Disclaimer: Don't own SAO (I or II), or any of the characters.

Rating: T

Rounding out the connection to 'Learning'

March 6th, 2031

Home; Morning

Ah, this was the stuff- waking up to a sleeping Asuna was good, but when needing to fully wake up, a hot shower did that even better. Still, the thing that came with waking up first, meant he's gonna have to prepare breakfast today - he's not bad, but he certainly doesn't compare to Asuna, in cooking level or variety.

But least she and Yui would humor him, which he supposed was the best he could ask for.

Showering went on for awhile, about as you'd expect, but Kazuto began to get a feeling... mmh, but why now? He wasn't sure what it's even about, and he paused a bit-

-the shower curtain moved a little.

Heart beating faster, he nearly gulped when he realized what's happening - not that he's necessarily against it, but he hadn't been expecting this (especially since Asuna's doing it). He barely moved even as the curtain further moved, and he could feel a figure getting inside before closing it... it wasn't long before a pair of hands began to gently move over his back.

"Somehow I'm not surprised you heard me."

Kazuto tried to get his beating heart under control, and failed. "U-Uh... well I..."

Asuna hummed behind him, clearly a little embarrassed by what she's doing, but seeming to enjoy his nervous demeanor- she gradually got closer and closer (in several ways) as things continued. "You've already done this before" she whispered to him, hands drifting onto his chest. "And when you did, you were the teasing one, fully in control of yourself. And yet now you're equally nervous, Kazuto."

"...I wasn't expecting it" he nearly mumbled. "After all, it's the first time you've done-aah."

It was kinda hard to finish his sentence, considering Asuna had slowly - almost sensually - pressed herself against his back.

"Maybe, but even still" she breathed in his ear- he jolted, both kinda liking that and knowing this is some sort of payback. "Don't you like it?"

"I-I never say I didn't, Asuna."

"Then won't you kiss me?"

Heart still beating faster, Kazuto slowly turned his head - this close, all he could see was Asuna's expression and part of her wet hair. Her cheeks were red (probably like his), but despite embarrassment she had a soft smile at seeing him like this... and was clearly expectant. Lip twitching, he managed a little smile of his own before obliging her- mmh, this arrangement wasn't so bad, as while a little awkward he's still enjoying the sensations. Her wandering hands did their best to distract him, but his own hand came up, gently cupping her cheek in return... not much of a distraction, but best he could do facing away from her like this.

During a break: "You know, I don't think it's surprising, you doing this" he whispered.

"Hmm?"

"Last night was really... something. Maybe those feelings lingered, and why you're willing to join me in the shower."

Asuna kissed him soon after that. "Maybe" she whispered, with a bit of a mumble. "But if you suggest doing anything beyond 'little mood' right now-"

"-you think I would, Asuna?"

"Yes."

Kazuto breathed out, but not surprised; he just kissed her again. "You're half-right" he whispered, having eased considerably now. "I'd tease something like that just to see your reaction. Heh... but if I were serious, it wouldn't be right here."

Asuna's cheeks reddened considerably, and she glanced away while mumbling something he couldn't make out. He smiled, then just turned himself around so he could kiss her properly - it took some coaxing, but she eventually returned the favor by instinct.

...

A little later

As expected, even when she'd done the surprising thing, Kazuto still had to say a few things... no matter how embarrassing. But that being said, the rest of their time had gone by soft/gentle, being in a mood but only doing small things. He'd kept it toned down because he recognized her effort, and was enjoying it too much to even think of bringing it down, which she appreciated (it wasn't exactly easy). It'd take her a little time to try again, Kazuto's occasional attempts notwithstanding, but she's also glad they're growing more comfortable with each other in 'that' way. Maybe it came from the sheer length of time between, from that night in SAO to their first time out here, but it's like another barrier had been stripped away.

Almost literally...

Asuna shook her head, trying to stay focused; even if breakfast was simple today, she couldn't let herself slip.

Besider her, helping pour syrup onto the already-done pancakes, Kazuto noticed her head-shake. "Something wrong, Asuna?"

"Not really" she admitted, giving a little smile, though inwardly she worked to move onward. "Anyway, are we about set?"

