I do not own sword art online this is a fanfiction and not for profit.
Snow Storm
Chapter 5
The next morning Shino woke up and looked around the room on her side. She had move into a slightly larger apartment in the same building last week. Her grandparents visited and complained to the landlord, that the six tatami mat room was not what they were paying for and it was too small for a growing girl. It was one of her reasons for not going to see Kazuto; she had the rare opportunity to see her grandparents and her mother, who immediately moved her into a larger apartment, with a separate bedroom and living room.
Gone too was the pole frame bed, to be replaced with a larger futon, that she now laid on. Her full length mirror facing her, the small set of draws next to that and cupboard for her clothes. The black flex of an extension cord snaked its way into the room through the sliding door as the room had no power outlets.
The room still had the same ivory curtains, covering the small window that looked over to the next apartment building. But the thing that stood out most was the floor; it was covered by actual tatami mats. Good bye was the cold green plastic tiles and hello to the warm reed mats.
As Shino mused about her room and new surroundings, she looked at herself in the mirror, as an arm came over her and relaxing warmth pressed into her back.
As she drowned herself in the feeling, Shino buried her red face into the blanket to supress a girlish giggle of content. God how is he so warm? She thought as a feeling of security and safety came over her. She had asked him to always protect her and true to his word, he had set to that task unflinchingly.
Looking up from the blanket as she settled down she noticed the time it was 8am and the last full day that he was to stay. She sighed a little depressed that he had to go home tomorrow and she would be alone again. But that was tomorrow's concern for now she had him right where she for the last few months had always wanted him, laid in bed with her having a lazy morning. Razing an eye brow she thought again with the perverted thoughts… this time a small chuckle escaped her lips waking the boy next her.
"Ohayo Shino-chan." Kazuto murmured feeling the girl in his arms moving around. "How are you this morning?"
His arm pulled her in a little more. My last day today we had better do something fun together his thoughts training off as he racked his brain about what to do.
Shure Kazuto had not asked her to date him yet as he felt that it was too soon. But given the way we are laid here like a couple, I will not be leaving that too soon. I just don't want her thinking she is some sort of rebound girl. He mused as he tried to decide what to do next.
Nodding her head back into the covers to hide the big smile that crossed her face she answered as coolly as she could "I slept well thank you Kazuto-kun How about you."
Turning on his back he thought about the nights rest. A small furrow crossed his brow as he thought No nightmare's just pleasant dreams. "I slept very will actually."
Turning to face him, the sheets rustling as she moved, Shino propped her head up on one hand and looked over him. "That's good to hear. But I think we should get up and changed."
Groaning at the suggestion, Kazuto looked into her eyes, to try and read her intent and as always she was being very aloof, not giving much away as to her thoughts. Unlike Asuna, Shino was very difficult to read as she held this neutral face most of the time. Unless she was teasing then she had this little twinkle that would give her away. Asuna on the other hand was very easy to read as her face was very full of expressions and actions. "Do we have to?"
"Yes" came her cold tone. "I need to change out of yesterday's cloths and get cleaned up so you can sort breakfast and tell me about your few hours that turned into a day." she flashed him a smile just so he knew she was not annoyed.
"Well you have cooked for me all week so I think I can do breakfast." Came the exasperated reply.
"Yes it is the least you can do Kazuto-kun. Now get out as I need to change and wash up."
Getting up from the bed, Kazuto Yawned a little and stretched waking up the muscles from their slumber, hearing the satisfying click of the joints in his arms and back. Need to start doing my exercise routine again. His sleep filled mind mused, regretting neglecting them for so long. It was something he was supposed to do daily for the next five to six years as a result of two years' worth of muscular atrophy. A legacy gifts from Kyaba himself and the result his two years' worth, of forced full dive, into the death game.
The horrible thing was, even after some survived that particular hell. They woke to find there body's weak and frail, that minute before felt strong from the stats that they had built. Some even died as a result. Asuna was right about what she has said, that eventually the body will fail when under life support for so long.
Stood up next to Shino, Kazuto thought hard about what to do should he give her a hug or a kiss? A kiss may be a bit much still and give off the wrong idea so would a hug. So he settled for a pat on the head.
Feeling his hand on her head Shino felt a little peeved he was always doing that petting her and no matter how many time she said don't he still would, even more so in her Cait Sith form, especially behind the ears. This sent this wave of euphoria through her mind that annoyed the crap out of her. Apparently Silica was to blame as it was something she enjoyed.
"Do you have to do that?" she asked not waiting for an answer "It's kind of annoying." she had that tone of you are treading on thin ice Kazuto.
