Bell couldn't help but feel something was about to go wrong. He had the most beautiful girl nuzzling into his neck. Not a single person was around to interrupt them as he suddenly found himself in a dangerous situation.

"Mmm." She giggled as she closed her eyes and smiled. "Don't tell Hestia about this… she'd get jealous if she knew I was this close to you."

She was annoyed that she couldn't move her arms or legs to make herself more comfortable. The frustration of having Bell this close and unable to enjoy it to the full extent. However it slowly dawned on her that the fact she couldn't move was down to her injuries from her fight with Lourous. She pushed her head into him.

"Artemis?" Bell noticed the sudden change in her; she was pushing her head into him much firmer than usual.

He lifted her head with his fingers and gave her a gentle smile. "Is something the matter?"

She looked down but nodded a little. "It's…" She went silent and the look on her face told Bell everything he needed to know.

"Is it about your fight?" He knew it was that. What else could it possibly be?

She shivered as she thought about it. Hating the fact she didn't follow her basic instincts.

"I was such an idiot…thinking I could take him on…I should have quit when I had the chance I…"

She began to tear up but refused to let Bell see quickly composing herself. "I didn't even take my own advice and made a fool of myself and the Familia!"

Bell shook his head. "No…you didn't." He pulled her closer into a tight embrace as he smiled. "You stood up against a foe stronger than you and refused to give up. Your bravery inspired so many even if you lost."

He nuzzled the top of her head making her blush. "Though you did have me worried for a while…Just don't put yourself in an unwinnable situation again…if something happened to you I'd…"

'Bell…' She nodded. "I promise Bell…Though I expect the same from you okay?"

She kissed his cheek and giggled. "It would be a great loss to the world if you suddenly weren't in it."

The two of them suddenly found themselves looking at one another, the blush on their faces quickly increasing as they looked away. Bell couldn't help but touch his cheek and smile. However Artemis suddenly had an urge to hide herself away.

"Y-you know I've been asleep much too long… I think I'll have that bath now…"

Bell blushed as his spine tingled. "B-bath…"

She giggled. "Yes Bell a bath. D-do you think you could get Riveria to help me?"

Bell gulped even louder "W-Well…You see…"

He trailed off as he rubbed his neck. 'Ohhh gods, how am I supposed to tell her?'

"Is something the matter, Bell?" She tilted her head slightly as he went quiet.

"W-well you see Riviera has left everything regarding your care beside healing t-to me…" He blushed looking away… "T-that includes…Bathing you.. "

She didn't entirely register what he was saying. When she did she just assumed he was joking. "Haha good one Bell…"

He blushed and remained still and silent as he shook his head.

It took a moment but after seeing his embarrassed face and the fact he hadn't gone to get someone meant he wasn't joking. Her face went a deep crimson as she wished she could cover her face.

"S-so…That means…" She looked down. She had never let anyone see her naked but she needed to clean her body and wounds. However this meant Bell would need to help her in every way.

'Undress me, remove my bandages… w-wash my body…T-touch me…naked…Bell…'

Within seconds her head dropped onto the pillow as Bell realised she had fainted. He took a long deep breath, taking a moment to wait till she awakened. His mind coming to terms with his duty of care to her.

'No…Riveria is right it's not fair to place all her care on them. They have their own problems. I…I owe it to both them and Artemis to put my personal feelings aside…'

He blushed as she began to stir. 'Though…what are my feelings?'

Her eyes flickered a little. 'Can I truly say that I'm not attracted to her?'

Her emerald green eyes slowly opened to look up at him as he seemed deep in thought. However when their eyes met he couldn't help but smile.

'Can I honestly say I'm not falling in love with this goddess?'

He stood up and smiled. "Here let me help you." He knelt down a little as he slid his hands underneath her.

"Epp!" She let out as she felt his arms slowly lifting her up and holding her close to his chest.

"I think we both need a good long bath don't you agree?" He said trying to not to make the situation any more embarrassing than it already was.

"W-well yes but…" She blushed. "W-we would have to bathe together…"

His cheeks went a rosey red as he nodded. "W-well yes… I can't let you do it alone, you might drown. B-besides I need to help clean your wounds."