Kazuto glanced back at the table where Yui sat, then leaned closer, keeping his voice lower as a result. "Yeah, I think we are, regarding getting that third Amursphere" he whispered, a little excitement showing. "I'll be an easy purchase."

"Maybe, but we have to imply the opposite to Yui, Kazuto."

"I know, I know" he breathed, if slightly mild. "Doing so will help teach her that money isn't to be spent lightly, to consider how much use she'll get out of what she does buy, and all those things. We imply it cost more than it actually did, and she'll easily start getting into the mindset. A little exaggeration, and she learns a valuable life-lesson as a result... though this much emphasis might be unnecessary."

In response to that, Asuna lightly bumped her shoulder against his body, giving a little smile- he sheepishly rubbed his head, but didn't look away. "Just don't overdo or understate it" she breathed, if lesser about her tone. "Even if it is a little unnecessary, I want to make sure Yui gets her money's worth."

Kazuto's lip curved, but after another glance at Yui, just nodded. "All right."

Relenting now, she returned the nod, making sure to continue flipping as needed. "Good" she breathed gently. "And another thing, we should really start helping Yui with writing and typing."

A moment of surprise, then Kazuto glanced up. "Oh yeah, that's right" he realized, "Of course she can read well, but her real world body doesn't have those in her muscle memory... well, unless you count the 'two-fingers' poking method for typing."

"That she can probably do already, but it's slow" Asuna answered, if with a brief smile at the imagery. "That's why I think we have to teach her soon. Which would you like to do?"

He considered that for a bit, then his lip curved again. "Typing."

"All right then, guess I've got writing."

After that, breakfast was soon finished, and it wasn't long before she brought over everyone's portions. "Alright" Yui cheered, humming a little even as she tapped her finger into the syrup, curiously tasting it for herself - the pancakes weren't new at this point. "Mmm, wow that's a really unique taste. What is it?"

"Syrup, Yui" Kazuto said easily, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "As for the details, I'll leave that to our master chef."

His statement made her warm, even if it's slightly exasperating that he 'handed' the details over- but that's his way. "Syrup starts with water, and then you add certain things to thicken it" she said, Yui curiously listening to every word. "Such as a lot of sugar, or sweeter juices such as maple sap, which is made in certain trees."

"Hehe, that's so interesting!"

"And it's always best when homemade" Kazuto added knowingly, grinning. "The store-bought stuff is basically flavored water, and not 'thick' at all. Not at all the same."

The little girl giggled, then gave her a warm, loving smile. "I'm glad mommy's cooking is homemade" she breathed, eager herself to start eating. "It shows just how good she is."

Feeling even warmer, Asuna returned the loving smile, and even gently rubbed the top of her head- Yui quite liked that.

After that, breakfast went more-or-less as you'd expect, with her family enjoying the fruits of her cooking efforts. For herself though, she kept looking at Yui out of the corner of her eye - she saw all the various times Yui lit up in excitement, ran around enjoying playtime with them, and otherwise abounded with curiosity. Unbidden, she began to have little thoughts about what it'd be like, to watch an even younger child grow up- when she realized this, she nearly gasped out loud. She remembered back, about how she and Kazuto had talked about giving Yui a sibling, and mentioning this to their daughter...

They'd all agreed that they wouldn't mind, but she and Kazuto hadn't tried for awhile, because they were focused on helping Yui adapt to the real world. They're safely past that point now - Yui's still learning of course, but they've gotten into the spirit of her being with them, and the realities that came with living in the real world.

So was now the right time to try?

Asuna glanced at Kazuto, who remained focused on his food... well maybe not right now, but at some point they had to talk about this.

...

"Mmh, have a good day mommy" Yui whispered, content.

Above her, she knew mommy was smiling in their hug, grip tightening in the good way. "You too, Yui" she breathed, very soft, "Give our regards to Keiko and Shino in ALO."

Yui nodded with a big smile, even as mommy gently pulled them apart, making sure to get smaller things in order. At that same time, Yui moved a little as daddy ruffled her hair from behind- she wasn't really surprised, just turning to face daddy, who of course was a little teasing yrt mostly gentle.

