Disclaimer: Don't own Sword Art Online (I or II), or it's characters.

Rating: T

And so it continues, surprise XD But still enjoy lol

RL

November 20th, 2030

The snow had really been piling it on outside, starting to achieve a good thickness - might have to introduce Yui to shoveling even sooner than expected. Still, she could tell Yui about that after everything else... and right now, she was enjoying her warm little alone time with her husband.

He stirred just underneath her, making a little sound. "This was such a great idea" he breathed, soft. "To just crawl back on the bed and lay here."

"What, no mention of me?" she teased.

He chuckled. "Well, that is a big plus" he added, but gentle, his hand toying with a few strands of hair down by her waist.

That made her feel warm, and brought back sensations of a few nights ago to her, but she still kissed his collarbone. "One sudden movement though, and I'm getting off" she told him. "I mean it."

"Okay, okay."

She giggled, liking that resigned playful tone, and just snuggled closer against him.

"Still, even if 'big' teases aren't allowed, what if I said something serious?"

She lifted her head a little, trying to determine if he meant it... but it was mixed. "Well, if it's so serious, I would want to hear it" she admitted softly, laying back down. "But I'd also tell you to give it five minutes."

"Heh, fair enough."

She just hummed, closing her eyes; he was still so warm, but even better than in virtual reality.

/

Turns out, it took considerably longer than five minutes, but eventually they did get off the bed, just warmly content.

"So, what was this serious thing, Kazuto?" she prodded gently, her hand in his.

He gave her a little smile, then slowly looked up, his other hand coming up near his neck. "Well..." he breathed, trailing off as if not sure how to state it.

She squeezed his hand gently. "Is it immediate serious, or do we have time?"

He slowly looked back at her. "No, we got time, Asuna" he assured, before glancing down. "I just... wonder what we're gonna do."

"About?"

"Yui. Putting her in school..."

She gasped a little, and suddenly this image came into her head: Yui standing at attention in front of a classroom (the faces generally blurred), wearing a school uniform of something, and having a big grin as she introduced herself.

That was right; Yui was gonna grow up someday, and when she does, she'd need to find her way in the world.

"I mean, she's technically five out here, but her body is ten - and she'll stay that way till she actually is ten out here" he continued, slowly touching his other hand to hers (she quickly joined in instinctively). "Putting her in first grade next year, it would be the best way to ease her into education... but the other kids might be afraid of her, because she's bigger than them."

She made a little sound, but she refused to be sad. "Unfortunately, maybe" she said, looking at him. "And also, thanks to Yui's experience as an AI, she'd probably tear right through math, making it seem so effortlessly easy. That would either impress the other kids, or scare them even more."

One hand briefly went to her shoulder. "With how nice Yui is, personally, I doubt she'd be that scary" he added gently, she slowly nodding with a little smile. "Also, I don't think we should stand by and wait till Yui's actually ten, then just throw her into fifth grade."

"Hmm, yeah... she'd probably still understand the math easily, but the rest?" she breathed. "She could easily get lost with how much she's learning at once, and there wouldn't be time to get familiar with it at all, plus continuing to learn more?"

He slowly made a sound, glancing up again, slowly crossing his arms (it was one of his thinking poses). "And, much as as I'd like to have Yui around full-time" he slowly said, looking at her sheepishly. "I don't know if we'd be that good of home school teachers or not."

Surprised, she looked at him, just seeing that image in her head for awhile-

-but she smiled a bit, shaking her head slowly. "I'd like that too, Kazuto" she admitted softly. "But would it be healthy for Yui? Not having the opportunity to learn to make true friends, or one day, even experience romantic love until she's an adult?"

"No" he whispered, slowly glancing down.

She simply hugged him, and he returned the pressure easily.

"Look at us" she breathed gently, moving her fingers over his back. "Talking about Yui in school, truly being her parents and legal guardians."

Even with no other clues, she could tell he was smiling. "Well, we are, Asuna."

"I know, but still."

"Hehe."

When she pulled away, Kazuto kept her from going too far, to her faint surprise; he gently pecked her lips with a little smile. She giggled a little, returning the favor before truly pulling away from him, cheeks a little red. "Clearly, we have much to talk about this over the next few months" she teased, he slowly nodding, but good-naturally. "Now, let's see if-" she continued, before noticing her husband slowly turning his head; he'd heard something.

Not a sec later, she did too; little footsteps coming up the stairs.

They glanced at each other with a smile, seeing Yui poke her head around the open door.

"A-Am I disturbing you two?"

"Not at all, Yui" she assured gently. "Your daddy and I were just enjoying time together, but we were done anyway."

"What she said" Kazuto added, simple but effective.

Yui just smiled, stepping out from around the corner, hands behind her. "I'm so glad" she breathed, with a little smile. "Because, if it's okay, I'd like to ask a few more questions... about the process of having a sibling."

They were both surprised, but she soon nodded. "S-Sure."

Downstairs

Well, here they go with the whole explanation process.

"So, what's a baby like?" Yui asked, sitting on his lap, looking between them. "I mean, development-wise, and really like?"

