We Will Meet Again

A man with many secrets, but that didn't bother her at all. Because isn't she the same? It's true every single time she remembers, she tells him. But there are things she keeps to herself too. Setsura didn't say a word anymore and closed her eyes. For now, just leave things the way they are now.

.....

Dragon Hall

Events like this made her feel nauseous. She isn't the social type. Only an hour had passed since she arrived here, yes, only a whole hour. But Setsura already wanted to go home. Or rather what's with this crowd of people? Even though there is music, nobody is dancing. After a few more greetings, Setsura slipped away onto the balcony. The surrounding air was crisp and rich. It felt natural; perhaps it was due to the flowers decorating the veranda.

Setsura took a seat and stretched her legs out and removed her shoes. Seeing the red blisters, she sighed. Her feet were sore, after all.

"Setsura."

She looked over and spotted a man with blue hair. Ah, it's Chauncey. "I needed some air."

"Natasha was looking for you."

Is Natasha here? Wasn't she working on a case earlier? Has she finished with it already? Maybe it was nothing serious like Akito said. But, Setsura can't help but think something is wrong. "I'll see her later."

Chauncey nodded, took a seat beside her. She watched him as he leaned back and closed his eyes. Now that she thought about it, she doesn't get many chances to speak with him anymore since she has to be careful with Akito. "Did you get in trouble?"

Chauncey sighed, "Well, it's the usual, even Touma understands it won't be that easy to get you."

"I see."

"But, I have to admit. You kept pace with me very well," her eyes widened when she saw his lips curve into a smile.

Setsura had to admit that she didn't think she would see the day where Chauncey Long smiles more than three seconds.

"Is there something on my face?" he asks, confused.

"No, I," Setsura paused and thought how to phrase her words. She didn't want to sound too rude. Then again, it's already too late that impression she made. She's said so many rude things before, so this shouldn't make much of a difference. "I've just never even seen you smile before."

"Is that so?

"Yes."

It's silent again right afterwards. The two of them didn't have many things to talk about since they weren't friends.

..

The last thing Setsura expected was for Akito to make her attend a stupid social event, especially with the current circ.u.mstances. Then again, she did get some information from the event. By the time she left the event, she was sober. But it didn't change the fact that she drank a lot. Still, that didn't stop Setsura from knocking timidly on Akito's door, even though her privileges as his girlfriend would allow her to waltz right in.

He answers shirtless with wet hair. 'Jerk!' Setsura cursed in her head. Is he doing that on purpose? "Hey. Didn't think you were coming," he leads her inside and closes the door.

Akito walked over towards the sofa and sat down. Setsura positioned herself on the armchair, "Did you have fun?"

"The food was good."

Akito laughed, "Thank goodness." If the food weren't good, she wouldn't have gone even if he asked.

"Sit closer to me, Setsura."

Setsura felt like a robot when she got up and did so, and she felt Akito reach out and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. She shivered at his touch. If that's all he did, then she wouldn't feel so nervous, but he placed one hand on her thighs. "Ak-Akito?"

Akito smiles, "Expecting something?"

She shook her head. This guy has the nerve to tease her. He's really acting full of himself these days.

Akito gestured for her to lean into his shoulder as he picks up the book that was half-open on the small wooden table. Setsura hesitated, but she rested her head on his shoulders, and Akito started to read the book. There was something about his voice that made the ancient poetry sound beautiful. Usually, when she would listen to somebody read for a long time, she would feel sleepy. But it was hard to sleep since Akito kept tracing circles on her knee. Circles which he applied more pressure.

Setsura didn't know what she was doing. But her gaze fell on the outline of his muscles from his clothes. She reached over and placed her hands there.

Akito stopped reading and allowed the book to fall to the floor as his hand moves to cover hers. "Did you drink too much?" he asks.

"Barely anything." She replies, yet seeing her flushed face was enough for him to know that she was lying.

"Liar. "he murmured and brought his lips towards her ear, "You drink a lot when you're not well."

"I didn't want to go to that stupid event, and yet you made me go."

Akito laughs, "Sorry, sorry. But wasn't it fun?"

__

"Akito, don't be unpleasant. And here I thought we were having a moment."

He merely chuckles at the girl's tone, "Relax. I'm not going to do anything. Although it's killing me not too...I just want to stay here with you like this," Akito said the last line quietly. It was a line completely, unlike them.

However, she hears him, her lips curve into a smile, and her eyes are bright with child-like innocence. "Yes, me too."

Akito had to look away; he can never handle those bright eyes of hers.

"Still, as much as I love alcohol. I don't approve if you drink so much," he was looking her up and down. Her body still isn't in good condition. Why did she drink alcohol for?

"Che, stingy."

He longed for the days when she first came here. She was still untainted by the cruelness of the world and believed in him. The second thing hasn't changed, though. Even now, Setsura eyes shone whenever he spoke to her. Akito wanted to be a good person, somebody who deserves that gaze.

But he can't deny what happened in the past. He can't erase the crimes he committed. He can't pretend to be a saint, nor can he get rid of the hallucinations that visited him every time he slept.

"Say about the... recent case.."

Akito thought he could distract her. But it turns out that isn't the case here.

When Setsura that, Akito realizes she didn't actually come here to see him but talk about work. Well, he should have known better. Considering how interested she was in the case...Akito knew she would eventually ask him questions again. He rubs the back of his neck with his free hand that wasn't holding onto her. "I don't mind talking about work. I told you that I'd discuss that stuff with you."

Aside from Victor, he never did get along with anyone else, and even that guy gets on his nerves on more than one occasion.

Akito carried her to the bed and rested her gently as he positioned himself beside her.

"Akito?"

"Sleep Setsura."

She was on the verge of protesting until he pulled her close to him, "We can talk about this tomorrow", because speaking about it now when there's a guard watch doesn't sit well with him.

Akito noticed it the second she entered his apartment, and that's the reason why he has done nothing to her. Though something like that never stopped him before, "Stay close to me, "he murmurs in her hair.

He knows his actions are confusing her, indeed a puzzled expression appears on the girl's face, and yet they soften almost automatically, almost as though she knows. "Yes, good night."