We Will Meet Again

It didn't bother Natasha one bit that Chauncey was afraid of ghosts. Even members of the mafia are human, we all have things we are afraid of. Natasha knew there were many things she was afraid of. She checked out the rest of the building while the others looked outside. After walking around for a bit, Natasha returned outside. There really is nothing in the building the report mentioned.

She found the two by the steps. Victor leaning pillar and Chauncey was crouched down. The flashlight in the center, so the light went upwards, "By the way, what happened in town?" Victor asked.

Eh?

He's ...asking about that? Natasha shifted about uncomfortably when she recalled what happened in town earlier.

"Town?"

"Natasha-chan has been acting strange since then," Victor pointed out.

Should she stop him from speaking?

"Nothing happened.. It's just she started to act weird whenever I'm kind to her. I really don't get it myself," Chauncey mumbled. "From now on, I want to treat her very well."

Natasha looked down at her feet. It's not that she was acting weird or anything. Okay, so maybe she was strange. However, his sudden gentleness and kindness surprised her. Normally, he would speak with her with his usual blank poker face. But he smiled, and she felt afraid.

"Oh? What's with the sudden change of heart?"

"Why do I have to tell you that?".

Victor shrugged his shoulders, " What's wrong with that? Were just two men talking about women, right?"

To her surprise, Chauncey started to speak. Usually, he's so stubborn when it comes to admitting things. But Setsura supposed that their cousin relationship must work out well at times like this.

Victor knows how to handle Chauncey when he's stubborn. Akito most likely knows too. She is the only one here who knows nothing. Natasha shook her head and focused on the words she just heard.

What does this mean? ... What does he mean about treating her with more kindness? Does that mean he will...

"After spending so much time with her, I have to admit she differs from what I thought. The difference between the one I see and the version of her in my head is completely different. I don't know how to handle it..."

"How do you see her in your head. Ah," Victor nodded to himself. "Are you talking about when you scold her for being a child who knows nothing?"

"Yeah."

The real impressive one here is Victor, or maybe he really is just very sly. Even though he knows the reason why and even though Victor knows everything already, he is pretending he doesn't know anything. Chauncey is usually so sharp, but he doesn't even notice he is being tricked.

"So, then, what's your idea of the real her?" Victor trails off, "If you want to court her properly, just say it."

Natasha's eyes widened, what is Victor suggesting now? Why does he always bring up such ridiculous things!

There's no way that can be true. But Natasha watched as a soft expression appears on Ran's face, "The real her, she's so weak and fragile. Though she has a strong side, she has her weak moments. Whenever I smile, she acts all fl.u.s.tered and confused. It's very cute."

After Chauncey said those words, he looked around. "She's not in the area right now, right?"

"Mm. Don't doubt my abilities."

That liar!

"Anyway, I'll talk with the others eventually...and I'll settle anything remaining I have with that woman. Seeing Akito being honest like that, I want to do the same."

"Good."

Natasha vigorously pulled her cape over her head and covered her face. Natasha was filled with embarrassment. Her entire face had turned redder than her cape.

Chauncey...

Did he really just say those words?

Or did Victor pull some sort of illusion because he knows that she's listening? No, there was no illusion of any kind there. But even then, Natasha was too surprised, too overwhelmed still.

If it turned out to be a joke, or if she got betrayed. She wouldn't be able to stand up again.

What if Chauncey tells her all those kind words he just said now, and his kindness are lies. If Chauncey said that, she would... If something like that were to happen, then she wouldn't be able to recover from that.

That's how much she is fond him. Should she stop giving up? Should she actually try to get close to him? Natasha didn't know what to do; for her, this was the first time doing these things.

...

Mansion

Natasha was grateful that everybody was fast asleep when she returned. She didn't want them harassing her about what happened. It was her first 'night' mission with Chauncey. So, everybody was worried something would happen. What a bunch of indecent people. She sighed and quickly got dressed before she climbed onto the bed.

After a few minutes of tossing and turning, Natasha realized that she wouldn't be getting any sleep.

Today was a long day; she saw another side of Chauncey today.

For a while now, since their engagement was announced. Natasha had observed his attitude towards her. Chauncey treats her well; he invites her out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He visits her at home a lot, and at work. He walks her back home, even though it isn't necessary. Everybody in town knows who she is. The daughter of the head of the mafias. Would anybody dare mess with her? The answer is, yes. Some fools try. But, only a small majority do.

These days though, Natasha doesn't even have to deal with them. Chauncey deals with everything for her. She feels bad for those guys; at least with her, they wouldn't walk away with completely broken limbs.

Recalling the advice, she said to Akito, Natasha sighed. 'Talking about yourself, huh?' Due to the drugs she had to take, she almost forgot she was childhood friends with Chauncey, Victor, and Akito. Those drugs, according to the experts she took it before when she was ten years old. That's why she couldn't remember...

On numerous occasions, Natasha wanted to bring it up with Chauncey, but she always held back. That person's gaze is no longer the same. After years of being in the mafia, he's been exposed to such cruelties. While she is the head of the mafia's daughter and has lived an abnormal lifestyle. Natasha knew how sheltered and protected she was.

She has no right to speak to him. Chauncey, he treats her very well. But does he harbor any feelings for her? Natasha understood what the purpose of this engagement was. But even then, can anybody blame her for expecting something?

Ah, no good! Natasha bolted out of bed and picked up her gun, which was meant to be on her bedside. Noticing it wasn't there, she scanned the room and found her jacket. 'Should be here.'

As Natasha pulled out her gun from her pocket, something slipped out.

'Tomorrow, are you free?

Let's have breakfast together.'

It was Chauncey's handwriting. When did he get a chance to put this inside? Recalling what happened earlier, though, Natasha bit her lip. For a while, she shouldn't meet with him.