After coming back home Bell brought the purchases to Haruhime in the kitchen. Apparently he spent more time in the city than intended, so it was already time for the meeting.

They used the big living room to fit all three Familias inside. Welf and Ouka moved a desk for Lily to put down all her papers and books she had prepared beforehand, it was her who would lead the meeting. Bell just wondered why she had glasses on her nose and lifted them up somethimes while having an evil smile. Haruhime walked around, pouring tea for everyone before sitting down.

Lily cleared her throat. "Let us begin. As you all know we´re united in an alliance from today onwards."

She nodded to Hestia.

Hestia looked at Miach and Takemikazuchi for a moment. "We three agreed to an order of command. Each Familia will keep its own structure, but for the party Bell will be the captain and Ouka serving as vice captain, with Daphne third in command. Liliruca will lead the supporters together with Naza."

Lily continued. "It must be clear to you all, that we can´t just clear one floor and moving on to the next one. As the incident with master Bell showed, each floor from now on will be much harder than the one before. We also have a financial problem. The expedition failed so we had to pay a fine to the guild."

At this point Lily nodded to Miach.

"We three had a talk with the guild and described our situation. For now we will be on hold for the next expedition."

He made a gesture to Takemikazuchi.

"It is not in the interest of the guild to send us to an expedition we cannot fulfill. They know it would be to dangerous to press on and opening a chance for a catastrophe."

Lily continued. "Our next goals are two different things. One is to explore the dungeon until the 27th floor but avoid fighting the Amphisbaena. We have to get used to the monsters there and train ourselves. The other one is..."

Lily gave Naza a signal.

She stood up. "We will need more supplies, we just don´t have enough and I would like to stock up, so we will have to do what high grade adventurers call "farming" in various floors."

Lily took a sip of tea. "For this we will form two different parties from time to time, moving in one big group may be wiser for defense and fire power but food and other stuff for ten people is too much. We have to consider the way back to the surface every time we go down. And let´s not forget we have to rest. The parties will vary."

Lily sat down for a moment to relax her voice. She said ten people, while being aware that there were eleven people in the Familias, but Naza would not enter the dungeon.

Miach stood up now. "There is also the point to get used to every member, to know what weapons and tools they use, where their strength is, what the weakness."

Hestia took over. "And we have what you could call a luxury problem." She looked to Bell.

He looked confused. "Me?"

Hestia nodded. "Might be better to say your level. If you keep leveling that fast we will have to do more complex expeditions at some point and that is a problem when the other members don´t have the strength for that. On the other hand, when you have such a high level, master Bell, you won´t get much Excelia from the monsters we will face, so you will grow slower. This might frustrate you at some point."

Bell shook his head. "I would never be frustrated when I´m with all of you. You all are the reason why I am here now."

It was Takemikazuchi´s turn again. "And one of our biggest problems is neither strength nor supplies but money. The "farming" Naza mentioned is also for making money to fight our debts."

Miach continued. "To make it short, our next goal is to get stable. I´m sure the slight oppressive feeling we all have will vanish after getting rid of the debts."

He smiled at Naza after his words.

Lily stood up again, while Haruhime refilled her tea. "Lily looked through the books and talked to some merchants and the guild, the most profitable way for us now is to get mermaid tears. Or rather to take down every monster and take the loot on our way to the 25th to 27th floor, where we will find mermaids. The drop of a tear is rare but brings enormous profit. As far as Lily knows no other familia is "farming" them specifically right now. And Lily wants to mention a special case. Whatever your goal is when you go into the dungeon, when you encounter a unicorn, let your goal slip if you must, but take down the unicorn...BUT ! Only if it is safe, don´t take unecessary risks."

Bell held up his hand. "So the two parties will be formed with approximately the same strength?"

Lily answered. "Not when one group goes down to the 27th floor and the other one on a higher floor but most of the times yes."

Hestia spoke now. "I think everyone gets our situation. Another thing to say is, Miach´s and Take´s familias will move in the mansion, we have way to much room for just us, each you two will take on of the side wings. You can remodel them until it fits your taste."

"""OH!""" That was unexpected for a few members.

Hestia continued. "But something beforehand, men and women will use different bathrooms, I don´t want some accidents to happen, especially to my cute little Bell!"

