[IRL, Tsukimidai]

[Yuuki's POV]

Today. Was. Awesome~! I mean, I get to finally go to school again, and everyone's really nice and nerdy like me too! I got to come back to my old home and see it as it was left. I even learned more about Kazuki... what he's been through in SAO, being an orange player based on his guild's theft of items and Col from players, but he was doing it to give back to others, so it's like an anti-hero.

But I learned that the leader of Laughing Coffin himself set them up, and he's been blaming himself all this time for their deaths. It was scary to think about, but more so, I was scared for Kazuki, I didn't want to lose him again, not to this. Next time we're in-game, I'm gonna give him a big hug!

I sat swaying side-to-side with a buzz of energy as the sun cast the sky in orange still, fading into purple and navy blue. To top off today, I was going to meet the rest of his family, Merida's family at that! Giggling, I kept pestering him with questions. "You said your Mom's recovering, what happened?"

~Nothing serious, just an operation to remove a lump developing on her collarbone, as a result, it took a lot out of her so I've been telling her take it easy since~ He sounded like he was the parent here which was funny. ~Ironic, you wanted to keep from knowing me further, and now you're endlessly questioning me, hah~

I blushed a bit, scratching my cheek. "S-sorry... I just really want to know more since it's been forever since we met,"

~I wasn't bothered, kills the time back to the station~ Kazuki shrugged as he turned the corner on his longboard. I really wish I knew what it felt like to ride one. Maybe I'd hold onto his back as he went really fast... wonder if we can in ALO? ~Cupcake? You alright?~

"Huh? O-oh, yeah, just... thinking..." It really wouldn't be bad to ask. "Say, you think you can g-get a longboard in ALO?"

He made a noise as he thought. ~Um... I suppose? Could ask someone to craft one, I've seen kites and other novelty items going around, I guess since we have wings it's not a big issue~ That made sense, kinda stupid to ask. ~Why, wanna try one?~

My head shot up, not that he knew but my gasp probably gave it away. "Yeah! It looks like fun, I've never tried one since my balance is awful on stuff like that, or roller-skates,"

That short laugh of his, it was both annoying and cute. ~Say it ain't so! The great Absolute Sword, defeated by a mere pair of boots with wheels and a piece of wood on wheels!~

"Hey, I can still whoop your butt any day, you cheat!" I pouted, this guy...

~What will your fans think...~ Then I saw his winning smirk. ~Hah, too easy - sure, would be fun to teach you something~

That confused me a moment. What did I ever teach him? Well, respect to your awesome leader, yes. But what else...?

~Hm, take a look, Cupcake, great view~ Looking up at the big screen, I let my eyes adjust to where my camera was pointed. Then I saw where we were, rather, just the scene itself painted in my virtual space.

The sunset was visible, creeping across the horizon in a radiant aura that cast orange rays in streaks over the sky and faint stars. Kazuki was skating by the canal toward the bridge further down. It only had grass on our side, the concrete wall across the other bank, and it wasn't overly wide either. Yet, the sun caught the water, making its colour shinier than normal. I had completely forgotten about this view...

My eyes closed, trying to imagine the scenery again. Those faint memories forming a detailed image, me and Aiko walking home from school with Mom and Dad, it was warm, safe, I was really happy despite my illness creeping up on me. Back then, I could run without restraint.

When I opened my eyes, I saw his face in the frame. The breeze pulled Kazuki's hair back so I could see that deep emerald eye, the small smile tugging at his cheeks, he was content too. It was peaceful and tranquil, just like it was years ago. I sighed, leaning my head against the screen, imagining the breeze, the warmth of the sun... and his shoulder I'd lean on.

~You okay, Yuuki?~ He spoke while I smiled, staring at his image on the screen. The warmth in my chest growing again.

"Mmhm, never better," I replied.

I really can't wait to try using a longboard.

[Saitama Prefecture, Kawagoe]

[Malzeno's POV]

Kawagoe is a nice place, traditional buildings, good history and culture. And far less noisy compared to the heart of Tokyo, well, if you lived in rural areas like me. Plus, there was the Kawagoe Hikawa Festival in October which was a fun time that I missed while stuck in SAO. Nightfall was here, and so most of the streets were quiet now, say for the odd person who I waved to given it was my hometown.

