Hey there! Another chapter is here! Took me longer to do this one for various reasons. There is this person who asked about being my Beta but he hasn't responded back to my messages _
Its been roughly a week since that message and I wanted to wait a bit for him to respond, but it didn't happen! AAAH! Right? Anyways, I also was busy cause me and my best friend went to Six Flags all day saturday for Halloween. We had a blast, but it did put a damper on finishing this chapter. Anyways, here is the next chapter! I hope you enjoy it! I think it'll be a surprise but I think I did really well on it!
It was Friday when Bell was cleared by Loki to return to the dungeon. He wasted no time and went immediately to the guild to see if he could locate his party member. Arriving in Babel, he immediately went to the small line that formed before Eina, eagerly awaiting to greet his advisor. Upon arrival, Eina immediately put out a sign and redirected the four people that were waiting behind Bell, allowing her to talk to Bell in private. It was an advisors duty after all, so the four people didn't really seem all that upset. Upon taken into the back, Eina stared at Bell for a good ten seconds before speaking.
"I have so many things that I want to say… None of which seem to be the right thing… so I want to say… I am glad that you are alright." Eina said, having struggled to keep her desire to scold and yell at the boy at bay.
"I… thank you. I'm sorry if I worried you. I worried myself too…"
"You know just how dangerous that was… and how lucky you are that the Crusher was there…" Eina replied, speaking quietly.
"I know… I'd be dead… just… I had to do it." Eina sighed and nodded, her right hand on her forehead as she felt a headache.
"I know. I heard. Alot of people are alive because of you. We avoided any causalities and you are a big reason why." Eina stated, before looking at Bell. "I always knew you'd be a problem… but please. Promise me you'll try and stay out of trouble."
"I don't try to get in trouble! It just ends up coming for me!"
"Seems like it. Well, are you going to the dungeon again soon?"
"Ah yea, I was hoping to start tomorrow but I want to see if I can find my partner. Welf is his name and he is my blacksmith partner too."
"Oh, Welf Crozzo. He's with the Hephaestus Familia. How is he doing as your partner?" She asked, curious. She never spoke to him after he started a party. Bell smiled brightly.
"Yea that's him! Hephaestus is -the- blacksmith Familia right? Well, I would like to see if there is a way I can find him? Or maybe you could send a message? I would like to go back into the dungeon with him. I need to get stronger…" Eina hummed.
"I understand. I will send a letter to the Hephaestus Familia today. We'll set up a meeting for you and Welf here at the guild for say… nine?" She asked with a smile. Bell nodded.
"I'd really appreciate it! You're a life saver Miss Eina!" Bell said with a bright smile. No matter how many harrowing events he faces, he still can smile like that. Eina had to admire that.
"It's not that big of a deal. So, you all healed up?"
"Mhm! Goddess was really helpful. She took care of me. She made sure I rested, she helped me in the ba- she made sure that I had salts for my soreness." Bell said, blushing a bit as he almost admitted to bathing with Loki. Luckily, he caught himself or so he thought.
'HE DID WHAT?!' Eina exclaimed in her head, in complete shock. Sure, it wasn't like it was unheard of for a deity and a mortal to form a bond, but generally those were the lower rated deitys! Loki, Freya and a few others had NEVER gotten with a mortal. What was more surprising, was that Loki was into big breasted women! Now she was doing such things with Bell?! What kind of villainy was the Trickster up to?! "Bell… Just be careful okay? I'm glad that you are healed up, but you never know who… or what… may try something unexpected." She scolded, not sure how else to say it. It's not that Loki was bad, but she was mischievous and she wouldn't put it past the Goddess to use Bell for some plot to get women. Eina sighed. Hopefully Bell would be safe with the Trickster.
"I will be on guard! I will no longer let myself be rescued!" Bell said, pumping his right hand out into a fist. Eina smirked a bit.
"Oh? Not a fan of being the damsel huh?" She teased, enjoying the blush and huff from the boy.
