34AN: Welcome back to 'Work Hard! Bleed Hard! Fight Hard!' I apologize for the delay, but I am a lazy butt, so I did not get started with this chapter on Monday, causing it to be late.
I started this on Wednesday (did not do any writing on Saturday because I could not look at a screen at all).
I am not sure if you noticed, but Lili never got the opportunity to steal Bell's knife. Another thing is that I may as well just make it so both Bell and Hestia know about the situation with The Soma Familia. It will just make the story more convenient really, and less troublesome for me (I am super lazy, call me a Nara).
Actually it might make it harder... F*ck!
Also, if you guys read something you dislike, just keep reading; it gets better (sort of), I semi-promise. It depends on how you look at things I guess...
Anyways, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the chapter!
-Bell's Pov-
It's a couple of days after the previous incident. I'm sitting on a seat in the church part of the Hestia Familia home - my home. Looking around I gaze upon the run-down building that we call home, and if I'm honest, it makes me sad that Hestia has to live in these conditions.
Though personally I find it nice and cozy.
Anyways, Lili is standing right in front of me, which is also in front of Hestia who's facing towards Lili. Hestia's face is a mix of suspicion (which makes a lot of sense) and surprise. The reason why is because once Lili had woken up yesterday, she asked if she could live with the Familia. She explained that she couldn't actually join Hestia's Familia due to the Soma Familia.
And that led to a whole other problem that we'll have to deal with in the future (I can't fight an entire Familia, god no!).
"So, you're saying you want to join my Familia. Why? How do I know you won't just kill us in our sleep." While Hestia's words ring true, the hurt look on Lili's face negated any truth in her words. While I was slightly annoyed because of this, I didn't react outwardly. I didn't react because Hestia had pulled me away earlier, before we started this 'interview,' and explained that she needed to test her.
I can understand it and totally agree with it, but that doesn't mean I actually like it.
"Lili will never! Mr. Bell saved my life and, in the process, taken the Soma Familia off my back temporarily! So please, please allow Lili to join The Hestia Familia! Lili begs you!" She pleaded, her two orbs glistening with hot tears because of her desperation and want - need (literally) - to join our Familia.
I smile at the thought. She really is a nice person, because, even though she was eyeing my knife, she never actually did anything. And I'd say that warrants forgiveness any day.
Hestia nodded thoughtfully, though never lost her suspicious gaze that seemed to consume Lili's entire being. "Actions are stronger then words. However, tell me one thing. Why is it that you want to join The Hestia Familia? For what reason? And do not just say because of Bell, for that is a flimsy excuse as a reason." Hestia stated, her eyes narrowing at the panic stricken expression of Lili.
Though Lili was panicked, she quickly composed herself, likely because of years of experience of having to constantly put up a facade.
"Though you say that... One of the largest reasons is because of Bell, however it's also because I don't want to live the way I do anymore. I... Just want to be free, and Bell gave me that opportunity, so I will do everything within my capabilities to assist him, no matter what." She stated firmly, determination coming off of her in waves.
Though the atmosphere around Lili betrayed her determination, as it was gloomy and sad. However there was a faint feeling of hope radiating off of her.
Hestia crossed her arms and nodded in satisfaction at the response, as I beamed a happy smile, knowing that this means she'll be allowed to live here (essentially be apart of the Familia, but at the same time she won't be - it's complicated, to me at least).
"Then... Welcome to The Hestia Familia!" Hestia shouted with vigor, essentially doing a dance (from most likely gaining a new member/work partner for the Familia.). Lili's face instantly shot up, her darkened atmosphere instantly lit up as if someone just used a light spell in the span of a few milliseconds.
"ThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYou!" Lili all but whispered her thank you's as she literally launched into Hestia, giving her a hug. I couldn't help but laugh silently at the display; she'd only just joined and already it's like she's been here for years (though I haven't been here for years, so I guess that claim has zero validity...).
Lili suddenly detached off of Hestia, turned around with a wide smile and launch at me, giving me a hug as well.