"Always with the aggressive ruffling" she breathed, if with a little smile.

Daddy tilted his head a bit. "Would you prefer I pick you up, sling you over my shoulder?" he asked mildly-

-Yui pouted, remembering that teasing 'affection'.

He went "Mmh" after a moment, hand moving off her head even as she unconsciously fixed it. "Yeah, but you wouldn't like that right now, Yui" daddy continued, a bit sheepish. "Not after that whole 'toddler' act you pulled."

Hands behind her back, she stuck her tongue out a little. "If you'd like daddy, I could do it again" she said brightly-

-his reaction was about as expected, ie a more 'grumbling' expression.

"I think that's enough teasing your father, Yui" mommy added, if trying to hide a grin. "And besides, we have to go."

"Of course" Yui breathed. "Have a good day too, daddy."

At that, his expression eased a little, and he soon tapped her nose. "Well we'll see, you little tyke" he said, entirely playful even as he followed mommy outside the door - Yui waved by instinct, even as she happily noted the varied term of 'tyke', which definitely fit her as she's still young hehe. Not soon after, she was watching them leave by car, though she remained for awhile... outside, the winter season was clearly over, as much of the snow had vanished. Everything still seemed barren, more a brown color than anything for the grass, but in time everything would regrow and the lake would lose all it's ice as well.

"Mmh" she breathed, knowing she's going to miss the ice-skating sessions- probably won't have have another of those till next winter. And that probably applied to fire in the chimney too... plus for now, she's alone for a good while, since her playtime with Keiko/Silica and Shino/Sinon wasn't for at least two more hours...

Yui soon realized the feeling; a familiar line-of-thinking, that from time-to-time she's lonely and would typically like someone to talk to. She remembered the thought about having a sibling, which she's admitted she'd like, yet thus far mommy and daddy don't seem to have succeeded... if they're trying that is, but she didn't want to know those details.

"It's their decision, not mine. I don't want to be selfish" she thought, determined in that regard. "If they think to wait a little longer, or just aren't 'succeeding' yet, I'll be patient. And besides, I'm happy being in the real world with them - even if I never get a sibling, I'll be content just being happy."

Feeling better now, Yui moved away from the window, knowing just what she wanted to do; read a few more of those newer animal picture books hehe. After all, she had two hours to pass before she dove into ALO - admittedly she could go now and raise her skill levels, but it's always more fun with company, so she's good.

"Hmm... no... read that one... ah! Hehe."

Sitting down comfortably, she flipped the page until she got to 'Deer'... oh wow, they're so cute! Especially the little ones hehe, but even the bigger ones gave off that feeling too, just from their eyes and the curious growths on the males' heads- 'antlers', hmm. Though she was initially confused, wondering why female deer didn't get antlers, she eventually thought it must be some sort of gender divide... hmm, she's heard some mentions of that, including that it used to be true for humans. That made her feel odd, because she knew if someone is good, skilled, or anything really, they should be considered equally; it's not fair to treat them differently!

/

Later

ALO, New Aincrad

Floor 22

"Yah!"

She kept up the attack, but Silica was quick, as befitting someone specialized in Daggers - she even avoided direct blocks, instead dodging and 'sliding' her weapon through certain attacks, always moving with fluidity.

"Not bad, Yui" Silica cheered a little, even as they went through the motions. "Then again, guess I'm not surprised."

She went 'Mmh-hmm', then tried to get under Silica's guard several times. "Practice makes perfect though" Yui said cheerfully, having to jump back from a side slice. "More important than anything is to keep up your reflexes."

"Why am I not surprised they'd focus on that?" Sinon asked from the sidelines - right it's just Silica's turn, but she watched every move, Pina on her shoulder (almost dozing). "Kazuto's reflexes are so good as to be ridiculous, and Asuna isn't too bad herself, all things considered."

