Shades of Lust

by Kyia Star

Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned; nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.-- William Congreve

9. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned

Chapter nine: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Warning! GenexMai and more LinxMai. Closet LinxNaru fans should also be happy with this.

This chapter is dedicated to MX on LiveJournal, in honor of her birthday. Happy birthday, darling and enjoy the chapter!

A/N: So, say goodbye to CLAMP's Legal Drug, and say hello to xxxHolic for a few scenes—the latter also by CLAMP. I sadly don't own any of the works used in this fanfiction. I would like to remind everyone that this is Ghost Hunt anime and manga compliant. If you see something in the story that does not agree with the anime, it's probably because it happened that way in the manga, and vice-versa. By the way, don't read this if you're about to go to work. There's a bit more LinxMai here than originally planned in honor of MX, seeing that she enjoys the pairing same as I.

I extend a large and profuse thank you to TitianWren for beta-reading this extra long chapter. This is probably the longest chapter of Shades of Lust and we're getting close to the end. I estimate two more chapters and I'll finally be able to move onto other projects, and hopefully go back to older ones. I also extend a large thanks to Jenx, and Sayuri07—both who took the time to read this in its formation and half-written stages and were kind enough to give opinions. Thank you all for your input on LiveJournal, too.

For those of you who aren't aware, I have two new Ghost Hunt stories lined up, plus four one-shots, one at the request of my beta-reader herself—which will be combined with Azamiko's, as I'm answering her (odd) challenge on LiveJournal, another a very (read: very, very) belated birthday present to Yami-oneesan on LiveJournal, and of course, OPessimistz one-shot. So look forward to those. Look forward to two new multi-chaptered fics, as well. One a cross with Ouran High School Host Club and one straight Ghost Hunt, no crossovers. Sorry NaruxMai fans—it's not happening beyond O-Pessimistz one shot. Don't request it either. I would like to remind you all that my small dragon family of two has become five, flames are ineffective.

"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned; nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." William Congreve: The Mourning Bride, 1697.

…

Naru glared at Lin; the Chinese man stared back steadily. Mai watched them both with worry.

"I trusted you." Naru's voice was soft.

Deadly, Mai thought, shivering.

His eyes were frigid as they held Lin's. Breaking his stare, Naru looked over at Mai; she watched his gaze trail down to her throat—which bore Lin's handiwork—and saw his eyes grow even colder. A fine tremor of rage ran through his body. Compared to him, Lin looked almost bored.

But his stance, Mai thought, looks defensive, like he's preparing for a fight.

"I didn't succumb to the spell," Lin said finally.

Mai knew she should have expected this. In a way, she did. Maybe 'expected' isn't the right word, she thought. Prepared; I should have been better prepared. When the boys at her school had suddenly started acting as if they'd just woken up from a trance, she knew that Naru would know, and he probably wouldn't be happy with either of them—Lin especially.

"I told you the counter spell wasn't an option!" Naru said, his voice still soft. "What prompted you to go against my orders?"

Mai cut in before Lin could answer. "You jerk!" she cried, balling her hands into fists and glaring at him. "How could you keep this from me? This isn't some stupid, strategic secret of yours, Naru! I brought this case to you; I'm the client this time! What right did you have to keep this from me?"

He turned to look at her and she flinched at how glacial his expression was. "I call it protecting you," he told her coldly. "The less you knew the better. You were under enough stress as it was and I felt no need to add to it. We'd already pieced together that this was a curse, rather than just a spell. All we needed to do was find out what waited upon its completion and who the caster was—the case would have wrapped up soon enough." He turned back to Lin. "This, however, adds more complication. The spell will come back and if the caster can manage it, it will be either complete or nearly so. We have a limited time to figure out what happens when it's finished."

Rape, Mai thought—as Naru's words slid through her brain. That's what will happen if the curse is completed. She knew with a certainty that shook her to the core—just as she knew that this had happened before, long before her school had been a gleam in the eyes of the government. "Rape," she said softly, tears starting to run down her cheeks; she wished Bou-san or Ayako were in the room right now.

Both men turned to her. "What was that?" Naru asked.

"Rape," she repeated. "If the spell is completed, then rape awaits the intended victim. I'm not sure how I know, I just do."

Naru really wished she'd stop questioning her intuition and what it told her.

"Makes sense," Lin said, watching Mai thoughtfully. He turned to Naru. "I'm not sure why we didn't see that sooner. Each stolen kiss galvanized the next one. The only question then besides who cast it and why, would be who's slated to perform the rape."

"Does the spell break if we stop the rape from happening?" Naru asked.

Silent, Lin watched the young ghost hunter as he contemplated the question. "It might," he said finally. "Some curses have contingencies attached to them—they rebound back to the caster if they fail."

"Will this one act the same?"

Lin frowned. "As I don't know exactly which spell was used, I can't say."

"Theoretically speaking?"

"Hypothetically… the way this was set up…I'd say no—it won't rebound back to the caster."

Naru frowned in frustration.

"The counter-curse gave us at least forty-eight hours—plenty of time to put all the pieces together," Lin told him, hoping that wouldn't bring Naru's wrath crashing down upon him.

Mai spoke up, preventing that. "If I dream… I think I can answer those questions." She could and she knew it. Moreover, it was unlikely that she wouldn't now that the spell was gone temporarily. Bits and pieces of her previous dreams were starting to resurface—they were one big puzzle for now, but they would straighten themselves out soon enough. She looked at Naru and her eyes softened. Protect me. That idiot. Slowly, she approached him and he watched her warily. She'd already slapped him once with a sweet look on her face—he had no desire for an encore performance, especially with Lin in the room.

Mai put her hands on his cheeks and smiled at him gently. "Naru… you can't protect someone by keeping them in the dark. I understand why you didn't tell any of us the true reason for our presence in Suwa—you probably haven't forgiven me for telling everyone that you bent a spoon with your mind when we were at Yuasa High School. But these situations aren't the same. You owe it to me, both as the investigator that I hired and as my friend, to tell me about these things, no matter how unpleasant they are. Not telling me only added to my stress and my worry. I was actually afraid you would fire me because I was being so unhelpful. Next time, keep me informed, as you've done in the past," she said.

She was right; Naru knew she was. He was surprised to feel guilt swamp him. An entire year and then some had flown by and Mai had become a regular presence in his life after he first met her. It was simply an administrative job that he'd offered her because they were both orphans and he knew how hard it was. Despite that, even from their second case onward, she'd proved herself capable of so much more. True, she had a big mouth and he kept silent on their real purpose in Suwa, but this time, she'd come to him for help and he'd deliberately stayed quiet. He was many things, yes, but stupid wasn't one of them. When he was wrong, he knew it and this was one of those times. He bowed his head towards hers. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, missing Lin's quick smile. "I shouldn't have kept that from you and I apologize. It won't happen again."

Mai nodded, accepting his words. "I trust you implicitly," she said.

His heart swelled; he could have kissed her for that—but he simply nodded at her. Hopefully, she wasn't thinking about slapping him or anything of the sort just to spite him.

She smiled and dropped her hands, much to his disappointment. "I'm starting to remember everything."

Both men stared at her. "Everything?" Lin asked.

She nodded at him. "Yes," she told him. "It's starting to come back to me now in bits and pieces. A little bit of sleep and everything will sort itself out and give me more answers than questions."

"If you go home now, can you sleep?" Naru asked.

"Not without some sort of sleep aid, no. But that's easily obtained," she said quickly, when Naru glared at Lin. "Either that, or let me sit through math class."

Naru turned back to her. "You're stupid enough as it is; why would I add to it by letting you sleep in class?"

"What was that?" she asked sweetly, tensing in anticipation.

Naru suddenly realized that Bou-san wasn't in the room. If Mai attacked him, there was a good chance that Lin wouldn't help—rather, he'd turn a blind eye and sigh over his immaturity. Naru sighed. "Nothing," he said. "Go get your stuff; Lin will take you home in a few minutes."

She smiled in triumph and made her way to the door. Before she exited the room, she turned back to Naru. "Don't stay angry for long," she told him. "I had to agree too, you know."

Then, she left the room and Naru turned his attention back to his Chinese associate. "Does she know you have such an odd fascination with her throat?" he asked.

"Doe she know you have an odd fascination with her hips and back?" the older man said, mimicking him.

Naru turned a faint shade of pink and looked away. Lin sighed and began to make his way to the door. "I'll pick up a sleeping aid for her at your favorite drug store."

The young president of SPR turned back to him and stared. "My favorite drug store? Whatever are you talking about?" he asked, bewildered. What in the world had addled his co-worker's mind? In-so-far as Naru was concerned, he didn't have a favorite anything store.

"Apparently so," the Chinese man said, looking at him blandly.