She looked away. "I know that it's just…I've never bathed with anyone before…"

Bell smiled. "Then I'm truly honoured I get to be the first. Don't worry I won't do anything that you're not comfortable with."

She quickly moved her head away, blushing a little as she just nodded.

Bell slowly made his way out of the room with Artemis in his arms. Luckily the Loki girls had all the rooms labelled. A blessing for Bell who quickly found the bathroom.

When they entered Bell couldn't help but blush as he noticed the small set up they had. It had one small sink and cabinet as you entered. A toilet off to the left and an elegant but small bathtub to right. Luckily they had a small stool that he could place her down on as he noticed a small note on the side of the cabinet.

He grabbed it and quickly read it.

Bell

There are spare bandages and ointment in the cabinet. Once you've cleaned her body make sure to rub the ointment over any bruised skin don't be afraid to use it. Make sure the areas are well covered before applying the bandages. Take your time and Goodluck.

Riveria

P.s. Remember to ask for permission before you touch her.

Bell blushed and gulped as he turned back to Artemis.

He opened the cabinet and took out the spare bandages and ointment placing it to one side as he knelt down to her side.

"Sorry I know it's embarrassing but I'm gonna have to remove your bandages." He tried to remain calm and composed as he held her hand giving her a reassuring smile.

All she could do was nod. "P-please be gentle…" her blush crept up on her face slowly as he started to undo the bandages around her arms.

"I will, I promise." He made sure to go slowly, carefully unwrapping the white cloth as it stuck to her body. The ointment helped keep it in place but it also made it difficult to remove without causing significant pain.

"Are you okay? If it hurts, we can wait a moment?"

She quickly shook her head. "N-no I'm fine. It's just a little pain, nothing I can't handle?"

'Ohhh why is this happening? I know I wanted to get closer to Bell but…" Having her crush this close was one thing but having him slowly remove her clothes and bandages her embarrassment went through the roof.

Bell's heart dropped as he saw the dark purple bruises on her arms. A reminder of everything that happened to her in that fight. He clenched his fist his anger quickly subsided as he focused on helping through it.

"I'm…" He blushed trying not to look at her chest. It took a second but he ultimately moved round the back of her. "Going to remove the rest now…"

Arts face went a deep crimson, her mind wandering in and out of fantasy. Her eyes looked down at her body. He had seen her before accidently and it wasn't like he hadn't seen a bit of skin over the last few weeks.

'Knowing Hestia she would probably jump at the chance I…I guess it's the next step…'

She nodded, lowering her head a little.

His eyes kept mostly to her neck, his hands running through her hair to move it away. He began to work his way down undoing her gown first carefully slipping it over the arms without much effort. But a bigger challenge faced him. Several sets of bandages covered her body. Even Art wasn't expecting to see them but she accepted her situation and nodded.

"It's okay Bell… I trust you." She gave him a little smile reassuring him as he started to remove them.

The ones around her neck and shoulders were easy enough as was her waist and sides. Purple bruises littered her once perfect body but Bell just ignored them. He blushed as his fingers gently touched her skin and with time and care she'd heal and he'd do everything to help her.

The two went silent and two areas remained untouched. One set of bandages remained tightly wrapped around her breasts and her most sacred of places covered by her panties. Bell moved closer a gulp as he realised what he had to do but still tried to offer her a solution

"Artemis…I know you'd prefer I didn't. I can clean around them and…We can wait till someone comes back?"

'He's being so considerate about my feelings.' She closed her eyes. "I don't know them, I don't trust them like I trust you Bell. Yes they might be girls but…"

Her mind began to wander, her heart ached a little as she wanted to hold his hand. She wanted to be honest with him but was too embarrassed to admit. All she could do was accept the situation.

"I'd rather you b-be the one to see me t-then a random stranger."

She wanted to faint. It took all her resolve to say it and now she had; it was clear by the silence the awkwardness of the situation.

"Thankyou Artemis" He said in her ear as his hands wrapped around her as gently as he could. "For trusting me."

She took a deep breath as the warmth of his body touched hers. The pain from her bruises faded after a moment and she relaxed and smiled.

