Ch. 25 One More Day, One More Chance

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...

"Mai."

...

"Mai, wake up."

"Wha...?" I felt winded. It was like someone took the breath out of me. I felt someone lightly patting my cheek. "Naru...?"

I saw him nod. He looked worried. He helped me sit up. "Are you okay?" he asked me, concerned.

"I think so. But I think I'm hearing things."

"Like what?"

"I thought you said that you were the Professor Oliver Davis."

"I wasn't Oliver Davis, Mai. I am Oliver Davis."

I blinked. Naru raised an eyebrow. "You're Professor Oliver Davis?"

"That's what I just said Mai."

"I heard you, it's just... AH!" I jumped up from the spot I was laying and started walking away. I was so confused. This man, the absolutely most egotistically, narcissistic, and extremely intelligent man was Professor Oliver Davis. The Oliver Davis who Bou-san idolized so much. The Oliver Davis who threw a tin block against a wall using his PK powers. The Oliver Davis who found that billionaire's son using clairvoyance. I was hoping he would pop the question or something like that, but this was just... whoa!

I could hear him getting up and following me. "Mai, where are you going?"

"I don't know! I just... need somewhere to think...!"

"Mai, calm down!" He grabbed my wrist and made me face him. "I know this is a shock to you, but I think it's best if I explain when we get to the hotel."

"Explain what? Why you, of all people, would hide such a huge secret and just decided to tell me now, and almost give me a heart attack!" I shouted. "Why would you lie like that, Naru? That whole entire year I spent with you, the time you spent with SPR, you were deceiving us all. Why couldn't you just tell us?"

He was silent. He was still wearing that stoic look on his face, as if he had nothing more to say. As if this wasn't as big of a deal as I was making it. It was a big deal and I didn't understand why he wasn't taking it as seriously as I was. He's the most serious person I know! "I only had one purpose for coming to Japan; to find Gene. I didn't want any nuisances to get into my way."

"You mean me? Are you calling me a nuisance?"

"Iie! Mai, what I mean is that if anyone found out I was Professor Davis, then the press would be in the way. I wouldn't be able to get any work done. That's why I had Yasu cover for me on cases when we were dealing with the press."

"That doesn't really explain why you lied to us! Your friends!"

"... It's complicated, Mai. You wouldn't understand."

"Not this again! Naru, I don't have to understand and I'm not trying to understand. I just want to know. And until you decide to tell me why you couldn't tell the truth, I'll be at the hotel, or with Madoka. I'll be leaving in one day. Good day, Naru, or should I say Mr. Davis."

Leaving him to his thoughts, I walked all the way to the hotel by myself that night.

"He told you?" Madoka asked as soon as I told her what happened at the park. I knew she would be all over me as soon as I returned from me and Naru's little "date", but what she didn't expect was Naru confessing about his true identity. "I never thought he would have the guts to tell you the truth."

"You'd think you know a guy... *sigh* maybe this isn't going to work."

"What are you saying Mai? Don't tell me you're giving up again."

"Well... think about it. Naru's this famous paranormal professor or whatever, and he left his work to go all the way to Japan just to find his brother. That's the only reason, ne? Then what's the point? If he's just going to lie to me without even thinking about it, then what was the point of coming here and giving him the trust speech of a lifetime!" I wanted to yell at her too because she and Lin knew about all of this from the beginning, but Naru probably told them to keep their mouths shut.

"It's not as simple as that, Mai. Noll did go to Japan to recover Gene's body, but if it wasn't for you, he would still be the same cold, hard rock we used to know." She put Megumi in her crib and laid next to me on my bed. "You know why Oliver Davis suddenly disappeared off the face of the earth? Noll decided he no longer wanted his pictures in the archives anymore when he went to Japan. Since no one knew what he looked like, it was hard for people to look for him. Nobody bothered to search for him anymore, so others started claiming they were the renowned Professor Oliver Davis. Most of the frauds were caught thanks to yours truly, but it greatly ruined the reputation of the real Oliver Davis. Now that he's back, Noll has to deal with all of those issues, not to mention his family has to deal with it, too."