Naru's eyes widened in recognition. "Bou-san!" he said, exasperated. Yet another person that has a big mouth, dammit!

Shaking his head, Lin made his way over to the door. Naru called to him just before he could open it. With a sigh, the Chinese man turned back to his teenage boss.

"Does this change things between you and Mai?"

He'd expected Naru to ask something like this. "Things changed between us back during our case in Suwa. Not quite so drastically, but they did change."

"So she was on the receiving end of your bias. What did she say to you?"

"The same thing Gene said, with one minor change."

Naru crossed his arms and leaned against the table. "That had to be a shock," he said, looking out the window.

"Indeed," Lin said, once again attempting to open the door.

"Did you enjoy?" Naru's voice was pitched low and he glared at the ground.

"Should I answer that?" Lin asked in return. He kept his eyes deliberately on the door.

It was a simple question—it had only one of two answers—neither of which would make him happy. "No," he replied. "I suppose you shouldn't."

"Then I won't." That said, Lin stepped out the door.

When he was gone, Naru allowed himself to indulge in a brief fit of rage. The table he'd been leaning against went flying. "Did you know, Gene?" he asked out loud. "After all, you told me not to get upset if Lin had to use the counter-spell. You must have known."

Idiot scientist, came the affectionate moniker.

Naru shook his head. Where are you, Gene, he wondered. Closing his eyes, Naru took the time to compose himself. He was no good to anyone if he was too angry to think—thinking and putting puzzle pieces together were what he did best; it was the secret (or maybe not) of his success. He would solve this case. When he felt his normal calm envelope him, he bent down and picked up his folder from the debris that had been a functional table and with a sharp flick of his wrist, cleared it of dust and rubble. Opening it, he blew out what had crept in and made his way over to the couch.

…The couch. Where the counter-spell had been performed. He sat down in the exact same place that Mai had been sitting—the cushion was still a bit warm from when she'd been there. Almost unconsciously, he stretched out his hand and placed it on the couch cushion. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and began to synch himself with the couch. Fuzzy pictures started to roll into his mind when he suddenly realized what he was doing and jerked his hand away.

He laughed. The hollow sound echoed despairingly around the empty room. Oh, that was cute, Noll. Real cute, he told himself. Even if you do see it through psychometry, what good will it do you? None—so focus on the case. That's the reason you're here—not to sulk. Much as I don't want to admit it, Lin did what he had to do—I'd be lying to myself if I said we didn't need the time. Lecture complete, he pulled out notes from the case, spread them on the table in front of him, and tried to drown himself in the knowledge that sat beneath his fingertips. Really, Yasuhara-san was very good at digging up facts, no matter how obscure or unimportant they seemed.

He gave up after half an hour. He just couldn't concentrate. The need to know that Mai had indeed agreed like she'd said refused to leave him alone. Placing his hand back on the cushion, he centered himself and took in another deep breath.

Don't do it.

Naru jerked out of the trance he'd started to put himself into and looked around. "Gene?"

Don't do it, Noll. You're not going to like what you see.

"I know," he said, out loud. "But I have to know. It's driving me crazy not knowing."

Idiot scientist, he heard on a sigh. Be careful. Don't synchronize too strongly. You'll black out if you do.

"Are you sure you're not Mum in disguise?"

There was no answer to that. Taking a breath, he centered himself again and gently put himself into a trance, coaxing the images to clarify themselves. They needed no cajoling. They leaped into his mind and he couldn't stop them from smothering him. He tried to jerk himself away, but it was too late—he was Mai.

Lin sat on the coffee table facing them, calmly outlining what the counter-spell entailed.

They asked questions and he answered. They shared their concerns and the Chinese man responded. They took the time to think it over—after all, they'd promised Lin they would. Finally, they told him yes. They wanted to do this and with Lin. Everyone else had kissed them, excluding Masako and Ayako—why shouldn't he? They wanted to walk the halls of the school unbothered again. Naru knew the Chinese man well enough to know that they'd surprised him.

Then it started. He felt it as if it were happening to him—everything that Mai had felt and gone through, so did he. God, Naru thought, digging his hand into the cushion and trying to pull out.

The memory came harder and faster and he struggled to get out before he blacked out. Gene! he thought. Help me! It seemed, however, that he'd been abandoned. This is the price I pay for curiosity, he admonished himself as Lin plundered their mouth. When they kissed Lin back, Naru knew he was in trouble; he was too strongly synched. Try as he might, he couldn't break free of the memories no matter how hard he struggled to. Darkness began to encroached itself on his vision as the scenes continued their dreadful spiel. Before the memories finished, Naru gave himself willingly to the beckoning oblivion.

Idiot scientist. Why don't you ever listen? Naru heard just before blacking out.

…

When Lin pulled into the parking lot of Green Drugstore Mai was snoozing in the passenger seat of the SUV. She'd been silent from the time she'd gotten into the Jeep. He wasn't sure why it bothered him—possibly because over the last week or so he'd gotten used to hearing about her problems. Her sleep, he noticed, wasn't deep enough sleep to let her dream, but perhaps this rest would help her. She hadn't been getting enough sleep lately. Her brow scrunched and he nixed that idea. Her mind was hard at work processing the large jumble of prior dreams into something coherent. Too bad I have to wake her, he thought.

Undoing his seat belt, he turned and gently shook Mai's arm. "Taniyama-san," he said. "I need you to wake up, please."

She mumbled something and sunk further down into her seat.

"Taniyama-san," he said, trying again.

"Mai," she murmured.

Rolling his eyes, Lin shook her again. "Mai, please wake up," he coaxed.

No response. Lin felt himself growing frustrated. Is she doing this on purpose, he wondered. He looked out the window and felt a wicked smile spread on his face. Mai would have quaked at it, were she awake to see it. He leaned in close, making sure that she could feel his chest against her shoulder and back. One arm snaked around her waist, drawing her closer. He pitched his voice so that it was low and seductive.

"I have other methods at my disposal, too. I was simply trying to be polite. Have you forgotten that these windows are tinted, Mai? No one can see in," he said, nuzzling her throat and kissing it.

Her eyes flew open faster than a humming bird could fly. "I'm up!" she said, clamping her hand over the hollow of her throat and nearly smacking him in the process. He let her go and moved away just in time.

He fought back a laugh. "Thank you for waking up," he said seriously.

She glared at him grumpily. "You did that on purpose," she accused.

He shrugged. "I tried to be polite," he pointed out. "It was you who refused to wake up. And now that you are awake, I need you to stay that way at least until I return. I shouldn't be more than a few minutes. I'm not turning the car off—stay awake and keep the doors locked."

She nodded.

"Good," he told her opening the door and sliding out of the Jeep. "Mai," he called when he saw her yawn and her eyes droop.

She looked at him.

"Stay awake or I might be tempted to try something else," Lin said, aiming that same wicked smile at her.

Her eyes widened and her face turned ten different shades of red. "I'm awake!" she said, sitting up straight. "I promise not to go to sleep."

"Good idea. Lock the doors, please," he said, closing his.

Mai pushed the button and saw him nod. Turning, he walked into the pharmacy.

He's as scary as Yasuhara-san! Mai thought, putting her hand to her racing heart. Really, what's gotten into him? she wondered, watching him disappear into the store.

Lin stood just inside the pharmacy and looked at the signs above the aisles. Sleep aid… aisle five. Heading that way, he located the sleeping medicine with little effort. Picking up two different kinds, he began to read the ingredients. He didn't want to knock her out, just ease her into a sleep where she could dream.

"You don't want any of those." A slender hand snatched the two packages from him.

Slowly, Lin turned to see a feminine-looking bespectacled man that seemed to match Takigawa-san in height. He smiled at Lin who frowned back. I have the feeling…

"These," he said, holding them up, "will only put Taniyama-san into a dreamless sleep. And unless I'm mistaken, you don't want that."

Lin raised a brow at the man. Hmm…he's precognitive. "Then what do you suggest…?"

"Kakei," the man said, his smile growing wider.

"Kakei-san," Lin said, inclining his head politely in his companion's direction. "What would you suggest?"

Wordlessly, the bespectacled man withdrew a packet from his pocket and held it up for Lin to see.

Lin frowned at the golden-colored powder in the small bag. "You don't sell this in your shop, do you?"

"Oh, you're very clever—and very right. This was mixed especially for Taniyama-san by a…oh, I suppose you could call her a client of mine… in return for acquiring a High-Moon Urn for her."

A High-Moon Urn—pure chi in a basket, quite literally; with the right components, they could transport a person to even another plane, Lin knew. What this so-called 'client' needed with a High-Moon Urn, Lin didn't want to know. "Those are hard to come by," he said slowly, still thinking of what High-Moon Urns were capable of. "You'd have had to get it from a shrine—and they don't give those up easily," he finished, aiming a piercing look at the man.