After a few minutes he reached behind her and slowly began to remove the last of the bandages. His hands tried to avoid her breasts at all times however on occasion his fingers grazed them and he knew when he did.

"Mmm" She let out a small moan as one his fingers rubbed past her nipple causing her to smile a little.

As the bandages fell to the floor Bell gulped as his eyes couldn't avoid perfectly curvy and perky breasts. Not as big as Hestias but just the right size for her, they complemented her body perfectly. His eyes moved to her perky nipples which seemingly firmed up in the cold room and being teased by his fingers as he removed her bandages.

"Perfect…" Bell mumbled out not realising she could hear him. Her blush unmatched by any before even when they had gotten a tad bit too close.

"B-Bell you…" Her eyes looked down and it was going to be the worst part for her. "You still have to remove…"

His eyes followed hers setting on her pure white panties. Bell's body reacted, his penis slowly began to harden as he asked for permission.

"A-Are you sure i-i mean…" He blushed and shook his head. "It's not something I…"

She slammed her eyes shut and shook her head. "No you shouldn't b-but it needs to be done…" She couldn't blush any harder, she couldn't cover herself, all she could do was watch and nod.

"Please…be quick…even if it causes me pain…"

He didn't deny her request; it wasn't fair for her, he was unable to do anything to ease the situation.

"I will…" He reached round the sides, his fingers curling round as they dragged them down lifting her up legs and sliding them down and off her feet.

As soon as removed them he turned away, placing them with the rest of her clothes. He gave her a moment to relax as he started to run the bath checking the temperature so it was warm but not too hot, he smiled and turned around to see her blushing, avoiding his gaze but she cleared her throat..

"W-will you be…J-Joining me?" Her voice was almost a whisper at the end as her eyes slowly ran along the floor before landing on him. A questionable stare as she waited for a response..

"J-Join you?" He almost fainted as he steadied himself. "As in…In the bath…"

She gave a little nod… "y-you haven't bathed since yesterday… it would s-save time…"

'She's asking me to join her…B-but then we'd both be naked…I'd be behind her with our bodies touching…' He took a deep and long breath trying to not faint back into the back.

"A-Are you sure that's a good idea I mean…" He looked away but Artemis seemed resolved.

"Y-your gonna have to wash me anyway and… your clothes are just gonna get wet…" 'I'm actually asking this of him?"

She bit her lip for a second before looking into his eyes. "J-Just don't misunderstand the situation… it's not like I want you to join me or anything! I-I'm just saving you time…" She blushed and looked away. "B-Besides, what if I need your help and you're still in the bath?"

He smiled and nodded as he slowly began to remove his shirt. "Fair enough…I can't argue with that logic…" He pulled the black top over his head, throwing it to the side as he slowly unbuttoned his trousers. Artemis blushed, unsure of where to look as he began to strip in front of her.

"W-what are you…?" She slammed her eyes shut as his pants dropped to the floor.

"W-what? I can't bathe with my clothes on…" He rubbed his cheek. The room had heated a little but he couldn't help but feel embarrassed standing naked. "L-let's just get this over with?"

He said slowly walking over to her. Trying not to stare at her naked body.

Arts eyes peeked open only to slam shut again. 'T-That's what a man's…'

She opened them again a little more this time as she examined it for a moment blushing as he took a step forward. 'I-It's bigger than I imagined.'

He smiled, kneeling down and lifting her up into his arms, their naked bodies touching one another as he carried her toward the bath. He got in first still holding her, his feet submerged in the water as he looked into her face.

"I'm going to put you down now… let me know if it's too hot for you?"

'It's too hot! It's too hot! What was I thinking? I'm letting a man, Bell touch me, see me naked and bathe with me!'

He lowered her feet in first, she gasped but didn't remove them as she slowly moaned. "Mmm that's just right."

Bell smiled and carefully lowered her in placing her in between his legs keeping his privates from her back.

"Mmm yeah you're right." He muttered resting his back on the back of the tub, his arms relaxing on the side. He smiled looking at her back, mesmerised by her as took a moment to enjoy himself.

