Once Narumi climbed off the couch I sat up, straightening my shirt as a way to distract myself from Gouto's stare and Raidou's smile that he tried to hide under the brim of his hat.
"So there you two are. Got lost did you?" Narumi teased, not even looking remotely guilty at being caught in the act of making out with me.
"Of course not, Narumi." Gouto muttered and I snorted pulling my leg up onto the couch in order to rest it. "It was a little rude to leave us behind, Jean."
"So was upsetting me after what Haruki did to me. Or did you forget while you were busy scolding me?" I replied, grinning when Gouto narrowed his eyes. Shaking his head he raced over to Narumi's desk, leaping up onto it. "Narumi, could you please make me a coffee?"
"Coming up, Jean. Anyone else like one?" Narumi asked and Raidou shook his head, standing near the door. I looked towards the kitchen as Narumi headed off to make us both a coffee.
"You two are hopeless. I thought after spending a few months apart you would find someone else." Gouto commented and I shook my head, busying myself with checking the bandages keeping my wound clean.
"Look I'm sorry I snapped at you but you had no business talking down to me like that. Since Haruki punched me in the face I can't open my left eye in case you hadn't noticed." I told them and Raidou walked towards the couch, kneeling in front of me. "Anyway I can make my own decisions about who I date without your imput, Gouto."
"I did see Haruki strike you but I didn't think he did this much damage." Raidou replied and I just shrugged as he straightened. We both looked up, me with a tiny smile as Narumi reappeared holding two steaming cups.
"Thanks, Narumi." I said as he handed one to me and he gave me a quick nod and a smile that lit up his face. "Despite still being a little frustrated at being scolded I apologize for leaving you and Raidou back in Dark Ginza-Cho." I told the cat who gave me a slight nod before he curled up on the desk, much to Narumi's irritation.
Setting himself down on his desk chair, Narumi took a sip of his own coffee. "So what do we have so far? Another summoner?" He asked once Raidou filled him in on the battle with Haruki. "Figures we'd run into trouble. I guess the last few months of peace wouldn't last." He added with a wince.
"At least we have a name to go with that face. Too bad my leg and eye are making me sit this out." I complained and Narumi gave me a sympathetic look. "Can't be helped I guess. Though even if I can't fight I can still be helpful."
"Since you'll be doing a lot of sitting around, until your wounds heal of course, I have an idea." Narumi said and I groaned as he headed towards the shelves where all of his case files were kept. "Before you complain I don't mean the case files." He added, fixing me with a smirk and I breathed out as he reached up to reach another box. When he returned I saw a small leather bound book sitting in his hand and I stared at him then it.
"What is that?" I asked, noting the strange writing on the cover. "It kind of reminds me of Raidou but I don't know why." Taking a seat beside me on the couch, Narumi set the book down between us with a grin and I stared at him.
"It's from my village, Jean. If you really want to be a summoner I suggest you check it out." Gouto explained as he leapt down from the desk. "Raidou, we should fill the Herald in on our current situation. Also it might have to ask around about our summoner. Maybe someone knows who he is." He said and I gave Raidou a nod before the summoner headed for the front door.
Apparently it's been in Raidou's family for generations." Narumi explained as I peered at the cover. "It's like a manual for devil summoners. That's what Raidou told me anyway when I asked."
"That's helpful." I said, carefully opening the cover to find several sketches inside. I grinned again when I reconized a sketch of Fenrir though I almost immediately frowned when I saw one of Cerberus. "Guess it wasn't his fault. He was trained by a pretty nasty summoner." I muttered to myself as I turned another page. I found more sketches that showed other demons, some I'd seen and some I hadn't met yet.
Though the book was written in a language I wasn't familar with I didn't mind since the tome had detail sketches of many demons including a symbol on each and after further reading I discovered it must have something to do with their classes. I knew that was right after I found a flame sketched next to Fenrir and another sketch that looked like the ice demon Haruki had summoned with an ice symbol beside it.
"Interesting huh?" Narumi asked but I didn't even hear him and he rolled his eyes at me, watching with a smirk while I flicked through the book, taking care not to bend any of the pages.