"This is true," Kakei said, smiling again. The smile faded and he looked at the packet in his hand. "This mix will ease Taniyama-san to sleep and still allow her to dream. Mix it with whatever drink she likes—it makes no difference; it'll still taste vile."

Warily, Lin asked, "And how much do I owe you for that?"

"Not a penny," came the prompt reply and another dazzling smile. "You, unfortunately, can't pay. This wasn't mixed for you; it was made for Taniyama-san. She will be the one to pay the price."

Still leery and heartily sick of those smiles, Lin held out his hand for the packet, hoping that he wasn't about to take an illegal substance and give it to Mai. What Naru would say were that the case! When the bespectacled man made no move to hand it over, Lin raised a brow in question. "May I have that?" he asked. "Or do I need to get Taniyama-san and have her retrieve it?"

"Oh, that won't be necessary," Kakei said, smiling pleasantly. "I just wanted compensation for handling, that's all."

Lin's patience with the other man ran out right then. "Compensation for handling, Kakei-san?" Lin said, frowning at him. "You've been standing there admiring me for…" He looked at his watch, "the past seven minutes and counting, and I haven't said a word about it," Lin said, smiling coldly at the stunned expression on Kakei's face. Reaching over, he snatched the packet from the other man. "I think that's compensation enough, don't you?" he asked, turning and leaving the store.

…

"That the other one?"

"Yes. That was the young ghost hunter's protector. Stunning, isn't he?"

"I like you better."

Kakei smiled. "That was a good answer."

"Looks like he's protecting someone else right now, doesn't it?" Saiga said, wrapping his arms around Kakei's shoulders and pressing his lips into the back of his lover's neck.

"That's true," Kakei responded, grasping Saiga's arm and smiling gently. "The story seems to have progressed rapidly and included even more elements. Our young ghost hunter told him to protect Taniyama-san."

"The curse?"

"Countered, for now. Things will get even more interesting when it returns. Her heart is compromised."

"He wasn't happy with you, was he?" Saiga asked, changing the subject.

"No, he wasn't."

"How does it look?"

"If she can put the pieces together, then they may be able to solve this. Unfortunately, they won't be able to stop the curse from completing itself. I'm sure the medicine will have something to do with it—a means to an end, shall we say."

"Yuuko sure can be a sadist."

"I don't think she had anything to do with it. Welcome back," he said, smiling at Kazahaya and Rikou as they entered the shop. "How did it go?"

…

"Kakei-san is harmless, Lin-san," Mai said, laughing.

Lin turned his glare on her and looked pointedly at her apartment door. She took the hint. Still chuckling, she produced her keys and started to undo the locks.

"Taniyama-san! It's good to see you again! It's been ages since we last talked!"

"Hmm?" Pausing, she turned and looked down the hall where the voice had come from. A delighted but tentative smile lit her face at the sight of the two high schoolers. "Watanuki-kun! Doumeki-kun! It has been a while, hasn't it? How have you been?" she asked. Lin looked at them fleetingly and turned his attention back on the box in his hands.

"Busy," the bespectacled boy replied, smiling at Mai. "But you've been the same, haven't you, Taniyama-san?"

"Seems so," she said, finishing unlocking her apartment. "Why don't you two come in for some tea?" Mai invited, opening the door.

"Ah, thank you, why not? I have some time before going to work." He looked over at his companion and growled, "I suppose you're coming in, too?"

The other boy looked at him oddly. "Yeah," he replied flatly.

"I knew it!" he cried, turning fully to the other young man. "You're going to start mooching off of Taniyama-san now! Taniyama-san, be careful!"

Where does she meet such odd people? Lin wondered, entering her apartment and putting the box of flowers and candies down on the small breakfast table. He turned back to the door where the taller of the two young men stepped through the door. "I'm coming in," he intoned, removing his shoes and putting them neatly by the door.

The other one followed still bemoaning Mai's fate at being taken advantage of by Doumeki. Lin stared at him. "He's very dramatic," Mai told him. "Ah, Watanuki-kun," she said.

"Huh? Yes?" he said, snapping out of his dramatics and looking at his host.

"Would you mind making the tea while I go change?" she asked gesturing to her school uniform.

"Not at all, Taniyama-san! I'd be happy to! Hmm…" the young man muttered, turning and walking into the kitchen as Mai turned and walked to her room. "What do I make to go with it? Onigiri? What does Taniyama-san have?"

Lin looked at the one called Doumeki. He was as tall as Naru and had all the expressions of a rock. His golden eyes were flat as they watched his companion enter the kitchen and begin to pull out a teapot and four cups. He turned his attention to Lin when he noticed the Chinese man's gaze. Saying nothing, Lin sat down; the young man joined him a few seconds later.

"May I ask how you met Taniyama-san?" he said, with mild curiosity. Mai had certainly never mentioned the stoic young man to him. She had mentioned Watanuki-san once or twice as an overly dramatic neighbor of hers.

"Watanuki introduced us."

"They're neighbors, yes?"

"Yeah," Doumeki said, flatly. "Next-door neighbors."

Hmm. "Is he an orphan as well?"

Doumeki narrowed his eyes at him, as if silently trying to communicate that he would protect Watanuki from him.

The Chinese man rolled his eyes. "Amusing," Lin said. "I'll take that as a yes. I can always ask Taniyama-san later."

"Watanuki won't have any problems ignoring the curse," Doumeki said finally.

"I don't believe I asked that," Lin said, wondering why the young man said anything about it. "I was merely asking how you knew Taniyama-san; she's never mentioned you before."

Doumeki's gaze turned piercing. "It would have come up at some point," the archer said.

"Perhaps." Not, he thought. I didn't even want to bring that up with those two around. And how did he—no, they both know, obviously. But how? I highly doubt the papers are calling it a curse—we haven't claimed it is—how did he know? Mai came out of her room before he could ask. Making her way over to the table, she plopped down next to Lin and began to chat with Doumeki. She didn't seem deterred by the fact that Doumeki talked with a monotone and used that much expression. Watanuki finally exited the kitchen bearing a tray of steaming tea and rice balls. He froze when he got a good look at Lin, however.

What's this, the Chinese man wondered, watching the boy blanch. Mai and Doumeki reached the bespectacled boy just before he managed to drop the tray. He narrowed his eyes at the boy and looked. He's a medium, Lin thought stunned. And from the looks of it, he's as strong as Gene was—without a doubt he's more powerful than Hara-san. Did Mai's apartment building just call out to psychic people? He looked at his Shiki—they watched Watanuki calmly, but with a thinly veiled amusement. Of course, Lin thought, he sees them. A stirring of energy outside caught his attention. He turned to Mai's window and saw other spirits trying to encroach inside. Takigawa-san's wards were the only things holding them at bay and they were starting to deteriorate with the effort to keep all the creatures out. Get rid of them, he thought, sending his third Shiki outside to dispatch of the hungry spirits loitering just at the window's ledge. If they got in, they'd go after Mai, too. That he could at least protect her from.

He turned back to Watanuki and frowned when he caught sight of the other young man's aura. It was blindingly pure. Well, well. No wonder he's with that boy. How interesting. Noll's correct—Japan is a hotbed of psychic and paranormal activities. Now how do I deal with this? Play the dumb, but concerned adult, or be truthful? It was uncharacteristic of him, but he decided to be truthful. Lin never ever told strangers about his Shiki; Mai and the others associated with SPR regularly had only just learned about his Shiki—about a year later. But what was the point of saying they didn't exist when they were obviously seen? "They won't hurt you, Watanuki-san."

His voice cut through the miniature chaos happening across from him and drew two sets of bewildered and one set of stunned eyes to him. "Come sit down, all of you." He looked at Watanuki.

"But…but…you have demons swarming around you!"

Lin rolled his eyes. "They're my Shiki, Watanuki-san. And they just saved you. But thanks to your presence, Takigawa-san's wards have greatly weakened. Had they gotten in, I doubt I need to tell you what would have happened. You know the rules, don't you?" he asked, holding Watanuki's eye.

"Lin-san?" Mai asked. What was he talking about? She looked from Watanuki to Lin, trying to read between the lines.

"When one person associated with the supernatural is saved by another of the same, it creates a debt. I see I didn't need to tell you that. You'll pay me back later," the sorcerer said, dismissing the subject. "Sit before you faint."

Taking the tray, Mai put it on the table and sat down next to Lin again.

"How long have you been able to see spirits?" Lin asked, helping himself to one of the cups of tea. He took a sip and stared at it. It was as good as Mai's—maybe better. Did they exchange tea-making tips or something?