"But if he was coming back to England, why did he form SPR?"

"SPR is actually a branch company from Gene and Noll's family institution: the Society of Psychichal Research. It was started by Gene when he went to Japan." Right then, I felt the guilt crawl onto me. I had no idea Naru had to deal with so much; and his family had to suffer, too. I feel like an ass. No, bigger than an ass. "Noll could go back to Japan, you know. He just has to finish dealing these issues, plus there are some bitter family members who won't get off his back about his future in SPR." I noticed how angry she became when she started talking about Naru's family. Not Naru's parents; they looked nice. The other people in his family must've been a handful since they made Madoka so mad, and she rarely gets mad. "I hope you understand, Mai."

I nodded, sympathetically. "Hai, I understand now. Kami, after all the things I said to him... I really don't deserve him."

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Mai. If Lin said something like that to me, I'd probably freak out, too."

"Really?"

"Probably not."

I sweatdropped. She was still smiling. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up. I think tomorrow should be just for us girls. Me and Naru need a break from each other."

"Are you sure? You're leaving the day after."

"I know. With less distractions, Naru will be able to catch up on his work and he can go back to Japan. We'll be a complete family."

"That's so sweet, Mai. I'll do you a favor and tell him that."

"Arigatou." I sighed, halfheartedly.

"Well, at least your relationship seems to be improving."

"Yeah, I guess it is."

That night, Madoka stayed with me.

As soon as I woke up the next morning, I decided to go out for breakfast instead of eating at the hotel. Madoka wasn't around, so I guessed she already left. I got dressed in a white tank top with a blue sweater on top and short white skirt. Once I dressed Megumi, I put her in her carrier and went on my way to find a nice place to eat. Madoka taught me how to count the money here, so I varified how much I had left.

About $250 left. I had enough left to buy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a few soveigners for my friends and the gang. I really missed them. I couldn't wait to go home.

"Okay, Megumi, where should we eat?" She gurgled her response and I laughed. "Let's look around then."

We finally settled on a little café. There were only four people there; unfortunately, they were couples, and that wasn't going to help keep Naru off my mind. I really didn't feel like searching for another place to eat. I was starving and Megumi was getting restless. I would simply have to ignore those snuggling couples.

As I ate my breakfast, I couldn't help but look at the couples as they coddled each other. The way they were cooing at each other and giving each other secret kisses; it was making me sick. I know I'm a romantic, but that's a little much. I know Naru wouldn't do that. He would kiss me, but he wouldn't get carried and he sure wouldn't do anything that would make me feel uncomfortable.

Dammit, Mai! You're here to spend time with Megumi, not to think about that narcissist!

We left as soon as we had finished our breakfast (well, as soon as I was done. Megumi had her sippy cup). I went to the park, which was a huge mistake. The park was where Naru told me about his true identity. It reminded me of the yelling, the arguing, the ignoring, the abandoning...

That made me feel much worse than how I felt a couple minutes ago.

I heard a whine come from Megumi's carrier. "What is it, honey?" I picked her up from the carrier. "You need a diaper change?" Nope. "Hungry?" I just fed her. "What is it? I wish you could talk." She waved her hands to a couple at the other of the park. They also had a baby of their own and another child came running towards them. I knew what she wanted. "You want Daddy, don't you?" She whined some more, which was obviously a "yes". "Gomenasai, Megumi-chan, but Daddy's working. We can't interrupt him, or else he won't get to come home with us." She wasn't listening to me. "Please stop crying, Megumi-chan."

"Mai! Megumi!" I heard a familiar voice cry out at us.

"Madoka? What are you doing here?"

At the mention of her name, Megumi stopped crying and started waving her arms, begging to be carried by her favorite aunt. Madoka gladly took her out of my arms. "Aw! Did you miss your Auntie Madoka, Megumi-chan?"

"I think she's just interested in your pink hair." I chided back, laughing at her trying to pry Megumi's fingers from her rosy hair. "Now, why are you here?"

"You said it yourself, Mai. You wanted your last day in England to be 'just for us girls', so I came to join you two."

"Madoka, when I said that, I just meant me and Megumi, no offense."

"I only came because I knew you wouldn't be able to keep your mind off of Noll for a single day. Not without help, at least." She knows me so well. "Now, let's go shopping! You still need to buy some soveigners for the others back in Japan, don't you?"

She ran off with my baby before I could answer. I chased after them to catch up, but it was not fun. While I was yelling at Madoka, I could still hear Megumi giggling in the background. Yep, I was setting such a great example for my daughter.

"Well, that was fun, wasn't it?" Madoka asked after taking a sip of her coffee.

"Yeah, real fun." I answered sarcastically.

"Aw, come on, Mai! I said I was sorry!"

"And that makes it okay for you kidnap my daughter and run around the mall through several different stores before I could catch up to you! Not to mention the police had to get involved!"

"Relax, Mai. We got some shopping done, didn't we?"

"Hmph." I crossed my arms. That wasn't how I wanted to remember my last day in England. Getting arrested. That does not look good on a resumé. "Fine. I'll have to admit, I had some fun. I'm really glad Megumi enjoyed it, anyway." I looked at Megumi as she sucked on her sippy cup. She was so oblivious to the past events in the mall, I was glad she enjoyed every single moment, even though I didn't. "I wonder how long her happiness will last until she realizes her daddy isn't coming back with us to Japan."

"Don't start, Mai. If you get all moody like that, Megumi will be able to indicate that there's something wrong. She doesn't leave things like that unnoticed, and you know it."

I sighed and glanced back at Megumi at the corner of my eye. I couldn't let that smile turn upside down. I had to stay strong for her. We both had to stay strong. It wasn't like we would be separated from Naru forever. Just until he was finished with the problems he was dealing with right now.

"Alright, I think it's time to go."

"What? Why? We never even went to all the shops! Don't you want to see the London Bridge?"

"Sorry. Maybe next time." I inwardly scorned myself. When would there be a next time? Would there be a next time? "I want to get packing and make sure I have everything before we leave tomorrow morning."

She gave me a disappointed sigh. "Fine. I'll help you, and I'm not taking 'no' for an answer!"

I smiled. "Arigatou, Madoka."

She smiled back. "No problem, Mai. I'll always be there for you."

"I know." We called a taxi to take us back. Our trip back to the hotel was more peaceful than when we left. It seemed like the hotel was the safe zone. Why did the rest of England hate me? As soon as we were back at my hotel room, I began packing my stuff. Madoka agreed to pack Megumi's things. I was glad she was there to help me. I didn't think I would be able to survive England without Madoka. If it was anybody else, I'm sure I wouldn't be alive today.

"That's the last of my stuff." I said to her when I was finished. "Are you done with Megumi's stuff, Madoka?" When I looked over to her, I saw her playing with Megumi. "Madoka!"

"Wha...? Oh! I'm sorry, Mai. She's just so darn cute!"

I frowned. "If you keep playing with her, she won't remember who her real mother is."

"You can have me and Lin's child if that happens."

"That would be extremely weird. Now," I held out my arms. "I'll be happy to have my daughter back while you pack up her stuff so we can leave for the flight tomorrow, if you don't mind." Megumi was also begging and reaching out to me at this point, so Madoka had to surrender her over to me. I was glad she would always remember who her real mother was. "I know what you're doing, Mori Madoka, and it's not going to work. Me and Megumi-"

"Megumi and I."

"You're doing it again! We're leaving tomorrow morning whether you like it or not. I can't stay in England forever. I have my own problems to deal with too, you know!"

She sighed for the nth time that day. "I'm sorry, Mai, I really am. I really don't want you to leave, not without Noll, at least. You really think Megumi will be able to handle going back home without her father after all you've been through?"

"So this is just about Megumi?" I said haughtily, putting said baby in her crib.

"You know I'm not just talking about her. Do you think you can handle the flight without him."

"I came here without him-"

"So you could get him." she retorted sharply. "The main reason you came here was to get Noll to come back. If he doesn't, then this whole trip was wasted."

"Madoka, I already explained before-"

"I know, I know! I just want to make sure you're certain." She grabbed me wrists and made me sit down next her. "Now, look into my eyes and tell me, honestly, if you will regret your decision."

"Madoka-"

"Look at me!" I froze and hesitantly looked into her eyes. "Now, please, just tell me if you will have absolutely no problem going home without Noll coming with you. You have no problem waiting for him in Japan, no matter how long it takes him to go back. If you can't, you can always wait here. I'll buy you both new tickets to go home as a family. Just tell me, Mai!"

"I... I..." I couldn't answer her. Madoka was so serious-more serious than I'd ever seen her-and she expected me to answer her right there on the spot. I had never been so pressure in my life. And for the first time in my life, I was scared of Madoka. Like, if-I-give-her-the-wrong-answer-I'm-dead-scared. I told her several times before I was so sure of my answer, but I was afraid if I told her that, she would never let this go. And now that she was holding it against me, I felt so guilty. It seemed like I was the bad guy. "Yes, I'm absolutely sure I can go home without Naru being there by our side."

She gave me one more look before she let go of my wrists "Great!" She started packing Megumi's things again, wearing her signature grin. If I didn't know any better, I could have sworn the woman a few minutes ago was a stranger. Now, I didn't know what was what anymore.

"I'm done packing, Mai! I'm going to go. I'll see you off tomorrow, okay?"

"Hai," I said quietly. "Meet me in the buffet."

"Got it!"

As soon as she left, I limply fell onto my bed and cuddled up to the pillows. I hugged one of them closely to my chest and sniffed. Then I cried.

What have I done?...

We met up with Madoka in the buffet just like I said. Meeting Madoka again that morning made me nervous, almost sick. After our little "talk" last night, I was completely out of it that morning. Not to mention I woke up early. Extremely early. And I was leaving until 8:00! Maybe I should have left last night? I wouldn't have to deal with Madoka then.

If only I had thought of that sooner.

I frowned. I was a fickle. And it was all Madoka's fault! Yep! I shouldn't have had a guilty conscience just because Madoka thought I was making a mistake just because I was leaving Naru behind just because I cared about him and Megumi had to wait for her father to come back to Japan, which we had not clue when that was going to happen. So much for it not being my fault.

Why can't I take that out of my mind!

"Have you had breakfast yet, Mai?" Madoka asked me, which broke my train of thought. "Are you ready?"

"Hai," I nodded. "Let's go." I was glad she didn't bag on me anymore, but with the silence filling the awkward void between us, it still felt like she was thrashing at me. The silence was thrashing at me for her.

When we were at the airport, Madoka did everything she could to stall, and she was very obvious about it too.

"Are you hungry? You know airplane food is not so appetizing. What about Megumi? Does she need to be changed? Do you need to go to the bathroom? You don't want to go on the plane-"

"Madoka, we're fine. I changed Megumi before we drove to the airport. Please, no more stalling. We have to go."

She gave me a sigh. How many times was she going to do that? "Alright. I'm done." She gave me a hug. "Please call me once you get there."

"I promise, I will." I hugged her back. I released her, but her arms were still around me. "Madoka..."

"Fine, fine. I'm done."

Once she let go, I grabbed Megumi's carrier and walked to the entrance where I was suppose to enter the plane. I was almost there, until I heard someone yell after me, and paused. At least I thought someone yelled after me. I couldn't tell. The voice was very faint. I shrugged it off and continued towards the entrance. When I took another step, the voice called out to me again. Was it my conscience? No, it was much louder than a simple thought in my head. It became louder and louder.

"Mai... Mai!"

I turned around to see nothing but a crowd of people (and Madoka was still standing there) coming either the direction I was heading or the other way. I kept telling myself I was hallucinating, but my feet stayed put. For awhile, I was staring at nothing, but then, I saw something. It looked like a fast, black blur.

Omigosh...

"Mai!"

No, it can't be...

"Mai!"

I only know one person who wears that much black! But, why is he here...?

"MAI!" He ran as if his life depended on it. Of course it did because I was leaving him until who-knows-when; I was important to him, why else would he be here?

"Nar-" He plunged his lips on to mine before I could get a complete word out. My stolen breath replaced his heavy pants as he desperately forced his tongue into my mouth. I struggled for air, but I couldn't resist his kisses. His arms wrapped around me and his hands manipulated my shirt. For a man who really cared for appearances, he had no problem putting his hand up my shirt while the people around us were watching our "little" scene. "N-Naru...! Naru, wha...!" I tried saying between each rough kiss.

"You forgot your promise, Mai," he finally said, letting my eyes meet his. "You promised to stay with me. Your not slipping away from me, not that easily. I'm going to make sure you'll keep your promise as long as you're wearing this." He pulled out something from his pocket. My eyes widened and I nearly dropped Megumi's carrier when I saw what it was (I'm surprised I didn't drop her when he started making out with me). A gleaming diamond on top of white gold appeared before my teary eyes.

"N-Naru... you shouldn't have..."

"How else am I suppose to make you mine forever?" he asked in his narcissistic manner. I was about to yell at him for being so ignorant at this moment, but then he wrapped his arms around me again. "I'm sorry," he said into my ear. "Hiding my true identity from you back then seemed like a good idea, but now... knowing that I was about to lose you... I wouldn't forgive myself. I should have told as soon as you came to me at Gene's funeral, but I was a coward. Please accept this ring," he put the ring into my hands. "as an apology if my explanation wasn't enough. I love you, Mai, and I don't want to lose you again."

I didn't know what to say. I never expected to be proposed to like this, but this was Naru talking. As long as he popped the question, it didn't matter. "I... I accept!" I put Megumi's carrier down and cling my arms around his neck. "I love you, too, Naru! I promise I won't leave you again! I promise..."

This was the greatest day of my life. Naru proposed. I guess my effort gave me more than I aimed for. Also, in the end, I did change my mind, but I wasn't going to let Madoka know that. She probably already knew.

His arms tightened around me, hugging my relaxed frame. "Arigatou, Mai. You have no idea how much your answer means to me." I tightened my grip around his neck.

"I know..."

OLMM Omake!

A woman walked up to a black car in the parking lot of the airport, grinning devilishly. She knocked on the window; the driver drew the the window. "How did it go?" he asked.

"Great, like I expected! I told he would hit it off!" She made the peace sign. "Let's celebrate!"

"How-" he was interrupted by a kiss.

"I think you know how." She gave him a seductive smile.

"Alright."

He drove to the apartment where the woman currently lived. It wouldn't be long until this mischievous couple would move to a house of their own. Once they were inside, she went into the her room to change, while he went into the living room and waited on the couch. When he heard a few footsteps, he snapped his head up and saw the sexiest thing his eyes had lain on.

Whoa, he thought. He wouldn't give her the satisfaction by saying that out loud.

"You like?" she asked.

He nodded. She poised to show off her sexy outfit. Then she walked up to him and sat in his lap. She planted soft kisses on his neck and he did the same to her. He pulled on her shirt, wanting more, and she followed his edict. Her mouth moved from his neck to his chest, unbuttoning his shirt. She stopped midway. "What wrong?" he asked.

"Oh my god... Lin, did you tell Martin or Luella he was leaving?"

"No, did you?"

"No!"

He turned stiff. "Shit...!"

A phone rang. "You answer it!" she rushed off his lap. "I'm going to change!"

"Madoka!" He sighed as she cowardly rushed to her room, and answered his boss's phone call.

That's the end of chapter 25! I hope you like my little extra at the end. I thought it would be funny to have a Lin x Madoka scene! I just couldn't resist! Madoka is a devil, and I just love it! I hope you also like the rest of the chapter!

R&R!