5 Lust & Love

Bell was carried upstairs in Aisha's arms, a hoard of eager ladies of the night following closely after.

Memories of the last time something similar happened, filled his mind, and he began to hyperventilate.

Aisha, not failing to notice this, didn't take long to figure out what was going on and why. Had this been any other man, she would have ignored him and proceeded anyway, intent on devouring him. But this was Bell. The man who had rescued Haruhime. The man who had garnered her interest and, if she was being completely honest, her affection. So, that in mind, she knew what she had to do.

Entering into the grand suite of the former Ishtar familia, she quickly threw deposited him on the ground, the poor boy's legs shaking fiercely, before very quickly shutting the door and locking it, causing an instant uproar from her fellow prostitutes.

"Hey!"

"Aisha, let us in!"

"He said that we could all join in!"

Numerous voices and countless complaints leaked through the door, but Aisha didn't respond. The door was locked and unless they cared to bust it down, something which would be difficult for anyone under level 3 given that the door was reinforced after the Freya raid, then they would just have to swallow their complaints.

"Bell," she finally said, causing him to nearly jump out of his skin.

"Y-Y-Yes?!" he squeaked.

She sighed. She walked up to him and, gently placing her hands on his cheeks and looking him in the eye, she said.

"Breathe."

Bell froze. He recognized that the look in her eyes was no longer that of a lioness preparing to devour him, but something far softer. However, given how quick the shift was and the frazzled state of his mind, it still took him a moment to respond. Finally though, he blinked before closing his eyes and taking a deep breathe.

"Good," she said breaking away. She went over and sat on the bed. "Come here."

Bell blushed, but she waved him off.

"We're not doing that. Just come here."

He was hesitant for a split second longer, but did as requested.

If she says we're not doing that, we're not, Bell recognized.

Sitting down, he didn't have long to wait before she continued.

"You're thinking about the night we met."

He froze for a moment, but soon nodded.

"Do you hate me, Bell?"

His head shot up and he turned to her with wide eyes.

"What? Of course not, Aisha-san!"

"But you're afraid of me."

He paused. It was true he found her intimidating, but he didn't fear her, not really.

"I-I'm not afraid of you, exactly. It's more…" he thought for a moment. "It's more that you want something I'm not comfortable giving."

Aisha smiled.

Such a pure boy. So nervous, yet so sure at the same time.

"I see," she replied.

The room fell quiet for a moment, neither side uncomfortable, but neither side knowing exactly how to proceed, before a question came to Aisha.

"Does Achilles know?"

It did not take long for Bell to understand what she meant. He shook his head.

"He knows the broad details of what happened. How I met and rescued Haruhime. How Freya familia attacked. But he doesn't know about...about the chase or Phryne. No one in my familia does. I...I can't tell them. I feel like they'd be disappointed in me. Disgusted even."

Aisha felt her heart break at that and, before either of them knew what was happening, she had Bell wrapped in her arms and his head placed firmly, yet gently, on her breasts.

"A-Aisha-san!" he cried, though his voice was muffled in her cleavage.

"Why would they be disappointed or disgusted with you? You outran an entire familia. Including a level five. You left as pure as you were when you arrived. If anyone thinks otherwise I'll show them where they can shove those thoughts."

The passion behind those were words stunned Bell, and he looked up at Aisha who was now petting his hair softly. The conviction in her eyes was truly startling, yet comforting, and he soon found the tension draining away.

Aisha could feel him relax, which she was profoundly glad for. She even took a moment to enjoy the small smile that came to his face as his worries began to fade. However, as much as she was enjoying this, there were questions and issues she wanted to bring forward, and she knew she had to proceed.

She slowly parted from him, something which caused Bell to remember that he was face first in her breasts, which brought his blush back. She smiled at him and continued their conversation.

"So Achilles doesn't know what happened that night. That would explain why he brought you here. If he had, given that threat earlier, I suspect he would have finished what Freya started."

It was meant as a joke, but neither of them laughed as they both recognized there was truth to her words.

"But I am surprised, Bell. After you rescued Haruhime I thought you were man enough not to find yourself it such situations."

