AN: Thanks for reading; I appreciate the reviews, favs, follows, etc. If you have speculation or any suggestions feel free to comment. Fair warning: new chapter has a lot of canon fluff. 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.

(Kirito sits at a cafe and waits for his precious date to show up)

(Asuna stands a few feet behind him, and takes a deep breath)

A: "Sorry to keep you waiting! I'm here now, Kirito."

K: "How many times do I have to remind you? It's Kazuto here."

A: "Tee hee, but I got used to calling you that."

K: "What took you so long, Asuna?"

(Asuna sits down across from Kirito, her face looking down at something)

A: "Sorry~ Mother wanted me to get ready for something."

K: "Hmm okay. Anything I can do to help?"

A: "No it's okay. Thank you! What's good to eat here?"

K: "Umm... I'm not sure."

A: "Oh. Why'd you choose this place then?"

K: "..."

A: "What?"

K: "Food in this restaurant is actually based off of games."

A: "So... We are not eating real food?"

K: "No, we are."

(Asuna looks confused)

K: "Rumor has it that they can make awesome desserts."

A: "Okay, then what's so different compared to other cafes?"

K: "I was finally able to save up some money to treat you out. They can make desserts based off of food from any game, including Ragout Rabbit."

A: "Meat...dessert?"

K: "I wanted to do something special since it's been 3 years since I found you in that labyrinth."

A: "Wow! You remembered? You're a few days late though...And that's nothing to celebrate! I was fatigued!"

K: "No, we're not celebrating that! We're celebrating the day we met!"

A: "But meat dessert?!"

K: "..."

(Asuna smiles)

K: "We could always do something else if you don't want to try 'meat dessert.'"

A: "You're really sweet."

K: "That's because I love you so much."

A: "..."

K: "Hmmm?"

A: "I-I l-love you-you too, Kazuto."

K: "You called me by my real name. You're also blushing."

A: (pouting) "Don't be so blunt!"

(Kirito orders some dessert shaped like Ragout Rabbit for Asuna to try)

A: "You know, this is almost too cute to eat."

K: "Never stopped us before. If you know... what I mean."

(Kirito's face suddenly flushes red)

A: "Oh my, now look who's blushing."

(They proceed to bicker and laugh at each other, but Kirito notices Asuna seems a bit distant by her responses)

K: "Asuna, what did your mother want you to do earlier?"

A: "Huh? Oh some company stuff."

K: "Is she trying to control your life again?"

A: "As always."

K: "And whatever you're doing for her is within your capabilities?"

A: "More or less."

K: "Is it alright if you divulge some information to me? Or is it company policy?"

A: "Company policy."

K: "Oh. Alright."

A: "I'm sorry, Kirito."

K: "Don't be, I know you have your reasons."

A: "But I, really, wanted to tell you. I was and I will tell you. You deserve to know."

K: "Hey, I understand how this stuff works. There's a lot on the line for you and your family. So don't worry."

(Asuna starts shifting in her seat. She keeps fidgeting with her hands and tries to do something)

K: "Really, stop fidgeting. I won't push it any longer."

(Tears flow down Asuna's face)

K: "Are you okay?! Did I say something wrong?"

A: "No, it's nothing...really..."

(Kirito takes her hand and holds it tightly)

(He suddenly notices a small metal object on her hand. He hadn't noticed it before since she kept shifting in her seat)

K: "What's this?"

(Asuna grabs her hand away and tries to hide it)

A: "It's...nothing."

(Kirito refuses to let go)

K: "You can tell me."