Asuna slowly smiled. "Well, to be frank, babies are like blank slates when they're born" she said gently. "But they're like sponges, soaking in all the information they can, and slowly making sense of it subconsciously. But it takes quite awhile."

"Why's that, mommy?"

"Because, well, they don't start out in control at all" he said, drawing Yui's attention. "As I understand it, the brain is still trying to make sense of everything, so the little guys can't move their arms/legs on their own. They just jerk around a bit, respond to touch and sound, and otherwise just react really."

She made a sound, worried. "Does it really work like that?" she asked.

"Uh huh."

"Like I said, Yui, it takes time" Asuna added, miming the process of holding a baby in her arms, for some reason. "Over the first year or two, the brain slowly asserts it's control. It moves downward from the brain at a slow rate - first they learn how to intentionally bite, then they learn to punch and hold onto things, and later to kick."

"And once they start kicking, that's the sign that they're ready to learn how to walk" he said. "And also... to maintain control over the bathroom issue."

Yui moved a little on his lap, which he was sure showed her disgust in some way. "What about talking?" she asked after a moment. "When does that happen?"

Asuna smiled, touching a hand to her stomach. "Actually... as early as when they're in here" she said, to Yui's surprise. "Learning to talk is a continuous process as the baby hears voices, inflections, words, pronunciation - all of that. Sure, it takes awhile before they can say a word, let alone several - but it takes place all the time, even after the first few years."

"And that sponge thing doesn't stop there" he added playfully, Yui looking up at him, but he smiled. "As they learn to talk after 3 years or so, they'll become chatterboxes, excited to learn about the world - and likely, ask every 'why' question in existence because they're sponges."

Yui just giggled, with a bright smile. "I can understand that easily!" she breathed, so excited. "The world is so full of fascinating things and I still haven't begun to learn it all!"

"That's my girl."

Nodding vigorously, Yui pressed herself against him contently, which he easily returned - Asuna's gaze softened even more looking at this.

He held her close, then looked at her. "Still, Yui, are these questions your answer?" he asked gently. "Or actually, you leaning toward one?"

She made a little hum with a smile. "I'm close to an answer, daddy" she breathed softly, before slowly getting off his lap (he let her). "But, I'm still worried; a growing baby inside mommy's belly sounds like it'll be painful."

Asuna got up, gently patting Yui's head. "Painful isn't exactly the word for it, Yui" she said, getting down to her level. "It's not easy, and it will take effort, but my every waking moment won't be painful. Also, that effort is the reality, throughout the nine months of the process."

Yui slowly made a sound, looking down, worried.

"But your mommy's not alone to bear it all" he assured softly. "We're there for her, and to help take care of her when she needs it."

"Really?" Yui breathed, a little more hopeful. Asuna however gave him this dual look behind Yui's back - she was glad he was trying to boost her spirits, but also a little sour how he was obviously misleading it; she would be the one bearing the baby, and he wouldn't be sharing any of the physical experience whatsoever.

"Of course we will" he answered to Yui out loud - and when she wasn't looking, gave Asuna a sorta-sheepish 'Hey, what else could I say?' look. Likely didn't help, but oh well.

Growl

Yui squeaked in embarrassment, her face turning red as the growling continued from her stomach.

Asuna slowly giggled. "Well, looks I better get cracking" she breathed, softly playful.

Then came a second growl, which he reacted to.

That soft playfulness got an amused edge. "On that double, at that" she added, giving him a little smirk as she moved on... which he found himself grumbling a little over.

/

An hour later

Well, least they got some delicious dinner, even if it kinda-sorta came at his expense (after the embarrassment, Yui had just seemed to accept the situation in good cheeriness).

"Hah! Ayah!"

"That's it, Yui. Over, to the right, lunge-" he pushed gently, defending.

Yui tried the moves a few times, then backed up, panting a little. "This is the uh, the sweat, right?" she breathed, touching a hand to her forehead.

He smiled a bit, keeping his 'weapon' raised. "Yup."

She made a little sound. "Well, I won't let it stop me" she genuinely assured him. "Or the out-of-breath part, even if it is harder out here."

He nodded, approving - then in surprise, moved quickly to block a tap by Excaliber.

Yui giggled a little. "Almost got you, daddy" she breathed, a little playfully.

He grinned back, chuckling. "And even though you didn't, that was a good move" he said with approval.

"And I'll keep learning" she said brightly. "I'll keep going at it, and I'll get stronger!"

He was ready for her to come out at him again, but in mid-motion, some thought struck Yui. "Mmmm... that reminds me" she breathed. "Daddy, how exactly does a person get stronger, physically? What's the exact process out here?"

"Well-"

"I'll tell her that, if you don't mind" Asuna interjected beside him, but gently, holding two glasses of water. "And besides, you both could use a little break."

"Heh" he breathed, slowly taking his glass of water - Yui was quick to down hers, apparently only just realizing the sensation of having a dry throat.

"Anyway" she continued, Yui's attention on her. "Yui, the muscle cells work hard, and sometimes they get damaged... it could be something as simple as lifting too much, even a little, to anything more serious."

