Through Thick and Thin

Just Us

It was finally the end of the day. I picked Kazuto up as usual, and as I drove him home I realized  we haven't hung out other than school in a while. I recall Agil has his own little bar not too far from Kazuto's house. I start planning everything out in my head. Like, when we should go, what time... I was so excited! 

"You seem excited. Is there something I don't know about?" A smirk appeared on his face.

"No, it's nothing. Nothing of your concern." 

I remember when Agil threw the surprise party for Kazuto when he beat Sword Art Online. Maybe, we could do something similar, but... what would we be celebrating? Come on, Asuna. I mean, we don't have to go there just to have a party or just to celebrate something big. We could have no reason, but to simply relax or maybe to see Agil and our friends. As a group, we haven't hung out and talked in a very long time.

"Ok, I trust you."

He kissed my cheek, and I instantly turned a bright shade of red. 

"You are so adorable when you blush."

"Thanks."

We sat in silence, glancing over at each other a couple times and smiling. I loved the times when we acted silly, and screamed out lyrics to our favorite songs. But, times like these were nice too. These moments with Kazuto I will always hold near and dear to my heart. I know I must say that a lot, but it's true. He is everything, my future, my love, my soulmate. I know that for a fact. This feeling can't be wrong.

"Um, Kazuto?"

"Hmm, what is it?"

"Are you doing anything tomorrow?"

"No, why do you ask?"

"I just wanted to do something just the two of us. Besides, I wanted to thank you for changing my life. For the better, of course."

"Asuna, you know you don't have to do anything. You do enough. More than enough, really."

"But, I really wanted to express my gratitude. I mean, you do so much and I feel I do so little.¨

¨You know, that's not true. It's fine. Promise.¨  

That's when I came up with an another idea. In SAO, Kazuto had only a couple of swords he would use. The one he would use the most is Elucidator. Even before he got the dual-sword skill that is the sword he used. I decided I was going to find a highly rated blacksmith, then ask them to make Elucidator. I know, it would bring back a lot of good memories for him. Maybe, someday I can get him his Dark Repulser. But, I don't think I have enough for two swords, right now. 

I realize as I am searching for a suitable forgemaster that Klein the other day got a pair of daggers at a shop nearby. I recall them being of a very high quality.  I go to my messages and I open up my texts with him.

I text, "Klein, do you happen to remember what forgemaster worked on the pair of daggers you got the other day? I am going to surprise Kazuto by getting someone to make Elucidator."

He replied back quickly to say, "Yeah, I recall it was Akihiro Yamamoto."

"Thanks."

I get out of bed, and visit their little shop. It smelled of mostly sweat, but a hint of Old Spice. It reminded me of the odor Kazuto had when I visited him after he had a match with Sugu. It did smell almost the same, except for the slight scent of sweet perfume and coal dust. I walked to the front desk, taking in what everything looked like when shortly after a woman approached me. She had candy apple shoulder-length hair, and sky blue eyes. She wore a black leather apron and a matching pair of gloves. Under that, was a blue tunic and light jeans.

"May I help you?"

"Um, yes. In fact, I wondered if you could make this sword. It is a gift for my boyfriend."

"Ok, let's have a look."

I showed her my phone, a picture of Kazuto in SAO with his famous sword. Her eyes lit up as soon as her eyes saw it.

"Wow, it would be a pleasure! I really admire all of the players in SAO on the front lines. I know I couldn't handle the thought of knowing I could die. I am not brave enough. Probably never will be, and I am good with that."

"Well, personally I think bravery leads to confidence. And, there is nothing wrong with that."

She looks up at me, and jumps in her seat a little.

"Sorry, did I do something wrong?"

"No, I'm just so honored to be in your presence, Lightning Flash Asuna."

She reaches her hand out, and I give it a shake with a little bit of a grip. When I woke up this morning I definetly didn't expect this to happen. It was nice to be recognized. It never happened much, but when it did they were always extremely nice people.

"Oh, I am so sorry!" I apologized, feeling so insensitive.

"What is it?" She asked, sorta surprised.

"Sorry, I just never asked for your name."

"Oh, it is fine. If I am being honest, since I am the only girl employee here no one really cares about my presence. The other blacksmiths will only talk to me if it is because of polishing a blade or making a handle. Or if they need a favor."

"I am so sorry. That is horrible."

"Sorry, I am being so open about my life to a complete stranger. A customer, too."

"No, it's fine. I would do the same thing if I were in the same situation."

"Thanks for being so understanding. Oh, sorry. I never told you my name. My name is Aiko, but my friends call me Ai."

We had a short conversation about how much it was going to be, and when it would be done. I was so excited that I made a new friend, and how great this shop is, and it's service. Plus, the fact that Kazuto is going to love it. I just know he will. It is so nice to have everything going my way, and it is such a beautiful day. Nothing could ruin my mood.

"Thank you, Ai for everything. Have a good day."

"You, too!"

I walked out the door, smiling. Then, I got a call. A call from Kazuto.

I picked up, "Hey, babe. How are you? I was just thinking about you."

"There was been an accident. Suguha is hurt." Kazuto stated while sniffling a little, sounding like he was just crying.

"What?! Ok, babe. I am on my way, ok?" I jumped in my car, and drove as fast as I could. I never sounded Kazuto this upset in a long time. It was urgent, and I was going to be there for him.

To be continued...