Rare Gemstone (Kirito x reader)

Chapter 18

(Y/n)'s POV

~The next day~

The king was hosting a festive ball in the middle of town tonight. It was to symbolise the signing of the peace treaty. After a few more days, I'd be able to return to Shiki.

"(Y/n), I heard that Kirito confessed to you," exclaimed Asuna.
"Why do you care?"
"Why shouldn't I care? He's mine after all."
"Be quiet and leave before I get annoyed."
"By the way, where's Yui? Was she hurt after that little incident?"

Tch, why was she bothering me? Did she not get what the word 'leave' meant? *sigh* I pushed past her and went outside.

"Why are you ignoring me?! Hey, I'm talking to you!"

I continued to ignore her. Well, they said that people got bored of annoying someone who didn't give any reactions.

She grabbed onto my arm and turned me around.

"Are you deaf or what? Didn't you hear me calling your name?" she asked with a glare.
"Oh, sorry. I don't speak trash."
"What...did you just say? Are you saying I'm a piece of trash?"
"Yeah, that's exactly what I meant."

Before she could hit me, I grabbed onto her arm.

"Asuna, don't even think about hurting her," Kirito exclaimed.
"Kirito, I wasn't hurting her."
"Drop the innocent act. Is your power the ability to act like an idiot?"

She was so shocked that no words were coming out of her mouth. Kirito grabbed my hand and pulled me away.

"Geez, I hate how she treats you like that."
"Don't worry about it."

He looked at me with a concerned expression. I just smiled and ruffled his hair.

"Oneesan! Suguha and Shino are going to buy some stuff for the ball tonight! Want to come?" William asked excitedly.
"Sure-"
"But Kirito has to be nice if he wants to tag along."
"Oi, who do you think I am? A kid?-"
"Obviously, what else would you be?"
"Guys, stop arguing. Let's just go."

~Some time later~

We were in town but I couldn't help but notice the tense aura surrounding me. Kirito and William were on either side of me, both holding my hand. Could this situation get any worse?...

"(Y/n), why don't we go try some (food)?" Kirito asked.
"Oneesan, what about buying some equipment?" asked William.
"How about trying on some dresses?"
"What about going for a walk?"
"Maybe-"
"Both of you, be quiet! I'm going to go with Suguha and Shino while you two make up right now. Don't complain and get it done, okay?"

Suguha giggled and pat them both on the back...maybe a little too hard.

"Don't worry about these two. I'm sure they'll resolve the problem in no time," she said with a smile.
"Yeah right...more like in a million years," commented Shino.
"Come on, let's go on ahead."

They both nodded before practically dragging me around the place.

Kirito's POV

"Come on, kid."
"Don't call me 'kid'!"

I motioned for him to follow me. (Y/n) must really be annoyed by the tension between us. I guess I should do something about it.

We headed towards the forest. I went on some of the more difficult and confusing dirt paths but William seemed to be just fine. This kid could really be capable of doing something good in the future.

"Oi, where are we going?" he asked, a little annoyed.
"It's just a little more along this path. Why? You tired?"
"Tch, a man like me can't be tired when a kid like you isn't."

I laughed. When we arrived, I stabbed my sword into the ground. Hmm, should I test it out? Nah, maybe next time.

"Kirito-"

I clenched my fist and went in for a punch but he immediately jumped up and kicked my arm away.

"Nice reflexes, kid. Where did you learn that?"

He just looked away and fidgeted with his fingers. Did I touch on a personal topic?

"Anyway, (Y/n) told us to make up. I suggest we hurry up and do that."
"Why? You afraid that she'd hate you?"
"No, I feel like I'd become great friends with you. I just want to hurry up and get it done. I don't like making enemies."

We both sat there in silence. It was peaceful but I didn't think it would last for long. I was curious...curious about William. I wanted to know more about him.

"My parents...never cared about me. Suguha usually took care of me and she told me stories about a brave knight that fought bad guys. I wanted to become like him so I trained everyday. The fact that my father abuses me and my mother just makes me train harder. I thought I was going to die but my dream of becoming like the knight stopped me from thinking about death. That was when I met (Y/n). She helped me, although I haven't told her about this. She seemed like an angel. I kept thinking that I didn't deserve to be saved by her. I..."

He was crying by the time he had finished telling me his story.

"Thank you for telling me, William. Stop thinking about that and become a knight. You'll do it for sure."

He smiled at me through his tears.

Who knew you were capable of making friends?
Oi Yato, where are you? I haven't seen you all day.
Do you think we're supposed to be around you all the time? We need to rest as well, you know.
Okay okay, whatever you say. Anyway, has (Y/n) gone back to the palace?
How am I supposed to know that?!
Geez, calm down. I was just asking.

"Kirito, I've made up my mind. I'm going to become like you. In fact, I'll surpass you one day, just watch me," William exclaimed with a big smile.
"*laughs* That's the spirit."

Wait, weren't we supposed to be something this evening? I felt like I was forgetting something important...