Bell stood alone outside the entrance to the dungeons. He had been waiting for only a short while, but he wasn't in the best of moods. Hestia was up and gone before he was without so much as a goodbye. As much as it hurt, he couldn't bring himself to be mad at her. He brought this on himself in a roundabout sort of way. He starred at the cloudless sky and wondered if what he was doing was right. Hestia truly believed something was wrong and the only way to ease her worries was to tell her the truth. The truth was turning out to be harder to convey than he realised. He was going to have to tell her, if only to stop her worries from getting any worse.

Off in the distance, Bell spotted Welf wondering about, no doubt looking for the rest of his familia. Bell waved him down and his face immediately changed. It was clear he was mad when he stomped over to Bell.

"Hi Welf, is something wrong?" yesterday's fiasco made the question a tad awkward to ask

The look on his face made it clear that there was most definitely something wrong.

"Bell, do you know who I spoke to yesterday?" Bell felt hot prickles spawn on his back as his friend stared at him. It could have been any number of people, Hestia and Lily were the first two to spring to mind. "That's right," He continued, "Mia and Syr. They told me that you were acting all strange because of a problem you're having with Hestia." Welf gave a heavy sigh. "Bell, listen, I understand that you're a man, and as one myself I also understand that there are things you just don't want to share. However, we are a familia first, and stubborn males second. We help each other out, that's part of the pact, but I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong. So, let's hear you side of the story."

For a long minute Bell was silent, taking in the fact that whatever his situation was with Hestia, Welf was now a part of it. He looked frantically around for a more private place to talk. He issued Welf to follow him as he put his back to a spot of wall not laced with overgrown vines. When he started talking about recent development with his feelings, he found he couldn't stop himself from spilling everything but his steamy night with Lily. The look of realisation on Welf's face would have made Bell laugh had he not been the subject of conversation. His attitude changed so drastically from annoyed to happy it was as if there wasn't a problem in the first place.

"I think I understand the situation a lot better now."

"You do?"

"Of course. You forget that I was once your age, what are you now? Sixteen?

"Seventeen. Eighteen in the winter."

"Wow," Welf looked at his hands "I am getting old. Anyway. What you want isn't to make Hestia happy, you make her happy already, what you want is to bring her to orgasm."

The conversation from that point became more of a lesson in the world of women from Welf's experience. He gave no specific instructions, but he did explain the basics of the do's and don'ts of it all. A big don't being not finishing inside of a woman unless she says otherwise, especially if they were of the same race. As he spoke Bell felt a significant weight lift a little from his shoulders. He felt foolish for keeping his plans to himself for so long. Of course Welf could be trusted, they were a familia and he had to remember that too.

The conversation lasted until Lily arrived and Bell suddenly felt a lot less comfortable talking about the birds and bees with her around. The trio entered the dungeons and become an unstoppable force of death once more.

While the adventures were hacking and slashing their way through the dungeon, a certain Goddess was seeking audience with the Divine Smith. When one of her children knocked on the door Hephaestus showed indifference to him and to the request that was sent to her by Hestia. Her cold exterior well hid the joy she felt from seeing her old friend again. It had been too long since they had spoken deity to deity. When she arrived practically swept her off her feet and dropped her into the chair in front of her desk. Hephaestus rested against her desk and regain her composure with a formal cough.

"Good to finally catch up with you, my dearest Hestia. How have things been?"

"Not so well." Hestia replied

Hephaestus raised an eyebrow to her, "Is it the Hestia knife?" was her first question. Of all the things that it could be, she hoped it to be that. A knife, no matter how godly, could be fixed, people couldn't, and it was looking as if a person was the problem.

"It's Bell." She admitted with a near sob

"Has something happened to him?"

Hestia looked her friend in the eye, water welling up in her own, "I don't know. I think maybe so, but he refuses to tell me anything."

"That doesn't sound like the Little Rookie at all."

"I'm worried that something has happened, he is different. He holds something back and I can't get it out of him."

"Well, um, what is different about him?"

"He's hiding something. I know he wants to tell me, or anyone, but he won't."

"And?"

The goddess blushed a little "And he's more forward now. He hugged me the other day in bed, I wasn't… wearing anything and he still hugged me"

The divine smithy grinned uncontrollably. "You share a bed with him while naked?"

Her cheeks burned brighter "No, no, no. We wear clothes, but that night I wasn't but he still hugged me."

This was news to Hephaestus. She knew little of how the relationship between Bell and her friend, so hearing how the two had developed was always a fun topic for her. What made it all the more interesting was that every other God up in the heavens was betting on when their mutual crush would finally become something more.

She was sure by now that they were at least in a formal relationship, that was her bet anyway, and she wasn't going to lose to Loki who had no investment whatsoever, and only placed a bet because everyone else did. Freya, what little Hephaestus had seen of her, had a different bet and wouldn't stop going on about how if Hestia didn't make a bolder move someone else will and steal him right away. That was never going to be the case. Bell was much too caring of Hestia to leave her, too caring of all of his familia now that she thought about it. "I think it's pretty obvious that what he's hiding has to do with you."

