1x1 Jewels of Aether - Starting a new (ShirexTala)

Kiseki jumped in surprise with a small squeal, "Ah, yes, I'm fine, thank you." She nervously laughed afterward and smiled towards their neighbor.

Her mind once again trailed off elsewhere. Without realizing it, she had already forgotten when the healer first approached them in Flusselles when Kirito had collapsed.

 

Kiseki waved at their neighbor before smiling as she finally saw an opportunity to enter the house. "I, uh, have to go now, see you!"

The minstrel proceeded to come near the door, planning what she would be doing next. She knew she couldn't stay at the house anymore, so she decided to take all of her items with her, but not before writing a letter to Kuran, Kirito's father, who had been so nice to her ever since she came here.

 

Kiseki was alerted by the sound of the door opening. She immediately panicked - she didn't know what to do. Whoever it was, she didn't want to get caught leaving the house, especially if it was Kuran. Thankfully, Chieri was inside her Heart Charm so all Kiseki had to do was hide.

 

Kiseki quietly opened the door from her former room in order to check if the person who entered was gone. However, she couldn't see from the small opening the door made, so she tried to open it further. However, when she did, she accidentally gave the door a strong push, swinging the door wide open, creating a loud noise.

 

"N-no... it's me," Kiseki came out before holding her hands in the air. "I... I just came back to take my stuff." Chieri was inside her charm as Kiseki didn't want her to get stressed.

 

"W-What?" Kiseki's face was full of shock and concern. "No, please, you have to take him back here." The girl was almost about to break down with everything that has been going on, but she wanted to keep everything together so she could explain to Kuran. "Some things happened... but you don't have to kick him out. He... he needs to stay here."

 

Kiseki sighed. She didn't know how to respond. "I'd love to stay... you have been very kind to me, and I would never forget everything that you've done for me and Kirito. But... this is his home. And if he wants me to stay away from him just to get some space for a while... then I'd gladly oblige."

"Kirito... he needs you right now, Kuran. And your advice. You are an amazing father and I'm sure that the two of you can sort things out. You can help him get through this."

 

Kiseki sat down, putting her bags neatly beside her. She didn't know how to respond - there she was again, stuck when she couldn't say "no" to anyone. However, she was trying to think up of a way that she can gently say "no" to Kuran.

"Maybe Kirito just needs some time to realize things. I don't think it should have come to a point where you had to kick him out..." Kiseki muttered.

 

Hearing Kuran's words made Kiseki reminisce about her own parents. How they died and left her with no one. She was thankful to Kuran for filling the void left by her parents, even if it hasn't been that long. "I... I suppose I can stay here for the time being. I'm grateful for everything you've done to me and Kirito, even if your relationship with Kirito has been strained."

 

"Anything would be fine, thank you." Kiseki smiled at Kuran's actions but was worried about Kirito deeply. Where did he go, anyway?