Chapter 72 - Natural

Akito didn't reply right away, and Setsura panicked. Wait, did she get the answer wrong? But, if it isn't like that then. To her surprise, Akito burst into laughter, surprising her. Wait— what?!!

"This is surprising, your sharper than I thought."

"Sharp?"

Akito smiled, "Well, I should have expected it since it's you."

"So, did I pass?"

"Yeah, your right. So which of those two theories do you think it is?"

"The second."

"Correct, and these people are connected with the organization kidnapping women."

Eh? Akito sighed, "That's why you came here after all. To get involved with the case."

Damn, he caught her out.

"Later on, we're going out on the field. You have to know how dangerous it is, but if you can determine who is the enemy and who isn't, then you'll be just fine."

The field that means she would be there in the scene of the crime. Crime... Setsura could faintly recall it, blood...ever since she was younger, that's all she saw. The colour of red, the colour of people's blood. Working closely with the military police means she will be exposed to this sight every single day. Does she want that? Katakura told her what her mission is. To solve the mysterious cases of the shard case. To put an end to all these murders.

Even if she doesn't help Akito with this, eventually, she would have to get involved. She would have to be exposed to bloodshed.

"I'll go."

"But I want to see Sir Long."

At that comment to her surprise, the scowl on his face disappeared, " Hmm, I see." Huh? Is that all? He looked like he was ready to blow up at the thought of Chauncey going near her. Yet after she corrected him, his expression changed. That's strange. But this expression, it's similar to the one Victor had earlier. Or maybe she's just overthinking it.

"I've heard you have been doing a lot of work lately. People are saying that you're valuable assets to the workplace now.

Ah, Setsura nodded, a strong gust of winter breeze blew across the room from the open window. " What a nice wind…." she murmurs, " That's right because this is my only strong point when it comes to me working. I'm not at anything. You may think I'm talented, but even then, I had to work very hard to get to this point, " Setsura laughs lightly. "Though, I work just fine when I'm with somebody. I guess that's just my competitive spirit."

"Woman are scary." Setsura shot a glare in his direction, causing a chuckle to escape his lips, " Is that really the case? I don't think anybody notices it. Or even if they do, that's just a part of who you are as a person, so I don't think they can complain. So uh, what I'm saying is, the natural you is better."

A light red color appeared on her cheeks; she was glad that nobody else was in this area. Otherwise, he would notice… It's only on rare occasions like this where he says something that is worth 100 points. No, she already knew, despite how scary the aura he emits is, how kind he is.

Even though he scolds her often, Setsura understands it is for her own good. When she first moved into the mansion, he helped and supported her on various things.

Although all the others always talk about him getting mad if she were to go to someone else's side. Setsura knew that if that future were to come across, then Akito would still support her. He is just far too kind. Even though he makes such remarks that worry her at times. Setsura understood that he would respect her decision to return.

Hearing a rustling sound, she turned to Akito. A nervous expression appeared on his face. Why does he suddenly look so nervous? Or rather, this must be the first time she has ever seen such an expression on his face. "I'm glad you dropped by. I had something I wanted to give you."

Huh?

Is it doc.u.mentation from the office that she forgot? Setsura didn't get a chance to attend the meeting since she had to leave early. "Extend your hands out.."

Setsura does so, and her eyes widened when she saw a gorgeous comb in her hands, "This is…"

Akito averts his gaze, a clear blush evident on his cheeks, " I don't understand anything about women's things, so it was difficult to pick something good. And …let me tell you even with my disguise on going to a place like that attracts loads of attention…"

She could clear picture it, Akito entering a girly store and trying to be as casual and round about it as he possibly could. He probably dragged his work companions with him. She chuckled to herself and held the comb to her chest, "It's so pretty."

"Do you like it?"

"Yes, very much."

It's her favorite flower. Her gaze softens; he really is a kind person, isn't he? Still, receiving a bouquet in the morning and then a hairpin later. It's strange..

__

Akito had to avert his gaze; he couldn't look at her face. Ever since he met Setsura, she always wore a somewhat indifferent look on her face. Later on, he understood it was because she suffered many hardsh.i.p.s; that's why she became like this.

Man, he knew it the moment he bought it for her. That it would be embarrassing. Buying it was already embarrassing enough, but nothing compares to the embarrassment of actually giving it to her. A cute expression, huh? Victor said that if he were to give her a present no matter what it is, she would be happy, and she would pull a cute expression for him. Indeed the maroon colored haired boy spoke words of truth. Right now, she really is cute.

Setsura's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the comb with tenderness. Hmm, so doing things like this once in a while makes her this happy, huh? This was the first time he's ever seen such a bright expression on her face. Is she this happy from just getting a gift?

"Hey, is it that important to you? Stuff like this?"

Setsura nodded, "Of course, this is the first gift you got me. I'll definitely treasure it…" she fiddles with her fingers, " And this is the first time I've received a present like this. I usually get given art supplies. Although I don't mind it since they are the things I need. Once in a while, receiving a gift like this makes me happy."

'What Setsura needs is probably not just a relationship - but one that has real love. To be treated like a normal girl for one'. So it's exactly like what Victor said. Can he be the one to provide her everything she lacks? The problem is, he isn't the best person to provide her support, with his work being as dangerous as it is.

___

Setsura looked over and noticed that his expression had clouded again. Just now, when he was talking about the case with her, he had a serious expression, but it looked like he was having fun. Akito must love his job, Setsura always felt that. Otherwise, why would a person who clearly loves to slack off and have fun all the time go to work? A person like him, unless he likes the job, he won't do it.

"Akito, can you put this on for me?" Setsura interrupted his thoughts.

Akito smiled, "Sure, sit down here," he pointed to a chair.

Setsura sat down, and she felt Akito caress her hair, and she sighed. "I know you're worried about me getting involved, but I can't sit around and do nothing forever."