Some chuckled lightly.

Lily took turn again. "Lily thinks with that for now all is said. We will end the meeting here and give the Miach familia and Takemikazuchi familia time for moving, of course we will help."

Having said this all rose from their seats and started to leave the room. Haruhime would stay at the mansion, cleaning up and preparing dinner. Mikoto and Lily went with the Takemikazuchi familia to help them with moving preparations, Bell and Welf with the Miach familia.

There was much to do.

The next day.

Bell woke up with dark circles under his eyes. Again a night where he woke up every five minutes until he was exhausted. For a moment he lay still. Something was missing for him, Bell had discovered that it helped a bit to hug a big pillow when he tried to sleep. Hugging something soft and good smelling helped him a bit.

"I just want to sleep..."

It was the same for a few weeks now. At least he didn´t have to help today with the moving, he and Welf brought over all the stuff from Naza´s laboratory and now both weren´t allowed to help further, because now they were at the personal stuff and with every member being female, that would be uncomfortable.

"Time to get up..."

Bell dragged himself out of bed and to the bathroom, maybe a shower would help with his fatigue. With closed eyes he stood under the water, enjoying the warm water. He smiled wryly.

"I´m sixteen and feel like an old man right now...grandfather would laugh."

The thought of his grandfather let him smile as he heard the bathroom door open, probably Welf or Ouka. Bell shut-off the water and stepped out of the shower, in the same moment he heard a gasp.

"Morning." we mumbled while rubbing water from his eyes and opening them.

In front of him wasn´t Welf nor Ouka...it was Cassandra who was frozen and at a loss for words. The next moment when he noticed her eyes wandered down a bit, he yelped and grabbed his towel to cover up himself. The scream brought Cassandra back to her senses.

"E-excuse me! I-I took the wrong door!"

She whirled around and slammed the door behind her, leaning against the wall on the outside. So her dream about an incident was right after all. The next door opened and Daphne stuck out her head.

"Cassandra, you coming?"

With tears in the corner of her eyes from the shock Cassandra rushed over.

"Waaaah Daphne!"

"What did you do this time?...What do you mean you saw a Lambton?!"

In the mens bathroom Bell´s heart pounded, that was unexpected. And embarrassing...

"Phew...now I´m awake."

.

.

The situation at the breakfast table twenty minutes later was very awkward. Daphne glanced in Bell´s direction from time to time, Bell guessed Cassandra told her what happened. Finished with the breakfast they helped Haruhime cleaning the dishes, after that Bell went to his room to get his armor and weapons, he had to start getting back in shape.

For two hours he went through his movement sequences, even in spite of his Falna he was out of shape and quickly started to sweat alot. Maybe due to his lack of sleep it angered him a bit. At least his hand was fully healed.
After taking a quick shower, this time without any incidents, he left the mansion in direction of the Benevolent Mistress, he might be a little too early but better than being late.

.

.

Bell wasn´t the only one who had a restless sleep this night, Ryu tried to suppress her yawn while cleaning the tables, their break at noon was almost over, now it was time for them to open again. In the morning they were more a cafe, in the early afternoon like a restaurant, late afternoon and night a pub. Normally the first guests would be mostly women from town and a few female adventurers, later when the most adventurers came the menu would change. Mia charged adventurers higher than normal townsfolk.

"If they want to eat our food they can pay." That´s what she said.

Syr came from the kitchen to set the tables. Sometimes she had to move a table a bit or even carried them around. With ease. Ryu, Lunor, Chloe and Anya were still surprised when they saw how happily Syr hummed while she carried one of the tables. For an unblessed person these things should be heavy. Surprisingly, when they saw Syr´s arms and stomach without cover, there wasn´t any sight of bulged muscles, she was still extremely feminine.

She currently held one of the tables up, while Anya cleaned under it with a mop. "Ryu are you okay? You look tired."

Ryu shook her head. "It´s okay, just a bit trouble sleeping."

Syr looked worried. "You won´t get sick on me?"

Ryu smiled tired. "Don´t worry."

"Have you tried my tip?"

"I did, it helped a bit, thank you."

