A/N: This chapter took me a lot longer than I wanted it to because I kept feeling like I needed to add more and more. I finally managed to convince myself that I shouldn't dump everything about Mai and Naru's night of fun into this one chapter. Besides, there's more to that night than even Mai realizes, herself. At any rate, I apologize that it took so long; especially since I told you guys I'd have it updated a few nights ago. I've also decided that I need to find a beta reader as I feel like there is still a lot that can be improved. After Lin's reaction, I'll be getting straight to the case. Please review and tell me what you think!

Chapter Seven: Of Aprons and Breakfast

Mai sighed in exasperation as she once again found herself on the Spirit Plane. "Seriously?" she called out. There was no answer and no sign of Gene. Soon she was floating above what looked like a hotel room. She looked around and froze as she noticed clothes sprawled out on the floor. As if someone had suddenly turned on a stereo, noises started around her. "Oh god, I do not want to watch someone having sex!" she fumed. It was then that she dared a glance at the bed.

Mai stared. She was now standing on the floor at the end of the bed. "Why the bloody hell am I watching my own memory? And this one, too?" she shrieked.

"Naru!" she heard her younger self gasp out.

Mai could feel her cheeks burning. She trained her eyes on the wall, the floor, anything but the bed. She tried putting her hands over her ears to block out the noise but she could still hear every moan, every intake of breath. And then she was all of a sudden trapped in her younger self's body looking into Naru's impenetrable gaze.

Mai shot up, feeling as if she were on fire. She buried her face in her hands. "How can I even look at him, now?" she muttered, panicked. 'Why did I even dream of that to begin with?!'

She was pulled out of her thoughts by Rei and Aki suddenly running into the room. Both jumped onto the bed, each grabbing an arm. "Kaa-san! Kaa-san!"

Aki leaned as close to her mother as she could before mumbling, "Tou-san is making breakfast."

Mai could almost feel her brain short circuiting and all other thoughts were gone. "The Narcissistic Naru is making breakfast. In my house. I need my phone. Aya- no, Masako would understand this better, I think."

Aki and Rei glanced at each other before pulling their mother off of the bed. "Come on, Kaa-san!"

Mai allowed her children to drag her to the kitchen. They let go of her and started to set the table. Mai used the door frame to support her as she took in the sight of Naru in front of the stove, spatula in hand. She looked from him, to her children and allowed a small smile to light her features. It seemed like a perfect family scene. She felt a pang at the thought. She watched as Naru turned slightly revealing the apron around his waist. Mai tried desperately not to laugh but quickly lost the battle. She sank to her knees, unable to support herself she was laughing so much.

Soon Naru was standing over her, spatula in hand. "I don't understand what you seem to find so funny, Mai."

Mai pointed a shaking finger at him. "Wh- what made you decide to wear that?!" she choked out.

Naru glared. "What else is an apron used for? Or are you that idiotic?"

Mai made a valiant attempt to stop laughing as she explained, "Even I don't wear that. It was a gag gift from Yasu."

Naru looked away, trying to keep his cool. "It was the only one that Aki could find."

Mai glanced at Aki who had smug look on her face. Rei was giggling beside her. "I can't even pretend to scold you," Mai stated, huge grin on her face as she stood.

Naru had a slightly stunned look on his face before turning back to the task at hand so as to keep calm. 'She is just a child,' he thought.

Mai giggled to herself as she got out the tea kettle and a few cups. She laid them on the counter so that she could make tea for everyone when Naru was finished with the stove.

"It's ready," Naru stated as he brought the skillets to the table. Mai sat down eyeing the food for a moment.

"It looks fantastic, Naru!" she complimented before piling first Aki and then Rei's plates with food before tending to her own.

Naru smirked. "You sound so surprised. I did have to live by myself for a while."

"Oh, I know. I just figured you were either eating out all the time or living off of your precious tea."

The table was silent for a few moments as the occupants started eating. Rei and Aki were staring at each other while Mai concentrated on her food. She would find out soon enough what the two were up to so she wasn't particularly worried.

"So did you have any dreams?" Naru asked.

Mai felt her whole body flush as she answered, "N-not really." She had the greatest urge to run from the kitchen. She could feel Naru glaring at her and she hurried to finish her breakfast. She needed an escape plan.