Bell looked at her, confused.

"What do you mean, Aisha-san?"

"What do I mean? Achilles dragged you here didn't he? You, a level four and captain of a familia." Bell's face was enough to answer her. "Let me guess. You were star-struck by his being, not only a level seven, but also the captain of a legendary former familia. A hero and whatnot." Bell's embarrassment increased and his head dropped before he nodded. Aisha looked at the downcast young man for a moment, before reaching out, pinching his nose and shaking his head. "You're a man, Bell. If you don't like something, you have to put your foot down, just like you did with Haruhime. If Achilles is worth your admiration, he'll respect that," she let him go. "You can't let yourself be pulled around because you admire someone. It was irresponsible of him to drag you around and force you into something, but it was equally as wrong for you just to go along with it."

Bell, in spite of the pain in his nose, heard what she had to say and knew she was right. He had been so star-struck by Achilles that he hadn't really set restrictions of the man's actions towards himself or his familia. He'd just gone along with it. It certainly hadn't helped that over the last two days he had been provided information that he was still wrapping his head around, from his skill to Freya. Yet, Aisha was still right. He was the captain of his familia. A level four, and a man. A man didn't let others dictate his life or his actions, even if they respected and admired them.

That means you can't let it happen with Aiz either, a voice whispered in the back of his mind.

Her words taken to heart, and his will resolved, he looked at her again, his eyes firm and unwavering.

"You're right, Aisha-san. Thank you for reminding me," he said with a smile.

Aisha felt her heart skip a beat.

Gods of the night he sure can get a girl going.

"You're welcome," she said as she grew a sly smile. "That said, I would still like to offer you my services."

It took a moment for Bell to realize what she meant, given the massive divergence their conversation had taken, but when he did, he didn't disappoint as a burning blush erupted on his face.

So strong, yet still so innocent, she thought.

Bringing herself closer to him, and doing so in such a manner that he had a wonderful view down her cleavage, she continued, her words burning within sinful delight.

"We don't have to do anything, not really. But I do think that you should learn not to be so shy with women and," she leaned in next to his ear and whispered. "Our bodies."

Bell made a hasting retreat, falling backwards onto the bed, before pushing himself up and scooching away.

"B-B-But you said t-that A-Achilles-san…" he couldn't manage to finish.

"He was wrong to force you to come here, but he wasn't wrong about you needing to learn," she countered before reclosing the distance and placing herself above him. "You don't need to be so shy with women, Bell. Though I'll admit it's absolutely adorable." His blush grew. "All I'm asking is the chance to make you a bit more comfortable around us members of the fairer sex. Will you allow me that opportunity, Beee-lluuuu-kuuun?"

Bell was once again frozen. He had never been good with situations like these. His grandfather had always encourage him towards a life filled with beautiful women and he'd be lying if he said there wasn't a part of him that liked the idea. But his feelings towards Aiz were unquestionable. He wanted her more than he ever desired the idea of harem or anything close to that. Still, he understood, logically, that he was at a severe disadvantage whenever it came to a beautiful woman. From Aisha all the way to Hestia, he had found himself in situations in which he did not know how to proceed.

And would it be so bad to be comfortable around women before earning Aiz-san's love? he asked himself. He thought on that a moment. A part of him felt like it was a betrayal, but another stated that he wasn't actually doing anything. He would still give her his everything, only now he wouldn't be so uncomfortable when he did. Indeed, getting some confidence in this area could actually help him secure her affections sooner. That thought in his mind, he knew what to do.

Aisha looked down on her little white rabbit patiently. She saw the wheels in his head turning and was curious to see what he decided. Finally, light returned to his eyes and he looked her straight in the eyes, his gaze as firm and unwavering as before.

"Please teach me."

Desire rocked through Aisha like she hadn't felt since the days Ishtar Charmed her into obedience. She wanted this boy. Hell, she was almost inclined to say she needed him, but she was a woman of her word and if she said they weren't going to do that, they weren't.

Doesn't mean I'm not going to try in the future, she thought.

"Alright," she said. "Let's start with something simple."