If I did Raidou would never forgive me. Plus Gouto would scold me forever it I left even a fingernail mark.
"Wonder what demon that is?" I muttered, looking down at a young woman. "I thnk I've seen her somewhere before. Looks kind of like Lilim."
Narumi a little curious peeked over my shoulder and when I heard a low whistle I turned my head to stare at him. "You do realize she's a demon?" I pointed out and he gave me a tiny smile so I snorted at him. "Besides that's Lilim. She might look sweet but I would be careful if I were you...not that you can see demons anyway." I told him, trying to ignore how close he was sitting.
"I leave the demons to Raidou. Unlike you I can't see them." Narumi answered and I shrugged, returning my attention to the tome. While I flicked through the book Narumi leant over again though his attention was on me this time instead of the tome. Preoccupied I started to forget he was there until I felt his hands on my shoulders and I turned my head enough to look him in the face.
"Now what are you doing?" I asked but Narumi didn't hear or maybe he was just ignoring me when he started to rub my shoulders. "Narumi?"
"Don't look so worried, Jean. I'm just giving you a back rub, nothing else." Narumi explained and after a few more seconds I sighed, turning my attention back to the tome in front of me. For the next few minutes I focused all of my attention on Raidou's book so Narumi continued his backrub and pretty soon I sighed, actually enjoying it. "See? You need to loosen up a little." He told me and I had to admit, secretly of course, that his hands felt kind of nice. Even when they moved a little further down I didn't worry too busy checking the book to even notice where his hands were wandering.
Until I gave a little yelp, my head turning to glare at him and he chuckled. "You were so absorbed in Raidou's book I think you forgot I was here." Narumi teased, his hands perfectly still.
"I was until you started groping my rear." I pointed out and he chuckled, giving my cheeks a quick squeeze that made me gasp.
"That's groping your rear, Jean." Narumi said and I snorted again, returning my attention back to the book. "Aren't you going to say anything?" He asked and I shrugged, flicking over the next page. Slightly dumbfounded, Narumi didn't react until I sighed and without turning my head I spoke.
"What can I say except for 'stop groping my rear?'" I muttered, hoping he couldn't see the slight flush of my cheeks. Shaking his head in amusement and a little impressed to boot, Narumi gave my backside another slightly harder squeeze.
I shrugged it off too busy studying what I decided to call the summoner's manual to pay him the slightest attention. Narumi chuckled when I smiled at the book, eyes focused on the page in front of me which gave the detective an idea. Absorbed in the book I still noticed the second Narumi's hands released me and I couldn't help letting out a breath thinking he'd given up on distracting me. Narumi, however had other ideas and I let out a girly shriek when he pulled me into his lap. The book slipped and I cringed when it smacked into the floor.
"Narumi!" I snapped and he burst out laughing at me, not even fazed that I might have damaged the ancient tome. Leaning over as far as I could, or at least as far as Narumi's grip would allow me to, I breathed a sigh of relief when I noticed the book was undamaged. "Raidou not to mention Gouto would have had my head if I'd damaged their book." I told Narumi who smirked at me.
"You're cute when you're angry." Narumi answered and I lowered my eyebrows at him, noting that his grip had tightened while I had been distracted by the tome.
"I'm not...are you sure?" I asked and he slowly nodded. "Alright since you won't let me study in peace what do you have in mind?"
Still smiling, Narumi leant in even closer. We had barely even begun kissing when there was a cough and Narumi's lips left mine, both of us looking towards the owner of the cough with twin sour expressions.
"Am I interrupting something?" Tae asked and I gave a growl that sounded so much like Fenrir that it sent a jolt down my spine. "Once again I did knock but you two seem to be busy."
"Of course we were." Narumi grumbled and I'm not proud to admit that I sulked just a tiny bit when Narumi's arms slipped from around my waist. Climbing from the couch, Narumi adjusted his tie. "Now what did you need?"
"That's a little rude, Narumi." Tae scolded as Narumi knelt, handing me the book before he walked over to the desk. "I came all this way to give you some info too."
"Okay, what's the info?" Narumi asked with a sigh, sinking into his leather chair.