Artemis sat there unsure what to do. She couldn't move her arms or legs but she could feel the warmth filling her body and she smiled. Without thinking she leaned her head back falling into Bell's chest and gasping but quickly giggled.

"S-sorry… I'm used to making myself comfortable." She could feel something poking her back but she just ignored it.

"Fu-fu mmm you really are comfortable to relax on Bell."

Bell gulped but nodded. "G-Good." He relaxed with her, his arms wrapping around her waist.

"Glad you're comfortable."

The two relaxed In the embrace. Time seemingly stopped for them both as she nuzzled the back of her head into his chest. Bell moved her closer, grabbing a sponge and soap coating it and leaning into her ear. "Mmm we should probably clean you first? We have plenty of time to relax."

He carefully soaped up her back and shoulders working down her arms lifting them gently to get to her sides. Bruises littered her body and he did his best not to press against them too hard. Once her arms, shoulders and back were nice and soapy he had a new challenge to tackle.

"I'm gonna start on your front now." He whispered, getting a nod before his hands moved to her stomach.

Art gasped as his hands began to rub the cold liquid into her skin. His hands slowly working their way up towards her breasts.

"Nghhh." She bit her lip as they slipped under her breasts. She looked back at him with a blush saying nothing just waiting for him to continue.

"Ohhh" He slipped his hands back down. Squirting a little more onto his hands before gently cupping her breasts gasping at how firm they seemed to be but as he moved his hands his fingers were sinking in a little and he got a good idea of just how soft they really were.

She moaned little by little as he began to rub her breasts holding them gently as he worked upwards.

'Mmm Why does this feel… ahhh soo good?" She leaned into his back as his hands touched her nipples, seemingly stopping for a minute.

Bell felt a nosebleed coming on as his brain failed him and his hands held her breasts memorising how they felt as her nipples pushed into his palms.

'What am I Doing?!' He shook his head a little letting go. 'I'm here to help her not take advantage of the situation!'

Despite this Art had begun to blush harder than ever and she sighed when he moved his hands away.

'Ohhh Hestia, why am I enjoying this so?' Water rushed over her as the sponge began to clean her skin. 'Mmm is this what it's like to be in a relationship?'

Bell continued to wash her, taking his time making sure to get every corner of her. He avoided her personal area as best he could when scrubbing her legs. But once he was done he quickly did himself. At least as best he could since she was determined to relax back in his chest the entire time.

Not that he minded he wasn't really dirty so he didn't need it. Once he was happy he just curled into her and closed his eyes.

"Bell?" She said getting pulled closer blushing a beet red as his legs danced with hers.

"Shush…" He said quietly. "I'm enjoying myself."

She giggled. "Same…but…" She looked up and blushed faintly. "W-would you turn me over?"

Bell went stiff as he heard her little request. "O-of course.." He grasped her sides, turning her body slowly until she was laying flat on his chest, her breast squishing up against him while her head rested into his chest.

"Mmm much better." She wished she could hug him but didn't mind so much as he curled his arms around her back. 'Yeah…so much better." He closed his eyes again. This time content not to move an inch as he enjoyed their embrace.

Minutes, hours passed, neither of them sure only sharing a giggle as they realised the water was going cold. They both blushed, pulling away from one another as Bell held her up.

"Guess we should get out?" He said, his eyes drawing down to her breasts.

Art ignored his obvious lack of control; she was doing the exact same to him.

"Y-yeah…"

He moved her a little before lifting her into his arms and standing up. The two shivered a little as she nuzzled closer to him for warmth.

He got out and placed her down onto the stool. Wrapping a towel around her quickly so she didn't catch a cold. He quickly dried himself off and did the same for her. Though stopping as he reached her legs.

"Sorry to ask but?" He looked down and then away.

She understood and bit lips nodding "J-just be quick…" before she could take a breath his hands pulled her legs apart revealing herself to him fully.

He wasted no time drying her thighs however he couldn't help but find himself looking at her most secret place.

'Ohhh heavens above…' He couldn't look away for a moment. He admired the perfect sight. The glorious sight as he took it in. The slightly wet lips. The cleanly shaven Bush leaving nothing to hide. It was his first time seeing a vagina but he'd never forget it.