Bell looked at her expectantly.

"I want you to look at me. All of me. Every inch."

Bell's blush returned, but he steeled himself and did as requested.

His eyes began to trace over her body. He started somewhere he considered neutral; her hair. The dark locks were lovely, like black silk gently falling over her shoulders. Letting his gaze lower, he looked on her forehead, getting himself comfortable with her caramel skin before continuing on. His eyes briefly met hers, earning him a smile and reigniting his blush, but not stopping his progress.

He continued down, his eyes quickly taking in her cheeks before finally hitting his first real challenge. Her lips.

They were beautiful. Painted as they were, they maintained a simple beauty that was both charming and enticing. Kissing them would be delightful, that was for sure and, for a moment, Bell, without realizing it, was tempted to do just that.

So wrapped up in his thoughts was he that he didn't realize he was staring. Aisha, for her part, was completely content to allow him to do just that. If he tried anything, she would stop him. Not because she wanted him to, but because he needed to learn. Even so, the power of his gaze caused her to instinctively lick her lips.

The sudden movement caused Bell to snap out of his stupor. It took another moment for him to realize what had happened, and when he did, his embarrassment was so profound that he threw himself into the pillows behind him and buried his face.

Aisha laughed.

"Come on Bell, even you can't be that innocent."

He slowly pulled himself out of the pillows, though his embarrassment was still plain as day to see.

"I was thinking something I shouldn't have."

"That you wanted to kiss me?"

Despite his embarrassment nearly choking him now, he nodded.

"Is that such a bad thing?"

"No? Yes? I don't know," his head fell.

"Bell, finding a woman attractive doesn't make you a lecher. I'll let you in on a little secret. A lot of women like it when someone finds them attractive."

Bell met her gaze for a moment, as if trying to gauge whether or not she was telling the truth, before replying.

"Well...you are very beautiful, Aisha."

Now it was Aisha's turn to be embarrassed. Oh she had been complimented before, often in quite crude and vulgar manners. That was nothing new. But the pure, unrestrained, and completely honest way he said those words, made it a greater compliment than any she had ever received before.

"Thank you Bell. Now, shall we continue."

With a nod from the young rabbit, they retook their positions and Bell continued his training.

Continuing down, his eyes took in her neck and shoulders, both of which maintained the same lovely complexion of her face and gently asking to be kissed just like her lips, though Bell resisted such ideas now. They also seemed to invite one to lay their head against them. To snuggle up and find comfort and safety by nestling into them. It was from these, and his previous observations, that Bell began to truly understand the allure of women. The tools at their disposal to pull someone in, and not through force, but willingly. This was why Achilles was worried. If this is what Aisha could do, what could someone like Freya?

Now understanding the situation, and with his conviction restored, Bell charged forward. Unfortunately for him, he somehow forgot what came next.

His eyes instantly fell on her breasts and everything stopped for him. Aisha had expected as much to happen, but she had a plan to push things forward. Though, unfortunately for Bell, her plan would not be considered, conventional.

Reaching behind her, Aisha unhooked the wrap she was wearing and let it drop, exposing herself to the young man.

"A-A-A-Aisha-san!" he cried. He quickly tried to cover his face, only to find his hands caught by Aisha herself.

"No Bell. Look at them," she commanded.

"I-I can't!"

"Yes you can. And I want you too."

Bell's eyes shot to hers, wide in shock.

"I've made it no secret that I desire you, Bell. And after you rescued Haruhime, I can say that it's turned into honest affection. I know I'm not the kind of girl you're probably after. But I'm not going to pretend I don't want what I do. And right now, the man I care for not only needs my help, but is looking at me with desire. I like that, and want it to continue. So, please Bell. Look at me."

Keeping his hands in hers, Aisha presented herself to him unreservedly. Bell, for his part, was stuck. On one hand was his natural, near limitless embarrassment. On the other, were Aisha's honest feelings and his want to respond to them. Not only that, but he also wanted to refute her. After what happened with Haruhime and Wiene, he no longer cared who he saved, only that they needed saving. This, in turn, opened up his mind in the romantic sense as well. He no longer viewed women like Aisha as untouchable. Something dirty or corrupted. Just different. And in a world with humans, elves, dwarves, prums, gods, magic, and monsters, different wasn't necessarily a bad thing. As such, his reply came naturally.

