Chapter 54

England was…warm.

She hadn't expected that.

In all of the films Mai had seen of England, the people were wearing grey up to their necks, frowning, and maneuvering a dank rainy sidewalk.

That description reminded her a bit of Lin and Naru, ironically.

Mai had never been to the airport or even on a plane before, so she wasn't exactly sure what to expect. The night of the flight, her and Naru were in the same bed. Naturally, he made sure she was packed earlier in the day before they rested.

And he certainly didn't let her sleep past their alarm. Leaving the house that night was a blur. She was more than grateful that the dark duo wordlessly led her tired figure from place to place until she was seated on a plane. She was at least conscious and present for the tearful goodbye from Monk and Ayako.

First class, definitely woke her from her stupor.

Mai tried her best not to mentally tabulate all the money being spent on her, but she couldn't help it. The only thing that brought her out of her stupor was when the plane started to move. Her eyes were glued to the movement outside of the window and tried not to feel trapped in a metal death trap for eleven hours. To her credit she was doing extremely well.

Until they turned the lights off and she could hear strange mechanical movements.

That was when she actually had the panic attack.

But Naru was there, like he had been a lot recently. He grasped both of her hands and they connected eyes. He helped her breathe and explained away everything that may have caused her concern. For once his ability to rationalize everything was helping her a lot. It kept her present through the bad moments. Made her feel grounded.

Even from 300,000 ft in the air.

The rest of the flight wasn't nearly as dramatic for Mai. She was impressed by the food, available entertainment, and even enjoyed the vast sights of the world passing beneath them. The sleep was mediocre, but better than nothing.

When they landed, she hadn't expected the warmth, but then again spring could be surprising when it felt like it. Speaking of unexpected. Naru's parents met them after they made it through security. Mai was hoping she'd at least be able to make herself look more presentable to her boyfriend's mother than stained skinny jeans (courtesy of turbulence) and a wrinkly sweater.

So much for first impressions.

"Noll ! Lin ! Mai! Over here !" Luella called excited waving.

A rocket of blonde and grey hair captured Noll in a hug before kissing his cheeks. Mai was surprised that he didn't protest even in the slightest. He was clearly expecting the treatment since his expression barely budged. Lin and Noll exchanged their greetings while Mai took a step backward, not wanting to intrude on the intimate family moment.

"Mai! It's a pleasure to meet you." Martin called waving her in for a hug and Mai blushed immediately. She bowed to their greeting party only to remember that no one did that in England. She rose quickly, failing to hide her embarrassment.

"Oh goodness, I'm sorry. This is England. Hello Dr. and Dr. Davis. Thank you so much for allowing me to come here. I promise to be diligent and not waste your investment." Mai fumbled out in English feeling completely out of sorts.

"Noll! She is adorable. Mai come here!" Luella squealed and pulled the brunette in for a tight embrace. Martin patted her head affectionately and chuckled.

"Mai. Although this is a business trip, it is also your business. You are not in service of SPR. Business means an equal exchange for both parties. Being gracious is fine, but being overly humble and down trodden is not. That is how the wolves get you." Martin responded as if he took every opportunity to give fatherly advice.

"As if Noll would let that happen." Lin stated and smirked. This statement brought stars into Luella's eyes as she looked between her son and his petite assistant. Noll kept his face blank, not wanting to give his mother an inch before he was ready. Mai however went full tomato ousting the both of them.

"Thank you, Dr. Davis." Mai nodded studiously and Martin waved his hand.

"Please call me Martin." He said giving a charming smile.

Now this Noll wouldn't stand for.

"Mother. Father. Mai is tired and peckish from her travel. Is the car ready ?" He implored willing them to move away from their conversational stagnancy.

"Of course. I've already sent for your bags. Please follow us." Luella cooed. Just outside of baggage claim was a luxury van Mai only imagined doing casino transport. Mai's sat in the middle and her eyes were glued to the passing scenery. She'd barely even taken stock in the fact that Naru was sitting next to her or the conversations happening in the vehicle.

'Mom, I'm in England.' Mai couldn't help thinking as more and more lush green landscapes invaded her vision.

