Strange wouldn't have been the word Bell would use. He felt unsure of what he should be doing. They entered the first store, it had a wide variety of men's and women's clothing, but he felt a little out of place.
One of the store workers greeted them as they entered.
"Welcome is there anything I can help you with?
Bell looked to Artemis as it was by her request they were here.
"Oh no, we're just here to look around thanks."
The clerk smiled and nodded.
"Very well please do let one of us know if you need assistance."
She moved off into the store and Artemis started to look around the female section.
Bell stood around near the door unsure of what he should do. He was getting some odd looks from a few other shoppers.
'I should really wait outside but...'
He looked in the direction of Artemis she was browsing the shirts and tops section. Bell admitted she seemed to be enjoying herself but he couldn't understand why?
'Must be a female thing. I know Lily likes to go on about this kind of thing but I don't get the appeal.'
He turned his head, between the other customers and now a few of the employees he felt quite out of place.
'Do they really have to look this way?'
He didn't want to leave Artemis alone but he also didn't want to stick to close letting her have the moment to look by herself. Deciding it was best to at least make it look like he was here for something.
'I wonder what kind of thing she likes?'
He looks up trying hard to not make it to obvious. She was holding up a light blue top. It was quite plain but he assumed it suited her. She looked unsure of it, putting it to the side before picking up another.
He looked down and through a variety of loose-fitting shirts. Something he never wear but he also never really thought about it. Between what little free time he had and the lack of social circle besides Lili and Welf and the hostess.
"I suppose getting a few new clothes wouldn't hurt. Goddess is always saying I'm lacking when it comes to choice in fashion."
'It's not like looks are a factor in the dungeon. So why would it matter how I look?'
He slowly found himself in a fancier part of the store. Tailor-made suits of wide variety spread across the large area.
'Not really what I'm looking for. Why would I ever need something like this? It's not like I go to anything fancy? I suppose there's the casino Welf keeps wanting to visit but?'
"Do you need assistance, sir?"
Bell turned to his side. A tall well dress man walked up to him. By the way, he dressed he must work here but he seemed a lot more confident then welcoming.
"I hope my store is to your liking? I noticed you were looking around. If you're having trouble I'd be happy to point you in the right direction?"
Bell just stood quiet it wasn't like he was here for himself. But it would be rude to not answer him.
"Oh I'm fine, I'm not here for myself rather a friend."
Again he referred to the goddess as a friend which wasn't the truth he was more of her guide but for simplicity's sake he didn't plan on blowing her cover.
The owner smiled looking around, he quickly noticed the blue-haired girl looking in their direction.
"Hmm I see, might I assume it's the bluenette in the corner?"
Bell gave a quick glance over his shoulder. He saw she was looking at them so he quickly returned her gaze.
"Ahh, I'll take that as a yes. If I might say you seem a bit out of place. Perhaps you might like to wait in the back? Perhaps we could have a little chat?"
Bell looked at him confused. He was unsure why the man would make such a request.
"Umm may I ask why?"
The owner smiled looking up at one of the store clerks and then around the store.
"Like I said. It's obvious your out of place beside I can tell an adventure from a mile away. Why don't we wait for your friend to finish. Perhaps you can tell of your adventures over a drink.
And this way you won't be the attention of everyone's gaze."
He moved his arm in the direction of a door at the back of the store. Bell gave it a moments thought. He really didn't have a reason to deny the request and it was better than waiting outside.
'Okay, this is weird? but I suppose it's better than looking out of place.'
As Bell went through the door, Artemis kept her eyes on him unsure of what was going on.
Artemis POV
I looked up from the selection of the store I was in to see Bell and a member of the store talking. He didn't look to be in any trouble but I couldn't really tell. I caught him looking at me and I became worried.
'I hope he's okay?'
"Excuse me are you having trouble with anything?"
I turn my head towards another store clerk. They seemed to be like flies constantly appearing when you least wanted them. I smiled and shook my head.
