Keeping the promise (BellxArtemis)

Chapter 22

Both Bell and Artemis had been back a few minutes, while they both complained about the weather and the fact that both were thoroughly drenched, Bell was finding it harder to keep a clear head. The goddess Artemis kept popping into his thoughts, and while he didn't mind at first. They became more and more exotic.

"Come on Bell stay focused she's a goddess. You shouldn't be having those thoughts."

Bell had always had an active mind. However, it tended to drift towards his admiration for a certain blond. Aiz. As if a switch flipped the image of the sword princess came.

"Ahhh" Bell quickly rememberd why he stopped trying to do that.

"I wonder how she is? She must be lonely." Bell felt a feeling of regret wash over him. While he hadn't given it much thought due to the goddess problem, it soon brought him back.

"She's all alone, nobody to comfort her..." Bell wished he could go and find her. Offer her some comfort but now wasn't the time for that.

"Tomorrow I'll go and see her." With a newfound resolve, he followed Artemis but quickly stopped.

"Seriously Hestia?" She looked back at Bell, who was noticeably confused. From his view, he probably didn't see the problem.

She motioned him over with her hand. He moved next to her and followed her line of sight.

"Ahh, that's a problem." Bell said, looking at the sleeping Goddess. This would typically not be a problem, but...

"Why did she have to fall sleep here?"

She had fallen asleep on Bells makeshift bed. While it wasn't the most comfortable thing, Bell could say that first-hand. She had fallen asleep none the less.

Bell sighed. "I suppose I'll move her downstairs."

He moved to grab her but felt something pulling him back.

He turned to see Artemis holding the back of his wet shirt. She shook her head and placed a finger to her lip—a gesture for him to be quiet.

He wanted to speak but she motioned for the door. She didn't let go until he moved in its direction.

Artemis moved to Hestia and pushed the cover over her. She smiled, seeing her friend wrap herself in the blankets a smile as she embraced the warmth they bring.

She followed Bell, who was waiting at the entrance. The two went downstairs in silence no words were spoken, and Bell felt a problem arising in his head.

Artemis slowly closed the door behind her, making sure not to be too loud. Letting go of the handle she turned to Bell.

"What you look like a child that's been told off." Artemis looked at his face. Shocked was an understatement.

Bell was trying to work out what the hell was going on.

"Umm, why did we leave her upstairs surely she'd be better down..."

Artemis smiled. He cared for her well being and safety. It was something she started to see in him and why her friend loved him so much.

"She looked so peaceful wouldn't you agree?" Her question came as a bit of shock to Bell.

He wasn't paying attention to Hestia his only thought was to move her. He didn't think look at her.

"But surely..."

Artemis moved closer towards him. She smiled and shook her head.

"Bell, I couldn't risk waking her up, don't worry she'll be safe."