Everything in Bell's world was okay. While he worried about the state of his companion's ability to handle the increased looks, his plan was seeming to work. Even if every man they passed gave him a look of hatred and jealousy. But he didn't care. The girl beside him was calm and looking at the many stores as they passed. It had been a good hour since they arrived in the market, but after a while, he forgotten that he was still holding onto her hand.

'She seems to have gotten used to the stares now... Perhaps I should let go?' Putting his thoughts into action was a lot harder then he expected. For one, his hand didn't seem to want to let go and to be honest he couldn't blame it. Her smooth skin and soft-touch felt right. Meanwhile, the warmth it provided seemed to be hotter than the sun above.

He had to let go. He couldn't get used to this. It was a friendly gesture to comfort her...

'Yeah that's right I was just helping her out. It was just a friendly gesture.'

What happened next could be described as someone ripping a child's favourite toy out of its hands. Artemis had finally found a stall that was selling bows, archery supplies and a variety of hunting items. She bolted from his side to look at the stalls collection.

"Well, at least she's found what she was looking for..."

Bell allowed her to pursue the selection while he kept a close eye on her from a distance.

'This way, she should be able to get used to this on her own.'

He made some interest to look at some of the stalls around him. He found a stall selling fresh fruit and veg, so he took the time to get some things for the meal tonight. He did promise Hestia that he'd cook more.

'Hmm, perhaps I could make a stew... Carrots, onions, leeks, what else?'

He started to think about what he needed. After a few minutes, he paid for the ingredients and went back to keeping an eye on Artemis. She seemed to be trying to negotiate a price on a couple of items. At least that's what it looked like from a distance. However, as he got closer, he found out it was more of an argument.

"There is nothing wrong with that bow! You're just holding it wrong."

The stall owner seemed to be defending his product. Bell had to deal with this issue many a time. Before he met Welf, he had trouble with getting good armour or weapons. Hell, some were so stubborn when it came to their craft that they would sooner not sell then give you a discount.

'This isn't going to end well!' he thought to himself.

He quickly made his way over to her side and try to defuse the situation.

"I've been holding a bow for as long as I can remember, I know how it should feel. This couldn't fire more three arrows before it suffered a break!"

Artemis had shed the quiet and shy demeanour that seemed to be her normal self. He finally reached the two but got a taste of just the kind of person she had been dealing with.

"I've provided for dozens of adventures and hunters, while you my dear look like you have never hunted in your life! So if you don't mind I've got real customers to deal with!"

This is when he eyed Bell.

"White hair, red-eye if my eyes don't deceive me the little rookie himself. Welcome to my little store, perhaps I can interest you in one of my fine products?"

Bell could feel the anger radiate of Artemis for being ignored. He took a deep breath and tried to stop her from doing something stupid. He gently put his hand on her arm, to reassure her.

"I'm not much of a hunter, but I was just curious why you were arguing about?"

The man seemed to stick his nose up at the question passing a stare to the girl beside him.

"I hardly call it an argument just a confused little girl who doesn't know a quality product from a piece of plywood."

His comment seemed to anger Artemis a great deal. He had to think of something quickly. Artemis had enough of this. She was being talked down to and being made to look like a fool. The man turned around and continued to sort some items on his stall. He took the opportunity to bring himself next to her and whispered into her ear.

"I have a plan just go along with it okay?"

He turned back to the man with a smile on his face.

"Would you mind?"

He pointed to the bow in question and the owner happily handed it over to him.

"Of course"

He didn't know how to handle the bow, but he just need to make it look like he cared somewhat.

"Could I perhaps get some Arrows?"

The man nodded and handed over a few different types.

"There's a target over there if you'd like to give it a try."

The man pointed to a target behind him. He nodded. What happened next could be described as a terrible attempt at archery. His first shoot didn't even reach its target, the second one hit the leg, and when he lined up his third shot, it was obvious that Artemis's observation was correct. The wood started to crack at the base as he brought it back and the moment he let go wood snapped, and the bow shattered.

"Hmm I might be a terrible shot, but something tells me that shouldn't happen!"

The store owner was for lack of a better reason was shocked. He turned to the blue-haired girl that had a smug grin on her face. He was glad he heard the part about the three shots, she was right on the money.