"Ohh no everything's fine, I just can't choose."
The clerk smiled back she looked at what I was holding and then behind her. My first thought was to ask about Bell.
"Umm I'm sorry to ask but who was the gentlemen standing over there a moment ago?"
I pointed in the direction of were Bell was standing and the clerk followed. She nodded and smiled before replying.
"Ohh that would have been the store owner. He owns a few stores in this area. May I ask why?"
"Ohh, I came in here with someone, he seemed to have taken him into the back. Should I be worried?"
The girl shook her head she was still smiling which was a good sign.
"I wouldn't worry. The owner used to be an Adventurer, we get a few of them in, he keeps up to date with anyone of talk in the city. He likes to offer a drink and exchange stories."
My nerves were calmed. But I wasn't sure why I should be nervous.
"Would you like me to get him for you? You seem to look in his general direction whenever you picked something up?"
I quickly turned to face her. She was still smiling, was she implying something?
"Ohh... Well..umm."
She let out a little laugh.
"Forgive me for asking this but is he someone special to you?"
I just stood in place. Why was she asking such a question? Why did it matter? I barely know Bell, I mean he was kind and caring. Hestia trusts him so he's trustworthy...
"I hope you don't mind me saying this but he's quite handsome."
I looked at her. Something about that comment made me unhappy. Which was strange. Why do I care what she thinks of him? She wasn't wrong.
'Is he handsome? His looks made him look slightly childish but he does have a few mature features to balance it out. Besides its not like were close or anything.'
"Please don't get the wrong idea, he's a friend of a friend, he just offered to show me around that's all."
The girl seemed a little taken aback when I said that. Her smile disappeared for the briefest of moments.
"Forgive my assumptions. The way you two looked at one another just seemed so... Forgive me I'll leave you to continue looking."
She quickly disappeared moving over to a nearby couple. I stood holding the top. Its was a light blue top. My original thought was it looked to plain. But I wanted to get Bells opinion on it.
'Why would it matter? Why does it have to be his opinion... What is it about him that I just can't get out of my head!'
As I thought this his sleeping face from this morning popped into my head. My face felt warm.
Bells POV
I followed the man into another well-furnished room. It was decorated by a variety of fine art, furniture and other decorations.
"Please take a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?"
I took my seat and looked towards him. He held up a glass pointing towards a large selection of alcohol. I normally didn't partake beside the odd drink with Welf and Hermes... Those always ended in mischievous actions.
"Oh umm, I don't mind... Whatever you recommend.'
He smiled pulling out a bottle of aged
Scotch. I felt quite out of place in such situations. Why was I getting such special treatment?
"I'm sure you're wondering why I asked you back here? Don't worry like I said I have an eye for spotting adventures."
He moved over towards his desk placing the drink in front of me, before sitting down himself.
"I may not look it but I used to be an adventurer like you? Then I took an arrow to the knee."
Bell looked at him. He didn't know why. But it sounded like he heard that before...
"Ha-ha my wife tells me to stop telling people that."
I rubbed the back of my head, laughing a little at his comment. He really didn't look like the adventuring type. But I suppose it had been a while back. He took a sip of his drink.
"Forgive me, when I spot another adventurer I feel a need to talk about the old times. As well as hear other peoples stories."
I nodded. I didn't mind it was a little odd but it beat being sat out of place in the store front.
"I'd hardly call myself much of an adventurer. I'm still quite new to the whole thing."
The man laughed.
"Ha-ha-ha good one. No no you're the little prodigy. Little rookie am I right?"
I nodded seemed I was known more and more around this city then I had expected.
"Ha-ha-ha I knew it, your appearance is a dead give away. The record holder for the fastest level up. You must be bloody good at this or bloody crazy to try such risks early on."
I thought back to the moment I fought the Minotaur. The rush I felt and the need to beat it... Whenever I think about it the more I realise how stupid and risky it was.
"Yeah... I just think I got lucky is all."
