General Pov

Both Bell and Artemis walked along the stone pathways of Orario. It was an unusually quiet time, most shops were still open, but a large portion of the populace seemed to have disappeared. Between the lack of people and the few onlookers, both Bell and Artemis stood out.

Bell looked around after getting the feeling that they were being watched, but that was an understatement at best. It was hard to miss the blue-haired beauty; even he found it difficult not to stare from time to time.

'Do they really have to stare? I get it, but at least make it seem like your minding your own business.'

Bell wondered, but he couldn't stop his own eyes from wandering back to her. He kicked himself in the foot when he realised it but didn't avert his gaze.

'I bet she's gonna be popular with the men in this city, even now she's garnering the attention of a lot of them.'

Bell sighed, knowing full well the effect she had on men, him included. A beautiful yet deadly flower. Even now, he had to force himself to look away in fear of getting caught staring.

'This is what I get for listening to that old pervert!'

He decided to avoid getting in trouble by trying to start a conversation, at least it would be better than risking getting caught with the occasional glance.

"So is there anywhere you would like to go to eat?"

Artemis thought for a moment. She didn't have that good of an idea where to eat, she usually ate with her Familia and sometimes at a tavern when they had little to no choice.

"I must say I'm not the one you should be asking. I have little to no experience with this sort of thing. Even in heaven, I tried to provide for myself."

Bell looked somewhat surprised.

'I guess that makes sense but still... A goddess-like herself providing for herself?'

"Let me guess, you're currently trying to figure out how a goddess like me could live such a life?"

"No, no, it was well…" Bell fell silent.

Artemis chuckled, 'He lives in a world where gods and goddesses are these people to be feared and respected…'

"It's okay Bell. I suppose I can't blame you for thinking that way. You're so used to seeing us gods as pampered layabouts, put on pedestals to admire and worship."

She tried to not make it sound like she was lecturing him, but this topic of discussion annoyed her.

"I assume Hestia already told you?"

Bell quickly caught on to what she was referring to. He wasn't sure if he should admit to knowing it, but he also didn't want to lie. In the end, he settled for just admitting it.

"Yeah, she has…" He said, his voice becoming a whisper at the end.

Artemis could tell that Bell was holding back on her, she wondered why though.

'Hestia must have told him… But does he not want to get involved?'

Bell was having a different set of thoughts. He was trying to reason what he could and couldn't bring up with her. For one, he wasn't sure if Hestia had the talk about her joining, and the last thing he wanted to let slip.

"And what do you think? I mean I couldn't believe it, and even now I'm still dubious."

"Yeah she told me, and to be honest, it was a bit of a shock, such things are impossible to believe but… I don't doubt my goddess, even now I'm sure she's telling the truth."

Bell reconfirmed the trust he placed in his goddess. He knew if she was hiding something, it was for a good reason, but this was a different matter, and she told it how it is.

"It's been so long, and having been away from her, I feel we have grown distant. Truth be told, I couldn't share in your trust. Even though she was my friend, I worried she'd keep secrets from me…"

Artemis drifted off at the end. She didn't want to admit it, but Hestia was open with her, but something seemed off; as if she knew more than she was letting on.

'She's my friend, she's never given me a reason to doubt her. I trust in her judgment.' She shrugged to herself and returned to chatting with Bell.

"Sorry, I know she is your goddess. I should have more faith in my friend."

Bell had been listening in silence. He listened to her worries on the matter and gauged the topic, trying to get an idea of her thoughts.

'She's been so out of touch with the world. She's been isolating herself with her Familia and only having limited encounters with others. It's no wonder she's so cautious.'

"Well, maybe you should make up for all that lost time?"

"Yeah... I should," she trailed off as she looked up at the sky.

She stopped and closed her eyes. Taking that moment to bask in the sunlight while letting the cool breeze blow past her. She smiled. She could almost imagine standing in an open field with trees scattered about in the distance. It was wonderful. She wished she was there and not this maze of a city. Knowing that wasn't the case annoyed her slightly, but she still enjoyed the moment.

