A/N: Hey! So much going on at the moment, this hopefully will be out on time. Hope you like a bit more of a fluffy chapter?! We'll see.

Chapter 14

Intimacy. The one thing Asuna truly struggled with. It wasn't because she was not confident in her self enough or that Kazuto had a problem. It was Sugou's fault. His assault had seriously affected Asuna's mentality on the state of intimacy. Since her escape from Alfheim, she hadn't gone any further than a deep kiss. Kazuto didn't mind, he would do anything for Asuna, if she wanted he would stick to light kisses and embraces forever, no matter how much he wanted more. But that wasn't fair on him, she just needed more time, time to become more confident in her body again.

"Beautiful view, eh?" Asuna jerked back into reality,

"Eh? Oh, yeah." They sat on top of a hill, overlooking a garden of flowers as the sun set, the orange sky mixing with the green of the grass. The scenery was perfect.

"I wish we could sit here forever."

"*Sigh* If only." Asuna rested her head lightly on his injured shoulder, he had still not fully recovered since the events of the last fortnight, the stress of explaining everything to the police, school and Sugou made it difficult to maintain a healthy state of mind.

"Yeah." He patted her head lightly. Asuna's hand was pressed to her stomach, her bandage made it difficult to move. "All I want now is to be back on the 22nd floor, away from everything and everyone. Just you and Me and Yui. One happy family."

"Reality is annoying, eh?"

"No. I've just got a lot on my mind. Gah, sorry, I'm ruining our date."

"No, You're not. As long as I'm with you, I don't care what happens." That statement was completely false, she'd hate many things even if she was with Kazuto, it just felt right in the moment.

"You two enjoying yourselves?" Lisbeth walked behind them, devouring the scene in front of her. Asuna turned around, while Kazuto didn't even flinch.

"Yeah. Kirito-kun is a little stressed. What's up?"

"Well. It doesn't matter. I hate to intrude on your privacy and all. Sorry."

"No, no It's fine. What did you come for?" Kazuto said with his back still facing Lisbeth.

"I came here for the scenery. I wanted a few minutes alone but with you two, It could be even better."

"Feel free." Kazuto was never rude, especially to friends. He just couldn't take his eyes off the scene in front of him. If he did, he feared he would be dragged back into reality, where all of his worries and horrors resided.

Asuna leaned in and kissed Kazuto on the cheek. Lisbeth didn't bother teasing. She wasn't in the mood. She hadn't expected to feel like this after the Sugou fiasco. Lisbeth must have somewhere, somehow thought she had a chance with him, even when he was with her best friend, this small flare of hope, this tiny glimmer of chance, was blown out of the water after the fight with Sugou. He had charged in headfirst, not even giving a thought as to what his friends might have felt if he had got hurt, or even died.

Of course, she didn't blame him, his mind was set straight on Asuna. His one true love. She would just have to grit her teeth and bear through it.

"We never get to live for long do we? Something always manages to pop up." Lisbeth spoke in a longing tone.

"Yeah. I want a day to just simply be. To do nothing and sit in the shade of a tree, just like I could in Sao. Honestly, I feel like I almost miss that place. I know I shouldn't, but I can't take pressure and there, I didn't have to. Other than the boss fights."

"We're not going to get mad at you for that Kirito. We understand. But that place was a hell, not a heaven." Asuna said coldly, no matter what, she would hate that place for the things it did to people. He did too, he just hated this world as much at that moment. Of course, whatever world he was in, he would always love Asuna, that was the thread he hung onto to keep his sanity, Asuna.

"Of course... I just... Need time, time I don't have." Kazuto sighed.

"Is there any way I can help Kirito?" Lisbeth knew it sounded suggestive, but with Asuna's relationship to Sugou, she wouldn't be able to see him with out burning into a fury.

"It's ok, all my friends have asked the same thing. Even Asuna. I can't drag you too far into this. As soon as it's over, I'm going to book some kind of vacation. We'll all have a weekend together in the country somewhere. Somewhere away from all the hassle of life."

"Sounds fun. I love you Kirito, remember that, you'll get through this, with all of us." Asuna smiled warmly and lay back with her head now tucked firmly under Kazuto's chin.

"Lisbeth... I... I do need help with one thing."

"Yes?!"

"This won't be easy, please understand." He started to whisper so Asuna wouldn't hear.

"I need you to make sure Silica doesn't try to hit on me. You too please. It's because of the stress. Asuna won't take much more either, just back off for a little bit ok?"

"...I...I." Kazuto lightly pecked her cheek.