The man swirled the glass in his hand. He his eyes seemed to follow the liquid. I picked up the glass. I could smell the strong liquid from far away. Its pungent smell probably warded off those for the first time. I took a sip. The scotch had a hard-hitting taste. The liquid burned the back of my throat as I swallow.
"Ha-ha first time?"
I nodded it was obvious.
"Trust me you get used to it. It's amazing how ones taste adapts to find subtle flavours."
I didn't understand what he meant but it was obvious I was missing something.
"Well, we have some time. Tell me about yourself?"
He asked me this but I wasn't sure what to tell him.
"Ohh well, there's not a lot to tell really. I'm not as interesting as people like to make out."
I wasn't wrong. I was a nobody before coming here. I only became known for my level up. I couldn't tell him about the goliath as that was under wraps because of the guild.
"Hmm, it's okay. I get when people don't want to talk about there past."
He took another sip of his drink. He rested back into the chair.
"So I'm curious that girl downstairs?"
He changed the topic of discussion, but why did it have to be about her?
"Ohh umm what about her?"
I was curious. If only to know why he was so curious.
"Ohh no real reason. I just can't pinpoint what she's like. I got the impression she's no stranger to danger but she doesn't look like an adventurer."
I remember our conversation. She mentioned she used to hunt with her Familia and help local towns and villages with monster attacks.
"I couldn't really tell you..."
He looked at me with a bit of confusion.
"Hmm, I thought you said she was your friend?"
I didn't know what to say in this situation. My thoughts on her were she was kind and caring but I barely knew anything about her or her past beside the little she mentioned.
"She an acquaintance I'm just showing her about."
"I see if you don't mind me saying but you two seemed a lot more closer then just mere acquaintances?"
I was confused. What did he mean by that?
"What do you mean?"
He put his drink down.
"The way you look at her. It just seemed more caring is all?"
'Caring? Yeah, I care about her safety but besides that, I couldn't really say it was more than that.'
"But I'll admit you have a good eye kid. She really is a looker, someone as beautiful as her made a few of my regulars turn their heads. Seeing you with her probably made them a little jealous."
I sat wondering if he was just saying this to curry favour with me. But her image popped into my head. Her blue hair, emerald eyes and smiling face radiated beauty, I couldn't help but smile thinking about her.
'She is beautiful, I admit I find myself staring at her, She seemed to have the same effect as Aiz for drawing my attention.'
He got to his feet finishing his drink and walking back over to pour himself another one. I took another swig. It still had the kick but I knew to expect it and tried to focus on the flavour instead.
"It might just be me but it looked like she was looking at you for a reason?"
His lack of detail didn't help me. Why would she be looking at me? I mean before I assumed she caught on to the fact I was looking at her.
"Hey it's just my opinion kid, but perhaps she wanted your opinion? That or she really likes to look at you. Ha-ha-ha."
He burst out laughing but I could feel my cheeks heating up and probably going a little red. The comment seemed to resonate with my brain as her face popped into my head.
"Ohh..umm I doubt that... She wouldn't take interest in someone like me. Not like that anyway, besides like you said she probably just wanted an opinion."
"But why mine? Surely the store assistants could give a better opinion?"
"Ha, the female mind works in mysterious ways. I remember meeting my wife for the first time. We argued about the littlest of things. Still do, to be honest. But I remember that moment I looked at her. I knew she was the one."
'Was there a point to his reminiscing or...'
"Forgive me, I have to say it seems are little conversation has gone off-topic."
He took another swig and placed his glass down.
"Well, its been interesting little rookie."
"Oh its umm Bell. Bell Cranel."
I thought it best I should at least give him my name before I left.
"Well, I suppose I won't keep you. I'm, sure we don't want her to worry because you've been gone for too long."
"It has been a pleasure Bell. Can I call you Bell or would your prefer something else?
I shook my head. "No Bell is fine, likewise I thank you for the drink."
