The Path Unknown

13. A Little "Date"

The first day of their lives together passed and the morning of the  next one came. It was a different time when they were together. One that  did not seem to move second by second or minute by minute. It was a  time that moved a minute for a second and an hour for a minute. It  didn't seem to pass the normal way it did. He treasured every moment  with her, whether it be on or off the battlefield. This game was a  different one with her in it.

The morning didn't come quickly for  them. They were in each other's arms cuddling next to the fire. No bed  was needed to them, they were happy with whatever they had. Neither one  of them felt the need for luxury items in a game. They both woke up hand  in hand, smiles on both their faces. They spoke no words, as none were  needed. They got up and started to make breakfast, in-game sensations  were really life-like so they would have to take care of their hunger  before going out. Virtual was different, but it was better than nothing.  He could tell by the taste of her food that her cooking skill was  growing. He was excited that she started it after Asuna made food for  them the last time.

Zagu was flying around Shika's head, annoying  her. She put her head down trying to bore the annoyance, to no avail -  which made Michiko laugh. It was funny to see them acting like that,  especially in the morning. They were like two siblings, except for the  fact that their appearances were a ways apart. She looked back to Kage,  who was helping cut the ingredients for breakfast. Being together like  they were was a different experience. It symbolized so much to have a  ring on her finger and, for a guy, he wasn't shy of it either. The  silver and black ring upon his right ring finger showed that he wasn't  afraid to shout from the rooftops that he loved her. Either that or the  game was was programed to do that, though Kirito never had a ring on his  finger. Many thoughts spun through Michiko's mind. It could be like  this forever. Me and him, just like this. I wish that we were able to  leave this damn game and find him already. It would be so perfect in the  real world!

Breakfast was prepared. It wasn't the same as food  in real life, but it was good nonetheless. Asuna was teaching Michiko  how to do that, afterall. He would have to wait for a taste of any kind  of food that he recognized. He ate his meal without a second thought.  This game was so intricate, that even tastes were emulated. Of course,  this was all fake; but the thought of having this food forever made his  mouth water.

"So, how is it?" Michiko looked at him.

"Oh  my gosh. This food. I'm getting excited for when you max out your  cooking skill now!" He replied, almost shoving the food down his throat.

  "Hey, I'm almost there, alright? And will you slow down? I wanted to  spend the day with someone who doesn't inhale his food." Her sarcasm  surfaced.

"Jeez, since when did you turn into my mom?" He  laughed, "Let me make it even more believable, 'Yes, mother!'" He waved  his utensils in the air.

She laughed at his display, "Hey, I actually do have some stuff to do today."

"Like..?"

"Well... There's a small quest on the 78th floor. There are a pair of swords up for grabs..." She became shy, as if to beg.

"You wanna go grab them? You know guys don't take hints well." He put down his fork.

"Fine, I was trying to be nice and 'girly', but yea. I think they'd fit me well." She became slightly monotone.

"Hey, don't drain your emotion cause I said that. Just saying." He put another fork of food in his mouth.

"You never 'just say' something unless it's to shut me up!"