"I'd be honored if I was with someone like you."

Aisha's eyes widened in shock.

"What?"

He smiled gently at her.

"I'd be honored if I was with someone like you, Aisha-san. And I am honored that you feel the way you do about me. I'll admit that there is someone else that I care for, but please don't think for a moment that it's because I think you're unworthy. You're not and never will be."

Tears pricked at Aisha's eyes. This was the first time that anyone had ever said that to her. Oh many desired her. Complimented her beauty. Tried to claim her affections, but none had ever said any so pure, and said it without a hint of dishonesty. None had ever said that they not only didn't think less of her, but that they themselves would be honored to have her. It was almost surreal. As if she'd been granted her own little miracle.

She laughed.

"You sure know how to charm a girl, don't you Bell?"

Bell just smiled at her, his embarrassment forgotten.

There's those strong eyes again. The eyes of a real man. Can't say I don't miss the cute blushes though. Wonder if this will bring them back.

Letting go of one of his hands, Aisha reached up, pulled his head down, and kissed his cheek.

A light blush did appear on Bell's cheeks, but nothing like earlier. Indeed, his smile only grew when she pulled back.

Hm. That's a nice look. He's definitely getting better with this. But let's see if he can handle this.

"I think you deserve a reward, Bell," she said, her sly smile returning.

Just as he was about to ask what she meant, Bell felt his hand being pulled up and found it suddenly placed firmly and unreservedly, on one of Aisha's breasts.

Now, it didn't matter how much progress Bell had made that day, or how well he had responded to Aisha's feelings, nothing was going to prevent the red hot blush of innocence erupting on the boys face.

"A-A-A-A-A-!" he couldn't even speak.

"Feel me, Bell," she told him gently. "Consider it a part of your training if you want. But feel me. Feel my skin. My warmth. The softness of my breast. Feel my heartbeat quicken when you squeeze it," she squeezed his hand for him. "I want you to feel me. To know my softness. Please Bell, won't you do that for me?"

She had him, and he knew it, and she probably knew it too. This was a request. An honest request from a lady. A lady who had shared her honest feelings with him and who was now aiding him in his, admittedly mortifying, training. He couldn't say no even if he wanted to. And, if he was being completely honest, there was a part of him that didn't want to tell her no.

Taking a deep breath, he began to explore. Slowly, gently, he began to caress her skin as if he was afraid she would break under his touch, or perhaps that he would. Aisha allowed him to proceed as he wished, more than content to accept his unsure movements.

Slowly, Bell grew bolder. His hands moved just a bit more. His fingers squeezed her just a bit tighter and he found himself moving just a bit closer to her.

His ministrations began to have a real effect on Aisha who felt her breathing get deeper and her body react to his touches as small jolts of pleasure began to shoot through her veins.

Suddenly, and evidently to the surprise of them both, Bell's second hand suddenly rose up and cupped her other breast, causing her breath to hitch and him to stop.

"D-Did I do something wrong?" he asked.

"No. No at all. In fact, it felt really nice," she replied.

Bell looked at her for a moment, taking in the pleasured look on her face and the clear enjoyment she was taking from his actions. This was no act, and they both knew it. She was honestly enjoying herself, and he, perhaps out of masculine pride or maybe just because of his generous soul, decided he wanted to give her more.

His hands now working in tandem, he caressed her in earnest. His movements became more sporadic and his grip upon her became firmer as he squeezed her breasts possessively, as if he was claiming them, and her, as his own.

Aisha's breath was now labored, her breaths hot and heavy as she surrendered under his wonderful assault.

Holy shit! I'm at the edge and all he's doing is touching me. By the gods, what would it be like if he actually went all the way?

That thought alone made her want more, and she decided to push her luck one more time to give Bell something he'd really remember.