Yui remembered: the way mommy had fought Yuuki, going all-out and giving the best fight she could - the only reason she'd been outclassed was because of Yuuki's Medicuboid. Then again so had daddy, but he hadn't been fighting seriously, to say nothing of 'serious'-serious- mmh, she found she's still sulking over that fact, even though daddy had said it's fine. At the same time, seeming almost in slow motion for a moment, she and Silica still fought and Yui had to move backward again... a really close call there. This drew her hair in the opposite direction due to momentum, and just like always, seeing it's purple Imp color gave her a perfect image of Yuuki's expressions.

Even more important that she keep doing her best!

"Wow! Hehe, you're getting fired up, Yui."

"Well, I gotta get better and better!"

Despite her words though, Silica struck first; a feint that sliced across her cheek - because it's a mock-duel, her lost HP immediately regenerated even as the cut remained, the 'hit' counter going up to one (two more, and she'd lose). "Aww, you got me" Yui breathed, touching that 'wound' before smiling. "Still, I should be glad Pina isn't fighting with you."

Silica was a little sheepish. "Yeah, that'd be unfair in this duel" she said easily, looking at her dozing partner, even as Sinon gently rubbed down his back. "Especially his Bubble Breath attack."

Remembering the Golden Bull/Black Bull fight during the quest for Excalibur, Yui agreed; it'd be impossible to fight fairly with her targeting and vision distorted. Then she grinned a little, thinking this opportunity was too good to pass up hehe... taking just enough time to get ready without being obvious, Yui prepared herself.

She lunged forward-

Halfway through the motion, Silica just managed to react to her 'threat', instinctively raising her weapon to 'block'.

-while Silica managed to redirect it, her sword still managed a slicing cut across her stomach... which just barely registered enough for the damage indicator.

In response to their little surprised looks, Yui just smiled brightly, giggling. "You were wide open. Couldn't resist" she teased, head tilted.

Both women became sheepish in their own ways. "When you say that, it reminds me of your dad, Yui; he'd probably say the same thing" Sinon admitted, making a motion as if to push back her glasses, until she remembered she didn't wear them in ALO halfway through. "I'm not surprised you took after him."

"Not really" Yui breathed cheerfully. "I take after mommy for the most part. Hanging out with daddy has just contaminated me."

All three of them laughed at her diss- daddy would grumble to no end if he heard that, which she'd enjoy; teasing him back was a good ritual.

"Ouch, good burn there" Silica said, still sheepish but with a smile.

"Hehe, all in good fun" Yui said, content. "But of course I don't hate daddy's teasing ways, because he's always soft with me and mommy."

"Imagine if you really did take after Kazuto though, Yui" Sinon added, eyebrow raised. "You'd probably cause no end of trouble."

"Well, good thing I don't... a-although, I can't say the same for any potential siblings."

Because she was looking down, tapping her forefingers, Yui didn't see their expressions of surprise or glancing at each other- she felt the seconds that passed, but not those. After a bit though, she registered Silica standing in front of her and looked up- the older woman was smiling, and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Well no matter what, we're older sisters in spirit too, Yui. Us, Liz, and the other girls of course."

Yui soon felt really warm; when put that way, who could they not be? Hehe, even if only in spirit that gave her a bunch of older sisters, though of course Suguha was her aunt and mommy was, well mommy! And on the other side of that statement, Klein, Agil, Thinker- they were like older brothers to her, if quite different from each other, with daddy obviously daddy. "Mmh, thank you Keiko, Shino" she stated happily-

-Sinon raised an eyebrow, if smiling. "What's with the switch to our personal names, Yui?" she asked, if a little teasing.

"Probably just her appreciation" Silica answered easily, Cat Sith ears twitching. "She's really cute when showing that off."

Even as Sinon replied to Silica, Yui remembered how Sinon had asked 'Is that even possible?' to daddy, wondering if she could be extra cute. Yui giggled in her head, thinking Silica had no idea... but for the most part, she wanted to save those cute displays for mommy and daddy.

After all, they were the ones who most enjoyed it.

As I mentioned before, this last chapter is the ending for this fic, simply because the next date is the start of the continuation, 'Learning'. So even though this fic is done, the story is definitely set to continue as normal

Still, I'm fairly sure many of you have enjoyed this one, so here's to keeping the cuteness overload incoming :P