flowers

It was at that moment. That brief fleeting moment, when time slowed and came almost to a standstill and the colours increased in density, shining more vibrantly, searing that image into his brain with such clarity, he knew he would remember it years after. He saw her standing in the dappled shade, the leaves of the cherry tree whispering above her, a warm breeze gently teasing her chestnut strands, a myriad of soft petals dancing around her.

It was as if he saw her for the very first time. Something had been shifting within him for some time… but now a barely noticeable tiny cog in the machine that was his heart started to move.

...

It was a warm summer afternoon and all members of Shibuya Psychic Research were out on a picnic in Yoyogi park enjoying the season's first cherry blossoms. How Mai had managed to persuade their workaholic boss to take an afternoon off was more of a mystery than any of the cases they had dealt with this year but Takigawa Houshou was not going to look this gift horse in its mouth, he was going to sit back and enjoy this rare situation.

Breathing in the fragrant aroma of the swirling, opaque green liquid in his hand he looked around at the motley crew, who had become more than just colleagues but dear friends in the passing years. To his left Yasuhara and John where deep in conversation and Masako dressed traditionally as usual in a kimono was trying to get Naru's attention about one thing or another, and to his right Lin was sitting cross legged on the blanket his posture relaxed for a change, quietly sipping his tea as always. Ayako and Mai had gotten up to stretch their legs and were now walking back to the group at a leisurely pace. He felt warmth filling his heart as his eyes rested on Mai's smiling face.

Whatever she had done to get Naru to agree to this little excursion, he was grateful to her. They all deserved a little break after their last case which had been really harrowing. This time it was Ayako who had been hurt which had put him on a rollercoaster of emotions, dealing with the stubborn woman had mentally and physically exhausted him and he hadn't had time to dissect his feelings during that period yet. He wouldn't do that today either. It felt nice to take in the beautiful surroundings and recharge their energies before the next mystery found them. Thinking of jobs, there was something he wanted to ask Lin and get his professional opinion on, before it slipped his mind again.

"Lin-san...Lin-san..." Takigawa was trying to get his attention in vain. Is it me or does he look slightly dazed. The other man snapped around to face him just as Takigawa was about to follow his line of sight to see what had caught his attention so. Just what was he looking at?

...

The heat of the sun on her skin and the picture perfect view of the blossoms floating in the wind were so enjoyable to her, that even when she spied Masako sitting so close to Naru, it didn't damper her good mood in any way. Strangely it didn't affect her as it used to. Ever since she had confessed to Naru and he had rejected her she had tried to analyse her feelings more closely. In the time that Naru and Lin were gone to put Gene's body to rest, she had made the bittersweet realisation that he was right. She had seen Gene's image superimposed over Naru and had fallen in love with the combination of the two personalities. She had become infatuated with a person that didn't exist. She could admit to herself now, without bitterness that while she might not be in love with him, he was still very important to her and she knew that in his own way he cared for her too.

"I don't think Naru cares for Masako that way, Mai, so please don't feel discouraged," Ayako's kind voice interrupted her musings.

"Ah no," Mai blushed waving her hand as she said, "I don't really mind anymore."

"Hmm , is that so..." drawled the Miko not entirely convinced.

"Really Ayakao-san, it doesn't bother me...," Mai trailed off discovering the more she denied it the more it made her sound the opposite.

The older woman looked doubtfully at her friend's countenance but didn't say anything further not wanting to add to the young woman's embarrassment. "Let's go and join the others, shall we?"

...

She didn't quiet remember how she ended up alone with Lin driving her home. It seemed that while she had dreamily stared out of the window at the passing scenery, they had dropped Ayako and John off and it was only her left. She didn't mind the silence. It didn't feel awkward to her. Ever since Suwa the relationship between Lin and her had become comfortable enough that she felt at ease in his presence.

"Thank you, for driving me home, Lin-san" she turned to him when he parked the car in front of her building.

"You are welcome, Taniyama-san. There is no need to thank me though." He said with a slight smile that disappeared soon after.

He then angled toward her, his fingers reaching to the side of her face.

"Eh. Lin-san...,"Mai trailed off her eyes widening.

He tucked a curl of hair behind her ear, his fingertips touching her skin ever so slightly, leaving a tingling trail. She nearly stopped breathing.

"Cherry blossoms." His voice was deep as he showed her the evidence between his fingertips.

"I see," she breathed. "I'll see you on Monday at work, Lin-san."

"Till Monday, Taniyama-san."

Only when she closed the front door behind her did she acknowledge the warmth in her cheeks and the thundering of her heart. She had just managed to calm it, into beating in its usual rhythm, when it picked up in speed again. John lives nearer to Lin-san and Naru's apartment. Why did he drop me off last?