Syr had suggested Ryu should put a big pillow into her back when she lay on the side. Since it was Syr who said it, Ryu followed her advice. She couldn´t know that Syr guessed that Ryu or rather...Ryu´s body...was missing Bell hugging her from behind.

Hah, at least your body is honest, Ryu. Wait...why does that sound so lewd?

Both looked up when a knock came from the front door, it was too early for guests and the whole staff was here already. Syr went and opened the door.

"Ah Mr. Bell, you´re pretty early!"

Bell waved for a greeting. "But not that much earlier."

Ryu came to Syr´s side. "Mr. Cranel, it´s only noon."

His eyes widened a bit. "Eeeh? Did I mistook the time that much?"

Syr giggled. "Or maybe, were you that eager to see us?~~"

Mia came from the kitchen. "What´s going on here?...Ah boy, even earlier than appointed how nice of you, come in."

They closed the door behind Bell and Mia took him aside. "Say are you good at fast writing stuff down that someone dictates you?"

Bell was in thoughts for a moment. "I guess."

Mia grinned. "Good then you will take the orders from the guests, this will help alot. But first you need different clothes."

He followed Mia upstairs while Ryu and Syr looked at each other for a moment, before continuing their work. Mia showed him the changing room, where she hung up his uniform on a hanger.
Mia went downstairs and called her staff together.

Anya was the last coming out of the kitchen. "What´s wrong nya?"

Mia crossed her arms. "Just wait."

After a few minutes they heard footsteps and Bell appeared at the stairs.

"""Ooooh!""" Some girls called out.

He wore a butler uniform with black pants, a white shirt and a black jacket, in one hand he held two white gloves. Bell looked a bit embarassed under the eyes of the girls. The outfit wasn´t Mia´s idea, it was Syr´s. She had persuaded Mia to let Bell wear it. Mia knew the goddess very well and as long as her shenanigans didn´t cause any harm, she was fine with it. Syr also had whispered to Mia what her deeper plan was, about Ryu and Bell.

Even when she didn´t show it openly, or only in her special way, Mia cared a lot for her girls. So if it meant that Ryu would become happy, she was in with the plan. Freya was not only a Goddess of Love, Beauty and Fertility, she was also a Goddess of War! And this was war! The holy crusade of the Queen of the Valkyries! A crusade...of love!

Syr clapped her hands. "That looks good on you, Mr. Bell!"

Ryu nodded. "You look professional Mr. Cranel."

Chloe was the most excited when Bell turned around for a moment. "Purrfect, Nya!"

Lunor smiled. "Imagine he would also wear glasses to it."

""""Ooooh!"""""

Then Mia clapped her hands once. "Okay girls thats enough, back to work. Ryu you will show him how to do it."

"As you wish."

Syr winked to Ryu as she passed her. "Lucky you."

Ryu coughed softly, Bell looked amazing in the suit, it was something completely new to her. She showed him around, how to move between guests and how to hang up the orders at the kitchen he had taken. Unnoticed by everyone in the pub the sky far away rumbled.

.

.

Ryu took up another four plates from the kitchen counter, balancing one on each forearm and holding on in each hand. It was almost four hours after noon and the pub was busier than usual. Bell had all eyes on him, not only being something new in the shop but the female customers were very pleased with the sight of the well built young man.

Apparently it got around quickly, so more customers came in, even a few goddesses. There was one slightly special guest at one of the tables. The goddess Artemis and her followers. Even Artemis wasn´t disgusted with Bell serving their table! And he did a very good job, no matter how fast the orders came he wrote them down perfectly. Some customers even tried to overwhelm him but he didn´t lose.

Thanks to his lessons with Eina, he had much harsher experiences in writing stuff down fast. But not only writing fast won the customers over. Ryu gave him a quick tutorial how to behave and Bell took that one step further. When he was finished with taking an order he bowed down with one hand in front of his chest with closed eyes.

"Thank you for your order, Mylady."

And "Please wait a few minutes, Madam."

Some of the older customers giggled when he did that, they were a bit embarassed to be called that by such a young man. The goddesses that came to the pub were charmed by Bell. It amused Freya to no end, that no matter what any of these goddesses would try, Bell would choose the mortal elf over them. She was different of course, Freya had given up on Bell out of her own, free will. And she had to admit, becoming Ryu´s wingwoman was a great fun.

By herself, Ryu thought about Bell. He might be a natural.

And Bell got tips...high tips. Not only tips, more than one goddess asked Bell when his shift would be over. With her usual "friendly" smile, Syr then intervened and explained to the goddesses, that the name "Hostess of Fertilitly" wasn´t meant literally and the pub didn´t offer that kind of service, so it wasn´t allowed to flirt with the staff in that manner. Since Freya had decided to give up on Bell, due to her losing interest because of his soul, she had decided at the same time that it would be Ryu who would get Bell. Both were attracted to each other, Ryu even in love. And Freya wouldn´t allow that any other girl or woman tried to flirt too much with Bell, making Ryu feel uneasy.

She would not be as harsh to others as she was with Ais Wallenstein, but Freya would keep her eyes on the women approaching Bell. After all, Freya really wanted to see some cute half-elves with white hair in the future!

The only person in the shop looking more at Bell than the customers, Syr or Ryu was Chloe. Or to be more precise she looked at bis butt.

Mnya...what a nice view. Nyeheheh. Meow just wished he would be a bit younger.

Around five hours after noon the last customers left, so they closed the pub for an hour, to take a break and change the menues. It would be their last break of the day until the pub closed for the day. It was good that every single staff member had a blessing, otherwise the work would be more than just exhausting. And Syr...well she was special. Mia was pleased with the lunchtime business.

"Man boy you sure are useful, it´s rare to have that many guests around that time, especially deities. If you ever quit being an adventurer, I will take you into my staff with pleasure." She grinned.

Bell rubbed his head. "Th-thank you, I´m just doing my best like everyone else."

They arranged two tables near the kitchen door and sat down to eat a meal made by Mia. That alone made all the work worth it, Bell even forgot his fatigue, he just had too much to do while working.

Ryu sat down next to Bell, Syr on his other side. "Mr. Cranel the tips you got are yours alone, everyone makes their own, that keeps us motivated."

Due to Bell having so much to do earlier, the rest of the staff had a more relaxed time than usual and only for one person that was a bit of a problem...Ryu. She hoped it would be more crowded in the later afternoon and evening, Ryu needed more work or she would get sleepy again. Even now from time to time her eyes went heavy, so she would shake her head a bit to wake herself up.

Lunor, Chloe, Anya and May came with plates from the kitchen filled with food. It was Mama Mia´s Risotto with vegetables and chicken, Ryu loved this meal, it was the first meal from Mama Mia she had ever tasted. And even though Mama Mia said it was a pain, she made Ryu´s share in an extra pan, because she prefered a lighter taste than the rest of the girls. When all sat down they thanked for the food and started eating.

Bell took his first bite. "Mmmmmh this is awesome!"

Mia had a smug grin on her face. "Of course it is awesome."

"No I´m serious, this is the best thing I´ve ever tasted!"

Syr pouted by his words and turned her head demonstratively away from Bell. "Hmpf!"

Noticing what he had done right now he panicked a bit. "Ah no eh I mean-..."

But now Syr smiled. "I know, I know Mama Mia´s cooking is the best after all."

Ryu swallowed her bite and said. "Don´t worry Syr, you cook way better than I do."

Chloe said with a wide grin. "Well thats not hard, nya!"

The elf squinted her eyes. "You have no right to talk."

"What did nyou say nyou useless elf, Nya!"

"I´m not useless!"

Mia threw them "the glare" and their squabble ended, she looked to Bell. "Say Boy."

Bell looked up. "Hm?"

"Where did you learn this kind of manners? Surely Ryu didn´t show you all of what you did."

Now the attention of the girls were all on him. "My grandpa told me to be nice to gi...to women. Treat them like a gentleman so they will smile."

Syr smiled. "And you did great! Even lady Artemis smiled at you at the end! Lady Artemis! This is probably a deed great enough to let you level up!"

"Sounds like you would be a nice catch." Mia said between two bites. "But remember one thing. My pub is not your hunting ground, get it?"

He stuttered when she said that. "Huh? Ah no...I mean...I´m not, I would never."

"Then I don´t have to be afraid you will go after all of my girls, but one or two would be allowed."

