I do not own sword art online this is a fanfiction and not for profit.

Snow Storm.

chapter 4

The cold wind of winter rushed passed the pair of teens, as the engine of the bike roars with a hunger to eat up the miles, on the highway to Kawagoe. The way the bike leant into the corners bringing the ground close enough to touch. Then with every twist of the throttle the engine emits a high pitched roar and vibration that catapults them down the road. The wind rushes past as the traffic turns into a bluer of colour. Making their way to a roundabout the bike leans over so a small shower of sparks are left in the wake as his titanium knee guard scraped the Tarmac. This is why I love being on a bike. Shino thought and why I am going to get my licence. This feeling of freedom and exhilaration, I thought it only existed in the virtual world.

Kazuto was finally going home. Shino sat behind him her warmth the only thing that made this ride tolerable. It was the end of his week, which his Aunt had permited him to stay at Shino's apartment. As he confidently weaved his way through the traffic, his mind wondered back to the last few day of that stay.

0000

The next morning they were sat on Shino's bed. After a morning walk and some hot chocolate, Kauzto got ready to dive into ALO so he could visit his daughter Yui. yesterday, Shino had called him a bastard for neglecting his daughter and as much as he disliked name calling, she was right. He had been a bastard, relying on his friends Liz, Silica and his sister Sugu to look after Yui for him. All because of his petty mindedness, in his attempts to not remind himself of her or what happened in the end.

Looking at him with her doe brown eyes, Shino gave Kazuto a small smile. "You ready?"

"Yes." Was the short if somewhat exasperated reply.

"Look Kazuto. I called Liz last night, she and Yui, have cleared out and boxed most of Asuna-san's things for you. It will be fine, now you are going… or do you want to see me in a bad mood with you again?"

Suddenly looking a bit startled and a little fearful, Kazuto nodded a hasty reply, pulling the Amusphere on his head. "Yes I'm doing it."

Kazuto was all too familiar with Shino's turn in tempers. Especially in the way that he could rub her up the wrong way in the blink of an eye, or in her own words. "Kazuto... I have never known anyone that can piss me off, as much as you can." This would normally lead to him, getting a swift punch in the ribs, or in the VR world, shot with something pointy, painful and usually on fire.

But strangely it was this trait that she had. That led to his admiration for her, the way she would take his shenanigans and practical jokes and not put up with them. Whilst still having the ability, to returning the same sort of wind ups and jokes, some of which were filled with innuendo. No other person had ever done this with him and if truth be told, he loved her for it.

Laying down Kazuto softly spoke "Thank you Shino I'll see you in a few hours."

Standing up she bowed slightly and flashed him a genuinely happy smile. "It's not a problem… now go see your daughter."

Closing his eyes, he gave the voice command to the Amusphere. "LINK START." Kazuto felt the familiar feeling of vertigo, as his brain functions transferred from his body to the Game-system. The bright shafts of colour and light assaulted his vision, followed by the system self-test, giving him the green circles of OK letting him know all was well and working as it should. Last was the system log in screen that showed Shino's log in details.

It was at this point that a mischievous thought crossed Kazuto's mind. Shino had left her password details in the login box. He was tempted to log in as Sinon the archer and just get her avatar into all sorts of situations. Then a makeover, such as changing her hair to a bright hot pink, a colour that he knew she despised. However his sense of decency, soon shrugged of that train of thought, as he thought about the repercussions of such an action and that he was here to see Yui.

Finally he entered his details and logged.

0000

New Aincrad 22nd floor

When Kirito's vision cleared he found himself in the last place he logged out. He was in his home on the twenty-second floor, laid on his daughters bed where he had fallen asleep last with Yui.

Looking around the quiet room that belonged to the little navigation pixie, He let out a sigh. The room for the most part was fairly spartin its bare wood walls save for some art and a poster of a ginger tabby kitten, and some scattered toys, gave the room the feeling of a child's room.