Pulling away the offending hand quickly and moving to scratch the back of his head. He looked her in the eye to gauge the reaction. "Sorry I forgot you don't like that." silence descended on the room as one stared at the other. Then after a few awkward moments, Kazuto gave Shino a hug and then ran off to the kitchen to sort out Breakfast, leaving one very confused Shino behind.
Shino sat down for a second after she watched him dart off out of the room. What the hell was that hug about? She wondered as her face reddened Never mind best get cleaned up.
0000
Shino's mind was blank as she sat on the stool and showered; she was also missing the fact that she still did not have a bath and had to settle for this. Shino was set into her routine of clean up, brush her teeth, dry hair and finally hair putting in the white bits of ribbon to tie up her bangs.
Coming out of the bathroom she walking quickly, so as not to give Kazuto too much to look at, as she was wrapped in only a towel her head down, so as not to see his look. However as she made her way to the bedroom she crashed into something falling over.
"Aghhhhh" Kazuto had just made it out of the bedroom, before someone ran into him, knocking him over. Laid on the ground with familiar warmth on top of him, he dared to open his eye to have a cursory look to see who he knew it was. His hands staying firmly where the lay on the ground, having learned his lesson a year ago, when he was slapped across a court yard. For… how was it one of his few school Friends that had witnessed the incident put it. Ah yes. "Coping a feel, of the great Flash-Sama's boobs."
"Don't Look!" Came the shrill cry.
"I'm not I'm not" Kazuto Panic shouted back, having just seen down Shino's cleavage.
"Keep… your…. eyes…. closed…. or you are a dead man." Shino order, as she slowly got off him then fixed her towel to cover herself. She was about to step over him until she realised she had no underwear on, her face turned a deep red and she tried to calmly walk around him, stopping briefly to give him a kick in the ribs. "That's for looking Pervert." With that last remark she stormed off.
Lying on the ground, still not opening his eyes in fear she may still be there and rubbing his chest where her foot made contact. Kazuto thought to himself. How do I get in to these situations? Did I wrong someone in a past life or something?
Giving it a minute after he heard the bedroom door slide shut he opened his eyes to find she was gone. "Thank Kami she's gone." He sighed, as he got up and went back to sorting breakfast only to be pleasantly haunted by the memory of her cleavage in front of his eyes as he worked.
0000
Breakfast had been a quiet affair, of some miso soup and rice porridge, with barely a word spoken, as both teens remained quietly embarrassed about the situation.
"If I take you out on the bike will you forgive me?" Kazuto finally broke the silence. He knew it was her favourite thing, to be on the back of the bike and hoped this bribe would get her talking again.
"It would be a start." She said back without a hint of emotion. Yet inside she was jumping with the glee of a four-year old with a new toy. "So where are you taking me Kazuto-kun?" She then asked after a bit more silence.
"The cinema sounds good?" Kazuto suggested. It was close enough for a short ride yet, far enough that it would be fun, as he thought about fuel and his remaining bank balance. He reckoned that he had enough to take her out to the cinema, buy some food to cook tonight, as Shino was a very basic eater never fussing about taste more about practicality and the fuel to go home tomorrow.
"Depends what film are we going to see?" Shino asked yet had an Idea on what she would like to see.
"Well I seen you half…"
"If you value your life don't say that last word….."Shino interrupted. Looking over her glasses in a tone, that was as harsh as it was meaningful. "They are reshowing a film from when I was a child. From what I remember of him my father was a big fan of the anime's. So we are going to see the live action film classic from 2010 Space Battleship Yamato."
"That is completely fair." It was not quite what he wanted to see, as there was a new epic fantasy film that involved Romans, dragons and magic. That had just come out that he was dying to see. But seeing how he was the one that was not watching where he was going, she could have this one there was always another day to see that film.
This Time looking at him with a smile, content that she had somehow gotten her way, even if it was an accident caused by her, she thanked him. "Thank you Kazuto-kun. I look forward to it so How about I treat you to lunch."
Hearing the one thing that always got his attention was the promise of food he cheered up Come on he thought. What's not to like, go out on the bike to the cinema with an attractive girl that I like and she wants to feed me to.
It was a secret that Asuna well knew and one that she had shared with Shino, when they had spoken together about Kazuto. Shino had asked how they met and how she started her relationship with him and the way that Asuna figured out how to get his interest. Kauzto likes to eat nice food. It was one lesson that she would not soon forget, even if it meant that she had to learn how to cook properly and not just functionally. Must get that VR cooking lessons program that is so popular at the moment. She pondered as she drank her tea
"I hope you like teriyaki Burgers... there is a little street vendor in the same square as the cinema we can go there before the three o'clock start."
