So, It's been almost a month since my last update? Is that right? Shitttttttt. I'm really bad at this aren't I? Sorry. I just couldn't get myself to sit down and write a chapter for this. Thank you, though, for waiting so patiently.

Ninofire-Glad you like it. I have special plans for the rings.

Alica-Glad you brought that up. The rings are game breaking. Ifff people knew about them. I have plans. *evil grin*

Daffy- Well I had thought about it but I want to save that for when she's more used to him. It'll, how you say, Pop Up at a random time. XD

Kiwi-Thank you for the compliment and if you think of anything you want to see in it specifically let me know.

To the rest, I've messaged you about your reviews.

I reread my whole story today and I have to say, It's not as good as I thought. I contradict myself a few times and pop things up weirdly. But, I will keep it going and hope to improve in the future chapters.

Like I said, I am moving around the timeline for my own desires. I know that the section I will be going in to is supposed to be 2 ish months later, but oh well. If you're that picky, well, I don't know what to tell you.

Afterpost update- I wanted to use arrows for messages but apparantly ff say no. So yay. I'm using brackets to make it easier for you to read.

Enjoy

Work harder. He's going to work harder. But didn't he already have to work nonstop to acquire the strength and levels he has now? Mulling his words over, I saw Kirito stand up in my peripheral. "Well, I should head out then." Wait, what?!

"You're leaving? But it's early. We barely woke up. I thought you'd want to…" I trailed off, not sure where I wanted to go with that sentence. Why does he have to leave all of a sudden?

Rubbing his head sheepishly, the black swordsman looked around the camp. "Well, I just. I need to get to work as soon as possible. I really want you to be able to level up and be around me. But first you need to be stronger, so I'm going to go get you stronger. It would be better if you were higher in level, right? Even if…"his voice died as he frowned towards the embers on the ground.

"Even if…" I stared up at him confused. What would happen?

"You know…" he started. "If you decide you don't want…" he stumbled around, looking for a dignified way to finish his sentence. He lost that battle, letting out a shamed, "me."

"Kirito-kun…" I sighed out at him, a bit made of sadness and attempted comfort. Getting up myself, I walked over and wrapped my arms around his tense waist. Resting my cheek against his chest, I shook my head slowly. "That's not happening any time soon. I've never felt this strongly for someone else before. Okay?" I felt myself being enveloped in his arms, relishing in the warmth.

"I… haven't either Silica-chan."

"Do you have to go right now though?" Pulling my head away from the fabric, I looked up at him. "Could you stay for at least a few more minutes? I mean, you barely slept last night."

"Well, I guess I could stay but I don't know what we would do in such short time…"

"Well… you know…" I began. He looked at me blankly. Oblivious pain in the… Pulling out of his arms, I brought my hands up and stared at them, tapping my fingers together anxiously. "I mean… if you…" Where was the commanding and confident Silica from our previous sessions? Maybe she only appeared when I didn't look him in the eyes. "Nevermind. You can head out." My words were a bit shaky.

"Are you sure?"

Shoving out a quick smile, I nodded and said with fake poise, "Go get 'em. I'll just hang out here today."

"Good idea with your orange status. Make sure you keep the ring on and at 100%. And make sure you don't get seen, okay?" He looked at me with importance. He sure takes this seriously…

Nodding to show my conviction, I watched as he turned and pulled out a teleport crystal. Speaking out the name of what must have been a town on the front lines, he vanished.

The next few hours consisted of me sending a message or two to the hardworking Kirito while organizing my inventory. Now that I had time to waste as it was, I decided to take a closer look at all the clothing that Kirito had bought me. First going through the nightgowns and pajamas, I made three piles: ones I liked, ones I didn't really see myself wearing, and ones I thought Kirito might like. Turning towards the third pile I noticed a common occurrence. Apparently I thought Kirito had a thing for darker colors and more revealing clothing. Well, he is a guy. Wouldn't he like that stuff?

[Hey Kirito-kun. I hope you're being safe. Don't be reckless okay? I was just wondering what your favorite color was?]

After taking a third look through the piles, I left them there and sighed. Opening the menu, I materialized all the underwear he gave me. Feeling suddenly shy even with no one around, I realized I still didn't know what to think of such a gift. Might as well just get over it.

Halfway through a process like the nightgown one, I heard a light *Ding*

[Don't worry Silica-chan. I only hit red health four times in that last battle. Black seems to be my style these days so I figure that. Why?]

I typed back in haste, not realizing just how much I spilled of myself.

[You what?! You're not allowed to hit red ever! You could die Kirito-kun! I couldn't live with that! I need you to come back safe to me every day and every night. Got it?]

Hitting send in a fit of worry and a small huff towards the idea that he just has a terrible sense of humor.

Turning back to the task at hand, I continued to add to my 'approved' pile, my 'unapproved' pile, and my 'possible future with Kirito' pile. The third one contained all the lacier, more see through, and revealing pieces. Basically my adult pile.

Looking around myself, I realized just what a sight it was. A girl surrounded by mountains of clothing in a plethora of colors, in the woods. I let out a small giggle at the overall audacity when a familiar *Ding* rang out.

[Silica-chan. Please understand that I work alone. Hitting the red zone is quite common for me. I wasn't being funny when I said I only hit it four times. Some days are a lot more hectic and wasteful for health potions. Even with lack of sleep though, I seem to be okay. Also, don't forget what I said. Don't get my hopes up with talk like that.]

Sighing in defeat knowing that arguing over messages was pointless, I reread that last sentence. Don't get… His hopes up? His? He really believes I could just leave him, after everything that's happened…

I took my time in my reply this time, considering his words and what we spoke of. 'I'm solo.' 'It's been a long while since… '

[Kirito-kun, when is the last time you spent time with anyone outside of clearing?]

His reply came instantly, being short and cutting.

[Since I killed them]

He… Oh Kirito…

[Kirito-kun. For now, please take a break. Go find a shady spot and enjoy yourself. Please. For me.]

I'm going to have to talk to him when he gets back. He needs to understand that he's not alone anymore…

[Well I am unusually tired. I haven't done a sleepless grind for quite a while. I'll message you later.]

Smiling lightly, I knew I had more questions for him about his habits and lack of a social life, but for now I would take solace in the fact that he was resting.

[Silica-chan. I can't go back in to the dungeon. There's someone here I can't leave. She could be sleep PK'ed. I'll see you tonight.]

Sitting on the sleeping bag with Pina sleeping in my lap, I stroked him lightly, lingering on Kirito's message.

She…

So this is short but I wanted to get SOMETHING out since I'm so slow. I will try to speed up and add another before the weekend. Let me know what you think. I felt weird writing this. Like I lost my groove for this story. It feels harder because I want to stick to canon while coming up with stuff. Idk