Chapter 228 - Enduring

A couple of hours ago - XXX Meiji 1895

When they asked him to go on this job, Akito felt like it was a trap. He felt there was something wrong. However, Akito went anyway. If he refused, he knew they would drag Setsura into this. That was the last thing he wanted. They can get anybody involved but her.

Hunger. Desperation. Desire. Dependence. Addiction. Akito struggled to find the right word to describe this situation.

He was too busy, anyway. Akito hid behind a leftover stone wall. He sat against a cold pile of rubble and searched for a clean surface. The contents of his pockets and his bag didn't contain much. Akito disliked bringing too many things onto the field, anyway. All he had on him was some medical alcohol, some sheets, and a few needles. A few weapons..

Akito was in a great matter of pain. Sweat coated his body. The reason why? Quite some time has passed since he has gone on the field. Naturally, after not taking part for so long. He wasn't used to it, and he actually let his dammed guard down. His forehead covered in sweat, blood, and dirt. Massive cuts decorated his face because of the explosion.

Still, even then, nothing of the short would stop him. The reason why he was growing irritated was due to the wounds he sustained. One of his feet was damaged. While he could walk, it still hurt. On his right arm was two massive cuts side by side, fresh blood oozing out.

The explosion didn't cause this wound. What caused it was that bastard who jumped on them. Damn, since the explosion happened sooner after. Akito couldn't see who it was. So, there is a ringleader behind this all. Obviously, that was the case. However, Akito didn't think that ringleader would show up.

People assumed it was a random man. However, Akito knew better, that blood l.u.s.t and aura. Was it Touma? Did Touma come out to the front lines this time to take action? He's never done that before.

Akito slid down the wall and bawled his hands into a fist. He felt frustrated when was the last time he got this injured on a job? It frustrated him. Why are things like this?

Akito found a way to endure any pain that came his way. Whether it's physical pain or not. It was easy, really. All he had to do was to picture a specific face. He took out the supplies from his bag and cut his shirt to reveal the rest of the wound. The moment he placed the cloth on his wound, it turned red in seconds. He winced. Akito slowly uncapped the alcohol and damped another cloth with it, and replaced the old one.

So his method to endure pain? It was simple; think of his loved one, Setsura. Her jewel-colored innocent eyes. Her messy hair. Occasionally wearing clothes, that's bigger. It hurt a lot; the pain felt like a prick from a rose thorn. He hissed loudly and examined his wound properly. Aside from the large block, nothing else remained in his wound. Thankfully, this could be a lot worse. Even though the cut is deep, nothing else is there.

Her voice. So desperate and demanding. Setsura didn't want him to leave. That girl isn't very honest. However, Akito understood how reassuring his presence was for her. 'Don't go,' she'd pleaded.

Akito wanted to see her so badly.

Setsura, Setsura.

His gaze landed on his surroundings. Now then, time to escape this impossible situation.

...

6:30 am - Akitos mansion-

He was severely hurt.

But, Akito didn't waste time. He found her fast asleep on the couch in his room. He blinked when he saw her like that. What is she doing? She doesn't even have a blanket around her. Akito bent down and brushed her loose hair from her face. His Setsura. Only when they are apart from one another for so long does he realize how much he wants her.

"Unngh, your home?"

"My love, why don't you go to the bedroom?"

"I waited for you," Setsura admitted. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I missed you, Akito."

Akito blinked, surprised at the girl's words. Nobody can exactly blame him. Setsura isn't the honest type. What happened while he was gone? His thoughts broke of when she felt Setsura place kisses down his neck. 'So honest, and even bold today.' He doesn't know what has gotten into her. However, he isn't the type to push her away. He placed his arms around her slender waist.

"My love, I'll bring you to our room."

He liked calling it their room. He did so whenever they had guests. Akito decided it a long time ago. From the moment he realized his feelings, he didn't want to hand her over to anybody else. It sounds so possessive, at first, he desperately tried to push away his feelings. So, while he flirted around with her. Akito wasn't serious at first, but before he knew it. 'It's so easy to fall madly in love with a person.' All it took was for a second to change all his ideals and convictions.

Setsura was like a goddess for him. She not only shone the light in his dark world, but she also showed him exactly how beautiful and kind the world actually was. Despite the darkness and corruption of the Meiji era, she showed him exactly how beautiful the place was. She showed him that no matter how corrupt the world is, there is always a place filled with light. That there are such gentleness and kindness in this world.

A ruffling and creaking sound as he laid the girl down on the bed. "Akito, why don't you remove this?"

Akito nodded, "So eager." He didn't have to wait to do it. Setsura impatiently removed his clothing away. The garments left his body in seconds, and he proceeded to remove her clothes. However, the moment he got close, she passed out.

He frowned and brought his face closer to her.

A familiar scent caught his eye.

'Drunk..' Akito deeply sighed, well he should have known. He was also the type to use alcohol to escape a lot of problems. So, he can't exactly blame her. It's a good thing for him, though. The pain in his arm was too much for him to ignore.

Honestly, he's entertained some pretty dark thoughts regarding Setsura before. It didn't help how they lived under the same roof from the very first day she came here. That was his fault, but even then, Akito understood. If Setsura wasn't such a beauty, then maybe he wouldn't have such thoughts. By dark thoughts, he isn't referring to anything scary.

Then again, a person's desires can be a scary thing. Akito stood up and made his way to the cabinet and took out a few bottles. It was difficult for him to tend to his wounds by himself. However, he is used to it. How many times did he recklessly get himself hurt when his wife died? So, so many times. Akito injected the morphine on his arm. A medication for more severe pain. He knew if he left his wound alone, the pain would gradually fade away. Yet, Akito couldn't afford for his injuries to get in his way.

The next few days will be crucial.