huge help for me too! Without her, I wouldn't have gotten over my nightmares much less get together with Ryuu!
Hestia: Why didn't you come to us?! You know we would have been more than happy to help you!
Bell: I...
Hestia: What, you don't trust us?! You don't think we had what it took to support you after what we've been through?!
Lili: Did you only go to her because you like elves you womanizing rabbit?!
Bell: No, of course I trust you guys! I just-
Hestia: Just what?! Why her?! You didn't tell us, but you told her! Why?!
Bell: Because of what we went through during the Deep Floors!
Lili: Great, another thing you aren't telling us! How many secrets do you plan to keep?!
The others grew irritated watching this. They saw Bell's guilt ridden face and had enough of this back and forth.
Welf: *Annoyed* Alright, that's enough!
Lili: Huh?!
Hestia: You stay out of this!
Welf: Sorry goddess, but I can't. I don't feel right listening to you berate him about truths when you haven't been honest either. The both of you and all of us.
Her anger turned to anxiety when she realized what the man was getting at. Bell just looked confused as he was clearly left out of the loop here.
Bell: Welf, what are you talking about?
Lili: Nothing! He's not talking about anything!
Welf: We have to break this to him sooner or later. He obviously was nervous about telling us about him and his woman. Seeing how you two reacted, I think it's justified.
Haruhime: I also don't like listening to this. We have no right to chastise him about keeping secrets when we aren't any different.
Hestia: H-Haruhime! Welf! Don't!
Bell: Guys? You're freaking me out here!
Ryuu wasn't sure what was going on either. She simply held his hand in hers, hoping it would calm his nerves.
Hestia: I forbid it! You won't say anymore of it!
Bell: What are you guys talking about?
Hestia: Nothing!
Bell: I don't believe that. This is obviously something important with how you all are acting. What secretvare you keeping from me?
Hestia's face lost more of its color as she was slowly backed into a corner.
Ryuu: You scold Bell for keeping secrets after he tells you of them, yet here you are, not willing to tell him of the secrets you're obviously keeping from him.
Hestia: *Angry* You shut your mouth! This is all you and your friend's fault! None of this wouldn't be happening if you weren't here!
Bell felt his temper reach a new height seeing his Goddess act like that to her.
Bell: Apologize.
Hestia: What?
Bell: Apologize to her. Don't blame her or Miss Syr for something you did.
Lili: You're taking their side?!
Bell: They were there for me like all of you, but they weren't being hypocrites and abusing their positions. You're clearly keeping a big secret from me, but you won't even treat Ryuu with respect much less accept the two of us.
Ryuu: Bell is right. Either tell him what you've been hiding, or face the reality of our relationship.
She fought off the blush as she stood firm against the two.
Hestia: Grr...
Welf: (This isn't going anyhwere.) Look, you aren't the only ones who know. If you don't tell him, we'd be more than happy to.
Lili: Traitors!
Mikoto: How can you say that after how you've been acting?!
Ryuu: So, Goddess Hestia, what will it be?
The tiny goddess grumbled with tears in her eyes. She was even more trapped than before and had no way to claw her way out. With everyone pressuring them, she and Lili just wailed before running to their rooms. A loud slam of a door was heard for each of them.
Welf: *Sigh*
They sweatdropped at that, but expected as much from them. Bell was still wondering what was going on.
Bell: Welf, please!
Welf: Bell, we're sorry for keeping this from you.
Mikoto: We think it would be best if all of us were here for that.
Bell: Are you sure? Why can't it be now?
He felt a hand on his shoulder and saw it was Ryuu.
Ryuu: Your Famili needs time to tell you properly. Just give them enough and you'll understand.
Bell: Alright...
Welf: So, I know this turned out pretty sour, especially since we got back. Still, I'm happy for you.
Mikoto: Yes. You're taking an important step in life many of us are still waiting for.
Haruhime: We just hope you won't think different of us after you know the truth. You went through a lot when you told us about her.
Bell: I-I know you wouldn't tell me unless it was for a good reason. Nothing is going to change between us.
Haruhime: *Relieved* Thank you.
Welf: Alright, let's celebrate, just us! We need this mood brightened up!
Bell: *Smiling* Right.
It turned out to be a rough start, but the others were at least able to accept Bell and Ryuu. Though, there was no knowing how the rest of this would play out. Bell would have a lot on his hands in the coming days.
AN: Short and simple: I've been busy. Around the time the last chapter dropped, I started training for my new job. I've been working there ever since and it's been eating away at my free time which is why this took 3, I think it was 3, months to update. Anyway, Bell and Ryuu broke the news to everyone and I think it went about how we were expecting.
As always, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Feel free to let me know what you thought about this. Also be sure to check out StevenShower on wattpad, or Argonaut32 of FFN for his work and I'll see you in the next one.