'She does know what she talking about.' He thought to himself.

"Seems she was right on the money. Perhaps I should be taking advice from her instead. But its obvious she knows a lot more about this sort of thing then you give her credit for!"

Bell's harsh words seemed to annoy the man even more, as more and more people started to watch the conversation. He gave her a quick smile and returned to his discussion. Artemis smiled as the boy started to defend her and his kind words caused her cheeks to heat up.

"Hmm well its evident that your poor handling of the bow caused it to break. Now I expect to be paid for you damaging my goods!"

He gave the man an angry look. He didn't do it often but the sheer arrogance was enough to piss him off. Before he could open his mouth, Artemis tapped his should. He looked at her, and she pointed out the quiver he was still holding. He happily handed them over to the annoyance of the owner.

"And what may I ask what do you think you doing?"

Artemis ignored him and picked out another bow from the stall. Again angering the owner.

"That's it LEAVE NOW!"

He finally boiled over and started to shout at the goddess. This annoyed Bell greatly. He placed a large coin purse down on the stall and turned to the man.

"Shut your mouth!"

Artemis smiled as Bell managed to shut the loud idiot up.

"Bell could I ask a favour of you?"

He nodded, and she passed him half a dozen apples from the next store.

"I'm sorry ill pay you back it a second." She said to the stall owner, over her shoulder.

She handed him the six apples.

"Throw these for me, preferably fast and high."

Bell smiled. Finally he would get to see her in action. He threw them hard and high. One after another making sure no two were the same. Artemis reacted with grace of a goddess. She hooked the arrow back and aimed. She swiftly hit the thirst three apples and Bell threw the next three. The last however he waited to throw. Of course, his little surprise this didn't phase her. She reacted in no time after hitting the first two. Bell threw the last one behind the stall. Causing her to turn quickly. The crowd were mesmerised by her and held their breaths as they watched her take her final shot. Even Bell was surprised by her skill as she hit both the apples and the Bullseye on the target.

'Damn Hestia wasn't kidding when she said she was good!'

He and the rest of the crowd burst into a round of applause. This embarrassed the poor girl as she was getting more attention then she was used to.

"Damn what a shot remind me not to piss her off!" one man said.

"Did you hear there conversation before? I'd hang my head in shame after that."

Bell returned to her side

"Someone's popular. Nicely done by the way."

Artemis smiled happily at the praise she received.

"Hey isn't that the little rookie?"

"Yeah I think it is. Do you think they know each other?"

"I saw them holding hands before do you think their dating?"

The crowd now turned their attention on the two of them. Whispers became conversation and debate. The two suddenly realised that they were being watched and both became rather embarrassed.

"I think we should get going." He suggested.

She just nodded and he grabbed her hand, leading her through the crowd and away from the large gathering. Once they reached a quiet corner of the market, they took a moment to catch their breath. Bell couldn't help but laugh.

"Ha-ha, you sure showed him."

He said, giving her even more praise for her little spectacle. Artemis remained quiet but smiled at his kind words. Bell looked around.

"Well I think that went well all things considered. Come on let's get going."

Bell started to walk in the direction of the other stalls, but was stopped. Artemis had grabbed his hand.

"Huh something wrong?"

He turned to look at her. She shook her head. He tried to move again but again she pulled him back. The next thing he knew was that he was pulled it a tight embrace. His brain was trying to work out what the hell was going on. Then it slowly gave up as he joined the new warmth from her. In fact she was so close that he could feel her soft breasts against his chest.

'Don't think about that. Don't think about that.'

"Thank you for standing up for me Bell. I'm sorry if i caused you trouble..."

Bell shook his head. "Nah you didn't cause me any trouble. He had it coming, besides if I'm upset about anything it's you showing me up!"

The two instantly burst into laughter.

"Are you sure I didn't cause you trouble?"

Bell smiled and decided to stop her from talking. He brought his hands up and around her back and brought her close and returned her hug.

"No, no i don't think you did."

The two remained as they were for a good while. No words were spoken, nor did they attempt to move. Bell attempted to enjoy the moment for what it was but he had two things on his mind.

'So soft...'