~It's really quiet here, much better than the station~ Yuuki noted as I walked now, my house wasn't far, and I was trying to prolong the inevitable. I'd say, 'why not we just drop the camera round at Kazuto's?', but then I'd be caught for deflecting the idea I was, technically, bringing a girl home. A girl miles away in a hospital, but still, to my Mom, it mattered.

"Y-yeah, Kazuto lives around here too," I replied, turning one last corner. "Unlike me, his mode of transportation to school has a thing called an 'engine', something I severely lack," Tapping my longboard to make that point clear.

Hearing her laugh again was enough to put my worries at ease as I pushed open the gate to my house, it was big given the size of my family, so plenty of space. Passing the hedge walls, the garden was tended to due to my parents' love for gardening, so flowers were here and there, a few fake ones to bring some colour all-year-round.

~Woah, it's as big as my house!~ Knew she'd say that. ~Well, duh, you have like a ton of siblings~

"Even crazier when Merida was still around, but that definitely doesn't take away from the chaos," It never got boring, that was certain.

~H-hey, uh, wait~ Yes, stalling! Pausing at the door, I eyed the camera. ~W-will this freak them out? O-or will it be too weird?~

"Yuuki, I was trapped in a death game for two years, even before then, tech was the craze between me, Ami, and Merida - you'll be fine... I'm worried what'll happen to me," I deadpanned in worry. Then slapped my cheeks. "Welp, I'm dead regardless; on three?"

~Heh... sure. One~ I held the handle at her count. ~Two...~ I pulled slowly like it was a rusty hatch I had to put my full weight on to pry. ~...three!~

"And we're into the drink," I stepped inside the short hallway, feeling a shiver, either from the temperature shift or my own impending embarrassment, probably both.

Walking to the commotion in the living room after taking my shoes off, I reluctantly turned the corner. "I made it back alive~" I announced only to grunt as a bundle of energy hugged my waist. "H-hello, Ami; I trust you've kept the house from burning down?"

"Yep!" She smiled brightly as I patted her back. Then her gaze locked to what resided on my shoulder. "What's that? A camera? Oh, is someone watching us?"

~So adorable~!~ Yuuki cooed as Ami leaned up to see. ~I-I can see you. U-um, hi, I'm Yuuki Konno, n-nice to meet you!~

"Hi, Miss Konno," Both Saburo and Kyoko chimed from the sofa watching T.V. They looked sleepy, guess they wanted to meet Yuuki too.

"I finally get to meet the girl you've been talking about," Here we go... I forced a nervous smile as my Mom stood up from the sofa with a warm smile but her eyes were sharp behind her glasses, she was analysing a person she couldn't see, that was oddly humorous yet ominous. "A pleasure to meet you, Konno, I'm Mika, Kazuki's mother,"

~N-nice to meet y-you; and s-same to you, you can c-call me Yuuki!~ Man, even Cupcake's on edge, my Mom's not one to trifle with, guess we're both on the chopping block despite her safety behind a camera. ~You look really beautiful...~

That made my Mom giggle behind her hand. "That's sweet of you; I can imagine you're much the same by your voice alone, and Kazuki's told me how amazing you are!"

I feel I've been stabbed in the back here. "Yep, that's the pin from the grenade..." I sweat dropped.

~Y-you have? What about me?~ Yuuki demanded but I kept my mouth shut, pinching the bridge of my nose.

You know, maybe dying in SAO wouldn't have been so bad to avoid this predicament. My Mom smiled happily as my siblings watched curiously, Ami was giggling at my situation. "Oh, only a few things, he's been so embarrassed to talk about you; but you're very strong, kind, and a great leader among your friends,"

"Kill me... please, stop talking..." I groaned into my hands, feeling the heat rising towards my neck.

~Is-Is that so? H-huh...~ Oh no, I can feel her stare through the camera. ~What else have you t-told them?~

"You want me to give her of all people-" I pointed straight at my lovely mother. "-more ammo against me? Nope, I'm going down with this ship, Captain,"

~Tell me what else!~ She demanded

"Sorry, your request has been denied."

~Stop ignoring me, I know you've said other things, you tease me constantly!~

"Oh, like you're any better - you kidnapped me when we met!"

~You didn't seem to mind when I did - hey, it wasn't 'kidnapping', it was, uh, um, erm - ah! Surprise employment!~

"That's exactly what that is!"