"Bell," she said breathlessly. He did not react, so engrossed was he in his actions and his intent to pleasure her. "Bell," she said more firmly, placing her hand against his cheek. He stopped and looked at her. "Kiss them," she said. "Kiss them both."

This time there was no blush. This was a plea from a woman who desired him. There could be no hesitation. So, doing as requested, he leaned down and kissed her right breast above her nipple.

"Not there," she begged.

Bell knew what she wanted but something told him not to give it to her. To tease her instead. So, instead of going where she wanted, he kissed to the right of nipple.

"Not there!" she cried.

This time he kissed under.

"Please Bell, no more teasing!"

Finally, he gave her what she wanted and kissed her nipple, firmly and unreservedly.

"Yeeeessss," she sighed, the pleasure passing through her body like a drug, easing her addiction and calming her desire.

But, just as quickly as it came, it was gone.

"What?" she looked down and found Bell smiling at her.

"The other one needs some attention too. You wouldn't want it to be lonely, would you?"

The fire in her belly roared at that, and she nodded, allowing him to move over to the left breast where he gave it the same treatment as the right, teasing it before finally placing his mouth against it with a gentle kiss. However this time, he decided to give it a reward for its patience and opened his mouth to gently suck on it.

That was it. That was all Aisha could take and finally she tipped over the edge.

Wrapping her arms around Bell's head, she tensed as waves of pleasure coursed through her body causing a cry of ecstasy to pass from her lips, tears of passion to fall from her eyes, her toes to curl, and drool slipped from the sides of her mouth as her climax rocked her to her soul.

When it finally passed, she fell backwards onto the bed, taking a nearly suffocating Bell with her. Her body now relaxed, perhaps more so than it ever had been, she released his head, allowing him to breathe again.

"That. Was. Amazing," she said, her breath ragged and coming out in pants.

"Was it?" Bell asked.

"Uh-huh," she said, regaining enough strength to sit up. "No one's ever given me pleasure like that from just touching me. Hell, few have done anything close to that by going all the way. You really are something, Bell."

Bell blushed lightly, the mindset from earlier having dissipated with Aisha's release.

"I-I'm glad that you...e-enjoyed yourself," he said quietly.

"Oh I more than enjoyed myself, Bell. If anything, you might very well have ruined me. Not only were you good, but if that's what you can do with your hands, I'd love to find out what you can do when you go all out."

Bell's blush deepened, but not so much as before. While his embarrassment was still present, he was beginning to understand that there was no real need to be embarrassed.

"But," Aisha continued. "I think that's enough for today. You've made great strides in such little time, though what would I expect of Orario's Rabbit Foot," she gathered her wrap and put it back on. "Just remember, there's no need to be so embarrassed around women. If you think we're beautiful that's not a bad thing. And taking pleasure from a woman, whether it's like this or just enjoying her company also isn't a bad thing."

"Right!" Bell said with a nod.

"And don't forget to talk to Achilles. Be honest with him about your feelings. I would be more than happy to continue teaching you, but I want you to want to come. Don't let him, or anyone else for that matter, force you to do something you really don't want. Okay?"

He nodded again, giving her one of his heart-stopping smiles.

"Good. Now, come on, I'm sure the other girls are pissed, especially after hearing me scream like that, but they'll have to suck it up."

Bell, realizing that everyone had heard them almost fainted right then and there.

The two made their way down to the entrance, the girls bombarding both of them with questions and curses, the curses going entirely to Aisha for shutting them out, but both remained silent. Aisha, because she liked knowing she was the only woman who'd seen Bell like that, and Bell because he was far too embarrassed to say anything.

"Done already?" Achilles asked as they returned.

"I figured a preliminary lesson was the best way to start. Learn to float before you swim and all that," Aisha replied.

"I see," Achilles said. He reached into his pocket to pull out payment, but Aisha held up her hand.

"This one's on the house."

Achilles and the other women gave her a surprised look.

"Really? That's generous of you."

"Well, Bell was so wonderful that I couldn't accept payment," she said, snuggling up against the young man who, while embarrassed, clearly enjoyed the affection.