He realised they would probably have to get going at some point. But he was content to stay like this for the rest of the day.

"I think we should get going, I did promise goddess we'd visit her?"

It was almost like a switch flipped in her heart because she quickly moved away from the boy. Both were embarrassed as they looked at one another. Artemis looked away.

"Yeah we should."

Both got back to shopping. It became quiet clear that Artemis's little show had spread like wildfire around the market. Now she was getting more looks then before ever before. Even Bells little trick wasn't going to help turn them away.

'She's just gonna have to get used to it...'

The two spent the next few hours going from store to store, some were more open while others hesitant after news spread of a blue haired girl showing up merchants. It got to the point were Bell did most the shopping for her, not that it was a lot. She only showed faint interest in certain items and even then not enough to warrant a closer look.

"Thank you little rookie please come back soon."

Another stall owner thanked them and the two made there way towards the tower of babel.

'Bell is quite popular... I wonder what he did to get such attention?'

She couldn't help wondering this as she followed behind him. Her own choice. She got less looks this way. She observed his interactions with people some were kind to him, others not so much.

'I should ask Hestia, his title is a strange one but it kind of suits him...'

She chuckled at the name little rookie. Surely it must be a joke amongst the gods. But perhaps Hestia could shed some light on it. Her day with him had allowed her to see more of the boys personality. For one his kindness which she was quiet familiar with but also his sterner side. The moment he stood up for her she couldn't help but smile. It was strange. She never asked for his help nor did she need it, but the fact he did made her happy.

'He really is a good man.'

Her thoughts on the boy started to be come more and more biased when she was around him. Yet she still in the back of her mind, she kept doubting it. Perhaps she would never get used to the idea. A good man. She knew of those that followed chastity but even they didn't get the attention as the boy in front of her did.

"Bell?" She called out to him causing him to stop.

"Yes" he replied.

Artemis looked at a small book store, it was just in passing but she wanted to pick up a new book. The one she was reading was okay but it wasn't what she preferred. Reading was one of her few pass times she enjoyed when she wasn't hunting or dealing with her Familia. Bell looked at the store and nodded. The two entered and Artemis was greeted to a wide of selection to choose from. The store itself was a mixture of messy and order. Bookshelves were crammed with everything from heroic tales and adventuring guides to more specialised books such as local wild life and flora. Artemis quickly started pursue the shelves while Bell examined the story section.

"Lets see here, guide to Orario, native flora hmm what else. I already have an idea of the wildlife..."

She picked out a dozen or so books to which she sorted through the ones she most wanted to read. All in all it had only taken her ten minutes or so before she had everything she wanted. She noticed Bell had made his way over to the front and seemed to be talking to one of the workers. Or the only worker.

"Ahh Bell back again I see finished the last one already have you? She asked smiling at the boy.

"Ha-ha no not yet I'm just seeing if anything new came in." He rubbed the back of his head as they talked.

Artemis was quick to observe the two.

'She seems to know him well... I wonder if he comes her often?'

The girl was tall, with dark chestnut brown hair, not someone you'd associate with a book store. She seemed to like Bell or that was the first impression Artemis got from watching the two.

"So what are your thoughts so far? Did i give a good recommendation?" Bell nodded.

"Yeah I'm really enjoying it, especially the main character, he's calm, cool and collected and handles every situation differently."

Bell started to list his favourite parts of the story while the girl just smiled and nodded before doing the same.

"I know its so good. But you haven't got to the ending yet so I wont spoil it."

He nodded and looked at book on the counter. It was old and slightly beaten the cover was faded and seemed tattered at the sides.

"What's that?" He asked the girl looked at the book and shrugged.

"I'm not sure myself, it was brought in by lord Hermes said he found it while exploring some old ruins."

"Lord Hermes found it? What's it about?" She shrugged at his question.

"I'm not sure the first few pages are barely legible and from what i can tell its looked to be someone's diary..."

Bell started to take a small interest in the book, until he saw the price tag.

"Ugh that much huh?" He seemed slightly down at the thought.

"Yeah sorry Bell, owners orders. It's so old were unsure when it was written but the owner reckons they can make a tidy profit of it. I'd give you a discount for being our best customer but I'd never hear the end of it. Sorry."