"No… I don't. I hate being saved… I hate being weak. I refuse to allow it to happen again." Bell said seriously, staring at Eina. "I will become strong. I will become a true hero." He stated which got Eina to smile softly.
'Still holding on to that huh… Perhaps that is a strength… good luck Bell.' The advisor thought before nodding. "Alright, well, I need to get going if I am going to send out this letter." Eina said, before shooing Bell out of the private room. Bell smiled when the door was opened, turning to wave at her.
"You are awesome Miss Eina! Thank you so much! Love you!" He yelled as he ran out of the guild, heading out into the city. Eina once again was on the subject of a few wolf whistles and teases from fellow employees and adventurers alike. Eina blushed, sighing.
'You idiot…'
Bell ran through the streets, stopping when he spotted Ryuu was taking out a trash bag from the Benevolent Mistress. He took a small breather, before approaching Ryuu who had finished tossing the bag into the dumpster nearby.
"Hi Miss Ryuu!" Bell explained, smiling brightly. The Elf was startled, but didn't show it as she turned to face the human that had captured her attention and part of her heart. It was a silly crush, but it mattered little to the logical Elf. She was a maiden too.
"Ah Mister Cranel, I heard about what happened. I am glad that you are alright. I'm also glad that you saved all those people. You are the talk of many people." She said, giving him a slight smile. Bell blushed and rubbed the back of his head.
"A-ah… it was nothing. I did nothing but almost get myself killed. The others were much more heroic and awesome." Ryuu's eyes narrowed at that, not liking the way he put himself down.
"You saved a lot of people by leading the monster away from the crowd. The others would not have gotten there in time and people would have been dead. What you did is heroic. That is one of many definitions of being a hero, Mister Cranel." Ryuu said, slightly scolding. Bell looked a little frightened but nodded.
"R-Right. Well, I was wondering… I don't really… um… I was thinking. Would you like to go somewhere after work?" Bell asked. Bell had little friends. He had Welf and sure, there was his Familia but he didn't really feel like he had really true friends yet from them…. Well besides Tiona. Thinking of his crush got him to blush, but he shook his head and looked at Ryuu, before he blushed again. "A-As friends! I… I don't have many friends and I would like to know if maybe you'd want to be…?" Ryuu was staring at Bell with shock in her eyes, though her face was impassive as always.
'W-What?! He wants to… oh. As friends, right.' The Maiden thought, a little sad at that but at the same time, she was thankful. She didn't know him all that well and starting out as friends sounded better than just him asking her out randomly. She eyed him up curiously. 'He wouldn't want me, someone who has done so many awful things… It's best that I forget about him.' Ryuu thought, but she knew her heart would betray her. "I suppose. What would you want to do?"
"Uh… I'm not sure… want to walk around Babel's shops? Or maybe just sit and have a drink?"
"You are into alcohol Mister Cranel?" Ryuu asked, curiously. Bell blushed a bit before nodding.
"My Goddess… forced me to have a few drinks… and it's…. it's nice. Especially after a good day of adventuring." Bell admitted.
"Hmm. As long as you are careful with it, I don't see an issue with it. Just don't become addicted Mister Cranel. It has been the doom of many adventures. I advise caution." Bell nodded rapidly.
"I will be sure to drink in moderation!" Bell exclaimed, hoping to reassure his, hopefully, new friend. Ryuu nodded and smiled a bit.
"Good. I think having a drink somewhere sounds nice. I am not a big fan of crowds. Despite my career, I prefer solitude."
"Do you just want to be alone then?" He asked, looking a little hurt. Ryuu shook her head.
"No, I am looking forward to a drink." Ryuu stated, giving Bell some reassurance that she too wanted to hang out. Bell's smile was absolutely worth it, even if she didn't want to hang out and only wanted to protect his feelings. His smile lit up the area, filling Ryuu's heart with warmth. It was a feeling she wasn't very familiar with, especially of late. "I get off in four hours, meet me here? I'll be off the clock and Mia will take care of us."