Finally he called out. "Yui are you here." Kirito was expecting her to appear but nothing. Yui could sense whenever he or Asuna had logged in and would normally jump into his or her arms within seconds.

But this time nothing, until a voice called out to him. "Who's there?"

It was not Yui's voice that he heard, but that of the Gnome blacksmith Lisabeth. Getting off the bed, he made his way down the stairs, to find Liz and Yui sitting at the kitchen table playing cards and drinking tea.

"KIRITO" Liz shouted out surprised to see him.

"PAPPA" Yui shouted in glee as she dove into his arms. "Its strange the system says you are Aunt Sinon... Yet I know it's you?"

Holding the little girl dressed in a white summer dress close, he softly spoke to her. "I had to borrow Sinon's equipment, as I've not been home in a few days." Removing his cheek from Yui's he planted a small kiss on her forehead, that made her beam him a smile. "I must apologise to you Yui, as I have not come to see you lately... Its just that I needed to clear my head."

The little girls eyes twinkled her smile broadening. "It is ok Papa I know it has been hard on you. I do understand your feelings and share in them. I am an MHC (mental health counselling) program after all"

Kirito knew that sometimes Yui can seem a little unfeeling, but that was down to her being a young top down AI. He also knew that she missed her mama, as much as he did.

Shrugging off his thoughts he held the little girls gaze. "So what have you been doing since I have been gone?"

Without a second thought she announced. "Aunty Liz has been teaching me to play games."

Kirito looked over to Liz. Only to see her face turn from one of happiness to one of horror. "What games?" He inquired, drawing out the last word. although he suspected what ones. As he looked at the deck of cards with a hand face up, displaying a royal flush.

Gleefully Yui answered her papa's question. "Poker, black jack, this really really fun game with little balls called Pachinko. Aunt Lisabeth tells me I'm really good and I should go somewhere called…"

Flapping her arms in full panic Liz called out. "Yui! That's enough little one. er… it's not what you think Kirito-kun." She nervously laughed having been exposed in her little idea.

At this moment Kirito was trying his best not to burst out in a fit of laughter. If it was not for the fact that when he was Kirito he enjoyed the casinos now and then… Well probably more than he would like to admit, he would have been seriously pissed off.

Through a straining gut that was fit to burst, Kirito looked at Liz. Her red shameful face not daring to look him in the eye. "Liz… just what are you teaching my daughter?"

Liz looked up at him, her mouth flopping open and closed as words and thoughts abandoned her. Her face a deep crimson red and her hands awkwardly fidgeting with the hem that ran up the sides of her dress. "I… Was… well it's like this…"

The pure look of panic was just too much for Kirito to take, as he erupted in a loud laughter. The tears forming in the corners of his eyes, as his ability to contain himself finally gave out. "Liz if it was not for the fact I had thought of that first… I would be so angry at you. But the answer is no. A casino is no place for a young girl."

Embarrassment turned to shock, as Liz's expression changed from one of surprise to one of anger to one of acceptance. "You're right I suppose Kirito-kun" came the exasperated reply as she thought. Damn it another get rich quick scam gone.

But Kirito was right. It was a bit of exploiting Yui and her talents, especially the one where she could count the cards, so well that she could 99.9% of the time guess the next card correctly.

Changing the subject Liz broached the subject. "Where are you in the real world? I have been trying to get a hold of you?"

"I have been staying at Shino's apartment."

Liz looked him up and down. "Really? Why?"

Kirito knew Liz had a crush on him, same with Silica, he was not dense to the fact… Only he was blinded by a certain girl with auburn hair, that he did at the time only have eyes for. Then there was the biggest shocker his sister Sugu had a crush on him too. Hell there was even one time that he would rather forget. A time that Kline came onto him granted he was using the M9000 avitar at the time. Not bad he thought. Considering I was a lock in, social outcast gamer a few short years ago, even if some of this is a little on the strange side. I'm just not into incest or men…

"Well?" A voice broke him out of his thoughts he looked back up to see Liz over Yui's shoulder.