I stood up and he guided me back to the store. I remained silent. His comment about Artemis was still present in my head.
"Well, Bell should you be in the area, feel free to stop in. I'll be sure to give you a discount, and another drink maybe by then you'll have a story worth telling."
He offered his hand out. We shook on it before he made his way over towards a group of customers. I waited a moment before looking for Artemis. To my surprise she was still in the same place as when I left her. By the looks of it, she was confused, her face seemed somewhat sad. Also judging by the looks people were starting to avoid her.
'Did something happen?'
I moved over towards her. She hadn't noticed me yet. I had managed to get to her side before she realised someone was near her. This caused her to jump a little when she realised it was me.
"Hey, everything okay?"
I asked but it took a moment before I got any real change from her. That being her face returned to its usual smiling self.
"Yeah sorry I was just thing about a few things. What about you? I was surprised when you had disappeared on me? Again I might add!"
I rubbed the back of my head and attempted to laugh it off. She was still going on about that.
"Ha-ha yeah sorry, the owner wanted to a little chat, I'll explain later for now, have you seen anything you like?"
She looked back at the top.
"Yeah, there are a few things I've seen but... Would you mind...umm if its no bother, I'd like your opinion on a few things?"
*heart beats*
"Of course id be happy too."
I smiled, I don't know why but I was happy she asked. Normally I wouldn't really care but it was different with her. Perhaps I was just happy to help her.
Artemis pov
Why, why do I feel like this? I know he'll be back but standing here by myself just feel so lonely.
'Does he feel I need space? Ever since we walked in the store he's been at a distance. Is it uncomfortable to be around me? Did I give off that impression?'
I looked around the store, a small part hoping he'd reappear. But he hadn't, considering the current situation I feel he's one of the few people beside Hestia that I can talk to.
"This city is so lively, but I can't help but feel so alone here..."
I found myself staring at the top in my hand. The clerks had stopped asking me if I needed assistance, and the other customers kept there distance. But that didn't bother me but something did.
'He doesn't want to be around me. I can't say I blame him. He doesn't have many reasons to trust me. I made it clear his presence made me uncomfortable.
My mind recalled the memory of the night before. I attacked him when he was just trying to help me. Even while I struck him he had every right to be angry with me but he wasn't. He cared even when I didn't want him to.
"Did I even apologise? We agreed to start on a new slate but I don't remember apologising."
The fact I couldn't answer that question was worrying.
'I should try harder to get along with him. He's shown patients towards me and he's been kind. Compared to most men I meet he's a rarity.'
'He can be a pervert at times but I don't believe he's doing it on purpose.'
I spend the next few minutes browsing the selection but I just wanted a second thought on everything.
'I wish Hestia was here... she almost always has an opinion on everything.'
I look back to see a couple who were looking in my direction. They looked to be whispering something. I wanted to tell them to mind their own business but knew it wasn't worth making a scene.
I sighed looking back to the ground. Bell had been gone for a good while and I knew I should move to a different area.
But it felt weird I had been stood here for longer then anyone person should, I decided to turn when someone appeared behind me.
"Hey, everything okay?"
'Finally!'
I turned to face him, he looked concerned and I realised he must have seen me before. I couldn't help but smile which seemed to put him at ease.
"Yeah sorry I was just thinking about a few things. What about you? I was surprised to see you had disappeared on me, again I might add."
I added the last part to avoid any questions, not like he needs to know I missed his company...
"Ha-ha yeah sorry. The owner wanted to talk, but I'll explain that later. Have you seen anything you like?"
I took a moment to think.
'I could just say I haven't and be off but...'
I looked at the shirt in my hand and then looked at Bell.
"Yeah, there are a few things I've seen but... Do you mind... If its no bother... I'd like your opinion on a few things."
I don't know why asking this was so hard. Was it because he's a boy?
"Of course id be happy to."
*heartbeat*
I don't know what I was expecting, but it took me a moment to process his response. I was happy. Which was strange. What should I be happy about? I shook the thought from my head. I didn't care I just went with it.
