Yay! I updated quicker this time! I'm so happy!

Enjoy!

Ch. 24 Say what...!

Ring...!

...

Ring...!

UGH...

Ring...!

Someone, please turn that off.

Ri-!

"Hello," I heard someone say next to me. I tried to ignore it so I could go back to sleep.

"This is your 10:00 o'clock wake up call." I heard the person on the other side of the phone say. Why was she so damn loud?

"Thank you." They hung up.

As I tried to drift off, I felt a pair of strong arms pull me against a wall. I tried to push against it, but when I tried, I found out it wasn't a wall. They were abs. Six pack.

My eyes popped right open. I turned around and almost screamed if I hadn't covered my mouth with a pillow. Right next me, his eyes staring right into my mine, holding a narcissistic smirk on his face, was Naru. "Ohayo," he simply said. I was still freaking out. So many thoughts were scattering in my head. It took me awhile to remember that Naru stayed over the night, and he slept in my bed. With his shirt off.

"Stop staring at my chest, Mai," he said. I blushed.

"Gomen! I'm just not used to seeing you... bare-chested."

He his smirk grew. "Try not to drool."

I punched his god-like chest. "Jerk!" That just made his smirk grow.

He startled me when he put his hand on my cheek and kissed me. His smirk turned into a smile. I blushed again. It seemed like only yesterday when Naru finally confessed to me. Oh yeah, it was. I just couldn't believe that it was only yesterday, the day of Gene's funeral, when Naru confessed his love to me. After our little scene, Naru decided to go back with us to the hotel. What could I say? I was blushing crazy-mad thinking about last night!... Then my blush instantly went away.

"What's wrong, Mai?" Naru asked me.

"It's nothing."

"Mai..." Naru's gave me a warning look. "Don't hide things from me."

"I don't think I should say..." Naru's glare was getting colder, so I gave up. He's so stubborn. "I was just thinking about... yesterday..." Naru's eyes were drifting away from my gaze, which went to the ceiling. I continued, anyway. "I feel a little guilty because I was so happy, but I guess that's what Gene wanted, ne?" He was still silent. "I told I didn't want to say it."

"It's alright, Mai." We laid there, hand-in-hand, staring at the ceiling. Naru's eyes were closed. I was afraid of what he was thinking. He said it was nothing, but I knew I made him really upset. He finally released my hand and sat up. "Let's get ready."

"Nande?" I asked, a little disappointed that he was no longer laying next to me.

"It's time for breakfast. Do you want to starve?" He teased me.

I stuck out my tongue. I knew I had to get up anyway. I couldn't let my precious baby starve just because her mommy was being lazy. I sat up and walked over to the crib (courtesy of Madoka), and found Megumi still asleep. I decided to get changed before waking her up. I changed in the room because Naru was in the bathroom. Once I was dressed, I picked up Megumi, and changed her out of her pj's. She woke up, but she looked too tired to notice what I was doing.

Naru came back into the room by the time I was done. "Let's go." He grabbed my hand.

"Careful, Naru! I'm holding Megumi!" I cried. Her head was laying limply on my shoulder, and I was afraid she would fall over if I wasn't careful. That made him slow down. "I don't understand why you're rushing. I'll be here for two more days."

"I want to spend as much time as I can with you," was his answer. That was probably the sweetest thing he'd ever said to me (besides what he said yesterday), but he made it seem like he had something to do. He probably did, since his parents run a psychic facility of their own, so time was of the essence for both of us. It was also so unexpected thing to say, coming from Naru. I know he loves me and he wouldn't hesitate to admit it, either, but still, this was Naru talking. The #1 narcissist in the world. There was something going on in his mind; I wondered what it was.

We got breakfast as soon as we were downstairs. Megumi was sucking on her sippy cup, which was amusing to me. She looked so cute as she played with her "Cup of Wonder". I stopped looking at her when I heard Naru chuckle.

Naru chuckled. This day was just full of surprises. I guess England does that to you.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"You." I sweatdropped. "You are so amused by everything, Mai."

"That's not true! I don't like everything."

"What don't you like?"

I looked to the side and saw a table fulled with giggling girls about my age. They were looking over here, and I knew exactly who their gaze was aiming at. I sizzled. They all suddenly got up, throwing away what was left of their breakfast, and as they left the cafeteria, they walked past us. Some were winking at him; I thought I saw one of them rub their arm against his. Naru seemed impassive about it. They obviously missed the highchair holding the four month old infant. "I hate that, for instance." I growled. Naru smirked at my jealousy. "And... coffee, homework, tasteless humor... not a whole lot, I guess."