"I see," Achilles said. Naturally he'd heard the cry from earlier, and not necessarily because of his empowered hearing. If that cry had been any indication, they went a lot further than mere attempts at seduction. That would have earned his ire, but Bell seemed alright. If anything he seemed pleased and was taking Aisha's affections far better than Achilles would have expected him to. As such, he was willing to let it go.

"Well, thank you," he continued. "I'm glad everything worked out."

"Quite," she replied. "But now, we have to get ready for tonight and I'm sure you two men have some things we need to do."

"Indeed. Come on, Bell. Let's go home."

Bell parted with Aisha, who quickly gave him a peck on the cheek and whispered.

"Remember what I said."

Bell nodded and followed after Achilles who was now wondering what it was that she had told his young protege.

The two made their way their way out of the red light district, Achilles being smart enough to take a path that wouldn't get them noticed, before stopping Bell.

"Here," he said taking a vial out of his pocket. "Dose yourself with it. It'll negate the smell that seeped into your clothes and hair."

Bell, remembering what happened last time he returned from the red light district, eagerly did as requested and began to scrub himself with the concoction. Achilles did likewise with his own vial as he didn't suspect Hestia would find it agreeable that he had gone to the red light district himself, even if she didn't know Bell had also been with him.

Taking a sniff of himself, Bell, to his joyful surprise, couldn't smell anything on himself, not even sweat.

"Where did you get this, Achilles-san?"

"There's a place in one of Orario's back alleys that gods frequent so they don't get in trouble with their familia for spending time at a brothel. Zeus took me there when I went through my training."

Bell nodded. He then remembered what Aisha had told him and he decided that now was as good as ever.

"Um, Achilles-san, there's something I want to talk to you about."

"Is it what Aisha was reminding you of?"

Bell looked at him surprised.

"I have good hearing remember," Achilles said, tapping his ear. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

Bell fidgeted for a moment, but took a breath and steadied himself.

"Firstly, I just want to say that I really do appreciate all your doing for me and my familia. I know that looking out for a kid like me probably isn't how you want to spend time, but I am grateful. Likewise I truly appreciate that you're not only going to train me, but have also helped bring to light certain things that I was unaware of," he took a breath. "That said, I am the captain of my familia and a level four. I have spent the last few months working on becoming stronger and have survived without your help. Things haven't always gone the way I wanted them to, but I must ask that you treat me with the respect of my rank and not make decisions for me and even against my will!" he finished.

Achilles was taken aback. Out of all the things he expected from Bell, that was not one of them.

Though I suppose I should have. He's right. I'm dragging him along like he's some underling of my familia, not the captain of his own who's done and is capable of my many things on his own.

Achilles smiled.

"You're right. You're absolutely right. I haven't been treating you with the degree of respect you deserve. You have my sincerest apologies," he said, bowing.

"No, it's alright! I should have made myself understood," Bell exclaimed, embarrassed to have the former captain of Zeus familia bowing to him.

"And I should have noticed. No, I shouldn't have been so presumptuous in the first place."

"It's alright. Really. I honestly am honored that you've taken an interest and me, and are willing to help me so much, it's just...I want to decide things for myself."

Achilles nodded.

"As you should. Well, while we're at it, anything else you'd like to ask me?"

Bell thought for a moment and an idea came to his mind. The moment he did he began to fidget again. It was something he was curious about, but he also recognized that it was very private and probably not something Achilles was keen to talk about.

"It's alright, Bell. If it's something I don't want to talk about, I'll be upfront about it."

After a few more seconds, Bell finally asked.

"Why do you hate Freya-sama so much?"

Achilles demeanor instantly changed into something much colder, the sight of which frightened Bell. Seeing that, and not wanting the young man to be scared, he took a deep breath and sighed.

"Let's find a quiet place to talk."

The two made their way through the city, occasionally getting recognized by those they passed, but most recognized that the older man was not in a particularly good mood and so avoided him. Finally they found a quiet area that looked like it used to be a park, but was now overgrown.

The two found a spot and sat down, remaining silent for a moment as Achilles steadied himself for the explanation.