I grabbed a few tops and shirts before returning.
"So these are what I was thinking about".
I held up each one, but he didn't react to any with any like or dislike.
"Do you not like any of these?"
He shook his head.
"It's not that it's just..."
He rubbed his cheek. Avoiding my gaze.
"Well it be better if I could see you wearing them. Just my opinion."
I looked at him. He had a point I guess.
"Yeah your probably right. I wonder if they have somewhere to change?".
Bell looked around. But he turned around and headed to the man before. Before I knew it he and one of the clerks showed us to a back room.
"Feel free to use it as long as you need. If you want anything bring to you let me or one of my staff know and we'll bring it to you."
We thanked him and he left us... Alone.
"Well I'm going to go change. I won't be too long."
I entered the room. It was surprisingly well furnished. Perhaps it used to be a break room for the employees. It had a chair and dresser to the side and a large mirror to side of that.
I placed the shirts on the dresser. I removed my current top placing it on the chair. I grabbed the light blue top. I was surprised at first thinking it was smaller but it was obviously designed to shorter near the bottom.
'Ugh it looked okay but why does it have to show skin. I feel like I'd have to have something over the top of this.'
"I don't need his opinion on this."
I removed the top and grabbed another one this grey which wasn't my colour but I could get a different colour if I asked.
'Hmm it's a nice fit and the material feels nice on my skin.'
I looked towards the door. Considering if I needed Bells opinion.
I decided to see what he thought. What harm could come from it?.
I exited the room, and Bell quickly turned his gaze upon me.
"Well, what do you think?"
I made a quick turn to show him the back and front. He was being quiet?
"Yes, it looks nice. But I can't say I'm fond of the colour. It doesn't suit you in my opinion."
Well, we agreed on that. After that, I continued to go through the other clothes one after another. It became obvious that Bell didn't understand fashion but I still valued his opinion.
Half an hour past and the manager returned.
"I hope everything is well back here?"
I could hear the manager outside. I couldn't work out what he was saying but he was obviously talking to Bell.
"Excuse me, madam, I was wondering if you'd like to try on any of our dresses?"
He spoke from the other side of the door.
"Ohh well it wasn't something I'd planned to get. I suppose I can try a few on."
I never wore dresses except in heaven and even then it was formalities if I was given a choice it was to wear my usual attire.
'I might not like wearing them but still, why not they've been kind so I'll humour them.'
"Wonderful I'll go get my wife to select a few and have her help you change. What about you Cranel may I interest you in a new suit?"
"Ohh well, I don't want to be a bother, surely your busy?"
"Ohh come now its no bother. I have plenty of staff, and it's not like I do much else."
He quickly moved Bell to another room Bell looked back at me.
"Don't worry you'll get to see her soon. My wife likes to take her time, so we have plenty of time. Think of it like this you're going to be standing around anyway so might as well use the time productively. Again it will be worth it when you see her."
I couldn't hear what he said but Bell face went quite red.
I stood alone in the room for a few minutes before a knock on the door.
"Sorry for the wait my husband said you were interested in trying on a few of our dresses?"
Bells POV
I came out of the room. I wasn't sure how long I had been in there but he must have had me try on a dozen suits. Even after I thought we were done, they managed to find another.
"Well Cranel, I must say I think we found the one." He looked at the mirror. It was a three-piece suit comprised of a white shirt and waistcoat and a black jacket. With a white bow-tie.
"Well, your thoughts? I also believe the grey coat would work well if you want something lighter?"
I had to admit that it suited me, but was I going to use it enough to justify the price? It's not like I'm strapped for cash but I don't want it to go unused.
"I like it, its surprising I never thought I'd see myself in a suit. But I'm not sure when I'd ever wear it?"
The man laughed.
"Were used to people coming in here because of the casino, plus any parties requiring dress codes."
