The day was still young as Artemis pulled the boy down the street towards the tower. She was barely geared up but was fine. Bell had no intention of going deeper than the first floor no matter how good she was. He at least wanted to see how she handled herself, not to mention her bow was still below the rubble back at the church.
'I hope she's okay without it? Still, it probably won't hurt if she learns to be proficient in another weapon?'
He chuckled to himself, he was a hypocrite he only ever used his knife to fight unless the situation called for something else. But he did mix in his magic from time to time so he at least felt like he had been mixing things up enough.
"Hey slow down we've still got most the day…"
Once he caught the glint in her eyes he knew that there was nothing that was going to stop her. Not that he wanted to. He knew the look, he had seen it in himself all the time. The anticipation to explore, to train…
'She really is just like me back then…'
"I know but I just can't wait! Finally, I get to explore the unknown, see monster and beast only the god's chosen have seen!"
She released his arm. He instantly came to a screeching halt as he watched her. With a hop skip and spin, she turned to face him a glorious smile on her face. Hands behind her back as she leaned forward.
"It feels like forever since I felt this alive… The thought of trying something new is pushing me forward! Ohh the anticipation is killing me!"
She reached out to grab his arm again, he expected her to start dragging him forward but she didn't. Her grip was light and her eyes looked at his face.
"Thank you…F-for doing this I mean… I'm sure you'd rather be preparing for the wargame…"
He looked at her confused, he wanted to laugh but instead shook his head.
"I'm not alone in this now… Your part of this family now too you know!"
Artemis blushed a little and nodded.
"I-I know that! It's just…"
She looked to the ground a tinge of embarrassment as she failed to get her words out.
"I g-guess what I'm trying to say is…"
'Damn she's cute when she's embarrassed!'
He took a step forward and grabbed her hand, the sudden action was enough of a surprise to knock her out of her thought.
"Don't worry about me, I want to help you, we're in this together now. So come on the dungeon awaits!"
She couldn't explain why but the moment he said it her body seemed to freeze up and get pulled along. It took but a moment but she was glad he put her doubt to rest. She quickly matched his pace and walked by his side. She felt his hand softly holding onto hers. Part of her felt it would fall out of his after a short time.
'...'
She bit her lip lightly taking the time to judge the situation, she took the chance and increased her own pressure in the hold. A light squeeze to confirm she was still there. It was strangely embarrassing to her. But that was becoming a guarantee with everything she did with the boy.
'To think holding hands would incite such a reaction from me. I really am a hypocrite!'
Ohh how she loved the moment, it was so peaceful. Like the day before she slowed her pace to enjoy it. Part of her didn't even want to go to the dungeon she would rather walk the city with him.
'I wonder if he'd like that… What am I thinking of course he wouldn't. I shouldn't even like this'
Unbeknownst to her Bell was having the exact same thought. He had grabbed hold of her hand unconsciously and hadn't let go, no he was unsure if he should.
'Does she like this? I wouldn't mind staying like this but I wouldn't want it to get awkward…'
It had but not for that reason. Both were unsure what the other was thinking and despite never wanting to let go they did. Avoiding the others gaze as they continued down the path. However the longer the silence went on the more it became obvious and on the occasion their fingers touched they both would blush before hiding their hands from each other.
They reached the entrance to the dungeon far quicker then expected despite them both noticing they had unintentionally picked up the pace, and rushed to find a distraction. However the embarrassment hadn't yet passed and it took Bell a moment to compose himself.
'Come on… Less thoughts about holding hands monsters aren't going to give a damn!'
It took a but a moment as he managed to scare his body into action, He imagined her surrounded by monsters. He didn't want such a thing to happen but it was still a possibility… But monsters on the first few floors were few and far between so it was rare to find large groups.
"Ready!"
"YES!"
The two of them headed down to the first floor, blissfully unaware that they had been followed for some time.
"Ohhh my so the rumours are true… She's ever incredibly brave or stupid to go into the dungeon."
'But then again you always we're like that even back then…'
Meanwhile with Apollo
"My lord, the girl, has entered the dungeon, and Bell Cranel is accompanying her what are your orders?"