Bell stopped walking and glanced back at her. A small smile started to form as he felt the subtle joy radiating from her. He didn't get to see her smile that often but, when she did, it was a treat. She seemed to radiate this heart-warming aura, on the rare occasion such as now he could feel himself becoming distracted by it. But he knew better than to get caught staring. He forced his gaze forward. However, before he could continue walking, he heard an unfamiliar chuckle.

"It's funny. I'm kind of glad Hestia told you."

Bell was left speechless trying to scratch his head on why she would make such a comment.

"W-why's that?" Bell asked, turning around as she walked towards him.

Artemis put her hands together behind her back and slowed her pace slightly, so she was just behind Bell.

"I-I guess it's because... Ever since I've been in this city I've been left in the dark on so many things. I felt so alone, and the only person I had close to me was Hestia. But the reason I didn't want to go back was that she asked me something. However, I'm not sure I have an answer for her. To tell you the truth Bell, you're probably the only person besides her that I can really talk to."

Bell smiled a little; he was glad she trusted him, even if it was only a little. He could see the discomfort the topic was to bring her. She stopped smiling, and her gaze had dropped downwards.

'I want to help her in any way I can.' He thought for a moment before coming up with a plan of action.

"Well, why don't we find somewhere to sit first. I'm sure you'd like to rest after the morning you've had. We can talk about it then."

Artemis nodded, She walked slowly behind him a smile gracing her lips.

'Here, I am an outsider with no real connection to him. He probably doesn't know a lot about my circumstance and yet he's still willing to listen to my problems… Hestia was right your really something else Bell. I wonder what it would have been like if we had met sooner?'

A short time had passed, and the two had been looking around for a quiet place to sit. However, Bell's stomach had other ideas. Letting out a loud growl. Something Artemis found funny causing Bell to look away in embarrassment.

The two ended up deciding on a small cafe. Bell had remembered Lili and Hestia mentioning it was pretty new. He assumed it was popular with females but he personally never bothered to look into it. However, because they were in the general area, he thought it would be a nice change of scenery. Besides the last place, he wanted to take her was to the hostess. Good luck getting a quiet moment to themselves.

'Wow, this place looks a little too nice.' The building was built of cut stone and wood. It was quite a small building compared to others, but it managed to stand out. A wide variety of flowers and plants positioned around added colour to an outdoor seating area, creating a homely feel.

It didn't take long for the two of them to get shown to a table. They were guided through the first floor and upstairs. The waiter showed them out onto the balcony. They were seated in the corner overlooking the street. Bell noticed they were the only once up there but thanks to the nice weather, it was the perfect spot. The waiter returned and handed them a pair of menus.

'I wonder what they have to offer…'

Bell had to admit they had a nice menu. It wasn't as diverse as the hostess, but it did offer quite the selection of sandwiches, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. Overwhelmed by the selections, he couldn't decide what to have.

'Such a variety, how could I choose… Ooh, this special platter sounds nice, but it's for two…'

He looked up to find Artemis deep in thought no doubt she was in a similar dilemma. She was so engrossed in the menu that she didn't notice him staring.

'With such a selection, I don't think I'll be able to choose,' Artemis thought as she carefully read through the menu a second time weighing up each option.

"I can't decide. Bell what would you recommend?" she asked, placing her menu down turning her attention to him.

"Uhh…" Bell was finding it hard to answer. He knew what he wanted to say but having her suddenly ask him caught him off guard.

"I see you're having the same problem as me." Bell laughed as he rubbed the back of his head. He reopened the menu, "We could always go for this one."

He moved the menu forward and pointed to the selection option he had been looking at moments before. Artemis leaned, which caused Bell to blush slightly as she got closer to him.

"Oh, of course, why didn't I think of that." Bell just laughed and turned to his attention back to the menu.

Once the two agreed, Bell waved for the waiter to come take their order.

"Are you ready to order?" the waiter smiled, looking at the pair.