"I needed someone to talk to and she understands about these things." He was not sure if this was the right reply, but it would do for now.

Looking down then back up Liz took in a deep breath. "You're getting close to her aren't you?"

"Asada-san is my best friend. I have been quite close since we met a few months ago and you know why that is… we kind of have something in common."

Kirito did not say exactly what that was, but Liz knew it was because they had both been forced to kill. Changing the subject quickly Liz beamed a smile at father and daughter alike. "So what do you two want to eat… My treat just doesn't ask me to cook. I may be able to make any weapon you could ever need or dream off… but cooking kind of eludes me."

0000

The sound of her watch chiming brought Shino out of her daze, she found herself looked at Kazuto's face. All the while She was quietly pondering, about what he must be doing, as well as admiring his look of innocents, as he dove into the virtual world, it was the same sort of look that he had when he slept. She looked at her watch and sighed, it had been an hour already and even though he was in front of her, she already missed him.

It was strange she thought on one hand I love every bit of him yet on the other I have never known anyone that can annoy me so much.

Allowing herself the briefest of smiles she fixed her glasses that had slipped down her nose, then got up and headed to the kitchen to fix some tea. Kazuto will be gone for a few hours, so I suppose I best do something for evening meal, then catch up on my housework and homework, were her thoughts, as she ordered her chores in her mind.

Shino had been living alone for so long, that it was a strange feeling having someone around so much. Granted he had not been much company, but that was understandable given current events.

It was more a feeling of completeness that she got from having him here. Even sleeping in the same bed, or holding him close and savouring his warmth as he nuzzled into her. Or the small pleasure she got from his head in her bust, covered by the thin cotton of her nightwear.

As these thoughts crossed her mind her face reddened. "I'm sixteen I should not be thinking such perverted thoughts." She mumble,d as she pulled out the vacuum cleaner. Not that I would be opposed to that, with him, just not yet. Again she felt the warmth in her face and shook the thoughts away. Sighing loudly Shino carried on with her chores.

As Shino worked, she thought more about him and what she wanted. It was true that she trusted him explicitly. He never judged her, even when she revealed her darkest secrets. Kazuto had even helped her come to terms with and the ability to live with what she had done, in the post office all those years ago.

At that moment she blurted out. "I think that, I do love him and I want him." stopping her work she cocked her head at the small outburst, a little confused. She would normally not do that, if she had to say something it was usually straight to the point with no wasted words.

Then it happened. She giggled a little as yet another perverted thought crossed her mind. Maybe one day I can be something more than just his friend.

0000

New Aincrad 22nd floor

It had been a good day with his daughter and Liz. They had gone to Aarun for some time to get something to eat and played a game of tag in the fields outside the home in the woods home. but like all good things the day needed to end.

Lisabeth had left a few hours ago, acting a bit strange. But considering she had been busted about the gambling thing, it was probably understandable. Her last words and actions to him before logging out, were to kiss him on the cheek then in a soft voice. "Kirito… Don't be a stranger I am your friend too you know. Also don't take your eyes off that kid I'm sure she cheats at cards."

Before he could say anything else to her she logged out, but he still said it anyway filling the silence. "Thank you Liz for everything, see you in school."

Yui was looking at her papa, as he spoke wondering what to say to him. She knew that Liz loved him deeply, how could she not she was programmed to know if someone was lying and to know what their emotional state was. It was why she could not trust her alone with her papa.

But on the other side of that, she also knew that Kirito her Papa did not feel the same way. Love she thought it is the strangest of human feelings. One that was truly out of her grasp for now anyway.

"Papa what do you think of mamma."

It was a question he knew she would ask and one that he feared. "I loved her very much and now I miss her just as much." It was an honest answer if not the most direct.

