Chapter 194 - The Only Way

*UNEDITED*

She has never met someone who has smiled so much, she said that before in regards to her beloved. But if she thinks about it carefully, the description suits Akito instead. Back then she was on the verge of collapse, she was merely wandering. However after she met him she finally found a purpose. No sooner did she arrive here did she meet him, the one who would have a great impact on her world. Who would have thought that the two of them would end up this way. Back then she would never have thought, that she could remain so close by him like this. 

Her gaze fell on Akito who pulled out one of the case files. For the past few minutes, he wore a concentrated look on his face. "You told me not too long ago, that you've become serious, right?"

"Yes."

Akito nodded and pulled out a photo from the file. He didn't hand it to her right away and paused, "I still don't think I was wrong when I called you naive. Your from the future, you should know better than to mess with the events of the current time line. Our relationship, no - the cases your involved in now. Your the key to everything. Will the future change? Yes it will. You can still fix things and pull away. However, you don't."

"Because I want to stay here with you."

At that comment Akito's serious expression turned to a bewildered one. Setsura laughed, "Surprised?"

"Your so honest today, I'm a bit..."

"Yes, it's surprising. I'm surprising myself too. But, I have thought about this for a long time ago. Your words made me stronger Akito. You always asked me before a case if I wanted to do this. You asked me if I was sure. At first, I thought you did that to buy time, so I wouldn't involve myself. However, that's not what it was. You never underestimated me."

"I knew," Akito murmured, "..from the very start."

Setsura nodded, "Yes, I figured you did. That's why, I could accept you."

It was because Akito knew from the very beginning, that's why she could -- her thoughts broke of when the butler entered the room. He whispered something in Akito's ear.

"I see, I got it. I'll go right away."

Her eyes widened when she heard these words. He's leaving? Akito sent the butler away and stood up.

"Well if there's anything you need from me just give me a call."

Hmm, he's acting pretty casually despite the fact that he was so needy and nervous earlier. She chuckles quietly to herself, come to think of it this piece of paper is crumpled up and seemed to be drenched.  Exactly how nervous was he earlier when he intended to give it to her.

"So, your saying that I have to need something from you to call you?" Setsura said, as she casually leaned in closer.

"Eh? Uh," Akito seemed surprised.

Setsura chuckles, "Relax, if I was bold enough to do something affectionate. I would have done so already."

"Oh."

Still, isn't he a bit too calm? Something probably happened earlier after she left. She supposed she can leave it at this for now. 

Setsura pulled away from him slightly, so there is a small distance between them, "But your really cruel aren't you?"              

Akito blinked, "Huh? Cruel?"

She scanned his expression and saw how shocked he was. Why is he so oblivious? Good grief.

"I'm saying, did it not occur to you that I actually wanted to spend more time with you. But, it seems like your not enough of a man to do so."

At that remark his sweat dropped, "No mercy as usual huh? But it can't be helped," he scratches his face,  "I didn't think you wanted to. You seemed so very happy to see him after all."

Oslo paid her a short visit the other day. But, it was only brief. He appeared to be in a hurry, so Setsura didn't push him to stay. It seemed as though Akito knew about the meeting. Maybe he even watched. Akito's insecurities are hard to understand. However, since both of them are experiencing jealousy. Then this is the perfect time for them to speak to one another.

"That's true. I was certainly happy seeing him," But, it's been a long time since I last saw you. Since getting back I've spent everyday with Yuhi, between the two. Who do you think I wanted to spend more time with? "

"Ah dam it Setsura. I want to hug you again."

Setsura smiles, "I'm afraid that's not wise now. "   

"That's true," he scratches his hair.  "Can I change those conditions just now?"

"Yes. Please do."

"If, I want to hear your voice. Can I call you?"

Setsura smiled at his honest words. "Calling? Is that all?"

At that comment Akito pulled her down onto the couch. His hungry lips at her ear, "I want you to stop me now," Akito's hands are on her clothes. "Like you always do, stop and scold me."

"Why do I have to do that?"

Akito laughed, "I don't understand you at all. There are times where you refuse, and times where you accept. So, when will you tell me the secret?"

"What secret?" Setsura played dumb as she tugged on his clothing.

"The secret of how to get you to want me all the time. I have yet to figure it out."

So, that's what he was getting at. How very foolish? Secret, there is no secret at all. While there are times where she refuses him, that's due to her insecurity. 

"Why are you insecure?" Akito mumbled. "Is this about Mizuna again?"

"No, it's not that," Setsura trailed off and took a deep breath. "The other girls at work have said a lot of strange things lately. I know they don't you as well as I do. So, everything they say is due to rumors. However, they kept saying things like you'll get tired of me if I keep pretending to refuse you."

Those girls really said that, they said she was only pretending. In their eyes, she must be the kind of woman who sleeps around with anybody. 

Akito frowned, "The girls at your work? I got it, I'll handle it."

"You don't have to do anything."

"Do you think I'd let them say such bad things about you and get away with it?" Akito's tone and gaze is deadly.

So, he's actually going to do something about it? She's interested in seeing what that something is. How much will Akito do for her? To what extent will this person go for? There are certain times where she feels like testing the extent of his love. It's cruel of her to think that way, however since she is an insecure person - this is the only way.

The only way for her to understand his love. How cruel of her, to do this. Will Akito understand if she tells him? Or just like the others will he abandon her half way? Sometimes she doesn't know what to think of him. There are times where he can say such cruel things about her. Times where she feels like he won't let her get any closer. 

A wall, that's the best word to describe it. There is still a wall between them. A wall she can't break. No, one she is afraid to break.