It has been a long time since I posted, did anyone miss me?
*crickets*
Sigh, well here is a continuation of Life Changes Us. Part of this first is a recap from the previous story, if you haven't read it I do recommend doing so. It will keep the confusion to a minimum. Please Enjoy! and let me know what you think.
Previously on life changes us.
"Mai, I have been requested to return to England and to BPR, to give reports on the activity here and what our office has been doing." Lin paused; he saw the disappointment and sadness in the girl's eyes. "There is also the small matter of my insubordination to people of SPR and BPR they would like to discuss, Madoka will be staying to take my place as Naru's assistant." Lin paused.
"I see. Madoka will be replacing you, for how long?" She didn't want him to leave, now things were back to normal, and they had gone out on dates a few times. She actually felt like they were dating, not just him taking care of her.
"A month, maybe more,"
"Naru will be a bear." Mai groaned.
Lin chuckled, "Well you don't have to stay here; you could come with me."
"To England?"
Lin nodded. "Actually I had thought before of bringing you back to England. We have other psychics and mediums there who could help you understand things more than Noll or I." he paused watching the girl's reaction. "Masako has a different medium abilities then you and your abilities are still growing where hers will stay as they are."
"But Naru would want an assistant and tea." Mai stated sadly.
"He will understand, anyway, he doesn't always need to get what he wants. You are not supposed to go on cases for a while or do heavy labor, you should go to relax and have fun in a new place."
"I don't speak English well, and don't know anyone there, I would be lost."
"You speak English better then you think," he slipped into English. "And I will be there for you." He leaned forward and kissed her right temple. "Think about it, if you want I will make arrangements." He stood and walked out of the room.
"I will need a passport," she mumbled calculating the costs in her head. From the corner of her eye she saw a book flying towards her. She automatically grabbed for it, and looked toward where it came from. Noll's form was retreating from his doorway.
Mai looked at the book in her hands, opening it her own picture stared at her, and all her identifying information. She had her own passport.
That is to be the end of Life changes us. I will be continuing this under a new name although… I have not decided a name yet, Suggestions? (please leave comment or PM) It will be heading off to England with just Lin and Mai. Some people felt I left a little out about Madoka and the investigation, I hope this helps, and I hope you follow me to my next story.
I am also editing this before I continue to far on the other. As I have been told I was lax in my editing. I am correcting it, I am up to chapter 3, (only 47 chapters to go)
Continuing on in… "yet to be named"
When Mai told the team about going to England to see BPR the team was ecstatic. Finding out Naru had gotten Mai a passport they were pleasantly surprised. (Lin never let anyone know he had arranged it and Naru had opened the letter and seized the moment. Lin was going to have it ready when and if Mai decided.) Later when the team found out that Lin was accompanying Mai to say the least they were a bit upset.
"I don't think it is a good idea." Madoka stated while examining herself in the mirror. It was a full length mirror she had tacked onto the coat-closet door of the apartment. It was angled so she could see herself but also back into the apartment and easily see Lin's reactions as he sat sipping coffee at the table waiting for her. "This trip to England is for BPR to investigate your recent actions and determine if you are to continue to be a part of their company. Whether the Davis' can trust you to continue in Japan, you shouldn't take her with you." Madoka continued straightening her suit here and there then catching stray hairs she hair-sprayed them into obedience.
"It is her choice, and training would do her good."Lin stated neutrally.
Madoka turned around and faced him. She had been staying awkwardly at his apartment. It was officially leased by BPR for investigators in Japan, him, Naru, Madoka or any number of other investigators might stay there and it would be released if or when BPR decided to close shop in Japan. For the first time he wondered about the cost of a private apartment in Japan.
Madoka stepped forward and straightened his collar. Obediently he accepted her prodding silently. He could feel his Shiki laughing at him for being cowed by the lady. Madoka always had that effect on people. Licking two fingers like a mother she pushed his hair out of his eyes, after a few seconds of its unruly stubbornness, her other hand came at him with a can of hairspray. Easily he grabbed her wrist and pointed it away from him.
"No." He stated releasing her hand and walking away. He might have been amused by her actions, and she might be replacing him. She also technically outranked him but that did not mean he had to allow his hair to be contaminated by that sticky flammable gunk.
"Have you thought what will happen if you didn't come back to Japan? Or if they fired you? She could be shunned in association to you. Mai could be stuck in England. Lost with people she barely knows speaking a language she knows less."
