Keeping the promise (BellxArtemis)

chapter 58

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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