A/N: The one shots are not in time chronological order! ^_^ This one gets a little angst at the start, and sappy towards the end. Hope you like it and please review if you do.

This takes place a few years after Setsuna and Akashi had married.


The 22 year old Setsuna slammed her car door shut, and locked it without taking any of her belongings. Ignoring the main Akashi manor and all the servants who bowed to her in greeting, she ran straight to the stable without a word, rolling up her sleeves up and dropped her kitten heels in favor of the riding boots kept in the lockers.

"Setsuna-sama?" The stable boy called out in surprise, peering at the amethyst-haired girl who had now grabbed her saddle, heading to a specific stall.

"Hey girl." Setsuna smiled for the first time, pacing slowly towards her horse for fear of spooking her. Despite how Setsuna had learn and went horse-riding with Akashi from a young age, she never actually acquire her own, always choosing to borrow the ones in the Akashi stables. Only when Setsuna married into the Akashi family, this full black Friesian horse was one of the many wedding gifts Akashi had given her. Her husband chose this breed in honor for her surname, 'Kuro'-ko (Black) and how they are known to be graceful and nimble, just as how Setsuna is famous for in the basketball circuit.

Setsuna aptly named her Kuro-hoshi, or Black Star, because inversely though she is full black as are most Friesian horses, she has a white star patch on her forehead. Kurohoshi was also known for her errant temper, and only three people were allowed to ride her.

Kurohoshi acknowledged Setsuna's presence, but her animal instincts kick in, wary of the girl as it kicked her hind legs in protest and snorted. Setsuna smiled, wiping the tears off her face," I'm okay, girl. I just need to go on a ride with you and I will feel better. Will that be okay?"

The horse whiffed on Setsuna's outstretched hand and as if accepted her reason, nudged Setsuna by head bumping her shoulder, pushing her out.

"Thank you, Kurohoshi!" Setsuna hugged her immediately, carefully securing the saddle on her. In familiar strokes, she had the horse ready in no time, slowly guiding her by the rein, out of the stables.

"Kazuto?" Setsuna called out to the stable boy. He had wisely stayed out of the way when he saw the redness in the young mistress' puffy eyes, and continued to attend to Yukimaru, Akashi's white horse.

"Yes, Setsuna sama?" He hurried over, though Setsuna signaled him not to.

"Stall him if he appears."

And that was all Setsuna said before she mounted Kurohoshi and started her on a gallop in one swift practiced motion, leaving the poor boy in great confusion.


BA-DUM BA-DUM BA-DUM

Setsuna hugged her body close to Kurohoshi as she galloped and leaped across the brook. She knew her beloved horse would not be able to keep at this speed for long, but Setsuna let it guide her to the usual spot. Her thoughts went back to her husband, and that alone had Setsuna started tearing again.

After returning from the states in the stipulated 3 years, Setsuna had immediately received an offer to join the Japan National Basketball League, while she attend college in Kyoto and prepared her wedding with Akashi. And after more hard work, she was finally offered a place in the prestigious WNBA, the ultimate dream any professional basketball player, like her late father, Akihito, to NBAs, would never pass up for.

Yet…

BA-DUM BA-DUM BA-DUM

Her thoughts went back to this morning after her manager had negotiated a good deal for her. Setsuna had rushed into Akashi's office in the main Kyoto business district, clamoring to tell her husband of the good news.

"No. You will not go to the states alone." The crimson haired Emperor simply stated, passing the documents he had signed at the table to his secretary," I have waited 3 years for you to return and things have finally settled back to normalcy. This is non-negotiable."

The secretary bowed deeply, closing the doors after Akashi's personal guard filed out, giving the married couple some privacy.

Setsuna could not believe her ears. She had thought Akashi, of all people, would support her dream, just as he did when they were 16. Have things changed so drastically over the years?