"Okay! Thank you Miss Ryuu! You're amazing!" Bell said as he ran off, heading towards the Manor. Ryuu stared at Bell leaving, a slight blush dusting her face. She sighed and shook her head.
'He's… You are something Mister Cranel.'
Bell entered the manor with a big smile on his face. He was back in action! He was going to the dungeon tomorrow with Welf, hopefully Welf wanted to go anyway. He had a 'date' with Ryuu. He was all healed up and he was filled with more confidence then ever. He was ready to tackle the dungeon and show Tiona and his Goddess just what he was made of! He entered the kitchen as his stomach rumbled, noting that it was lunch time if the clock was any indication. He went into the fridge, humming a tune of sorts, as he grabbed meat, cheese, tomatoes, a head of lettuce that was already pre-used and then a loaf of bread from the cabinet. 'Today is a wonderful daaaaaay!' Bell thought cheerily, but his cheeriness came to a crash.
"My my, someone is having a good day. Did you get laid little rabbit?" Loki cooed, leaning against the door frame as she stared, amused, at her child humming without a care.
"W-What?! What are you saying Goddess?!" Loki grinned.
"Well, something good had to happen if you are humming like that. I wonder if I kept my mouth shut, would you have started dancing? What's got you so happy?" She cooed, enjoying herself.
"I-It's nothing! Just… I get to back to the dungeon is all!"
"Oh? Are you sure that's all? Hmmmmmm?" She pried. "Oh, would you perhaps have a date tonight? My my, moving so quickly. I thought you were all over Tiona and I, with how you lust after her and how you bathed with me, cleaning my body with your own hands! And now… now I find you going after yet another? Oh what is a Goddess like me to do with a naughty boy like you?" She teased.
"I-It's not like that Goddess! I-I swear! And you f-forced me to bathe you! It's not like anything!" Loki grinned at his stammering as well as his beet red face. It was precious and fun. Loki laughed softly and shook her head.
"You can do whatever you want. As long as you are happy." Loki said, snickering. "Enjoy your date kid." Loki said, wiggling her fingers in a goodbye. Bell slammed his head on the counter, whining softly as he slowly recovered from the embarrassment. Loki had nailed him. He really was that transparent.
Bell finished his lunch about an hour later, having actually taken his time to eat his meal as he had nothing else to do today until his 'date' with Ryuu. Sure, he told her it wasn't a date but the young white haired lad had a heart that betrayed him. His heart demanded it be seen as a date, even though Bell knew it wasn't supposed to be.
After lunch, Bell checked the time on the wall, before grinning. Only two more hours to go! Running up the stairs, Bell ran into his room, immediately going to make an outfit! He dug through the drawers of his dresser, throwing clothes side to side, trying to find a great outfit! After ten minutes, creating a disaster zone, Bell picked out an outfit. It was one of the few outfits that he got before he arrived in Orario, leaving his hometown with. It consisted of a dark red, nearly blood red, button up Polo, a pair of dark colored denim pants and a pair of sneakers. He placed his outfit onto his bed, before rushing out of the room towards the baths. Sure, he was pretty sure he still was very much clean and probably still smelled good from the bath the night prior, but his Grandfather taught him well!
'When it comes to women, scent is key. A woman will not want a man who doesn't smell fresh. If you can, always bathe before you meet a woman. Listen to my wisdom and women will flock to you.'
Bell listened to his Grandfather most of the time. His Grandfather was the only family member that he could remember. His parents died before he could remember any of them, but Bell wasn't upset about that. He had a good life with his Grandfather and he was going to honor the man.
'Just you wait Grandpa! I'm going to show you what I am made of! In the dungeon and with women!' Bell thought triumphantly, as he entered the bath and stripped down. He climbed into the bath with a sigh. He had another hour before he'd have to leave, and he was going to enjoy a nice and hot, relaxing bath. 'I hope she enjoys spending time with me… She's so pretty… I… I'm going to do what Grandpa wanted for me.'