Bell shook his head. He was curious but he had still not gotten a price on the roof repairs and he was not in financial situation to buy it ever.

"Ha-ha its okay, if you get the chance could you give it a read and tell me about it next time I come in?"

Bell was asking a lot. Normally he wouldn't ask but considering it was probably one of kind...

"Hmm if you promise to visit more often then I might just accept or perhaps you could take me out for lunch and we can discuss it at length." She gave Bell a seductive smile which caused Bell to blush slightly.

"Y-yeah I'll promise to visit more when I get a free moment." Bell said as he avoided the second option.

The girl smiled and grabbed his hand.

"Yay its always so nice when you visit Bell. It brightens my day I can't wait."

Artemis watched the two and she felt something. She couldn't tell what it was but she knew she didn't like it. She had tried to ignore the two but she found it difficult. Then she noticed she was holding his hand.

'Hmpf'

"Ohh before you go" She quickly let go of his hand dropped below the desk before quickly returning holding another book.

"Here take this. Its one of my personal favourites."

Bell took the book and went to pay but was surprised when she didn't accept.

"No this ones my personal copy so remember to return it when you finished it."

With that he said his thanks and made his way outside.

"Ohh I do apologize I didn't see you there how can I help?"

Artemis ignored the obvious excuses it was clear her thoughts had been on something else or more specifically someone else.

"Just these thank you."

Shopping done Artemis finally joined Bell outside. He sat looking through the items he had bought previously. Mainly ingredients. Artemis moved past him and started to head towards babel. Bell quickly realised he was being left behind and hurried after her.

'That's strange..' Bell tried to work out why Artemis hadn't said anything to him for the last ten minutes. She also didn't look too happy.

'Did something happen?' he was confused as when they had entered the shop everything was fine.

"Artemis everything okay?" she didn't say anything instead choosing to nod.

Bell was thinking of something to end the silence, but just gave up in the end. After a while they reached the base of the tower and made their way up to the Hephaestus Familia stores where they hoped to find Hestia. Which didn't take long.

"Artemis! Bell!"

The two of them turned around to be met by Hestia who was not wearing her usual work attire.

"Goddess I thought you were working today?" He was slightly confused but Hestia just shook her head.

"I managed to get the day off... Well afternoon. Hephaestus is a real slave driver at times."

Now that she didn't have anything to do for the rest of the day she tagged along with the two. But something soon became apparent.

'Its so quiet... Why is it so quiet?' she moved next to Bell and elbowed him in the side.

"What did you do?" Bell rubbed his side and looked as unsure.

"I don't know?"

"Did you look at her in a perverted manner. Touch her inappropriately? Did you say something you shouldn't have?"

Bell continued to deny doing anything.

"Come on Bell she's not the kind of person to give the cold shoulder. Well maybe to you but she hasn't said anything at all to me."

It was obvious that their conversation had been heard as the girl in question started to get further away from the two of them. Hestia sighed.

"No seriously Bell what happened? I'm not angry at you but I can't fix this without knowing?"

Bell was wracking his brain trying to work out what was going on. It was then that Hestia realised he was more confused then she was.

"Okay Bell leave this to me... Why don't you disappear for an hour or two we'll meet you back at the church."

Bell didn't have much of a choice about what to do. So he left Hestia to chase after Artemis and he headed for the lower flower floors.

"I suppose I'll go get a price on getting our roof fixed."

Hestia was quick to catch up to her friend. She was somewhat hopeful that the three of them could head back to the church together and have a nice night in. She had also hoped that Artemis and Bell would be somewhat closer because of there outing... That wasn't the case. She managed to stop her before she reached the stairs. She grabbed her arm and slowed her to a stop.

"Artemis what's wrong?" she asked in hopes that without Bell there she'd open up a little more. What she got however was more silence.

"Does it involve Bell?" again silence.

"Did he do something?" Finally she shook her head, the first indication that she was finally gonna say something.

"Come on we're friends, if he did something to upset you Ill personally beat some sense into him!"

"I don't know." she spoke up she didn't sound upset or angry which let Hestia questioning what was going on.