Noll was doing his best to stay engaged with the conversation with his father but from time to time he let his eyes check in on Mai. Vehicular travel could be a bit touch and go with a three out of ten chance of a negative reaction. However, whenever he'd check, she was absorbing everything new and different around her.

Just as he tuned back to his father, he caught a knowing smile from his mother.

'She knows.' He surmised.

He and Mai hadn't told anyone else about their budding relationship, even though he was sure the other members of SPR Japan suspected it. He was hoping to keep their less than appropriate connection under wraps. Especially in the shark invested waters of SPR headquarters.

Naru didn't plan to keep it from his parents, but part of him wondered how long he could keep up the façade.

'Clearly five minutes is all the two of us could manage.' Noll sighed resigning himself to the interrogation that was bound to happen as soon as they reached home.

Home

That was a word that seldom crossed his mind, and rarely left his lips.

There would always be a part of Naru that would associate their house in England with the loss of his brother. The rooms, the halls, the wood work itself felt different without the sounds of Eugene Davis sailing through. There was a mourning about the place now that had forced him to launch himself into his work every time he was home. He secretly wondered if Mai would be able to sense it. His father continued to chat about his latest interest in energy transfer, but Noll wasn't very engaged.

Soon the ornate and large brick structure came into view. Vines still clinging from the year before we're beginning to sprout again along the walls. Romantic gates and gardens encompassed the entire property with a fountain to greet them by the front doors. Mai was in awe, but somehow unsurprised the famous Oliver Davis grew up in this fairy tale home.

"Oh..my goodness. Your house is beautiful." Mai gaped, unable to contain her amazement.

"Mai, don't dawdle by the front or we'll leave you behind." Naru quipped not waiting for her before entering the house. His mother struck him lightly on the arm and narrowed her eyes.

"Don't mind him Mai, my dear. It's rare for us to have such a sunny day here. Please enjoy the sights and join us when you're ready." Luella responded over her son's sharp tone. As much as Mai wanted to sit in the grass and soak in the beauty of the landscape, she didn't want to be a rude guest. She followed the rest inside dutifully when she realized that her bags were nowhere to be seen.

"Umm… has anyone seen my bag? Was it left in the car?" Mai twirled around herself like a confused puppy.

"One of the staff has already brought it up to your room, I assume." Martin chimed and Mai's eyebrows raised.

'Staff? There are maids and butlers here? Now, I didn't want to stereotype, but this couldn't be more like the quintessential English novel.' Mai nodded dumbly.

"Mai, you're in a different time zone and it will take time for your body to adjust. The best thing is to mirror the actions you'd take at this time in Japan. The jetlag should wear off in a few days. Dinner should be ready in about two hours so take some time to relax and freshen up." Naru explained. Mai looked around and was startled to catch the eyes of a few of the staff buzzing about.

Mai felt her palms sweating a bit. Being left around strangers was one of her triggers now, but she didn't want to embarrass herself. She wanted to reach out for him and ask him to come with her.

'I won't be selfish. His family clearly missed him. I need to tough it out and give him space to be with them.' Mai smiled and nodded. She hoped that he couldn't see the panic in her eyes.

"Yes, please go and relax. We'll call you for dinner. Daniel, can you show Mai where she'll be staying during her stay?" Martin piped up as a young male servant came over with a smile.

"Father, Daniel. That won't be necessary. Mai doesn't feel comfortable around people, especially men, that she doesn't know. I will take her to her room." Noll piped up surprising both his parents.

Lin stood back, not even trying to hide his smirk.

"No Naru, it's fine please. I don't want to be a difficult guest. You need to spend time with your parents." Mai protested, but two blue eyes narrowed in annoyance.

He saw right through her.

"Mother, Father. Let the staff know that Mai does not like to be alone in places with strangers. If you must send staff to attend to her, they must be female and friendly. She does not like to the dark and finds difficulty with small spaces and in car rides. Mai is stubborn and stupid. Do not let her pretend that she is fine when you can see that she is uncomfortable. It is difficult to keep her out of trouble, so keep an eye out for her." Naru announced loud and clearly. The more he spoke the more Mai's face shone completely red.

She was a flattered and embarrassed mess.

