Chapter 34 - Safety

A couple of days later - Akito's Mansion - 3:00am

Setsura still couldn't believe that they were allowed to leave just like that. But then again, she figured after that party things would progress in a smoother direction. Only a representative from squad one came to see them off alongside the regular officers. It wasn't the captain or vice captain, Setsura was unsure whether it was a good thing or not. Those two people must have received reports that they were at the clock tower. It won't take them long to figure out that she was the one in the tower who overheard their conversation.

What does she do then? Setsura still couldn't bring herself to tell Akito. She didn't want to worry him. Setsura's thoughts broke off as she saw the light from outside her window. Ah? Setsura got up and peeked over. 'Akito is home.' Her gaze drifted to the wooden clock. It's so late, he's definitely tired. It's a good thing she made him some food earlier.

The servants in this household are ridiculous, who devours all the food before the master returns? According to the head butler though, 'Akito-sama does not eat when he comes back.' That's unhealthy, so is eating this late at night. But it's better than not eating at all, with this in mind, Setsura headed to the small kitchen. It was a short distance since she was walking quickly. After she picked up the food, Setsura made her way over to one of the rooms at the end of the corridor.

Every time Akito came home late, he would use the back staircase which would lead to one of the rooms on this floor. Setsura stumbled upon this during the second night he came late. She liked using the mini-kitchen on this floor, so whenever she couldn't sleep. Setsura would practice her cooking. Practicing during the day when there is a chance of the servants coming by was too embarrassing for her. She knew she wasn't a good cook, and didn't want to embarrass Akito too much.

Sure enough, when Setsura entered the room. She found him collapsed on the couch.

"Setsura?" Akito called out. That was fast, he noticed her already.

"You can sleep after you eat," Setsura brought the tray over. When she did, she noted how exhausted Akito was. He must have worked very hard today. He really is a hard working person.

Akito seems amused, "Will this fair lady keep me company on this beautiful moonlight?"

Setsura rolled her eyes, "I'm only here to make sure your actually eating food." She took a seat on the couch, "Eat already, I want to go back to sleep. I'm sleepy."

That was obviously a lie, before Akito came she was simply reading away at her desk, hoping she would get tired. It's a good thing Akito came, whenever he is with her - she would be able to get some sleep.

Akito reached over and then kissed her forehead, "Thank you for the food."

"Yes."

Since that day, he keeps doing these things. Small acts of affection, while it made her heart feel at ease. She wondered what he thought of it. "Akito, you have to eat," Akito still hadn't pulled away from her. He was gently kissing her hair.

"Setsura, were you alright today?"

"I'm fine," Setsura mumbled. She was fine wasn't she? Aside from worrying about the troublesome two from squad 1, her heart is more at ease these days.

"Are you sure?" Akito repeated. Setsura knew this would be a good chance to just tell him everything. But for some reason, she couldn't do it.

"I'm okay," Setsura hesitated but she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. It was soft and awfully clumsy but she noted how happy he seemed. "I'll be happier if you actually eat your meal, will you? The food will get cold."

"Your eating too."

…..

Akito is frequently more busy these days, which is why he had not been waiting for her at the usual place. However, that does not mean that he completely dissolves himself in his duties. Even before she enters her chambers, she already knows he's there. But she also knows that he's already fast asleep. Setsura made her way across the room on to the couch where he was asleep. She already told him to use the bed already - this is his palace after all. Yet he quote said that it would not be appropriate. Trying to act all proper in the strangest times, he truly is a strange one. If he's going to fall asleep at least lay down.

Blanket…blanket..

Ah there it is, she spotted it behind the couch on the table and proceeded to get it when Akito arms suddenly pulled her onto the couch. Uwaa, that really did catch her off guard. Rather that's some precise reaching over. He's hugging her…even though it's only one arm… her heart is beating frantically. She spies his facial expression, he isn't even awake either. Indeed despite such a action he was sleeping so very peacefully.

It's suddenly become warm.

He isn't as warm as that person but that earlier chill she felt earlier has disappeared. Setsura leans on to his chest, it would be great if tonight is a bit longer. If she keeps being drunk on the dream, then perhaps the ending will be happiness and not a tragedy.

.....

5am

Setsura groogily got up, and scanned the room. Akito was no where to be seen. Did he leave for work already? He literally just got back home -- her gaze flickered towards the clock. Akito came home at 3am. He's working himself too hard. Her thoughts broke off when the doors opened and in came a angry looking Eisuke, "Oi woman, come down."

"Eh?"

"Don't eh me, come down and help my brother out."

Setsura blinked but nodded and got up. Thankfully she wasn't wearing anything too strange. But even then, she reached out and wrapped herself in the cloak Akito got her.

There stood a woman with long bright red cherry hair, dark eyes. She was clinging to Akito, "Didn't you say we could get married?"

"How did you find this place?" Akito's gaze was very cold.

"I tipped of your butler assistance ~" the girl giggled, "It's so easy to get men to talk."

At that comment the young man immediately knelt down, "I'm so sorry sir... I...I will.."

"Get out," Akito said. If looks could kill, the young man would be dead by now. The young man immediately scurried away, and Setsura coughed. Akito turned to her.

"Setsura," Akito's gaze softened, "Stay in your room today, and don't go out."

"Ah," Setsura looked at the situation and understood. "Alright, but please remember to eat."

Akito smiled, "I understand."

The woman who was clinging to Akito frowned, "Who is this bitch, and why is she in your home?"

"She's my fiance."

Setsura looked towards Eisuke with a dumbfounded look. Is this why Eisuke made her go downstairs?!! Fiance? Since when? Then again, since it's Akito he probably has a reason. Maybe this was the only excuse he has to keep her beside him. Akito did say he created a false identity for her. Quite some time has passed since the conversation was last brought up though. But it seems like this was his plan.

She took a deep breath before walking over, "Honey, I think you need help. There is some dirt on your arm," at that comment she grabbed hold of the red head's wrist, "This won't do, I can't allow you to be filthy."

"How dare you? Don't you know who I am? I'm the Sakami daughter Rin!"

The family? Setsura rolled her eyes, the fact that she doesn't even recognize it despite being a modern day person just goes to show. Setsura studied this era alongside that person before, and saw the list of famous families. This girls family was not on the list. A so-called rich household that simply disappeared, and nobody bothered writing their names down.

'How pathetic.' Setsura struggled not to laugh. This girl must really think she's something. "And what about you? You're just a shameless nobody who appeared out of nowhere? How did you climb into my future husband's bed?"

Before Setsura could open her mouth, Akito's dragged the girl's arm. "Come with me."

Rina's eyes lit up, and she sneered at her, "See? I knew he would.." Rina trailed off, when Akito dropped her wrist. Instead Akito grabbed hold of her hair and dragged her out.

Setsura blinked when she saw the sight, 'How scary.' She's never seen him like this before.

*UNEDITED*