'He's staring at it! Nghh ohh heavens why? Why does he have to stare at It?' She couldn't help but moan and shiver as she looked away as he nearly fainted. Only remaining awake out of sheer will power.

Bell looked away quickly after he realised he was starting and looked away. "S-sorry!"

He got to his feet and turned around. "I didn't mean to… Please forgive me!"

She blushed. 'Pervert, idiot typical man!' She thought is what she wanted to say; instead she just shook her head and whispered. "I didn't mind…" however he didn't hear her and she just turned her head. "Forget about it…"

He nodded and quickly went to grab her bandages and ointment from the side and removed her towel making her blush.

"This won't take long just…bare with me please?" He sighed as he began to lather his hands with the ointment gently running his hands over her bruises. Each one made him feel sick. It was unfair. She had been through so much and yet was forced to endure even more pain. He never hated anyone as much as he did Lourus. Even his name brought annoyance to him.

He was gentle with her and she couldn't help but smile. Even though it was embarrassing she couldn't help but enjoy it. Given everything, being with him was the best she had ever felt.

'I…I want us to get closer and closer…maybe even…' She cast the thought from her head. 'No…I…he.. mmm'

His hands began to lather her breasts in ointment. They weren't as badly brushed as some other places but he didn't want to miss them.

She moaned but didn't say anything as he seemingly spent longer there then anything else.

'Does he like my breasts that much?' She made a mental note of it as he let go and washed his hands.

It didn't take long to rebandage her.

"Mmm you're pretty good at this?"

He laughed nervously "Yeah well grandpa wasn't always around and I learnt from one of the townsfolk how to bandage up my injuries…"

She giggled "What were you doing to get injured so often?"

He rubbed the back of his head. "I used to climb trees thinking they were large monsters…" He was embarrassed to be telling her this but he felt it was fair given the situation.

She burst into a laugh. "Let me guess, pretending to play hero. I'd have thought you'd learn your lesson after the first couple of times?"

He rubbed his cheek "I did but only after I broke my arm." He laughed. "My Grandfather scolded me for being an idiot…"

She nodded "Good you were!" She scolded him but smiled. "Though I'm glad that recklessness hasn't disappeared. It's saved me a few times this last month…"

She went quiet looking into his Ruby eyes.

"Yeah…Well I didn't want you to get hurt…I.. I wanted to jump in sooner to stop the match…" He trailed off 'Is this really the right time to bring this up?'

She shook her head. "I guess you can call me an idiot for not forfeiting…Though if you had stepped in…"

She leaned forward a little. "You would have gotten a little reward." She quickly kissed his lips. Nothing more than a quick peck but caused them both to blush bright red. "Like that one…"

She blushed hard. "Though that was for being such a gentleman and helping me."

Bell tried hard not to faint. How could he not. She just kissed him. True it was an innocent gesture but it melted his heart.

"Hopefully I will never need to but…" He pulled her into a warm hug. "I'll jump at the first sign of trouble…"

She burst out giggling. "Ohhh Bell…" She nuzzled into his chest neck. "You really are my hero."

"Come on, you must be hungry?" He said carrying her down the stairs into the kitchen.

"Mmm now you mention it I could do with a little something." Her stomach growled causing her to blush as he glanced back after her little lie.

She pouted a little. "Fine! I'm starving there, I said it!"

Bell smiled. "Don't worry he placed her down at the table." He reached over and grabbed an apron before turning with his iconic smile. "Chef Bell is here to serve."

She giggled. "It's a shame I can't help you. I enjoyed our last experience."

He nodded, turning to the fridge and sighing loudly… "How do these girls even survive?"

He examined a nearly empty fridge. Besides a few basic essentials he really felt bad for them until he remembered…

"Ohhh yeah they're higher level familia…they probably just eat out…"

He grabbed some eggs, butter and stole some of Tiona's ham… 'I'll apologise when she gets back.'

He turned back to the hob reaching under and grabbing a small frying pan. It didn't take him long to crack up an omelette. It wasn't much but given what he had on hand he thought it would be something she would prefer.