Mai was going to kill him.

"N-Naru, what the heck is your problem telling everyone my business! I'm trying to be a polite guest and you're telling the whole house about my mental issues. Stop it is embarrassing. Ugh… I could just strangle you sometimes !" Mai berated in Japanese.

"Mai. We are in England now. You'd better get used to English frankness and put away that polite Japanese demeanor." Naru scoffed and started walking. Mai bowed to everyone who witnessed the scene in the hallway before stomping off behind her boss.

"Well, that was certainly out of character for our son." Martin stated as he and his wife shared a look.

"On the contrary professor. As I'm sure Madoka can attest to, that is a typical interaction between Ms. Taniyama and Noll. Actually, rather tame in comparison to some of their usual spats." Lin reported with a knowing smile.

"Oh Koujo! Don't tease me. Does he love her? I could feel something going on between them in the car! He sat next to her and kept looking over at her with this dreamy look in his eyes. When will he propose ?! Oh, I have to call the tailor. I have to call Madoka! " Luella spiraled shrieking in delight.

"It's not my place to say." Lin stated as he retreated to his usual room.

"Luella, darling. Please don't do anything rash. is here on a business trip." Martin called after his wife hoping she hadn't fallen victim to her fantasies. The female doctor twirled off into her office.

The interior of the home was even more breathtaking than the outside. The old English furniture, ornate paintings, vases, sculptures, and not to mention the library they'd passed a few moments ago. Mai secretly hoped she wouldn't get lost through the number of corridors they'd navigated without passing a single word between them.

"Naru, I did mean what I said you know. I don't want to be a burden to you while I'm here. You can't possibly follow me around your house and the labs of SPR. I know you have things you have to take care of while you're here too. Not to mention I can tell your parents really miss you. You should be with them right now." Mai reiterated hoping that he'd take her more seriously this time around.

"Mai. I thought we already had this conversation. When you think you have to do everything on your own it only makes a bigger catastrophe. Besides, I have vested interest in how each of your tests pan out." Naru stated coolly, but didn't settle the guilt in her stomach.

They eventually came upon a room that stood slightly ajar.

Inside her bags were waiting beside the bed. To Mai's keener surprise her things had already been hung up and folded into the closet and drawers.

'How the heck...? We've only just arrived here. How did someone even have time to do this?' Mai pondered and felt a bit flush imagining who placed her undergarment away so neatly.

The room was a beautiful mix of a warm ocean teal and shining gold. Three large bay windows stood over the gardens and extended out into the vast English countryside. Mai's eyes caught woodland creatures prancing to and fro making the scene a perfect tableau.

Mai hadn't ever been to a place so beautiful, not even in her dreams.

She could feel her boyfriend lingering. Mai was positive he was taking in her impression of all the newness thrown her way.

"I also don't think it's appropriate that we share a bed while we're here. I don't want to make a bad impression." Mai spoke softly her eyes still taking in the scenery. She didn't need to feel his aura to know he was standing very closely behind her.

"Are you sure ? You're in unfamiliar surroundings. I can be very discreet if that's what you'd like." Naru whispered behind her and she could feel the warmth of his breath tickling the back of her neck.

Gods. She wanted to deny it, but she wanted him around nearly as much as he insisted to be.

However, her therapist had warned her about developing codependent behaviors. Mai wanted to try to see how much she could handle on her own. England didn't feel scary to her, at least not yet. It felt like the clean slate she needed to start over.

England felt like her spring.

"Yes, I'm sure. I don't want to go into this like some scared and abused puppy dog. Besides, I don't want to be underestimated by your colleagues and besmirch your holy reputation Dr. Davis." Mai turned around with her arms crossed matching the challenge in his eyes.

"Well then, I'll be retiring to my room. Turn your phone on and tell the others you've arrived safely. I'll come by in two hours to bring you to dinner." Naru said as he analyzed her face for any signs of hesitation.

Mai remained steadfast and definite.

"Hmm." Was his only retort before he exited the room and opened the door directly across the hall.

"W-wait. Your room is across the hallway?" Mai squinted suspiciously. Noll only gave her his signature smirk before closing the door behind himself.

