(Kazuto POV)

I felt Shino keep shifting in her sleep, and she mumbled.

I kept watch and realized she was having a nightmare. She began to sob lightly.

"Shhh, you're okay," I whispered.

I wrapped my arms around her and brought her close. I began to rub her back and stroked her hair, and after a while, her sobbing stopped. She stopped shifting too.

"You don't have to go through these things alone anymore," I reassured.

Although I knew she was asleep, I thought maybe this could sooth her a bit more.

She still must have nightmares...

She nuzzled into my chest as if she could hide away. Must've been some nightmare. I look over to the clock and noticed it was 12pm in the afternoon.

She didn't get any sleep last night, did she? I sighed and tried to sleep the best I could. Unlike her, I was completely rested. And I kinda wanted to stretch.

But as soon as I looked at her face, I decided to wait a few hours. She looked tired.

So attempting the best I could, I closed my eyes and tried to fall into deep sleep along with her.

"I'll put you back together, I promise," I whispered.

"And then, I'll keep you from breaking again," I muttered before closing my eyes.

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(Shino's dream state)

Shino walked into a familiar setting.

"No," Shino mumbled. Tears began overwhelming her eyes and she shook her head vigorously.

As if she couldn't control what she was doing, she kept going forward, near the dreaded building she distinctly remembers.

"No," she cried. She tried to calm herself down.

"I'm over this, this can't hurt me anymore. I'm over this," she kept repeating over and over until she opened the door and saw the man. With the crazed face.

The man held her mother at gunpoint. Unlike reality, Shino was forced to just watched. She was paralyzed. She couldn't move.

"I'm over this, I'm over this," she repeated to herself. She closed her eyes and shook her head until she heard a distinct gunshot ring in her ears.

She dropped to the floor, knees on the ground, and she began to cry uncontrollably.

Until she heard a soothing voice lull her.

"Shhh, you're okay," it said. Shino opened her tearful eyes and saw a hand reaching down to her.

Without thinking, she took it, and it pulled her up. When she met his face, she instantly went into his arms.

"Kazuto," she mumbled. Kazuto stroked her hair and rubbed her back until her sobs died down.

"You don't have to go through these things alone anymore," he whispered. She sighed in relief, ignoring everything around her, her nightmare died.

Now a new light shimmered within the darkness. Now she saw hope. She nuzzled closer to him.

"I'll put you back together, I promise," Kazuto mumbled.

"And then, I'll keep you from breaking again,"

And with those words said, Shino peacefully stayed in his arms.

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(3rd person POV)

Kazuto felt at ease. He almost did fall asleep until he felt his phone quietly vibrate uncontrollably. Careful not to wake Shino, he lowered the brightness and checked his message inbox.

Mostly filled with worried texts from his friends.

(Keiko): Where are you guys? You okay? (9:24pm)

(Tsuboi): Yo dude, usually I'd be okay being surrounded by these ladies, but its just getting awkward. Where are you two? (9:26pm)

(Suguha): Where are you two? (9:30pm)

(Rika) Where you at? (9:34pm)

(Suguha): At least tell me you two are okay (8:27am)

I sighed and sent a group text.

(Me): We're okay, don't worry.

After that I turned off my cellphone and snook it back into my pocket, trying not to wake her up.

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(Shino's POV)

I lazily opened my eyes and quietly yawned. And I found a Kazuto in my bed. That's new. I smiled at him.

I could get used to the this. He smiled back.

"You're awake. Do you feel rested?" He asked. I nodded, pleased and well rested.

"I'm glad," he sighed in relief. He's too sweet.

"What time is it?" I yawned again. He laughed.

"Why don't ya take a look?" Kazuto asked, handing me m glasses.

"You had them?" I asked, surprised.

"When I came to your apartment, these were on the floor," Kazuto frowned. I frowned too.

"I thought something happened to you," he whispered. I gently smiled.

"I'm fine now," I reassured. I do feel better now.

"If anything happened to you..." he continued. I cupped his cheek and rubbed my thumb across.

"Wanna know a secret?" I cooed. He chuckled, knew what I was up to and nodded. There's that smile.

"I don't really need these glasses," I admitted.

"You don't?" Kazuto exclaimed. I giggled and shook my head.

"Take a look. Not prescription," I handed him the glasses and he looked astounded. He's too cute. Looks pretty cute in glasses too.

"Them why wear them?" Kazuto asked, still wearing my glasses. I sighed. Here's the hard part.

"Because of my fear," I signed and tried to continue, "You see, they're bullet proof. The glass in those glasses can withstand a bullet impact," I replied. Kazuto slightly frowned and took them them off, staring at the spectacles.

He tried handing them to me, but I refused to take them.

"I don't need them anymore," I reassured.

"How come?" Kazuto questioned.

"Because I feel a bit more stronger now. Because I have you," I whispered. He grinned in response. He set them aside on the counter.

"Haven't looked at the time yet, have you?" Kazuto teased. I look over to the clock and froze. 10pm.

"I slept the whole day?" I exclaimed, Kazuto just grinned at me and nodded his head. I couldn't help but laugh.

"And you didn't wake me?" I ridiculed. He shook his head.

"Why?" I questioned.

"Because you needed rest," he replied. He sat up and stretched his arms, looking outside the window.

"The moon rose," he chuckled. I sighed yet smiled. A thought came to mind. One day left.

"I think you should head home, Suguha must be worried," I said. He nodded.

"Yeah I probably should. Meet me in ALO?" Kazuto pleaded. I nodded. With that said, he kissed my forehead and walked out the door.

One day left now. Should I be selfish and keep Kazuto. Or be Asuna's friend and give him up.

I sighed and fell back in bed, groaning into my pillow.

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Authors note: Here's a more lengthy chapter for ya. Just wanted to display how and why Kazuto is good for Shino, ya know. I think he's the first one to help her with her trauma. He's the first one she really trusted, other than that other dude who tried to strangle her. Did not see that coming...

Until next time!

-InGameProdigy