Before Bell could answer Ryu and Syr shouted in unison. ""Mama Mia! Mr. Bell/ Mr. Cranel would never do that!""

Mia laughed thounderous. "I´m joking, but funny that you two react like that."

Now it was for the two to look uncomfortable. Lunor, Chloe and Anya laughed to that, while Bell looked perplex. The shutters rattled a bit, it seemed like the wind was getting stronger.

.

.

After they finished their meal and cleaned up, it was time to prepare for the evening. Mia told Bell to change into his regular clothes, he would get an apron but moving around to much in an unfamiliar suit would be unpleasant and she doesn´t want her newest "employee" to sweat in front of the guests.

.

.
After opening the pub again, Bell was surprised how fast it got filled. Now the time to shine for real came for the skilled waitresses, each of them moving between the customers like it was nothing. For now Bell stood by the entrance, would greet new guests, showed them a free table and took the order.

There was only one table left when the door opened and he saw a familiar face.

Two elves entered, covering their faces with hoods against the wind. "Oh man, it´s getting stormy and...wah! Bell Cranel!"

The elf that had spoken had chestnut colored hair, was a bit shorter than him and wore a short pink dress with a red jacket...and she belonged to Loki Familia...Lefiya Viridis. The other elf had a white dress with a dark blue jacket, black hair and eyes that looked pretty similar to Bell´s. He had never seen an elf with black hair, however he remembered his job.

"Welcome dear guests, would you allow me to show you your table?"

"Why are you working here?" Lefiya was irritated.

Bell showed them the way with one hand. "I help out today."

"Aha...will you be our waiter today?"

"No, I will only take the first order, one of the waitresses will serve you then."

The other elf looked curiously at him and whispered to Lefiya. "Who is that?"

Lefiya whispered in return. "He´s after Ms. Ais from my familia, watch out he is a ladykiller who enjoys the hunt! He is the one that *mumble mumlbe* And on the 18th floor where *mumble mumble mumble* And in the bath *mumble mumble mumble*."

While Lefiya whispered to Filvis, the black haired elf slowly got a murderous glare.

"But he also *mumble mumble mumble*"

Not Filvis´ expression changed, it looked like Lefiya had to say some good things about Bell after all.

Bell sighed a bit and took the first order, when his gaze fell onto Ryu. She swayed lightly while walking and even though she didn´t show it on her face, he who knew her could see she was not feeling well. Right now she took a tray from the counter with three jugs filled with beer, maybe he should help her. Bell went in her direction and just before he arrived at her, Ryu had to make a turn to evade a customer and then it happened...she tripped. In the one second remaining Bell was aware of four things.

Ryu couldn´t stop her tripping.

Her eyes went wide.

The beer would spill and...

He was in her direction...

Splash!

Coughing and gasping Bell was got from head to toe with three liters of beer. Thankfully he was the only one that got hit, if a customer got hit it would be way worse. Some of the guests were surprised but a few laughed by the sight of him.

Ryu was shocked. "Mr. Cranel I´m so sorry!" She stepped over in a hurry.

Bell´s clothes were soaked. "It´s okay...it was an accident."

Mia´s voices came from the kitchen entrance. "What are you doing?!"

Ryu took a towel out of her uniform while Anya came rushing over with a bucket full of water and a mop.

He rubbed his face with the towel. "Don´t worry, I will wash my clothes when I get home."

But she contradicted. "Please Mr. Cranel, I have to make up for my mistake, my pride as an elf demands it, come over to the dorm, I will wash your clothes."

"Is that alright?"

Her face was serious. "I must insist."

Lefiya, who watched the scene, felt something like a Déjà-vu. On the 18th floor she had also insisted on washing Bell´s shirt after she got it dirty. What happened afterwards was an embarrassing, yet also...happy...memory. It was the first time she saw and had to admit that Bell wasn´t a complete bad guy.

Bell followed Ryu to the exit and over to the dorm. They had to run the short distance because the sky started to unleash it´s imperial wrath. He was careful not to touch any customer with his wet clothes. Upstairs, Ryu guided him to the bathroom and gave him a towel.

"Please put your clothes down at the entrance, I will wash them while you shower."