Apollo held his head in his hand a face if both amusement and boredom as he spun a coin on its side.
"Ughh do nothing, keep an eye on them but do not engage…"
The Familia member bowed
"Yes my lord ill inform the scouts. If I may be excused?"
Apollo nodded and waved him off with a sigh as he turned to the window.
'Curse Hestia, I hoped to have Artemis in my palm by now… to think she would be so bold as to join a Familia by choice!'
He clenched the coin in his hand leaving a mark as he let it drop to the floor. He looked at the coin roll around before return to look out the window.
"Hestia… Your child will be mine! Artemis will become my plaything! And before I have you banished I'll make sure you suffer!"
At this point a new person entered the room and he turned to see who.
"Ahhh Hyakinthos, how goes the preparations?"
He bowed and smiled.
"They are processing as planned my lord, I've had the main group focus on training as you asked and the rest are watching the members of Hestia and her associates."
Apollo nodded looking at his captain, he was his king the piece to finish it all.
"And yourself what are you planning to do?"
Hyakinthos looked confused.
"My lord I don't think I understand?
Apollo slammed his fist on the table but quickly composed himself.
"Train! Get stronger!"
His gods word sent him back but filled him with disappointment.
"I'm more then prepared for…"
"YOUR PREPARED FOR NOTHING!"
Apollo got to his feet shouting at the top of his lungs. He never got angry without good reason but he was annoyed with the situation. He took a deep breath and throw a piece if paper at his feet
"The boy levelled up he's the same level as you know!"
Hyakinthos knelt down to grab the paper. It was a copy of Bell Cranel's status update. The guild mark was enough to know it was genuine.
"He's inexperienced I will surely…"
He stopped. Apollo's glare was nothing to joke about he made his way round the table and towards him.
"He holds the record for levelling up. Twice! He beat an irregularity at level 2! He managed to kill a monster with the power of God!"
He was calm; his voice tone was serious. But Hyakinthos could feel it the anger and authority that radiated from his god.
"You are not ready… one on one you will lose! Two on one. You. Will. Lose…"
His face was mere inches from the gods. Never had he felt so angry that his god would have no faith in his capacity to handle one person.
"I want that boy. I want that girl! I refuse to lose to HESTIA OF ALL PEOPLE!"
"I will not fail you… Lord Apollo."
Apollo didn't say anything as he walked towards the door. He opened it and left. Hyakinthos clenched his fist as he looked at the status.
'DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU BELL CRANEL!'
He felt his rage build faster and faster, he moved over to the fire place. He threw the paper into the fire and watched it burn.
"My god wants you alive… He wants me to win… I don't care what I have to do. I will grind your pathetic bones to dust! When I hold you broken body for all to see Apollo will never doubt me again!"
As he left the room, he turned towards one of the other members who had just reported to Apollo moments before.
"Hyakinthos I've informed the scouts of their orders from lord Apollo. Daphne and Cassandra have been put in charge."
Hyakinthos was about to walk away but stopped a small smile on his face.
"Good inform them that all reports are to come to me first. Apollos orders… in case I need to change up training."
The man nodded as he ran past him. He watched him disappear round a corridor and he grasped his sword and continued on with his own duties quietly laughing to himself.
"Arghh come on you can go faster then that!"
"I'm trying but it's so tight! I can barely move at all!"
"Come onnn! I thought this would be fun…"
"Ughh… Fuck! Why did you want to do it here of all places!"
"Ouch! Careful your being too hard!"
"Come on we're almost done… one more urgh...PUSH AHHH!"
Bell fell to the floor as he managed to move a small boulder out the way. The two of them had been exploring the first floor for a couple of hours. Artemis had gotten annoyed with all the adventures stealing monsters as they spawned. She managed to get one or two kills in but she was becoming impatient. It didn't help that one of them commented on her ass and he had to drag her to another part of the dungeon.
"Well at least its quiet. Strange though I haven't been down this route…"
He looked around examining the splitting paths. He sighed. He had always taken the same path since it lead to lower floors and plenty of monster to kill and loot. However he knew this was another route since it was on the guild issued maps. It was dead quiet and judging by the hassle to get here, it wasn't used in a while.
