AN2: Hi everyone, thanks for sticking with the story. I appreciate your time. I wanted to clarify the setting. First, this is a KiritoxSinon story, so other shippers... read at your own risk. I don't hate Asuna or anything, just wanted to explore possibilities and "what ifs" scenarios that I had while watching GGO. This story takes place before the BoB tournament, but after Sinon met Kirito already. I later realized that not much time has passed between the prelims and the actual tournament, so please overlook that transgression! Also, I know that not everyone likes script writing, but my story is dialogue driven, so this was the best way for me to express it. I never read the LNs either, so everything is my own spin on the story with some help from Wikia for the technical stuff. In short, just have fun, relax, and go easy on me if I overlook something. Thanks again!

AN: Hello there! This is my first SAO story; I hope you enjoy it. Here is a sort of legend: italicized text is narrated; dialogue will have character's first initial; (text like this means the character is doing something); and regular text is from Sinon's POV always.

(Shino lays in bed and contemplates her feelings about herself and Kirito)

My name is Sinon, or rather, Asada Shino. I live a fake life. It is only in VRMMOs that I am truly alive. I started playing these games as a way to regain control of my life. Not a single day passes by that I don't remember that incident and what I've done. Sometimes when I look at my bare hands, I can still see and smell the blood of that man. I am nothing more than a killer. (Gasps)

Right now it is 3:31am. I have school tomorrow, but for some reason I can't fall asleep. I keep thinking of that one person. I keep seeing his devious grin and mischievous eyes in my head. He pisses me off so much. He shouldn't even be in Gun Gale Online. But no, he just waltzed in and I was fooled. I let my guard down because I thought he reminded me of myself when I started GGO. No one reached out a helping hand to me. I wanted to make a difference and help him.

Even though he makes my blood boil, I know I'm only fooling myself when I say I don't feel anything else. It has been a long time since I've opened up to anyone. When I'm around him, I feel an odd sense of security. I feel like we are more similar than we think. I wonder if he thinks the same way towards me. I wonder what he sees when he looks at me. Does he see an Icy Cold Sniper like everyone else? Or does he see me for who I truly am - a weakling who bit off more than she can chew? And why do I care so much anyways? It's not like I actually care about what he thinks...right?

Suddenly I notice how cold the room is. I barely have any fat to keep myself warm. I should probably get another blanket.

(Shino goes to her closet, but makes a turn for the bathroom. She looks at her face and takes off her tank top)

Look at me. Who could ever love someone like me? (Cupping her breasts) When did these grow so much...? It's like my body is changing much faster than I can keep up with. I'm afraid my mind will never be able to keep up. (Sneezes) I guess it's time for some sleep.

I'll try again tomorrow.