"Do you think BPR is so unkind as to not let her return to her home country?" Lin asked dryly. He knew as well as Madoka that there was already an open-ended return ticket in Mai's name. "I have enough saved to make sure she gets where she needs to."
"Why won't you tell me whats going on?" Madoka stared him straight in the eyes. "You have made reports detailing both your and Oliver's food consumption to help soothe Professor and Luella Davis' mind. For the first two years you sent daily reports, mileage, gas usage, even snack and tea inventories. Now you refuse to give simple answers on a few days?"
Lin looked blankly at her, they had been talking too much and he hoped he wouldn't get a headache before the party. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. He knew it was a tell, show he was tiring under her assault, but he was tired of this questioning. He didn't care if she knew he was tired, it would not change the situation.
"I know something happened." She stated. "No one will talk about it, which makes it more suspicious not less. Does it have something to do with Taniyama-san? Or is she just the weak link?"
He felt his breath catch slightly in the back of his throat, he forced himself to breath naturally. 'She always plays the bluff.' He told himself. 'she is waiting for your reaction.'
"I noticed her you know," she paused watching him. "I would have to be blind not to. Every time I get her alone someone shows up, Ayako appeared at the mall, Takigawa at the movies, Masako even appeared at a coffee shop."
"She does not like to be on light duty," He stated truthfully. "Everyone has been trying to help her handle it without getting into trouble."
"How long will she be on light duty?"
"At least 6 months Matsuzaki-san said."
"That is a long time, she physically seems healed," she watched him in the reflection of the mirror. "Was it just physical?"
"Previous to that case she was becoming overwhelmed by the spirits. She was stretched pretty far psychically on this case coupled with the emotional stress in being separated from her body." Lin watched her cringe through the mirror, she was searching for information but she did care about Mai. "Remember how Gene was before he started to play the piano?" he asked, dredging up old memories neither of them wanted to remember. A minute shiver told him she remembered it as he did. "She was close to that recently."
"Maybe she should give up ghost hunting," Madoka murmured pushing the same stray hair back in place. Lin silently shook his head, it was too late for that. She could never be 'normal' again.
The room stayed silent until they were ready to pick up Noll and head out.
"Welcome Mori-san, Lin." Mai called opening the door.
"Thanks for having us Mai." Madoka answered. "You know to call me by Madoka by now."
"Hai, Madoka." Mai gave a shy smile looking up to Lin. He nodded his greeting.
"We have snacks and extra chairs are supplied by the luggage Ayako gave me." She giggled as Madoka noticed everyone sitting on pieces of a 12 piece luggage set. The largest piece was laid out flat on the floor as a table and was slightly taller than a regular coffee table.
"Well I suppose it works well, has a bit of feng shui to it doesn't it Lin?"
"In arrangement yes, coloring does not quite balance with the rest of the room." He was right if they thought about aesthetics. Bright red clashed with the simple browns, yellows and beiges that Mai had for furnishings.
"Hey!" Ayako hollered defensively, "They are bought to be used for the trip, not as furniture."
"With a color like that," Naru stated. "At least Mai should not be able to lose them at the airport."
"Jerk!" Mai screamed at Naru while storming away into the kitchen.
"Oliver!" Madoka rounded at the boy. "That was uncalled for. This is Mai's party you should never insult the host."
Naru ignored the woman. "Mai, tea!"
"Hai! Hai!" the return call came from the kitchen. Everyone tried to hold back a chuckle.
"Madoka, Tell me more about what our silent Lin has done to get into trouble with you?" Bou-san never the shy one prompted gesturing Madoka to take a seat on a suitcase. Ayako grabbed a small carry-on bag and hit the monk.
"Don't talk about Lin-san as though he is not here." They had known about the investigation but hadn't known exactly what it was about. Neither Lin nor Naru had said anything. Bou-san wanted to help run interference while Ayako wanted to stay out of the way and tried to keep him from asking.
"I would ask him but he won't say anything, I've already tried."
"Maybe he wants to keep it private." Masako stated from behind a sleeve. She sat on a rolling case with the handle propped up imitating the back of a chair.
"Nah, Lin is not that private," Madoka stated eyeing him. "More so, he separates his professional and personal life."
"So if it isn't a secret then what is it?" Ayako asked. Since they were talking about it anyway might as well continue. "Did he do something wrong on a case?"
