Last time: Ishikawa-san was taken from the room. Thanks to his rough treatment, Ayako kicked everyone out so she could treat Mai's reopened wounds. Lin found out he shares a soul bond with Aria and tried to comfort her. Their exchange was seen by Madoka who was not happy at how close they seemed.

A/N: Sorry this chapter is a few days late, guys. This was supposed to be a third consecutive week of posting, but I went on vacation and couldn't keep up with editing to make the chapter come out on time because of all the distractions. We are planning on staying on our usual schedule for the rest of Coming Back to Life. We hope you enjoyed the extra chapter last week! We'll see you again on the 24th. - Koujinbutsu


Coming Back to Life - Part 3: Going Home

Mai's hospital room…

When he saw his mentor and friend return, Naru relaxed minutely. Taking a deep breath, he announced, "Now that everyone is here, I have something to discuss with you all, but I would like everyone to hold off commenting or asking any questions until I'm finished speaking."

Naru made eye contact with each of his chosen team members, all the while holding onto Mai's hand as though it were his only lifeline, before starting, "I came to Japan with a single purpose in mind: To find my brother." Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his parents grasp each other's hands and exchange a look of sorrow, but he continued on. "Originally, he came to Japan to take part in a seance, but after it was done, he decided to go sight-seeing. However, sometime before he could come home, he was murdered. When I saw what had happened to him, I decided to find his body so we could have a proper burial for him, so I came to Japan and took on an assumed name." Naru paused to look into Mai's eyes. She smiled up at him and nodded for him to continue going.

Naru took another breath to continue, but before he could, Monk cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention. "Perhaps I can finish your story, Naru-bou. This brother of yours isn't just any brother, he's your twin, and, if I'm not mistaken, your real name is Oliver Davis." The expression on Naru's face didn't change much aside from his eyes widening slightly, but it was enough of a change that Lin smiled at the boy's muted display of shock and surprise.

After a second or two of staring at Monk in shock, Naru had to ask, "How did you come up with that answer?"

"Well, first off," Monk began, "contrary to popular belief, I'm not just a big goofball or a slacker. I have a decent enough head on my shoulders," he said proudly. "There have been several things that just sort of finished clicking into place as you started talking." He held up a finger. "One: You just talked about seeing what happened to your brother, yet, you didn't seem to know where or when he died because you're searching for his body. The two facts would only be possible if you saw what happened remotely, using tech or through a vision of some kind.

"I'd been thinking about the Urado case since I saw the Davis couple and it made me remember that, even back then, it seemed completely out of character for you to accept that case. It only made sense when I started wondering if you could be Oliver Davis. If someone was parading around as you, like that guy with the Menami group, you needed to make sure that they weren't going to get into trouble or do something that would cause lasting damage to your reputation. The obvious difference was that the fake couldn't do psychometry, but I started wondering if you could. After all, just the other day, you seemed to know what they'd done to Mai even though you didn't know where she was and even though it's a rare gift, psychometry would have been a possible answer for both situations."

Monk held up a second finger. "Two: You destroyed a Yebisu with a rather impressive PK attack that I have no doubt would probably have been more than powerful enough to move a 50 kilo aluminum block. Three," He held up a third finger. "The renowned Davis-san couple had never met Mai before today and they aren't associated with her aside from the fact that they own SPR and she is an employee there. Therefore, I have a hard time believing that they would have shown up for some common associate they'd never met, at least not so promptly."

Monk went on to explain, "Since that would be so unlikely, I have to believe that they're here for you, Naru-bou. More specifically, it's because you called them. The case details weren't really spectacular and, even if they were, I would have expected the Davis' to be more interested in inspecting the site itself rather than coming straight to the hospital. Overall, dropping everything to book a flight to Japan seems like a drastic reaction. That's especially true when you consider that Professor Davis has a high regard for Naru's skill in managing cases, as we observed earlier."

The Davis couple exchanged looks as Monk continued, "The fact remains, though, that they did indeed drop everything to come with only a call from you. With these facts put together, it makes a strong case that you're their son, Oliver Davis." Here Monk's contemplative face took on a more mischievous countenance. "I wouldn't be surprised if you told them something along the lines of, 'Mom, Dad, I've fallen in love with someone. She's in the hospital right now, but I've decided to stay here in Japan to be with her whether I find my brother's body or not!'"

Folding his arms across his chest, Naru wore a disgruntled, somewhat worried look on his face as he looked around at the group. He noticed John and Yasu nodding along with the things that Monk was saying before Yasu added, "It also helps that Takegawa-san, John, and I have been debating your origins and your choice in excursions plus a few other details for some time now."

