We Will Meet Again

"Now Akito, don't tease her too much."

Akito didn't reply to Victor and turned to her. Well, she supposes it was fine.

"It's okay. I'll just stay with Akito..."

It was very embarrassing for her to say these words. But wouldn't it be worse if she woke up in the middle of the night to ask for him? Just take the shame now.

Victor smiled, "Okay. We all ought to get some rest now. It's been a long day."

Setsura nodded at Victor's suggestion, and Akito immediately brought her away. She hurriedly said a quick goodnight to the other two. No sooner were they left alone did Akito push her against the wall.

"I hate it when other men get close to you."

Akito's lips grazed on her neck, "It really pisses me off."

"Don't be so stupid; there are more important things to worry about."

"Really?"

"Yes, really," Setsura sighed. "What were you doing confronting Chauncey Long earlier on?"

"I was thinking about my pretty Setsura's safety."

"Moron forgot about me," Setsura shook her head. "You can't harm him. He's your childhood friend. I don't care about this work grudge thing, but you can't fight to the death to protect me against him, okay?" Her words were firm. She wanted to make it clear to Akito. While she does appreciate everything, he's done for her. Setsura doesn't want him to get into a conflict with anybody important to him over her.

Akito plays dumb, but she could tell in the carriage that he was worried about Chauncey too.

Before she could say another word, Akito's mouth invaded hers. Akito's tongue searched for mine and enterwinded with hers. Embarrassed, Setsura tried to escape and worm her way out of his grasp. But Akito wasn't having it. "Nnnhh..."

"You taste so sweet, like candy."

Why is this different today? He normally kisses her, but something felt incredibly wrong here. What is it?

"It's nice kissing you, but I don't like it when you hold your voice back."

It became clear to her after a while that she couldn't hold back her voice. Her voice grew louder. "Akito...Akito," Setsura felt very dizzy. She didn't know why.

Akito slowly loosened her, robes, "Such beautiful skin...."

Setsura became incredibly frantic. What is he doing? He....

A large crashing sound interrupted them. Akito clicked his tongue in annoyance, "What are you doing Victor?"

Victor? Setsura looked over and saw it was indeed the inventor. He was carrying around what looked like medical supplies. She recalled what happened earlier. Now that she thought about it, they were interrupted.

"Sorry for interrupting."

Setsura vigorously shook her head, "You weren't interrupting anything!"

Akito glared at her, but Setsura didn't care.

"In that case I'm glad," Victor's tone was like normal despite witnessing such a sight. "I know it's late, you two. But I think Miss Setsura would appreciate it if I get something out of the way first."

Once Akito heard Victor's explanation, he nodded, and they went over to the room. Akito held her hand tightly, "If it hurts, it's okay to stop, right?"

"Yes, yes. Even if she only has one needle, she ought to recover."

But it's more effective with several... "I'll be fine," she drew her arm oddly towards Victor. It was difficult for her; it felt like passing a feather. She couldn't feel it at all. The sooner, the better, she really wants to paint with both hands again. Since coming here, Setsura had barely painted much. It was hard painting with a hand she wasn't used to. While she could paint with both hands, she still preferred to use her left hand for painting.

Victor took the needle out of the pouch, and Setsura felt a sudden sharp prick on her arm. It was more painful than she imagined, and she flinched comfortably. This is a bit difficult, after all. Setsura thought she would be able to bear with the pain. But it was challenging for her.

"Your a good girl, that's it," Victor's voice was very kind as he took out another needle.

Seconds turned into minutes quickly. Setsura didn't think she needed so many. But then again, her injury wasn't such a light one. The entire time, however, she wasn't nervous. Maybe it was because of Akito's hand holding onto hers or Victor's kind and reassuring face.

....

Setsura extended her hand out and caressed Akito's face. For somebody who was making shameless comments earlier on, he sure fell asleep quickly. When she thought about what happened earlier, however, she shuddered. What was she thinking? A false moment of bravery? Still, she feels so drained of strength now. Setsura knew that she was tired. But for some reason, she was having a hard time falling asleep.

She wants some water... She knows where the kitchen is, she saw it earlier. Isn't it okay for her to get it herself? With that in mind, Setsura quickly got up.

It didn't take her long to arrive in the kitchen, but surprisingly enough she wasn't the only one who woke up. It was Chauncey. Setsura flinched when she saw him. Maybe she should leave? But she is thirsty, confidentially Setsura made her way to the sink. Chauncey who was sat on the table didn't say a word, but she felt his gaze peering at her.

"Woman."

"Y-yes?" Setsura was a bit nervous; she knew he was with the bad guys. So being left alone with him made her feel restless.

"Sit down; there are some refreshments here. You're hungry, are you not?"

No, she was just thirsty, not hungry. But, since he is saying so in such a commanding tone. It's best to just go along with it. Hesitantly Setsura took a seat opposite him and reached out for the refreshments. It was just a simple plate of snacks, but looking at it made her feel hungry. The smell was simply pleasant.

"You, your called Setsura right?"

"Y--yes.."

Chauncey sighed, "Don't act so nervous. I'm not wearing my work clothes now, so I'm off the clock."

Oh.... So, is he trying to indirectly tell her that he will only target her when he is wearing work clothes? "Um, you've known Akito for a long time?" It was a stupid question, of course, they have. They are childhood friends.

"That's right."

Setsura immediately saw a tender expression on his face. Ah... He's a bit different than what she thought so initially. When she first saw the man during the gathering earlier, he gave of such a cold expression. But since then she saw some different sides of him. Him bickering away with Victor, and whenever he mentions Akito, he looks so tender.

"And you...you don't have any childhood friends?"

A childhood friend? A faded image appeared in her head. It was of two kids holding hands, 'Brother Sh-'

Sh? Setsura frowned. Well, at least she can answer Chauncey's question. But, it still surprised her whenever words were suddenly censored out like that. "I have one."

"I see."

Setsura doesn't know what else they talked about that night. But she knew that they spent an awfully long time together before heading back upstairs. Back upstairs and in Akito's arms, Setsura looked up at the ceiling. She knew in just a few minutes she would fall asleep. But for now, "Perhaps staying in the Meiji era wouldn't be too bad," she mumbled.

If things fell apart in the future, could she hope for life here?