Real quick before it starts, sections in italics will be used to show flashbacks or alterations in the canonical timeline. Furthermore, this story hinges on the premise that Asuna couldn't get past her frustration and just lay down on the grass when invited to, which is what she attributes to the first time she started feeling something for Kirito. Don't believe me? Go listen to what she tells Nashida just before they teleport back to Grandzam.

Also, it's just a story. Honestly. Please read and review and send me your thoughts. I plan on it being a five parter, but who knows? Also, leave your vote to keep this light fluff or to add some fluffy lemon or not.

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"If you'd just lay down on the grass, you'd understand." the black-clad swordsman said, yawning and shutting his eyes again.

"You're impossible," huffed Asuna before turning and storming off.

"Your loss," thought Kirito sleepily before he drfted back into his doze.

"You should really tell Asuna what you just said." I mumbled, trying to sound cheery.

"Lisbeth, I…"

"Kirito, promise me something? Promise me you'll put an end to this world."

His silence made me turn to him, and I saw the conflict in his face.

"What is it?" I was worried I had insulted him.

"I swear, I will beat the game," he said, looking away for a moment. "I'll make sure we all get back to the real world."

"Till then, you're always welcome in my shop, Kirito!" I said with a forced grin.

He took a step forward, his eyes locked onto mine.

"About what I said," he started, rubbing the back of his head, and I felt my heartbeat increase as the distance between us closed.

"Lis, I meant what I said about wanting to live, about being glad to be alive again. It wasn't that I had merely managed to save a party member, it was more than that."

He was so close, close enough to touch. The rest of Aincrad seemed to fade, becoming washed out and muted compared to the vibrant color around him. I felt my cheeks burn as he took my hands.

"I truly felt alive in that cave with you. For the first time since…" his voice broke for a second, his grip wavering. I squeezed his hand as he took a deep breath.

"I haven't felt like that for a long time," he finished. His face lost it's dark cast, breaking into a small smile. "I finally felt like living for more than just avoiding death."

He pulled me into an embrace, causing a full force blush to creep up my neck as my heart began to race.

"Thank you, Lisbeth," he whispered. "Thank you for giving me a reason to live again."

I was shaking as I returned the hug. Did this mean…was this…

"I think I'll take your offer to be my exclusive smith. In fact," he said, eyes twinkling. "How about I show you something I haven't shown anyone before?"

I cocked an eyebrow at him. "What do you mean?" I asked in a guarded voice.

"You asked me why I wanted another sword equal to or better than what I had," he said, pulling up his menu. A few button presses later and the Dark Repulser appeared over his left shoulder.

I frowned at him as I waited for whatever his explanation was when it hit me.

The sword I forged was slung behind his left shoulder, but his Elucidator was still equipped, hilt standing behind his right shoulder. I stared as he looked around before drawing both and powering up a sword skill with both swords!

"What in…how are you doing that?" I asked.

He quickly sheathed the swords and unequipped Dark Repulser. "A couple weeks ago, I was checking my skills and I saw a new one listed; Dual Wielding. As near as I can tell, it's a unique skill, not listed anywhere on the info brokers lists." He blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I hope you'll keep this between us. I don't want it getting out until it absolutely has to."

I smiled. "That's why you wanted an equal sword," I said. "You didn't want to pair your Elucidator with a lesser quality blade; its durability would never stand up to whatever you had to put it against if you used them in tandem."

He was still looking at the ground as I walked up to him. I reached up and cupped his chin, turning his face towards mine.

"Thank you," I said, smiling. "For sharing that with me. For trusting me with that information."

He stared at me for a second, and I thought I saw a flash in his eyes and a hint of red on his cheeks before he turned away.

"Well, if not you then who else?"

"I thought Asuna…"

"Asuna and I never really get along," he said, turning back to me. "She's calculating and a great battlefield leader, but she's so focused on clearing the game that she isn't willing to take time and live. She's convinced that for every day we're in here is a lost day IRL. But she respects me, and that's why she recommended you."

My heart soared, but I pushed it down before speaking. "Then that's why she seemed confused when I told her you were a keeper," I whispered.

He laughed. "I'm not a keeper. Most players won't stand me if it weren't for the added help on the front lines I provide. She probably is still at your shop stuttering in confusion."

My courage grew again, and before I knew it, the warmth of his hand was encompassing mine again. "Kirito, I…"

He raised an eyebrow at me, letting me set the pace.

"Kirito," I shut my eyes and ignored the burning in my cheeks. "Kirito, I love you."

He looked at me with a surprised look on his face, but I had gone too far.

"I want to be more than just your smith, I want to get to know you more!" I said, the words bubbling forth. "That night was more than just an adventure, it was exhilarating!"

Rubbing my thumb along his, I continued. "The warmth of your hand, it was the first real experience I've had since this game started. I thought you were an annoyance and a vagabond when you first came into my shop, but now…"

I smiled and threw my arms around him. "I hope you feel the same. But I feel better letting you know."

I felt his arms close around me, enveloping me in warmth.

"Lisbeth, why do you think I came looking for you?"

Over the next few months, I came to see the Black Swordsman in my shop quite a bit.

And always with a repair order, to my slight annoyance. Honestly, I know he's a solo player but he could be a little more careful with his gear. One of these days he's going to push too hard and break one of his swords and for his sake, he'd better hope it's not mine.

Of course, he never just turns around and leaves after I work on his gear. He always sticks around for a few days and spends time with me. We've even had picnics on the 47th floor, surrounded by flowers and other couples.

Needless to say, we have to buy our picnics. Neither of us have very high cooking skills, though I'm working on it with Asuna's occasional help. When she found out about the two of us, she was happy for me.

"Good job, Liz," she whispered to me as she hugged me. "He's a keeper."

I just laughed, remembering saying that to her when I thought they were an item by mistake.

Today, we sat amid the gardens staring out at the sun as it set, my head nestled squarely into his chest, his arm wrapped around me.

Keeping me warm, as always.

End part one.