"No, all reports on cases have been up to snuff." Madoka stated. "Things on cases naturally go out of the ordinary when you are dealing with psychics, both trained and untrained, and spirits which seldom go by the book."
Ayako relaxed slightly remembering the case where Mai was stabbed. She was sure blood magic was not up to snuff, but she would not be the one to bring it up. "Good, he is our ace in the hole, Always protecting our backs, I'd hate to worry about him."
"Ah, no of course not. If something like that happened he would be suspended immediately and then thoroughly investigated. Although I am surprised that the most recent hoax made it to be a case. If he had caught it, you could have prevented Mai from getting kidnapped." She stated looking over at Naru and Lin who sat next to each other on matching cases. "Noll provided Mai's notes, she even stated it seemed 'too text book' just everything that would attract you." Mai walked in carrying a tray of tea and cookies.
"It was textbook Madoka, but there were two spirits there. Both of them have moved on thanks to Masako." She nodded to her once rival as she passed a cup of tea to her. Then moved on around the circle passing out their respective teas.
"The pendent has been purified and returned to the rightful owner." Masako sipped her tea. "Mai will you be learning to make English tea while in England, they don't appreciate herbal tea nearly as well as the Japanese."
"Her English tea is fine." Naru stated before lowering his empty cup onto the coffee-table-suitcase.
"Mai did you make different drinks for everyone?" Madoka asked incredulously.
"Well I had drinks for when Ayako and Bou-san normally stop by so I just bought some English black for Naru and you. Masako quite enjoys the tea that you brought for Christmas last year."
"It is acceptable," Masako placed her cup also on the case. Mai childishly stuck her tongue out at her. "How mature, I hope you remember your manners better in England."
"So if it wasn't a case…?" Bou-san led again.
"If you must know there were some reports of using company time for unregulated activities and possibly the use of company equipment for the same purposes. There was a list of dates that were submitted and no explanation has been given."
"Oh... when did this start?" Ayako asked.
"June 15th was the first date."
Bou-san stood abruptly, Mai spilled her tea, and Ayako gasped.
"Mori-san, would you mind taking me home. After Mai spills tea things can only get worst from here." She stood turning her back to the others.
"Lin-san could take you, He doesn't enjoy large parties anyway." Lin contained his glare as Madoka volunteered him.
"I do not believe a man of his age alone with myself would be appropriate." She lifted her sleeve to cover her mouth. "My producers and parents would find it highly inappropriate."
"Of course they would." Naru agreed. "Mori-san if you would drive I will accompany her home tonight. It would be best to know she was home safe." He held his hand out to Masako who gently took it and stood.
Madoka raised an eyebrow. "I had not realized…" she slightly mumbled confused at their actions. 'hadn't he avoided Masako previously?' "I would be happy to oblige." She stood following them out the door.
The others stood frozen while the three left, confused at the current situation. Lin broke the silence as he saw the spilt tea converging on one of the new suitcases. Silently he grabbed a towel from the kitchen and knelt to mop up the tea before it hurt the case. Leaving the dirty towel on the floor he took out his handkerchief. Turned and took the tea cup from Mai and dried her fingers inspecting for burns. The tea had been hot, but not scalding, her hand was red but it would fade quickly.
"You are in trouble for me?" Mai asked.
Lin looked up from her fingers and tipped his head to the side at the question. "No," he stated. "Noll was jealous I didn't inform him of my personal life. Kept a list of times I did not follow 'Lin's status Quo' and cried to his father."
"He cried?" Bou-san interjected.
"Complained, stated he wasn't sure if he could 'trust me' in hopes I would tell him what was happening."
"So It is because of Mai?" Bou-san asked.
"No, this is all Noll's fault." Lin firmly stated.
"So that is why he escorted Masako home," Ayako asked.
"She really saved us there." Bou-san agreed.
"If I told Madoka this would be all over?" Mai asked.
"No," Lin stated as he stood gathering the soaked towel and taking it to the kitchen. When he came back Bou-san and Ayako looked thoughtful while Mai looked lost. "Mai," he sat on the case next to Mai's and motioned for Mai to sit. She did watching him. "I have to go to England no matter what Madoka finds out. If you tell Madoka she will report it to BPR, Noll's parents, and part of the company England would find out. They would ask to talk to you, interrogate you and others." He watched Mai's eyes knowing she accepted his words. "I did nothing wrong, you did nothing wrong. Nothing that happens outside of work and cases should pertain to people living on the other side of the world."
"But you shouldn't be the only one taking the blame." Mai looked at him tears rimming her eyes.
"Noll is doing his share," Lin chuckled slightly. "Taking Masako home is not the first escape he instigated."
"He called me to go shopping with you," Ayako mentioned.
"And me to the movies." Bou-san agreed.
"Wouldn't it be easier to give them something then go through the investigation?" Ayako asked. "Not a full truth just a partial?"
Lin shook his head annoyed slightly at the interference. "I told Noll and the professor it was not my place to tell. They left it alone. Madoka would ensure to check every contact I have had from the time I arrived to that day."
"Although I could never manage your evasive techniques Lin, I approve." Ayako stated. "It is nobody else's business what Mai has endured."
"I heard you have been plenty evasive yourself." Lin stated.
"Medical things are always privileged." Lin nodded agreement.
"I don't like it." Mai stated. "I will tell Madoka, she will understand. You should not be crucified for protecting me." She glared at Lin.
"No," he stated matching her eyes. "If you choose to tell someone, do not do it for me." His statement was firm.
"But…" Mai protested.
He reached out and wiped a tear out of her eyes. "I am allowed to do what I please with my personal time." He stated. His had dropped to her side taking a hold of her hand. He gently pulled her hand to the side in front of her raising as it went and twirled her in a circle as he stood. Before she had a moment to recover her balance he pulled her toward the window. He stepped out onto the fire escape and with a gentle tug Mai had come out with him.
Ayako and Bou-san watched the escape with amusement. Lin's actions had livened and distracted Mai and extricated both of them from their prying eyes. Monk took a step toward the fire escape but Ayako put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"Wait, trust him." She looked toward the window. "He deserves that much."
"But he is taking her to England and being too familiar to my little sister." He protested.
"Let me show you something," she answered Motioning to the kitchen with a devious grin that rivaled Yasuhara's.
"Mai," Lin said as they stood on the fire escape. Mai lost somewhere between amused and angry. Lin held his arm around her shoulders as the looked out to the west.
"Lin, what is that about?"
"Mai, its after work you don't have to be so formal." She glared at him flustered. He looked out to the west as the sunset tinging the clouds pink. "Mai, I have seldom had a life outside of work. Noll has been a friend but he seldom lets go of work." He paused still looking west, she followed his gaze and relaxed into his arm. "I may live in a foreign country, but I am still allowed to do as I please outside of work as long as it does not interfere with work or bring bad publicity to SPR or BPR." He looked down slightly to see her reaction but continued as she was still relaxed. "I am known to keep personal and professional lives separate and because I have had little personal interactions since I started in BPR, sometimes people forget I am human." He looked down at her again this time she lifted her eyes to meet his. "you bring that out in me, make me remember there is more than cases, spirits and demons."
"You protect me so much, I am not a child."
"I would never suggest you were." he looked at the setting sun again. "This investigation is not about you."
"How can you say that?"
"It is over my actions, while outside of work." Mai opened her mouth to argue but he placed a finger on her lips. "I did nothing wrong. Telling them about your circumstances admits they should know every part of my life and anyone else at BPR."
"I am not winning this am I?" Mai asked with a smile on her face.
"You can tell who you want, what you want, when you want." He emphasized the word you each time.
"I don't want to."
Lin smiled wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. He bent slightly and kissed her temple. She giggled and snuggled closer to him. The sun started to fade burning the last bits of clouds with fiery red.
"Koujo we should head back in to the party, I am the host." Mai whispered. They stood on the small 'balcony' as Mai called her fire escape and watched as the sun sank. Lin held an arm around her shoulders holding her protectively and keeping her warm in the cool night air.
"You should, are they being supportive of the trip?" Lin asked hoping she hadn't been talked out of it yet.
"What do you mean? Of course they are. Ayako bought a whole suitcase set. Although I don't think everything in my apartment would fill up the twelve bag set."
Lin chuckled. Mai's apartment was a bit sparse, but living alone on a small budget did that. "The one bag is big enough to fit you in." Mai spied the rare smile Lin shared only with her. He gave her a peck on her temple then let her go.
Mai grabbed his hand and pulled him with her in off the balcony. They had discovered a few weeks after dating they both loved the stars and sunsets. Lin had told her that although he hadn't lived consistently in one place since middle school. He always found watching the stars made it feel like home.
"Lin-san, help me in the kitchen." Ayako asked. Lin spotted the Miko headed toward the kitchen and released Mai's hand. He wondered what could she need help with in the kitchen.
"Lin-san I hear it was your idea to take Mai to England." Ayako stated. Her back toward Lin he saw her handling something on the counter.
"I asked if she wanted to visit BPR, they have psychics who might help her understand her abilities better there."
"Is that the only reason?" Ayako asked, Lin had moved close enough to see the Miko was slicing cheese. The knife she had picked was a stiletto thin carving knife that slid through the cheese with precision.
"She is getting restless on light duty, and she shouldn't be on cases a few months."
"That is not what I am talking about." Ayako stated looking up from her cheese. The knife lazily held in one hand. "You started dating Mai not too long ago, you kidnapped her right after and now you plan to take her out of the country. Are you planning on bringing her back?" the knife danced through the air pointing at Lin and the living-room as the Miko explained. Lin although not easily shaken, wondered about an unspoken warning.
"Mai wants to go. She has an open ended ticket to return to Japan whenever she wants." Lin stated. Not for the first time Lin was happy he had already purchased the return tickets.
"When is your scheduled return?"the Miko asked returning to arrange the cheese.
"After the investigation is closed, and my position is decided upon. Usually it is only a few weeks, less when the accusations have been withdrawn." Lin noted laughter from the other room and music being turned on.
"You better not let her out of your sight or comeback without her." Lin nodded, he knew how special she was. "Can you carry this platter out?" again Lin nodded and picked up the platter. If he had a more imaginative mind, he would have wondered if somehow the cheese and tomatoes slice arrangements depicted the death of the crackers he could only have imagined meant him but he dismissed his imagination. There were too many strange things he knew were real to allow his imagination to get carried away.
He silently carried them out into the little dining room where he spotted a monk spasming in what he figured was some new dance style. Lin attempted to avoid the dancing monk but his adversary seemed to be attempting to out maneuver him to the beat of the music. Never one for such erratic movements he attempted to sidestep at which was matched by the monk and the tray of cheeses became knocked off balance by the monks flailing limbs splattered him.
Before he realized it he was covered with sliced of cheese and tomato juice. He stood there a second before moving. Mai was right by his side helping to clean up the cheeses. So was the stupid monk.
"Lin, so sorry man, didn't see you coming in." The monk apologized while attempting to remove some of the cheese from the suit coat.
"It's ok, please excuse me as I wash up." Lin attempted a polite escape.
Mai took the tray from Lin and attempted to take his hand and lead him away. Before she made it another step the helpful monk intercepted. "Hey let me help, it's the least I can do." he took an arm and wrapped it around Lin's back escorting him away from the kitchen and toward the bathroom.
"I am sure I can manage." Lin spoke a slightly harsher tone hoping he would deter the monk.
"Sure, I bet you know all about Mai's apartment. Been in here many times haven't you?"
Lin felt a lump in the back of his throat as he saw where this was going. He was pushed into Mai's bathroom while the monk followed closing the door. Lin felt odd in the cramped room with the monk who attempted to push him down on the toilet. After a couple pushes Lin decided to sit and go along with this most ridiculous of situations.
"I know that you have been in a lot of situations with Mai. Places that she should never have been. Picking up the pieces afterward. If you want to be anything to that girl you have to be the one who is going to protect her. Prevent these situations from ever happening again. Do you know what I mean?"
Lin nodded. He would do everything in his power to protect Mai. Another reason he wanted her to come with him. He didn't know how to protect her in Japan when he was in England and with out resigning from BPR he could not refuse to go.
"Mai has been hurt. Physically, mentally emotionally. She lost her whole family and still kept up a smile. She's been crushed by a famous psychic and now what are you offering her?" the monk asked, "What can you give her for a future? Is this just a business trip? Or are you taking her home?" Lin searched for an answer. Where was his home now? Like Mai his family was in short supply, but could Japan be his home? The monk must have noticed he caught him off guard so he continued. "If she is just going to be a passing fancy let it pass. She doesn't need to be let down again, but if this is long term are you going to take her away from the only place she has ever lived, from the people she now counts as family. Or will you live in the country of a people you hate?"
