We Will Meet Again

Chauncey Long did not know what to do. But, one thing was for sure. If they remained like this any longer, it would be bad for him. She's pressing her body against his, so close - that he could catch a whiff of her scent. He coughed awkwardly, right now he couldn't muster any strength to get her off. "Miss Setsura, could you please let go?"

Setsura shook her hear, and he scanned her expression. This is the first time he's seen her look so desperate. And all for what? For Yang? While she caught him off guard, Chauncey understood the current situation. She wants him not to attack Yang. They really must be in a close relationship. Are they dating like the rumors say? But what about Akito?

The more Chauncey thought about it, the more puzzled he became. He felt very conflicted about this situation. Chauncey had feelings for her, romantic feelings. So, he does feel happy that things are over between Akito and her. However, now there is another man in the picture. Not just any man too, it just happens to be somebody he dislikes.

When the girl is finally available, why does he have to go through this mess?

"You want me to stop?" Chauncey muttered. She looks so desperate and needy. So, even she makes this type of expression. Is Yang that important to her? The thought bothered him greatly.

It seems, however, that Touma's information about her is correct. This woman she isn't as cold-hearted as she makes herself out to be.

"Yes."

"What do I get from it?"

Setsura looked at him in disbelief, and he knew how petty he sounded right now. However, this girl has not treated him well from the very first day they met. It made sense for her to treat him bad after hearing what happened with him and Akito. Chauncey understood that very well. But, she's plain rude and targets him every time. Yet, regardless of that, he still fell for this strange woman.

Strange woman? She's very strange.

Honestly, one of the main reasons why he came was because there was something he was concerned about. Before Chauncey could voice out that complaint though, Setsura spoke up.

"Chauncey, please."

Chauncey froze completely. Did she just --

At first, Chauncey thought he heard things. Ever since they first met, this woman has never referred to him by his name, at least without the formalities. Whenever she says his surname, she would look disgusted while her current pleading expression wasn't exactly great. It was better than her usual one.

But, Setsura once again repeated it. "Chauncey, please. You're the only one I can count on."

Chauncey...

Counting on...

The only one?

The girl's words replayed in his head like a spell. She -- this is the first time she's ever relied on him for anything. People would call him gullible, however, right now he didn't care what others thought of him.

"Alright." He could hardly believe the words leaving his lips right now. What is he doing? He has a grudge to settle with Yang - if he doesn't do it now, he won't get another chance. Chauncey knew that better than anybody, and yet the words won't leave his lips. He has to tell her it's impossible, he should say it. But, he can't do it.

His subordinates nearby seemed shocked too. "Boss?"

"Pull back; it was a false alarm. Yang is not here," Chauncey sounded ridiculous. He knew that his subordinates clearly saw Yang already. However, nobody will question him. Sure enough, his men slowly started to withdraw.

A relieved sigh escaped Setsura's lips.

She didn't say a word as they headed down once they arrived at the bottom of the building. Chauncey spotted a man with redhead waiting by the door.

Seeing him, Chauncey felt his blood boil, but he refrained from doing anything. Similarly, Yang looked at him with a darkened gaze.

"Yang..."

"You'll go back with me, won't you?"

"Yes."

At that comment, Chauncey turned to Akito, but he was already walking away. Chauncey frowned, is Akito really not going to do anything? Will he really let Setsura leave with another man like this? Letting go of the woman you love? According to Akito's personality, he would never let her go. However, Chauncey watched as Akito's figure disappeared into the distance.

'It seems like things will get complicated from now on.' Still, Chauncey understood. Ever since Setsura came here, this would eventually happen.

________

Walking away from Akito was the most painful thing. Initially, that is what she thought. But, what is more, painful than that. Is Akito himself walking away from her? During the entire walk through the forest, Setsura could not hold back her tears. Thankfully, it was dark. Otherwise, she would have to explain her tears to Yang.

A conversation from the past flashed through her head.

..

Year 20XX

Izu smiles, "It might be an old fashioned way of thinking. But what you just said there drew my attention. Feelings of being happy, a feeling that makes your heart skip a beat after receiving a confession. Those words are equally important. You know that person was the same."

"Your friend?"

"That's right. Although there was someone else whom she had feelings for, although there was someone she loves a great deal and yet she could never reach them. It's not in my place to say who that person is, but if you see her around and ask her about it, I'm sure she will tell you. She always saw that person as her source of inspiration, someone whom she aspired to be alike. The one who made her serious."

Oh, it's similar. A powerful presence… Izu continues, " However, when my companion made his move and told her that he would protect her, she gave in. Because for a person like her, those words were the ones she has been waiting for. Setsura-chan, why don't you give him a chance, you'll be surprised how it will turn out."

..

Present Year 1895

Yang suddenly stopped walking, causing her thoughts to break off. "If you're really okay with that, why are you crying?"

"I'm not!" Setsura lied. But it was stupid to do so, her voice clearly croaked, replying to him.

Yang pinched her cheeks, "Don't be stubborn, your crying. It's fine for you to cry."

"Yang..."

"I know Setsura. I'm really sorry that you have to do this. But, do you want to get Akito and those people caught up in all of this? We should focus on completing your mission and then return home."

"I thought I could stay here," she muttered. "For a while, I really thought I could do that."

"But now?"

Now she understands, she can't stay here. No matter how much she gets along with everybody. In the end, they are still different. She can't stay in this place; she can't stay with Akito.

"Setsura, let's hurry up so we can go back," Yang gently kissed her lips. "We can work things out then, okay?"

Setsura said nothing, and Yang had to pull her closer to support her. It's so confusing; she just wants to rest.