***Three days in the future***

He'd never had much appreciation for the press.

Kasai was very aware of the bias double speak journalists and reporters would pump into the ears of anyone within hearing range. The audience, lazy and receptive, would align their sheep brains with whatever sentiment the story was pushing through the air waves. Very few questioned the sources, the origins, and the motives behind each story.

Public opinion became a puppet show with the wealthy and influential pulling the strings.

If he actually cared about the common folk he surrounded himself with every day; he might actually want to save them. Help them to see all that was extremely clear to him.

But, he had to admit to himself, that being a puppeteer was way too much fun.

He was working as a simple janitor for the moment for a rather large cleaning firm. Each day of the week they'd be assigned to a different location to clean top to bottom. Then they'd been driving back to the main facility to retrieve their belongings from their lockers and use any of their facilities to wash up.

Today however, someone left an interesting piece of media propaganda in the form of a gossip rag on the bench near Kasai's locker.

Then the familiar visage caught his keen eyes.

See page A9 for the full story

Kidnapping and attempted murder survivor flees the country in the middle of one of the biggest trials in the history of Japan. Sources confirm the victim has been given the green light by the prosecution team. However, those following the story are surprised that victim didn't want to be present for the initial stages and arraignment on the case. Others sympathize with Taniyama, understanding the daunting prospect of facing the attacker. Even in the safety of the courtroom, the gruesome allegations made some spectators leave the trial room all together.

Below our team of photographers captured Taniyama just before her flight left Narita International Airport.

Who knew trashy magazines could actually have such interesting information?

The pixelated image sported the tired brunette in front of a flight gate. She stood in front of a glass window with a large British Airways plane on the other side.

'Hmm… she's in Europe. I'm in Europe. It's almost feels like fate is tempting me like a puppet. But I say when and I say where. Sweet sweet temptation.' Kasai moaned and looked around the locker room to see if he was spotted.

He slid the magazine into his backpack and left his shift.

Mai could feel the warm sun on her skin and feel the wind through her hair. Her breaths were short and rushed as she ran straight for the two large pear trees toward the back of the gardens. The closer she got she could smell the sweet scent of the fermented fruits that had fallen from the branches overhead.

Wasps and ants devoured the leftover pieces and Gene danced around the feasting creatures. He didn't have time to study them anyway.

Today he was on a mission.

He'd surveyed all the trees on the whole property and he decided this was where he wanted to build his fort. They didn't have many fruit trees, but the others had bees' nests. Gene figured if he was going to be spending a lot of time in a tree, it might as well grow food.

So, he set himself to climbing. Branch by branch he tugged himself up until he could see the entire vast landscape.

"Whoa, I bet I can see London from here." Eugene speculated out loud. He pushed himself to stand to get a better look when a sudden cracking noise screeched from beneath him.

His eyes widened and before he could process what was happening, he was falling.

When he hit the ground, the wind was knocked out of his lungs. He could feel various scrapes and scratches burning all over his limbs. He tried to brace his fall onto his right hand, but it made a bad noise when he hit the ground.

Gene tried to get up but the pain in his limbs was too great. It was hard to catch his breath.

'Oh no. I didn't tell anyone I was leaving the house. Or where I was going to be. I need help but how will anyone find me?' Gene tried to think rationally, but he couldn't tamp down the panic that bubbled to the surface as he started to cry.

He was hurt.

And scared.

And alone.

There was no one he wanted to see more than his brother.

'Noll. I fell out of the pear tree and I think I broke my arm. Help me, please.' Gene thought to himself feeling helpless and desperate. Just before he was going to attempt to get up a second time, he heard him.

'Stay put you idiot. I'm coming to get you.' Noll spoke into his mind.

He could have cried with relief, but he wasn't sure if he'd imagined hearing his brother.

He'd have to wait and see.

'Okay, hurry brother.' He thought back with the same desperation.

He would wait for him. He wasn't sure how he knew it, but he was sure Oliver was coming to help him. In that moment he felt so happy and lucky to have a brother.

He was happy he wasn't alone.

Mai woke to a light knocking at the door.

It took Mai a moment to process why her surroundings were so unfamiliar.