It was a stroke of luck he mentioned the casino I was going to have to go with Welf at some point so I was going to need a suit sooner or later.
"Yeah, a friend said it has a strict dress code. Well I suppose you never know when you may need a good suit."
I looked back to see the man door open. I was worried they found yet another suit for me to try on.
'I wonder how Artemis is doing? If she's getting the same treatment as me I could only imagine what she's going through.'
The door closed but he wasn't holding a suit. But he did have a smile on his face.
"Well mister Cranel I must say your in for a real treat."
I looked at him and he motioned me towards the door. We exited into the room door. When we entered, he called out to his wife.
"Ahh perfect timing we've narrowed it down to two but she can't decide which one she likes more."
"Perhaps the young gentlemen will help her decide?" She smiled at Bell before returning behind the curtain.
I don't know why but I was nervous. Why am I nervous? Should I be nervous? Why am nervous!?
The wife walked out first.
"Come now dear no need to be shy."
She spoke to the silhouette behind the curtain. It was obviously Artemis having took a few seconds but finally, she walked out.
"S-so... How do I look...?"
Artemis and Bell were left speechless.
She wore a long flowing blue dress which suited her perfectly. It was both modest while also enhancing her female figure. It didn't have any straps stopping below her shoulders supported by her breasts. I admitted it gave me a nice view of her but I didn't want to be too obvious.
'She really is beautiful. Even if she doesn't like to be told.'
"So Bell your thoughts?"
"Ohh its uhh nice."
The women looked at me waiting for me to continue.
"Is that it's, surely you have more to say?"
She almost sounded angry because of my response.
"Oh trust me he gave the same response for me when I helping him. Don't worry I'm sure he's just shy."
I looked at him. He wasn't wrong but he didn't understand the women we were dealing with. Artemis took every comment seriously. One wrong word and he'll be apologising for the rest of the day.
"Well give it some thought will we change her. I expect a better response for the next one."
They went back into the room and Bell was left to sit.
'Ughh how did I get dragged into this?'
"Soo Bell now that the women have gone what are your thoughts?"
I turn to him with a confused look. He laughed upon seeing my face.
"Come now, I saw you looking admit it, you wanted to say something but worried it would cause conflict."
I was surprised by his words true I wanted to say she looked great in a dress and more than that complement her but it was hard.
"Your not wrong it's just..."
He looked to the door.
"Come on lad what's wrong? Far from me to ask someone's personal business but it seems to be eating at you?"
I can't tell him the truth, but I also don't want to lie...
"I just don't know that much about her. Ive known her for a couple of days at best."
The manager when speechless, he didn't know what to say. It was hard to explain how he should proceed.
"But I also feel close to her. Like I've known her from a previous life. As strange as it may sound. I just want to see her happy."
"Ha-ha-ha okay."
He started laughing I wonder if it was something I said or just an attempt to lighten the mood?
"Perhaps you have? Perhaps it's just a coincidence? Look Bell we don't know why things happen but they do good and bad."
I sit with my hands together as he continued.
"If you question every little detail your gonna get nowhere and your gonna be unhappy with the answers you get."
"When I gave up being an adventurer I knew it was my time I don't regret it. I miss it but I don't question my decision."
He placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Think of it like this. If you saw someone in danger. Would you ignore it or would you jump in without a second thought?"
I could answer that question without thinking.
"I'd help them of course."
He nodded.
"Exactly you don't spend the time asking what-ifs and questions. You already made up your mind."
"You know what you want to say to her. You just keep second-guessing."
I couldn't see the connection between saving someone and commenting on a dress.
"What if I upset her?"
He chuckled at my comment.
"That comment tells me you care about her."
"Bell she wouldn't have done this if she didn't want your opinion. My wife can be pushy but she wouldn't make her do something she didn't want to."
I thought about it for a while. He made a good point. Why would she go through the trouble just to be angry with the answer?
"When you commented on her normal clothes did she seem upset by any of your comments."
