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Chapter 25

Mai's POV

Walking back inside of base, we were quickly bombarded by questions from the others.

"What took you so long?" Demanded Ayako. I smiled apologetically.

"Sorry, I...stopped by Totochi's room to tell him we were leaving too."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "Is that all?"

"Yes!" I replied, trying to act like my old self again and shake off the terror I felt while in front of them. "Naru found me while I was talking to him, so it took a little longer."

After a moment, she nodded at me in understanding. "If you say so. Are we leaving now?" She asked, her question obviously being directed towards Naru, who was still standing near me. Naru gave a curt nod, seeing that all the equipment was now packed.

"Yes. Let's go."

As everyone begin to leave, I noticed Madoka wasn't in the room. "Where's Madoka?" I asked John when he passed by me.

"I believe she said she was going to tell Mrs. Tanabe goodbye." He answered. I nodded in understanding. They were friends after all.

"Do you know how long she'll be? Wouldn't want to leave without her after all." I asked. I knew that Mr. Tanabe had nothing to do with Totochi, but I couldn't help but feel skittish inside this house. I felt my eyes widened as something suddenly clicked inside my head. Miyoki... She was right after all. She was trying to protect me and Chise from Totochi!

"She had said she would meet us outside." John smiled amiably at me before walking out of the room. I closed my eyes and tried not to think about it anymore. Naru would notice if I didn't calm myself down. When I opened them back up, I grabbed Naru's hand with my best grin I could muster, and we left our old base together. I needed to enjoy what little time I had with him. Because I knew that at any moment it could be ripped away from me. Of course it would all be partly my fault. Especially when I believed Fumito would have been gone forever. It's not as if he would ever truly leave me alone.

When we got outside, Lin, Naru, and I walked towards the van while the others went to Monk's car. I wasn't really sure if Madoka was riding with us, but I could only guess she was. It would be nice to have someone to chat with if she was. It'd be better for me to keep my mind off everything. Plus neither Naru nor Lin were very talkative during car rides. I don't understand why they talk less during them, especially Naru, but they do. It was simply one of the quirks I'd come across.

Hearing the front door open back up, I turned around to see Madoka coming out of the house with Kishi and Chise behind her. Forcing a smile onto my face, I waved her over. She smiled at me before saying her final goodbyes to the married couple. Walking over to me, she jumped into the vehicle. Naru and Lin got in the front while I sat in the back with Madoka. Turning to her, I smiled a little.

"Hey."

She smiled back at me softly. "Hey."

"Are they alright?" I asked referring to Chise and her husband. Madoka nodded, looking out of the window as Lin began to drive away from the house.

"They're very grateful to you, Mai."

I could feel my cheeks burning slightly. "I didn't do anything though... really."

Madoka laughed. "Oh don't be so modest!"

Smiling slightly at her, I shook my head. "I'm not. I really didn't do much." I insisted, feeling more relaxed with the older women than I have in days.

"You got the spirit to crossover, so you don't say you didn't do anything." Madoka said with a small warning. I tried not to flinch at her tone.

"Alright..."

She furrowed her brows in concern. Unfortunately I must have flinched anyway. "Are you alright, Mai?"

I nodded a little too quickly. "I'm fine." I tried to assure her. Please don't ask. I silently begged. I noticed Naru looking at me from in his seat ahead of me.

"Are you sure?" Madoka was clearly trying to convince me to talk. I gave her and Naru a quick glance before looking down at my lap. I nodded silently. She didn't look too convinced but left the subject alone for now, a fact I was grateful for. Slowly, I let a breath out to calm myself.

"So what are you going to do once we get back?" I asked in an attempt to break the suffocating silence and re-direct her attention.

"I'll probably stay in Japan for a few more days before heading back to England." She gave a small smile. I felt a little sad that she was leaving, but it was for the best. She had this weird thing about always knowing everything, and I didn't need her finding out about my secrets. If she were to get caught up in this mess, things would become even more complicated. Naru's already too caught up in it rather he realizes it or not. Thankfully none of the others had become into the conversations I've had with him.