"I heard a rumor that there's a man going around causing chaos in the Capital. By the name of Haruki...something." Tae explained and I rose from the couch so fast I almost ran into the table.
"Haruki Rokurou? You found him?" I stammered, facing Tae. "Please where is he?"
Tae stared at me, looking a little alarmed and I took a deep breath to calm myself. Narumi was about to rise from his chair and I turned around, giving him a head shake.
"Sorry, Jean but all I've been able to gather was that he's been sighted around the Capital, mostly around Tsukudo-Cho. Why, do you know something I don't know?" Tae explained and I chewed my lip, watching with the slightest smile when she produced a notebook and a pencil from her pocket.
"Since you gave us some information I guess it's only fair to return the favor. What we know so far is that he's a summoner and a powerful one at that. I've already had the bad luck of running into him twice and I've paid for that both times." I explained when Tae stared at my black eye.
"I wasn't going to say anything but what happened to you?" Tae asked and I coughed, resisting the urge to scratch at my eye when it started itching.
"Second run in with that summoner. Smacked me right in the eye and now it hurts to open it. Narumi gave me some ice for it so it should be better soon." I said and she nodded, her eyes moving to Narumi briefly before she looked back at me. "Yeah it looks pretty bad I know." I admitted and Tae nodded, writing something in her notebook.
"I can't believe he'd strike a lady like that. What a jerk." Tae scolded and at his desk Narumi sniggered. "I don't see you protecting her, Narumi." She added and I stifled a giggle at the face he pulled at Tae while she had her attention focused on her notebook.
"I doubt he really cares who he hurts, Tae. Besides Jean and Raidou gave him a good run for his money before he disappeared again. I just hope Raidou finds him without too much trouble." Narumi said, leaning over to open the desk drawer. Taking out a cigarette he lit it and after blowing a smoke ring he settled back into his favourite chair. "Also I wasn't there when Raidou and Jean went looking for Haruki."
"He's right, Tae. Anyway he's been looking after me since I arrived back in Tsukudo-Cho." I told her and at his desk Narumi gave me a grateful smile. "I came across that summoner not long after I arrived back and he...used a spell on me. If it wasn't for him I would have..." I trailed off, swallowing before I could finish. "Never mind. So thanks for the info."
"No problem but are you sure you're alright? You look a little flushed." Tae answered, putting away her notebook and I just shrugged at her not wanting to reveal anything more. But, Tae being Tae, spoke again. "We're friends aren't we?"
"If you really want to know the details I'll tell you." I answered and Narumi watched on, a little worried when I clenched and unclenched my fists. "I tried to take a knife to my face." I admitted and Tae stared at me, eyes wide in alarm. Without sparing them another glance I headed towards the bathroom, wiping my one good eye.
"I didn't know. Is that true, Narumi?" Tae asked, sipping at the coffee Narumi had made for her and after a glance at the open doorway he nodded. "I didn't mean to upset her."
"Don't worry about it, Tae. I was as shocked as you. The fact is that summoner has a power Raidou's never seen before and it messed with Jean's mind. Long story short she's...better now but it's not a permanent solution so we need to find that summoner as soon as possible." Narumi told her as Tae swallowed her coffee.
"I hope Jean's not too steamed at me." Tae joked though Narumi could see her frowning at the doorway. "Hey I have an idea. If I publish an article about this Haruki fellow maybe someone'll come forward and we'll find him quicker." She suggested and Narumi brightened, nodding. "Great. Thanks for the coffee but I'd better get back. I'll let you know if anything comes up." Tae added, finishing her cup before she handed it back to Narumi. Giving him a wave she left and Narumi finally sighed, looking towards the doorway.
Finishing his own coffee he set it down on the desk before he headed after Jean. Right now I was standing in front of the bathroom's mirror, staring at my black eye with a frown.
Trust me to end up with a black eye and I haven't even been here a week too. Stupid Haruki. Like I needed this after he screwed up my mind.
"Jean, are you in there?" Narumi called, lightly knocking on the door when I didn't answer right away. I looked up at the ceiling with one opened eye, glaring at it as best I could before I replied.