After a few seconds, Ayako asked the room at large, "Does Masako know about all this?"

Naru nodded and explained, "She and I met a few years before I came to Japan."

Ayako harrumphed, as she narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, "That explains some of her attitude," she trailed off and then looked at Naru to ask, "Has she been holding it over you all this time? Is that how she got you to date her?" At Naru's nod she asked, "What did she do? Threaten to tell everyone exactly who you were?"

Taking a deep breath to help calm his annoyance, he nodded again, then asked, "Is anyone mad at me for keeping all this from you?"

The first he saw to shake her head was Ayako, who responded, "It would have been nice if you'd trusted us earlier, but, I mean, you were trying to find your brother's body and, since I presume you look alike, you needed to keep your brother's murder from finding you," Looking to Monk with a smile, she added, "and your fans." Her smile broadened at Monk's indignant look and the blush rising on his face before returning her gaze to Naru. "So it makes sense. I personally can't hold that against you...Just because you're a good looking brat who has to have everything his way doesn't mean we don't trust you."

Yasu grinned, "She's right, Big Boss. You're always looking out for us and trying to keep us safe, even when we've gotten into some pretty dangerous situations. The name you go by doesn't change who you are at heart, but, if you're worried about names," he said with a sly smile, "I have no doubt that the majority of those here will forever continue to call you Naru, 'the narcissist.'"

Surprised, Naru looked around and asked, "So no one is mad at me?"

It was then that Naru met Monk's oddly stern glare. The man's response started out quiet, "Even though I understand why you did it, that doesn't change the fact that you've been lying to us this whole time." Monk grabbed Naru around the shoulders with one arm, "So, yeah, I'm mad at you." With his other hand, Monk made a fist and raised it to chest height. Before the teen could react to the attack, Monk propelled his fist forward and gave Naru a quick noogie. A smile lit up his face as he continued, "But it's nothing deep enough that a few noogies every now and again couldn't fix."

Naru had been expecting to be punched, so he was surprised when, instead, he received the relatively painless attack, and he wasn't alone. Monk's 'noogie' shocked laughter out of most of the group, including Mai. Her giggles were a balm to Naru's tortured heart, and he found himself smiling softly at her. I can take a few noogies every so often without complaint if it will help Mai laugh like this. I was certain I'd never hear that sound again, he mused as the mirth continued to surround him.

Martin managed to get his laughter under control enough to say, "It seems you have gathered a great, trust-worthy team, Noll. I have a feeling that, now that they know the truth, your team will be able to work together more effectively and I'm sure everyone will be happier about it as well, including you.

"I wish you would have told us that this Masako girl was black mailing you," Luella said in concern. "To think, we were excited to hear about those dates from Madoka. I definitely don't like the sound of them now."

Naru's look soured, "I didn't like them either, but that ends now...well, as soon as I have a chance to talk to her, but I definitely will not be dating her any longer. Mai is my top priority from now on." At this, Mai turned beet red and she tried avoiding the multiple pairs of eyes that glanced at her, including Naru's. When she ducked her head away from the looks, Naru caught her chin and gently coaxed her gaze back up to meet his eyes. With his other hand, he squeezed her hand and quietly promised, "I will not let anyone come between us, Mai. You have my word."

Throughout the small room there were a variety of reactions to the quiet declaration, but the more vocal ones were interrupted when Martin pointed out in all seriousness, "Oliver, don't forget, you still have obligations that you need to attend to. What about your position at the college?"

As their conversation about obligations went on, Aria's eyes unfocused as her mind jumped to a similar conversation she'd had with her father earlier that day. The far away look remained until the room was met with silence at Naru's statement that it was true that he didn't want to leave Japan even after he found Gene's body. Aria interrupted the silent exchange still going on between the father and son by stating, "Naru, you should know," she glanced at Martin with an apologetic look before looking back at Naru, "Now that Mai is once again conscious to what is going on around her, Victor, feels it is time for him to start training you in Khet'empo." She held up a hand to forestall any questions and explained, "It's the Velatonian art of PK manipulation and it's specifically for those with excessively powerful levels of PK ability, like you. He wants you to be ready when he comes for you tomorrow morning at seven-thirty."

Naru swallowed and gripped Mai's hand tighter once more. He realized that he needed the training and that completing it would free him from the dangers he now faced when using PK, but he felt uneasy about leaving Mai's side too long. Without realizing it, his eyes drifted from Aria to Mai as he continued to think it over.