Hearing her list of one of his favourite things in the world Kazuto's mood picked up even more. Looks like today will be more than worth the cost he thought, as he answered trying to remain calm, but sounded like a child that had just gotten its first Christmas present. "That will be awesome."
Lifting her eyebrows at his excitement she began thinking. God Asuna was not wrong about him and food. Shino gave a small laugh. "Let's go early and have a walk around the square."
0000
Shino had changed clothes again before they left defending her decision with the answer of her bike jacket would ruin what she had on. It was not that she was vain about her appearance as she preferred function over form.
That's not what Kazuto thought though as he waked alongside Shino as she wore a light Green wool jumper with a large neck line, which exposed the black bra straps, her legs clad in tight-fitting figure hugging dark blue jeans tan coloured fur-lined boots, her light blue jacket open. Finishing off with her ballistic glasses with blue legs that gave her so much comfort. This was not function he thought it was more like showing off.
Taking her hand in his as the waked to the bike, Kazuto leant over to Shino's ear. "You look cute."
Her cheeks flushed as he spoke and held her hand. This was because she was not used to such complements after years of insincere People. "Thank you."
The ride to Asakusa district did not take long form Shino's apartment. Asakusa is the entertainment district of old Tokyo that does not have as much neon and flair as Shibuya.
With its large impressive shrines and river tours it was home to the first cinema in Tokyo and their ultimate destination but as it was also home to one important place that Shino wanted to take Kazuto to a small street vendor that she enjoyed going to near the Kaminari Gate.
Passing through the large grand 1000 year old gate the teens walked a little more. Until Kazuto broke their silence "It's been years since I was last here but apparently Shinozaki Rika Liz lives near here"
Looking at him as she enjoyed his company the turn to the vendors stall. Shino then ordered two of what she thought was the best burgers you could buy anywhere. "Dose she?"
"Well she lives somewhere in this precinct. I have not been to her home yet as she mostly stays at the dorms at school through the week."
Choosing this moment to tease him a little, Shino feign a little jealousy. "Trust the great Kirito-sama to know where a girl's room is."
"Hay it's not like that" Kazuto fired back a little hurt.
Trying not to laugh too much at his discomfort she added. "Hmmmm… Is it now? That's not what Kline-san say's. Kiritard the Harem King." She knew all too well, that Kazuto had more than a few suitors. They had even tried to involve her in some sort of love alliance, much to her disgust.
After hearing his nick name, not just from Kline but some of the other school students due to his popularity with the girls at his school. That has more to do with the Black swordsman than his actions he turned the tables. "Hold on aren't you a member of my harem?"
This quickly had the desired effect as Shino's look changes from one of playful teasing look to one of a fierce fury. "Do you want to eat your burger or choke on it Kirigaya-kun?" Shino asked as she handed him his lunch. The cook trying not to laugh at the young couple as he took Shino's money.
Kazuto then did something that he always did, he did not relies that maybe he has taken it a bit too far. "It's ok though... you are the number one wife…..argggggggggg." Kazuto yelped, as the pain from his foot shot up his leg, after Shino stamped on his foot.
"That will teach you not to tease girls."
As he hoped around trying not to fall over looking ridiculous as he held on to his meal and tried to grasp his foot he thought. For a little woman she sure knows how to inflict pain. "I joke back and you stamp on my foot? How that is fair? Not cool Shino not cool."
Laughing at the site, of the hopping boy, happy that she had won this round, she grasped his arm to steady him. "Serves your right?"
The rest of the day had gone along the same lines with each trying to outdo the other playfully messing around. Kazuto and Shino walked around the Rox department store only for him to be told to sit down outside the woman's department as she went off to get something.
Later on they went to the cinema, to catch the film that he had promised her. Although not his thing, he could not deny that he enjoyed the film, as it was enjoyable. It based of the cult Anime Space battleship Yamato 2199 (starblazers).
The film also had the added benefit of Shino resting her head on his shoulder as she settled in to the large leather sofa sharing a box of popcorn now and then feeding each other much to their embarrassment.
After the film it had started to turn dark and Kazuto chose to go for a walk along Sumida Park next to the river to stretch off the stiffness of siting in the cinema for the last two and a half hours.
Sumida Park was one of the most popular parks in Tokyo, due to the sakura trees that blossom in April. The long park that stretched along the Sumida River was also very scenic no matter the time of year. The sakura trees bordering one side and the river with its Boat tours on the other.
It was during that walk that Kazuto fell very silent even for him. "Why so quiet so suddenly Kazuto?" Shino inquired curious about his change in behaviour.
"Oh sorry just zoning out a little, nothing to worry about." He lied as his mind scattered thinking about her. Today had been such a good day as the played around. He was actually extremely happy, Yui was right when she asked if Shino could make him happy. He just needed more time, before he would officially ask her to date him. He just hoped she would be true to her word and wait for him to finally say his goodbyes to Asuna.
