Not much to say. I mean, I posted the last chapter only a few hours ago. So yea. Enjoy

I turned my head at the voices and recognized some party members from weeks ago. "Hey," I waved to them with an uncomfortable smile. They want me to be their mascot, just like everyone else. We exchanged pleasantries and they were kind, but I didn't miss how they eyed the guy I was walking with. Was I still holding his hand? Oops. Too late now.

As the expected request for me to join their party came, I did my best to politely decline, "sorry but I'm partying with this person for a while." I squeezed Kirito's hand out of nervousness and smiled at the disappointed boys.

Now blatant in their cursing looks, they walked towards Kirito almost bumping chests, looking for a fight. "Listen pal, we had an eye on Silica for a while. Looking at your equipment and the fact that you've just gotten here, I'll warn you, back off or something unpleasant might happen."

I watched Kirito unsure what he would do. I knew he was strong, but if these guys were that desperate… I stared blankly as I mentally pictured a team of players surrounding and killing him. I squeezed his hand again, more for my sake than his. "Well, I didn't mean to step on any toes. This kind of just happened. I didn't come here to party with her,,," His words astounded me. He didn't even mention how he saved me. Anyone else would have bragged about how they earned my right to party with them with that tale alone, and here he just looked embarrassed. Was he in this party reluctantly? Did he just pity me or something?

Biting my tongue for the time being, I apologized to the other boys again before pulling his hand away from the crowd to a more secluded street that could pass for an alley. Looking around I saw we were alone and rested against the wall, still not letting go of him. He simply stood next to me like nothing bothered him. He doesn't care at all does he…

I finally let go of his hand which earned me another puzzled expression of his. Standing in front of him so he was literally backed up against the wall, I started reveal what I was thinking, "do you pity me? Is that it? It's almost like you don't even care if were partied together or not. I've never exposed myself to anyone like I did in the woods. I know, I'm pathetic all right?" Tears were starting to form again. Damn SAO and its expression magnification. "Those guys don't even care about my fighting or stats or who I am inside. To them, I'm just the mascot to rally around, the feeble and incompetent girl that they have to be white knights to protect." I began to cry as I yelled my frustrations at the only honestly sweet guy I had yet to meet. "So if you're with me to satisfy some weird desire because I'm well known or because you have some hidden agenda where it involves my death and your profit, then please, just leave me alone…" The last words came out in whisper.

Looking at his anguished eyes, I gasped at my own heartlessness. He looked towards the ground liked a whipped animal. My heart trembled at this. I can't believe I just did that. I was so cruel and all he did is save my life, give me free equipment, and offer to help bring my friend back to life. I'm a terrible person.

Tears flowing harder now, I turned and sped off. I'm so stupid. So stupid… Not caring who was looking, I ended up at the edge of town and sat down against a wall facing the forest. I pulled my knees up to my chest, buried my head in them, and stayed there, silently sniveling. I should have died in the forest. Why did he save me anyway? I'm just too selfish and big headed.

"I'm sorry Kirito… that you bothered to save me," I said to no one in particular.

"You have no idea who I am, do you Silica?" a voice next to me queried.

I looked to the right and there he was, less than a foot from me, leaning against the wall no different than how he was a minute ago. Startled, I jumped and squealed slightly. What the heck? When did he get there?

"H… How did you f… find me?" I stuttered. I knew I had high agility stats because it was needed for using such a close and personal weapon. Also, how did he make absolutely no noise?

"You forgot to disband the party. You can see it on the map. Besides, it's easier to catch up when you run across the roofs instead of having to make a lot of turns," he stated like it was nothing. He ran across roofs, just to find me? "You can always leave and find a new party to take you to floor forty-seven. I won't be insulted."

I broke a small chuckle out at the thought of him walking across thin tiles like a cat.

"No, I don't." I stated flatly. He looked at me confused at my answer to his question. "I don't know who you are," I explained.

"Oh," he breathed, "refreshing." He sat down next to me and looked into my eyes eerily but offered no further explanation. That's it? What was the point of asking then? "I don't by the way." He doesn't? He doesn't what? Know me? "I don't have some hidden desire and my agenda will never put you in harm's way. I promise."

He hesitantly put an arm around me and pulled me to rest against his shoulder. "Now, you are distressed. Let me treat you to something tasty and then we'll find somewhere to bunk for the night. Now, where would you like to dine?"

"Hm… There's an inn that has great cheesecake. We can eat and sleep there. Two birds and all." I smiled again, my troubles pushed back as the thought of cheesecake with him filled my head.

"Sounds good to me," he stated while standing up and reaching his hand down for mine. I tentatively grabbed it and he helped me up, not letting go once I was on my feet. We started walking in the same fashion as we had earlier, holding hands and me clutching his elbow.

After all that he can still hold my hand and be nice to me. "Hey, Kirito… Um…" I wasn't sure how to ask but I had to or it would eat up my insides. "Aren't you mad about what I said? That I took all my anger out on you? That I accused you of such things when you were just being nice?..." He looked at me surprised by the question. Maybe he thought that the matter was settled. "Sorry, never mind. I'll leave you to your thoughts," I forced out.

Shaking his head with a smile, he spoke, "no. Of course I'm not mad. You were vulnerable and needed someone to vent to. Besides, it's the nicest thing I've heard all week," he said with a chuckle like it was his own private joke. I didn't see what was so funny though. It's kind of sad to see it that way… "Oh yea, and never be sorry that someone saved another life, especially yours. Your life is valuable and you should treasure the person you are. Understood?"

Hearing these words made my insides jump. I guess there's at least one honestly good guy out there. Tearing up slightly, I wiped my eyes and smiled. That was, until I heard a sickeningly sweet voice behind me, "Oh Silicaaaa."

HO-LEE Shit that got away from me. I planned them to run in to the guys then go get cheesecake. Simple, right out of the book/anime. Well this was more interesting anyway XD

Please tell me what you think about this turn of events and if I made them wildly OOC.

Next chapter soon. I can't get enough of writing this story. Within next day or so. For now, All my love

-Furr