"Surely there must be a reason?" Hestia was unsure about what was going on. All she knew is something happened and she was going to get to the bottom of it.

"Okay come on lets go."

She started pushing her friend up the stairs with such force it almost knocked the poor girl over. But it also snapped her out whatever state she was in a moment ago.

"Hestia... What are you doing?" Artemis was quick to move on her own to feet and quickly got ahead of the girl.

"We are gonna have some girl time, come on I know a lovely little bakery on the 7th floor and its my treat so your not getting out of it!"

Artemis silently agreed with her friend, following behind her. It was only a short walk and in true Hestia fashion she slumped into the chair like she had just walked a mile.

"Ahhh that feels nice, seriously you should try working for Hephaestus even half a days work is a killer!"

Artemis watched as her good friend ordered three different slices of cake and two teas for them to share.

"I love coming here after a hard day's shift. It may be expensive but I've yet to find a better cake in this city." Artemis was confused by the girls sudden change in tone. But the moment the cakes arrived her friend lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Yay! I've waited for this all day." She quickly took her fork to the spongy treat, swiftly devouring it while savouring the taste. Her enthusiasm however wasn't shared by her friend. How sat looking at the cakes with little interest. Hestia acquired another fork full but instead of eating she leaned over and held the cake in front of her friend.

"Come on open up. I know you can't resist."

Hestia continued to wave the sweet smelling sponge under her nose and waited till she got a reaction.

"Just because your a glutton for this kind of thing doesn't mean I am."

Hestia laughed. "Oh there's that sharp tongue of yours what's wrong you'll never know if you don't try?"

Artemis shook her head.

"Sweets are hard to come by in the wild, I have no particular taste for them."

Hestia quickly returned her fork to her mouth eating the cake with a joyful moan.

"Mmhh... I think you're just being stubborn, you haven't even touched your tea. Hell don't you dare tell me you don't like that even. It's one of your few guilty pleasures." Artemis was beaten there and took a sip of her tea.

"Happy?"

"No. Now have some cake." She once again place the fork under her nose making sure she got a good smell of it aroma.

"I don't want any cake!" She was a little more aggressive in her response. But it was quiet to not draw attention.

"I bet you'd prefer Bell to feed you?"

Artemis was noticeably taken back by the mention of the white haired boy. She didn't have a response in stead remaining quiet.

'Ohh now that's a different reaction? Normally she'd have bitten back but she didn't even deny it.'

"Hmm I'm not hearing a no?"

Artemis gave her friend. In the nicest way possible a death glare.

'Okay maybe i spoke to soon'.

"Why did you bring me here Hestia?"

Artemis had noticeably returned to normal at this point. Which for Hestia was good. Kind of. She shrugged and finished off the first slice of cake.

"I just wanted a change of scenery plus you looked like you need a chat. Look Artemis I've know you long enough to know when something is on your mind. Its hard what your going through and I haven't been able to help..."

Hestia moved her chair closer to her friend. Placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Even now all I can do is talk, and try to get a sense of what's going on with you."

Artemis placed a hand on top of her friends. "I know Hestia and I thank you for everything. You and Bell..." She went quiet again. Hestia deduced that something involving Bell was bothering her.

"So what is it? Its obvious Bell is on your mind... Don't deny it we're being truthful remember." Hestia finally was going to get to the bottom of this.

'I warned you Bell. You maybe my pride and joy but I won't hesitate to discipline you if you make her cry.'

Artemis sighed and took a sip of her tea. Before shaking her head. "Bell did nothing wrong... Its just..."

Hestia leaned forward. "Just?"

"I feel like I'm causing him trouble all the time... The past few days he's been running around after me even when I didn't want him to." She paused took a deep breath. "He's done so much and I just seem to be a thorn in his side".

Hestia, who had seen her go from a hard and stubborn goddess no more then a week ago started to see an Artemis that actually cared about the feelings of a boy. A boy! If she didn't know this would happen any way she'd have never believed it for a second.

"He didn't say this did he?"

Artemis shook her head. "No."

"What gave you that impression then?" She was confused if Bell hadn't given that impression then what was causing her to think that.

"I just seem to cause trouble, and he always has to have to step in to get me out of it. I've yet to do anything that isn't a burden and it bothers me when I think that he has better things to be doing."