'I admit she didn't. Heck, it seemed to help her confidence when picking clothes.'
"I guess your right..."
He got up.
"So to answer to my first question? What were your thoughts?"
I sighed.
"I liked it, it suited her, being both formal and practical. It showed off her figure nicely. She may not like to hear it but she's beautiful. In more ways than one. I'm sure she'd look good in a great many things."
I spoke from the heart. True she was a stranger. Slowly becoming a friend.
"Great now just do that when she comes out and you'll be fine.."
'Easier said than done.'
I just nodded. Didn't need to get into a long lecture. I've had enough of them in my time.
He got up and knocked on the door.
"Are you two gonna be much longer?"
He waited for a response.
"Yeah, we're coming out now."
The door opened. I was surprised it hadn't been long. Could she have changed that quickly?
Artemis stepped out again. To my surprise, she was wearing the same blue dress. And had the same slightly embarrassed face.
"Well?"
I took a deep breath and looked her over. I smiled.
"It suits you, I'm not just saying that I mean it. It's modest but also beautiful. You have a natural beauty and it lets you express it."
I said it without thinking. It was the unbiased truth.
Artemis just turned and entered the room without saying a word. She closed the door behind her. Leaving us to wonder what was going on.
"Did I do something wrong? Was it something I said?"
The manager looked at his wife. Who was just as confused as him.
"Kid I have no idea."
The wife moved up to the husband. They started to whisper.
"Should I go check if she okay? She seemed shy but she wanted his opinion?"
"No let's leave them I'm sure he can work it out?"
The wife made her way back to the store front. The manager looked towards Bell.
"Give her sometime don't worry nobody will bother you. I'm sure everything will be fine."
He made his way towards the main store leaving me with my thoughts.
'I didn't want to upset her...'
Artemis pov.
When I heard him give his response I didn't know what to say or react. My first thought was to be alone to think.
'It's just like you. Modest but also Beautiful.'
He thinks I'm beautiful? Was he just saying that to make a more convincing comment? Why do I care if he finds me beautiful or not it's about the dress, not me...
I moved over towards the dressing table. I sat down in the chair.
"Why did he have to comment again. I was okay with knowing it looked nice."
I had to admit everything was different. Things I would hate I let slide with him. Comments I ignore from others I wait to hear from him. Looks I'd break legs over. I...
'Him, is he just one big contradiction?'
I'm a Goddess, yet even my very nature seems to be contradicted.
"I told him to leave alone, that I hate the very idea of being close to men..."
'Bell Cranel in the short time I've known you've made me question almost everything about me.'
'I hate you. I hate your voice, I hate your face, I hate your hair, I hate your eyes. I-I... I hate you.'
I felt a cold wet substance fall down my cheek. I moved my hand to intercept it only for it to be the same on my other cheek. I looked up into the mirror.
'I'm crying why am I crying?'
"I'm a goddess, this shouldn't have any effect on me... No, I won't let it. I won't."
Easier said than done.
'I hate it when you look at me. I hate when you're being kind. I hate your honesty...'
"No matter how many faults I find. I feel sad just saying them."
My head slowly starts with images of him. Some I knew others seemed strange. My head must be playing tricks on me.
'Why why him? Why do I have to think of him? Be next to him. Why do I want these things?'
*heartbeats quicken*
'I like his kindness and his honesty. I like his gaze when he looks at me and the time we spend exploring. I hate it when he disappears and says nothing. I love he can easily forgive even when he shouldn't.'
"Bell you've opened my eyes. You've made me realise that not everyone is the same."
I got to my feet and walked to the door. I can talk to you, you understand me... Your opinion does matter to me. We may not know each other but I want to know more about you. I care about your friendship...
Friends...
A knock came from the door knocking me out of my thoughts.
"Artemis its Bell... I-I... Listen I just want you to know I meant what I said. I know you don't like being told I know it goes against your authority."
He stopped for a moment. My head was against the door. I waited for him to speak.