I suddenly got a chill down my spine.
-The Back Room of The Hostess of Fertility-
"Damn it..." Ryuu cursed under her breath as she broke another broom. For some odd reason she had a sudden feeling of irritation and wanting to punch someone, namely the little prum who's always with Bell.
"Must. Not. Commit. Mass. Murder."
-Bell's Pov-
The chill went away as fast as it came.
I shudder slightly as I begun to gently pry Lili's crowbar-like arms off of my stomach. She pouted slightly, though there was a faint hint of amusement in her eyes, I could see it. Also she begun to snicker right after I pried her off. When I turned to look at Hestia, she was snickering as well. The blush came in full force at this point.
'Why me...' I thought candidly, as I couldn't help but crack a grin at their antics. Shifting my gaze back to Lili, she bowed and, oddly enough, thanked me again. I didn't understand why, but I welcomed her thanks nonetheless.
"Since there seems to be nothing left over, why don't we celebrate at The Hostess of Fertility!" It wasn't a statement, Hestia pretty much dragged us there for fun. Sometimes I can't understand her, it's a large problem, especially since she's planned a prank on me more than once; I'd just never bothered to really bring it up with her.
We soon arrived at the doors to the pub, and hastily (because of Hestia) opened them. Greeting us was a sudden blur of green, I instantly identified the 'blur' as Ryuu because of the sparring sessions.
The amount of times she's blurred a sword to my stomach or a kick to my shin is countless.
Even if we've only sparred for a few days, and she profusely apologizes each time she does it (as in every 30 seconds).
"Welcome, Bell, Hestia, and Lili." The strain in Ryuu's voice was evident, though I don't think many would notice if you aren't close to her. 'Am I close to her?' I began to think. 'Well, I'd like to think so, - hope so - but I'd have to ask her... And who would just go up and ask someone if they like you! That's just silly.' Were my random thoughts about Ryuu being close to me.
I was brought back from my thoughts by an impatient Hestia who was looking at me funnily.
"Hi Ryuu!" I greeted merrily with a faint blush, followed by two short 'hello's' from Hestia and Lili. Ryuu instantly dragged us over to a table near the front, and, for some odd reason, such a good spot was not taken, even though there are quite a lot of people here (like always). We all sat down and picked up the menu, sifting through the various options on the laminated paper. (AN: Is that what it would be? I have no clue, apologies if I got this wrong).
After figuring out what I'd like - pasta - I turned to my left, only just realizing that Ryuu never left, and had been staring intently at something around me. I turn around to see if there's another there, but there's nothing, and then I turn back, blushing from the awkward moment, but still hastily ask for pasta and water. After Ryuu leaves, Lili pipes up.
"Mr. Bell... Is she your girlfriend?" She questioned, her gaze lingering on the spot where Ryuu was, an unidentifiable expression plastered on her features. I was a complete stuttering mess, attempting to deny it all (much to my chagrin due to my feelings for Ryuu), and waving my arms in the air like I just don't care.
"Well, if she's not Mr. Bell's girlfriend... Do you have a girlfriend at all?" She asked calmly, her now analytical gaze scouring over my face - most probably searching for any body language that indicates an answer.
"W-What? No, I don't..." I answered, perplexed. 'Why would she ask that?' I thought, until she spoke her next few words that completely and utterly shocked me.
"W-Well... Can you please be my boyfriend?" She questioned with a slight stutter and a faint blush adorning her cheeks. It was at this moment that the world seemed to screech to a halt, and my mind broke (I could hear it shattering in the background).
"Eh?" I blurted out, though that was quickly forgotten by an overzealous Hestia.
"Yes yes yes! I knew it would happen someday!" She exclaimed zealously, though quietly enough for no one to hear.
At least, I thought no one heard.
-Ryuu's Pov-
I had just gone to the back and given May Bell's order, and instantly chided myself for my obvious staring at Bell. My love of him had only grown since the first time he and I met, well, I guess I should call it an infatuation. He is always on my mind, which, in turn, also takes my mind off of my past... Regrets.