He looked at her. "But I don´t have any spare clothes. The only dry clothing I have right now is my underwear."

"You can wait in my room after you showered until your clothes are dry."

"What? I can´t go into a girl´s...into your room! Only in my underwear!"

But Ryu was unshakable. "Please Mr. Cranel, my honor depends on it. And also...please don´t yell that so loud..."

She was a bit flustered after all.

He swallowed. "Fine..I guess."

Ryu bowed her head. "I have to thank you."

.

.

Inside the bathroom Bell took off his clothes and put them near the door. When he closed the shower door he heard the bathroom door open slightly.

"I have found an old shirt for you Mr. Cranel, it may be a bit big."

"Thats okay thank you.." It was a bit awkward talking to Ryu while he stood under the shower.

.

.

After showering, he thought it was his third time today already doing that, he tried on the shirt, not perfect but okay. Bell opened the bathroom door slightly, looking left and right until he was sure no one else was here, then he slipped out in just his underwear and a shirt and went to the room Ryu had pointed at. It was a good thing Ryu made sure the door was unlocked.

And there he stood...for the first time in a girl´s room...in Ryu´s room...in his underwear alone in the dark...great.

From the window he heard rain patter against it and rumbling from the thunder outside, the rain was getting worse by the minute. Not to mention he felt cold, maybe he could lend a blanket? He looked at Ryu´s bed and his face got hot. He could not help it, he couldn´t freeze here or he might get sick.

"I´m sorry, Ryu." he whispered apologetically, before he slipped under the blanket.

At least it was warmer in here. How long would he have to wait? Bell´s nose caught Ryu´s scent from her blanket and pillow. Since he didn´t sleep well before, he was still exhausted. And Ryu´s scent put him at ease, calming him down and before he knew it, Bell fell asleep.

.
.

A few hours later Bell woke up when the door creaked. He couldn´t see much, because Ryu had not put on the magic stone lamp. Bell heard heavy rain patter against the window.

"Bell, are you awake?" Ryu whispered.

"Y-yeah..sorry for using your bed."

Ryu put down Bell´s clothes on a chair. "It´s alright, we´re closed for the day because of the rain, the storm seems to approach faster than anticipated. But I don´t think you can go home with the weather like that."

"Wh-what? I can´t just stay here."

"Mama Mia allowed it but told me to make up for my mistake."

Ryu left the room for a while again, it looked like she went to take a shower. After she returned and closed the door behind her, Bell wasn´t sure what she meant exactly, but then he heard the rustling of her clothes and shut his eyes. Why was she undressing now?

"W-what are you doing?"

"What do you mean? I´m changing into my sleeping wear."

"Eh? But why here?"

Ryu switched into her sleeping shorts while continiuing. "I asked the others for advice how to make it up to you. Syr said you would surely be delighted and filled with joy if we shared a bed. The others agreed strongly, so I guess this is what I have to do, what is common to do in such a situation."

Ryu wasn´t an airhead like Ais, but she still lacked common sense. Also, while her brain may have trouble, her heart still being torn, her body was honest and looked forward very much to sleep next to Bell again. Her body knew it would get the rest it needed with Bell nearby.

"You don´t have to go that far!"

She turned her back to him, making sure he wasn´t looking before she took off her top and switched into her sleep shirt. Her shorts and the shirt had a dark green color. And while they were Ryu´s sleeping clothes, she was now far more dressed than when they had slept together on the 37th floor. When Ryu was finished she slipped under the blanket on the opposite side of Bell, it was a good thing that her blanket was big enough for two people, a gift from Syr in the past.

They lay there in silence.

Ryu broke the silence first. "Bell...are you mad at me?"

He had turned his back to her, it wasn´t easy for him to lay in one bed with her. This situation was completely different from the other time they slept together!

"No, of course not."

She adjusted her part of the blanket. "Thank you, I´m glad. Good night."

Easy for her to say.

"Good night.."

But what Bell didn´t know, it was definetely not easy for Ryu what she did just now. Her heart pounded so loud she was sure he heard it. At first it seemed like a good idea what Syr suggested, Lunor, Anya and Chloe approved of the idea after all.

If it will make Bell happy it´s fine.