Oh right, she was supposed to get ready for dinner, but she took a nap instead.

'Typical, I guess I'm more tired than I realized.' Mai surmised rising from her position on top of the sheets. The door opened to reveal someone she wasn't expecting.

"Hello dear. I'm sorry to wake you, but dinner will be served soon." Luella spoke softly letting herself in. Mai immediately felt flushed that Naru's mother was seeing her in such a disheveled state…again.

"Oh, please don't worry Dr. Davis. I shouldn't be sleeping yet anyway. Your son is probably going to give me a circadian rhythm lecture now." Mai sighed straightening herself out as best she could.

"That does sound like something he would do. There is a bathroom attached to this room in the corner if you require any facilities. And please, call me Luella. Only my patients call me Dr. Davis." Luella shared and Mai observed only just realizing the large room had yet more features.

Suddenly, Mai noticed an awkward beat passed while Luella still stood in the room.

"Is something wrong?" Mai asked before she could understand why the words even left her mouth.

"Yes, well, no. That is…well yes I suppose." Luella started to explain and Mai waited patiently for the woman to formulate her thoughts.

"Feel free to speak your mind, Luella. I'm not as fragile as your son makes me sound." Mai urged. It didn't take a psychic to understand there was a topic she wanted to breach.

"Well Mai. I don't get to see my son as much as I'd like to. So, to help with that Madoka and Lin send me news on how he's doing while he's overseas in Japan. Some of the report give small details on the team he works with, but not much. I couldn't help, but to notice a certain closeness that you and my son shared today. I got nosy and asked Madoka to tell me about you." Luella stopped and took a moment to gauge the reactions of the young psychic.

Mai stood stock still. Like a frigid animal waiting for an impact.

Luella felt her stomach tie in a knot.

"She of course had nothing but kind things to say, but mention that you may need access to mental health services while in England. I am a clinical psychologist myself, so please don't hesitate to ask for any medical needs you may require. I have my own practice so you can go for a session, free of charge, if you need it. I'm not used to my son being so protective, but I will follow his example to make sure your stay here is a comfortable one." Luella finished hoping she didn't overstep her boundaries.

Naturally, Luella had spent the last two hours in a Taniyama rabbit hole, and found more bad news attached to the small girl than good. However, she was a psychologist. She didn't want to make her guest uncomfortable with her meddlesome habits and investment in her son's marital future.

"Wow… thank you Luella for such a generous extension of resources. Truthfully, it makes me bashful to be on the receiving end of such offers, especially when I'm not sure how I could ever pay you back. Thank you for allowing me to be a guest in your home during my stay." Mai bowed out of habit and blushed.

"Anytime my dear. You are a welcome addition. Being surrounded by all this testosterone can be suffocating to a lady like me. Now, I'll give you space to freshen up and I'll tell Noll to bring you down shortly." Luella waved and exited the room.

Her son was waiting in the hall with his arms crossed, one raised eyebrow.

"Mother." Naru started.

"Yes, my dear son." She chirped innocently.

"How much of Mai's record did you dig into?" He pressed already knowing she knew most of it.

"Oh, don't be cross. You seemed to like her and you have never liked a girl ever! So-" Noll covered her mouth and pulled his mother gently into his bedroom before closing the door.

"Mother. I know the details of Mai's life are not all picturesque, but do not give her the impression that you know these things about her. She will become self-conscious and insufferable. " Noll scolded and his mother at least had the decency to feign ignorance.

"Whatever do you mean. I only asked Madoka." Luella preserved.

"Right, the usual coconspirator in your inquisitiveness." Noll droned.

"And she had nothing but nice things to say. Just that she was having some mental health issues at the moment. You know my life's work is to remove the stigma on discussing mental health." Luella explained.

"Right, which is all well and good. However, I don't want you to go looking for people who aren't looking to be rescued. Do not smother her." Noll reprimanded her to which she gasped.

"I've never had such a cute young lady as a guest before. I can spoil and pamper her if I wish too young man. And do not return to your study after dinner. You and I need to have a conversation about how to treat women you are courting." Luella served as she stalked out of the room.

He didn't bother wasting his breath incriminating himself.

I'm back :)