Chapter 163 - Different

When Setsura next comes to visit Akito, she found a group of people with him. Akito and a group of men gathered around the large table. Akito pointed to different areas on the map laid out on the table. It seems like he is in the middle of a meeting; it would be better if she stays quiet. Setsura did not know Akitos men very well, nor did she want to learn about them. Forming any attachments would be troublesome for her. She is already so tired of keeping up with the people she knows now.

Setsura leaned on the pillar behind the wall and silently observed the meeting.

Akito hunched over with six of his men, heads tilted. Murmurs among them, which she could barely hear. Not that it mattered, she focused more on Akito. The injury from the blast now bandaged up. Both his head and shoulders. Is he all right to be getting up? Then again, this is him. He's stronger than most people, at least physically anyway. When it concerns his emotional state, it appears he isn't any better than her.

Akito is not any better than her, but his approach is so very different from her. While she does not approve of him hiding behind a mask, other than that, he handles his situation well. But, the two of them are different. For Akito, there are other people out there who care for him. The fool pushed so many people away, pushed away those who were willing to stay. Setsura wondered if he noticed it yet. However, if he noticed it then...then where would that leave her? If Akito accepted those people back into his life.

One of the main reasons why Setsura felt so insecure about her relationship with Akito was because she understood this. Even before she got to know Victor and the others, it only took a few days of observing for her to realize. This person is not alone; many people care about him. While she does not dismiss his pain and suffering, she knew that he could never understand her. At the start, her amnesia bothered her greatly; she woke up feeling confused every single day.

But, eventually, her emotions settled. When it did, Setsura wanted to stay away from Akito. She does not need any half-hearted kindness. She does not need a person who is not willing to catch her. What she needed is somebody who would accept everything about her, somebody who would treasure her.

"As for the biggest weak point. There are rooftops in the north. However, there is a high chance because of the location that the roofs will cave in if the explosives are set to detonate on the pillars or the door. Despite this, we can use that to our advantage. Be careful. The area is small, but they could still send in other squads."

"Captain," a voice spoke up from the corner of the room. The voice belonged to the Chinese man named Fang.

"What is it?"

"If I may be so bold to say so, but this plan is too risky. Even if we were to enter through a safe place, once we're in the building, our men will equally be in danger. Since we are aware of where the traps are, we do have the advantage. But, what if we can't avoid combat with the enemy? What if one of the explosives detonate when we are amid combat? Captain, please make some changes to the plan."

Setsura had to admit she was a bit surprised. She did not expect such a speech from this quiet-looking man.

"So, you don't disagree?"

"No, there is no need. Captain, your plans have always ensured the best possibility of winning and our survival. I am simply suggesting how to increase our survival."

Akito's lips curve into a smile. Setsura knew what kind of smile it was. How strange for Akito to develop an interest in somebody. It's a good thing the other person is a man; otherwise, she would worry again. The servant girl is far too quiet lately, too. So lately things have been okay for them. At least on the surface, anyway.

"We'll start in two days," he said.

Setsura frowned when she heard those words. Two days? That's not nearly enough time to let him recover. Sure it was just an injury he got from a blast, but even then, it's an injury. She waited until the other men left the room, before emerging from her hiding spot. Akito had slumped down onto the couch.

"So, what's happening in two days?" Setsura commented critically, as she made her way over.

"As you heard, another operation."

"You're hurt, can't you stay put?"

Laughter escaped his lips, "Do you think that's possible for me?"

She knows it isn't. Once he sets his mind to do something, he will do so to the very end. That's the type of person he is. That kind of attitude is contagious. Even back when they first met, Akito has always been that way. He is suffering just as much as her, but not only did he help her out, he— Setsuras thoughts broke off when she spotted him looking at her.

"So, how many more operations?" she took a seat beside him.

"Hmmm, for this month quite a few," Akito moved closer to her.

"I see."

It's futile to stop him. Setsura understood that better than anybody. An awkward silence, lately, this keeps occurring. While she understood the reason why, it made her feel very uncomfortable. When she is in the presence of this man, she sometimes worries that her anxiety will grow worse. He makes her feel things that other people don't — being around such a person every single day. She doesn't know how to deal with it.

Her depressing thoughts broke off when she felt Akito cup her cheeks. "Why are you sulking?"

"Who says I am?"

"Normally, you would scold me by now..."

Setsura looked at him dumbfounded, why does he appear bothered that she isn't doing that? What a fool, but it seems like she really likes this fool. Setsura positioned herself on his lap and caressed his face. Strong, intelligent, and handsome. Anybody who would list Akitos qualities would think he is the ideal man. Indeed, Setsura would not deny that. He is the ideal man. But, just because a person has all these qualities does not make him perfect.

Perfection is overrated; she never wanted a perfect person. She only wanted somebody who would accept everything, even the ugly flaws - even the things she disliked about herself.