After a few heated exchange of words, Setsuna had ripped her Sapphire signet ring from her ring finger and tossed it angrily at the surprised Akashi, who deftly caught it before it hit him hard on his face.

"Sei, then our marriage is over." Setsuna seethed angrily, running out of his office without hearing another word from him, slamming his door shut.

BA-DUM BA-DUM BA-DUM

Setsuna took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves once again. Against her better judgement, she closed her eyes and focused on feeling the wind at her face, and how it whipped her shoulder-length hair in a fury streak of purple. She focused on the galloping sound, the rustling from the grass trampled on and the hard clopping against the soil. When she can focused on her heart beat and heard the eagle soar above her, she opened her eyes, reining Kurohoshi in, slowing her down to a trot.


In half an hour, she had reached her usual place of respite, a beautiful meadow by a small pond surrounded with Sakura trees. She dismounted, gently guiding Kurohoshi to the pond for her to rest up and drink. Setsuna rubbed a particular spot behind Kurohoshi's ears, earning a playful neigh and head bump from her sole companion.

Setsuna plopped herself down unceremoniously by the pond, lying down. She looked up with both hands clasped behind her head supporting her, watching the sakura petals fluttered down on her gently. This used to be a special place for the Akashi couple, the 13 year old Akashi had showed it to her when they were old enough to ride out alone. He had told her when things get too rough at home, this was a place he would like to come just to think and breathe, away from the overwhelming pressure.

Setsuna had come here herself a few times for the same reason in the past, when being an Akashi became too overwhelming and suffocating. She never ever give up no matter the obstacles, and always returned to her 'Sei-kun' with renewed determination.

She guided one of her hands up, attempting to grasp the fluttering pink petals. Have things changed so much?

When she come to think about it, she had been spending less and less time with Akashi recently. Both of them were incredibly busy with their career and even if they do sit down to have a meal together, they were often too exhausted to even talk. They may not even lay on the same bed every day, as business matters and basketball competitions force them to travel and be apart from one another, sometimes for weeks on end.

Didn't she just came back from a short trip to Chicago because of the WNBA negotiation? Once she arrived back to Kyoto, out of her own haste and excitement, the first thing she told Akashi was that she will be leaving for the states for years and perhaps that was why he responded negatively?

She bit her lip, dropping her hand back to the side, replaying this morning's situation in her head again. Just 1 hour apart, the same scene that had made her blood boil, now made her winced in guilt and regret. She took a deep breath, letting these final tears flow. She have to talk to Akashi again and to apologize. Given the chaos from the whole day, jet lag and a new action plan in place, her eyes slowly drifted shut, letting the gentle zephyr be her lullaby.

Setsuna did not know how long she had napped, but when she slowly regain her consciousness, judging by how the wind was getting colder, it was probably in the late afternoon, just a while more to sun set. She finally opened her eyes and got up slowly. She blinked slowly and from across the pond, she could see her black horse, Kurohoshi dipping her head drinking from the pond, and a snowy white horse nudging her head affectionately, by her side.

Wait… A white horse? …Yukimaru?

"You finally woke up…" A very distinctively familiar male voice piped up from her left. When she turned to look, she was beyond shocked to see the Akashi Seijuro, peering up at her unguarded as he lay down on his back, one of his arms nestled on his forehead providing a temporary shade from the sun.

He was technically still in his office attire from this morning, though he had ditched his blazer and tie, dressed only in his grey shirt haphazardly unbuttoned at the top, and black trousers that were tugged neatly into his riding boots. He made no movement to get up, and the married couple only stared at each other in a somewhat awkward silence.

"You didn't pick up your phone. It took me a while to find you. There are a few places you could have gone." Akashi began, he shifted his arm to cover his eyes again, and his other gripping Setsuna's hand. "Noticed your car parked at the manor."

Setsuna listened, tugging her legs in, nestling her chin on her knees as her hand returned the grip on Akashi's in response.

