Klein(SAO)x Reader

Chapter Eleven

I follow after Klein with a sigh, partially worried that whatever he feels he can't share with me. stroking Nova's scales, I leave myself to my thoughts, not paying attention to where I'm walking, despite the many conflicts I've had because of not paying any consideration to the dusty path. Reflecting back to the Murder Gang dilemma, I flounder when I hear someone call my name, me stumbling face first to the soil. Quickly, powerful arms catch me just above the dirty ground and reel me up warily.

"Sorry. I didn't expect you to try to face-plant when I called you." Klein chuckles, setting me on my feet. I shove him jokingly, smiling myself. 

"Whatever. You caught me off guard." I retort, holding Nova, who had fluttered away when I slipped, back in my arms. 

"You? Off Guard? Impossible!" He sarcastically shakes his head in incredulity. "All those times, I thought you knew what was going on!" I roll my eyes, but we continue on our way to the village, me glad that Klein's back to himself again. The group and we meet up in the square of the town, everyone at least level ten now.  

"Hey, guys. I'd say it's time to hit the hay." Klein announces mid-yawn, and everyone murmurs their sleepy satisfaction.  Wavering up the stairs, I make it to my room, but before I can close the door I hear Klein behind me. "Don't face-plant!" After a moment, he sighs in sarcastic relief. "Good. Hey, Skylar. I have something to tell you." He murmurs, so I take the hint and close the door behind him.

"What's up?" I question, hope flickering in my chest.

Is this what's been making him so flustered?

"So, I've found something that I think will help you get your sight back." Excitement runs through me at these words, and surprise advances to meet it. It had been almost routine, being blind, but now, would be able to see again.

"Really? That's awesome! What is it?" I exclaim but stifle my voice when Klein shushes me gently. "Wait, why do you want to be so quiet?"

"Because this item can only be found once in the game. It can heal any permanent or major injuries. It's on this floor, so it's a little bit of a stretch, but I think we can make it. It's in the middle of this floor, on a special path through the woods. I've found someone who'll take us there, to the path." Klein explains. I nod, enthusiasm and thoughts sending my mind whirring. 

"When can we go, though? If you don't want your guild to know, then it'll be tricky to get away from them for that long without them suspecting, or even finding out," at the words suspecting, Klein's face returns to the same tint as before, "well, you are their leader. I guess now's the time to start throwing your title around." I murmur, biting my fingertip. 

"Yeah, I guess so. If we want to go tomorrow, then we'll have to get up really early. We might need to leave a note, or message them when they're asleep. Either way, we'd be getting both to the path safely and from the path safely."

"Agreed."

(Time skip)

Strolling down the path behind the man Klein had introduced me to as 'his best friend, Sahj', I examine his figure of heat carefully, not fully trusting him. He had appeared shifty the minute he laid eyes on me, and I doubt I'll ever trust him if this turns out well. Making sure to stay on the untidy trail, I bump into Klein, who is smiling down on me over his shoulder, me knowing this because of his facial features in heat. Klein had come to a stop behind the guide, who was removing a few branches to get past.

"You excited?" He whispers, signaling the guide doesn't know I'm blind. 

"Yeah. Thanks for doing this. It makes me really happy, Klein." I giggle softly, unable to control the joviality I'm experiencing. Klein then ensues the guide, who then, as Klein's back is to him, he smirks broadly at me, sending chills down my spine. He then opens the branches for me to pass as I hesitantly walk through, but he seizes my collar, hauling me to him.