"Ughh seriously how did you do this when you started?"
Artemis stretched a little. She wasn't used to the kind of claustrophobia that the dungeon seemed to cause. She tended to stick close to Bell, worried she might get lost if not. Even with a map, it was a maze of corridors.
"Okay, let's take a moment to rest. Monsters don't seem to come round this way."
He sat down against the wall near the entrance. He patted the ground next to him, motioning her to sit.
She looked at him and then around the room. She rubbed her arms before nodding and taken a seat next to him.
He pulled out a small neatly wrapped lunch box from his pouch and opened it up. Inside was a vaierity of sandwiches and baked treats.
"Were did you get that?"
Bell laughed a little as he took one of the sandwiches in hand.
"Ohh Syr makes them for me every so often."
She felt her blood boil as he said the grey haired girl's name. While she still didn't know why this was the case she just found her hard to like.
'Another girl Bell is close with… how many are they!'
He took notice of her slightly down face. He took it that she was still hungry so he pushed the lunch over.
"You want some?"
She looked down at the food, but her eyes couldn't stand to look at it however her stomach betrayed her with a growl.
"It's okay, you shared your breakfast with me after all…"
He leaned closer to offer her some again. She looked away briefly before grabbing one of the sandwiches.
"T-thank-you."
She looked down at the sandwich in her hand. At first she thought it looked pretty good. But the longer she started the more it became less appetising in her eyes and the smell was off putting.
"Yeah, word of warning Syr can't cook but her sandwiches aren't to bad…"
He rubbed the back of his head as he polished off another. Meanwhile she gave in looking and finally took a bite. Her first thought was it didn't taste of anything and then the subtle after taste came and she realised why he offered it.
"Ughhh it tastes like rubber…"
Bell burst out laughing as he looked at her less then pleased reaction to the food.
"Hahaha at least you tried it heheh…"
Artemis puffed out her cheeks in response, turning to look at him.
"Ughh you think this is funny don't you!"
She started to hit his arm a little, but it did little but make him laugh more.
"Hehe oh come on, at least I told you, if I really wanted to be cruel I would have said they were mine."
She pointed the sandwich in his face as she looked unamused.
"No way! I wouldn't believe for a second these were yours…"
Bell smiled as he looked at the less then pleased girl. He decided to take the time to talk.
"Ohh I'm honoured you like my cooking so much but I think I could still be better…"
Artemis shook her head.
"Perhaps but what I've tasted has been a real treat much better then anything I could possibly make…"
He seemed concerned as she looked down on her own capacities he decided he need to change that.
"I don't know from what I've had its not half bad. Besides with your help the curry came out splendid…"
She let out a small giggle.
"No that was just a coincidence besides you did all the work I just chopped vegetables."
He shrugged.
"Perhaps your touch enhances the taste, perhaps it just makes things better."
His suggestion was idiotic but that didn't stop her from enjoying his praise. But part of it she needed to clarify.
"Hehe come now Bell no need to be so kind I know your just trying to cheer me up."
He shook his head and leaned forward.
"Nonesense, in fact I'll prove it!"
He looked down at the sandwich which she had been holding in his face for awhile now. He closed his eyes and took a large bite to the side of hers. In fact he might as well have bitten in the same place.
He wasn't expecting anything to be different but strangely he found a subtle difference in the flavour. Something about it was nice enjoyable but he couldn't think why.
"Mmmm yeah much better."
Artemis blushed a little as she held the half-eaten triangle in her hand. She continued to do this for until Bell touched her hand.
"Still don't believe me? Maybe you should try it again… might just be me after all."
She blushed even harder as she looked at the area he had just bitten into. Something was tempting her and it was hard to ignore. She moved it to the entrance of her mouth and held it for a couple seconds her lips pressing against the bread. She took a large bite and brought her hand to cover her mouth as she chewed.
'What is this… it's strange but nice!'
