The Breaking Point - Kirisuna

Somethings Up with Asuna

Kirito's POV:

After walking around with Asuna, we stopped at a restaurant. She hadn't said much, but maybe she was a little shy. After all, this did feel like a first date with how long we've been apart. At least for me, it felt like that.

Sitting down at a table, it seemed Asuna was distant. Every word I said went in one ear and out the other with an "mmhmm" in between. What was up with her?

I didn't know what to do, I just sat there and stared at her. Asuna broke the silence, finally looking me in the eyes. God, how I missed those caramel eyes...

"Kirito, let's go stargazing again!".

"Yeah! That was fun wasn't it?". I thought back to when I gave Asuna a small ring resembling "Yui's heart". It was a small topaz teardrop ring, vowing that I'd marry her. I look at the ring, then reach for that hand across the table. She blushes at our moment. "We can go whenever you want."

"Hmmm", she ponders cutely, "What about tomorrow?" she smirks, thinking I'd say no.

"Tomorrow it is" I reach my other hand for her other hand, pulling her into a kiss.

Our lips come closer to seal the deal. My phone starts shaking on the table, unfortunately interrupting us before we could kiss. Asuna pulls back annoyed. I laugh nervously and answer my phone.

It was Alice saying she received a message that the gang needed to fulfill a mission in the Underworld as part of the ongoing investigation. "Thanks, Alice. Do you know when we need to be there?"

"Tomorrow at 6:00 pm on the dot".

"Jeez" is all I can say. I glance at Asuna, afraid to tell her we should cancel our date immediately after making the plans.

"What did Alice say?". Asuna's face is full of concern and irritation. I forgot that the two don't get along well, but the fact that Asuna was willing to be mature and even then save Alice warms my heart.

I weakly smile. "W-W-Well.... there's something important we have to do in the Underworld... tomorrow. It's important soooo...".

Asuna sighs dejectedly. "Ok," she says simply. "See you tomorrow". She gets up with her purse and leaves me there at the table. Now I know she's really mad at me. It seems deeper than just me working with Kikuoka and RATH right? Surely she understands that the work experience and pay are what's going to allow me to thrive in college and provide her with the life she deserves...

*TIME SKIP TO 6 PM SATURDAY*

It's 6 pm and the ALO gang has logged into the Underworld with me. Everyone is now in a cabin,  it's not as nice as Asuna and I's.

We sit and wait. Asuna ran out to buy a few supplies. Sinon approaches me.

"Kirito?" she says with a rasp, "Are you sure this is a good idea?".

"What do you mean?".

"Well, it seems as though we all came here with no real explanation of what we are supposed to be doing".

"We have to go into what's considered dark territory and fight a new clan that's forged there. Rath thinks it's another group of hackers".

"Yeah ok but..."

"But what?"

"Why are you and Alice so close suddenly? It's like you two have this air-tight bubble around you. I get that you were stuck in her world for a long time, but it would be nice if you didn't keep everything from the group. And I'm your best friend, don't you remember?".

"Sinon, I didn't forget that you're my best friend. It's just that... I'm so used to Alice understanding what I'm talking about. We grew up together at this point."

"She is a robot you know, of course, she understands".

"SINON!".

"I'm just saying, you've known us for years. I haven't spent any time with you and I suffered in the underworld to help you too. You don't have your Excalibur to remind you of me now. You gotta think about me on your own. Think about everyone".

Sinon was right. She's always been one to pull me back down to Earth when I'm losing touch. I put my hand on Sinon's head to pet her gently. "You're right." is all I said and we lose ourselves in a shared laugh, forgetting everyone is watching us.

Asuna bursts through the door. I quickly take my hand off Sinon's head and look in the opposite direction of Asuna in embarrassment.

"Idiot," Sinon says using her hip and arm to bump me jokingly.

Alice walks to the middle of the room to make an announcement. "The ship to take us to the Dark Territory is here. Everyone climb aboard." She exits the cabin and I follow right behind.

I grab Alice's hand like a gentleman and help her aboard. But I stay by the door of the ship to help everyone else aboard. Everyone continues to climb the stairs onto the ship. Asuna comes up last, I reach for her hand. She doesn't make eye contact with me, forcefully pushing past me. 

She does have a lot to be mad at me for, so I won't push her buttons right now. I go to sit next to Asuna on the ship. Before I sit down she speaks up. "Sinon, would you like to trade seats with me, I'd like to discuss some school matters with Liz if you don't mind?" Liz's face lit up, she knew something was wrong with Asuna too. Sinon agreed and sat next to me. 

The rows of seats were in an 11 style like the subway. We all were split in half facing each other. I was left to stare at Asuna. I don't know what's all going on but the hurting in my heart couldn't ignore Asuna pushing me away like this.

I'll make everything up to her.

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A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed!