Things at the office had a routine that Lin had grown accustomed to; and although the presence of the Professor didn't disrupt the overall structure of the day it certainly disrupted the energy of the place. Mainly, Noll had an air of tightly controlled tenseness about him. Most people who knew him might not notice a difference but Lin certainly did. He was sure Mai had noticed on some level to.
Altogether it was fine. Noll could handle it until his father left and he could go back to his favorite hobby; teasing Mai like a boy with a schoolyard crush. That is, until 5 days before the Professor's departure day.
It had been a normal enough day at the office and Mai and the Professor had just come back with lunch and they all sat around the coffee table munching on sandwiches. There was idle chatter between her and the Professor and the occasionally Lin or Noll would interject with an opinion, when after a lull in said conversation the Professor asked Mai a question that had tension shoot through Noll like a bolt of lightning.
"Mai dear, would you consider coming to England to work for me at the main branch of SPR? The benefits to you and our office would be very worthwhile I think."
The whole room was staring at him. The tea, in the cup paused halfway to Noll's lips, started boiling. Even though no one noticed except Lin of course it was still quite the reaction from the young man.
"I don't know…" Mai began to say very hesitantly.
"Of course you'd have the benefits of being able to safely explore your growing powers in an controlled environment and of course the BSPR would pay for your University while you are there. Lullea would love it if you came and stayed with us too."
Mai just floundered for a bit while she took in the offer. Noll had yet to move, his hand white on his cup. There was a soft thump from his office where Lin was sure a book "fell" off it's shelf.
"Can...can I have some time to think your offer over?" Mai asked bashfully. Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes stared into her own teacup. Lin suddenly felt sorry for the girl. The offer was very tempting for a girl in her position, but her also happened to know that she was very sentimental as well and would be hard pressed to leave her patchwork family here in Japan.
"Certainly my dear! I also expect you'll want to finish up your highschool education here first as well. It is a standing offer when and if you accept it is up to you."
That seemed to relax Mai marginally, but Noll didn't loosen his grip on his cup until he set it down and left for his office space.
When Lin walked passed Nolls office a short time later he noticed the light from under the door flickering faintly as if the desk lamp was faulty.
AN: Hey thanks Naruisawesome for letting me know that there was some weird repeating lines in this! I have no clue how that happened but it's fixed now.
Also, a PSA; I suck at updating lol this goes for my other story going to. So if you are following What Can't be Unseen, Its still active I just suck haha. I'll be trying to get it updated in the next couple of weeks so look for it!