She finished it quickly expecting it to be a joke but he may have been onto something but she thought it was him rather then her. She instantly finished off the sandwich and smiled.
"Better?"
A small smirk on her face as she leaned in.
"No… But."
She got to her feet and brushed of the crumbs from her clothes.
"Thanks.. For caring I mean."
*roar*
They looked down the nearby right tunnel and smiled.
"Guess we've rested long enough.. Come on let's get a good few hours of training!"
She jumped a little and nodded.
"Finally, at least I won't have to fight to get a kill! Come on the day grows short."
With them both rested and renewed efforts to track down the monster that hid in the dungeon. It didn't take them long as they came across of a small group of goblins.
Bell stood back as he watched her swiftly take out the closet one. However, they had now been alerted to her. She was quick to dodge their slow attacks. With swift slashes, she cut the second one it quickly dispersed dropping another stone.
He admired her agility as she effortlessly dodged and weaved in between the creatures. He was still on edge due to the amount still in the area but luckily they were keeping their distance.
'Hmm strange normally they'd all be attacking at once…'
He was quick to notice a couple coming from the corner trying to catch him off guard. He turned his attention to them. He decided to try some combat moves he had been working on. He needed to work on his hand to hand from time to time.
He holstered the Hestia knife and cracked his fists. They jumped at him but he was to fast as he stepped to the side and kicked it hard in the side. It's body flew to the wall and evaporated. This was the same for the next as he spun around and quickly punched it.
Artemis finished another two of and found herself breathing heavily. She wasn't used to having to dodge this much. Having underestimated the original amount would be a mistake. She finished a fifth off but as she turned another jumped out. She barely caught her breath as she felt it cut her arm.
"Argh!"
Bell heard her cry quickly he grabbed his knife and swiftly killed the last few he had been entertaining. He rushed over to see she had been slowly been surrounded.
She wasn't able to react to each one as they randomly jumped at her. She felt one grab her leg the moment she looked down another scratched her hand. Not used to the feeling of pain she clenched her hand dropping her knife by mistake. Yet she still managed to dodge even while restricted.
"Firebolt!"
She felt a wave of heat pass by her. Her eye followed the flames as the burnt the on looking goblins. They turned their attention to the new foe.
"You okay?"
He called out as he rushed them. Slicing them down like they were strips of paper. Artemis sighed as she kicked the one still holding onto her leg. Quickly she regained her weapon and helped Bell in clearing the area. Once that was done she found herself worrying.
"How's your hand?"
She looked down and saw cut on her hand and arm. She was still getting used to the pain, but it wasn't deep enough to worry about.
"I-its fine… guess I messed up huh?"
She realised that when Bell had to step in. They were on the first floor and she already had been in a near death scenario.
Now she held her arm she felt weak but more then that she worried he'd be angry at her.
"Come her let me look?"
He gently took hold of her hand and examined it. The cuts weren't deep but they did managed to draw some blood.
He quickly reached into his pouch and brought a cloth and badges.
"Let's clean it and bandage it up don't want it to get infected."
She wasn't sure if he was avoiding her screw up but she could tell he was worried for her safety even with something so little as a cut.
Once he cleaned up the blood and wrapped it up she looked it over.
'I guess that just leaves one thing…'
"I'm sorry… I should have played more attention to my surroundings…I got cocky and paid the price."
As an archer it hurt more that she didn't notice sooner. She had been so focused in wanting to prove herself she missed the bigger picture. With her head lowered she went to move past him.
"Maybe but I'm also to blame… Ignored the fact myself… I noticed they were acting strange but thought nothing of it. When I realised you had already gotten hurt!"
She was confused mainly because he was apologising to her instead of shouting at her for her mistakes.
'Bell…'
"No don't make up excuses for me… it was my fault. Nothing is going to change that!"
She started to pick up the magic stones they dropped. But Bell was quick to intercept her.
"It's okay to make mistakes. Nobody's perfect."
He grabbed her hand as she reached to grab the stone. It took her a moment to register but when she did she tried to shake it off.
"There a mistake and there's fucking up! What would have happened if you weren't here huh?"