"Yes, could we get the special platter please."

The waiter nodded, writing it down. He smiled before turning back to Bell.

"Good choice, sir. That particular option seems popular with couples."

Artemis looked away in embarrassment. Meanwhile, Bell tried his best to maintain his composure. He wasn't sure if he was implying they looked like a couple or just an off-hand remark.

"Can I get you anything to drink?" the waiter asked.

Bell looked at Artemis, who was remaining quiet and avoiding his gaze. He hoped the comment didn't anger her.

"Just water, thanks."

The waiter nodded again before picking up the menus and leaving them to their awkward silence.

Bell was both happy and embarrassed that it was just the two of them alone. He knew the two had been alone on many occasions, but something was different.

'I suppose now would be a better time than any to ask about what's troubling her.' Bell thought to himself.

Artemis, on the other hand, was trying to regain her composure. She felt embarrassed. 'Why would he say that? Do we look like a couple? Do people always jump to conclusions when they see a boy and a girl together?'

Bell watched the blue-haired girl in front of him. He watched her go from confused to annoyed to angry in a few seconds. A feat he thought only Hestia could have managed.

"Uhh, Artemis?" Bell asked.

"Hmm? Oh sorry, I was just thinking about something. Is something wrong?" she quickly responded.

Bell shook his head. "No, no, you just seemed to be annoyed at something. I was just wondering if it was something to do with what goddess said?"

Artemis smiled, remembering one of the reasons they came here.

"Oh no, it's nothing... Really its nothing, don't let it bother you."

She looked away out over the balcony and down to the street below. She turned her head to the question she was trying to get an answer to all day.

"It's like a different world: the busy streets, all hustle and bustle of the crowds. Even the moments of peace like this seem so energetic." Artemis said as she rested her chin in her hand. "It's so different from the life I'm used to…"

Bell noticed she wasn't smiling. Instead, she seemed to be looking past the buildings, people, and even the wall.

"What was it like?" Bell asked.

Artemis turned to face him. His red eyes looked deep into hers with curiosity. She took a breath of fresh air before answering.

"I don't know how to explain it, to be honest. It's not something I could so easily describe. Hell, I never really thought about it until now." She started to smile a little as she closed her eyes and imagined it.

"I guess… It was like home," she decided, voice filled with joy.

Bell was a little confused; however, "home?"

"Yes, home. But maybe not how you'd imagine it. The wild is my home, and it has all the comforts," Artemis continued.

Bell quietly listened to her awaiting her explanation.

"The open fields, fresh air, the sounds of all the creations around you. Being one with nature, I suppose. I used to spend hours hunting with or without my Familia. I'd spend nights sleeping on the grass, without the need for pillows or sheets. I'd stare up at the sky remembering the life in heaven I left behind without a single bit of regret." Artemis took another breath before continuing, "Nature provided everything: animals for sport and food, wild herbs and plants for potions and healing not that I ever got injured, rivers and lakes for bathing, and caves and trees provided shelter."

Bell admired her view on such a different life. He had become accustomed to city life although he knew how to survive in the wild. Artemis, on the other hand, lived that life to the fullest always outside of the city.

"I never thought about it like that. My experience with the wild was always one of fear; a need to survive. I never looked at it in a different light up until now," Bell commented.

Artemis scoffed at his comment and retorted. "That's what living a sheltered life in the city will get you."

Her comment caused Bell to recoil back in silence as he looked down, which snagged Artemis's attention.

"I apologise Bell that was rude of me. I'm just not used to this kind of life."

Bell shook his head, "It's okay. Part of what you said is right. I grew up with my grandfather, who taught me about the dangers of the world. From that point on, I always thought of it as surviving. Heck, I'm so used to these walls I can't even remember my old house."

He laughed a little which let Artemis know he wasn't mad at her.

"It's a matter of perspective, to be honest, next time you may see it in a different light."

Bell agreed to think about the next time he would get such an opportunity. The guild often offered work outside Orario, but it was for teams mainly. He shifted the thought and returned to the conversation.