0000
It was late by the time they finally got back to the apartment. It was his last night and he would have to go home tomorrow. Not something he was looking forward to as it meant lonely nights.
Kazuto was not the only one, which was not looking forward to the next few nights alone, as Shino had also become accustomed to his presence and the warmth and security that he brought with him.
As always Kazuto sat and waited in the sitting room, as Shino took her shower and prepared for bed. then after he averted his gaze when she made her way to the bedroom he would have his shower then get dried and get ready in the bathroom wearing his black pants and t-shirt.
Waiting nervously in her room was Shino. The reason for the nerves was not that she was to sleep next to Kazuto again, as she enjoyed that and after that first night it had never crossed her mind much. No the reason was for her attire, she had chosen it back at the department store. It was something that was far from her normal pyjamas and definitely a first attempt at something a bit more matured and womanly. God I hope he likes this… But what if it gives him the wrong Idea? Ahhh what am I doing? She questioned herself and her motives. Then as the door opened she stood up to present herself.
Walking into the room Kazuto stopped in surprise, shocked at what he was seeing. The only other time something like this had happened when he opened a door. Was back in SAO, he had gone to Lisabeths weapon shop and opened the door, to what he would later find out was Asuna cosplaying as a cat.
But this time what he found took his breath away stood facing him was Shino, her hair in its normal style. With light blue ribbons tying back her bangs, her glasses off of her face revelling her cute features. Looking further down her was wearing a powder blue silk night dress, with a low cut v in the neck line and thing straps over her shoulders, the hem of the dress cut short halfway between the top of her leg and her knee. One bare foot placed in front of the other highlighting her shapely calves.
Gulping as he stared at her beauty aimless and lost in the view. A cough and a low voice spoke bringing him around. "It is rude to stare so much Kazuto-kun."
"I…I… I'm sorry." he closed his eyes and prepared for the pain after catching her dressed in such away again.
A bit surprised at his reaction, as it was more that she thought she would get, as she knew he and Asuna had slept together Meany times in such attire in the VR world, even finding out by accident that they had gone further than that in both worlds by mistake. Because Asuna let slip what happens a few days after her 18th birthday when Liz was teasing her.
Granted she did not want to go that far herself yet. She was still sixteen and not seventeen for another month, given that she was only 5 months younger than Kazuto and in the same year of school. She was just not ready for that yet, she felt.
But that did not mean that she could not prepare herself, by revelling more of herself to him. Only this time intentionally. Shino also wanted to send a clear message, that she was still very much interested. Shino had calculated and planed this, when she spotted something similar to her clothing in a display window.
With a calm and level voice she spoke to calm him, before he could run off into the door with his eyes closed. "It is ok… this is what I am wearing to bed tonight. It is ok for you to see me like this."
Carefully opening his eyes, he dared to gaze at her again, half expecting a slap to the face again. Kazuto knew she could be a bit bold when with him but this was something new. "You just surprised me… That's all. You look well err you look stunning."
A small smile crossed her lips at his complement. "Should we go to sleep now." all Kazuto could do was nod to her suggestion.
Turning round she bent down to get into bed not realising she flashed her underwear at the young man in her room and then climbed under the covers.
Blushing as he spotted the blue lace that matched the silk dress. Kazuto got into the bed next to her and lay on his back looking up at the ceiling. Only to feel Shino curl up next to him and locking a leg over his, resting her head on the pillow.
"Thank you for having me this week, I don't know what I would have done without you?" Kazuto whisper. As he switched off the light dousing the room in darkness except for the faint glow from the window.
"It is the least I could do for you… You helped me when I needed it."
With a little trepidation as he did not want to intrude and more because he wanted to know. "I would like to visit again?"
"It was no problem, you are welcome here any time you wish to visit. Such as the weekends." He was the first person that she had invited to do so, since that time that she had invited the girls that pretended to be her friends. But this time she felt that she would not regret that decision.
He went to say something else but was stopped by a finger placed on his lips. "shhh good night Kazuto."
"Good night Shino."
Then with a soft voice she comforted him again. "Sleep well." And with a little playful giggle, she added "And dream of me."
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Authors note: Shino has made It clear to Kazutp what she wants from him so now I have to build on that.
As I have been asked I'm not sure if I will write a full on lemon for this. I prefer more implied and lead in and after the fact than writing he put his penis here. As it can distract from the story. the reason for the M rating is I like to use curse words when they are needed as well as implied adult situations.
Thank you to all those that are following and even just reading on guest accounts. A shout out go's to henbog and DannyTF94 for the encouragement you have offered.