"You'd still be running around trying to catch a kill."
She wasn't amused by his comment.
"This isn't a joking matter Bell!"
She was now shouting, she tried harder to breakout from his grip but her didn't let go. Instead he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"No it's not but I'm being serious. I'm the one that led you down here. If you were on your own you wouldn't have gone looking. Would you?"
"No but I…"
He cut her off and continued his own.
"Now yes you were an idiot for lowering your guard but would you have rushed in like that if I weren't here?"
She thought for a second.
'No I wouldn't…'
She shook her head.
"You'd have done what you best. Observe and strike when needed…"
She nodded still looking at the floor.
"Remember what I said on the way here? I said we were in this together. It's okay to take risks sometimes when you have a party."
He eased his hold as he saw her calm down a little.
"B-but…"
He saw her close to tears. He pulled her into a hug. Rubbing her back a little.
"No buts, we both messed up but your okay that's all that matters…"
She couldn't stop the tears but she didn't want to. She nodded and took a moment to compose herself but time went by slowly for both of them.
Once she calmed down sufficiently she pulled away from him.
"I don't mind you hugging me but there's better places…"
Bell smiled.
"Haha guess your right… Come on your not fighting anything with one hand bandaged."
With that he quickly picked up the large number of stones. For her first time she managed to get a small pile. But most had been Bells handy work. Once that was done they made there way back to the surface.
"So besides your screw up and being forced to eat a terrible sandwich did you enjoy yourself?"
She gave a less then impressed look.
"Is that a joke?"
He shook his head.
"In that case I enjoyed it… if only briefly"
He nodded slowly seeing the light as they got back to the surface. To his surprise it was later then he accepted but it wasn't too late.
"Well, lets head back to the guild and get your first payout and to celebrate I'll buy lunch… to make up for earlier."
He loved it when she smiled, it warmed his heart, they walked back to guild and quickly sold their stones. It wasn't a lot but for Artemis, it wasn't about the money but the experience she finally felt like a proper adventurer.
As they exited Bell wondered were they could go to eat. It was too early for the hostess so he opted for a restaurant Welf mentioned once. However, he took note of the time and instead of heading straight there he made a small detour.
Artemis was quick to notice the direction they headed in. The road was familiar to her now. As she walked it many a time. As they turned a corner they noticed it. The remains of the church he once called home.
"Bell…"
She held his hand to comfort him. She could see the hurt in his eyes. After all nobody wanted to lose there home. While brief she too shared memories of the place.
"It's okay… I just need to find a few things I won't be long."
He wanted to leave her for the briefest of moments but Artemis still followed behind holding onto him.
"Art…
"Shuss it's okay it'll be faster this way. Besides I'd like to find something as well."
He nodded and started to sift through the rubble trying to find the secret entrance. Luckily the stairwell remained hidden but now covered by wood and tiles. Once they were moved to the side they made their way down. He had to push to get the bottom door open but it wasn't a huge effort.
"Ughhh well it's been in worse states…"
The place was a mixture of dust and rubble a portion of the ceiling had started to break away. Plaster and brick seem to layer all of the floor.
"Best be quick don't know if it will hold…"
With a quick nod, they set to work. Bell quickly retrieved his stash or at least what was left of it. He regretted paying for the roof in advance. Once that was done he grabbed a few spare clothes, for him and Hestia. Luckily none had been damaged in the attack.
'Wonder what Artemis wanted… probably her bow?"
When he turned looked at her she was also holding a small bag probably with spare clothes as well. On her back was her bow and quiver. With that, they headed out.
"Find your bow okay then?"
Artemis looked a little confused at first but quickly nodded.
"Ohh ugh yes, I'm glad it didn't get damaged… did you umm… find what you were after?"
He nodded tapping the side of a large pouch.
"Just in case, rather not leave mine and goddess savings buried. Now come on you must be hungry."
While at first the thought of food was tempting something didn't sit well with her. It wasn't Bell, it wasn't the city. No she was the outsider trying to fit into a different society. She looked to the boy next to her. He was the epitome of kindness, strong and caring she never meet someone like him nor did she ever care to. But he was thrust into her life or the opposite in his case.