Silently, I sighed. Why does my thoughts always have to lead back to him? Even when I'm having what should be considered my last happy moments, he won't leave me alone. I turned my head and decided to look out the window. I wouldn't think anymore about it right now. I could still feel Madoka's worried gaze from behind me. I ignored it though. If I continued to talk right now, she'll just get even more suspicious. I couldn't risk something like that.

After a while of the silence, I believe I began to doze off. I could feel myself falling towards the ever welcoming and scary darkness, praying that today I'd be left out from nightmares. Wishing that I could have a dreamless sleep for a change. If I'm not on cases dreaming about the history or something else to do with the spirit, then I'm dreaming about him. A small break would be considered a luxury—just a short while without him on my mind.

"Mai." I heard someone call me, but I didn't want to listen. I wanted to sleep more. "Mai." It persisted.

"Go away." I managed to mumble, groaning. Or the equivalent of it. The person sighed.

"I can't wake her, Naru."

There was a sound of rustling, but I ignored it. I just wanted to sleep more and forget everything. Next I heard what sounded like a car door open and slam back closed. Happy that they had decided to leave me be, I began to drift back to sleep but was interrupted by the door I was leaning against being opened. My eyes snapped open in panic from feeling myself start to fall, however, something immediately stopped me from dropping to the ground. Well, I should say someone.

"Mai." Was that Naru? I quickly sat back down in my seat and looked up to see him. He had a mild irritated expression on his face. "Mai, hurry up. We've been here for the past five minutes." He grumbled. Still a little sleepy, I looked behind him and saw we were back at the SPR building.

Moving slowly, I unbuckled myself from the seat. Naru helped me out of the van to make sure I wouldn't trip. I thought about complaining that I could do it myself, but he was being sweet and I enjoyed the intimacy of the small action.

When I got out, I could see Lin and Madoka were getting our luggage out first. I quickly rushed over to grab mine from them. As I began to walk away with it, Naru took it from me. I was about to start yelling at him that I could do it, since I didn't want to be so useless, but he beat me to it.

"I'm going to put it in my car." He said.

"I could have done it myself..." I muttered. Why'd he have to take it from me? Does it look like I'm incapable? Naru leaned towards me and kissed my forehead while Lin and Madoka weren't looking. I closed my eyes momentarily at the touch of his lips. I would miss this when I was gone. No, I couldn't think about things like that right now.

"I know," Naru told me softly as he leaned away a bit, but he was still close enough for me to feel his breath on my skin. "but I can do it for you."

I couldn't think of a retort against his words so I smiled softly. "Thank-you."

He gave me a small nod before taking both of our bags and heading towards his car. I followed him quietly, glad that I was going with him and not back to my apartment.

"Maaai!" Madoka called from behind me. Turning around, I tilted my head in confusion.

"Yes?"

"Where do you think you're going? Get your behind over here and help me and Lin get the equipment out!" She said sternly. I felt myself pout slightly.

"I'm too tired." I complained, whining a little.

"Says the girl who slept the whole way here!" Madoka shot back.

"I'm still tired though..." I mumbled. It was true. The car ride was the most peaceful sleep I'd had in a while though. Madoka's look became even more stern as she motioned for me to go to her. Changing direction, I trudged back towards her. When I finally made it to her, Naru came back also to help with the equipment. I guess it shouldn't take too long since we have a pair of extra hands with Madoka's help. It was still tiring though and I was ready to fall over from exhaustion. Which was very hazardous since I had to keep going up and down the stairs. I think Naru sensed I was really tired though because he always kept close to me to make sure I really wouldn't fall down. Since everything was done though I was more then ready to go home with Naru and sleep.

Lin closed the back doors of the van while Madoka gave me a smile.

"See, Mai?" She asked. "That wasn't so bad!" I didn't even give a verbal response. There was no use. It'd just take too much energy. Madoka frowned and opened her mouth to speak, but Naru beat her to it.

"I believe that's it for today. You and Lin can leave, I'll be taking Mai home."

Lin nodded. "Alright." He dragged Madoka away before she could even open her mouth while Naru placed his hand on my back and guided me towards his car. I gave him a small smile in thanks. We both climbed in the car, and then was finally on the way to Naru's place.

It was silent for the most part and I could feel my eyes drooping once more. I honestly didn't know why I was this tired. I mean sure things had been difficult but not this difficult. And sleeping with Naru each night during the case was comforting, so I slept for most of the night... Not to mention on the ride back to the office. Just how much sleep did I need?

Suddenly I straightened up and slapped my cheeks in reprimand. I wouldn't sleep anymore until it was actually time to go to sleep. I could see Naru giving me an amused look out of the corner of his eye.

"Are you alright?" He asked. I sighed and nodded.

"Yeah... I just feel so sleepy and I don't know why. I mean I slept the whole way here from the Tanabe's." I answered. He seemed thoughtful for a moment.

"How much have you been sleeping before the case?"

"Um...well..." I looked down at my lap, remembering the days I stayed awake because it was almost the time of my mom's death anniversary and almost around the time he left. "Not that much I guess..."

I heard him sigh quietly. "Then you probably need it. You can sleep some more as soon as we get home." He promised.

"But I slept all night on the nights of the case though..." I weakly protested. He didn't look at all moved.

"Home, then sleep. Maybe something to eat first though."

I could only sigh and nod, knowing he wouldn't do things in any other way. "Fine..." I watched him glance at me with worried eyes.

"Are you sure you're alright?" He asked once more. I pressed my forehead against the cool window, closing my eyes. It felt nice.

"Yeah...just tired, Naru."

He didn't appear convinced but didn't push—much to my relief. He didn't even say anything else to me until we arrived at his place five minutes later. It took a second before I realised where we were.

"Come on. Do you plan on sitting there all day?" He asked, unbuckling his seat belt. Slowly, I looked over at him and blinked.

"Oh! Right..." I hurriedly unbuckled myself as well and got out of the car. He waited for me to get out before we walked inside together. I didn't even realize he was holding both my and his luggage until we were halfway to his apartment.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Let me take that." I gasped, trying to take it from him. However he just moved out of the way from my grasp, then gave me a pointed look.

"What kind of man would I be if I let a lady carry her bag?"

I furrowed my brows at that. I remember him saying something similar like that on the Urado case a long time ago. I didn't argue anymore on the subject, although I made sure my displeasure was known. Naru only smirked, obviously finding this amusing. Something I couldn't help but huff at. Honestly, he'd never change. A small smile couldn't help but spread on my face at that. And I hope he always stays the same. No matter what happened he had to stay the same. I'm not sure what I'd do if he didn't.

When we reached his apartment he handed me his key and told me to open the door for him. I didn't argue, after all he was carrying my stuff. Unlocking the door quickly, it swung open with ease. Naru went in first, and I followed after him, shutting the door behind me. Almost immediately after, I walked over to the couch and sat down. Naru walked passed me and went into his bedroom to put our bags away. Then he came back and joined me on the couch. I leaned on him a second later, feeling even more tired than before. I felt him grab my hand before whispering something to me. It took me a moment to comprehend what he'd just said.

"It's okay, Mai. Go to sleep; I'll be here."

I hesitated, flushing. "B-but I shouldn't." I protested weakly. He didn't say anything. The only thing Naru did was stroke the back of my hand with his thumb, which was mesmerizing. I watched the repeated and calming motion with fascination as my eyelids felt heavy. Despite having tried to fight it, it didn't take long before I was in a deep sleep.

MzShellSan: Ahhh, the calm before the storm lol.

Naruisawesome: Shhh! Don't say something like that to them!

MzShellSan: Right, right, sorry. *rolls eyes*

Naruisawesome: Don't you roll your eyes at me, missy! *turns towards readers and bows* Please review~! ^_^