"But you did dream, judging by the look on your face. What was it about? Maybe it was something pertinent to the case and you're just undermining your abilities," Naru pressed.

Mai choked, having just taken her last bite of eggs. Once she stopped coughing, she replied, "I assure you, it was nothing! Nothing important anyway. Just a memory." She then stood and took her plate to the sink. She could feel Naru watching her as she tried to calm down. 'Come on, Mai, get it together! He can't possibly guess that you dreamed of him!' she thought. She tried to busy herself with making tea.

Rei was the one who came to her rescue asking, "Kaa-san? Why did Uncle Lin send one of his shiki to watch Naru-san?"

Mai chuckled at Naru's expression, before replying, "If Uncle Gene answered that much for you, then why didn't he explain it for you?"

"He didn't want you to yell at him again," Aki spoke up.

Mai smirked. "Good. To answer your question, Uncle Lin always keeps at least one shiki watching over Naru for protection. I hope you two weren't trying to bother it."

Aki scowled. "Rei tried to pet it."

Mai turned her gaze back to Rei and waited for an explanation. Her son kept his eyes on the table, looking ashamed. When he wouldn't speak, Mai turned her gaze on the shiki in question. She instantly understood and turned back to her son. "Rei, even if a spirit or shiki takes on an animal form it doesn't mean that it's not dangerous. In my experience, fox spirits aren't usually pleasant."

Rei mumbled an apology and the shiki circled around Naru agitated. Mai chuckled and followed the shiki with her eyes. "Gomen, I meant no disrespect." This seemed to please the shiki and it settled above Naru's head.

Naru watched Mai with narrowed eyes. Had she always been able to see Lin's shiki? And Rei was able to see it as well… Not only that, but it seemed as if Mai had been able to communicate with it. The abilities in which Mai's family was displaying was fascinating and alarming at the same time. He watched Mai closely as she finished making the tea and poured several cups. "Mai, unless there are two other people present you made too many cups of tea. Or are Matsuzaki and Takigawa coming over?"

Mai smiled brightly. "No, they're busy with the office I'm sure. I think Lin-san is bringing someone."

Naru's eyes narrowed. "And how do you know this? Even I haven't talked to him today and I wasn't aware that you had his phone number."

Mai sighed. "I just know, Naru. It's not something that can be explained." She turned to Aki and Rei, both of whom had finished their breakfast and continued, "That being said, Rei, Aki, bring me your plates and go wash up. Uncle Lin should be here in a few minutes." She brought Naru his tea and started clearing the table, trying not to worry about Lin's reaction to the twins. While Oliver Davis may not have noticed the family resemblance, Lin was a sharp man and would probably realize it the moment he saw them. She bit her lip. How was she supposed to keep him from blurting anything out? And what about this person he was bringing with him? She was fairly certain that it was Madoka and Madoka Mori was not known for keeping her mouth shut. In fact, the woman was as relentless as Yasuhara and twice as mischievous.

"Mai, that dish is as clean as it's going to get," Naru stated, condescending tone in place. In truth, Naru was somewhat worried about the young mother as her expressions had only turned more morose as the minutes passed by. What could she possibly have been thinking about to depress her that much? Was she worried about Lin's reaction to the fact that she had children? But why? Was it possible that she was worried he would fault her for the father not being around? Naru almost snorted. It was a ridiculous notion, but this was Mai, after all. It was so like her to be worried about such a trivial thing.

Mai finished up with the dishes and turned back to Naru, frown still in place. What was she going to do? She heard Naru sigh and sent him a questioning look.

"You worry too much about what others think of you, Mai. I assure you that it won't matter to Lin where the father of your children is," Naru explained.

Mai's eyes went wide. Was Naru trying to comfort her? Her smile at the idea faded as she realized what he meant. Did he really have no idea? Not even an inkling of a thought that he could be the father of their children? She scowled. "Idiot scientist," she seethed quietly. Upon seeing Naru's perplexed expression she sighed. "I'd better get the door. I can sense Lin's presence getting closer."

Naru stared after her, puzzled. What had he done to anger her? He was only trying to reassure her! His thoughts were broken by Mai crying out, "Lin-san, Madoka-san! It's so great to see you! Come in!"