"Bell, have you noticed that, when I talk about our two situations with regards to Freya, I say they're similar, not the same?"

"I hadn't. I suppose I just figured that was natural."

"That's fair enough. But you see, there is an important difference between you and I when it comes to Freya. She wants to claim you. She's already claimed me."

Bell's eyes widened for a moment, before his brow scrunched in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

Achilles paused again, his knuckles turning white as anger and disgust ripped through his body, but nonetheless, he continued.

"It was all the way back before I was captain of Zeus familia. You need to understand, Bell, Freya in extraordinarily beautiful, and I don't just mean physically. She's clever. Determined. She has knowledge about things you can't even imagine. Talking to her is one of the greatest pleasures you can ever have. It's like she's talking directly to your soul. No, it's more like she's singing. Singing to your very being. But above all else, she's mysterious. Her eyes pull you in by presenting you a question you can never put into words, but that you know, deep down in your heart and soul that, if you can find the answer, you'll be apart of something more beautiful and wonderful than you could ever have imagined on your own. It's for all those reasons I fell in love with Freya"

Bell was honestly surprised. He had seen nothing but scorn and hatred from Achilles at the mention of the goddess, yet here he was declaring his love for her.

"Then what happened?"

"You understand Bell, that we mortals and the gods play by different rules, yes?" Bell nodded. "They're immortal and have been around for eons while we, or I suppose I should say, I, have been reincarnated countless times as different people. Freya's had countless lovers before me and will have countless after I'm gone. I knew that. I understood that. Yet, perhaps because I was a bit possessive, I wanted her, just for my lifetime, to myself. So I went to her. I asked her what it would take to earn that. To earn being her one and only so long as I was alive. And she, being Freya told me...shit I can still remember the words exactly. She said, 'Hm. You need to be...more.'"

Achilles laughed.

"As you can imagine that's pretty fucking vague. But I took it to heart. I fought to become stronger. To become faster. Smarter. More. I leveled up again and again. I went on quests others wouldn't dream of. I became captain of my familia. Each time I would go to her and she would just smile and say, 'More'. Finally, came the Great Quests. We beat the Behemoth. Then the Leviathan. I was so excited, I ran to Freya and asked her, when I killed the Dragon, could we be together? Would that be enough?"

Achilles bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.

"She smiled and said, 'That will do.'"

The area fell silent as pain radiated off of Achilles, choking Bell in misery, but he held firm. Not so he could hear the rest of the story, but so he could be there for his fellow captain.

"Well you know how that ended," he said, his fist now so tight that blood seeped between his fingers and his knuckles had burst open causing blood to drip down his hand. "With that disaster, my familia and Hera's were in trouble. We were at risk of banishment. With us weakened, the two most powerful familia were Freya and Loki. Naturally, I ran to Freya. I threw myself at her feet and begged her to save my familia. For, please understand Bell, the one thing I loved more than Freya, was my familia. They were my family, and I wanted to save what was left of it. So I begged. I pleaded. I promised her that, if she protected Zeus and Hera familia until they got back on her feet, that I was hers. No requests and unreservedly. I would be her most loyal adventurer and do everything she asked without question. I'd be hers completely. And…" tears leaked down his face. "You know what she said? She said," Achilles voice changed at this, perfectly mimicking Freya's. "'Why would I do that when I can get rid of them and have you anyway?'"

Achilles looked ready to throw up. He looked like those who want to die look. Like those who hate themselves and want nothing more than to tear themselves apart. Bell wanted to help him, but Achilles wanted to finish.

"It was at that moment that I understood. All the warnings I'd been given. Zeus. Hera. Hephaestus. Everyone had warned me. I wasn't a lover to her. I wasn't even a person. I was a thing. A possession. A toy. Something for her to play with. Years of my life spent to please someone who didn't even thinking of me, as me. As someone. As an entity with wants and desires, hopes and dreams. I was just a thing!" he threw up on the ground. "And do know what's worse than that? One: I'm still in love with her. Probably always will be. And two," the tears were now running down his face without restraint. "I can't stop thinking that, if I hadn't been so obsessed with her that I might still have had my familia."