"Do it for Asuna. Ok?" Lisbeth face flushed red, her heart fluttered and she nearly fainted. All she got was a quick kiss on the cheek and this is what happened? She was pathetic.

"O-of course! Anything for my favourite couple!" She plastered a grin across her face.

"Thanks." Silence fell. The sun disappeared over the horizon and the night sky appeared. The numerous stars highlighted the grass and the three fell onto their backs. Kazuto played with Asuna's chestnut hair affectionately.

"A vacation eh?... We'll get through this. We must."

"I promise to never drag you guys into anything again. No matter how serious."

"No Kirito-kun We're all equals. We lean on one another." The two girls said in unison. The giggles that followed calmed Kazuto slightly. At least I have this to live for.

~Back at Kazuto's home.

"Mom! Sugu! I'm home!" He wished to say Asuna! I'm home! But that day would have to wait.

"Hey Kazu-kun." Sugu trotted from inside the living room, dressed in her kendo wear.

"Hey Sugu. What have you been up to?"

"Kendo."

"Ah. Is it my turn to cook tonight?"

"Actually, we have a surprise for you."

"Eh?"

"Asuna's cooking tonight."

"Oh thank god. One more meal from you and I might become a salad."

"Humph. Meanie. She's coming over at 6 so be ready!" Sugu lectured before preparing herself in her room.

Inside Kazuto thought he should've just told Asuna not to come as it's so troublesome and whatnot. His recent state of mind had been completely different and he had taken every opportunity to make himself happy. He hated being the one having the fun at other's expenses, he just wasn't that kind of person, but for a few days, he thought it might be ok.

Kazuto changed from his black attire into a navy blue casual shirt and some denim jeans. He didn't know why he didn't stick to his black clothes. Maybe he just wanted to try something different. He wore an analogue watch too. He never wore his analogue watch.

"What am I doing?" He said as he looked at himself in the mirror holding his arms out to his sides.

"You look dashing." The giggling voice from the doorway was Sugu.

"You think so? I don't know. Black looks better on me."

"You need to come clothe shopping with me. We are going to buy some actual clothes. Ones with colour!" Kazuto pretended to be disgusted by the idea.

"No! Anything but that!"

"What, colourful clothes?"

"No. Shopping with you." He laughed at Sugu's pout, until he felt a sharp pain in his gut. In other words, Sugu's fist.

"I deserved that."

"You did."

Ding dong. Kazuto rushed out the room to greet Asuna.

"Hey."

"Wow... Where's the black Black swordsman?" Asuna's lighthearted tone instantly warmed Kazuto's heart,

"Yeah... I just decided to where something different..."

"You look handsome." Asuna pecked his cheek before striding in. He pressed his hand to the place she had just kissed.

"Ah... We really need more alone time."

He backed into his house.

~Dinner.

Sugu sat across from Asuna and Kazuto, next to Midori, Devouring the perfect meal. Kazuto had more spices on his plate, but she doubted she could handle his amount of spice.

"So... Are you two doing ok?" Midori asked hoping to break the silence,

"Of course!" Asuna answered still beaming, she shared a look with Kazuto, who likes back affectionately.

"Well, I could use some proof..." Sugu mentioned, obviously trying to embarrass at least one party. Kazuto glared at her for her subtle challenge and turned to Asuna,

"Say ahh." Asuna did as she was told, a sensation of spice entered her mouth as Kazuto's hot rice ball was delicately placed inside.

"Nawww."

"Ha. Ha. There, you have rice on your face." He wiped a grain off Asuna's lip and continued his own meal.

"This is the best meal you have ever done Asuna. It's amazing."
Asuna blushed,

"T-Thank you. Kirito-kun."

"Humph. He loves my salad, really." Sugu pouted

"Sure he does." Midori spoke from the side.

"Honestly!"

"Ummm. Asuna is a pretty good cook..."

"Really? Ugh..."

"I could teach you, If you wanted." Asuna smiled joyfully, fully intending to do so.

"Th-that'd be great!" Kazuto smiled at the two's resolve. It would give his girlfriend and his sister more time to get to know each other.

~Back in Kazuto's room.

"A few cottages... South of Japan... Countryside... Affordable... Hmm. Sounds good. I'll wait until after all my business is sorted, but that sounds awesome." Kazuto bookmarked the booking sight and left his computer.

A/N: Sorry it's a bit shorter than the last. It's also posted at 11pm. It still counts as Tuesday... Right? Anyway, I've got an Idea for the next few chapters so stay tuned! Please review and or Pm me! Thanks for the support as always!