"What about you, Goddess, has the city changed your view?"

She thought for a moment.

"I suppose a little. I've barely spent that much time here but what little I have seen has given me a lot to think about."

Bell looked curious by her response.

"How so?"

"I used to avoid them as much as I could. Besides the time required. Should it be for supplies or rest in bad weather. Don't get me wrong I had nothing against them. But it never felt right when I was in or around them."

She returned to her original position.

"I guess I was a different kind of isolated." The two of them laughed at her comment. Bell was the first to regain composure.

'I guess now is the best time to ask.'

"So what was it you wanted to talk about?"

The moment Bell asked the conversation to a turn. Artemis looked away for a moment before returning to look at him.

"H-hestia asked me something. Well, it's better to say she offered a solution of sorts."

Bell already knew what she was on about, but he thought it best to remain oblivious to the fact.

"What do you mean?"

Artemis remained quiet. As if saying it would make it come true.

'I wanted to talk to him about this, but I don't think I can. I want to say I've made up my mind, But have i really? Why am I questioning it?'

"S-she offered to let me join her Familia until we find a way to return me to my true self."

"Ohh, I see." He said, trying to remain neutral. However, he may of held back to much.

Artemis seemed to be saddened by his response.

'I should have known he didn't like the idea. Why would he? I'm just an outsider interfering in his life. He has better things to worry about than dealing with me...'

Bell kicked himself in the leg. He could have said anything, but he just made it sound like he disliked the idea. He tried to think of something to say. But Artemis beat him to it.

"To be honest, I had already made up my mind. However, I wanted to see what you thought about it."

She didn't know what she wanted to hear from him. She had spent the entire day, convincing herself that leaving was the best option. One person's opinion wasn't going to change that.

'What was I going to gain from this? It's not like he can change my mind. I just wanted to get this off my chest before I told Hestia. It's not like I wanted him to change my mind!'

She continued to reassure herself that she had made the right decision.

'I wonder what she's decided to do…'

"What do you plan to do next then? What's your decision?"

Bell spoke up, and he knew he had to remain neutral in this matter. He agreed with her idea, but in reality, it was a risk in itself.

'She's taking a risk no matter what she decides. It is her life on the line after all.'

Artemis stopped thinking and gave him her full attention. The white-haired boy in front of her had given up a lot of his time to help her, and she knew he deserved to hear it first.

"I'm planning to leave Orario…!"

In that one moment, she said the one thing he had been hoping to avoid. The fact he fucked up was weighing down on him more.

'I guess I shouldn't have been surprised what reasons does she have to stay? The goddess and her safety? No, she made up her mind It would be rude of me to try and change it...'

He didn't realise it, but his face was projecting his thoughts. His disappointment meant that he attempted to hide was now showing itself. Artemis noticed this.

'Why? Why does he look so unhappy? He didn't seem pleased with me joining his Familia? So why does he look more upset that I'm leaving? Could it be that he wants me to stay?'

She couldn't understand it. She could only guess the reason at the reason but it seemed to drive more conflict in her. She wanted to know why? Why his words and his emotions seemed to contradict on another.

'Is he holding back?'

"You can speak your mind Bell."

Her sudden words snapped him out of his silence, however before he had a chance to speak the waiter returned with their food.

"Right we have the special selection and your drinks can I get you anything else?"

The waiter looked at them both only to feel the sudden change in the mood. When neither one spoke, he gave a small smile and left them.

Bell looked at the plate of sandwiches in front of him. They all looked delicious. However, he found he had lost his appetite. The conversation made his needs for food a distant thought. However, he could not ignore her forever.

"I-it's not my place to question your decision or make a comment on it."

He bit his tongue. He knew full well who he was talking to. He had gotten too friendly with her in the last few days. She was still a goddess even if her circumstances had changed somewhat.

"You had no trouble in the past. I'm just asking you for your opinion." She asked, attempting to smile and ease his worry.

