Aya's P. O. V.
As I heard Seth's voice, I relaxed. I was about to jump out of fear when his hand touched my shoulder without any warning. I turned around, facing his worried but smiling face
Aya: Hi. I'm so sorry for making you wait. I got too excited heh.
Seth: I was sick worried about you!
Seth bent a little bit downwards to hug me and even lifted me up a little, to which I responded with a soft yelp of surprise. He kissed my head and held me close.
Seth: What matters is that you're ok. Did you figure out the basics?
Aya: Yeah I guess...
Seth ruffled my hair, making me groan as usual. He then let go off me and looked at Kirito's direction.
Seth: I see you're making new friends. That's great!
Oh god, does he have to act like a dad right now?! This is so awkward, I swear.
Aya: Yeeeaaah hehe...
Seth: So, what's your name? Mine's Seth.
Seth extended his arm to Kirito, to which he luckily responded likewise.
Kirito: My name is Kirito. Nice to meet you.
Seth's face became more serious, as if he was thinking of something important. Oh God, what now?!
Seth: I'm sorry, have we met already? Your username is awfully familiar.
Kirito: I don't think so...
Seth furrowed his eyebrows, as if trying to read the past on Kirito's face, while Kirito looked around, trying to find the answer to the same question.
Seth: Wait, were you a beta tester?
Kirito: Yeah, I was.
Seth's realization was immediately painted on his features
Seth: I believe we met back then. Remember, floor 4, when you found me trying to kill the boss by myself without success?
Kirito: Seth... so that's you!
Seth: Yeah! Do you remember me now?
Kirito: Yeah, I remember you alright.
Seth: Wow, I didn't expect to meet you again.
Kirito: Me neither, but I'm glad of it. You were really brave on the beta, trying to take a boss down all alone.
Seth: Yeah, I guess, though I don't think that being on the verge of dying contributed to that heh. But you were amazing on the beta! I mean, you cleared like 10 floors on your own! I bet you'll have no problem clearing SAO.
Kirito: I hope so. I must say, thanks to your tips in the beta I killed that boss in two tries or so. It was easier knowing already the patterns and all of that.
Oh god they know each other and are friends! Now I feel like a third wheel.... fan-fuckin-tastic...
They kept talking and talking about beta stuff. God, why did they have to know each other?! My conversation with Kirito was going so good! Oh well, what can I do? At least they get along well and seeing my brother making friends warms my heart. He may act all sociable but he has a hard time making friends, just like me. I sighed, looking at Seth's eyes sparkle with interest on Kirito's words, and said softly
Aya: Well, I'm gonna go see those flowers...yeah...
To my surprise, Kirito heard me and smiled at me.
Kirito: Alright, but don't take too long. After all, we didn't finish our talk.
Oh god he is so cute, and handsome. Shit, I felt my cheeks blushing again. I looked away to avoid being seen with such a stupid face. I heard him let out a soft giggle, which made me blush even more. The flower patch was too far away to hear their talk amongst the sound of other people chatting and the humming of virtual bees surrounding the delicate plants.
Seth's P. O. V.
As Aya walked over the flower patch, Kirito giggled to himself. We both noticed that she blushed after his words; she was never a good liar. Heh, I guess it runs in the family. I caught Kirito still staring at Aya while she sat down on the concrete and started playing with the flowers' petals. My dear Aya, her beauty and forgiving character always make someone fall for her, yet her innocence keeps her ignorant of it. If she wanted to, she could use all of her features to win any man she wants, but she stays humble and even unknowing of her qualities. I let out a small laugh, getting a confused look from Kirito
Seth: You like her don't you?
Kirito: I-wait you...her... no I don't!
One could clearly see he was intimidated by the question and even more by me.
Seth: Oh, that's a shame. She is really beautiful, even more than this avatar of hers if I may say so.
Kirito: I-I-I would never look at someone else's girlfriend.
That caught me offguard. Aya, having a boyfriend? Unless he thought we were a couple, which almost got me into a laughter attack. Nevertheless, I kept my posture in order to play along; I love being an actor in situations like this one.
Seth: Why, that makes you a man of honor. Those are rare to find these days.
I looked at Aya, who was stillplaying with the flowers. She may say she is already mature, and in fact is in some areas, but still has her innocence as her cover; my dear Aya, ever so innocent... too innocent for her good... that's why I vowed to protect her no matter what, for I don't wanna see her crushed by others because of her innocence... Kirito noticed my melancholic gaze.
Kirito: Hey, are you ok?
I breathed in and out, and decided to talk in all honesty.
Seth: I know I won't be next to her all the time...so...I wanted to ask something of you...
Kirito: What is it?
Seth: I know this will sound selfish and maybe it is, but... if Aya's ever in trouble and I'm not around... could you help her out, please? I know it may feel like an unnecessary responsibility to you, but please. I don't want something to happen to her. Heh, it's just a game but I still am way to overprotective of her. I cannot stand to see her get hurt.
Kirito: Won't you get jealous? I mean, of Aya and I being alone together and-
Seth: No, why would I?
Kirito:...Cool then.
Seth: Still, I wouldn't mind if you felt something for Aya.
Kirito: What are you talking about?! You shouldn't let other guys flirt with your girl!
Seth: But why not? One should not feel jealousy when it comes to family.
Kirito: Family...?
Seth: That is right. Haven't you figured it out just yet?
He looked dumbfounded, like a child presented to a complex puzzle. I laughed, I couldn't help it anymore.
Seth: Aya is my younger sister.
Kirito: So you are... her big brother...?
Seth: Exactly.
He let out a small laugh that I think was mostly out of relief.
Kirito: Well, that was embarrasing, heh.
Seth: So, do you promise?
Kirito nodded.
Seth: *sighs* That put my mind at ease, thank you.
Aya turned around, a flower on top of her right ear, and smiled. I could see Kirito's face redden. My dear Aya...ever so innocent...