His eyes must have lingered on Mai's too long because Aria's next words made it seem like she'd read his mind. "Considering no one but Ayako can stay with Mai because none of the rest of us are related to her, her legal guardians, her spouse, or her doctor, none of us will be able to come in until visiting hours begin at nine. Since that includes you, your training shouldn't interfere with your visits."

Naru wasn't naive enough to think that he didn't need the training, but that didn't stop his desire to be with Mai. However, Naru had a feeling that the older man wouldn't allow any excuses or further delays even if his excuse had to do with Mai. Instead of trying to protest, he asked, "Where does he want me to meet him?"

"At your apartment," came the swift answer. "Though I don't know if you will stay there for the training or go somewhere else. He chose not to tell me that part of his plan."

"I see." Naru responded thoughtfully, then asked, "Can you tell me how difficult this training will be?"

Aria shrugged, "I don't have PK abilities so I have no idea, but I know my father can be quite the taskmaster. He is well versed in training various abilities in others even though he doesn't have all of them himself."

Martin looked surprised as he asked, "Is that even possible?"

Aria looked over at Naru's father and reassured him with a smile, "It is. Victor's not an empath, but he helped me gain control of my empathic abilities when they manifested early." She turned back to an arms-crossed, frowning Naru and commented, "There is absolutely no excuse for you to not listen to him, though. He does possess PK. Plus, he's been around a long time and so he's seen more than you could ever imagine, so listen to him and try not to antagonize him too much?"

Naru rolled his eyes and turned away. Across the room John smiled. "Sounds like you'll have your work cut out for you tomorrow, Shibuya-san," he said, choosing to continue calling Naru by his alias.

One week later…

Aria, Naru and Lin arrived in Mai's room bright and early, just after nine o'clock, the same as they had the entire week prior. However, today, after Naru greeted her with a kiss on her forehead, he and Lin began gathering Mai's various possessions. Their efforts were necessary because today was much different from all of their other visits. Today, Mai was being released from the hospital.

As Aria helped her into the bathroom, all the hustle and bustle reminded Mai of the discussion she and her SPR family had had the other day about the matter of where she would go once she was released. She was relieved that she hadn't been the only one worried over the idea of her returning to the apartment that she'd been attacked in and abducted from, even if it had been her home for the past two years. It was obviously not safe enough. In the end, they had all agreed that the best plan for Mai would be that she would stay with Aria in her hotel until Aria's Japanese residence was finished being renovated.

The day after the subject had been resolved, Monk, John, Yasu and even Naru's parents had helped to clean up her apartment and box up all the salvageable items that remained. Already they'd taken most of the necessary everyday items to Aria's hotel. The rest of her things, like what was left of the usable furniture and the more sentimental items, had been sent over to Aria's property.

Once they had shut themselves in the bathroom, Aria helped Mai take care of her needs. After helping her shower and dress in a pair of her own clothes, Aria also took the time to brush and style Mai's hair. Within 30 minutes, she had Mai presentable and even made sure the girl got back to her bed alright before busying herself gathering Mai's toiletries. Once everything was packed and by the door, Naru called in the nurse to inform her that Mai was ready to be discharged.

While they waited for her, Mai took stock of herself and glanced around her hospital room. As she did, her eyes fell on Naru, who was sitting on the end of her bed in silent contemplation. His posture reminded her of the fact that no matter what condition he was in after his training, not only had he never been late for the start of visiting hours, but he'd also stayed until the very last moment of visiting hours. A few of those days he'd come in looking weak or exhausted. Though those few days had worried her, Mai was happy that he had visited her so diligently. She was sad when she realized that, from now on, that couldn't be the case. He had to go back to work alongside Lin and she would be going to live with Aria, in her hotel.

Though the thought of living in a hotel for a time seemed a bit strange, knowing that she wouldn't be living alone from now on was a relief of sorts. Mai knew that Aria would not impinge on her sense of independence, while giving her the security of generally having someone nearby, even at night…which, for Mai, were now filled with nightmares.

Here at the hospital, Ayako had stayed with her throughout the night, but, with Ayako working both night and day shifts to care for Mai with only short naps to get her by, it was obvious that Ayako was in need of a proper rest. Now that Mai was finally getting released, she'd get her chance. In fact, Ayako had left the hospital earlier that morning about an hour before Naru, Lin and Aria were due to arrive and escort her to the hotel. Not for the first time, Mai wondered, Where is everyone else? Ayako has an excuse, but I thought everyone else was going to come to see me get released from the hospital...I guess they must be busy. A deep melancholy fell over Mai as she watched a nurse push a wheelchair through the doorway.

The nurse smiled at Mai, "I bet you're glad to finally be going home, Mai."

As she focused on the nurse, Mai put on a smile even though she was feeling upset, and replied, "Yeah, I'm happy to finally be getting out of here. Soon I'll be able to sleep through the night without anyone waking me up at two A.M. to either take my vitals, draw my blood or give me some kind of pill," she counted off on her fingers.

The nurse laughed, "Yeah that can get kind of annoying, can't it?"

Mai nodded, her smile finally reaching her eyes. "I'm looking forward to sleeping in a normal bed and having real food for a change as well."

"Yeah, I don't care much for hospital food myself." The nurse grimaced and then gave Mai a genuine smile and changed the subject. "I'm really glad to see that you seem so much better than when you first arrived. I know there's more than one of us nurses that are going to miss you, Mai-chan. And even though we want to say, 'don't be a stranger,' I think we'd all prefer you to stay healthy and uninjured."

"Yeah, I think my friends would like that too." Mai confided as she looked at Naru.

The nurse looked around the hospital room noting that Mai only had three people with her. "Speaking of your friends, it's strange," she muttered. "I expected your room to be nearly bursting with people ready to escort you home. I guess it's hard to ask everyone to break away from their other obligations, huh." The fact that even the nurse noticed that the others had seemed to forget her and move on to other things so quickly struck Mai at her core and the thoughts that she'd had when she thought she was dead sprang to mind. They left her feeling devastated, like a knife through her heart, the jolt of pain struck her to her core. Because she was still looking at Naru, the nurse missed noticing Mai's faltering mood before she continued, "but at least your young man is here." The nurse motioned towards Naru before she leaned in and whispered, "He's certainly taking good care of you. I hope he keeps it up once you go home. He's such a good boyfriend." Mai blushed at the thought of him being her boyfriend, and hoped no one had overheard.

Could she even call Naru her boyfriend? That part of their relationship wasn't clear. Even though Naru had called her, "My Love," and they'd hugged and comforted each other, they'd never really discussed what that meant for their relationship. Remembering the kisses he'd placed on her forehead, Mai thought, It would be wonderful if we had properly defined our relationship, and I could say he IS my boyfriend. It's unlikely, but, if any other guy tried to make a move on me, I'd like to be able to say I'm taken. She sighed. As it is, I feel like our relationship is "up in the air" somewhere. Are we friends? Or is it something more?

While Mai was lost in thought, the nurse turned away to address the others in the room, "Before she left, Matsuzaki-sensei told me she that went over Mai-chan's discharge instructions with her last night, however, since she's underage, I'll need to also go over them with who ever will be taking care of her at home."

Aria stepped up to the nurse, "That would be me since Mai will be living with me from now on."

The nurse nodded and walked over to Aria with a clipboard laden with papers, some that needed signing, as they continued talking quietly Naru leaned down to assess Mai. "Are you alright," he questioned. His expression informed her that her forlorn sadness or feelings of betrayal hadn't been missed or maybe it was her confusion about their relationship he was sensing-though she didn't want to admit the reason for that particular emotion.

Mai spared Naru a glance then looked away feeling guilty, "Yeah, I'm okay...I guess I just expected more people to show up today, that's all. I know everyone hasn't been able to come here everyday, but I guess I thought today would be a bigger deal, that's all." She trailed off and fell silent looking down at the hands folded in her lap.

Naru was at a loss as to what to say to her. He knew everyone had planned a party to celebrate both her discharge as well as a housewarming party. They were even planning on shouting something like, "Welcome home." Each of them had even gotten her gifts of some kind or another, even he had. In fact, as he stood there, he could feel his own gift burning a hole in his jacket pocket. The weight of it felt heavier than he thought possible. Realizing his nerves were starting to get the better of him, he ruthlessly crushed down the uneasy feelings deep within himself so he could give Mai the attention she deserved.

Leaning on her bed, he studied her face until he resolved that Mai would be happier in the long run if he didn't expose everyone's plans. Naru decided to distract her by giving her something to look forward to and proposed, "I was hoping that with fewer people we might be able to stop for a quiet brunch before heading to the hotel. I would like to spend a little time with you without worrying about who might pop in for a visit, like a date."