"My entire life," the bespectacled boy said resignedly, sitting down across from Mai and taking the cup of proffered tea from her; Doumeki joined them and took another. "But how did you know?" he asked taking a sip of the fragrant green tea.

"I've never had people nearly faint just seeing me."

"I did," Mai volunteered. "You scared the crap out of me when we first met," she said, putting one hand to her heart dramatically.

He turned to her. "I also saved you from being crushed by three bookcases, if you'll recall. And it was your own fault."

"Oh. Right." Her eyes strayed to the flowers and chocolates she'd received today and she frowned thoughtfully; an idea popped into her head. "Watanuki-kun, does your boss like chocolate?"

"She loves it; why do you ask?"

"Why don't you take some to her? I have plenty."

The bespectacled young man nodded. "Sure."

"You can't pay the price. This was mixed for Taniyama-san; she will be the one to pay the price." Kakei-san's words came back to him. In that instant he understood. This wasn't a coincidence—those two showing up; it wasn't a fluke that Doumeki-san knew about the curse, none of it was accidental—they were here to collect payment, pure and simple—Watanuki had to go to work, after all. Well then, let them collect payment and go. "Your boss made this, did she not, Watanuki-san?" Lin asked, taking the small packet from his pocket.

The bespectacled young man blinked and then looked guilty. "She did; she made it just the other day. Is it for you, Lin-san?"

"You know it's not," he replied. "It's for Taniyama-san." Mai looked at him wide-eyed; he paid her no mind, focusing solely on the medium in front of him. "And the payment can't be too much, can it? Checks and balances. The three bottom boxes of chocolate will be sufficient enough for her. They're the highest quality."

"Who are you?" Watanuki asked, flabbergasted. "Do you know Yuuko-san? How do you know her?"

"You're a terrible actor, Watanuki-san. You shouldn't have lied about your purpose here; it does you no credit. No, I don't know your boss. But I do understand how she works. Any side effects that she may have mentioned?"

Wordlessly, the young medium shook his head.

"I see. Then those three boxes are her payment," Lin said, waving Watanuki over to the chocolates. "You need to go now or you'll be late."

"Lin-san!" Mai said angrily. "You're being rude!"

"Don't forget the chocolate, and thank you for the tea; it's delicious," the sorcerer said, ignoring the girl beside him.

Watanuki stared at Lin dumbly. Lin however, had turned his attention to the wards and was currently calculating the damage done. Sighing, Watanuki turned to Mai and smiled weakly. "Ah, he's right. I do have to go and see what new forms of torture Yuuko-san thought up for me. Knowing her I'll be cleaning out the storage room again. Oh the horror—all that dust! I swear I just dusted it the other day!" he cried, clutching at his hair. He calmed abruptly and bowed to Mai. "Thank you for your hospitality, Taniyama-san."

Standing, the third-year made his way over to the flowers and chocolates and extracted the three bottom boxes. Making his way to the door, he turned back to Mai and Lin and bowed. "Good day," he said, leaving the small apartment; Doumeki was hot on his trail.

Opening the packet, Lin poured the contents into Mai's teacup and swished the mixture around a few times to mix it.

"Lin-san, that was very rude," Mai said.

"They weren't here to visit," he said shortly, not wanting to rehash it with her. "Watanuki-san was here to collect payment. No more and no less."

Mai looked at the table for a few minutes, thinking about what Lin said. "You're right," she said finally, hating the fact that he was. The reality of the situation was that she and Watanuki-san hadn't even been on talking terms since she started working for Naru. "I knew it was weird that he showed up when he did. He hasn't really talked to me since I started working at SPR. I think he was a bit insulted that I would work for a place that researched psychic phenomena, although why, I had no idea. Now…I think I have a clue as to why; he's in the same boat."

"Did you know he could see spirits?"

She nodded slowly. "I think so. He always had such strong wards in his apartment and recently, Doumeki-kun's never been far from his side. I think I had the inkling that there was something about him." She fell silent and looked at the tea mixture. "Are you sure about this? Do you think whoever made it is trust worthy?"

"Am I sure? Not entirely. Do I think whomever made it is trust worthy? Absolutely. With the principle she goes by, she can't afford to be unscrupulous; her own power would work against her."

Mai pushed the concoction away; she really didn't want to chance it. Even if Lin-san thought it was okay, she had the feeling that it wasn't entirely innocuous. "Can't you just put me to sleep like you did the last time?" she asked plaintively.

"That didn't work then and I don't envision it working now, either. And as I've said, whoever Yuuko-san is, she can't afford to simply harm you out of the blue. Weren't you the one who told me Kakei-san is harmless?" he asked, remembering that the man had asked the mysterious Yuuko-san to make the mixture in return for the High-Moon Urn.

"Yes, but—"

"Then trust him," Lin said abruptly, pushing the tea back to her. "Might I add that you're the one who wants to remember what they've dreamed."

"Do I have to?" she asked, poking at it morosely. She really hated drinking anything that was medicinal. She preferred pills to liquid medicines—usually.

Thus it begins again. "Taniyama-san," he said.

"Mai."

He ignored her. "Either drink it yourself or I will resort to other means of getting it down your throat."

She rolled her eyes and poked it again, watching the liquid ripple. Reaching over, Lin picked the cup up.

"This seems to be popular: a person takes a sip of whatever and proceeds to pour it down another person's throat by way of a kiss. Sounds tempting; shall we give it a try?" he asked, bringing it to his lips.

Mai gasped. "What's gotten into you?" she asked, standing. Leaning forward, she snatched the cup from his hand, downed it, shivered at the taste, and marched to her room. Lin heard the door lock.

What's gotten into me? Obviously you, he thought, staring at her closed door. Getting up, he went over to the wards and had his Shiki wipe away the degradation. For his part, Lin began to repair the cracks that had begun to appear in the barrier. He winced at the large gouges that the spirits after Watanuki-san had made. That task finished, he went over to the flowers and removed the notes. One by one, he opened and read through them. I knew it, he thought. There's no variation. Everything's the same—uniform, even. With the number of boys writing these notes, there should be differences. But there aren't. Why? Lin wondered, tapping the cards against the table and frowning.

Putting them down, he returned to the coffee table and grabbed the file folder containing the documents he'd asked Mai and John to retrieve from the van. It was actually a single documentation dealing with a spell similar to the one that SPR was currently dealing with. Flipping the file folder open, he began to search for anything that might give him a clue.

Inside her room, Mai changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed with one of her schoolbooks—math specifically. She'd come home to sleep. If anything would tire her out quickly, math was it. She opened the book randomly: logarithms. Her eyes started to droop when she started reading the fourth sentence. It seemed the medicine that she'd been given worked fast. Looking at her clock, she blinked a few times to stabilize her wavering vision—five minutes had passed since she downed the tea. Yawning, she put her book aside and closed her eyes. Her dream started immediately.

She was back at her school, on the roof. The building wasn't inverted and there was no spell-cloud in the sky. The sun was shining and the day was lovely, if a bit crisp. She spotted Naru leaning against one of the railings that was unfenced, looking down at the grounds below.

Naru. She was happy to see him, but the blush she normally gained when she did, failed to warm her cheeks. She concluded that she was still angry with him for that last dream sequence. But that's… not really true, she thought to herself.

"Look," he said, pointing up before she could say anything.

Mai tilted her head skywards and gasped. Red-black clumps were floating overhead randomly and combined if they happened to bump into each other. This… this can't be! They weren't even here when I first entered my dream!

"It's being recast; there's not much time," Naru said, keeping his back to her.

"Eh?"

He chuckled. The cynical sound sent shivers up her spine. "I wonder… if you'll ever kiss me the way you kissed him," came the wistful comment. He turned and smiled at her; it was the same gentle smile that she'd come to love, but there was something different about it; it was melancholy; the pain packed into that smile stabbed at her heart.

Why is he so sad? she wondered, putting her palm to her breast. "Who?" Mai asked.

He laughed again, but she could hear the bitterness underneath the mirth. To think he'd get your heart, it seemed to say. "Lin, of course."

Her face flamed red and her heart felt like it was running a marathon; it seemed her blushing capabilities had returned. Kiss him? Kiss the Naru in my dreams? Will he let me remember if I do? "I will," she heard herself say.

He stared at her, his face displaying his utter shock and amazement. His blue eyes were wide and round and his mouth was lax with astonishment. When the breeze teased his hair, she wished for a camera. He was beautiful. Her heart began to thump softly. Naru, she thought. "On one condition, though," she said.

He frowned, looking like his real-life counterpart. "You have a contingency for a kiss?" he asked.

Mai walked over to his side and leaned against the rebar. Since this was a dream, she didn't have to worry about her uniform getting dirty. "The most important kind," she replied, looking into his eyes. "I want a promise."

"What kind of promise?" Naru asked warily.