'Bell, there is nothing greater for an adventurer… no a man, than to have a bevy of beauties in their lives. Not to be at their beck and call, but to be there for you. If you can have a bevy of wives, who want to take care of you, then cherish them with all of your heart. Keep being kind, even with many women, and do not let any of them feel left out. A harem is the goal of any proper adventurer or man! Take it from me! I've had my own harem when I was younger! HO HO HO!'
'I'll do it Grandpa! I'll form a harem… but only those that I care about! That I… love! Only those that I love!' Bell thought, before he began cleaning himself, soaping up a rag before going all scrub a dub dub. After scrubbing himself and rinsing himself after, he decided to just relax, letting out a sigh. "I love this Bath… nothing is better than hot water… I am so happy that I am a part of this Familia… Thank you Goddess…" Bell said, groaning softly.
His relaxation ended way too soon, but Bell was also excited. He grinned as he got out of the bath, shaking himself a bit to dry himself off slightly, before using the towel to finish the job. "I hope she likes my smell!" Bell exclaimed, only for a laugh to pierce his ears.
"HAHAHAHA! YOUR SMELL?!" Spoke the voice of the Trickster, who was entering the bath just as Bell was drying off. "So it is a date! Hahaha! Oh that's golden!" She grinned, staring Bell down who was now red in the face, having been caught talking about his smell and about a girl liking it. "So, you are thankful that I took you in huh?" She teased. "Well, I hope you intend to show me how thankful you are~" Loki teased, only to be completely surprised as Bell ran up to her, dressed in his underwear and pants, wrapping his arms around her in a big hug. Bell laid his head on her sternum.
"Thank you Goddess… I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't found me. I know that you chose me because of a whim and Eina, but I am very thankful that you kept me. I hope to make you proud of me." Bell said sincerely. Loki blushed a bit, but gently patted Bell on the head, stroking his hair. She hummed.
"I look forward to what your future holds." Loki stated, continuing to stroke Bell's hair. "And you already make me proud. Just don't get yourself killed." The Goddess stated, which got Bell to nod. "Now, get out of here. You have plans soon yes?" Bell nodded and released the Trickster.
"Yes! Thank you Goddess! I will see you tonight!" Bell stated, running out, putting his shirt on as he made his way through the manor. He didn't want to be late! Loki smiled a bit as he ran off.
'That child…' The Trickster thought with fondness.
Bell disappeared down the streets, rushing through the crowds of hungry adventurers, returning from the dungeon. His aim was the Malevolent Mistress, ducking, weaving, sidestepping and in cases, leaping over. He arrived at the entrance where Ryuu was busy sweeping the steps. She looked up as soon as he skid to a stop upon arrival.
"Ah Mister Cranel. You ran over here…?" She asked curiously, raising a brow curiously at the heaving boy.
"S-Sorry! I was running late! I took too long in the bath! I didn't want to be here late and you think I wouldn't show! I must show up early so it wont happen next time! Please forgive me!" Ryuu stared at Bell for a few moments before she shook her head.
"No need to apologize. You arrived early enough, but whoever taught you that is wise. Do be sure to be on time next time." Ryuu said, her eyes playful despite her tone being bland.
"Y-Yes Miss Ryuu!" Bell said, bowing his head to the elf.
"I should be off in a few minutes. Would you like to wait inside? I shouldn't be too long, just going to go change."
"Ah… You don't have to if you don't want to. I… you don't need to change." Bell said, scratching the back of his neck while looking away. "I don't want you to have to do anything special." Ryuu hummed.
"Yet, you are the one who dressed up and put on cologne for me were you not?" Ryuu pointed out, making the white haired boy blush. Bell fidgeted in place for a bit.
"I… It wasn't… I… I was dirty…?" He asked, already blowing his cover. Ryuu sighed.