Lin's eyes visibly widened as he looked at the monk. How had he found out about that old prejudice?
"It is hard to keep secrets from family." Monk looked away from Lin and toward the mirror. He flattened back an invisible wispy hair. "When Mai went missing I pestered Madoka and Oliver Davis about you." he accentuated Naru's real name. "I struck a nerve asking why you didn't follow Gene to Japan." the Monk avoided Lin's searching eyes. Embarrassment at his own actions was clear. "Just think about it. It will hurt her more if it goes on too long."
Lin nodded before looking down and studying the floor. "It has crossed my mind." He admitted. Bou-san slowly slipped out of the bathroom closing it tightly behind him. Lin was a good person, but even strong men have their flaws. He also didn't want to be anywhere near him when he realized what tomatoes were doing to his suit.
John had arrived with Yasuhara while Lin was in the rest room.
"My apologies Mai-chan. When the kids at the church learned you were going to England things took a little longer than expected." John apologized.
"I wish I had been on that case, I so would have loved chasing those kids around and…" Yasuhara wiggled his eyebrows. "I can't imagine seeing Lin with you hanging around his neck."
"You should have been there, I have never seen Lin so ruffled." Ayako stated as she watched monk disappear into the kitchen. She eyes Lin's suit and realized why. The acid in the tomatoes was eating the silk suit. The black was fading, she was sure it would never look the same. All eyes now were directed at him and the others were noticing the effects, Ayako bit her tongue wondering who would say something about it first.
"Mai!" A call came from the front door. "We are back!"
Madoka opened the door leading Naru in whose stoic face was painfully in place. "Masako said she would be more avail…" She paused mid-sentence. "Lin, what happened to you?"
Mai the only one who hadn't yet noticed turned to see spots of fading black splotches on his suit. "Lin! She called moving toward him. "The acid from the tomatoes is ruining your suit."
"Tomatoes?" Madoka asked. "I leave and you start the party with out me?"
"Madoka doesn't seltzer neutralize acid in tomatoes?"
"Well it works for wine, but I am not sure about tomatoes."
"Salt acts as an antacid for tomatoes." Ayako offered.
"At the church we soak things in cold water…" John offered.
"That might work. Monk, get the spare set of clothes from your car." Mai called toward the kitchen. "They should fit well enough for tonight. Lin we can leave your suit soak in the sink and hopefully save it from being ruined."
"It is not important."
"This is my party, and I will not let your suit be ruined if I can prevent it." she met Lin's eyes and he understood, she didn't want him to sacrifice for her unless necessary. He nodded acceptance. "Monk!" Mai hollered. He slipped out of the kitchen and out the front door.
"Hai, Hai Mai-chan,"
"Doesn't Lin have some clothes in his own car?" Madoka asked hiding a smile as Mai arranged everyone around her more willingly then Noll would ever accomplish.
"He ruined a suit on the last two cases, I am not sure he has time to replace them, while Monk usually has an extra pair or two."
Lin nodded. "One is in the cleaners the other has been cremated, but not yet replaced. Since I am headed back to England It was not a top priority."
Madoka nodded. Mai although most cared for part of the team was not the weakest link, she was the link that held them together. She was the key to finding out what happened with Lin. In only a few days she would be out of her grasp and the others would be less tight knit and less likely to spill information. She regarded Lin as he took a shirt and jeans from the monk. Was taking Mai to England some grand plot to stall the investigation? She looked over to Mai who was laughing with Yasuhara. No, she was a real psychic and in need of training. Her trip was convenient opportunity laced in with Lin's unfortunate circumstances.
Lin emerged from the bathroom with a t-shirt and jeans. Madoka gasped at him. She had never seen him outside of a suit. The jeans were comfortable straight-leg fit that were slightly shorter then fashionable. Lin looked stylish. Peek-a-bangs hid his right eyes while a stylish rip in the shirt was on the left shoulder and the jeans had a rough hole in the right.
Yasuhara stepped up to Lin when he emerged. "My love where hath you been hiding all my life."
Lin glanced at the offender then took a seat next to Noll.
"What no reaction?" Yasuhara asked as Mai stifled a giggle. "I thought you were becoming human."