"Of course, Narumi." I snapped and the door slowly opened to reveal a curly-haired detective with a sheepish look on his face. Seeing that I chewed my lip. "I'm being a jerk again aren't I?" I muttered but Narumi surprised me but shaking his head.
"I was there when you tried to...well, injury yourself so I kind of know what you're going through." Narumi started and I opened my mouth, about to interrupt until he held up a hand. "I'm not going to ask where you got the knife from but I want you to know that sometimes even the best of us make mistakes."
"I know that, Narumi!" I shouted and he cringed, still standing in the doorway. "Can we just drop it and talk about something else? Anything else?" I begged and Narumi chuckled, fiddling with a strand of his hair.
"I have an idea." Narumi replied and I frowned, a little unsure but soon I found myself outside the building. I took a deep breath, breahing in the cool air and Narumi chuckled beside me. "I thought you could use a break."
"Great idea. It's nice to be outside without being in constant danger. I don't know how Raidou does this everyday." I answered, brushing a stray strand of my hair away from my eyes. "Makes me glad that the Capital's not relying on me to defend it."
"Makes me glad I'm not a summoner." Narumi put in and I giggled, slipping a summoning tube from my jacket pocket. "What are you doing?" He asked, eyebrow raised and I just grinned at him. Whispering I held the tube out and in a flash of light Fenrir appeared, moving to my side with a low growl. Smiling I knelt in front of him.
"I missed you, Jean." He growled and I nodded, giving his head a scratch. "I am sorry I did not protect you better." He muttered and I gave him a tiny smile, rubbing the fur around his neck.
"I'm supposed to be the summoner and you did a great job. I just need a little more practice and we'll be fine." I told him and he nodded at me, Narumi just staring at the blank space in front of him. "Narumi suggested we go for a walk and I agreed. I don't think anything will happen but could you keep an eye out for us just in case?" I asked and he growled softly, nuzzling my leg before he walked in front of us.
"Talking to your demon again?" Narumi asked and I straighted, wincing at the ache in my leg before I nodded. "So are you ready to go for a walk?"
"Of course." I answered Narumi, entwining my fingers through his hand and he blinked at me. "Lead the way, detective." I giggled and he sighed though I noticed as we set out on our walk he didn't release my hand.
We spent the next half an hour wandering Tsukudo-Cho but when I began to fidget Narumi stopped. "Jean, are you feeling okay? You look a little pale." Narumi asked and I looked at him, Fenrir gazing up at me too.
"Just...feeling a little uncomfortable. The last few times I was wandering around here something bad happened. I know it sounds silly but can we go somewhere else?" I asked him and Narumi gave me a tiny smile, giving my hand a quick squeeze at the same time. Even Fenrir growled, liking that idea and after Narumi lead me to a streetcar I breathed out feeling a tiny bit better.
"Narumi, can I ask you a question?" I said a few minutes after we boarded the streetcar, taking a seat at the back. His attention on the view outside Narumi turned to me, startled when I raised an eyebrow at him. "You were looking out the window again weren't you? Is something wrong?"
"I was just checking where we are." Narumi answered but I didn't believe him and it must have shown in my face because he tilted his head to one side, the look oddly attractive. "Alright fine, dollface. I was watching in case that summoner's following us." He admitted and I groaned, taking my hand away from his before I stared out the window too.
"Great now that gives me something else to worry about. Thanks a lot, Narumi." I groaned as I turned my attention back to Narumi who scratched the side of his head looking a tiny bit guilty. "Look as soon as we get to the next stop we should diembark. Fenrir can keep watch and also act as backup. I just wish I had a healer." I told him and Narumi nodded, now looking confused.
Getting off the streetcar I followed Narumi who looked around for a moment to get his barings. "We're in the middle of Ginza-Cho so we should be safe." Narumi told me and I gave him a long look. "Hey lighten up, dollface. We're perfectly...safe?" He muttered as we both felt a strange sensation and I found myself unable to move.
"Ugh...something's taking us into the Dark Realm! Darn it I knew something bad was going to happen!" I growled, silently grateful that I had already released Fenrir but my demon could barely move himself and I grit my teeth.
"Should have kept...my big mouth shut." Narumi growled mostly to himself before darkness swirled around us, dragging us into the Dark Realm.
Time passed and I groaned, opening my eyes to find myself lying on the cold ground. After a struggle I managed to sit up, shaking my head to clear it. "Narumi?" I whispered and he echoed my groan, his eyes fluttering open.
"Dark...Realm, huh?" He asked, sitting up beside me rubbing at the bridge of his nose as I staggeered to my feet. He took my offered hand and once I helped him up he shook his own head, slowly looking around. "Nice." He muttered and I snorted, staring when Fenrir leapt to his side. Not used to seeing Fenrir he jumped and I let out a giggle when he tripped, falling with a loud smack on the ground.
"You are a funny detective." Fenrir growled, nuzzling Narumi who just looked at the wolf demon with both eyebrows raised in surprise.
"More like a defective detective." I responded and that had me laughing despite us being dragged into Dark Ginza-Cho. Though my laughter subsided when we both heard a giggle and I froze, glancing around while Narumi climbed to his feet.
"That wasn't funny, Jean." He complained but I didn't hear him, too busy looking around us for the owner of the laughter. "Jean, did you hear something?"
"Someone's watching us." I whispered and Narumi listened carefully before we all hear the giggle again. This time it seemed to be getting closer and I reached for my summoning tubes until the giggle stopped, replaced by a voice.
"Awww. I just want to play with you." A young girl's voice complained and I searched the area, Fenrir sniffing the air to find her. But she just giggled again and I sighed, my fingers moving from the tubes to the gun hidden in my pocket. Seeing the revolver Narumi raised an eyebrow at me and I looked straight at him.
"It's only if I need it. Can you honestly blame me though?" I asked him and he nodded, scratching his cheek. Distracted he didn't notice but I did and Fenrir growled as something appeared behind my friend. "What demon is that?" I whispered, instantly alert as a demon floated near Narumi's left shoulder a thin smile on her lips.
"Wh...what's behind me?" Narumi stammered, unable or maybe just unwilling to turn his head. At his shoulder the female demon giggle, laying a petite hand on his shoulder.
"Hi there." She laughed and when I raised my revolver she pouted, sticking her tongue out. "Aww I just wanted someone to play with but you're being mean. Maybe I can play with your friend instead."
"Hey don't you hurt him or I'll..." I started and she shrugged, raising a hand and I blinked as a pink light enveloped Narumi. He jerked, his eyes widening though as I'm staring at him unsure his eyes are closing. "What did you do to him, Lilim?" I finally asked but she just smiled at me and with that same smile she waved her hand. It takes a few seconds but then we've returned to Ginza-Cho and I'm relieved if it wasn't for the strange smile and the red cheeks that Narumi's sporting now.
Completely at a loss I just keep staring at him until he headed my way and I can't help smiling back at him, somewhat relieved that Lilim hadn't actually harmed him. But then he pushed me backwards and with a yelp I'm pushed not too gently into the phone booth behind us. Fenrir growled low in his throat, wanting to defend me but also confused as he looked from me to Narumi and back.
By that time Narumi's lips are pinning my own and I find myself fumbling for the door, pulling it open as fast as humanly possible before I yank Narumi inside the door slamming it shut behind a very confused and slightly frightened demon.
Several minutes pass and then the door opened, Fenrir whining softly as Narumi exited the phone booth first hurriedly adjusting his shirt, doing up the first three buttons before he adjusted his tie so it's straight. I followed behind the detective and Fenrir growled at me, eyes narrowed as I quickly try to button up my shirt. Discovering that it's missing the top two buttons I zip my jacket to hide my now damaged shirt, my cheeks a faint red along with the visible red mark on the right side of my neck.
"That was...unexpected." Narumi commented, fixing his derby and I sigh to myself when he doesn't even blush at how close we were a few minutes ago. "At least she didn't harm us." He added and I nearly giggled when I see the faint mark at the base of his throat.
"Be grateful for small mercies I guess." I added with a tiny smile. "Sorry about that, Fenrir but at least Lilim was in a playful mood."