"What's your favorite color?"

"Blue."

"Music?"

"I like a little rock and pop."

"Food?"

"Riceballs."

"Flower?"

"Lillies. Why are you asking so many questions?"

"I don't know that much about you, Mai. If we're going to be together, we need to know more about each other."

I thought for a moment. He was right (of course). This would be my chance to get to know more about Naru. All I knew so far about Naru was... nothing. At the office, whenever I was in his office, all he seemed interested in was just the paranormal. This was a great opportunity to know more. A lot more.

"Alright, then it's my turn. What's your favorite color?"

"Black."

"Music?"

"Nothing."

"Food?"

"Tea."

"That's not a food."

"I don't have a favorite food."

I knew it. Tea was his life. I sighed. "Flower?"

"... Roses." That answer shocked me. I didn't think Naru would have a favorite flower.

"Roses?"

"Is there something wrong with me favoring roses?"

"No! No! Of course not! But it's kind of a shock." I felt bashful. I began fiddling with my fingers. "So, ano... why do you like roses?"

He put his head back before he answered. "They remind me of my mother." There was a long pause before he continued; and that pause was really awkward. "When I was younger, that was the last thing I remembered of my mother. Her scent, and their color: blood red."

"But that was when you were just an infant, wasn't it?" Naru's head craned to look back at me. "I mean, that's when she died."

"I'm a genius, Mai." I should have guessed that was going to be his answer. "My memory is a little vague, but I can only comprehend that one time I was with my mother." He took a sip of his water. "Yes, Gene and I were only infants when she died, right before our eyes." I covered my mouth to prevent a gasp from coming out. "Our father wasn't around at the time, so it was too late to save her. Of course I didn't know who was the perpetrator, until now." He seethed that last part. "But when she was murdered, one of the vases in our nursery fell next to her, petals floating all over the room. The roses were drenched with her blood, and they suddenly turned black. I can't remember anything else after that."

"... W-Why does that make you love roses?" I hadn't realized I was crying until I heard myself whimper. "I-I mean, your mother died, and because of that... the roses turned black..."

"My mother loved flowers. There wasn't a single room in our home that didn't have a vase full of them. From what she told me, roses were her absolute favorite." He clenched his teeth in an attempt to prevent his cries.

"Naru, I told you before-"

"I know, Mai," he grabbed hold of my hand. "but I feel much better talking about it with you." He gave it a quick squeeze in reassurance. "I'm fine, I promise."

"O-Okay." I wiped away my tears. "How about we stop the interrogating for now, ne? How about we just look around the city?"

"Alright."

We ambled through the city of London, window shopping, sight-seeing, and mostly talking. I was really enjoying my time with Naru; I never knew he had more to talk about than ghosts. We stopped at a local park. I enjoyed sitting there, leaning on his shoulder. He had his arm around my shoulder. Megumi was laying comfortably in her stroller. It was perfect...

... until a cell phone rang.

"Hello?" Naru answered in English. He suddenly got angry at whoever was on the phone. "Fine. I'll be there." He hung up. "I have to go home."

"Nani? Right now?"

"I'm sorry, Mai. My parents didn't know where I went, so I have to go back." He kissed me. "I promise I'll be back later." Then he kissed Megumi and he waved off. I waved back, sadly. I sighed.

"MAI!" Something, or rather someone, attacked me out of nowhere.

"Madoka!" She gave me the most deadly hug I had ever received. "What... are you... doing here...?" I wheezed.

She released me as she said, "I watched the whole thing, Mai! It was the sweetest thing I've ever seen Noll do! You really got to him! I knew you could do it!" She didn't answer my question properly.

"Madoka, why are you here?"

"Isn't it obvious? I followed you two!"

Okay, that's a creepy answer.

"Why'd you follow us?" The answer was right there in front of my face, but I wanted to hear what she had to say.

"Because I couldn't miss this for anything! I've never seen Noll with such tender eyes before. He looked so much like Gene, it was just-AH! I'm so exhilarated I can't stand it! Did you know I had to make up an excuse to be here with you, and I almost got caught too; our plans would've been ruined! Ugh! So, give me details! I need details!" Some passersby were staring, probably wondering what was wrong with this crazy woman. I didn't blame them; I was trying to figure that out myself.

"Hai! Hai! Calm down! I'll tell you later. I promise. But did you really get into that much trouble to be here or are you just exaggerating?"

