Welcome back all! Hope you're doing well and staying healthy!

Here's the newest chapter - a tad short but you get two chapters this week so no worries!:) Have a wonderful week!

Jen

NARU POV

As quietly as I could, I opened the door into the guest bedroom. It was almost 8am, but so far Mai was still asleep. I heard her crying, but I felt that since she waited until after I departed, that she wanted to be left alone. Hearing her cry had opened up a new emotion in me that was almost painful. It was like I could almost feel her sorrow and pain as I heard her try to stifle her tears. I had been unable to sleep after arriving home, and I found it impossible to concentrate on my work either.

I closed the door without a sound and made my way out of the apartment. I walked down the hall to Lin's apartment. He should be awake by now, as he usually was an early riser.

I knocked lightly and waited. A moment later he opened the door, looking more haggard than usual. "I see Lilliana kept you up all night."

"And it looks like your work did the same."

Well he wasn't wrong. I had worked till 3 am and had just fallen asleep when I received the call from the EMT on Mai's phone. I shrugged in indifference; the hallway was not the place not to have this conversation. He stepped aside and I walked into the apartment, walking directly to the kitchen, lured in by the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

I fixed us both a cup and we sat at the table. "Any particular reason for this early morning visit?"

"Actually, yes. Is Madoka awake? I need her as well."

"She's changing Lilliana's diaper. She should be out in a few minutes."

We sipped our coffee in silence as we waited. Eventually Madoka appeared, looking as haggard as Lin. She went straight for the coffee without a word. After she sat down and took her first sip, she seemed to mellow. Lin looked at her questioningly.

"She's asleep." That's all she had to say. They both relaxed and continued to drink their coffee, finding comfort in the quiet morning ritual.

"I take it you two are enjoying parenthood?"

They shot me a glare in response. I smirked into my coffee; they really were a perfect couple.

"Why are you here so early Oliver?" Madoka eyed me suspiciously.I took another sip preparing myself for this unfortunate conversation.

"Unfortunately, it is not a pleasant visit. Last night around 4am I received a phone call from Mai. Her apartment caught on fire and burned down."

Madoka looked horrified. "That's awful! Is she alright? Where is she?"

I had expected her questions, but I still found the interruption annoying. "She is fine. She is sleeping in my guest bedroom. She has a few injuries but they were treated by medical personnel, and she did not require a hospital visit."

Lin asked solemnly, "What is the extent of her injuries?"

"As far as I know, her hand is burned and her feet are scraped up. She used a metal fire escape barefoot." They winced; I agreed that it sounded quite painful. "Personally I haven't seen the injuries myself since they were already bandaged when I arrived on the scene."

We sat in silence for a moment. Madoka looked sadly into her coffee. "The poor thing; why does she always seem to draw the short stick? It just doesn't seem fair. She's so young and has suffered so much."

Lin reached out and held her hand in comfort. "Mai will bounce back. She is a very strong woman and we will be there to support her."

I watched them for a moment before turning my head and sipping my coffee, giving them a bit of privacy.

Honestly, life did always seem to pick on Mai. Her strong will and stubbornness had once annoyed me, but now that I've discovered her importance in my life, I find her qualities to be charming and admirable. She was the strongest person I knew. To think that I almost lost her a few months ago and once again last night...

I stood up to refill my cup of coffee before addressing Madoka again. "Madoka, can you go shopping and buy Mai a few things? She borrowed some of my clothes but I think she would be more comfortable if she had something else."

"Oh course, I'll go get ready to leave right now." She disappeared into the bedroom and shut the door. I sat down with my coffee and pulled out my phone. No messages from Mai. She's probably still sleeping; she needs the rest.

"How long will you let her stay with you?"

"As long as she needs." We both took a sip of our coffee.

"That's quite generous. Is this coming from a concerned friend or something else?" I finished off my coffee and took the cup to the sink.

"Odd of you to make such suggestive comments, Lin. I thought that was Madoka's area of expertise."

"Oliver, you may have everyone else fooled but I've spent enough time with you and I know otherwise. I distinctly remember how you acted when Mai was in a coma for so long. Your mask is cracking."

I ignored his comments. "Have Madoka come to my apartment when she's done shopping. I'll be working on some reports until then." I abruptly left the apartment and walked back down the hall, thinking over Lin's words.

I cared for Mai greatly. All of SPR did. She was the glue that had held our group together. Had I never hired her, I would have never considered working with the others after that initial case in the school house. I wouldn't have learned more about Japan's spiritual activity, and it certainly would've taken longer for me to find Gene. I might not have ever found him without her.

Everyone loved her; it was obvious. But was I that obvious?

I walked back into the apartment quietly and opened the door to check on her again. Still asleep. I grabbed my laptop from my room and started working in the living room where I could see or hear her if she needed assistance.

A few hours went by and I had completed my work. The remainder of my incomplete files were at the office, so I would have to stop by later. I already decided to work from home this week since Mai wouldn't be able to go anywhere or do much with her injuries. Probably best if someone was around so the idiot didn't injure herself even more. I would let her have this week off from office work, and since she started classes next week her schedule would be changing anyways.

Suddenly Lin's words echoed in my head. 'Your mask is cracking.' I scoffed at the idea and closed my laptop. I acted no different than normal. And it wouldn't matter anyways.

I had told Mai I was jealous that she could talk to my brother while I couldn't. Soon enough I had realized that wasn't the only reason why I was jealous. But Mai cared for Gene, not me. I had to respect that and keep our relationship professional and friendly.

Madoka chose that moment to arrive with Mai's new things, interrupting my thoughts.

"Hello! I've arrived with some things for Mai!"

I scowled. "Madoka, keep your voice down or you'll wake her."

She pouted and looked offended, "What has you in such a bad mood? Sheesh. I wasn't even that loud." She placed the bags down and went into the kitchen and started to make tea. After a minute or two she made another comment.

"So Lin tells me you're going to let Mai stay here as long as she needs. Very generous of you Oliver." She gave me a smirk and I felt my thoughts come back.

Not me. Gene.

"I would not throw her out if that's what you're implying." I picked up my laptop and stood up from the couch.

"She could always stay with Lin and I if you think it's a problem. I'd hate for her to suffer from lack of sleep due to Lilliana, but if you would rather she stay with us we can make room."

"That is unnecessary. Mai has been through an enormous amount of stress and will be starting school soon. She needs sleep, so having her stay with you would only hinder her even if she is too kind to say otherwise. Anyways, I'm heading to the office to pick up a few files. I'll be working from home this week so I will close the office up. If Mai wakes up she may want to shower and her bandages will need changing. The first aid kit is in the bathroom cabinet."

I grabbed my keys from the table and left before she could make another comment. I waited for the elevator as I tried to calm myself. I cared about Mai and I wanted the best for her. Even if it meant I had to sacrifice things in return. I wouldn't turn her away from living with me, but I would keep it professional.

The elevator arrived and I selected the lobby floor. Suddenly exhaustion weighed me down as I descended to the main floor.