"I'm sorry if I upset you... But... I just thought you should know the truth... I don't want you to be mad or upset."
'Bell...'
He went quite this time I was sure he said all he could.
"I'll leave you alone. Just..."
He went quiet.
"Just don't hate me."
I felt the tears on my cheeks again. I couldn't leave it like this...
"Bell wait!"
I opened the door, causing him to turn back around.
"Artemis?"
I looked at him. I looked deep into his eyes. I wanted him to do the same. I could tell he felt bad.
"Bell you don't have to apologise. I don't hate you. I think your kind, honest and trustworthy. I couldn't hate some with those traits."
"When you commented the way you did. I was shocked. I didn't know how to respond. But I wasn't mad. No, I was happy. I respect your view and value your opinion."
I took a deep breath I was speaking fast.
"This is all new to me... All of it. This city, its people its culture... But most importantly. You Bell. You're the first man I let get close. You know me more than any other man and more than some gods."
"I just want you to know that even when I seem mad I'm just confused."
"I want to try new things. I want to see new places. I want to get to know you better and you the same with me."
I wiped away my tears and looked up at him. I smiled. And he smiled back.
"I want to learn more about you too... Artemis."
With that, I felt comfortable around him again.
"Do you mind getting the manager and his wife? I have to apologise for my actions."
He smiled.
"Yeah, I'll go get them..."
Bell left and I started to remove this dress...
"I think I'm gonna keep this one."
Bell's POV
"Thank you its a pleasure as always sword princess. Have a nice day"
The manager waved off them off before returning to the desk.
"A shame what happened to her... Still, at least she has good people around her."
I walked out of the room and spotted the manager and his wife talking. He spotted me and moved towards me.
"How'd it go?"
I just smiled he got the gist.
"Ahh, that's good. I had a feeling she couldn't stay mad at you."
I laughed rubbing the back of my head.
I told him that she wanted to speak to the two of them. I left them to speak and I waited for the three of them to return.
"Well, I'm glad everything worked out. Now if you don't mind I have something I want to ask Bell."
I nodded and followed him to the counter.
'Ohh I forgot about the clothes... I dare not think what this is gonna cost.'
I didn't mind. No doubt Hestia will complain saying I didn't need to spend my money.
"I have a request Bell if you'd hear me out?"
'Wait this isn't about buying these? What would he want?'
"Please speak away?"
He smiled and reached into his coat pocket.
"I and my wife are holding a little get together. We do it every year. A meet and greet for adventures. I'd be honoured if you and your friend would attended.
He pulled out an invitation and handed it to me.
"I'm honoured I'll be sure to consider it."
"That's all I ask, now onto the matter about your bill."
'There it is.' I sighed as the man let out a hearty laugh as he moved over towards the desk.
"And that's it anything else?"
Part of me felt dead as I handed over the money. I had paid for both mine and Artemis. I was certain Hestia planned to pay... Probably for the best that I paid!
"You didn't have to Bell, I would have come back later..."
She wasn't gonna admit she didn't have any money. I didn't mind. I'd barely spend anything since I had Welf start blacksmithing for me.
"I don't mind. I guess I was a little guilty after seeing you sad."
She pulled a face when I said that.
"Just accept it already. I'm sure ill get a similar conversation with Hestia later."
We spent a large part of the day in that one store, it was getting late and we had to sort these out.
'Ughh well, I guess we'll have to go weapon shopping another day...'
Authors notes
I have nothing to say. Not a lot happens it was just to expand the thoughts of Bell and Artemis to each other. Really it shouldn't have been this long. I just got caught up in little details. Besides a couple of plot moving points, I have changed the way I'm writing in this chapter. Being more POV centric, depending on reactions I will be continuing this for future chapters and rewrites.
As always let me know what you liked, disliked what I could improve upon. It helps me improve and I'm not perfect. For anyone that wants to talk or find out what I'm planning. feel free to join the discord link at the end. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next.
/pCGVwnWNgA