It's late.

Again.

Mai checks the time for what seems to be the millionth time that night. She bites her lip, torn between her exhaustion and concern. They'd just finished a case earlier that day, and upon returning to the office, Lin and Naru had scurried off into their offices to write the official case report.

She had finished her own report a while ago, detailing out every aspect of the case as she had experienced it. She was able to proudly state that for once she had not been the spirits target. Unfortunately Yasu had been the one to receive the unwanted attention from the lonely and grieving widow, who enjoyed watching Yasu as he slept and bathed. Mai giggled remembering his shrill shriek upon spotting the spirit in the mirror, and how embarrassed he was to have been seen in his full glory by the whole SPR team.

However, it was almost 10pm. Lin had left around 8:30pm, offering her a stiff goodnight before quietly speaking to Naru. Yet in that he had still not emerged from his office. Taking another peek at the clock, Mai sighed, She was positive Naru would remain holed up in his office until either Lin or herself reminded him of the time. Yet considering Lin had left, the task fell on her.

She stood and stretched her arms out, reaching for the ceiling and relishing in the small pops of her tired joints. While not quite ready to burst into Naru's office to nag him like a mother to go home straight to bed, she opted instead to make tea. Reaching for chamomile instead of his usual earl grey tea, Mai set to work to boil the water and prep the tea cups. A spoon of honey for both, and a splash of milk for herself. While she waited for the water to boil her mind wandered back to the case. It had been a fun one. The whole team had been reunited, a feat that was getting harder due to Bou-san's band schedule and Ayako's promotion at her family hospital. Masako had begun filming again for her newest season, occasionally joined by John who was excited to explain more about his religion to eager fans. Yasu had been teasing John, choosing to believe this was John's secret path to fame. Even Lin had thrown a few comments in their conversation. Throughout it all, Mai had been increasingly aware of Naru's presence. He had seemed calmer upon the realization that Yasu was the target of the case instead of herself. She tried not to think of the hidden implication of his slightly relaxed demeanor. Of course there was no way it meant the way she wanted it to mean.

And yet….

She had met his eyes several times throughout the case, often finding that he was staring at her when she was happily chattering away or laughing with the gang. She would stick her tongue out at him to hide her nervousness and he would look away upon being caught. Mai was puzzled at his behavior, no one else had noticed. She would wonder what his eyes were trying to say to her, but these words were new. Not the typical exasperation or anger, nor his command for tea.

The kettle whistled, startling her out of her thoughts. She shook her head frantically. No point in dwelling on the impossible things. She poured the tea, and arranged the cups and pot on the tray, making sure to include a few cookies. She knocked gently on the door, not waiting for a response. In the dark office, Naru's face was illuminated by the soft glow of his computer. The light casting shadows on his face, the beginning hints of exhaustion appearing between his scrunched eyebrows and downturn of his mouth. She set the tray on the table just in time as Naru's hand shot out to grab the cup of tea. Ignoring the heat of the tea he took a sip. The effects were almost immediate in the way his shoulders relaxed. After another sip Naru finally looked at Mai, his eyes questioning the second cup.

Mai felt the heat rise to her cheeks, thinking to herself it was the exhaustion making her hot. Yet she was fully aware of just how alone they were. She ran out of the office, remembering her concern for Naru being his typical workaholic self. In the meantime, Naru stared at the open door, wondering what she had gone to retrieve. No sooner did the thought form in his mind did she return. Her arms were dragged down by the papers and files hastily gathered, her jacket and bag hung off her shoulders. Before her confidence escaped her, Mai dropped her things onto the empty chair and sat in the one directly in front of Naru. She was no Lin, unable to offer assistance in his managerial reports. Nor was she Masako to sit quietly and do nothing. She picked up a workbook and began to do her schoolwork, glancing at him with a cheeky grin. His eyes offered her the spark of amusement and dare she say it? Perhaps a touch of appreciation for her company.

She couldn't help herself and stuck her tongue out, daring him to challenge her to leave and go home. Of course he knew she would just call Lin to collect him. Naru rolled his eyes at her childish behavior, and resumed his work. The clock ticked by, and the pot of tea between them slowly dwindled. Occasionally she'd look from over her workbook to check on Naru, knowing he was close to wrapping up. And occasionally Naru would look from the corner of his eyes, mesmerized by her appearance lit by the dim light of the lamp and the sparkle of the moonlight filtering through the window. Although they didn't say it, they knew. Mai would wait for him to finish his work, and Naru would offer to walk her home. They knew that nights like these are rare given the sporadic nature of their work and personal schedules, but that just made it all the more better to relish.

She knew it…

He knew it…

The words hung over them, unspoken but heard loud and clear.