We Will Meet Again

Usually, a veteran murder wouldn't give himself away easily. They would blend so subtly into the crowd, that you could even strike a conversation with them. Then again, one can't judge someone based on appearance alone. It's usually tough to catch a murderer on the run unless there is a good description. It's easy to change face too.

Akito explained to her that the demons who live in this era need to find ways to earn money. While there is a separate area for them, they still need to earn money like any average person would. Thus, if somebody comes to them with a simple request like a disguise, they accept.

But that makes it easy for the police too. They know of this method. The demon, one who changed the murderer's face, is usually willing to trade away a sketch of the person. It's all about money for them; they'd betray them without a second thought. What a shallow society they live in. However, whether it's demons or humans, it's all the same. Human betrayals hurt more because of the bonds they build before the betrayal.

"You know, I'm following your lead today."

That's right before they left the house, they decided she would take charge. Akito is making arrangements for her to intervene with cases without joining the force. However, as one would expect, it's difficult. So, the plan today was for her to take charge and succeed.

"I do like the idea of being your subordinate."

"Quit it," Setsura murmured. Both of them know that they are only putting on a show here. Akito will still end up doing the share of the work. "Besides, it doesn't suit you to act like a dog."

It doesn't suit Chauncey Long either, but he feels like a dog waving his tail following orders from his sworn enemy like that.

This conversation reminds her of something, though.

___

Year 2019 XX

"I hate it when you act like this," Setsura murmured. She wasn't happy that he went ahead and got himself hurt on the job. But, now, he was talking about how much of a dog he is. It upset her whenever he got this way. Why does he think so little to himself?

His lips curve to a grin as he brushed his fingers across her cheeks.

"The mechanical hound slept, but it did not sleep, lived, but did not live, in its kennel. A quote from the Fahrenheit 451."

"By Ray Bradbury?"

"That's expected of you."

"No, you just have a strange taste in books," Setsura trailed off as she felt his lips suddenly on her neck. A content sigh passed her lips, "This feels good, what are we doing?"

"Experimenting, I want to go all the way with you. But, I don't want to harm you."

"We've dated so long, and yet we've never done anything. People talk a lot, you know?"

"Sorry, I know they are bothering you. But, I can't bear to harm you in any way."

Why does he have to treat her like she is someone so fragile and like glass? She's stronger than most women out there. "Please," Setsura murmured when she felt his hands rake down her sides. "You can take it off, I don't mind."

He chuckled as he kissed her lips on her neck. "One step at a time.

"But, I do think you're wrong. You aren't a machine. You have thoughts and preferences. You have feelings," her cheeks turned red when she felt his hands go on the button of her shirt. What happened to one step at a time? He sure moved his hands quickly.

"A mechanism is not a human being, no matter how advanced technology is. While I understand there is progress these days towards robots. They still aren't human, even if they end up having human brains. They still can't smoke cigarettes, or read old-fashioned novels."

A half baked laughter, "Old fashioned?"

"You have to admit; you read the strangest things."

"But your tastes are the same as mine. Speaking of taste, you taste nice."

"Then, have your way already!" Although rumors would normally not bother her. These days she hears all sorts of things, the stares have increased too.

"Relax, we're going to get married next year. Just hold back a bit more."

"You're so old fashioned, why do you have to wait? You don't desire me, or think I'm attractive?"

"Now, you're just silly. Why would I live with you if I'm not attracted to you?"

'That's because of what happened then.' Doesn't he feel obliged to live with her? Her thoughts broke off when he pulled her down onto the bed.

"What?" Setsura snapped angrily.

"Babe, don't get angry. You know I've never even looked at another woman."

She understands that. His treatment towards other women is well known. He is brutal and cruel with them. Setsura herself saw firsthand how he treated them. She ran her hands through his hair as he buried his face in her chest. "You seem hasty."

"You think so?"

"I do think that the rumors aside. Did your family say anything again?"

"They told me if I don't get pregnant. They'd find a way to cancel the marriage."

He laughs, and she glared at him, "This isn't funny. How many years have we been engaged? How dare they think of this, the year before we get married?"

"Those people see me as a machine who simply follows orders."

"In other words, they dislike the police?"

"More like right now, there are some difficulties. Your father, he.."

Setsura sighed, "No need to act considerate. I know what he does."

"The brass is debating about his bribes lately. Normally they'd accept it. However, some of these major crimes are pointing to him. There is a fine line between bribery, and humanity. So, many people have died. Even if those sc.u.mbags like money, how do they answer people like this?"

__

The present Year 1895

Now that she thought about it. They had that type of conversation too. Back then, she felt so frustrated and angry. She couldn't do anything about the rumors. While that guy never even looked at another woman before. So many people talked. Still, that conversation they had made her wonder. Was her father involved with those cases? Did she ever conclude it? There are still far too many questions. She needs to regain more of her memory.

The only thing that's holding her back is her missing memories. Among those memories she lost, it feels like there is an essential piece of information somewhere. But, she can't put her mind to it right now. Her gaze fell on Akito, who was looking over at the culprit.

"It looks like he wants to make a run for it. But, he is suddenly acting subtle..."

"You have the experience to read them, right?"

Akito had a peculiar ability; he could read the minds of criminals. According to Katakura, it was an extraordinary power, mind reading. 'Even amongst the Guardians, only one other person had that power.'

He laughed, "So, that means you trust me?"

"Of course."

From the very first day they met, she trusted him. Setsura is surprised with how easily she said those words, though. It's a first for her, saying such words with this much conviction.

"You really," Akito trailed off. A bright light appeared in his eyes, and she looked down. He better not act big-headed about it. "...are something else."

"Is that a compliment or not?"

"Yes, it's a compliment," he placed a gentle kiss on her eyelids. "