"I-I don't have an opinion on the matter." He lied it was rare for him and he could feel the conflict brewing inside him.

Artemis dropped the smile at the blatant lie. She disliked being treated differently by others.

"If you're gonna lie, at least make an effort to believe it!" Her stern voice showed her displeasure.

Bell was caught in a dangerous situation. He didn't want to tell her. But he couldn't lie to her ever. This conflict showed itself.

"I-I'm sorry goddess." He bowed his head and prayed she would drop it.

"Artemis!" she spoke up clearly.

"Huh?" His sudden reaction only made the situation worse.

"Do you not remember? I asked you to call me by my name or do you not remember. Are you afraid I'll be insulted if you do?!"

She was becoming annoyed—both by him refusing to answer her truthfully and his constant one-sided thoughts about the gods.

"I-I'm sorry forgive me." Bell just went into auto mode, unable to think of a different response.

"This is what annoys me about you Bell. Your kindness, your devotion to the gods and everything we stand for. Even to me, the one who is no longer a goddess." She got to her feet, towering over him at that moment.

"When I meet you I was annoyed, angry even. Yet you seemed to radiate kindness, I let myself believe you were different, but I see now you were just playing the part."

She wanted to walk away. It wasn't worth getting angry over. She had the answer for Hestia. She could just find her and have this matter over and done with.

'I should leave. Nothing good will come from arguing with him.'

She was about to move away from her seat, but she stopped. She looked at him. She had one last question for him.

"Why do you put us on pedestals?"

Bell looked up with a confused look. Her question seemed so random and out of nowhere.

"I'm sorry I don't understand what you're asking?"

Artemis sighed, folding her arms. She looked to the door.

"Me, Hestia or any of the gods. What is it about us that you find the need to have to put up this act?"

"Act?"

"Act, shield whatever you want to call it. You don't question anything we say. You feel the need to put our interest first above your own! So I ask again what is so special about us?"

Bell knew the answer. It was the answer he always knew.

"It's because you're a goddess. Your very existence is something to be worshipped and feared."

His answer was just what she expected from him. It didn't satisfy her, though. It made her angry.

"So why should that apply to me… I have no power, no Familia, my divinity and arcanum are gone. I'm no different than any other girl, so why should I be treated differently?"

Bell remained silent. He didn't know. He had done what he had always done. Done what he thought was best. She was a living contradiction to that mindset.

'What should I do? How do I go about answering her?''

He caught her looking at him in the corner of his eye. The green eyes he once found himself lost in now seemed so sad and full of disappointment.

'It doesn't matter. All this time I've been here I've tried to avoid the question. I wanted to return to my life I knew best. But what awaits me. I can't get back what I've lost. I have no place.' She turned to face him again.

Bell watched out the corner of his eye. He dare not look at her, not until he could answer her. But he could see the tears forming in her eyes and his heart sank.

"Just tell me one thing, Bell. If none other then just this one. Please."

Bell was still kicking himself for making a complete mess of the situation. His attempt to remain neutral had made things worse. He wasn't even gonna stop her if she wanted to leave. He owed it to accept her request. He turned to face her.

"Okay." Bell spoke, but he felt himself growing sad as he watched her start to break down.

"What am I supposed to do?"

Bells eyes grew wide. The girl he had only scene cry twice and finally broken down a third time. However, this wasn't because of a near-death experience or a conflict of ideals. This was a build-up of everything that had happened these last few days all the emotions and worries she had been repressing.

Tears started to run down her face. She stood there, trying to hold back her frustration. Yet every second she tried she felt her herself cracking more and more. Before too long, she could no longer care. Her legs started to wobble as she lost the strength to stand. She was going to fall to her knees and cry, but she was caught by Bell at the last second.

'I can't watch this. I couldn't sit there and do nothing. I want to help her. She's all alone, unable to speak to her friend or those close to her. I should have realised sooner'.

He brought her into a hug. At first, he did it to support her. But he thought about the times he was down. How his goddess would hug him and offer emotional support. She may not like to be touched by others, but this one of the times she needed it.