Her only conclusion on the matter was that she could feel a sense of loss for her mother. It was that sense of loss that made her think that is what it is to truly love. This is what broke her ceramic heart when she was told of what happened to her mamma. A sense of loss.

"Ok papa. but what of you now? I know you have thoughts of another?"

This question was even more of a shock. But then as he thought about it… it should not be Yui could and does monitor my data. It was something he allowed her to do as much as she liked. "Yui I am not going to lie to you but yes I am thinking of another girl... one that is very special to me."

"Would she make Papa happy again?"

"I believe she can."

Yui smiled and sat on Kirito's lap. "Then tell aunt Sinon, good luck for me."

Kiritos eyes widened, as he was not sure heard his daughter correctly. How did she know about Shino? "Yui what makes you think it is Sinon?"

"Papa I'm not stupid…" she chastised then hugged him close placing her head on his shoulder. "She is the next logical choice I like aunt Sinon you two have always been close. In some respects closer than mama… I know you loved mama with all your heart and always will… but you should not be lonely papa."

Looking down at his daughter in wondered he tried hard to think what to say to her and that statement. "Yui… I… I…"

"It's ok papa so long as she makes you happy its ok." She beamed back at him then yawned "I'm sleepy. May I sleep with you until you logout."

"Yes." picking up Yui in her human form Kirito carried her up to her bed laying her down then lying next to her and pulling over the blanket he kissed her forehead "Good night Yui-chan. I'll be back soon."

With heavy eyes she snuggled up to her father. "Good night Papa."

After five minutes a chime sounded as Kazuto logged off sure that Yui was sleeping. Yui however was not. she smiled a little as she thought about her father, then spoke again to his empty avatar. "She'll make you happy again papa, just you see… Aunt Sinon will make you happy again."

0000

Kazuto walked into the main living area to find Shino sitting curled up asleep on the sofa. She was wrapped in a blanket a book open on her lap, the soft light from a table lamp highlighting her perfectly. It was late he had been in full dive far longer than he thought he would be.

Looking at the sight, his cuteness meter buried itself in to the red a thought crossed his mind I have never seen something so angelic before.

Looking over the room he found the food she had left out for him and quickly ate it. Then moved back over to Shino's sleeping form.

Gently Kazuto picked her cheek to wake her a little. The soft brown eyes opened half asleep as her fuzzy brain registered the finger on her face. "mmmm." came the little sound from her. "Hi you're back?"

Smiling as he spoke, he suddenly thought. She does make me happy. "Yeah I'm back I had the food you left out for me thankyou."

"I'm Glad you liked it."

The next thing her half asleep self registered. Was Kazuto picking her up into a princess carry, her arms instinctively reaching around his neck to steady and support the carry. "What are you doing?"

"It is late and it's bed time." Was his reply, as he turned and waked them off towards the bedroom.

Laying her down on the futon she moved over to onside facing towards him, waiting for him to get in so she could stroke his hair and hum the comforting melody to him again. Only this time she was surprised when he asked her to face away from him.

"So I can return what you have done for me Shino-chi."

Surprised at his choice of honorific, especially from a boy that seldom used them, she complied with his request. Turning over in the bed, only to feel him lay next to her wrapping an arm over her and drawing her close, her back against his chest. Then without warning, he kissed her neck and began humming a melody to her. She was sure she knew the tune but could not place it, as the sound began to make her sleepy her last thoughts as she listened to the music were. I don't think any more I know I love him.

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Chi: modern honorific of Chan used as a cute way to address girls you are close to.

Authors note: well after the bad news of having my laptop grow some legs. My brother Gazdav lent me his extra one. as he writes on his PC. this cost me a free plug to his Highschool of the dead book Rain. there's your advert brother.

Anyway I wrote this chapter and as all my notes and following chapters are gone I will have to start from scratch. So I'm just going to make it up as I go now and try to get out a chapter a week done.

again thanks to those that have reviewed.