"If you say so. Alright Mr. Cranel. I believe I am off now, shall we go in for a few drinks?" Ryuu asked, stepping away from the steps to allow Bell to lead the way. 'He purposely went to change for this… and is embarrassed about it. Perhaps he does…?'
Bell entered the Mistress with a smile, looking around before finding a table located in the far back left corner, away from the large groups of adventurers. Taking note of the adventurers, a blush crept up on the boys face. He was on a date… with Ryuu… in public! Of course the poor lad was embarrassed, as he knew he and Ryuu were going to get a lot of attention just for the idea that they were on a date. Even if it wasn't, it could easily been seen on the outside as a date. Clenching his fists, he gained the courage and pulled out Ryuu's chair, giving her a warm smile.
'You idiot…' Ryuu said fondly, before nodding. "Thank you." She said softly, taking a seat while still dressed in her maid uniform, though she removed the head piece. She looked a bit more formal, a faint dusting on her cheeks as she felt a bit self conscious. She knew, in her head, that this was wrong. That going on this… 'date' with Bell, despite them not saying it was, was a bad idea. She was miles of bad road and she knew that it was wrong of her to have Bell take up the baggage, even if he didn't know about her baggage. Yet, here she was, sitting down and -enjoying- the time she spent with the boy that had captured her attentions. Ever since the day that he had thanked her so vehemently, holding her hands and touching her, her heart had beaten. Her heart had been rendered cold due to her past. She cared for her friends, that much was true, but romance? That was something she had sealed off for herself long ago, knowing that she wasn't worthy… but Bell? Bell had somehow gotten into her life. 'I suppose I have you to thank… Alise.' Ryuu thought, smiling softly to herself. She looked up at Bell and stared at him, her stoic face unreadable for the boy. "So, we going to get food too or just drinks?" She asked curiously, staring at the young man who had captured her heart. Bell flushed at her question.
"We could… do both… if you want?" Bell said quietly, still a bit shy despite having bagged a date with one of the most beautiful elves he's ever met. 'Riveria just can't be beat… but Ryuu is close… wait why am I thinking of someone else? Get your head in the game!' He scolded himself, before nodding. "Both." Bell said firmly.
"Alright." Ryuu replied, looking over at the bar where Mia was busy washing a few mugs, though Ryuu noted she had looked over their way multiple times. Mia caught her eye and gave the elf a smile and a nod. She was happy for the elf. Ryuu stared at Mia for a few moments longer, before looking back at Bell. "What are you wanting to eat?"
"Whatever you recommend is good for me." Bell said after a few seconds of thinking. Ryuu nodded after a bit.
"Mia, could we get two specials and a few ales?" Ryuu asked aloud, looking at Mia as she did so. Mia grunted which Ryuu knew was her way of acknowledging her order.
"So… Miss… Ryuu. Um… You… Why…. Hmm. Why do you work here?" Bell asked, curious.
"Hmmm. Why do you ask?" Ryuu asked in a reply.
"I… you are an Elf… and… um… it seems… beneath you… like someone so… um… elegant?" Ryuu blushed a bit at what Bell had said.
'What… how do I… damn it Bell…' Ryuu thought before humming. 'I can't believe I'm allowing this… I can't believe that I am falling for him…' Ryuu decided to be honest… mostly. "I am… a runaway. I left with just the clothes on my back and Mia took me in. I also have no problem working like this. It is not beneath me as you may suggest." Ryuu said, looking Bell in the eye. "Don't think of me so highly Mister Bell." She said firmly, not wanting him to go further with this. It was bad news for him if he got to know her. She had to stay firm and get away… but it wouldn't go that way. She and Bell would not so easily part.
"I see… I didn't mean to insult you or anything. I just… you're really pretty." He scratched his cheek. "And I would think you could do anything…" Bell admitted, looking away with a slight pink dust on his cheeks.