Hestia had mixed feelings about that statement. "You think so?"

"Of course. Think about it. He acts distant yet he moves closer to you than he ever has before. He's hiding nothing from you, Hestia, he's preparing for something big, and I think I know what it is too."

"You think he's going to tell me he loves me?"

"If what you're telling me is any indication, give him some time and he's going to do a lot more than just tell you."

Sweaty and somewhat tender from adventuring, the party emerged from the gates of the dungeon. They collected their gold, as well as a snide comment from the team's dungeon manager about making up for yesterday's little spit, and met the buzzing markets. The three said their goodbyes, Welf stealing a few minutes to make it clear that they were all a part of the Hestia Familia, and if ever there is a problem they tackle it together. It was a little tacky but he meant well and made off for home. Bell had plans to return to the Hostess of Fertility but stopped in his tracks when Lily took his hand.

She wasn't looking at him, but he knew that she wanting something. It was written all over her face even as she averted his gaze.

"Bell, did you maybe want to come to my place?"

How could he say no? He followed her through the streets that led to her home. She seemed to be almost skipping at one stage, but quickly corrected herself back to a walk. After a few more turns they stopped at an inn. Considering it was located in the poorer district of the city, it looked like a respectable place. The sign was freshly painted and read 'The Cut Above'. True to its name inn was doing well for itself. The walkway was free of any filth, not a window was smashed and there was even a distinct sound of drunken babble that any good business had.

"Here it is, the Cut Above, not a bad place really. Folks are nice, and the food is decent enough, but I'm thinking I prefer the old church." She turned to face Bell "So how long do you think it'll be before Hestia lets me move into the church?" She giggled at her own joke, but Bell seemed to actually be considering the idea.

As soon as they pushed the door open they heard a shout that was unmistakably for Lily. Bell reacted like a cat, ready to defend in a second, but Lily stopped him. The bartender who gave the shout seemed rather pleased with herself. She gave a second, less threatening, call to her new customers and sat them down in front of her. The occupants of the bar seemed to be almost entirely comprised of the Pallum race. There was a strong sense of community in the air, a feeling that everyone in the room had had a conversation with each other at least once.

"So is this the infamous Bell we've been hearing so much of?"

All eyes shot to Bell. They each sized him up, all the women gave a choir of coos while men had a mixed response of nodding approvals and low muttering.

"Hello, Bristle" Lily's tone sounded that of a child in trouble

Bristle's eyes glided over from Bell to Lily who was clinging onto his hand as if he might be swept away at a moment's notice. The bartender gave a cheeky little smile and looked to be mentally preparing a barrage of comments.

"Have to say, Lily, you found a fine looking one, I'll give you that. Now, I can tell by the look on your face that you're not going to let me have any fun with this so I'll save them for tomorrow."

As they escaped to the safety of Lily's one last quip followed them up the stairs.

"Not too rough with her now Bell, you hear? That little cutie won't be able to support much of anything if she can't walk tomorrow."

Lily didn't speak a word as her face flushed with heat. They climbed the stairs, Lily almost running, until they reached the top of the flight. Lily's room had claimed a floor all of its own, she had planned to show it off but was too caught up in being embarrassed.

The door slammed shut and Lily had it bolted in the blink of an eye. Three different kinds of locks and a bronze key to boot. Confident that their privacy was assured, she let out a sigh and staggered over to bed. Bell stood awkwardly in the centre of the room. This was the second time he'd been in a girl's room and the second time he had been quipped by an innkeeper.

"Lily, are they always mean to you? I can talk to them if you want."

"No, no, they're just having some fun." she said into the pillow. Lily didn't really want to tell him that what transpired downstairs was several months' worth of boasting a less than true sexual relationship with Bell all coming back to bite her at once. She let the embarrassment sink in and pass before making enough space for her "boyfriend" to lay down.

The bed was surprisingly large considering Lily's size, but it wasn't anything he would be able to comfortably sleep on. Looking around, the entire room was finely furnished with few rather pricey looking objects. The girl had expensive tastes, Bell noted, and now she was finally earning enough to satisfy them. It made him all the happier to be a part of her life. "I like your room" he commented, but it went unheard. Lily was rubbing her thumbs together and staring into space. He gently tapped her shoulder but startled her none the less.

"Gah!"

"Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah. Um, Bell?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think maybe; we could have another night… like we did back at the church?"

The obvious came to mind. Thinking back, there were two events that he remembered clearly from that memory. His passionate night with Lily and his comforting morning with Hestia. He looked at her and was reminded of the hot breaths, the tender feel of her flesh on his, and the burst of ecstasy that followed it all.

"I would."

"Really?" She asked straddling him, with excitement.

The excitement was getting to him as well. He could feel himself harden and press against his armour. He nodded once in return. Lily kissed him hungrily and their tongues clashed once more.

Bell couldn't remove armour fast enough for Lily's liking. She was near ripping it from his body and tossing it aside as he loosened each piece. Once the armour laid scattered about the floor Lily began her crawl over Bell's now uncovered body. She giggled as her hair tickled his face. He moved it past her shoulder and let his fingers linger her cheek. She pulled off her clothes with ease while Bell did his best to remove his own clothes on his back. He gave up and rolled off the bed to undress. Lily's legs hung off the bed as she toyed with herself in wait.