Yui made a sound, curious. "Even something as small as holding this glass?" she wondered.

She smiled. "Well, maybe not that little" she assured. "But, say you tried to lift something heavy for you; you could lift it, but some of those cells could be damaged in the attempt."

"W-Would that be painful?" Yui breathed, worried.

"Not really painful" he answered, one hand near his hip. "More like pressure. We can all handle that fairly well."

Asuna nodded, looking back at Yui. "However, if you kept trying to lift that heavy thing day after day, things would change" she continued softly. "Because you're not strong enough to lift it easily, and because cells keep getting damaged in use, the body builds them back up in response. But not just to replace them; it builds more and more over the damage as necessary."

"And keeps repeating this process until suddenly boom, you can lift the heavy object easier than before" he added mildly. "Then easier than that, and easier than that. Pretty soon, it'll be so easy you won't even notice."

Yui's eyes brightened. "That's so cool" she said, holding up her free arm, no doubt trying to imagine the muscles. "Does it work for all muscles? Like, all this blinking, will it make my eye muscles stronger?"

He slowly breathed out, thinking 'wow, her curiosity never gets old', while Asuna merely giggled a little; "It does for all muscles" she admitted, stepping over to her daughter's side. "However, to actually build them up like that, it requires effort - blinking isn't really an effort, even after how many times we do a day, much less a year."

"Oh. Well, that's okay too, mommy" Yui breathed, happy to press herself against Asuna, closing her eyes in contentment. Asuna's eyes got that little sparkle, holding Yui closer, even as he smiled at the little scene.

"Also-"

"Hmm?"

Yui looked at both of them, holding onto Asuna. "I've decided, mommy, daddy" she breathed softly, though a little nervous.

There was a moment of silence, then he slowly looked at Asuna, and she at him - but after that moment, they just smiled.

"You're sure, Yui?" he asked gently, coming closer.

"Mmm-hm" she breathed, before her cheeks turned a little red. "I mean, I-I'm not asking you two to have one r-right now... just that I'd be okay with that."

He put his hands on his hips, looking at Asuna. "Well, you heard the lady" he said mildly, smirking. "The race is on."

Asuna rolled her eyes and smirked back, but they were directed at Yui. "And as usual, he twists it into something completely embarrassing" she said, walking past and pushing him out of the way. "Come on Yui, let's get away from your ridiculous father for a little while."

"Sorry, daddy" Yui said brightly as she walked along, even sticking her tongue out.

"Hey!" he called out. "Why's everyone ganging up on me!? It was a joke! Ugh, come on, guys!"

Outside, a little later

Hmm, the driveway was definitely getting a little thick, but it was late and would get dark soon... probably could get out/in tomorrow, but after that? Definitely needed to be done.

"Something wrong, mommy?"

Looking at her side, she smiled at Yui, who was wearing his adorable winter coat they'd both picked out for her. "No, not really wrong" she assured her. "Just thinking about something that'll have to be done very soon."

"Which is?" she asked, already looking eager to help out.

She gestured over at the driveway. "Well, if the snow gets piled up too high, it'll make it difficult to drive through up to the garage - so every now and then, when it snows heavily, we have to work to thin it."

Yui hummed, looking at the driveway for a little, then back to her (head tilted). "Will that be hard?"

She smiled a bit, shaking her head. "Not really hard, Yui, just physically demanding" she answered, before slowly bending down a bit, though not touching her knee to the snow. "Though, I worry about you helping out with that tomorrow - you're still just starting to build up your muscles, Yui."

The little girl's eyes start to fill with happy tears, or at least a hint of them, due to the wind. "I want to help you two, and I'll do my best" she breathed happily, stepping forward and giving her a hug, which she returned easily. "I promise, mommy."

Happy herself, she kept Yui close to her for a good while. "I know you will" she assured, smiling. "But if you ever feel weak, don't hesitate to take a break, okay?"

With a very big smile, Yui nodded. "Okay" she breathed, then giggled. "But until tomorrow, and until it gets dark, I wanna make snow angels again!"

"Be my guest!" she answered, and Yui barely needed anything else; she'd already started running and landed in the snow, laughing the entire time as she moved her arms/legs. She took a moment to just watch, then quickly ran forward, intending to join her daughter in this fun-

"AHH!"

Yui squeaked as bits of snow landed beside her, though most had hit her mommy.

"Well, that enough time to be away from me?" a teasing voice called behind her.

"Oooh, you don't know the half of it!" she called back, simultaneously annoyed and thinking 'this is gonna be good'. "Because now, I can actually get you back!"

Even as she said it, she picked up snow, quickly crunched it together as best she could and threw it - thanks to his usual reflexes, most of it didn't hit him, and he just laughed.

"Come on, Yui" she said behind her, grinning. "We have a friendly little family snowball fight on our hands!."

Yui absolutely brightened, and quickly bent down to gather up snow, like she'd seen her mother do. "You got it, mommy! Let's get him!"

So yeah, the whole family's onboard for a little sibling, and being their usual selves ;)