"Its okay I'm here for you."

He cared about her. He wasn't sure why. He had only known her for the shortest time, but it seemed longer than that. Almost as if he knew her from another life. He enjoyed her company, the more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to know.

"It's okay to cry. I should have realised it sooner. This has been eating away at you for a while now, hasn't it? You shouldn't have to deal with it alone."

Here he was. Comforting a girl who lost her way and nearly faced death for the first time in hundreds of years. She had no one she could talk to besides her friend. She may have lost everything she holds dear to her. This was the least he could do for her.

"I'll be a shoulder to cry on. An ear to listen to your worries."

For the second time today, he was comforting her. His shirt had absorbed a lot of her tears. He could only tear up watching her in her current state.

'This may only be a short term fix. She needs to talk about everything bothering her. I can't help her if I'm not open myself.'

Artemis continued to cry quietly into his chest. He turned his head to see the waiters waiting at the door. They must have heard the commotion and come to investigate. They only needed to see Bell face to understand. With a simple nod, they closed the door giving the two some privacy.

'At least we won't have to worry about being interpreted.'

"Take all the time you need."

Artemis was filled with a mix of emotions. Sadness being the major one at that moment. She hated the fact she was helpless in that moment. Yet she couldn't stop.

"W-w-what should I do Bell? I'm so confused..."

Bell couldn't answer her question. He wanted to tell her to stay. To join him and Hestia. But how could he? As much as he wanted to, he couldn't. He didn't have the answer to her question. He could only comfort her as best he could.

"I'm sorry I don't have the answer. That's something you have to decide for yourself."

It took a while for Artemis to calm down, but Bell thought about talking with her once she was willing to speak. 'No point if all she does is bottles it all up again.'

Bell didn't want to let go of her. She was still crying if not only slightly. She had started to regain her composure, yet she still clung to him. He was content to let her, but his feet grew tired, and the floor was no place for her. He ended up moving her to her seat, brought his closer to hers.

'I have to let her bring it up. I can't force her to tell me. I want to help, however forcing the matter is only gonna cause more stress, and I won't allow that.'

He looked down at his food, he was looking forward to this before, but the whole situation left him with a bad taste in his mouth. However, he wasn't gonna waste it he looked towards Artemis. She sat quietly in her seat, eyes to the floor. Her face said it all. The sad look, the light shined from were her tears ran down her face.

'Hopefully, she'll at least eat something…'

He reached and grabbed a small selection of sandwiches. His stomach growled slightly. Unlike his brain, which didn't care at this point, it was making the point clear.

Bell took a bite to eat. He ignored the taste, he didn't care. So long as it filled him, then that was enough.

'How could I enjoy something when I can't help the person I'm sitting with!'

Artemis made a quick glance at the food in front of her before returning to her downward gaze. Then again and again. It didn't take long for him to notice.

"Are you hungry?"

He spoke up, placing his sandwich down. A small smile on his face as he waited for her to reply. She didn't, instead, she looked away looking down at the street. Her head moved from left to right almost as if she was trying to find something.

'So hungry…' Artemis sighed, trying to find anything to take her mind off food and the situation in general.

'I let myself get worked up. What am I supposed to say? He knows now so what am I supposed to do? Act like it's nothing?'

She looked to her side. The white-haired boy was looking at her. His crimson eyes meet hers. A moment of serenity before she ripped her gaze away. She forced herself to look at something else, but that proved to be a wasted effort.

'Why did I agree to this situation? Because I'm regretting it fully!'

"You should eat something."

She looked at him. He was still smiling, but the look of worry was present on his face. He looked down at the food in front of her. A small glance from her face to her plate was to reinforce his point.

"I'm not hungry." She lied. Her quick glance down did little to prove that. She tried to ignore her hunger and Bell's gaze as best as she could.

'Why did it have to be him!'

Bell, on the other hand, took a different approach to the situation.

"Well, you don't know what you're missing," Bell said his voice almost mocking her as he reached down to devour another sandwich.