Ryu saw no problem with he idea until she slipped under her blanket, then it hit her. She got tricked again! Just like back then when Kaguya and Lyra tricked her so often, her friends now did the exact same! At least it was not even close to be as embarassing as the night at the river on the 37th floor.

Just go to sleep, its nothing more than sharing a bed.

Ryu used techniques she had learned from Neze and Asta in the past. After a while her heart calmed down a bit. She was about to fall asleep when she heard a sound. Besides the rattling of the window under the strong rain she heard silent groans and rumbles. After a few seconds she was sure the sound came from inside her room. She focussed on the sound, closed her eyes and listened.
The sound was not only from inside her room, but came from the other side of the bed. It was Bell who made these noises. Ryu turned around carefully and looked at Bell, who was tossing and turning himself around while making this sound. Even in the dark she could see his face, it was contorted. Maybe he had a nightmare? Unsure what to do now, Ryu watched him in worry. One time he woke up for a few seconds, panting before falling to sleep again.

Ryu leaned over to him and whispered softly. "Bell, I´m here...you´re safe."

He calmed down a bit, maybe he would sleep now. Ryu watched him for a while before she turned around again and tried to sleep by herself. Mia said because of the storm they would start later tomorrow so she could sleep longer. Right before she drifted into sleep Bell started to move again, but this time he rolled over to her while turning around.

.
Then she felt his arm on her hip.

.
Ryu froze, Bell was directly behind her, his left arm around her. Maybe in his half asleep state he mistook her for a pillow or wasn´t aware of his surroundings. And he did exactly that, since the pillow at home was basically his substitute for Ryu´s body, his body now reacted to the real thing immediatelly and hugged her. Again her heart started to pound.
Ryu could push away his arm, but her body refused to do that. Her body was happy to feel Bell´s body hug it from behind...again. His breathing became calm in seconds and he went silent, Ryu felt his warm breath at her neck, it tickled but felt also incredible.

Was sleeping like that calming him down? Maybe he was still traumatized by the events, but also rememberred the calm moment, where they had slept together at the river, with Ryu in his arms. Her thoughts jumped around, being fully aware of Bell´s warm body snuggled up to her. She was also aware that her behind was pushed against Bell´s crotch, that he became the big spoon. But it didn´t feel lewd at all.

Ah this is bliss...no I can´t do this!...or...maybe?..

It was Bell again who interrupted her thoughts, his arm started to move up a bit, his hand coming dangerously close to her chest. If it hadn´t been dark, Ryu was sure her face and ears would be deep red. Before he could do something inappropriate, Ryu stopped his hand with her own.

"I´m sorry Be-!" She was cut off when his hand enclosed around hers.

.

.
For the next minutes she could do nothing, her mind was blank. Laying there snuggled up with Bell, her hand in his, his face right behind her hair, feeling his breath softly at her nape, was too much for her mind. Ryu could only stare at their hands.

He holds my hand again...while we´re in bed...

The more Ryu looked at the hands and breathed steadily, the more calm she became.

Her ears twitched as she heard a silent mumble from Bell. "Ryu..."

Despite holding her hand he pulled her closer. Ryu was embarassed...and happy...and calm...and many more things, all at the same time. And she just couldn´t hold her eyes open anymore. She pulled the blanket over the both of them as far as she could and snuggled up sleepy with Bell. Yes, this was okay.

"Good night, Bell."

The storm outside continued. No one understood why it arrived full two days earlier than anticipated. At first it hammered down like the wrath of Olympia itself, then the thunderstorm moved on and only heavy rain beat down on Orario. Some joked in their houses maybe it was an angry gods work from Tenkai.

But maybe the god had other intenions...like holding a Boy in a certain house? Who could say. Was it Zeus who did this? No. He couldn´t be the one, since he was still on the surface. But maybe it was his brother, a certain God of Death, who convinced another thunder god to do him a small favor.

Hades likes his brother and Bell was like his grandnephew.
.

The only thing that was certain was, for the first time in many weeks Bell and Ryu had a calm and relaxing sleep.

.

.

In her room at the top of Babel, Freya got her first reward for all her "hard work" so far. Watching how cute and embarrassed Ryu was as she fell asleep in Bell´s arms.

"Pleasant dreams, you two. Pleasant dreams."