The only reason why Akito is acting this way is because she resembles his wife. That has to be the reason. But, when she saw the look in his eyes. She felt there was something wrong with that theory. Regardless, Setsura took a deep breath. "Your wife is only missing; you aren't divorced yet. I don't want to be your mistress," Setsura mumbled. Besides she's also in a relationship. What would that make her?
While she may not remember that persons face clearly, her heart still aches whenever she remembers him. Instinctively, she asked Oslo if he was still alive. Her feelings for him haven't gone away yet. Why would it? She loved him so deeply. Feelings of love don't just go away like that.
Akito ran his hand through his hair and picked up a cup on the side table. "You don't think of me that way?"
"Well uh," Setsura did not know what to say. She's only known Akito for a short time. They may be closer now; she may be comforted by his presence. But for things to turn out like this in a short amount of time is too strange. "I'm not sure."
That was the only safe answer she could give him. Besides Setsura really wasn't sure about Akito. Ever since that time, she felt that something was gradually changing between them. Whether it was a pleasant change or not, but she felt very attached to him.
Akito reached over and hugged her, "I think I'm serious though. Do you mind if I try?"
Setsura felt her heartbeat speed up at his words. Akito is serious? Really?
"We've only known each other for a short amount of time."
"That doesn't matter, your the only one who understands…" Akito mumbled.
Ah, is that why?
"Setsura, isn't it fine? Learn to love me."
Learn to love him.. It felt like somebody told her those words once before. Somebody important to her. Ah, was it him? Did that guy tell her those words? Setsura felt very confused. At first, she thought it was just her imagination, but the more she thought about it... The more she can't help but think, 'They are too similar to each other.' The words Akito says overlaps with that person.
"Setsura," Akito whispered, "It's okay. Just leave it to me."
Akito makes her feel so safe; he's so kind to her. But is that what she really wants? Just somebody to be kind to her? Anybody could do that. Akito is...to her, exactly what does she think of him? Does she have time to think about this now?
Before Setsura could get a word in edgewise though, the doors to the room opened. "Brother, your--" Eisuke frowned when he saw the sight. "--needed downstairs."
"Hmm, I see," Akito turned to her and kissed her cheeks. "I'll be gone for a bit Setsura. Don't wait up for me, yeah?"
"Okay."
With those words said, Akito left the room. She immediately slumped on the ground, 'How on earth is she supposed to face him?' As a lover, Akito will most likely be kinder and gentler than ever before. But is that what she wants? Then again, they can't return to how things were before.
"Oi."
"Ye--" Setsura's sentence fell short when Eisuke pinned her against the wall. Her eyes widened when she felt his lips on hers. It was a clumsy kiss, nothing like the one she shared with Akito. "What are you…"
"If you have to enter a relationship with anybody. It should be with me. My sister in law is only missing; she isn't dead."
At that comment, she looked down at her feet. He probably kissed her because of this. "I...I don't…" Setsura wanted to say that she didn't think of Akito that way. But it was hard. What if she can't return to her time and has to live here? What if… Akito asks her to stay? "I'm very sorry," Setsura mumbled.
Eisuke could not say anything since Akito strolled into the room.
"Setsura, come along with me."
Setsura blinked, "Uhh.."
"I'm meeting Lyra today, come along."
That's the person Akito said he wanted her to meet that time. But she ended up rushing off. Setsura nodded, "I'll go get ready," she awkwardly looked over at Eisuke. She wanted to say some comforting words. But Setsura felt that she wasn't the type of person to say something comforting.
.......
Li Family Household
The place Akito said he would bring her to was the Onyomi compound area. Since they took an isolated route, she seldom saw anybody. After what happened during the event - it seemed like introducing her to people in society is put on hold again. Akito hasn't mentioned going out at all. So even though Setsura wanted to meet and interact with new people. She knew it would have to wait. While she can't get too comfortable at this time, she ought to make herself more useful.
"What did you do?" Setsura asked as Akito lead her inside.
Akito raised his eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
"Those people are too cautious about you."
Laughter escaped his lips, "Don't worry about it. They won't harm you."
That's not the point here. She is more worried about them trying to harm him over some petty grudge. "Back there, what did Eisuke do?"
Setsura froze, did he notice? No, calm down. She took a deep breath.
"He was just upset that his big brother is flirting with another woman when his wife is missing."
"Is that all?" Akito repeated, his voice sharp. Setsura was too afraid to answer. Why is he suddenly so scary?
"All you do is scare people away, haven't you had enough of that Akito?" a sweet feminine voice filled the tunnel. Setsura looked up and saw a woman with golden blonde long curly hair, which is loose wearing a forest green gown decorated in unusual crystals.
Ah...
"Lyra," Akito addressed. "I'm just jealous, even if it's Eisuke. He can't just kiss the woman I'm courting."
Setsura wanted to crawl in a hole and hide. Not only did he know about the kiss, now he's openly admitting it.
"Already? You're fast."
"Of course."
'W--what? Is this normal?' Setsura could only stare at the two in confusion. The woman named Lyra smiled. "Well, while I question your tactics at times. I'm sure you'll take good care of her."
This is embarrassing. This lady has one of those mother like faces too, so it seems like she is getting blessed or something. "I--Im…"
"Oslo sent you here?"
Ah, "Yes."
Oslo did mention to her that there are people here who they communicate with often. It must be the members of the Li household. Setsura figured that she wasn't the first person they transported to the Meiji era. But even then it surprised her.
"Then, your welcome here," Lyra smiled. "Your Akito's…"
"Future wife."
Setsura stepped on his foot then. There is a limit to how much nonsense she could take. Even if he is serious, he can't take it too far. It almost feels like he is pressuring her. Akito probably doesn't realize that though.
Thankfully Lyra left it at that topic, "Let's head to the chamber then. Setsura-chan, is it?"
Setsura nodded.
"Do you have the items you had on you when you first came? To do the ritual, you don't necessarily have to wear the same clothes. But the items are important."
Ah? Akito didn't mention that.
Akito interjected, "I brought it for her."
He did, when? Setsura sighed; she's never going to understand Akito truly. He's far too strange. "Is this...um ritual …"
"It's safe," Lyra nodded. "I suppose in your time it would be safer to call this magic? But yes, it's safe. My family specializes in cases like this, and we're not exactly normal, either. While we cannot compare to Oslo's group. We do have a reputation."
The Li household…It did ring a bell to her. It ought to be safe. Besides if these people know about Oslo, they ought to understand her circumstances too. Setsura nodded, and for the next few minutes, nobody said a word. She took a sideways glance at the silent Akito. It's not like him to be quiet. Is he alright? Was she too harsh with him?
"Akito," Setsura hesitantly reached out to touch his face. But the moment she did that, Akito used that chance to kiss her. It was a brief and light kiss. But it still made her feel very restless.