"I'm sorry Bell…"
She stopped and looked to the ground. Guilt started to overwhelm her, as she thought about all trouble that had happened to him and Hestia.
'He's been forced to give time to watch me… I nearly got us both killed! Because of me, his home is now burnt rubble!'
"Hey, what's wrong?"
He was still unsure why she was finding the need to apologises to him. He deduced that it involved Apollo and the church since they had just come from there.
"Artemis you don't have to keep apologising. As far as I'm concerned, you have nothing to be sorry for."
"But that's not true… if I hadn't just suddenly be thrust into yours and Hestia's lives then…"
'I hope this isn't going to be a common problem…'
"Then what? We'd still have a home? Not be forced into a wargame? Have a little more free time?"
He sighed and raised his fingers to her forehead. He flicked lightly and shook his head. His grandfather used to do it when apologised too much.
"A home is just a place I rest my head, yes I had fond memories there, but they will be in my heart. We can find a new place… Hopefully one not falling apart."
She smiled but didn't laugh at his joke. But it was a step in the right direction.
"Apollo and this wargame… I can't deny it was a shock. But don't blame yourself. I failed you that day… letting Apollo and his Familia kidnap you. My anger and actions are what set this in motion. But I don't regret it."
He took a breath.
" I wanted to protect you. Not because the goddess asked me to, no I did it because I cared about you."
Artemis felt her heartbeat race.
"Bell…"
His fingers brushed over the soft silky skin of her cheek. She seemed to lean into his touch a little.
"I don't care who it is. Apollo his Familia, anyone else. I'll be your shield and protect you. If they want to start a war, let them. I'd rather see you safe and happy."
He was now holding her cheek in his palm. Her sad look faded and she smiled as she now rested her head.
"Thank you."
His own heart started to beat faster something about the moment seemed right. He took a step forward.
"I don't think I need to explain the last thing. But in case you forgot…"
He let go of her cheek as a wild hair intruded on her face. He was swift to return it behind her ear. The two beamed at one another.
"I've enjoyed every second…"
*"Nows your chance go on, express your undying feelings for her. Kiss her be a man!"*
He grabbed hold of her hand and tugged it a little. They felt right in his.
"Come on let's go I'm starving!"
Artemis burst into a giggling fit at his outburst but happily followed behind him once her own stomach growled causing her to blush with embarrassment.
"If you still feel guilty you can pay?"
She gripped his hand punched his arm, jokingly as she puffed out her cheeks.
"No… if I remember correctly you said it was your… Treat!"
She singled out the treat part with a great pride as she licked her lips. An evil smile slowly creeping its way in.
"Yeah yeah I was joking of course, come on we're finally here."
They arrived at the restaurant in question typical to the blacksmith description it was a modest building, unlike the hostess which was huge and intimidating, this was smaller but still somewhat large. And unlike the ridiculous over top appeal the cafe had, this was subtle.
"Welcome welcome."
A tall red haired elf greeted them. With a bright smile.
"Table for two please."
"Excellent right this way."
They were shown to a small table in the middle of the restaurant. It was nice at least till they realised people were staring at them. Bell was kind of used to it at the hostess but Artemis wasn't. He found her cute as he watches her shy away. But he knew it was uncomfortable so he tried his best to help distract her.
The two ordered their food and talked for a while. Bell made jokes about how Hestia caring to much and about the time be got lost in the dungeon. Artemis enjoyed listening to him and couldn't help but laugh at times. She felt at home around him like it used to be with her Familia.
When their food came they went quiet as they both ate. Once they were nearing the end of their meal Bell decided to start the talk up again.
"So tomorrow we'll beheading back to the dungeon… it's up to you if you'd like to train on the first again or explore the second?"
She placed her knife and fork down and thought about it. She now had her bow back so she was more comfortable with going deeper.
"Id like to see more of the dungeon but training comes first…"
He agreed with her, she could use the chance to get some more kills but he knew that the jump from the first few floors wasn't so bad.