She watched him out the corner of her eye.

"It's delicious, even if you're not hungry, you should at least try it."

She shook her head. "I-I just don't feel like eating okay!"

Her words were cold, but the slight hesitation made it clear to Bell she was putting up a front. A bright idea popped into his head.

"Well, in that case". He reached forward, moving her plate away from her. The reaction he got pleased him. She grabbed the plate and return it to her side. The thought of her food being taken away from her was enough to crack her facade.

"Ohh I thought you weren't hungry?" His mocking words caused her to realise her mistake, a small blush formed on her face as she realised his little trick.

"I-It's not funny, that was a dirty trick!" She puffed out her cheeks as she looked away from him. However, this time sandwich in hand. Bell could only smile.

"Yeah well it got you to eat something, so I don't care." He picked up another sandwich this time he took the time to enjoy it now that he had broken her barrier. The two sat in quiet again, But this time the sad and uneasy atmosphere was swapped for one of enjoyment.

Time passed, and the two had slowly worked through the selection. Bell finished first mainly due to the fact Artemis ate slowly. Enjoying the flavour of each one and savouring the taste. He took the time to watch her. This moment of enjoyment for her. Similar to her first time in the market, he couldn't help but be glad she was enjoying herself.

Artemis had a similar thought process. 'He may have tricked me, but I'm glad he did. I suppose he really does care.'

She found herself enjoying herself if only just a little. The earlier thoughts were still playing on her mind, but she felt calmer about the situation. She took a deep breath and looked at Bell. His crimson eyes meet hers, something she enjoyed even if she couldn't say why. That being a common occurrence with him.

"I know I said before that my mind was made up, I was just going to leave and get on with my life." She took a quick pause looking to the wall in the distance.

"The truth is, I'm not sure any more. I was never sure what I wanted to do. What would be best for me? When Hestia offered to take me in, I wanted to laugh, I wanted it to be a bad joke. But it wasn't."

Bell listened to her in silence. Not wanting to interrupt her. He waited patiently letting her speak her mind. He wasn't gonna risk distracting her now.

"The cold reality of my situation set in. I wanted to go back to the life I had. Just me and my Familia. Hunting, laughing and enjoying life. But deep down, I know I can never have it."

She cleared her eyes of the oncoming tears. Holding back long enough for her to finish.

"I don't even know if my Familia is alive. I may have nothing to go back to, and that fact scares me."

Bell felt her pain. The thought of not knowing what happened to those closest to you. The constant worry eating away at her.

"I'm sure they'll be okay…" He said, trying to reassure her, but in truth, he couldn't be so sure.

Artemis shook her head.

"Deep down, I know that's not true. I wanted to believe it, but I know that me losing my divinity means my blessing is gone as well. Which can only mean the worst."

Bell wasn't sure what he should say. He wished he could give her hope, but it was apparent she had given up.

"Whatever happened, I can only pray. If they're alive, that they live happy lives and if they're dead. That they didn't suffer…"

Bell could only nod in agreement. The sad realisation was she probably would never know. Bell could only offer her comfort as best as he could.

"They must have meant a lot to you?"

Artemis nodded. "They did. Even now, I can see each of their faces. The smiles and cries. The enjoyment and worries of each one. Even those I had disagreements with…" She went quiet again.

"I dream of being with them again. Sitting under the stars and talking before going on a hunt… But every time they disappear, leaving one by one. Until one remains. It's funny that we have the same conversation over and over. At first, I thought she was stupid but kept the thought in mind. Now I think she might have been on to something."

"What was it about?"

Artemis looked away a small blush forming on her face. "Nothing worth mentioning."

Bell was curious but didn't push the topic. Instead, he wondered more about what she was planning to do.

"So what do you think you'll do?"

Artemis had come to the point of the conversation she initially worried about. She looked around, taking a deep breath before giving him her full attention.

"I'm still not sure. As you already know, I'm not fond of being cramped up and unable to have my freedom questioned. Part of me will be giving that up if I accept Hestia's offer."