Mai's eyes widened. "Oh," she breathed out. A small smile formed on her face before she replied, "I'd like that." Glancing over at Aria and Lin, her smile grew and she leaned close to her boss as she whispered into his ear, "Have you seen how Lin-san and Aria have been acting around each other the past few days," she asked, her eyes meeting Naru's as her smile spread. "With only the four of us going, it will almost be like a double date."

Naru looked at his friend, bodyguard and assistant. "I think you're right. Now that you mention it, there may be something going on there." Naru smirked as he leaned into Mai, whispering into her ear, "That would explain why Madoka has been acting strange for the last several days as well. If those two are getting closer, it would drive her crazy." At Mai's look of confusion, Naru explained, "Madoka has liked Lin for years."

At that moment, Lin picked up Mai's personal item bags and reported, "I'm going to go pull the van around. See you all in a bit." Mai had to wonder, Did Lin overhear what Naru said about Madoka?

Aria acknowledged Lin's statement with a glance and a nod since she was still in a deep discussion with the nurse. Mai answered, "Okay Lin-san," and, after Naru had nodded his understanding, the two watched him walk out.

As he and Mai continued talking, Naru kept glancing towards Aria and the nurse's discussion as if he was nervous about something. He kept doing so until the nurse finally walked out and Aria turned towards them with a smile.

Aria paused, eyeing Naru. Then her expression changed, looking as if she'd come to a decision before she suggested, "Naru, why don't you help Mai into the wheelchair and I'll see if Lin-san has pulled the van around yet. If you're ready before I come back, just head on down to the main entrance," Aria stated with a wink to the young man. Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heels and left the room.

Naru let out a relieved sigh that the older woman was now absent, and, scooting close to Mai, he looked back into her eyes and stated, "I got you a little going home gift."

Mai smiled, but protested, "You didn't have to do that."

"I know," he admitted, "but I wanted to." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small black velvet box and carefully opened it, allowing both of them to see the plain gold band nestled within its dark, velvet folds. Naru handed the box to Mai and in response to her puzzled look, he suggested, "Look at the engraving."

While still eyeing Naru, Mai pulled out the ring before turning and examining the etching on the inside of the band. The kanji read, "I belong to you." Her brown eyes returned to his blue, now displaying surprise interlaced with the confusion.

He took a deep breath and explained, "Mai, this ring is my promise to you." He took her hand in his before proceeding. "You are precious to me, and I will protect you, cherish you, and when you're ready, I will marry you." He took another deep breath. "Will you accept my promise ring?"

With trembling hands Mai examined the ring once again. As she reread the inscription, she could feel the tears building in her eyes and her heart was swelling with happiness. Looking back into his eyes, she said, "Yes," and slipped the ring onto her left ring finger. "Does this mean I get to call you my boyfriend," she asked.

Naru couldn't help the smile that plastered itself on his lips. "Of course. Usually that does come before people get engaged after all." His tone was teasing and almost like his old self, but it came out a touch softer.

"Don't be a jerk." she said with a mock glare before she shook her head and looked down at the ring. "Sometimes I wonder where you get all that confidence from. Even though you told me you loved me, I was so unsure where we stood in our relationship." Suddenly, she blushed. "And now you're talking about being engaged," she trailed off and blushed an even deeper shade of crimson before she turned her face away from him.

He put his arms around her and asked, "Isn't that what you agreed to when you accepted that ring from me? I did say I wanted to marry you when you were ready."

"I guess that's true," she agreed, still not raising her face to his.

He placed a hand under her chin and raised her face back up to his, wanting to see her face, blush and all. "Thank you for accepting," he said with a smile.

Mai smiled in return at the sincerity and relief she saw in his eyes before responding, "Thank you for asking. You know, I didn't know what to call our relationship until now. I felt lost so I'm glad to have our relationship clarified," she admitted, looking up into his blue eyes.

"So am I. Sorry I couldn't do it sooner, no one would leave us alone all week. I didn't want anyone prying or interrupting." He brushed his hand along her cheek and pushed her hair back. His eyes focused on her lips momentarily before he swallowed and asked, "Mai, would it be alright if I kissed you?"

Mai glanced away to the door and back before she gave him a small nod. It wasn't much of an answer, but it was enough for Naru to lean in to gently press his lips to hers. The short kiss ended too soon for the both of them and they both leaned in for another, Mai was surprised at the zing she felt as their lips moved together. In a way, she was having a hard time believing it wasn't a dream. Naru was kissing her. He wanted her and it reflected in his kiss somehow. All too soon even their second kiss had ended and they rested their cheeks against each other, both still desiring to be close.

When he interlaced his hand with hers and backed away, Mai suddenly had a thought and grinned at him. "I can just imagine how the others will react to this, we better prepare ourselves for merciless teasing," she could not help the elated giggles that escaped her.

Naru just shook his head, a temporary smirk curving his lips, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you want them to tease us about it."

She laughed once more and admitted, "No, not really. Come to think of it...what are we going to tell them? We can't just come out of the blue and tell them we're en..engaged," she blushed once more. "Can we?"

"Of course we can," Naru pointed out, "but it's not like it's any of their business."

Mai's heart filled with dread and her expression turned serious as she thought about what he'd said. There were two people she could think of who did have a say in their relationship. "What about your parents? Will they be alright with this?"

"My father probably will be, but my mother is likely to end up over-thinking everything like she tends to." He ran his hand through his hair worriedly. "Come to think of it, this could stress her out."

"Is there any way we can tell them that would make this alright for her?" As an afterthought she added, "and maybe not get us teased so much?"

Lowering his voice, Naru suggested, "We could simply tell them we're dating now, but," he trailed off. "But you can't forget that I'm serious about you." As he thought about his next words his face became serious once again and he squeezed her hands in his. "Mai, there is something else you need to know. Back in that abandoned building, when I lost touch with your emotions, I thought you'd died and just the thought of losing you made me hurt terribly." He clenched his jaw and tightened his hands around hers. "It was so much worse than when I found out Gene had died. It felt like I couldn't breathe, like my world had suddenly been destroyed." He paused to take another calming breath. "I can't have it happen again. I felt that I should warn you...now that I've got you back, I might be more than a bit overprotective and who knows for how long."

Mai looked at her boss and now boyfriend/fiance, studying his serious, blue eyes, she could see the sadness and the fear deep inside them. "I think...I'll be alright with you being overly protective. I...I don't think I could handle it if you went back to acting indifferent to whatever is going on around me or if you distanced yourself from me." With a serious expression on her face, Mai added, "And I agree that, if others ask, we should just say we are dating now. It might cause us more of a headache if we say we are engaged right from the beginning of our official relationship. Though, I do feel more secure knowing just how serious you are about being with me."

Naru could only smile slightly and nod, glad that Mai wasn't bothered by the possibility that he might be overly protective and was accepting of it. Her acceptance made it seem like she understood where he was coming from. In a way, it was like she was accepting even this faulty part of him. He was just a bit sad that they'd only be claiming to be dating, but his relief at her acceptance was greater and comforted him. "We'd better get you into the wheelchair and down to the main entrance before someone comes looking for us. Though, I suspect Aria left simply so we could have the chance to be alone."

Mai nodded as she swung her legs off the bed in preparation for her move to the wheelchair, she looked into his deep blue eyes, "I feel more hopeful thanks to you, Naru. I'm no longer scared that things might just go back to the way they were between us before all this happened," her voice was soft as she confided in him.

"There is no way I could go back to the way things were before, Mai. I've realized how much I love you and how much I want you in my life. I never want you to have to worry about being alone again." He said matter-of-factly, as he guided her into the wheelchair and began maneuvering it out of the hospital room and off to the elevator that would take them to the ground floor.

They were quiet on the ride down in the elevator, both thinking about their new relationship status as well as their first kisses. When the elevator dinged and the doors opened to reveal the ground floor and Aria in the distance, standing near the doors waiting both for them and for Lin to drive up in the van. As they drew close to the lobby and Aria, Mai was looking at the promise ring she now wore. She wasn't paying all that much attention to the other people walking past until she heard a surprised, but familiar masculine voice call out, "Mai-chan? Is that you? What are you doing in the hospital?"

Looking up, Mai saw a bespectacled young man in a plain black high school uniform, approach them. He must have spotted her just after he'd walked into the hospital. "Watanuki-kun," she asked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

He raised one hand to rub the back of his neck self-consciously, "Yuko sent me to check on one of her clients. I wasn't expecting to see you here. Are you all right?"

Mai nodded. "Yeah, I just got released. We're just waiting for our designated driver to pull the van around." As she watched Aria walk closer with a puzzled look on her face, it reminded her of her manners. "Oh! Let me introduce you to my friends. Watanuki-kun, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend Shibuya, Kazuya, and my heart sister, Kalani, Aria. Guys, this is my friend Watanuki, Kimihiro." She smiled up at Naru as she went on to explain, "We met back in early July. He and I helped the spirit of a lost, young boy move on together."