"We can go to the next floor. Not much variety in monsters but it should be a little less crowded. Most new adventures camp the first floor and skip to forth when there ready…"
He finished off his pasta and rested back.
"Ahh that was nice Welf was right this place is worth a visit. So better than a bland sandwich."
She giggled.
"Much better thank you, but I kind of regret going for the stew and dumplings. But that maybe because I've been treated the last few days."
Bell went a little red when he realised, that she was implying to his own cooking, he didn't mind her praise, in fact, he enjoyed it. It was then that the waitress came back.
"Did you both enjoy your meals?"
They nodded as she took their plates from them. She left for the kitchen but quickly returned.
"Can I get you anything for dessert?"
He chuckled to himself. Between the lunch box and this he was quite full, but he could see Artemis's hesitation as she took quick glances at the menu. He wanted to laugh and tell her it was okay. Instead he picked up his menu to look opting for a chocolate tart.
Artemis however refused but as the waitress walked away Bell could see her sadness as she looked at the menu.
"You could have ordered something if you wanted?"
She shook her head.
"I I didn't feel right… I mean I don't have that much of a sweet tooth…"
He knew she was lying but why he didn't know.
'Is she worried about her figure? It's a treat… No that can't be it, she never refused second helpings before…'
The waiters brought quite a large slice of chocolate torte. Bell regretted his decision of ordering it. However, he spotted Artemis eyeing it.
"Your dribbling!"
He said pointing his fork at her mouth. Almost instantly her face turned bright red from embarrassment as she forces herself to look away.
'Damn, why does she have to be so cute!'
He had a thought however he wanted to at least have a little fun. Teasing her was becoming his new favourite pass time.
"Mmm this is really good!"
He said taking a forceful of the densely rich chocolaty cake. Taking special care to watch her reaction. He found her staring at his plate and then at him as he took another fork full.
'Ugh why does he have to do that… I didn't want to seem greedy so I didn't order…'
She puffed out her cheeks and looked away. He chuckled as he dug his fork in for another part. However this time he held it in front of her slowly waving it from side to side.
She peeked a glance and tried to ignore it. However, she caught the heavenly sweetness on the air and she unintentionally licked her lips.
"Go on…"
He moved it closer tempting her lips as it brushed over them. She gave in and attempted to gobble the cake. However, Bell swiftly pulled it away and ate it.
"Y-you…"
she puffed her cheeks and folded her arms in annoyance as her treat was snatched from her.
"Meanie!"
He almost burst out laughing. He tried again but she turned her back to him.
"Come on I promise I'll stop."
She shook her head with a "hmpf"
So instead he took a different approach as he moved both his chair and plate next to her. She blushed as he sat in front of her holding the cake to her mouth.
"Come on, you made it clear you want it!"
She peered down and then looked in his eyes she moved forward waiting for him to move it away but he didn't.
"Go on open up?"
She blushed at his words.
'I'm not some child… ughh fine.'
She opened her mouth for him. He slowly lowered the forks contents into her mouth. Her lips closed and pulled the chocolate goodness into her tongue.
She closed her eyes to saviour the taste as she slowly licked the creamy and rich base… it melted slightly on her tongue and coated her mouth.
"Mmmm"
She opened her eyes as she swallowed licking her lips her moment of enjoyment was over, but Bell had already portioned another piece for her, she giggled as she allowed him to feed her. Neither of them were aware of the looks they were getting. One old couple looked over to them and looked at them.
"Isn't it nice to see young love blossom?"
The old man smiled nodding as he turned to the waitress paying their bill.
"Ha-ha seeing them reminds me of my youth… Remember our first date?"
"How could I forget, though I don't remember you ever feeding me cake."
He laughed and nodded.
"Guess I'm not the romantic type… Well come on we should get going."
They got up and bowed to the waiters and waitresses on the way out. Meanwhile, Bell had finished feeding the rest of his cake to Artemis. On the last bite however, he left a small smudge on the side of her face. Before she had time to lick it off he was already there as he wiped it off with his thumb.
"There"
"T-thanks…"
*"Nice... You're still not a man though! Don't think I've forgotten our deal. You still need to ask her on a date! This doesn't count!"
