The Crimson Hunter. SAO X Reader. [DRAFT].

●Chapter 20b: Calm Before The Storm.

17 October 2024.

Floor 20.
Hunter's Guild Headquarters.
4:00 AM.
Current Level: 111.

You slowly open your eyes and see the darkened wooden ceiling of your room, the slight early morning light peers through the curtains making the wooden beams above slightly more visable to you. You take a slow and deep breath in as you yawn in awakened exhaustion, your mind starting to fully wake up, albeit slowly.

U/N:*grumbles* Hey Omega, what time is it?

Omega: 4:00 AM, on the dot.

U/N: Ugh, so early....this sucks....but I still gotta do this.

Omega: Quit complaining and get up.

U/N: Yeah yeah.

You place both of your hands on either side of the bed, and push yourself up, only to be stopped by an incredibly heavy weight pressing itself on your stomach and legs. You knew exactly what it was that was on you, and you groan in tired frustration as you lay back down.

U/N: Dammit! Every time with the same routine! I bought this thing a bed for a reason.

Omega(smug): Told you that you didn't need another beast to tame.

U/N: Fuck off you damn voice.

Omega: Nah, you're stuck with me.

You look back up, lifting yourself up with one hand and fully see the body of the source of what was pinning you down: Dutchess.

The snow white Dire Wolf had her back to you, her fluffy fur was pressed flat against your body, her breathing was long and slow, indicating that she was still asleep, despite your movements. Ever since you tamed Dutchess back in August, she had been an exceptional ally to you and the guild, she protected anyone that was in any immediate danger, soaking up damage like an absolute tank while still being able to fight, and was nothing if not a relentless killing machine when on the offensive. A proud and gigantic beast worthy of having.

That was of course...when you were out in the field....when fighting enemies.

Whereas outside of battles.....and when at home or in a safezone....she was nothing but an overcoddly, attention greedy, and INCREDIBLY needy mut. No matter where you were, she was constantly asking for love, there were times where she jumped on you and pinned you down on the ground and licked your face, demanding affection. Lavira is STILL teasing you about it. More specifically during a raid meeting on one of the previous floors.....in front of the entire Assault Team.

Seriously, she was just as touch starved as Natsu, and that dragon was desperate for affection.

You place your free hand on the beast's back, and shake, the first time was gentle, and incited no response. The second on however, which had alot more force to it, rewarded you with something that was a mix of a tired growl and a whine.

U/N: Dutcheeeesss. C'mon girl, I've gotta get up.

You only get another low whine and a small adjustment in position as a response. The giant doglike creature was still on you however. And that wasn't helping anyone.

U/N: Ok, seriously Dutchess, I need to get up.

She shifted her body around you so that she could see you, placing her head down and looking at you with typical puppy eyes, she was whining even more now, planting herself further into the bed.