AN: Alright! This chapter was focused more on developing conversation and having two characters interact in ways that go back and forth. This chapter is dedicated to D C JoKeR H S. Thank you so much for suggesting the prompt! Also remember to vote on the poll that is on my profile. Read, review, enjoy, and I'm always open to prompt suggestions. REMEMBER: ALL PROMPTS MUST CONSIST OF ONE WORD, AND ONE WORD ONLY. Thanks!
EDIT: I forgot to mention that this is an AU in which Naru and Mai never met, Naru returned to Japan solely for supernatural purposes, and Mai eventually became involved with parapsychology on her own. Just in case anybody was confused lol
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Oliver Davis meandered through the back alleys of Tokyo, taking extra caution to not look to either side, knowing there would be sights he would forever regret seeing. He nearly reached the main road, people walking to and fro, everywhere and yet nowhere- when there was a tug. And a whine. A tug at the hem of his pants and a whine coming from a small furry object on the ground. Oliver bent over, attempting to get a better look at the creature bothering him.
A dog. Well, more like a puppy, but still a canine.
Numbing panic coursed through him, reminding him of a time in his past, when dogs were larger than him and he was bleeding. With an involuntary kick in an effort to get the hellish creature away from him, the tiny animal skidded along the gravel and pebbles, hitting the brick wall of the alley with a quiet thud, followed by a yelp. Oliver back away slowly, ending up on the sidewalk of the main road, and despite his ever careful nature, backed straight into a woman.
A woman who was standing surprisingly still. A woman who happened to see the event that just transpired. A woman who exclaimed loudly enough to cause other hurrying pedestrians to turn their heads in her direction, "Did you just kick that dog?!"
A woman who, Oliver subconsciously noted as he turned around to tell her to mind her own business, was of average height, average everything, really, and yet somehow, in the scientist's mind, exceptionally beautiful.
Alright, so it wasn't that subconscious. The thought appeared in Oliver's mind as a blaring alarm, complete with flashing lights, and seemed to make his filter severely malfunction. And so of course, the first words out of his mouth were, "I'm scared of dogs."
The chestnut haired woman's eyes widened slightly, not expecting such an honest answer from the man. Gently pushing him aside, she entered the alley to pick up the puppy, which was now viciously attempting to attack the man's legs. Petting the dog to calm it down, she held it in her arms and stated calmly, "Well then... I don't know why you're scared of a cutie like this, but you look rich, so you're coming with me, buddy."
Somewhat regaining his senses, Oliver took a hesitant step backwards, then assumed his normal position of intimidation- with his arms crossed, head tilted slightly to one side, and perfect posture. He knew the powerful effect this stance had on people- it made them more willing to be honest, more nervous, and less willing to make him angry. It was highly useful when accepting cases, and even more so on the busy streets of the city. "And just why should I do that, miss...?"
"Taniyama. My name is Taniyama Mai." Strangely, his tactic seemed to fail on the woman- in fact, it made her even more sure of herself. Mai countered with her own self titled 'power pose'. One hand on her hip (usually both, but one arm was occupied with the puppy), knees apart, and leaning forward slightly on the balls of her feet. "And as for my reasoning, you'll find out when we get there. You have your PasMo and money, right? Great. Let's go!"
Without even realizing what was going on, Oliver found himself being dragged from store to store, paying for a dog bed, a collar and leash set, and unnecessarily large quantities of dog the while, Mai played with the puppy, cooing and tickling the content animal, and demanding insolently that the man pay for every purchase. Including the outrageously expensive vet bills.
Eventually fed up with this utter nonsense, Oliver turned sharply to the bubbly woman, scoffing, "You know, if you wanted to go on a date with me that badly, then you could have just asked. Besides, I know I'm rich and exceptionally attractive, but is it really necessary to force me to pay for every single item that thing needs? You don't even know my name!"
Mai paused, staring at the man incredulously. "You think... you think I'm attracted to you?" With a sharp laugh, she turned away from him, commenting over her shoulder, "What you just said confirmed my suspicions that you are nothing more than a narcissistic asshole. And you're Oliver Davis, right? I knew that practically as soon as I saw you."
"Wait, but how did-"
"What, you didn't expect me to be into parapsychology? That's my major. Practically everyone knows who you are, and you're like, a legend in the field. But just because you're famous doesn't mean you get be so egotistical about it! Anyways, I don't think the name 'Oliver' fits you very well." Pausing, Mai put a finger to her pursed lips. "Well, I'll come up with something sooner or later. Come on, one more stop, and then you're free to be on your merry- er, gloomy way."
And so they set off once more, soon traveling through the residential district. Oliver found himself becoming more and more compliant- sure, he would make arrogant comments, but in the end, he found himself intrigued by the college student. Eventually, she became more willing to converse as well.
As they climbed the stairs of her apartment complex, the puppy comfortably sleeping in the crook of her elbow, Mai turned to the scientist with a thin, solemn smile. Oliver raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance, though he internally thought that her wide, open smiles were much prettier. However, he was caught off guard by her next words.
"I'm an orphan too, you know."
"How di-"
"Biographies," she explained, laughing. "I've read practically every one of you in existence. Along with all of your books. But yes, I'm an orphan- though I was never lucky enough to get adopted. I lived with my teacher for a few years, until I was old enough to get emancipated."
Deciding to hold an actual, meaningful conversation with the girl, Oliver inquired, "How do you pay your rent? And your tuition?"
"I'm able to earn enough for the rent by working a few minimum wage jobs- fast food stuff. And I have a scholarship, so that covers most of my tuition." Here, Mai sighed. "Though I wish I could work like you do."
A lingering silence ensued, following them into her apartment. As she beckoned him inside, he noted how plain her room was. It didn't suit Mai at all, Oliver thought- no decorations, nothing to even signify that somebody lived there. As he set down all of the purchases from earlier that day, he continued to observe her apartment, but soon his attentions transferred to the girl. She entered her small kitchen, promising him a cup of tea.
Suddenly, Mai shouted. Hurrying to the kitchen to see what was wrong, Oliver realized that her shout had morphed into laughter.
"Awww, what a cutie!" Giggling gleefully, she watched as the puppy rolled around on the tile of the kitchen, seeming to be in paradise. Oliver cringed, and walked over to the girl, careful to not get anywhere near the dog.
"You know, you're very weird. You've got a famous professor whom you admire in your apartment, and you're paying more attention to the puppy. I thought you might have some brains in there, but for once, I thought wrong." Glancing sideways at Mai, he noticed a devilish grin emerging on her face.
"That's it!" Striking a dramatic pose and pointing straight at him, she exclaimed, "Oliver Davis, you shall hereby and forever be known as Naru the Narcissist!" Collapsing in a fit of laughter, she accepted the wandering puppy into her open arms. "And this little guy will be named Oliver. He's far more deserving of such a pretty name."
Despite the fact that she had just named her dog after him, Oliver accepted the cup of tea that she offered soon after, and left, needing to get back to his office. As he was walking out of the building, he realized that she never inquired after his reasoning for being in Japan. She obviously already knew about his twin's death, meaning she also knew that after Gene's body had been found three years ago, there was really no reason for Oliver to have returned.
A smirk forming on his face, he pulled out his cell phone, hitting the first speed dial."Lin? I need you to get a new desk, and write up a contract for a new assistant. I'm hiring. No, you aren't being fired, Madoka would give me hell. Yes, I'm sure I want another assistant. What? No!" Sighing into the speaker Oliver spoke with a commanding tone that let his guardian know that his decision was final.
"I already have somebody in mind."
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