"The servants said they saw you but didn't know where you went. After searching the entire manor, I went to the stables. Kazuto said he never saw you, but really? A missing saddle and a missing temperamental Kurohoshi who only let you, me and Kazuto to ride? Pretty easy to deduce."

"It's not Kazuto's fault, I…" Setsuna looked at Akashi guiltily, ready to defend her friend, but Akashi stopped her by continuing.

"I know. The boy can't lie to save his life." Akashi chuckled," Before I left with Yukimaru, he said timidly to go easy on you because you were crying."

Setsuna's tears fall anew again, joyful for Kazuto's loyalty but also guilt for making him lie.

"He need not worry. I am here to… apologize after all." Akashi continued, with his eyes still covered," …I should not have rejected you so harshly."

Even in marriage, Akashi had rarely apologized to Setsuna. Though she was rather surprised that he had come looking for her specifically to apologize, she retorted in alarm.

"You don't need to apologize, Sei kun. I'm sorry! I…" Setsuna spoke up, raising her voice, causing both horses to look up from their quiet courtship on the other side of the pond.

Akashi got up, his crimson eyes immediately silencing her as she hitched, breaking her momentum.

"Let me finish." Akashi carried on," I should have not rejected you so harshly, because that's why you have misunderstood me."

"What?"

"I said I won't let you go alone, didn't I? I meant that I intend to follow you to the states."

Setsuna let that slowly sink into her mind, before she finally reacted," HUH!? But, but, what about the family business?!"

"My father always have intention for the business to venture out overseas. When you left for Chicago 6 years ago, I knew I cannot discount the possibility that you may want to return in the future. I have already lay the groundwork to expand the business. We may have to be apart temporarily for a few months, but I should be able to be join you in Chicago once I have settled the move."

"…You mean… Back in Rakuzan, you already believe that I will make it into the WNBA?" Setsuna blinked in surprise.

Akashi looked at her in puzzlement," Of course. You entering the league is our dream. As I have always say, achieving is only a matter of time, it's just the question of process. And I have settled that on my end."

Unable to contain herself any longer, Setsuna jumped onto Akashi, causing him to fall back on his back with her on top, hugging him tight.

"I feel even more terrible now! I'm so sorry for the things I say, Sei kun!" Setsuna cried," I'm so so sorry. And thank you so much…"

Akashi smiled, one hand holding onto her waist, the other reaching over her chin, forcing her to look at him. The same hand deftly clasped behind her neck, pulling her down quickly for a long tender kiss.

When they finally broke apart, Akashi added," I trust in your ability. Of all people, I'm most aware of the potential that you have. Besides..."

He reached up, tugging her hair behind her ear tenderly, "Have I ever been wrong?"

Setsuna smiled bashfully, beyond delighted from his vote of confidence. Akashi rarely dished out praises and only when he really mean it.

The emperor brushed her forehead tenderly," Many things have been keeping us apart. You with your duties, I with mine. But we did all that to reach this point. Promise to be with me forever, my winter empress."

She giggled at her basketball nickname and replied teasingly," Always and forever yours, my red emperor."

.

.


"Ah! Sei kun!" Setsuna suddenly remembered after the tender moment had past and they needed to return to the manor," The ring! You still have the sapphire signet ring?"

He turned around from reining their horses over, he said in his usual poker face," I don't have it anymore."

"What?! Then where is it? You lost it?" Setsuna asked in a panic.

Akashi sighed, walking over to Setsuna again, he bowed lightly, holding up her left hand like a gentleman, kissing specifically on her ring finger. Only when he moved away, did Setsuna finally noticed the signet ring in question was already back on her finger.

"When…?" Setsuna began, thinking back as she watched Akashi returned to the horses.

"Not again, Sei kun? When I'm asleep?!"


A/N: The last portion is a reference to Chapter 17 in Always by your side, Red Emperor, how he first gave her the signet ring. So if you are interested, do read my other story. :D