"Promise me that you'll let me remember everything."

He edged closer. "That's it?"

She nodded.

"Done," he said, pulling her against him and wrapping his arms around her. "It's time for you to remember. That drug that you got will keep your mind from being muddled anyways."

"What do you mean?" she asked, gripping his upper arms for support as he twirled in an impromptu dance.

"All in good time," he said, tipping his head downwards. "All in good time," he repeated, kissing one eye and then the other. He trailed his lips down to her mouth and brushed her lips. Raising his hands to her face, he cradled it gently and turned it upwards so her eyes met his. "I can't hope to match Lin—but all the same, I'm not too horrible at this, either," he said brushing her mouth again.

"I know. I still remember our first kiss. How long have you known Lin-san?" she asked, genuinely curious.

He looked sad at the mention of their first kiss but smiled at her. "Since I was a child," he said, answering her question. "We've known him all our lives."

We? She didn't get the chance to ask. His lip claimed hers in a gentle but heady kiss. Like with Lin, she wrapped her arms around his neck—this kiss was much better than the first one. One of his legs inched its way between hers, one hand cradled the back of her head, and the other slid under her uniform top and pulled her closer. When his hand trailed down perilously close to her rear, she broke the kiss.

"You go no further than my back," she told him, lifting his hand and placing it back where it originally started.

"I'm sorry," he said, placing his forehead against hers and staring into her eyes.

Mai flushed at the tender, apologetic smile on his face and gentle look in his eyes. "What's so fascinating about my back, anyhow?" she asked.

He laughed. "Not your back—your skin. It's smooth, soft, silky, and you always smell divine. I'm sure it drives even the stoic Lin mad."

"Men," she huffed.

He shrugged. "What can I say?" he asked, nuzzling her cheek and kissing her again. He leaned against the gate and pulled her against him.

She was the spectator this time, thankfully. Since her last dream Mai had decided that she was heartily sick of active participation. Naru held her hand as they watched the two men duel. When the fatal blow to the English-man was struck, she turned away. She knew what became of his soul and had no desire to see it happen. As if her dream understood her wish, the scene faded and was replaced with something new—something much more recent.

She was in a park—Mai recognized it as the park that Masako has requested Naru to investigate back in November. There were two figures sitting on a bench, wearing street clothes. He looked agitated and she looked upset. They look familiar, Mai thought. She blinked in recognition. Akira-kun? Hotaru-san? What's going on? Mai wondered. They didn't look cozy like a couple should, she noted. According to Michiru, when they first started dating, they'd been literally attached at the hip. Now it seemed like they were strangers who'd ended up on the same bench while waiting for their respective party. What happened to them?

Hotaru looked at her watch anxiously and sighed. "You said you wanted to talk, Akira. I have a Student Council function to help with soon—this won't take long, will it?"

An irritated look crossed his features. "No, it won't. I'll be blunt," he said.

"Okay."

"I want us to break up."

Whatever Hotaru had been expecting Akira to say, it wasn't that. "What?" she asked, stunned.

"I want us to break up," he repeated.

She stared at him, flabbergasted. "Why? Is it because of my involvement with the Student Council? Is that it?" she asked. She crossed her arms and glared at him belligerently. "That is it, isn't it?"

"That's part of it, yes," Akira replied evenly. "But I think the biggest reason stems with you. You've changed, Hotaru."

"I've changed?" she asked, pointing to herself. "I have not," she denied. "I'm the same as I've always been."

"You aren't. Ever since you've become involved with the Student Council, it's consumed your life. You have no time for 'us' anymore. I make dates hoping to spend time with you—and if you don't end them early, you cancel them— if you remember to. If you don't, you simply decline to show up. There's no point in being in a relationship if it's only me," he said, ignoring her spluttering protests.

She fell silent and watched him for a moment. "That's not all, is there? What about the rumors that I'm seeing someone else? That has to play a part in this monumentally foolhardy decision of yours."

"Oh, I've heard them. I heard them from Michi-chan, if you must know. I've nixed them," he said. "If you can't remember dates with me, then how would you manage two relationships?"

A stricken look passed over her face. "Maybe I like him better!" she snapped, turning away from him.

Gently, he turned her face back to his. "There is no one else. It's no use trying to pretend there is, either."

"All right, point," she admitted. "But I've heard that there's someone else that you want to ask out. Are the rumors incorrect?"

He stiffened. She smiled like a predator about to pounce on its prey. "They're not wrong. Who is it?" she asked.

He frowned at her but answered, "Taniyama Mai."

Mai gripped Naru's hand tightly and a tear rolled down her cheek.

Hotaru stared at Akira in shock. "Her?" she asked, incredulous. When he didn't answer, she began to laugh. "You moron," she gasped out between giggles. "She'll never say yes. She's in love with her boss, who doesn't even know she's alive!"

Tears poured down her cheeks and her grip on Naru's hand became bone crushing. That's not true, anymore. None of it is, not anymore. I think…more than anyone, that I'm the one who's changed.

"That may very well be true," Akira said, "but if she'll let me, I'll try to erase him from her heart. And even if I don't, at least she'll make the time to spend with me and call me if she can't make our dates."

The mirth that had decorated the junior's face disappeared. "You're serious. You're actually serious."

"I'm very serious, Hotaru. And very sorry that after nearly three years, it's come to this. But this is what it is. Our relationship is gone."

"I'm not convinced," Hotaru said, after a few seconds. "Not one damn bit." She looked at her watch. "I have to go now," she said, standing. "I'll definitely call you later and we'll talk."

"There's nothing to talk about; it's over between us," he said. "Besides, you won't call."

"I'll call you," she repeated, walking away. She stopped and walked back to him, frowning. "How about this. Let's give it a month—if you still feel that way… then that's that. If not, we'll try harder."

"You're not listening," he began.

"I'm trying to think of a solution!" she cried, throwing her hands up to the sky. "Dammit all to hell, Akira, I don't want us to break up!" she sobbed, tears running freely from her eyes. "You're my everything! I'll do whatever it takes to keep you—even quit the Student Council!"

He stood up and looked down at her. "You should have thought about that before you became so involved. I'm telling you now: we're done, and that's it. A month isn't going to change my mind," he said. Taking a few steps back from her, Akira bowed respectfully. "See you in class tomorrow, Yukimura-san."

With that, he walked off. Hotaru sat on the bench woodenly. One tear slipped down her cheek, followed by another. More came after that and she buried her face in her hands as she started to sob.

The scene faded completely. Mai put one hand to her cheek and pulled it away, staring at the translucent tears that clung to her fingers. They were eerily beautiful in the inverted light surrounding them. Her hand dropped back to her side lifelessly. "I was part of the reason?" she asked quietly.

"You weren't," Naru said, gripping her elbows. "You played no part whatsoever. You couldn't help that his feelings for you changed. This has been incredibly difficult for you, but none of it was your fault." He released her. "You know the rest then, don't you?" he asked her.

She nodded slowly; it was all crystal clear in her mind. "I do. I should go back and report it."

"Yeah," he said, nodding. "Be careful, though. I don't know if there are any side effects with that drug you were given."

"Do you know Watanuki-kun's boss?" she asked curiously.

"No," he said darkly. "I stay away from her at all possible costs. And if you ever meet her, Mai, don't let her rope you into anything. Anything she gives comes at a price; her prices are just, but at the same time, they're often harmful to the client—in one way or another."

Mai shivered. He smiled at her gently. "That way will take you back," he said pointing to the left.

"Thank you for everything," she said. Smiling at him, she turned and took off.

Be safe, he thought, watching her go. Turning, Gene focused on where he'd last seen Noll…who was still out cold. "Idiot scientist," he muttered, stuffing his hands into his pocket. "I tried to warn you. Our bond isn't totally gone, is it? I was able to contact you—not that you listened, of course; you never do, you stupid prat." Gene yawned suddenly and his eyes drooped. The sleep was pulling at him. Not yet, he snarled. "Wake up Noll! Wake up and put the pieces together before she does! She's not out of the woods yet! Wake up!"

No effect. Noll remained right where he was, oblivious to his calling. Gene sighed, no longer able to resist the pull of the sleep. Idiot scientist!

Of course, he didn't tell me how long it would take me to get back, Mai thought. She slowed to a walk, wondering if she was still on the path to actually return. If I'm dreaming, then I should just be able to wake up, right? Closing her eyes, she reopened them to the same inverted light she'd been running through. Then again, maybe not. How do I get back? Mai thought, frustrated. Think, Taniyama, she told herself. What if I go back and ask him to lead me back? …I could, but I've found my way back before, haven't I? She thought back to the Ryokuryou High School case—she'd dreamed of a shrine to O-Inari-san—she'd visited the shrine in her dream, before she'd gone there in reality. Naru had shown up and told her that she needed to leave the nurse's office and return to the base; it wasn't safe in the nurse's office: one of the phantom lights that had been sleeping was about to hatch. She'd woken up almost instantly after declaring that she had to warn everyone.