She was suddenly still; a light tint of red appeared on her cheeks. "Well... you see, Lin was... it's complicated..." Madoka blushed and turned away.

... Ah, I see...

I should have known about this long ago. At the cliff, I saw the way Lin and Madoka were looking at each. Pure compassion. They were in love. Why I just figured it out, I don't know. I guess I would never figure Lin to be the romantic type. Sitting here, next a cherry-red Madoka, I could see I was mistaken. I leaned in closer to Madoka so we could meet eye-to-eye. "So, what's the deal with you and Lin-san, Madoka?"

Her eyes widened, as if she had no idea what I was talking about. "W-What about me and Lin?

"Don't play dumb with me, Madoka-chan!" I poked at her. "You and Lin are pretty close; what's up?"

She gulped and fidgeted with her fingers. "Well... okay!" She her shy and playful façade turned into a very serious one. She grabbed my wrists and stared straight into my eyes. "I can't lie to you, Mai,"

Yeah, I've been told that before.

"but I need to tell you this. You're the only one I can trust with this secret. But you have to promise not to say anything. To anyone."

I put my hands up in defense. "Got it. Got it. I promise I won't tell. Pinky promise." Our pinkies entangled, then untangled. "Now, what is it you wanted to tell me?"

Before she told me, she looked around the area, as if she was making sure no one else was listening. Then she leaned into my ear, whispering her intense secret...

"OMGOMGOMGOMG!" I screamed into my pillow, kicking my legs into the air, excitedly. "This is so great! Wonderful! Fantastic! Omigosh, it's so great I need to make up a new word for it!" I was practically jumping up and down the bed, I was so excited! I could feel Megumi standing up in her crib, with the support of the bars, staring at me, wondering what was wrong with her mother. "Megumi, can you believe it?" I snatched her up from the crib. "You're excited too, aren't you? I am! Ah! I can't control myself!" I began to twirl around the room, holding Megumi high in the air. I was careful not to let go.

I was really excited (obviously!) because of the news Madoka told me. She said she and Lin have been keeping it a secret since the nearly a year! It was all because of, well, our little "phantom" situation. Now that that was over, they would being telling the rest of the gang very soon, hopefully.

My little spin-off was interrupted when I heard a knock coming from the door. Someone probably came over to complain about of my shouts. I wasn't that loud, was I? I approached the door shyly. I opened it, revealing, fortunately, not another guest at this hotel. "Naru!"

"We're going out tonight."

"..." So much for a hello. He just arrived from his parents' house, and that's the first thing he said to me. Good ole' Naru. "Nande?"

"It's a surprise." I couldn't tell what he was up to. His voice was so vivid and it didn't seem like he was hiding something.

"Are we all going or is it just the two of us?" I glanced over at Megumi's crib where she was happily staring at the two of us.

"I already planned for her to stay with a friend."

"Really?" Now I knew he was up to something. "Fine, let me change into something nice." It took me a few minutes to find something nice enough to wear. I finally found a pretty blue ruffling blouse and a white skirt. I put Megumi in her carrier and we left. "So, who's this 'friend' of yours."

"We're going to meet her on the way to the restaurant."

Her? We were almost at the restaurant when we almost ran into someone. "Madoka?"

"Oh god..." Madoka covered her face with one hand and turned to the side.

"How'd you know?" I asked Naru.

"A crazy woman with pink hair hiding behind a lamppost isn't hard to notice." I wonder why I didn't notice. "Now that you're here, can you please watch Megumi for us?" He took the carrier from me and gave it to her.

"Oh, going on a date, are ya?"

"Don't you dare follow us." Naru grabbed my arm and dragged me away.

"So, where are we going to eat?"

"Who said we were going out to eat?"

"Huh?" He took me to the park. It was pretty dark out, so we were the only ones there. "What's going on, Naru? Why are we here?"

"Shhh..." He put a finger on my lips. "Just wait." He made me sit on a bench and put my hand in both of his. "There's something I want to ask you, Mai, but there's also something I wanted to tell first." He got on one knee.

Oh my god!

"Okay," I quickly stood up and he followed suitely. "You've been weird all day. Who are you and what did you do with the real Naru!"

"... I am Professor Oliver Davis."

...

...

SAY WHAT!

I was standing there in such a daze, I didn't notice I fainted until it was dark.

"Mai!"

I know this chapter was kinda boring, but I'm trying to work something out. Naru has told Mai the truth! What will happen next?

R&R!