While our argument continued back and forth, with me winning, obviously. My Mom quickly burst into a fit of laughter, Ami snickering too as she skipped away past me to the kitchen. "I'm sorry, you two are just too cute together, bickering like an old married couple and all!" She dismissed with a playful wave.

"We're not!" ~We're not!~

Our simultaneous retort didn't help matters, my face felt so hot now. I took to the armchair across the living room, sighing heavily as I slumped into the seat, pinching the bridge of my nose. I can't deal with this, too much has happened today, and I'm wiped out.

"Now, Yuuki-" My Mom finally sat on the sofa next to the twins, smiling warmly at us. "-how are you, really? I don't have much to go on aside from the fact you're very far away, so, why the camera? Do you not have a phone?"

Right, we left mostly everyone in the dark about Yuuki, for her privacy, of course, ~W-well... not really; I'm sick, so I'm hospitalized, actually~ She admitted, sounding anxious when she said that too.

"You don't need to answer in detail," I added in, looking at the ABCP calmly. "Just what you're comfortable with."

~Thanks, but... I can do this; I've pestered you all day about your family, so it's only fair~ She chuckled lightly before continuing. ~See, I've been hospitalized for years now, I almost never leave this really powerful version of Full-Dive called a Medicuboid, hrm... like a non-drug form of anesthetic, so I can't... feel any pain~

"I see... Saburo, Kyoko, can you go to your room for a minute," My Mom had the right idea, if Yuuki was going to talk in detail, didn't want them here for this.

"How long will it take?" Saburo asked with a small whine.

"Five minutes, try not to cause too much chaos," I replied with an eye roll as the two got up to leave reluctantly, their show paused as both waved to the ABCP. Once they left, Yuuki took a breath.

~I've been Full-Diving for over two years now, longer than SAO survivors, even now, I'm in a virtual space and can see through this camera thanks to Kirigaya and Kazuki. When me and my sister were born, w-we contracted... A-AIDS... from tainted blood during the process~

~I'm... in the terminal stage~ That must've taken a lot for her to say any of this to someone else, I had to track her down and hear it from her doctor. But Yuuki was admitting to it of her own accord. I'd offer her comfort but we're worlds apart right now. ~I...~

"She lost her family to it, her older sister being the last," I continued for her. "I thought we all suffered loss in SAO, the thousands that died, the times I nearly died too, even after when I found out what happened to Merida, I... never thought anyone could feel what I felt then," Closing my fists, I raised one to pat the top of the camera, smiling a little at the lens.

"Then I met this stupidly strong player that took down survivors of SAO like it was nothing, and when I found out what she had been through, I wanted to try everything in my power to help her, maybe it's pointless to think that I could prevent a death that seems inevitable, but," Looking to my Mom, she had remained expressionless, she was allowing us to speak before she acted. "We conquered 75 Floors of that death game when everyone else said it was impossible, I watched as that world was beaten by one person... so if a group of players can do that, why not one saving a single life? Seems like a good bet to me."

~Kazuki...~ What? I know a good bet when I see it. Giving her a wink, I heard my Mom move.

When I looked, I was suddenly pulled into her shoulder, embraced tightly alongside Yuuki. I was afraid the mount might break but she held tenderly to avoid that. "I was so scared I'd lose you like many other parents had lost their children over those two years; one day, my little boy would be taken too, then, when you woke up, despite how much pain you endured, I heard so many wonderful stories, you were still so happy, and... I was so glad,"

She pulled back to rub her eyes, smiling down at us as her hand combed my hair. "You've grown up so much in those two years, you act so much like Merida now, she'd be proud of you too," She... would? I didn't know what to say to that. "You both found each other to confide in, that much I can tell with how you two act; I know you've both thought this through so I won't lecture either of you, just promise me to enjoy however much time you have, friends or otherwise,"

Figures she'd say that too. but I felt no reason to make some sassy quip. Mom was sharper than Dad, even if he wasn't around as much, he'd say something similar. Rubbing my nape, we both replied confidently.