As Aria greeted the dark haired teen in front of him, Naru studied him, uncertain of how he felt about Mai having a male friend he'd never met before, not to mention the fact that they'd also done something paranormal together. Before he could say anything himself, Watanuki bowed to them. While they bowed back he said, "It's a pleasure to meet you both." and they returned the greeting.

When he straightened himself again, Watanuki turned to Mai. "Mai-chan, I'm sorry I didn't know you were in the hospital. If I had, I would have brought you some of my home cooked anpan or a bento or something. Anything would have been better than Hospital food." He shuddered just thinking about it.

Mai smiled at Watanuki, "That's okay, Watanuki-kun, you don't need to push yourself to cook for me again and there's no need to feel bad. I don't think many people were told that I was here. In fact, the only ones I know for certain that knew about it were the people I work with and my school. Considering none of my other friends came to visit me, I don't think they were told." Mai knew she could have called Keiko and Michiru, to inform them but because of the nature of her injuries, she had to admit that, even now, she wasn't really in the right mindset to think about calling to inform any of her non-work friends and she certainly had no desire to disclose the details to Watanuki.

"That's too bad…" It was then that Watanuki chose to ask, "If you don't mind me asking, what happened to land you in the hospital?"

Mai shared a glance with Naru and he took the liberty of answering the question for her, "It happened because of a case."

"A case, huh, sounds dangerous. Oh, that's right, you mentioned a paranormal investigation group back when I asked you how you got so good at talking with spirits. I'm sorry that you got wounded while on a case. I remember you talking about your teammates, but I don't see any of the ones you described."

"Well, Kazuya," she took one look at his sour expression and rephrased, "Naru, is also my boss."

"So you're the one who loves tea and bossing people around so much. Tell me, how did you manage to become a boss at such a young age?"

"Superior intelligence and connections," Naru stated confidently.

Watanuki leaned down and quietly confided to Mai, "Wow, now I get why you call him Naru." A short giggle escaped Mai's lips while Naru, who hadn't missed the comment, glared unhappily at the other teen, trying to figure out how old Watanuki was and if Mai would be mad if he insulted the all too plain, bespectacled boy that she seemed to have gotten close to at some point.

Mai, seeing Naru's expression, decided to change the subject. "Watanuki-kun, what have you been up to lately?"

Watanuki seemed to deflate a bit before admitting, "Chores. A few days ago, when I complained to Yuko that the storeroom was a disaster, she decided it would be the perfect opportunity," the miffed expression his face fell into was almost comical, "to get me to organize, categorize and clean everything. So I've been up to my ears in the shop's dusty collection of odd, unlabeled, and, in some cases, cursed objects. All the while I've been trying to make some sense out of the whole mess. The biggest part of the job has been moving the most dangerous objects into harder to access areas so we can stop them from being opened on accident. There are so many things in there. I'm not sure I've even made it through a fourth of her collection." He sighed and added, "On top of that whole mess, she's been ordering me to do other chores and serve her and her friends sake and appetizers. As if that wasn't hard enough, she wants everything to be homemade. Sometimes it feels like that woman has no consideration for me," he exclaimed with his fist up before him; an obvious tick of anger on his forehead.

Mai watched the change plaster itself on the older teen's features from out of the blue and amused herself by pretending that he had sharp, almost shark like teeth to match the flare of anger. She smiled at what she'd come to term "Rampaging Watanuki." Even though he was like this now, she knew that he was gentle and it served to only endear him to her further. The expression she directed at Watanuki, however, only served to make Naru feel the complete opposite.

After a pause, Watanuki sighed. With the exhalation, his annoyance and anger seemed to leave him completely and he changed the subject, "You know, I really feel bad that you've been cooped up here without your friends to visit you. I know that you've already been discharged, but let me cook you something. It could help take my mind off of Yuko's antics and we would get the chance to get together and catch up. It's not everyday that we get the chance to chat with someone like ourselves, am I right? I think it could do us both some good."

Not liking where the conversation was leading, Naru asked, "What makes you think she's been here alone?"

"With the way you guys were avoiding the topic, I figured Mai's injury was on the larger or more complicated side...I just figured, since you're the boss of that paranormal group, you'd be needed at work."

It was then that Aria cleared her throat, getting everyone's attention. "Lin-san just pulled up outside." She looked at Watanuki with a smile and gave him a polite, somewhat shallow bow. "It was nice to meet you, Watanuki-san. I'm afraid I need to steal away this young lady so we can get her home and back to resting."

