The cool night air of Orario greeted Bell as he emerged from the depths of the Dungeon, the familiar sights and sounds of the city bringing a sense of relief and comfort. His body ached from the intense battle he had just fought, but the weight of victory and the exhilaration of his newfound powers kept him going. There was only one place he wanted to be right now—home, with Hestia.
Bell navigated the bustling streets with practiced ease, the glow of lanterns illuminating his path as he made his way to the Hestia Familia's modest home. As he approached, the comforting sight of the small yet cozy building brought a smile to his face. This place, this family, was his sanctuary, and the thought of seeing Hestia again filled him with warmth.
He quietly opened the door, stepping inside and closing it softly behind him. The familiar scent of home welcomed him, and he could hear the faint crackle of a fire from the living room. Bell's heart lifted as he caught sight of Hestia, her petite form curled up on the couch, her blue eyes brightening the moment she saw him.
"Bell!" Hestia called out, her voice filled with happiness and relief. She quickly stood up, her twin tails bouncing as she ran to him, wrapping her arms around his waist in a tight hug. "I was so worried! You've been gone for so long!"
Bell returned the embrace, his arms enveloping her gently. "I'm sorry, Hestia. I didn't mean to worry you. I just…needed to push myself today."
Hestia pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his face, concern etched in every line. "You're not hurt, are you?"
Bell shook his head, offering her a reassuring smile. "No, I'm fine. Just a bit tired. The Dungeon was… challenging, but nothing I couldn't handle."
Hestia sighed in relief, her hands resting on his chest as she looked up at him. "I'm glad you're okay. But Bell… you have to take care of yourself, too. You mean everything to me."
Her words, filled with such genuine affection, made Bell's heart swell. He knew how much Hestia worried about him, and he wanted to ease her fears, to show her how much she meant to him in return. Gently, he reached up and stroked her hair, his fingers threading through the silky strands.
"I know, Hestia," Bell said softly. "And I'm grateful to have you watching over me. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Hestia's cheeks flushed, her expression softening as she leaned into his touch. "Bell…" she whispered, her voice trailing off as she looked up at him with adoration.
For a moment, they simply stood there, wrapped in each other's presence. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the quiet warmth of their home. Then, with a shy smile, Hestia tugged gently at his hand.
"Bell," she began, her voice a little hesitant, "would you…stay with me for a while? Just the two of us?"
Bell felt his heart skip a beat at her request. He had always known how much Hestia cared for him, but in moments like these, he could truly feel the depth of her feelings. And he wanted nothing more than to make her happy.
"Of course, Hestia," Bell replied, his voice filled with tenderness. "I'd love to."
Hestia's face lit up with joy, and she led him over to the couch. They settled down together, Bell's arm draped around her shoulders as she nestled against his side. Her warmth seeped into him, easing the tension in his muscles and calming his mind. It was a simple comfort, but one that meant the world to both of them.
For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the closeness and the quiet. Bell could feel Hestia's breathing slow as she relaxed against him, her fingers idly tracing patterns on his chest. He glanced down at her, his heart swelling with affection as he watched her contented expression.
Unable to resist, Bell leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. Hestia let out a small, happy sigh, her eyes fluttering closed as she snuggled closer to him.
"Bell…" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love this… Just being with you."
Bell smiled, his hand gently caressing her arm. "I love it too, Hestia. I always want to be here for you, to make you happy."
Hestia opened her eyes, tilting her head up to look at him. There was a vulnerability in her gaze, a silent plea for reassurance, and Bell felt a surge of protectiveness for the goddess who had given him everything.
With a tender smile, he leaned down and captured her lips in a gentle kiss. Hestia's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly melted into the kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pressed herself closer to him. The kiss was soft and sweet, a promise of care and devotion, and when they finally pulled apart, Hestia's cheeks were flushed with happiness.
"Bell," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion, "thank you."
Bell chuckled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "I should be the one thanking you, Hestia. For everything."
Hestia smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy. "Then let's just be grateful together."
They shared another kiss, this one filled with the promise of a future where they would continue to support and care for each other, no matter what challenges lay ahead. When they finally pulled apart, Bell laid back on the couch, and Hestia snuggled into his chest, sighing contentedly.
As they settled into a comfortable silence once more, Bell's hand found its way to Hestia's hair, stroking it gently as she began to drift off to sleep. He could feel the steady rise and fall of her breathing, the warmth of her body against his, and the overwhelming sense of peace that only she could bring him.
Bell knew that the journey ahead would be filled with dangers and challenges, but in this moment, none of that mattered. All that mattered was the goddess in his arms, the one who had given him a place to belong, a family to call his own.
As he closed his eyes, Bell pressed one last kiss to Hestia's forehead, whispering softly, "I'll always be here, Hestia. I promise."
Hestia mumbled something incoherent in her sleep, a small smile on her lips as she nuzzled closer to him. And with that, Bell allowed himself to relax, letting the warmth and comfort of the moment lull him into a peaceful slumber.
In that quiet, tender moment, all was right in their world.