Bell shook his head." I don't think you will."

She looked at him. He was so confident in his response and with no hesitation. She wished she could respond with such confidence. "What makes you say that?"

"Like you said if Hestia really wanted you to live that life she would have locked you in and never let you leave without her knowing. But she didn't do that. I know she only wants what's best for you."

Artemis thought about it. Her uncertainty seemed to melt away.

'How can one man have this effect on me? He annoys me with his innocence, but I can't help but admire his kindness, his smile his...'

A small tear started to form, but she swept it away.

"I can say one thing for certain that I enjoy about this city."

Bell smiled "What's that?"

"You Bell."

If there was ever a moment when Bell was sure he was blushing, it was certainly at that moment.

"M-me b-but why?" He was unsure what he had done that could have possibly earned a response.

'Yeah I saved her but what else could she be thankful for? I only did what I would have done for anyone else.'

Artemis moved her chair slightly, so she was closer to him. A smile on her face.

"Ever since I met you, you've shown nothing but care and kindness. You've given up your time to look after me. Entertain me when I've felt down, and you even saved my life. I can see why Hestia is so fond of you."

Bell laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "You think?"

"I'm certain…" She went quiet as she found her hand resting on his.

"Bell, can I ask something? A request of sorts?"

Bell nodded. "Of course ask away."

"While I haven't made up my mind about what I plan to do that doesn't mean I'm just gonna ignore both options… So I was wondering if…"

She paused for a moment as she blushed with embarrassment. "If you would give me a proper tour of the city. I still have yet to see everything this city has to offer and…"

"I'd love to." Bell did not wait for her to finish, He was happy that she was open to the idea at all. He smiled but felt his face heat up slightly as he realised he was holding her hands.

"Ohh thank you, Bell. I hope it isn't gonna be too much of a bother on your schedule?"

Bell just chuckled. "Don't worry, it's not like I had one before this."

Artemis, in her moment of joy, jumped to her feet and threw her arms around him. Bringing him into a hug. Bell didn't say anything due to the sudden surprise, But he remained quiet and enjoyed the warm embrace for as long as he could.

Suddenly and abruptly, Artemis released her embrace and quickly returned to her seat. Her face was as red as Bells eyes.

"S-Sorry about that." She said after realising what she had done.

"I-its okay…"

The two sat in silence until the waiter made his return.

"I hope everything was to your liking?"

"It was thank you." Bell said, looking at Artemis.

The waiter leaned closer to Bell. "Good job."

Bell gave the man a confused look. But the waiter nodded his head in Artemis direction. It took him a second, but he caught on to what he meant.

"Good well, can I offer you anything else? A dessert perhaps?"

The two shook their heads, and the waiter just nodded in response. Bell paid the bill, happy that the situation sorted itself out.

"Thank you, sir, please take as much time as you need if you want anything to drink I'll be happy to get it for you."

"Thank you, but I believe we won't be here much longer."

"Great well we hope to see you two again soon, for another date perhaps?" The waiter suggested before leaving the two alone.

The sudden suggestion left Bell speechless. However, before he could correct the man he had already returned to the store, leaving the two to another awkward silence. Unable to look at one another.

"W-we should get going."

So here we are again. Another chapter, another Bell and Artemis focused chapter. Just what we needed. A little bonding over a meal. What's not to love? Soo next chapter 30. Damn never thought id be saying that. So expect something good. Or maybe not. Who knows what ill do.

As all ways thanks for taking the time to read, Let me know what you like, disliked or think I could have done differently. I realise I'm behind on fixing problems in previous chapters but I'm attempting to get a point were I can get it all done at once. But I'm keeping note of what needs fixing. Again thanks it helps me a lot.

P.S Sorry to everyone that has to put up with my shitty grammar and common mistakes. I'm not good at spotting this kind of shit. I understand it off-putting to some of you and I am trying but I can't promise it will improve right away.

/pCGVwnWNgA