So why am I having such a difficult time?

"Mai."

She whirled around to find Lin-san watching her. She was back in her apartment, sitting next to Lin-san with a cup of steaming green tea in front of her. It seemed that Watanuki-kun and Doumeki-kun had just left, if the voices in the hall were anything to judge by.

I don't remember them arguing though… she thought, furrowing her brow. Then again, that medicine must have worked fast indeed. She looked up at Lin. "Lin-san, what happened? Did I suddenly fall asleep?" she asked, embarrassed. Falling asleep and with guests in her apartment! How unseemly!

"That's right," he said, nodding. "I asked Watanuki-san and Doumeki-san to take their leave just a few minutes ago. That was a short dream. Did you learn anything useful?" he asked.

She bit her lip, pensively; it was strange, but… she couldn't quite remember. Her mind was one big jumble. Funny, she thought. Just a minute ago, my mind was crystal clear. There was one thing that she recalled clearly. "I was the inadvertent cause of Hotaru-san and Akira-kun breaking up," she told him sheepishly, looking at the table that had withstood time. Her father had crafted this table; he'd always loved to work with his hands, Mai's mother told her once.

"Is that all?"

"I think so. I can't seem to remember anything more," she said, frowning. "I'm sorry, Lin-san."

He sighed. "That's very disappointing."

Mai's eyes widened. Not even Naru had ever said that to her before, despite her dreams being convoluted and sometimes unhelpful until much later in a case. She raised her eyes to his disappointed face and stared at him in shock. Frowning at her, he emptied a packet into her tea and pushed it towards her a bit more.

"Let's give this a try. Kakei-san from the Green Drugstore said it would help."

Clarity flooded her mind when she saw him empty the packet. Wait a minute! I remember this! It's already happened; I've already taken that stuff, she thought, recalling the other method Lin had threatened to try had she not taken the medicine-infused tea on her own. She batted the tea away and surged to her feet, ignoring the green-gold rivulets soaking her rug. "That stuff is still swimming in my system!" she cried, glaring down at the doppelganger angrily. "This is still a dream! The Lin-san I know would never say what you just said!"

Smirking at her, Lin climbed to his feet and stalked towards her slowly. Alarmed at the look in his eye, Mai backed away until her back hit the wall; she'd seen that look one too many times. But this look, while exhibiting the same intention that Naru's, Bou-san's, John's and Yasuhara-san's had, was decidedly different. Lin-san's eyes were clear—not hazy and unfocused because of the spell. But this isn't him, she thought. I know it's not. I don't know who or what this is, but it is not Lin-san. This… this is still my dream. Her eyes widened. Is this… the spell's doing, she wondered, glancing at the dark stain on the rug. It has to be.

He stopped a few inches from her and his hands shot out and imprisoned her arms before sliding down gently to her wrists and pinning them painfully against the wall; she winced. "Perhaps… you never really knew me," he said, lowering his mouth to hers. She resisted, tilting her head towards the ground and keep her eyes on the carpet. Frowning, he merely pushed slightly on the small of her back, bringing her closer and forcing her to look up. Before Mai could look away, Lin pressed his lips to hers.

This kiss was excruciatingly painful—it wasn't at all like the gentle, passionate one he'd bestowed on her when performing the counter-spell—that one… despite what it could have led to, had made her feel safe… sacred, almost; this one was bruising in its intensity and she felt no pleasure with this kiss; this one, she didn't want. She struggled, trying to get away—she had to get away. But it seemed even dream Lin was still very much stronger than her, despite the fact that this was her dream and she should have had some modicum of control in it. He wrapped one arm around her arms and waist, drawing her closer, and holding her prisoner against his own body. His free hand started to unbutton her blouse.

No… No! He stripped away her blouse, and fingered the maroon-colored, lace-like material of her bra lightly, smiling at her shiver. Lin-san, you can't! she thought, as his lips skipped over the hollow of her throat completely and instead trailed down to her still-covered breasts. Her eyes widened and a small squeak left her mouth—whether fear or pleasure, she didn't know. This can't be happening! Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the clumps begin to fly together at an awesome rate as the spell reformed itself rapidly. It's back, she thought, barely registering her bra dropping to the floor. She looked away from her window to the clock on the wall and her eyes became impossibly wide. It was then that she began to scream.

…

Her blood-curdling shrieks woke him; they would probably wake the dead if she put more effort into it. A minute later found the Chinese man cursing that she'd locked the door. Sharply, he passed his hand over it, muttering a quick word and heard the tell-tale 'click' of the tumblers a second later. Throwing the door open, he immediately went to her side and gripped her shoulders.

"Taniyama-san!" he called, giving her a small shake.

The result wasn't what he'd hoped for. True, her screams died to whimpers, but her struggle with whatever was happening inside her dream continued. He tried again. "Taniyama-san!"

Still nothing happened. It's like she's being raped inside her own mind. That thought made him go cold. If that was the case, he had to wake her. "Mai!" he called, giving her shoulders a hard shake.

That did it. Her struggles stopped and her eyes opened slowly. Relieved, Lin released her and sat down at her side; her mattress nearly upsetting his balance as he plopped onto it. When she looked at him, he saw her eyes widen in fear before they cleared when realization dawned.

"Lin-san?" she asked hoarsely, sitting up.

He studied her face. Her expression worried him; it was frightened and guarded all at once. What had she dreamed? Whatever it was, Lin had a feeling that it was bad and that he'd somehow played a role. "That must have been some nightmare," he said at last, hoping to coax her into telling him.

Her expression became even more closed—so much for that idea. "Ah… oh, umm…" She scratched her cheek nervously. "It didn't have anything to do with the case, actually."

"No?"

She shook her head furiously.

She's lying, he thought. 'Then what?"

Biting her lower lip, she glanced out her window before turning her attention to the colorful quilt on her bed.

"Mai?"

"It was a school nightmare," she blurted out finally. "I failed all of my exams."

Lin stared at her. What kind of fool does she take me for, the sorcerer wondered. "And that caused you to start screaming like a hell-hound was after you?"

"Was I?"

"I'm surprised you didn't wake anyone else."

When a timid knock on the door sounded, Mai smiled. "You spoke too soon," she said, attempting to vacate the bed.

"Seems so," Lin said, exiting her room before she could untangle herself from the linens. Opening the door cautiously, he found Watanuki standing there. Spying Lin's Shiki, the boy jumped.

What I don't need, Lin thought, admonishing the demon that was teasing the boy. "May I help you, Watanuki-san?"

"I heard screaming," the bespectacled boy said, glaring at the Shiki, then Lin, and then back at the Shiki again. "Is she all right?"

Leave the boy alone. "She's just fine; it seems she had an exam-related nightmare." I don't think he'll fall for that, either. He was in for a surprise, however.

Watanuki shuddered. "Say no more. I understand all too well."

Either high school had gotten harder, or the kids had gotten dumber. Then again, I went to high school in Hong Kong; I really don't know much about the school systems here in Japan. And he'd never bothered asking Mai about her studies, either. Still, Mai had lied to him—her nightmare was not exam-related—"I'm sorry?" Lin asked, coming back from his introspective thoughts.

"I asked if you wanted me to make tea for you two," Watanuki said, looking miffed and grudging.

"Unnecessary, but thank you all the same."

"I see… well…" The young man took a deep breath and blurted out, "Will you tell her I'm sorry?"

"No," Lin replied bluntly. "When you work up the courage, you may apologize yourself for deceiving her."

"I thought you'd say that. I worry about her, you know? I saw the article in the paper about the house in Suwa. I'm sure you all were there. So I'll leave this as-is and when I work up the courage, I'll apologize. But Lin-san, if I may ask, aren't you lying to her, too? You're not Japanese—in fact, you hate the Japanese people. You're really from China."

Lin frowned. "Your boss knows more about me than I find comfortable. Am I deceiving her? No; Taniyama-san knows all that. And surely your boss told you I'm from Hong Kong."

"She doesn't know you live in England, though, does she?"

"I'm not necessarily keeping that a secret. She need only ask if she's curious about me and my origins. What brings this about, Watanuki-san?" he asked.

Watanuki narrowed his eyes at the Chinese man. "I don't trust you. I think you've been lying to her, too. What's your real purpose here—with her?"

"Trust is something that needs to be earned, Watanuki-san, so you're right not to. My purpose right now is to protect Mai as best as I can from this spell."

"But—"

"Watanuki-san, I'm glad you care enough about Mai to ask me questions; I really am. Perhaps next time you visit, you'll do so as a friend. A time for everything and for everything its place."