Watanuki nodded, "Of course, pleased to meet you as well, Kalani-san" he said, bowing to Aria then turning back to Mai and Naru. Watanuki flung his hands out to his sides, almost like he wanted to reach for Mai, but thought better of the idea and put his arms back down."I have a client to go check on, myself, but if you need anything, Mai-chan, feel free to give me a call. I'll do my best to help you out. Even if it's simply cooking for you, I'll do it! I hope I'll see you later?"

"Sure," Mai agreed with a smile "See you later, Watanuki-kun."

"Please be safe," the scrawny teen added as he turned his feet and started walking further into the hospital. As he went along, Watanuki continued looking towards Mai as he waved. He managed to face forward just in time to avoid running into the little old woman he found directly in front of him, but as he dodged, he ran into a large planter box instead and got tangled in the plants just before he upended over the decoration.

Mai called out, "Be careful, Watanuki-kun!"

After Watanuki untangled himself from the planter he had fallen into, stood and put everything to rights, he waved at her and turned to walk further into the hospital, silently considering the encounter and the quiet, dark-clad teen who Mai had introduced as her boyfriend. I had no idea Mai-chan even had a boyfriend...let alone that her boss was her boyfriend. Watanuki glanced back at the girl who could see and interact with spirits, same as he could, and watched the guy start to turn her wheelchair away before thinking, He didn't seem very friendly...I hope I'm wrong. Now that I think of it, it didn't seem like there was any fondness on his end back when she told me about him. He looked back at the couple heading out the door. I hope he isn't just manipulating her or something. His eyes lingered on the two until the door shut behind them. I wonder if he even knows or cares how much of a target she is for spirits. If so, I hope he appreciates her properly and can protect her. I better check up on her later...

As Naru wheeled Mai away and out the door, he couldn't bring himself to ask about the gangly boy any further for fear of accidentally finding out how much she might like the other teen. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to berate himself. What was I getting all riled up for? There's no way she'd fall for that bumbling, over-emotional klutz. She said she liked me. She even chose to accept my ring.

Aria had noticed Naru's look turn brooding and suspicious the whole time Mai had introduced and talked to the gangly teen boy and even now that he was wheeling her out to the van. Shrugging, she put the information aside, opting instead to tease Mai by asking, "Boyfriend, huh?"

Just as planned, Mai's face quickly reddened, and she tried to cover the blush with her hands. Aria easily spied the ring now circling her finger, looking for all the world like a wedding band. As Lin opened the side door for them, she turned to Naru, smiled and added, "I see you made good use of your time alone." At that, Naru also turned pink in the face and grew suddenly unable to look Aria in the face.

Lin had heard enough of the conversation that, by the time he turned to help Mai in, a smirk had found its way onto his face. "So," he said conversationally as his eyes met Naru's. "You actually managed to get her to accept you as her boyfriend, huh?" Naru's face got a little redder as Lin continued. "I think your parents will be pleased with this turn of events."

Naru groaned and bit out, "Lin!" he said sharply with warning in his tone, causing both Aria and Mai to chuckle.

As he climbed back into the driver seat, Lin couldn't help but think, I'm glad he found the courage to confess to Mai properly, that can only strengthen their bond. It also obviously made Mai happy, and probably made her feel more secure after everything she has been through at the hands of the Khiitani.

Aria settled into the front passenger seat beside him. When he checked the rear view mirror to see if Mai and Naru were ready to go in the next set of seats, he noticed that not only were they ready, they were also holding hands.

It was then that Naru looked into the rear view mirror and locked eyes with Lin. Naru informed him, "By the way Lin, we'll be stopping at Umegaoka Sushi No Midori Sohonten Shibuya on the way to the hotel. I'm taking Mai on our first date." Naru smirked before adding, "You and Aria can act as our chaperones!"

At the idea of having to act as a chaperone, Lin sighed. Mai, on the other hand, was excited. She'd never been to the restaurant Naru'd mentioned, but a few months prior, she'd overheard a couple of her teachers talk favorably about the five-star sushi restaurant during one of her lunch breaks. She'd wanted to go ever since.

Aria turned in her seat to look at Naru and Mai with a grin on her face. "It looks like Naru is taking you being his girlfriend very seriously, Mai."

Mai could only nod in agreement then blush profusely when she realized Aria was looking down at their joined hands.

In short order they'd arrived at the restaurant. Naru had requested a table for four and they'd all sat down to a leisurely meal together.


Does anyone know what series Watanuki is from? Let us know if you do. Thanks for reading!