driftfleet | (no subject)

[A happy hum can be heard, and she rests her head against his, a contented smile on her face.]

You're right, the rooms could always use something else. This was very sweet, thank you.

[She kisses his cheek before sighing happily and completely relaxing against him.]

Mm, but as long as you're with me somewhere, I can always feel at home.

...Yeah... no argument, there.

[His arm tightens a little, hugging her closer to himself.]

I tried not to think about it too much, but... you being here changes everything.

Really? [There's a shift of her head in curiosity, but she doesn't move to look at him. Where she currently rests is too comfortable to leave, so she settles for just listening to his voice.]

I hope you mean that in a good way.

[Of course she's teasing him.]

[He blinks in that brilliantly clueless way of his.]

I can't even think of a bad way.

[Bad??? Asuna being here??? Bad????? does not compute]

[A giggle escapes her as she nuzzles him in response to his completely honest statement.]

Okay, okay. What did you mean, then? Because I'm not sure how it really changed.

Ahhh... do I really have to explain it...?

[He knows he does - it's rhetorical - but in truth he's not really sure how to phrase it. He exhles through his nose quietly, thinking it over.]

Well... I mean, it was sort of like being in SAO, right? Being isolated, away from home and everyone I knew... and sure, I made friends here and there, but it still felt different, and I was on my own. It wasn't what I'd call a great experience. But then we teamed up, and... when we got that cottage for ourselves, made it a real home...

[He shifts his hand, scratching his cheek awkwardly as if it could erase his blush.]

That's... what I mean.

[Without moving too much, Asuna reaches over to place her hand on his cheek so she can guide his face to meet hers, which is now turned toward him. There's warmth in her eyes and smile in that way she's always so tender when he tries to explain the feelings they both share. Her voice is soft, meant only for the two of them, gentle as she tells him once again how she feels.]

Kirito-kun, no matter where we go, as long as I'm with you, I am home. I love our cabin, and I loved our time there, all of it. We made it ours, and it will always be special. But we can do that again, wherever we are. The main reason it's so wonderful is because I'm there with you. [And Yui, but details.]

I know exactly what you mean now, so don't worry. [She brings them together, stopping just short of their faces meeting, a smile playing at her lips.] I love you.

[Oof... w-well, at least that means he gave a good answer. He blinks owlishly at her, eyes wide, as a blush crawls across his cheeks.]

Ah... I'm glad. That- that you get me, I mean. Erm- that is- and the other thing too-

[Mouth, stop doing that. He pauses awkwardly, inhaling, exhaling, and tries again.]

...That is, I love you, too.

[There we go.]

[Congratulations, he manages to make her giggle right before she plants a quick kiss on his nose.]

I know. [Asuna's smile turns a little more comfortable, and she settles against him with a happy hum.]

Still, I really do enjoy hearing you say that. I feel so happy.

[He feels oddly proud for not completely failing at that one. He smiles and nuzzles his chin against her hair, cozy and content with her pressed against him.]

If you're happy, then I'm happy.

[And this is when Kazu floats over and starts poking himself against Kirito's head. Excellent timing.]

It might be more comfortable on the bed, you know.

[She says without moving an inch.]

[Ack. He likes the idea, but the moving... not so much. It's cozy like this.

He wiggles first one way, then the other, debating their options - to stay, or to go - and then opts for choice #3: he tucks his legs beneath himself to gain leverage and stands up, carrying her with him in his arms.]

How about this?

[As usual, any action like that elicits a small yelp of surprise from Asuna, who doesn't have enough time to put her arms around his neck. Instead her hands grip his shirt front as her yelp turns into a laugh.]

Jeez, Kirito-kun! [One hand moves to rest at the base of his head, so she can guide them both in for a not so quick kiss, a happy hum leaving her when their lips connect.]

Heh, sorry...

[It's the least sincere apology ever; he knows she likes it, and the kiss is solid proof of that. Since she isn't protesting, he'll just carry her over to the bed.]