As he approached the foot of the bed both realised that there wasn't going to be enough space to move around. Determined to not let their night end, Lily wrapped her smooth legs around Bell as best she could and pulled him closer.

He looked at her with a puzzled expression, a little thrown off by the sudden pull, but she didn't lose face. Her look was knowing. She knew what Bell had to do next well before he did. It soon dawned on him that this was another position, an ideal position for their situation. His hands rested on her round feminine hips before feeling his way down her to her thighs. He levelled the head of his member to her womanly entrance. Slowly he pushed in as Lily moaned and continued to grope at her breasts. Her face brimming with joy and lust. He pulled out slowly and returned with a thrust that rocked the bed. It tapped against the wall as he continued into his rhythm, though neither seemed to care. Soft moans of ecstasy escaped Lily, her hands clutching tightly to the sheets of her swaying bed. Bell felt the pleasure of build in him as he thrusted in and out.

"I can't reach your ears, Lily", panted Bell.

Those were the pleasure points he was after but her hand guided him to her bouncing flesh of her chest. Her ears were too far up to stroke comfortably, but her breasts were perfect. Sacrificing the power of his standing position he moved forward to cup her more appropriately. Between the thrusts, he did his best to caress her perky nipple and massage the soft breast around it. All the while Lily moaned and panted. He pulled his hands back and returned to Lily's legs. His climax was fast approaching, but this time he would be ready to give it his all.

Her hot wet kisses nearly had him explode then and there, but he held back. It was Lily's turn to be quizzical as he pushed himself upward. Suddenly, found herself lower on the bed, closer to Bell. Without so much as a grunt of effort, he had raised her legs and his member was now hitting deeper than before. Lily did her best to keep her legs hugged above, it was a little uncomfortable even with the bed, but it was worth it. Bell was so different from their first night together and only a day between them, perhaps with his special skill a day was all it took to improve. One day neither of them had known the intimate touch and now he was bringing her to a new level of bliss. Her body tensed up and she hugged her legs tighter. Bell felt it just as much she did and both revelled in the final moments of ecstasy.

The idle water basin in the corner of the room and was soon put to use. Thankfully Bell's fireball ability was enough to heat it to a more effective cleaning temperature. Twice now the magic had come in handy. Lily imagined how appalled a dedicated mage would be by their using of it and couldn't help but giggle at the idea. One last hug and Bell lost to the impending night outside, taking extra care not to make eye contact with Bristle who grinned at him all the way out the door.

Coming down from the climax wasn't anywhere as nice as the last time. Bell didn't have time for closeness tonight, not if he wanted to be clean, armoured up, and back home before Hestia hit the sheets. They needed to talk and as much as Lily wanted him to stay she knew understood the situation. Welf's little speech resonated in her head. Hestia was familia too, more than that, she's the reason Bell was an adventurer at all.

'Hestia is famila' she didn't shutter at the thought this time. That was progress enough for tonight, it was time to weigh up the options of Bristle's inevitable teasing or climb down the side of the inn.

Bell jogged his way home in the fading light of the day. The main paths were alive with adventurers again so he took the backstreets. It did take him a short while longer but he was still home comfortably before Hestia. The young adventurer made use of every second in his time alone. His armour was off and packed away, bed was made, candles were lit and now all he had to do was think. Think, think, think. Of words. To say to Hestia.

His stared at his hands but nothing came to him. He balled them into fists and marched around muttering. He couldn't think of the right thing to say to her, of anything to say to her. Now he was back to square one. What good were his feelings if he couldn't speak them? What good was anything he had learnt for that matter. If only Welf could see him now, all flustered with no one but himself in the room, no one else to take the heat and change the topic.

"I love you." He said into the pillow and rolled over

"I love you." he said again, but to the ceiling

In the dim lighting of the candles, he found his calm and tried again only to frustrate himself further.

"I love you, Goddess"

He rolled around the bed and tried over and over to a point of yelling his feelings for Hestia at the near top of his lungs.

"Goddess. Kami-sama. Hestia. I. Love you."

He stopped for only a moment and in the brief silence, he heard the unmistakable sound of the church doors crashing to a close.

Hestia completely forgot her arms were full of bagged food for their night's dinner. She collapsed with the bags, forgetting the feelings in her legs as well. She couldn't deny the tears, though. The absolute elation of hearing those words had her weeping for joy in seconds. Hephaestus was right, oh by that was good and holy in the world, Hephaestus was right. Bell did love her.

As he emerged from the bedroom she tackled him to the ground and kissed him with all the love in her pounding heart.

"I love you too, Bell" She cried into his chest. "I love you too."

A.N.
Haha! Done. It's three something in the morning, my head's a little sore, but damned if I'm not pleased with how this turned out. Perhaps not as pleased as Hestia, but I'm still pretty pleased none the less. Anyway, I do apologise again for the lateness of this addition. Before I fall asleep at the desk, I want to thank those of you who left me some praise for the series so far, the kind words really are appreciated.