Kirisuna Oneshots

Fate's Bond

February 14, 2024

"Huh?!"

Asuna jaw dropped as she read the obscure message from a familiar solo playing swordsman. He had asked to cash in a favor—specifically, asked her to meet him at a small town on floor 27. Not only was this suspicious since they rarely spoke outside of meetings after they disbanded their party, but today was a particularly special day; it was Valentine's Day.

"Hey, Asunaaa," Lisbeth waved her hand in the fencer's face, snapping her out of her daze. "Whatcha lookin' at? Who messaged you?"

She turned about as red as the blacksmith's dress and threw up her hands, shaking her head rapidly. "Nothing, Nothing! No one! Just, uh, someone from the assault team. Yeah, he needs some help with stuff. Assault team things."

Liz raised a suspicious brow and cupped her chin in a hand. "Is that so? And he just so happened to ask you to accompany him on this particular holiday?" Asuna sighed and closed the message box with a swift flick.

"Sorry, but I kinda do owe him. He's helped me out a lot since this game started. We can go out another time!"

"Yeah, okay," Liz nodded and waved a dismissive hand. "Hurry, you don't wanna leave your Valentine's date hanging~!"

Asuna lightly slapped her shoulder and called another apology over her shoulder as she ran out of the shop. Considering the circumstances, it was likely an emergency. It wasn't often that he asked for help, let alone from her.

She finally reached the spot he'd asked to meet at and slumped against a building, exhausted.

"You know running in this game doesn't actually tire you out, right?" She jumped back and grasped the handle of her sword, turning to the voice. He flinched and held up his hands.

As she recognized the player she sighed and sheathed her sword. It was none other than Kirito himself, the one who sent the message. "Geez, don't sneak around like that! And whatever, I'm mentally tired."

Kirito grinned and leaned against the doorframe. "Why, busy at Valentine's Day brunch with your special someone?"

Asuna shot him a cold glare, causing him to tense up. "No. For your information, not that it concerns you, I was with a friend. A female friend. What did you need, anyway?"

"Right. Yeah, I sort of need help with a quest."

"What?" That was the one thing she didn't expect. "Why would you need help with a quest?"

He laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, it's kind of a two-person quest. Literally. Your party needs to consist of exactly two people to participate."

"Seriously? That's weird—wait, why did you ask me? I can't seriously be your only friend." She added the last part with a teasing smirk. He frowned and shook his head.

"Nah, but you're my only friend that I knew wouldn't be busy to—" She cut him off with a harsh slap across the face.

"Don't be an asshole!" She scolded. "I could have been on a date, I'll have you know I have many admirers!" As much as Asuna hated to say it, it was true she had a sort of fan club. Of course, she wouldn't even consider going on a real date with any of them.

He rubbed his cheek grumpily. "That's not what I meant. Knowing you, no matter how many of those creepy fans you've got, you'd never go out with any of them. Or anyone at all—at least, in SAO."

Asuna glared at him, speechless. Am I really that predictable? She shook her head and straightened her posture. "Oh, whatever. Let's just do this quest and we can go our separate ways."