Hestia smiled. "Look with Bell what you see is what you get. True at times he can be naive, quick to trust and at times stupid. But he has always been the kind of person to help others. Big or small. Even when they might not deserve it. He is who he is."

Hestia took a sip of her tea and refilled both their cups.

"So don't think you're causing him any trouble. If anything you've probably scared the poor boy to death."

Hestia said in a slightly sarcastic tone but it didn't seem that way for Artemis.

She looked upset by the thought. "Did I..."

Hestia had to remain as neutral as possible for this. There was a time and place to tease her and this wasn't it.

"Well he was worried, Bell may not have said it but I can tell. Perks of being his goddess. He takes things very personally. Also no thanks to me, he probably assumes he's done something to upset you."

'Fair enough I didn't know that at the time so I'm gonna have to apologize first chance i get.'

"Hestia, can I ask you something?" She looked at her friend and nodded.

"Okay but first we're gonna finish these cakes and tea and your gonna tell me about you day."

With that Artemis told her about what the two of them did. Where he took her and the events in the market. Hestia was in tears by the end of her little story.

"Ha-ha ohh I can't believe it. I mean everything you did I can totally believe I'm surprised you didn't hit him first. But to think my little Bell could be such a charmer."

Hestia couldn't help but take the opportunity to tease her friend.

"I wouldn't say that he was just being kind."

"See this proves you don't have enough interactions with men. But I suppose this is Bell we're talking about... Yeah it probably meant nothing."

"But the bigger question at hand is... Well his hand, you've never allowed a man to touch you? Yet you go and hold my Bell's hand!" Hestia's annoyed voice caused the poor girl in front to shake her head madly.

"What, no no it was just... He was just... it was a friendly gesture okay?" The girl finally got there in the end and Hestia was enjoying ever minute of it.

'All those years I was forced to admit she was better than me and now look, I've found her one weakness and it's Bell.'

"Yeah yeah I can see it now the lovely weather, the birds are singing, you and him hand in hand enjoying each others company... As friends."

Artemis blushed as she realised what Hestia was implying. It was unthinkable to her and yet she did it. She openly made it seem like it was no big deal.

"I-I...I."

Hestia had probably broken the poor girls mind and she was trying oh so hard to remain composed. If she burst out laughing now she'd never be allowed back in the store.

"I'm only joking Artemis. Bell was probably just doing it to calm you down."

She waited for her friend to compose herself again before she continued.

"So did you like it?" Hestia said with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Hestia!" Artemis burst into another blush all but giving away her true thoughts.

"Ill take that as a yes. Don't worry it's perfectly normal thing... Assuming your not a virgin goddess or an Elf." Hestia laughed at her little joke but Artemis was growing tired of her friends constant teasing.

"Why do you make everything out to be more then it is between me and him?" Artemis finally tried to regain some footing on the matter however it wasn't as easy as she thought it would be.

"That's a stupid question. The fact you're even entertaining the idea of a man is enough reason. You the goddess with the hardest stance on men, who on every occasion states the hate you feel towards them."

"I only hate perverts!" Artemis put her foot down on the matter.

"Artemis any man that's ever looked at you has been branded a pervert in your eyes. Also and on that particular note. You openly forgave Bell for that same thing!"

The topic of conversation was starting to heat up.

"That was to keep the peace. It was a simple mistake." Artemis still remained on the high ground.

"Oh yeah and what about that slap you gave him? Yeah I noticed its kind of obvious."

"That was... That's not fair Hestia."

Hestia laughed "Ha-ha what's wrong? After all these years apart has that sharp tongue of yours finally dulled?"

Artemis was defeated. "Ughh look I see Bell as a friend nothing more. He's kind, honest and funny."

"Everything in your ideal man." Hestia couldn't help it. 'Last one'

"Hmpf whatever Hestia. Besides didn't you say he had already fallen for someone else?"

"Remembered that did you? Yeah he did I'm surprised you took interest in such a little detail? Still not gonna stop me from teasing you". Hestia finally finished off the cakes and stood to her feet.