"We will." ~We will~

[Yuuki's POV]

Kazuki's mom is so nice, she reminds me a lot of Asuna. That first conversation was really embarrassing though, but... I'm glad I got to tell her too what my condition was. It felt like when Kazuki found out, it came out easier than before. I guess talking about it helps in its own way. Ami brought us tea, though I couldn't drink I still liked the atmosphere, especially with the twins asking so many questions it even made my head spin!

"Your family's so nice, I was worried they'd look at me funny because of... everything," I sighed, feeling my heart continue to race as that anxiety refused to budge.

~Welcome to my life; jokes aside, my Mom's been itching to meet you, same with my Dad but he works late so you won't see him unfortunately~ Kazuki didn't sound all that worried, but it was with a smirk so it was just a playful jab. Good, no family drama. He stopped at a door with a skull plaque on the face, was this his room? ~Knock-Knock, Mori~

That made me tilt my head, who was Mori? The door opened to darkness say for a lamp on a desk to the right. She was as tall as me, with shoulder length raven hair cut with an asymmetrical fringe, her eyes a heterochromia of green and blue. But she wore a straight frown with a glare.

~Oh, you're back, guess that explains the noise~ She replied with a cool tone, reminds me of Nori but less flirting. Then her two coloured eyes stared at me, rather, the camera. ~What's with the tech?~

~Since you graciously excluded your presence, this is Yuuki Konno, the mystery girl Mom's been hounding me about~ He sounded very sarcastic, but who's fault is that?

Her eyes widened a bit, then returned to normal. ~That so? Uh, Riku Asami~

"Oooh, you're the second eldest, gotcha! Nice to meetcha too!" I beamed, which seemed to get a tiny smirk from her as she crossed her arms. Just over her shoulder, I saw mounted on her back wall three guitars. So she's a musician? Cool. "You even play guitar?"

~Ditto, a-and yeah, just a hobby~ She shrugged awkwardly, moving to cover my view . ~You need anything?~

~Nah, just thought Yuuki would want to meet the other resident shut-in~ Kazuki shrugged to her. ~Well, I won't bother your practice, night~

~Hm, night~ She replied, then to my surprise, quickly hugged Kazuki before shutting her door as he turned to walk down the hall.

"That was sweet, I thought she'd be more 'tough-love', y'know?" My assumption was out the window.

~Normally, yes; but she was close to me and Merida, after SAO, she's developed this introvert personality but the little Mori we knew was still there, adorable as always~

I giggled at that as he opened what I assume is his actual room. Huh, feeling really nervous all-of-a-sudden. Come on, he's seen my old room, so this is no problem! To distract my squirming, I asked. "Why call her 'Mori'?"

~She's all punk-rock but borders on emo, so I call her Mori, a bit morbid but she finds it in good spirits~ I'm not surprised he laughed, he has a nickname for everyone at some point or another. With a wave of his hand in dramatic fashion, he announced our arrival. ~I welcome you to... how's it go? Mi Casa~

His room was probably as big as my old one, only less bookshelves. He had one to the left of the door lined with books and video games both new and several years back. Other shelves and drawers housing what I imagined were clothes and electronics. His bed was to the back right corner, a window with a wide enough windowsill to sit on, he even had a few cushions laid down on it.

Posters of games and anime took up empty space on his walls, with a large desk to the left of his bed past a bedside cabinet. It had two monitors with the PC below past a chair. It was by far more cluttered than my own old desk, chaotic organization, figures, for a guy like him. But sat on the bed was something I remember Aiko using. A Nervegear.

"You... still use one? I thought they were all confiscated?" Considering the danger they posed, I'd have thought he would've gotten an AmuSphere too. It was worrying to see he held onto one.

~Hm? Oh that, no, I use an AmuSphere... but that's Merida's~ Oh. Oh... my worry fell to a forlorn face as he unplugged it to set it back on a free shelf. ~Argo spent hours retrieving every salvageable file on it, because of her, I finally connected the dots of us meeting before, and so I could preserve her memory~

I stared at his face with a sad smile. "Well, that makes two of us," He clicked his fingers to that.

~That it does - well, Cupcake, I do believe it's time to call it a night, you should be able to turn the probe off from your virtual space, I need to charge it for school tomorrow~ I deflated a bit at this, I wanted to talk more, but it would be bad to miss my second day of school already.