"What… do you mean?" he asked, puzzled by the spell-like intonation.

Lin opened the door wider, revealing a confused Mai.

"Watanuki-san?" she asked.

"Taniyama-san," he said, smiling at her gently. "I'm sorry to intrude at such a late hour. I heard you scream, however, and I was concerned for your well-being."

"Ah," she said, her puzzlement evaporating just a tad. "Thank you for your concern, Watanuki-san. I'm just fine, though."

"Taniyama-san…would you care for some tea?"

"Another time, perhaps?"

"Ah, sure," he said, smiling. "Taniyama-san…why don't you and your co-workers join my friends and me for a picnic next Sunday?"

"That sounds like a nice idea," she responded carefully. "I'll let you know."

"Please do."

"Goodnight, Watanuki-san. Sorry I woke you. Lin-san, I… suppose…I need to recount my dream?"

Lin nodded. Bidding Watanuki a good night, he solemnly shut the door, leaving Watanuki in the darkened hall alone. That didn't go as bad as I thought it would. I'm glad I took Yuuko-san's advice this time, he thought, thinking back to the odd conversation in her kitchen as he cooked her breakfast food for dinner. Really, his boss was so spoiled!

"Humpty-Dumpty sat on a wall," Yuuko intoned, downing a dish of sake and pouring herself another.

"What?" Watanuki said, looking up from the skillet where eggs cooked sunny-side up. Why did she want eggs for dinner?

"You know the rhyme, don't you?" she asked, looking at him.

He turned back to the stove and looked at the hash browns frying in the other pan. "Of course I do!" he snapped. "'Humpty-Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty-Dumpty had a great fall. And all the kings horses and all the kings men, couldn't put Humpty together again.' It's a rhyme about a wall falling," he told her smugly.

"Indeed," the Time-Space witch said, taking a drag from her ornate pipe. "But I told you once before that people wanted to pass on warnings about things that were too fantastic to believe. So in order to get their message across, they made up fairy tales and nursery rhymes. But it can work both ways. Normal warnings can be passed on in this manner as well."

"I guess," Watanuki said grudgingly, removing the eggs from the skillet and onto a plate.

"Do you trust Doumeki-kun?" she asked, seemingly out of the blue.

The young medium's eyes widened. "What the hell kind of question is that?" he screeched, brandishing the oil-coated spatula at her threateningly.

"An important one," she replied, blowing smoke into his face. "Do you trust Doumeki-kun?"

He waved it away furiously. "I do," he said hesitantly.

"How much?"

Watanuki frowned, watching her down another glass of sake.

She looked at him seriously, waiting for his answer.

"With my life," he said finally.

Yuuko's final words on the subject echoed in his mind. "Trust, Watanuki, isn't easily given—those who do are fools. Proper trust should be earned. It's one of the most potent bonds and also one of the most fragile. If it's broken, trust takes a long time to heal and sometimes, Watanuki-kun, it never does. You wished to know about the man protecting your friend, Taniyama-san. I have granted your wish. Be careful, however, what you do with that knowledge."

The bespectacled senior smiled bitterly. "I still don't trust you," he said, turning away from the closed door. "Honestly, I think you guys are kooks. But Taniyama-san believes in you all. So I'll trust her—and her instincts. Please don't let me down," Watanuki said, walking to his door. Perhaps next Sunday he'd have worked up enough courage to apologize to her for his behavior towards her since she'd started her job.

Inside her apartment, Mai sat on the loveseat rigidly; Lin joined her a moment later. He frowned when he saw her staring at the clock on her wall with a pensive frown on her face. Turning from the clock, she sighed and brought her knees up to her chest, looking dejected.

"That stuff worked fast and knocked you out for a while. Were you able to dream?" Lin asked.

At her flinch, he frowned. She glanced at him and looked away, studiously avoiding his gaze. "Yes," she said. "And I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it wasn't anything new."

"Disappoint me?" he asked bewildered, growing more puzzled when some of the tension left her body. "Why would I be disappointed? Do you remember what you dreamed?"

She stiffened again at his question. "I do," she said, drawing her knees closer to her chest. "That stuff from the Green Drugstore kept my mind from being muddled," she said, glancing back at the clock.

Why does she keep looking at the clock? Lin wondered. "Mai," he said.

She didn't look at him. Frowning, the Chinese man moved so that he was in her line of vision and she couldn't look at anything but him. "Why do you continue to stare at the clock? What's going to happen?"

Tears welled up in her eyes and began to travel down her cheeks. The urge to lean over and kiss away her tears hit him viciously. He found himself wanting to feel her petite body beneath his again; her lips would be warm and inviting just as they'd been earlier—would her body be the same, he wondered. He blinked. What am I thinking? Where did any of that come from? He gripped the cushion, trying to get the sudden onslaught of lust under control. Case, think about the case, not your wants. Clock, he thought, digging his fingers into the cushion, she keeps looking at the clock. Why? His eyes widened in realization. Whipping his head around, he looked at the cheerful, cat-shaped timepiece.

Impossible! It hasn't even been twenty-four hours! The counter-curse was performed at eleven o'clock in the morning. Since then, it's been nearly fourteen-hours. It shouldn't have come back this quickly! He turned back to Mai who watched him with glistening eyes. She knew. Dammit, she dreamed it. "You dreamt this," he whispered, furious with her. "You silly girl, you should have said so sooner. Why, Mai? Why didn't you tell me the truth?"

Tears started to run down her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she sobbed. "This is all my fault! I should have told you immediately—but I couldn't. I just couldn't!" She raised one hand to wipe away her tears; Lin grabbed her wrist and dragged her closer. Her eyes widened and she looked up at him.

"What did I do?" he ground out.

"What?"

"In your dream—what did I do?" He shouldn't touch her; it was dangerous to do so. Who knew what might happen? He battled the vicious urge to pull her even closer and kiss every inch of her as he slid the pajamas off her body. Slowly—it would have to be slowly so he could plant a kiss just as her skin was revealed. "Answer me," he said softly, releasing her wrist and ignoring his thoughts.

"My fifth kiss—you stole it. But it wasn't you!" she said fiercely.

He smiled grimly. "Your confidence in me is astounding. But I'm afraid that if I can't rebuild my shield it will come to naught." He moved over to the sofa-bed that he'd been using and looked at the remainder of his barrier. It was in tatters, literally. His lips compressed into a thin line. The counter-spell was to blame. And myself. I should have forseen that this could happen and recast it right after. I erred on the side of self-confidence and arrogance. Ignoring Mai who was trying to get his attention, he looked at his Shiki. Shall we?

They huddled together as if contemplating what he wanted. He paid the brunette across from him no mind when she called his name again. Finally, his first and longest held Shiki turned to him. We think not.

Unacceptable. I would rather not take power from you, Lin told them. But if it comes to that…

Never stopped you before, said his fifth and most recent.

Which 'take' do you refer to? From us you take all the time, commented his fourth.

Perhaps you refer to the young human in your arms? asked his third and middle.

Lin was rudely shattered from a meeting that was fast going downhill when a pair of lips pressed against his. Clarity flooded his mind.

We concur, the other four echoed, dispersing.

What the… He blinked, trying to comprehend what was happening. It all came together eventually. Lin eased away and grabbed Mai's arms from around his neck. "Taniyama-san, what are you doing?" he asked carefully.

"I've been trying to get your attention."

"I'm sorry if ignoring you was upsetting, but I was trying to rebuild my shield."

"But didn't you relinquish that and more for the counter-curse?"

"I can recast it, if you'll give me some time."

"But it's not affecting you anymore. It hasn't been for a while now. I've been watching. Don't you understand?" she asked. She went on, not waiting for his answer. "If you were going to steal a kiss, you already would have—you'd have done it when the spell first hit you again." She dismissed the 'he already did,' thought that floated across her mind. That wasn't him, she thought fiercely. "That's how it works. Naru, Bou-san, and John had no chance; the spell completely overwhelmed them and you could see it in their eyes. You've been fighting it."

She's correct—you never did think to ask her what she saw and experienced after they stole her kisses, commented his fifth Shiki.

Enough! Lin snarled.

You can't handle it? asked his second. Or don't you want to admit if only to yourself how entranced you've become? Since which case has it been?

"Lin-san?"

He looked down at her, trying to ignore his Shiki.

"Does it help if I give you permission, or something?" she asked, unsure if the spell had something to do with it.

That word—that one tiny word hung in the air for a split second before sweeping through him. All and any barriers shattered; she was completely free for the taking—literally. Stupid girl. Do you have any idea what you've just done? There's nothing I can't do to you now. Lin groaned and dropped his head. "Foolish girl," he said, lowering her down to the mattress. "You have no idea how badly I want you right now. You don't have a clue what you've just done, do you? I could do anything to you—there'd be nothing to stop me." He looked her in the eye. "Should I make you beg for me to prove my point?" he asked. He frowned when she continued to stare at him. "Has working for SPR taught you nothing?"