Bringing the plate over with him he sat down. Next to her with a glass of water he began to cut it up into small pieces.

"Okay open up." He lifted the small portion of egg and meat upto her mouth a small smile as she leaned forward and devoured the offering.

Bell smiled and relaxed as she seemingly enjoyed the food. As soon as she finished she opened her mouth again as if to say more please.

He chuckled to himself as he continued to feed her. They didn't say anything to one another, simply enjoying each other's company and the food.

After she had finished Bell quickly washed up and turned back to her. She let out a little yawn. Her body quickly using the energy to help in her healing.

"Come on, let's go somewhere more comfortable for you?" He reached down and lifted her up again. Art's face going a little pink as he continued to carry her about.

'Mmm this is pretty comfortable…" now she was blushing after her own thought as he carried her into the living room.

The thought of taking her back upstairs to bed did cross his mind but as much as he wanted to he also knew her lying down all the time wasn't good for her.

Placing her down on the sofa Bell smiled looking around a little. "I'll be right back."

She seemed surprised. "D-don't take too long…"

He smiled, "I won't, I'll be back in no time."

As he left the room Art blushed hard. 'Why did I say that?!' She shook her head. 'I enjoy his company, sure, but…'

Her heart rate increased as the minutes passed, only relaxing when he returned holding a blanket and book in hand.

"Sorry I knew I saw these somewhere. It just took me a minute to find." He sat back down next to her not even second guessing himself when he pulled her into chest as he curled the small blanket around the two of them. Art's face lit up but quickly faded as she nuzzled into his chest.

'Mmm I love this far too much to be ashamed.'

Once the two got comfortable he rested his head into hers and began to read. It wasn't a very interesting book. Only served to help her fall asleep. Though after an hour or so he had got immersed not realising she had fallen asleep until she slipped into his lap.

"Ohhh…" He looked down at the cute goddess snuggled up to him. He took a deep breath.

'I wish this is how things could have been…' He reached down, softly running his fingers through her hair.

He stopped for a moment gently moving her long strands of hair from her face. His heart melted as he touched her cheek and sighed. A sigh of realisation.

'I want to protect her… I want to be her strength…! He closed his eyes. 'I can't see her not being in my life.'

He didn't finish his thoughts. He gently lifted her up, slipping underneath her resting his head on the side as he wrapped his hands around her and pulling the blanket over them. 'Guess we should have gone back to bed…' His eyes closed his smile bigger than ever.

He blushed as he found himself back in the bathroom. Sitting with her as she leaned in and kissed his lips quickly. It made him so happy. It made his heart sore. It was his first kiss. Even though it was an innocent gesture even though it wasn't the one he imagined it would be. That half a second they were connected made him so happy.

His dream took a turn. It was then he pulled her back in and stole another kiss. Holding it for much longer he knew it wasn't the real thing but he didn't care. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss, the two enjoying it. Once he was finished his hands lowered to her waist. Descending lower to her ass and cupping the cheeks.

He smiled, he knew how they felt he remembered their early tumble, something he was still unsure how it happened but he moved to her neck and kissed it, her moans filling his ears.

Soon the scene faded and Bell drifted into a deep sleep, his last thought echoing as pictured two girls' faces…

Aiz and Artemis. The sword princess he had loved at first sight and the goddess he had fallen for accidently. He knew he could only choose one. He knew he'd have to break one of their hearts when he did.

He had long lied to himself when it came to Artemis. He had always enjoyed her company, her presence from day one he felt a connection and attraction but he pushed it aside focusing on Aiz like he always had.

'Who am I kidding? I've fallen in love with this Artemis. Yeah grandpa I love someone that isn't Aiz…'

'I just… Ugh I can't choose. Aiz will always be the one I stride for but Artemis…Artemis is just perfect I can't deny that. But she's a goddess c-can I really have a relationship with someone like her?'

He drifted deeper into sleep.

'Even though I really want to…'

'Even though I really want to…'Surprise! yes I thought I'd treat you all to another chapter it's a little smaller then usual but its all that good fluffy goodness that has been missing in recent chapters so enjoy.