Year 1895 Meiji- Cross dinner - 8:00 PM
While Eijiro is here too, Akito didn't want to take any risks whatsoever. Setsura is truly a magnet for trouble, and it doesn't help that her appearance stands out too. He thought to ask Lyra to color the girl's hair black, that way she wouldn't stand out so much. But, Akito decided that there would be no need. After all, her hair is exquisite.
He liked looking and touching it. He didn't want to damage it in any way.. Akito shook his head. Why does that sound weird? His thoughts broke off when he felt somebody approach his table. Akito looked up and saw his companion. A man with short brown hair wearing western clothing, a forest green polo shirt, grey jacket, navy blue hat, and pants. This person is his friend Victor, who just recently returned from his trip abroad.
"What is this, I just returned, and I'm already being treated like a slave."
"Slave? I'm treating you to dinner."
"Tut, tut, this isn't a dinner invitation. Your spying on the Lady in your care," Victor walked over to the railing. On the other floor were Setsura and her work companions. "So, this is the Lady from the rumors? She's quite the beauty."
Akito glared at him, and Victor laughed. "Easy, I won't hit on her. I'm a respectable man."
"Respectable is questionable. Shouldn't you be tinkering with your inventions?"
Victor's eyes sparkled, "Listen to this; there are so many new things in the west right now."
"You left home for so long over your inventions. Do you know your grandfathers been complaining?"
"Sorry, sorry. Thank you for taking care of my family, Akito."
"Forget it; I had something to ask you," Akito took out a brush from his bag. "This, it was with her. What do you think?"
His friend took the seat opposite him and examined the brush. "I see, so this was amongst her belongings?"
"Yes."
He knew Setsura carried it everywhere that's why he asked for it earlier. Akito was surprised that she gave it to him.
…..
When Akito left the table for a bit, the last thing he expected was to run into Setsura. Since he had been watching her the entire time, he thought he would notice if she stood up. But it seemed like she did so when he was on his way down. Akito tried to leave, but Setsura had grabbed hold of him.
"Akito?!!"
Ah, shoot. He only wanted to get a closer look at her and then leave. But how did it end up like this? "Hey, fancy running into you here."
"Are you following me?"
At that comment, he looked down awkwardly. Setsura laughed, "Well, I don't mind. I was going to ask you if you'd send me some guards or something. I have someone stalking me since I started working. I was worried he would try something."
Stalking? "Sir Stephen?"
Setsura blinked, "That's right, I'm surprised you know. You really must be following me."
"I overheard them after our lunch plan. I'm glad you have good instincts."
Setsura sighed, "So they were going to try something? How typical."
"I'm here with a friend. Would you like to join us instead?"
"Well, I guess I can sneak out for a bit."
Akito smiled and instinctively grabbed hold of her hand. "Then, shall we get going?" To his surprise, she didn't pull back and simply nodded.
It didn't take them long to reach the second floor. Maybe because some people recognized him. Thankfully they didn't make too much of a fuss. Akito always hated eating out because random strangers would go up to him. During those times, what is he supposed to do?
Akito brought Setsura to the table. Victor immediately stood up.
"Akito, look at this. If you combine them together they ….." his friend was holding up some strange tools.
"...Idiot put those away."
Setsura blinked, "Your friend?"
"Nice to meet you. Miss. I'm Victor," he pulled out a rose from the back of his hands.
"Thank you."
Seeing this scene, Akito frowned and pulled Setsura into his arms. He doesn't like her accepting presents from other men. Victor simply shook his head, "Let it go Akito? Okay?"
"Yeah."
It's only a flower, and it's from Victor of all people. His friend isn't interested in the opposite gender - at least for Victor, his inventions are more important. Akito led Setsura to the spare seat beside him, and Setsura looked down at the table. She was staring at the brush.
"Oh.."
Victor smiled, "Don't worry. I didn't break it."
"No, I'm just surprised. People keep saying this brush is special. But other than it being a memento to me.
Akito would have said something, but he catches a glimpse of movement from the shadows. His gaze dimmed, as he spotted a familiar cloaked man follow the suspicious person. "Victor, take care of Setsura."
….
The second he stepped into the hallway, he feels a familiar cold sensation against his neck. Akito laughed, "I see your organization has gotten the latest western gun. It feels like it could kill somebody instantly," he turned his head slightly. "Isn't that right young master of the Long family Chauncey, or should I call you Mr. X?"
"Akito, what are you doing with that woman?" Chauncey's tone is deadly.
Akito smiled, "Nothing much. She's just my woman."
"Akito," Chauncey exclaimed. "You can't get yourself involved in yet another case. Don't you remember what happened before? Leave this to Touma and the others."
"So Touma was the one who sent you? Of course, even now the long family are acting as dogs to anyone who is Captain of Squad one."
Chauncey put the trigger towards his head. "Akito, I'm warning you. Stay away from that woman. She isn't normal. She.. She's like the one from before."
At that comment, Akito's gaze darkened. Chauncey is way too sharp. But he supposes it's only normal. There is a good reason why this man became the leader of one of the underground mafias.
"Even if she is, so what?"
"Akito, you already know… Why?" Chauncey exclaimed. "That woman from before already lead you to ruin. Do you want it to happen again? Even now, you still haven't recovered…."
Akito swiftly moved away, and in seconds he appeared behind Chauncey. A dagger at his throat, "So, which do you think is faster, your gun or this magically enhanced blade?"
"Akito…"
"Leave Setsura alone."
"You know I can't do that."
Indeed even if Akito threatened him, even if he killed Chauncey tonight. More people would be sent to kill Setsura. At least with Chauncey, he knows his old friend won't be brutal. Chauncey will observe Setsura for long too; he won't immediately hand her over to squad one. Maybe it's better to let him take care of this.
Akito lowered his blade and Chauncey sighed in relief. "You made me drop my gun. I wouldn't have been able to use it."
"Chauncey, do you…"
Chauncey sighed, "Alright, I understand what your thinking. I won't make any exceptions; you should know how I work, right?"
Akito nodded, "That is fine, I just wanted to make sure."
"Is she different?"
"I wonder myself. At times I find them strangely similar to each other, and then there are times where I think so otherwise," Akito walked over to the railing. From here, he could spot the guards below, for some reason they seemed frantic. "Other than Setsura, why else are you here?"