He really is sweet, and I was loving every bit about him being here, until now.
"W-Well... Can you please be my boyfriend?" SNAP! And there goes the third broom this week, though this time has a rather easily identified cause.
'That little Prum!' I seethed mentally, almost instinctively going out to stand in front of Bell and exclaiming 'Mine!' Though I refrained from the action, as I decided that I needed to see where this would go. If he accepts this, then I would be out on a Prum hunt.
Ignoring Hestia's little outburst, I listened intently at the next part of the conversation.
"U-Um! I-I'm sorry... But, I already have someone I like..." He explained, downtrodden.
I could hear my heart shatter. The absolute dread I felt after hearing that simply made me turn around and wander off to my room. I ignored the concerned Lunoire on the way, pushing past anything and everything.
I walked towards my bed and flopped right on to it - face first - unfeeling, just wanting the whole world to disappear, wanting this night to just be a dream - a fairy tale that never happened. However, my prayers went unspoken, as soon after a short, soft knock came to my door.
Knock knock
I ignored it.
Knock knock
The knocking persisted.
I ignored it. The dam that was my eyes simply broke, and flooded my ocular lenses like a waterfall. Eventually the knocking stopped, and I hoped, just hoped, that I would be left alone, however, once again, my prayers went unspoken.
The door croaked, slowly winding open, revealing a head of silver hair with a soft smile on her face.
"Ryuu..." Syr called out, though I was rather stubborn in ignoring the world around me at the moment. There were another few words that seemed to blur away from my mind; most likely due to being so focused on the soaked pillow that I had face planted against. A hand went onto my shoulder and begun to stroke it softly.
"Ryuu, I heard what he said," she begun, "and... You never know, he could've been talking about you, you know?" She explained softly, running a few fingers through my golden hair. I would never admit it, but such few and simple words made my heart lighten like the crystals on the 18th floor.
Though I still did not relent, as I felt that it was an impossibility. 'Why would he like me?' I scoffed inwardly, though did not show any outward reaction. 'Even if he did... I am a criminal... And he is a hero...' My thoughts went on somberly, only now hearing what Syr was saying.
"Ryuu, you're worrying everyone... Even Bell. I'd to go out and talk to him about where you were and why no one was showing up. He's really worried, okay?" She finished softly, and with that, my final sliver of stubbornness crumbled, causing me to sit up slightly - my knees still on the bed - and I turned towards Syr.
"C-Can *sniff* you tell Mia that I won't *sniff* be working for the rest of the night, please?" I questioned, my glistened, quivering orbs staring into her softened, light-gray ones. She nodded slowly with a smile; she reached out to my shoulder and rubbing softly, causing me to let out another fit of sniffs.
She turned around and began to leave, only to turn back and call out one last thing before she left.
"You love Bell, right Ryuu? Then... Don't give up, no matter what you may hear. And, just know that I'm routing for you all the way!" She exclaimed while leaving the room in a fit of giggles. The gloomy, darkened atmosphere lightened ever so slightly; my mood picked up and I began to lay back down onto the bed.
I could not help the soft smile that began to form on my face as my face connected with the pillow; my already emotionally tired mind drifting off into the deep darkness of sleep. My last thoughts were something that I am sure were conveyed to Syr.
'Thank you, Syr.'
AN: Finished! Dare I say that this chapter is emotion heavy? It is probably far too cheesy for it to be emotionally heavy. This also being my first time writing such a scene adds to that.
My deepest apologies if this chapter was not as focused on Ryuu and Bell moments, however I felt I had to make some sort of complication (sort of), so I did this. I also apologize if you thought that Ryuu was being a bit silly, however I feel this is a problem that most people have (the he/she obviously doesn't want to be with me! thing).
Did I ramble too much this chapter? I probably did.
Anyways, thank you for reading and I do hope you enjoyed the chapter!