Chapter 81 - Sincere

Long Mansion

Setsura finished getting changed into the red party dress and sighed. What is it with these mafia people? Throwing a party right after a case is over? Sir Long is severely hurt, too, but that didn't stop the man from attending the event. She caught a glimpse of him earlier and wanted to thank him for saving her. However, Akito told her to focus on her own injuries first. The dress the Long family servants prepared for her was very pretty. But her gaze fell on her reflection in the mirror. She's covered in scratches and bruises. Going out exposed like this doesn't seem right to her. Still, quite some time has passed since she last dresses up like this.

Her thoughts broke off when Akito entered the room. "Akito has the party--" her sentence fell short when she saw the look on his eyes. He seemed serious.

"Akito? What are you doing..." he lifted her up and placed her down on the bed. "Akito?"

Setsura reached out for his hand.

"So, tell me something, Setsura. You called for me, didn't you?"

"..."

Even before he came for her, yes, she called his name. She wanted him to save them all. The first person that came to mind was Akito. If she died, would Akito grieve for her? Victor even told her that it was because of her that Akito recovered. What would happen if she disappeared? If she died, would Akito fall apart again? When she thought her life was ending, the first person that came to mind was Akito.

"Yes."

Akito smiled and bent down. His lips felt softer than usual, it felt more gentle and yet at the same time. It's so passionate; she can feel his tongue licking her lips in a circular motion. After a few minutes she could no longer resist and opened her mouth. Akito's tongue shot inside and explored her mouth, his hands on her legs.

Akito moved his lips from her mouth down to her neck.

"Unnbhh....Akito," a soft m.o.a.n escaped her lips. One she had been suppressing the entire time. What is this situation? Is this how it feels like to be held by a man? Setsura knew that they hadn't done anything just yet, but this was far too stimulating for her.

Her entire body felt like it was burning as his hand slowly made it's way up. This feeling, what is it?

"..arts..."

"Huh? First time?"

"...d--do you have a problem with that?" Setsura questioned.

Akito shook his head and suddenly embraced her. Since he was still hovering over her, Akito closed the distance between them. This was the first time for her to be so close to another man. She was aware with her boyfriend from the future; they never got like this.

"Akito, your too close." Close was an understatement. A single movement would mean their lips would touch. Considering how he kissed her earlier, another kiss shouldn't do any harm. But right now, she felt incredibly self-conscious. What is wrong with her? Why is she acting this way? Are her wounds making her crazy?

"Setsura, I'll treasure you. So please consider it, will you?"

"Consider?" Setsura repeated puzzled.

"Being my woman."

Ah... Huh? Setsura looked at him, dumbfounded. Is he joking with her again? While Setsura was not oblivious to the feelings, Akito had for her. She is sure that they spoke about this already. Why is he bringing this up now of all times?

Setsura winced, as a sharp pain filled her arm. Akito noticed and immediately pulled back, "Sorry, I know you're injured," he trailed off and gently kissed her cheeks. He brought the blanket up. "Get some rest."

"What about the party?"

"There are too many people there loyal to Touma. Can't guarantee something won't happen."

That must be why they snuck in from the back. "It was a waste for the servants to prepare the dress."

Akito smiled, "It isn't a waste, I saw it. It looks good on you."

"Akito, come over here."

"Hm?"

Setsura pointed to the space on the bed beside her. "Sleep here; you're tired too. You have eyebags." Only one night has passed, how come he looks this bad? Then again, for a while, he has been working until late. "Don't go down; there are people who you don't like down there too, right?"

"You know me well. Alright," Akito made his way back over. "You know as a gentleman, I'd never touch you without permission even though you're inviting me to bed."

"Don't get the wrong idea. This is only because the guests occupy all the other rooms."

"And how did you guess that? This place is large."

Setsura rolled her eyes, "I saw from the window. There are so many vehicles outside. Do you expect me to believe that there are enough rooms?"

Akito laughed, "Don't get worked up; you'll reopen your wounds."

Setsura sighs, why is this person always so carefree? But, that was the first time she saw Akito looking so frantic. He was trembling so much too. She snuggled closer to him, and he blinked, surprised. "Don't misunderstand this either. I'm repaying you for saving us."

If Akito didn't come and the kidnappers came and found them half alive. What would have happened? The most likely scenario is them getting caught, and maybe they'd be moved elsewhere and forced to participate in another game? Setsura shuddered at that thought.

But that fear vanished when she felt Akito place gentle kisses on her forehead. "Akito..thank you so much."

Akito smiled, "Your welcome. I'm thrilled you're safe. I was very worried about you."

Why do this person's words sound so genuine and sincere? How many people do you meet who end up genuinely being sincere? The answer is a low percentage of people. People are afraid of showing their true selves to another person; that's why we all hide behind a mask. But Akito is not like that. From the very beginning, he did not hide anything from her. He's always remained true.