"Come on, we've got to apologize for making hero boy worry." Hestia disappeared over to the counter to pay and came back with a slightly sad expression.

"Well that's a day of not eating for me..."

Artemis got to her feet and stood next to her friend. She tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention.

"About that question I wanted to ask earlier?"

Hestia nodded and waited for her friend to ask. It was a surprise when she whispered it into her ear and not aloud.

'Hmm yes I can make this work' Hestia nodded and the two left.

Bell was finally back home. He sighed heavily. The quote for the work was beyond ridiculous. But he had very little choice. Luckily he didn't have to start paying until work began. Which he was told would be in the next few days or so.

"Guess I don't have much of a choice. I only hope is it holds up." He explained the situation and he was told so long as the weather didn't get any worse it would be fine.

He made his way downstairs with the shopping. He decided that he would wait for the goddesses to get back before he started any cooking. But for the meantime he prepped what he could beforehand. Once that was done he gave himself a moment to relax. Sitting down on the coach he laid his head back on the firm cushion. He closed his eyes and thought about what happened that day. He chuckled when he remembered the events with the hunters stall, and the aftermath. What didn't help and seemed to linger in his mind was the hug the two shared. A friendly gesture he kept telling himself. So why did he enjoy it so much? The answer was simple. Because his pervert of grandfather twisted and perverted his mind from a young age. He can still hear the old man's words in his head even when he doesn't want to. His innocent question soon turned into a deep thought. And those deep thoughts evolved and mutated. Before too long he had forgotten the original question as he allowed his perverted thoughts to take over.

He had gone from trying to ignore it to thinking of something else. Anything that would get the thought of Artemis out his head. In the end he gave up. He admitted it to himself. She was gorgeous and hard to ignore. Even Aiz who he cared for and thought of deeply and often, wasn't able to distract him. Artemis was in Bells mind forbidden fruit. Someone he shouldn't be having thoughts about. But worse still was he enjoyed those thoughts.

'What is wrong with me?' He thought to himself and as if asking for it he got an answer. The voice of his grandfather sprung into life.

'Nothing to be ashamed of my boy, it's only natural. You're at that age where these sorts of thoughts are normal. Hell I'd be worried if you weren't having them.'

It wasn't why that bothered him but the who.

'Come on Bell lighten up, so you're having naughty thoughts about her so what? It's natural besides it's not like you're dating anyone, what's the problem?'

"I can't believe I'm arguing with the voice of my dead grandfather inside my head. She's a goddess. I shouldn't be picturing her in such a manner. Why am I even arguing with you?"

'Don't ask me, I'm just a figment of your memories and imagination. As far as I'm concerned, I'm a scape goat you use to explain of all your perverted thoughts and fantasies.'

"That's not true."

'Hey its your brain your arguing with and we both know what's gonna happen so have fun'

With that Bell gave up, he thought back to that morning and to the sight he was allowed to behold. She stood out in her sky blue dress. It was perfect on her. Before today he could only guess at how soft her skin was but to finally touch it was something else. Her long silky blue hair was the height of luxury. Finally her eyes. Emerald green jewels that enticed those foolish enough to look and trap them.

Bell admitted he fell for that trap on many occasions.

These were the thoughts he had to deal with, pushing them down, when she was around him, but when she wasn't then the suppressed thoughts come out. He took the perfect image of her and mentally undressed her. He imagined it as if she was undressing for him and him alone. He watched as the blue dress dropped and revealed just why she was a goddess.

White lace bra and panties were all that hid her ample breasts and forbidden area. Bell bit his tongue. He wouldn't allow himself to go any further down that rabbit hole. But this sight was still enough to send his body into a sweaty mess. He failed to suppress his urges. Hell, the sight of her ass was enough to fuel his thoughts alone. He dared wondered what it be like to feel? Would it be firm or soft, how would she react to being squeezed.

This was as far as he got before he reached his climax. His arm was tired and his breath was heavy. He laid his head back he could feel the sweat on his neck cool slightly.

'I can't believe I just did that!'

He was angry but his body's urges had finally died down. He had walked over a line he promised to never cross. But he had to admit it felt good.

"I need a shower!"

Before that, however, he had to clean up. If goddess returned and found out, he'd be sleeping upstairs in the cold. Which would be alright compared to the beating he'd no doubt get.

