The next day Mai woke up later than usual, even later than on her days off. Since Masako wasn't in the room anymore, the girl took her time getting ready for the day. She began to hurry only after realizing that it was almost 11 am, the same time the breakfast was stopped being served. The girl hurried downstairs where the whole team was already waiting for her. "Morning." Mai said loudly into the room as she passed her team. She then grabbed a tray, some food and something to drink and this time approached the group calmly. Luckily due to the late hour, SPR was the only group there so Mai's chaotic behavior didn't cause her to embarrass herself before strangers.
"Morning, Mai. You've made it! I would have brought you back something in case you didn't." Masako said, pulling a chair out for the girl. "Thank you, Masako. But I'm glad I'm able to eat with you." She then noticed all these empty plates on the table. "Or not." She added.
"We've been here for a while now. Mostly talking." Gene explained.
"What have you been talking about?" Mai asked as she started to prepare her food.
"Yeah. You might want to swallow that piece first." The boy warned as Mai took a big bite of her bread right after her question. "Is it about the case?" Mai said with her mouth still full. "Nope. But we've heard you and Naru have something to tell us." Gene smirked.
"Naru didn't tell you?" She said calmly as she kept eating. "We're together now." The girl stated. Her calmness took Gene aback. "I thought you would be more flushed. Not fun." He commented.
"And why would I be?" The girl got up from her seat and walked over to Naru. She then hugged him from behind smiling. "You can't tease me anymore! I won't be embarrassed about my own feelings." She stuck her tongue out.
Ayako laughed at her statement. "I'm sorry honey but I'm giving you one day."
Madoka nodded.
"And I'm giving you half an hour at best." Bou-san added. "Especially since you've just said that, everyone will only tease you more."
The girl pouted which made Naru turn his head. "I'm with Takigawa on this one." He stated. "You know yourself that you won't last long. And it wouldn't be as amusing if I couldn't tease you anymore." The boy then smirked.
"Naru!" Mai exclaimed. She then let go of her boyfriend and returned to her seat.
"Wait till our mother asks her about children." Gene tried his best. Mai, however, is quite oblivious. "What children?" She asked innocently.
"Naru and yours, of course." Yasu explained.
Mai was unmoved. Obviously, she and Naru would have children one day. Well, if Naru wanted of course. The girl started to imagine what their children would look like. Maybe she would have twins. How nice would it be? But then again. She wouldn't be able to go on any cases for a while. Besides, maybe Naru doesn't even want children. The decision wasn't her alone. Moreover, the two of them just started dating. They haven't even….right.
'We will eventually do it.' Mai thought as the realization hit her. 'Children isn't something to worry about. Will I do well? And when do you even do this?'
"Mai, aren't you thinking about something weird?" Naru asked as she watched the girl's expression. "Not at all, why?" Mai asked as her boyfriend's voice brought her back to earth. "Because your face is awfully red. Which by the way means you already lost. Within 10 minutes."
"It's because of Gene and Yasu!" She tried to defend herself. "I was just thinking how nice twins would be…" That's all she admitted.
"Ohh, you're right. That would be so cute." Ayako commented. "Would you rather have two boys or two girls? Or maybe a boy and a girl." The Miko got quite excited. "I'm not sure, Ayako. And I wasn't serious anyway and I'm not planning on having children that young. I couldn't go on cases for a long while." Mai answered hoping her friends would let this topic go.
"I'm sure Luella would come to help you with the little ones." Madoka added.
Mai thought about asking Naru for help but she had a strong feeling he was enjoying this whole situation. She knew she was right when she glanced over and saw the smirk still on his face.
Just then a phone rang. Mai saw Naru reach into his pocket to pull the device out. "It's the client." Her boss said as she walked out of the room to take it. "Why does he do that? He will have to inform us anyway." Takigawa asked.
"Because you are too loud." Mai explained. "That's what he always says."
"Ayako, Takigawa. Are you two planning on having kids?" Madoka asked. "Not really, for now, we have our hands full with Mai." Ayako answered and Bou-san nodded in agreement. "You all just seem to live in the moment." The Madoka commented. "Well, it's not a bad thing."
"It's not just about wanting a child. Sometimes with my temperament, I wonder if I would be a good mother." The red-haired woman added. "It's good that you are aware." Takigawa said jokingly. "You can't be on my side just once, can you?" Ayako clicked her tongue.
"Ayako, you are the best motherly figure I have." Mai reassured. "But I think I understand what you mean. I'm so reckless I don't know if I would trust myself with a child. Even if I love children."
"Wouldn't that make John a good father?" Madoka stated. "He's quite peaceful, gentle, rarely gets mad and has experience with children." The woman's explanation made everyone nod in agreement. John wondered how he had gotten dragged into this. "Well, I'm not sure if I could keep calm dealing with a baby. They need a lot of attention. I might get overwhelmed." He reasoned.
"Well, I feel like you still would do the best out of us all." Ayako commented. Madoka was about to say something but Naru walked into the room ready to give them the needed information.
"They've been checking the building since early morning. It's stable. They will remove the rubble and we are to come in for the night." Mai sighed as she heard that. She was hoping for a longer break. "So, do we have a plan?"
Naru nodded. "Let's meet in my room in, let's see, half an hour. I will tell you the details." The boy then dismissed the group. At that time Mak was already done eating. She quickly grabbed her tray and put it away. Then she was going to join the group as they were leaving but she spotted Naru waiting for her in the doorway. "Thank you." She said smiling as she approached him. "No problem." Naru answered as he put out his hand. Mai took it and the both of them followed the group to their floor.