"Lin-san?" she asked, when he pressed her back into the mattress.

"You gave permission. You didn't say anything specific about what I couldn't do. What's to stop me?"

"You," she said. "I know you. You're not the type to take advantage. Besides, that's not how you'd want to end this case. I'm not worried," she said, cradling his face. "I trust you completely."

How…humbling, he thought, chastised.

How the mighty have fallen! crowed his fourth Shiki.

That is more than enough. Away with you five. Leaning down, Lin kissed her gently. Put your arms around me, he thought, slipping one hand underneath her top and settling it on her back. As if she'd heard his request, her arms settled around his neck, bringing him closer and she sighed. Taking advantage, he initiated her tongue into a slow dance with his. He pulled back a few seconds later.

"You shouldn't trust me," he said, pressing a kiss to her palm.

She frowned at him. "Lin-san, if you were going to do anything worse, you'd have already done it. You wouldn't be where you are, arguing with me about whether or not you're affected by the curse."

"And where am I?" he asked.

Mai rolled her eyes. "A fine time for you to get cryptic. I'm beginning to wonder if you and Naru aren't related."

"We most certainly aren't," Lin replied. "I'd disown myself if we were."

She laughed. Lin took the opportunity to kiss her again. She sighed. Tearing himself away from her mouth, Lin started to work his way down her throat; his deft fingers easily opened the first two buttons of her pajama top. He drew back immediately when she began to struggle.

"Mai?" he asked. She didn't struggle earlier.

Her hand was holding her top closed; she looked sad and miserable.

I knew it, he thought. "What happened, Mai? What did I do?"

"I already told you," she said.

"Something more than a stolen kiss happened to cause that reaction. Tell me—tell me so I can put it to rest."

Reluctantly, Mai recounted what had happened after her initial dream.

"I see," Lin said quietly. Damn medicine—I knew there was a side effect of some sort! It probably furthered the spell, too. That's just peachy.

"But it wasn't you."

Lin propped his chin on his hand and watched her closely. "What makes you so sure?"

Mai frowned. "Because for some reason that I can't fathom, you seem to like my throat," she said, gripping the fabric she was holding. "You were…fascinated by it when we performed the counter-spell and at the Green Drugstore, it's also the spot you chose to use when you wanted to wake me up. In my dream, I thought I'd woken up because I was sitting right next to you. When I told you what I dreamed, you commented on how disappointing I was and tried to give me that awful stuff again. When I heard that, I knew it wasn't you—just a… I don't know, impersonation—because you've never, ever said anything about being disappointed about my dreams, and you've had plenty of opportunity."

Lin was silent. "True," he said finally.

"And my throat?" she asked.

"What about it?"

"What's your interest in it?"

"Oh, that? A little bird told me my doppelganger in your dream neglected it. I should rectify that," he commented, grasping her hand. She didn't let go immediately. "Mai, let me bury it; it was a horrible nightmare. I would never force you to do anything. You said you trusted me completely, earlier. Are you rescinding that?"

That's right, she thought. I do trust him. Her hand loosened and went lax. Gently, Lin drew it away and watched the fabric part, revealing her throat. Threading their fingers together, Lin leaned over and kissed her tenderly. Tears immediately sprang to her eyes. She gripped his hand when his lips began to work their way down until they reached the hollow of her throat. Slowly, teasingly, Lin refreshed his handiwork. He drew back before it led to more; it was tempting, oh, so very tempting to simply keep going; he attributed that to the spell and chose to ignore its little pushes and prods. He settled for simply watching her as she tried to gain her breath back. Finally, her eyes opened and focused on him. The glazed look in her chocolate-colored eyes pleased him to no end.

"What?" she asked, when her breathing finally calmed down.

"That's a good question," he replied.

Mai frowned. This was not the time for him to get cryptic again; she didn't think her nerves could take it. "I don't understand," she told him.

"Nor do I."

Then she realized. Poor Lin-san, she thought. This must be unfamiliar ground for him. "This," she said, "You're talking about this… you and I," she clarified.

"Us… yes, us," he said, when it seemed that she was going to argue the title. "But then, what of the others? There's Naru to consider—as well as Yasuhara-san and Akira-san; they care for you deeply. Takigawa-san and Matsuzaki-san see you as family; I would venture to say that Brown-san views you the same way—"

"And Masako sees me as a rival for Naru's affections," Mai finished. "Where do you fit in to that list?"

Lin went silent and looked at the wall across from him, contemplating her question. Just where was his place now? A year ago, he'd have said with certainty that they were simply associates—she was someone he had to work with based on Noll's odd sense of compassion. Now… he certainly couldn't be defined as a simple co-worker or even a friend.

"I wonder how it happened," he said finally, looking down at her. "When did it change? There's no way to group me with Takigawa-san and Matsuzaki-san. There isn't a category for just associates, either. I suppose…in light of recent developments that you'd have to group me with Naru."

"You can forget Akira-kun," Mai said darkly. "Naru, too—that one doesn't know I'm alive."

"You're wrong," Lin told her. "He very much knows. You saw his reaction earlier. He knows very well that you're alive; he just realized his feelings a little too late. But enough of that. This debate could go on all night. Personally, I'd rather it didn't—would you?"

"No," she said thoughtfully.

"Then… let me show you something different."

…

Naru woke and wished he hadn't. A terrible pain seared through his head and he winced, deciding to wait until it died down before he tried to move. The pain didn't go away precisely; it settled to a merciless, dull, throbbing like a beginning drummer who'd just started learning how to play the percussion instrument. Sitting up slowly, he winced again. The back of his neck felt like it was on fire. Grimacing, he reached a hand back and began to massage the screaming muscles. Standing, he wandered over to the light switch and turned it on. Florescent light flooded the room, chasing away the shadows to the very corners of the room. Twisting his neck to and fro, he tried to work out the kinks, wincing as the sounds of creaks and cracks reached his ears. He noticed morbidly that the light did not extend to outside the room, where the night hours ruled.

He abruptly shook himself from his musings and returned to the couch, noticing a strange imprint in the cushion he'd been slouched against. When he looked closer he realized it was his hand; it had been permanently engraved in the old, battered leather.

Huh. I'm surprised it didn't tear, he thought, sitting down. There aren't many things that can boast about being well-made and durable. Fingering the scarred cushion, he smiled bitterly as the memories from the couch flickered feebly through his mind. He blocked them—no need to see them a second or third time around; once was quite enough. So that's it then, he thought sardonically. I've lost.

I thought you said you were done moping?

"Gene?" he asked, looking around the room, hoping to see something.

He received no answer, however. Passing it off as an after-effect of blacking out, Naru shook his head. "Stop your wool-gathering," he commanded himself harshly. He flinched a bit at how frozen his voice sounded in the empty room. What's done is done; it can't be undone.

Picking up the folder once again, he began to analyze the data it contained. This time, it was easy to focus; he found himself infinitely grateful that Yasuhara, John, and Takigawa-san had done such thorough research. Adding that to what Lin had supplied, Naru was able to draw conclusions to answer his questions. We know it's a curse and according to everything Lin was able to pull up in his research, it needs seven kisses to complete itself. Mai said that when it does, rape awaits the intended victim. Naru frowned as he began to put the puzzle pieces together. This started mild—candy and flowers, gifts from school boys with crushes. Then it progressed to Mai getting chased to the office. Here he stopped and examined the two seemingly unrelated events. Maybe they aren't as unconnected as we originally thought. They almost seem like bait, he thought, thinking back to that day when he'd walked into the office to find a very subdued Mai and mint tea. Once Mai told us about her plight, I immediately jumped to solve this—especially because Lin believed we had a case and I trust his instincts. Events smoothed out once I told Mai that we were accepting her case. I thought the spell had stagnated and Lin agreed. At the time it was the only plausible explanation.

Naru surged to his feet and began to pace as his mind pursued an entirely different track. But some spells are insidious; admittedly, I don't know much about magic, but I do know that much. The curse at Ryokuryou High School was one such example. On the outside it looked like a simple Kodoku. But in reality… it was a murder-curse. Isn't this the same thing? Surface-wise, it's a simple lust spell or a love spell gone awry. Behind the façade however, is a curse that upon completion causes the victim to end up raped and forever traumatized. There's no way to forget something like that. Even the best therapists in the world can't make a person fail to remember being raped. Isn't it especially bad if the victim in question is a virgin?

He stopped in front of the window and looked out at the shadow-drenched school grounds. Why did the spell stagnate in the first place? Here he paused and wondered. