Hello all! Here's another chapter! Am I posting too little or too much? Thoughts? I've also been working on another story about GH that is completely different from this one. Post now or later?

I'm almost at 100 Followers and all I can say is thank you so much! I had wondered if I would hit double digits let alone triple digits and I have to say I'm really touched by all the reviews, new favorites/follows; it makes me feel like I'm doing our beloved characters justice!

As always, R&R!

-Jen

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AUTHORS NOTE:

Italics are English language, Normal is Japanese language.

...

It was Thursday morning, and I found myself back at Naru's apartment building waiting for him in the lobby. I had just been here on Sunday helping Naru set up Lin's apartment for his arrival, which was today. Naru had asked me if I wanted to come along with him to the airport and help Lin and Madoka move in. I eagerly agreed to come and I was excited to meet baby Lilliana in person.

Apparently Naru's parents, Martin and Luella Davis, were accompanying them. I was nervous to meet them again after so many years. We had met briefly when they had arrived to collect Gene's body and take Naru home. I hadn't spoken to Martin, but I remember my brief encounter with Luella. She and Martin had been ready to leave, but she suddenly came over me, and without saying anything, hugged me. We held onto each other for a moment until she let go. She had looked so sad, but she still mustered up a small smile. I could see the pain in her eyes, but I could also see the gratitude and relief hidden in their depths. Her boy had been lost, but now he was going home. There was nothing I could say, so I nodded, and watched her leave. I wish I could have offered her comfort, but I knew that nothing I could have said would have made her heart feel any lighter or change the past.

I was nervous about seeing her again, and not knowing what to say. But at the present moment, I was even more nervous to see Naru. I thought back to the last time I had seen him…

I woke up early Monday morning on Naru's couch. I had slept longer than I had intended, but was glad to feel so well rested after so many sleepless nights. I sat up to see that Naru had fallen asleep sitting on the couch where he had been working. He was slouched down with his head resting on his fist, and I couldn't help but smile. He didn't leave me alone, and I had slept so well knowing he was there. I just felt bad that he looked so uncomfortable in that position. As quietly as I could, I stood up and covered him with the blanket he had let me use. As I tucked the blanket around him he stirred a little, but didn't wake. I quietly made my way to the door, grabbed my shoes, and snuck out of his apartment with little noise.

Once I was in the hallway I put my shoes on and made my way to the elevator. An elderly woman was already waiting for the elevator with her dog, probably to go on an early morning walk. I smiled at her and she eyed my clothing, and gave me a wink. I looked down and noticed that my clothes were rumpled from sleep, and I had just snuck out of an apartment that she probably knew belonged to a handsome young man. My face flushed - she probably thinks I'm doing the walk of shame out of Naru's apartment. Oh my God! Kill me now!

When the elevator arrived, we stepped in and I tried my best not to make eye contact again. I straightened out my clothes and ran a quick hand through my hair. When we arrived at the lobby I left quickly. Fortunately, there was a different doorman from when I arrived. Thank goodness; I wasn't doing a walk of shame but it sure felt like one.

When I was a few blocks away from the apartment I sent Naru a quick text, hoping it wouldn't wake him up.

Thank you for last night. I slept well and I feel refreshed! I really appreciate it.

By the time I returned home, I had received no reply from Naru. Hopefully that meant that I hadn't woken him up. I went about my day studying and cleaning. Since the filing was completed, Naru had given me this week off from work as well. I caught up with Yasu and Masako who had finally completed the move. They were both cheerful so i could only assume that things were going well between them. I found out that they were both going to be out of town the next two weeks for filming. I talked to Monk and Ayako who were enjoying their time in the states. Ayako sounded tired but was thrilled about the new hospital and how well the opening was going. I even had a surprise facetime call with Usui, who had already moved to Osaka to start his master's program. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to see each other since the case. It was nice to talk to him after so long.

Day turned to night, and I still hadn't heard from Naru. I wasn't worried but I had hoped he would have texted back at some point. I hope he wasn't regretting his decision to allow me to take a nap, even if it did turn into a full night of sleep. I put the thoughts aside and continued to study. It was almost midnight when exhaustion finally made me close my textbooks. I crawled into bed hoping for another restful night, but after laying there for an hour, my hopes were dashed. I tossed and turned but couldn't sleep.

After rolling over once again, I heard my phone vibrate. I grabbed it and unlocked the screen. A text… from Naru! Quickly I opened it and read the message.

You're welcome.

I laughed and rolled my eyes. Why he waited all day to text that I don't know. I was just about to put my phone down when another text came through.

Are you still awake?

My heart skipped a beat when I read the new text. Did he think I was still awake because I was alone again? I hesitantly wrote back.

Unfortunately, yes.

A minute later two texts buzzed in.

If you can't sleep, you can text me.

Anytime. I'll answer.

My heart swelled and tears came to the corners of my eyes. Naru knew that I couldn't sleep and he was willingly going to sacrifice his sleep to help me. How could I possibly love this man anymore?

Thanks, Naru. I'll text you if I can't sleep. Goodnight.

Another text buzzed in almost immediately.

Goodnight.

With a yawn and a smile, I put my phone back on the nightstand. After rolling over a few more times, I finally found a comfortable position and I fell asleep instantly.

The past few nights we've texted a few times into the early hours of the morning when I couldn't sleep. Since then I've been able to sleep more knowing that Naru was available if needed. Just knowing that I could contact him made the darkness seem trivial. I hated to bother him, but fortunately Naru never sounded annoyed over text. I was so touched by his actions and words, that it gave me butterflies thinking about it...

The butterflies in my stomach brought me back to the present moment. Suddenly the elevator doors chimed and opened to reveal Naru. He stepped out and headed over to me.

"Ready?" I nodded and we headed to the parking garage to get the van. During the car ride I chatted about how excited I was to see everyone, and I updated him on what the others were doing. I also asked about his parents, to which he answered with very Naru-like responses; short and simple. Apparently his mother was about as willful and emotional as Madoka; he thinks that we'll get along fine. His father is the quieter of the two, preferring his research and work. Sounds like someone else I know…

By the time we had gotten to the airport I was trying so hard to contain my excitement, I was practically bouncing in my seat. Naru drove down a dirt path heading away from the main terminals. "Um, Naru, aren't arrivals at the main terminal?"

"We are driving over to the private runway. They flew from London in the company jet." "Wait! There's a company jet!?" "Don't yell Mai. Yes, there is a company jet. That's how Lin and I have always traveled to and from Japan." "So, BSPR, is wealthy enough to have their own private plane. Hmm… interesting…" Naru took a side glance at me but I ignored the look and stared out the window as a small private plane came into view. My excitement returned as I saw a few people standing on the runway. When Naru finally stopped the car I was out the door before he turned it off. I all but ran up to the group.

"Mai!" Madoka wasn't holding the baby so she opened her arms wide and I jumped into them. "Madoka! I'm so happy to see you! Welcome to Japan!" After we broke apart, I addressed Lin. "Welcome back Lin!" I could tell that he was exhausted, but he still gave me a small smile regardless. Looking over at Madoka again, I saw the exhaustion in her eyes, too. I guess having a baby would do that to you.

"Lin, Madoka. Welcome. Hello Mother, father." I turned around in surprise, forgetting that Naru spoke english fluently; it had been so long since I heard him speak it I nearly forgot about it. I hadn't thought about speaking in english. Hopefully my english ability hasn't gotten any worse from not using it in a while.

Naru and shook hands with Lin and Martin. Martin was a nice looking man; tall, salt and pepper hair with a calm but cheerful disposition.

Luella handed Lilliana to Madoka and she enveloped Naru in a tight hug. I watched the scene unfold and I couldn't help but smile. Luella was on the shorter side compared to Martin, with light brown hair and a genuine smile surrounded by laugh lines. She was hugging Naru fiercely and Naru, being Naru, hesitantly patted her back gently. Martin came forward and broke up the reunion. "Alright dear, don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to hug Noll. Let him breathe." Luella blushed and pulled away. "Sorry Oliver, I just missed you so much! It wouldn't hurt to call more often!" Naru sighed and turned my way. "Of course. Mother, father. I'm not sure if you remember, but this is one of my assistants Mai Taniyama."

My nerves came back full force, I wasn't sure how to greet them. Should I bow? Shake hands? I stepped forward ready to do one of the two when suddenly the decision was made for me. Luella sprang forward and hugged me. I was shocked and just like Naru, I hesitantly hugged her back. "Of course we remember Mai." She pulled back and looked at me with such a motherly smile, I couldn't help but return it with one of my own. "Hello Mrs. Davis, pleased to meet you." "Oh dear, call me Luella! This is my husband Martin." She moved aside and Martin came forward to shake my hand. "Hello Mai, how do you do?" "Well, thank you. How was your flight?" "Oh quite long and loud." Martin chuckled and looked over at Madoka holding Lilliana. I turned to Madoka again and finally looked at the little bundle sleeping quietly in her arms. "Oh, Madoka she's so precious! She looks just like Lin!" Even with only being a few months old, it was already discernible that she was going to look like her father. Madoka chuckled, "Yes she definitely has Lin's looks! But don't be fooled, she has my loud personality! She made that very clear on the flight." We all laughed and looked at the sleeping bundle for a moment until Naru spoke up, "Shall we get going then?"

While we were talking, the plane crew had loaded all of the luggage and belongings into the van and a rental car that was parked next to the plane. "Oh, Mai, you must ride with Madoka and I. I want to hear all about you and SPR here in Japan!" Luella wrapped her arm around my shoulder and steered me towards the rental car along with Madoka, Lilliana and Martin. Lin and Naru rode in the rental van and we were on our way.

I was sitting in the back with Madoka with Lilliana in her car seat. Martin was driving with Luella in the front seat twisted around to face us."How are you feeling, dear? I heard that a previous case had landed you in the hospital?"

"Oh yes, I'm fine. Just a little incident." Madoka snorted. "Mai, being in a coma for 7 weeks is hardly considered a 'little' incident!" I blushed and fidgeted in my seat. Luella gasped, "7 weeks!? Are you sure you should be moving around? You should be resting!" "I'm fine, honestly. It was a spiritually induced coma rather than an injury induced one, if that makes sense? I have a few abilities that are… unpredictable. But I was released from the hospital completely healthy! Promise!" I smiled, trying to lessen their worries. It seemed to work at the moment, but I had a feeling Luella would be asking Naru later about the incident. Fortunately for now, she changed the subject.

"So Madoka tells me you're studying psychology?" I nodded. "Yes, at Tokyo University. I'll be starting my senior year in a few weeks actually." "How wonderful! That was actually what I studied as well. What are your career goals?" "Well I'm thinking about becoming a therapist or counselor. At least, that is what I'm considering at the moment." Martin looked in the rearview mirror and chimed in. "Lin has also mentioned that you're quite the spiritualist. I would love to hear more about your talents. Have you considered a career in parapsychology?" "Actually ghost hunting is what drew me to psychology. Spirits hold so many emotions and I've always wanted to help them pass on willingly. I did look into parapsychology programs but there seem to be no official programs here in Japan." "I'm not sure if Oliver told you, but I run the parapsychology department at Cambridge University in England, and many of my students come to work for me at BSPR after graduation. We are always looking for promising new students, especially those with abilities and talents."

"Oh, um…"

Luella lightly smacked him on the shoulder. "Oh Martin, stop recruiting! Oliver will be upset to hear that you are trying to steal his assistant away from him!" Madoka laughed, "Yes especially since he went through all the trouble to come back to Japan in the first place!"

Madoka and Luella laughed and Martin shrugged. Luella sent me a wink and I could feel my face burning. Fortunately the rest of the ride had switched to different topics such as other areas of my life and the other members of SPR.

...

Finally we had made it to the apartment. My head was spinning from Madoka and Luella battering me with questions. Luella wanted to know all about me and Martin wanted to know all about my powers. When I stepped out of the car I looked over at Naru and he had a smirk on his face. He knew exactly what I went through! I stuck my tongue out at him and turned to help move bags and boxes into Lin and Madoka's apartment.

After a few hours we finally had everything out of the cars and into the apartment. Madoka had just put Lilliana down for a nap while we were sorting through the boxes. She came back into the room and sat down on the sofa with a long sigh. Luella approached her and sat with her. "Are you alright?" "Oh yes, just exhausted." Madoka yawned into the back of her hand and apologized. "Oh sweetheart no need to apologize. It's been a long trip and a long first day. How about we all call it an early night? It's almost 5pm. I think we all deserve a nice quiet evening, hm?" Madoka smiled, "That sounds wonderful, if you all don't mind."

With that we said our quiet goodbyes to Lin and Madoka, and made our way into the hallway. Naru, Luella and Martin started walking towards Naru's apartment when I spoke up. "I think I should probably head home as well."

Luella pouted "Are you sure? Would you like to come over for some tea? Madoka says your tea is absolutely delicious!" I blushed at the compliment. "Madoka exaggerates. I would love to have tea another time, but I really must go. I have work in the morning at the bakery."

"Oh that's right, you mentioned that you worked and lived at a bakery. That must be wonderful! We're going sightseeing tomorrow afternoon, any chance you would join us?" "That's very sweet to invite me but unfortunately I am working until closing. Also I can't intrude on your family time." "You absolutely are not intruding! We would love to have you join us if you were able, but living with these two I understand the importance of work! I swear, they would work every minute of every day if I didn't stop them. Well, we absolutely must see you again before we leave Monday evening."

I giggled at her enthusiastic smile. "Of course, Luella. I would love to see both of you again. I'm not sure what my schedule is this weekend but when I know, I'll be sure to pass it along to Naru." "Alright then, I will hold you to that. Good night, dear. We'll meet you inside, Oliver."

With a quick wave Luella and Martin went into Naru's apartment leaving the two of us alone. A moment passed before Naru broke the silence with a smirk. "I have to say, your english isn't as horrible as I thought it would be." I rolled my eyes. Leave it to Naru to give a backhanded compliment. I would've made a remark but I didn't want his parents to hear and think we were fighting.

"Mother really likes you. She was so excited to meet you. Thank you for your assistance today." He said it without his smirk this time and it made it seem all the more genuine. I smiled softly, "Thank you for inviting me along today. I really like Luella. And Martin too of course. It's obvious that they really care about you." Naru made a non committal noise and sighed. "Well I better go before mother starts decorating my apartment." I laughed and waved goodbye to him as he disappeared into his apartment.

I had been so anxious to meet his parents after so many years. I'm sure Naru or Lin had told them about Gene acting as my spirit guide and how we had found his body. I had hoped that they didn't hold any ill feelings towards me or were uncomfortable with me around. Thankfully they were as wonderful and generous as Madoka and Lin had described. It warmed my heart to know that Naru and Gene were loved and cared for by such wonderful and accepting people.

They were so generous to accept me right away, as well. My instincts were telling me that these were wonderful people, and I couldn't help but smile at how excited I was to see them again already.