That was the final straw.

Bell reacted instantly, pulling the older captain into his arms and hugging him tightly.

"That's not true!" he screamed, not even thinking if anyone heard him. "There is no way that's true. You would never do that. You said so yourself, the only thing you loved more than Freya was your familia. Your family. It was not your fault!"

"But I should have-."

"No! You did all you could. By my reckoning, it was because of Freya that you could do so much. Just like me, you were chasing after someone. You wanted so badly to stand by her side that you pushed yourself harder and harder. That does not put you at fault for what happened. If anything, if you hadn't been the captain, I have no doubt that Zeus familia wouldn't have gone as far as it did. You led them to victory against the Behemoth and the Leviathan, saving countless lives, and you are the only person to survive the One-Eyed Black Dragon."

"That was dumb luck."

"I don't believe that. If it was just a matter of luck, more people would be able to say the same. You did not fail your familia. That's the truth, and I want you to say it."

"Bell...I can't."

"No! I want to hear you say it. Loud and clear. We're not leaving until I hear you say it convincingly."

The conviction was startling. Achilles found himself truly struck dumb by the sight of the young man. His eyes unwavering. His face firm, and his strength unyielding. This was not a request. He would not let Achilles go until he said, no, exclaimed to the whole world, the truth.

The tears returned, but they were no longer cold and bitter, but warm and sweet as the power of Bell's soul filled him.

"I'm not to blame," he said quietly.

"Not convinced. Say it again.

"I'm not to blame," Achilles said with a bit more force.

"Not convinced.

"I'm not to blame," this time he sounded almost like he meant it, but it wasn't enough for Bell.

"I said like you mean it!" he demanded.

"I. Am not. To blame!" he cried, finally meaning it as his guilt was brushed aside by the force of Bell's kindness and determination.

"Good," Bell said, content.

They stayed quiet for a while, Achilles slowly coming to the realization that the weight of his guilt no longer seemed to be crushing his heart nor did the sense of failure seem to so totally consume his mind.

"I feel. Light. Lighter than I've felt in years," his eyes turned to Bell and he smiled. "And it's all because of this boy, no, young man, who forced me out of darkness."

"Thank you, Bell. Truly. Thank you for that," he said.

Bell smiled at him.

"Do you feel better?" the young man asked.

Achilles's smile grew as he nodded.

"I do. I bit embarrassed," he added as a dash of red appeared on his cheeks. "But definitely better."

Bell's smile grew.

"We captains have got to stick together."

The two shared a small laugh.

"Where do they make kids like you?" Achilles asked.

"Probably in the same place they make people like you," Bell countered.

"No. No, you're far greater than I am Bell, that's a fact. In all honesty I'm a bit jealous of your parents, having such a great son."

"Well, I can't really remember them. I have a vague image of my mother in my mind, but I don't remember anything about my father."

"What do you remember of your mother?"

"Only that she used to stroke my hair while my head was in her lap and," he blushed. "That Aiz looks like her."

"Really?" Bell nodded. "Hm. Well, there is that old saying, men marry women like their mothers, and women marry men like their fathers, so I guess that makes sense. Still, I wish I had a son like you."

"You do?"

Achilles turned to him.

"Of course. You're an amazing kid, Bell. If anything I'd feel like I wasn't worthy enough to be your father."

Bell didn't know what to say. He'd gone his whole life without a father, the closest thing he had being his grandfather, and here he was now, in a way, being offered one from someone he looked up to. It was a bit much to take in.

"I-I'd be honored if I had a father like you."

Achilles paused. Looking at Bell, he saw that, behind his embarrassment, was complete honesty, the sight of which caused a warmth to bloom in his heart.

"Well I'll be."

A smile burst on his face.

"Come on kiddo, let's go home."

Bell smiled.

"Right!"

Up in the Tower of Babel, a certain goddess watched two mortals in the city below, her body wracked with immeasurable pleasure and a face covered in euphoria.

"Oh~. You two are almost too much to bear," she reached out to them, caressing their image. "I've never had a father-son pair before. I can hardly wait."