Technoblade in danmachi

Chapter 8: Confessions Beneath the Forge

The soft glow of the forge illuminated the room as Technoblade—still wearing his Netherite armor—entered Hephaestus' workshop. The goddess of the forge was already there, her red hair tied back as she inspected a new weapon on her anvil. Her crimson eye flicked to him briefly before focusing back on her work, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.

"Back so soon, Bell?" she teased, gesturing for him to enter. "Didn't think I'd see you until your armor took some real damage."

Technoblade smirked, removing his helmet and setting it down on a nearby table. "The armor's fine. I just thought I'd check in. It seemed polite, considering everything you've done for me."

Hephaestus chuckled softly. "Polite, huh? Well, it's good to see you."

As he approached, the room seemed quieter than usual. There was a tension in the air, something unspoken but palpable. Hephaestus' movements were slower, more deliberate, as if she were trying to steady herself.

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A Confession by the Flames

After a few moments of silence, Hephaestus set down her tools and leaned against the anvil, crossing her arms. "Bell, there's something I've been meaning to say."

Technoblade tilted his head, curious. "What's on your mind?"

The goddess hesitated, her gaze dropping to the glowing coals of the forge. "I've lived for centuries, surrounded by fire and metal. I've seen countless adventurers come and go. But you... you're different."

He raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"

"You have this aura about you—confidence, skill, determination. It's like you've already fought countless battles, and yet you carry yourself with humility." She met his gaze, her crimson eye softening. "At first, I thought I admired you as a craftsman. Watching you forge that Netherite armor, I saw a spark in you that reminded me of why I love the forge. But... it's more than that. I've come to realize I care about you, Bell. Deeply."

Technoblade froze. The straightforward confession caught him off guard. In his past life, love had always taken a backseat to his ambitions and battles. He'd never allowed himself to think about it.

"I don't know what to say," he admitted after a moment.

Hephaestus smiled faintly, stepping closer. "I don't expect an answer right away. I just needed to tell you how I feel. You deserve to know."

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Hestia's Entrance

Before Technoblade could respond, the door to the workshop creaked open, and Hestia stepped inside. Her usual cheerful expression faltered as she saw the two of them standing so close, the air between them charged with emotion.

"Bell?" Hestia's voice was hesitant, her wide blue eyes darting between him and Hephaestus.

Technoblade turned, his expression unreadable. "Hestia... I didn't know you were here."

Hestia stepped further into the room, her small hands clenched at her sides. "I was looking for you. I didn't mean to interrupt."

Hephaestus straightened, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. "Hestia... I didn't mean for you to find out this way."

"Find out what?" Hestia's voice trembled slightly, though she tried to keep it steady.

The goddess of the forge sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "I just told Bell how I feel about him."

Hestia's heart sank. She'd always known Hephaestus as a kind and supportive friend, but hearing this confession ignited a storm of emotions within her.

"I see," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Technoblade stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Hestia, I—"

"I know, Bell," she interrupted, forcing a smile. "You don't have to explain. I already know how amazing you are. It's no wonder Hephaestus feels the same way."

Hephaestus frowned, stepping closer to her friend. "Hestia, don't do this. I know how you feel about him, too. This isn't a competition."

Hestia looked up, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I don't want to lose either of you. Bell means everything to me, but so does our friendship, Hephaestus. I don't know what to do."

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Technoblade's Choice

Technoblade took a deep breath, his mind racing. He wasn't accustomed to dealing with matters of the heart, but he couldn't let this rift grow between them.

"You don't have to choose," he said, his voice steady.

Both goddesses looked at him in surprise.

"I care about both of you," he continued. "You've both been there for me in your own ways. I don't think it's fair to dismiss either of you. So, if you're willing... I'd like to figure this out together."

Hephaestus blinked, her cheeks reddening slightly. "Are you saying...?"

"I'm saying I'm open to this... unconventional arrangement," Technoblade said, his tone as straightforward as ever.

Hestia's face lit up with a mix of relief and embarrassment. "Bell, you're really okay with this?"

Technoblade nodded. "I don't know much about love or relationships, but I do know I don't want to hurt either of you. If this is something we can all agree on, then I'm willing to try."

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A Tentative Agreement

The room was silent for a moment before Hephaestus let out a small laugh. "You really are something, Bell Cranel. Most men would run for the hills in this situation."

Hestia giggled nervously. "That's our Bell. Always full of surprises."

Technoblade shrugged. "I've faced dragons and monsters. How hard could this be?"

Both goddesses rolled their eyes, but there was a warmth in their smiles.

As the forge's flames crackled softly in the background, the three of them reached an unspoken understanding. It wouldn't be easy, but they were willing to navigate this path together.