Lin glanced up for a moment and couldn't resist watching Yasuhara as sulked and Mai withheld laughter and decided to the room had gone way to serious around them. "If I am your then you will only be mine." He stated purloining the hand Yasuhara had held out a moment ago. He knelt and pretended to kiss the hand. "But you will have to tell you others they have to go." Lin gestured to the monk then Naru. "I promise with me you would never need anyone else."
Everyone stood in shock at Lin's actions. He tipped his imaginary hat and returned to his seat by Noll. Mai burst out laughing. While the others slowly looked around awkwardly.
"I forgot you took theater in college." Madoka finally stated.
"I prefer the classics but I did play Mr Banks from Mary Poppins."
"You can sing to?" Ayako asked.
"Music is actually part of the training for an Onmyodo. I could never perform like Takigawa-san. Isn't your band opening for BLAST?" he asked diverting attention to the monk.
"September 23rd…"
The evening passed with quiet conversations. It was the night before Lin and Mai left for England and excitement of another adventure kept them awake until the wee hours of the night.
The next day...
"Lin?" Mai asked as she gripped the armrests of the chair. The plane had started to taxi to the runway and she was starting to get nervous.
"Mai," he acknowledged her.
"Do you know what Ayako added to my luggage?"
Lin looked at the girl, it wasn't the question he had expected as he saw her grip tighten as the plane increased speed.
"She swore me to secrecy," he stated with all seriousness. They both knew he was very careful with secrets. He was holding a big one for Mai at the moment which was one the of the reasons for his departure to England. 'Insubordination' and 'Misuse of Company Property' Lin was convinced that they would find no evidence for either of the accusations, but willingly returned to England. Mai was tagging along to receive some much needed training.
Mai and Lin had argued at length about not telling Madoka the truth. Mai might have done just that if Madoka had cornered her alone, but the others had diverted Madoka. Lin stated that it was not because of her, it was just a frivolous investigation. Then Lin silenced her with her with one sentence. 'You can tell who you want, what you want, when you want.' She had to admit, she did not want to tell anyone.
"Besides, she didn't tell me."
"I know you saw customs, they rummaged all the packs pretty hard." Mai complained. Lin winced, he had watched as they rummaged it and they were not delicate. Not until they saw the edge of the frame. As they slowly uncovered it, both of the customs officials and Lin recognized the family shrine. It was much more delicately re-wrapped and they marked it with a tag.
"I may have," he said simply then leaned close to her ear, "but as I said, I was sworn to secrecy."
"Hmmpff" Mai slumping into the chair and crossing her arms over her chest as the plane took-off. Her jaw dropped with her stomach plummeted as the plane ascended into the sky.
When she regained her breath she stared over at Lin, "You did that on purpose," she stated.
"Were you not looking for a distraction?" he asked innocently.
"Lin," she whined. "You aren't supposed to act like Naru."
"Mai," he paused waiting for her to look up at him. She refused for a minute but curiosity won out and she looked up. "I thought you preferred first names outside of the office." He posed the question as though it were a statement.
"I prefer first names always." she stated, "Even Madoka and Naru call you Lin outside of work, are you sure you don't mind it?"
"For you," he leaned closer, "I prefer it." He kissed her temple before relaxing back into his seat.
Mai curled up to sleep. She was tired, purposely to be able to sleep on the plane, but also on strict orders not to astral project. She was unsure which worried people more, a chance she would get separated from her body or wreaking havoc in spirit form on the plane. Yasuhara egged her on to try but she had no interest in the consequences and had made Gene aware of her plans and requested no interference. For all his pouting, he agreed best not to try anything silly.
As the plane circled the airport, Lin nudged Mai awake from one of her many naps. She rubbed her eyes then looked over at Lin expectantly. He silently nodded to the window. Outside the world was white as a cloud blanketed the plane and the windows. Mai searched to see what Lin had motioned to as the clouds cleared. Beneath them a world of black illuminated by millions of lights glowing both stationary and moving along paths like glow bugs in June. A bridge came into view pillars lit in silhouette that reflected in the river below. Mai watched eagerly as the world came closer into view. As the lights filtered through and she saw the runway below she sat and gripped the armrest.
Lin placed a hand on hers and smiled when she looked up at him. While she was distracted he lifted it carefully and brought the palm up and kissed it. Mai's heart fluttered as her stomach dropped when the wheels touched the ground. Her smile turned to a glare then back to a grin. Even if he distracted her, she enjoyed seeing him this way.
Well what do you think?