He quickly cleaned up his mess and hurried to the shower, he proceeded to wash himself clean of both thoughts and actions he had just committed. Once he was happy and clean he changed into fresh clothes and hid the dirty one in his travel bag. He'd have to get them washed at another time.

He decided that for better of or worse he should make a start on the cooking. If only to give him something to do. He reckoned the two would return sooner rather than later and the stew would take a couple of hours to cook. After the prep he started was finished he added to the pot, browning the meat with a little flour then he added his hard veg and water and slowly brought it to a boil. After that he allowed it to simmer for the rest of the time so long as he continued to cheek on it.

It was then that he heard footsteps coming down the stairs, he was glad he started the stew. Hestia entered first but to Bells surprise without Artemis.

"Where's Artemis?" Bell asked instinctively almost as if she was meant to be with her.

"Hello to you too Bell." Hestia said in a slightly annoyed voice.

"Sorry hello, goddess how did it go?" He gave her a concerned look.

Hestia shook her head. Bell felt his heart drop.

"You should really worry less its not good for you!" Bell looked up the confused look plastered on his face, as he saw a smiling Hestia.

"Don't worry Bell she's not mad at you so I won't be kicking yours as this time."

He felt a small weight lifted off his shoulders but the fact she wasn't with her still worried him.

"What's wrong Bell? Missing her that much?" Hestia had found a new favourite pass time. Teasing Bell and Artemis.

"Ohh well I ughh..."

Hestia leaned in closer

"I'm not hearing a nooo."

Hestia didn't find as much pleasure in teasing Bell. He was reserved for such things.

"I'm just worried about her safety."

"That's nice, just like when you held her hand hmm?" Hestia grin only grew as she watched Bell scramble to form a response.

"Y-you know that?"

"Yes Bell, I know about that. Risky move I might add, Artemis hates it when she's touched. But you already know that."

He rubbed the back of his head.

"Its okay Bell I'm sure you only had good intentions she also told me about how you stood up for her in the market. Which I'm glad you did. But you hurt her pride, let her handle things from time to time."

Bell nodded "Sorry goddess Ill remember in the future."

She smiled "Good now she's running an errand for me and she'll be back shortly. I also forgot to mention but I'll be leaving shortly an emergency meeting has been called for all the gods. Artemis is being exempt from this. I'll be gone for two maybe three days."

Bell had a thousand questions. "Okay but what about sleeping arrangements?"

He had a few other thoughts like being left alone for three days with Artemis.

"Ohh don't worry I cleared it with her, she'll allow you to sleep downstairs so long as you behave yourself!"

He couldn't tell if that was a warning or not.

"Good well you know the rules. Keep an eye on her, keep her safe and keep her happy." Bell was worried about the last one.

"Don't worry Bell, I have faith in you. Think of this as your reward for all your hard work. Think of it as team building for when she joins."

With that, she disappeared and gathered a few of her things before returning and heading to the door.

"Okay I'm off, don't fall in love while I'm gone!" she shouted running up the stairs and leaving Bell alone to digest his new situation.

Hestia just got out the main door as she noticed Artemis returning. "Okay I've let him know what's going on. Again I'm sorry about this."

Artemis shook her head "It's okay I understand, don't worry I'll be fine."

She hugged her "Yeah I know you will don't worry you have my permission to beat him if he tries anything."

She laughed "Don't worry I doubt it will come to that. Now go on."

The two waved goodbye to each other and Artemis made her way inside.

"Okay, Artemis breath. It's only for three days. Alone.. With Bell..."

...

Authors Notes

Okay, I'm gonna keep this one short and sweet. Once again I'd like to thank Webweasel for taking the time to read and edit this chapter. Saves me a mountain of time. Second yes I have treated you all to an early chapter. How nice am I? Joking aside I think I owe it considering It usually takes me a month to update. As usual please like if well you liked it, Follow if you haven't already and comment if you have anything to say. Anything that helps me improve would be great.

Next chapter will be whenever I finish it. Trust me if I could see into the future id tell you.

Have a nice day or night and stay safe.

https://discord.gg/pCGVwnWNgA