He ignored the voice in his head which was taunting him however now that their little moment was over and he was starting to notice all the looks, he really didn't care what they thought, he didn't think it was any of there business.
"Ohhh Welcome table for one?"
"No, I'm looking for someone with blue hair?"
The waitress pointed over to Artemis and Bell and the person thanked them. Making their way over to them Bell noticed the rooms gaze turn to this mysterious person.
"Hmmm is something wrong Bell?"
Artemis turned to look in the direction of and gasped.
"W-why are you…"
The person came in front of them and smiled.
"Here? I should be asking you the same question Artemis…"
Bell looked from Artemis to this new woman, it was clear they knew each other but before he could ask anything she turned to him.
"You… run along now trust me you're wasting your time with this one."
Bell didn't know why but he didn't like this woman's tone, and he felt the need to question her judgment.
"I don't think I am."
Something about her reaction was off. She looked angry but more then that she was curious her eyes glowed a bright orange, after a moment she shook her head.
'Why isn't he? One look and he should be on his knees slobbering like the rest… But to actually be able to ignore my gaze… Who is this boy?'
"Bell, can you please give us a moment?"
He turned to look at her, she had a very serious look on her face but she didn't look at him, no she was focused on the woman in front of her. He had seen that look before. It was when he angered her. He nodded and decided to go pay the bill. Once he was out of sight the women turned to each other.
"Your eating with a man... Though if I was to guess I'd say he's Hestia's child… How is the big tits any way's?"
Artemis glared at the girl…
"What are you doing here… Aphrodite?!"
...
Authors notes
Ahhh even with the threat of a wargame looming overhead they still manage to work in the cute bonding moments... Anyways yes the mysterious person Is Aphrodite well done to anyone that worked it out what does she want with Artemis well you'll just have to wait till next chapter won't you... (Evil Laugh!)
So I have good news and Bad news. Firstly good news I've finally started rewriting the earlier chapters... Bad news it's cutting into my time for new chapters... Now no this doesn't mean it's going to stop... Quite the opposite it won't. Instead, you'll find chapters will come out less frequently in the coming weeks. But let's be frank considering I used to post once a month you lot have been getting spoiled. Now while this rewrite doesn't affect current readers... Mainly because I wouldn't be surprised if you all forgot... It has been over a year after all but the first few chapters were let's be honest shit... Well from a writing standpoint. So for new readers, it's well not the best thing to see when you see a 200k story to read through. At this rate, we'll hit a million before this story finished and of you think that's scary think what I've got write! But it needed to be done... But hey I won't stop you from rereading it again...
Reviews!
Pix25- Ahhh sorry pixs you were wrong I'm afraid... Assuming I'm thinking what your thinking but I may not so Who knows! Yes Syr had to ruin everything!.
Dario John711- Yes I know the newest novel well... But moving on Artemis is going to have to be careful, so many girls are closing in on Bell... What will she do hmm? Only time will tell.
BChuggs- Don't worry there will be plenty of that in the future I can promise you that.
MiniLobster8350- Don't worry pop in when you have the chance to talk. But no it's a shorter chapter so not too long to write so you didn't have to wait long. Next one, however, will be quite long and chock full of detail and warm fluffy goodness. Maybe. I might be lying... Freya, Aiz and Artemis all fighting for Bell but of course but its not just them with a claim on him. What would be the point of giving things away to easily... Hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to talking more.
BetwixtOnigiri- Ahh good glad you're enjoying it. Yes, the slow burn is favourite of but when the time comes it will be worth the wait. Hoped you enjoyed this one as well.
Thanks to Webweasel for putting up with me and editing as always I know he gets a laugh at some of my mistakes.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as always any questions do feel free to PM or Join the discord... the more the merrier I'm always in there for a chat. As always leave a comment on what you liked. Hated or otherwise other. Link to my Discord at the end.
I hope you all keeping well and looking forward to the Christmas period, remember to stay safe and have fun. Hope to see you next chapter. Thanks for reading
Discord Link- /TH3gFGjmTz