SAO Fan Fiction (WIP)

Brewing up Trouble

So I'll pick up from where left off from, if it is okay with you?

I look over the map the bartender gave to me as I walk out the bar. The map shows a simple path out the city, to the fields I barely explored in the beta. He made a decent drawing of the city.

I slowly walk through the streets; following the path from the map. NPC merchants call out their goods, and services to me as I pass. Other players are chatting and partying up in the streets around the already busy stalls.

People are in such a hurry to party up, and to plan guilds. No one seems to be enjoying the realism of these streets and general vibe of this game.

The crowds diminish as I make my way through the city to the south gate. There are hardly any NPCs, or Players around.

Wow. It's kinda unnerving how quiet it is. This must be a housing district I'm passing through. I should check where I actually am before getting lost. After putting away the map I lift my hand to access the menu.

"Hey you. Are ya lost?"

"JESUS CHRIST!" Fuck me runnin! Where did he come from?

I jump back grabbing at the short sword on my hip. My heart is racing. I close my eyes for a moment and breath out to calm, and compose myself. After a deep breath I stand up straight, and relax, releasing the hilt.

"Why did you pop out from behind the corner? You startled me, you ass." I probably shouldn't be such a douche. He seems alright. He probably didn't mean to come around the corner the same time I did.

"Well darn. I'm sorry for scaring you. I noticed that you are heading to the gate. By any chance could I tag along?" This guy wants to tag along? I wonder why.

"You didn't scare me, but rather startled me. I don't mind you following me." I sound like a pretensions ass. I should apologize for being rude, and ask his name. 'Be social' Neko always tell me.

Thinking of my darling puts a content smile on my face. I notice a quizzical look on the guys face. Feeling a bit embarrassed for standing there smiling at a stranger like a creep I cough to hide my social ineptitude.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I'm Tyler, and you are?" I hope I don't come across disingenuous. He seems like an alright guy.

"I'm keno. Nice to meet you." Wow. It's weird to think this, but his hand feels so real. I can feel the roughness of his calluses, firm hand shake, and warmth from his hand.

"Are you okay? You seem kinda lost." Shit. Did I hold his hand too long? Uhh! Quick gotta make up something!

I quickly release his hand and gesture to the walls of the buildings near us, and the sky. My fingers glancing the scratchy brick then soar through the air.

"Errrhh... No! I was just lost in thought. This world is really beautiful and I just got caught up in all the little intricacies in this..." hmm! Why is he staring at me with that weird, sideways glance?!

"I meant: Are you lost in the city? I could help you find wherever you are going." He seems so relaxed and nonchalant in the face of my social awkwardness. Oh god.. I'm...

"Such an idiot." I can't believe I made such a fool of myself. Actually, I can. I am a spazz..

I compose myself and acknowledge Keno's offer. Showing him the map he instantly recognizes the area I'm going to. We talk for a few moments before we arrive at the south gate.