"That's very kind of you Mister Cranel." Ryuu stated, staring curiously at Bell. "Thank you." Bell nodded but didn't respond. He was now blushing quite hard, feeling the eyes of the other patrons nearby, all giving him a glare of jealousy, hated but also a glare at Ryuu of adoration. Ryuu ignored it, not caring what other people thought of her or what she was doing, and she figured the glares they sent Bell should only boost his confidence. This made Ryuu a bit happier, seeing herself on a date with Bell. It was then the food arrived, with Mia being the one to bring it over. She had a smirk on her face as she looked between the pair after serving their food and their drinks.
"So, you going to be taking responsibility for our lovely Ryuu right, Bell?" Mia asked, staring down Bell intensely, who gulped. Bell looked a bit terrified under the titan of a woman, but he nodded.
"Y-Yes! I-I'll take responsibility!"
"Good. You break her heart and you will be dealing with me." Mia said, only for Ryuu to glare at Mia softly.
"This isn't what it looks like. We are merely having drinks together as friends. Nothing for you to concern yourself with." Ryuu scolded, which didn't anger Mia. In fact, it merely made her even happier. Ryuu was lying, though she wouldn't call her out on it. Mia hummed.
"If you say so. Just know, I am happy for you. Don't ruin a good thing~" Mia cooed, wagging a finger at Ryuu playfully before leaving. "Enjoy~" She stated as she returned to the Bar. Bell's face was a bright Tomato red, looking away. Ryuu, on the other hand, remained mostly stoic, though the light pink dust on her face revealed her own embarrassment though it went away quickly enough. Ryuu looked at Bell, deciding to speak up to try and help.
"Mister Cranel… She's just teasing. You don't need to wor-"
"I won't break your heart… I… I'll be sure to cherish it." Bell said firmly, looking at Ryuu though his face was still bright red. Ryuu's face lit up a bit darker, hearing Bell's words. Ryuu calmed down rather quickly, staring at Bell intensely. She had to stop this. Bell couldn't do this.
"That would be a very big mistake. You do not know me well enough to come to any decision like that. Let me advise you, that I am not worth going out of your way for this. There are much better people."
"No! I don't want to hear that! Whatever it is, it's okay. You aren't a monster. No one as kind as you could ever be considered a monster! You're a good person and your smile proves it! I know you are! So, I think you are worth it! Don't ever say you aren't!" Bell exclaimed, leaning forward on the table. His face was still red, but less so as he poured his thoughts about Ryuu out into the open, surprising Mia and several adventurers nearby. Ryuu stared intensely at Bell, as the pink dust on her face turned red. Bell looked into Ryuu's eyes intensely, having a bit of confidence in him to do this, despite the embarrassment of having done so. He wasn't planning any of this, but he had to say something! He couldn't let her speak down about herself!
Ryuu nor Bell could speak after that, both looking away from each other after a while, embarrassed from making such a scene in public as well as what was said. Both of them decided to just dig into their meal, keeping silent throughout. Neither knew what to say now, after what Bell had declared. It was awkward though both had warmth spread through their body after. After finishing their meals, Bell paid for both of them, before he bowed his head.
"I… Um… You… have a good… night?" Bell asked, still unsure what to do now. His confidence that he had earlier had completely disappeared, leaving Bell to be the unsure shy man he always was. Ryuu wasn't much better, though she hid it well behind her mask of stoicism. Ryuu nodded.
"You too… Mister Cranel." Ryuu said, thankful that they didn't go further with the conversation but also a bit saddened that it ended like that. She watched with disappointment as Bell left the bar, head tucked down. It was anticlimactic for sure, but Ryuu knew it wasn't over. 'Oh Bell….' Ryuu thought, blushing.
When Bell arrived home, he evaded any of the other members of the Familia like the maids and butlers, as well as his Goddess. He snuck up to his room, kicking his shoes off before collapsing onto the bed. He buried his face into his pillow and screamed, his legs kicking in frustration.
'WHY DID YOU SAY ALL OF THAT?!'
Read. Review. Moo.
If you don't like this chapter... oh well. I do.