He took off the mount and left me facing the window while he got ready for bed. I always wore my pyjamas in this place so I was set. It's sometimes hard to tell if I'm sleeping or not in here, it all blurs together. I could see out into the streets below, mindlessly thinking over today's events with a smile. It was fun, and there would be more tomorr-

"Eh?" My eyes focused on something through the window's reflection. The camera was focused back at the school so I got a pretty great quality all day say for when sunlight struck it at the wrong angle. But this time, I had a ghostly view of the room behind me. Kazuki kept muttering to himself as he moved around his room to sort things before bed, but... w-was he doing this shirtless!? "Eeeeh...!?"

The skin from my neck up turned scarlet at the faint image. I-It was only his back but - oh, no-no-no, what if he turns around!? He does look fit, probably due to rehab after SAO, his arms were toned too... - NO, stop that! Stop looking, stop looking! I covered my face with a whine, but peeked between my fingers.

~Uh, you okay over there Cupcake? Crow or something fly at the window, they're demons, I swear~ How can he be calm like this!? He started to turn as I yelped and hid my eyes.

"Y-Yep! All good, hahaha, j-just thinking a-and stuff!" Real smooth, Yuuki, Nori would be laughing at me by now... My heart's going crazy now. "N-n-nearly ready?"

~Yeah, almost~ He waved, pulling a shirt over as he turned me around, much to my relief... and selfishly, my disappointment. ~Got the ABCP charging now, so we're all set; you can power down now until-~

I spoke without meaning to, "A-actually, you mind i-if we talk? Just until you f-fall asleep? If that doesn't sound too weird," I've never been able to do this in years, I've just slept alone in this virtual world. Sometimes I'd do it in ALO because that was my 'normal' now. But it was always alone. "I... just wanted to..."

He huffed a curt laugh, smiling at me. ~Who am I to deny my leader's request?~

Before long, the lights were out, and I had the camera pointed at his face on the bedside cabinet with him resting on his side to look at me with moonlight providing us a view of each other. With a simple wave of my hand, I formed a comfortable rest for my body to sit in a similar position, just like if he was in front of me.

It was so quiet now, but I smiled gently back at him. "Thanks... for all of this; for you and Kirigaya's help, Asuna's, everyone was a really big help,"

~You're the only one I know who was excited for school of all things, plenty of that tomorrow; I give a week and you'll start to loath it like the rest of us~ He chuckled with me.

"Unlike you, I actually miss school, and... one people don't look at me like I'm pathetic or weak," It was inviting, safe, just what a school should be. Though, Japanese schools are known for being very strict, the Survivor School felt much less daunting. "Say, Asuna said you were at practice before, and you showed up late to class, what was it?"

His face seemed to light up a bit, then looked away sheepishly. ~Ah, that, uh, yeah I... practice like Riku, though I'm not great at anything but some simple songs on guitar, Riku's much better at it so she helps me half the time~

"That's really cool - hey, people find anyone that plays guitar amazing," I, for one, liked that.

~Mystfit was the one who inspired me to try; awful sense of humour, but a good guitarist~ It meant a lot to him, all of them were a part of him now in some way. Mystfit's guitar skills. Pix's kindness. ArcSol's courage. Those aspects were clear as day now. Just like I learned from my family. Then he yawned.

"Go to sleep already, I'll turn the camera off soon too," I encouraged, watching his eyelids fall slightly. "You ran around all day today for me, so you deserve to rest; leader's orders," I teased.

~Aye-Aye~ With a weak salute, he stared at the camera for a moment more. ~Goodnight, Yuuki~

"Hm... goodnight, Kazuki," I felt my body relax while he closed his eyes. I felt really warm inside again, today, it just kept growing. I curled up a bit, it scared me to think about, I didn't want to hurt him, the idea that I may die was still lurking, three months, that's all I had.

But I really liked this feeling too, it was like being with my family again but different. Maybe pursuing it wouldn't be so bad... Turning the camera off, I closed my eyes to drift to sleep too, Kazuki's image giving me the most peaceful sleep I've had in years.

[To Be Continued...]

[Author's Notes]

More fluff than I know what to do with. These two are falling hard and fast, hah. That trope with Kazuki being shirtless, thought that was fun to write as Yuuki has a literal mental breakdown. But with the last few chapters being based in reality, time to take a dive back to ALO.

I hope you enjoyed, I appreciate the support; seeya in the next chapter, Players!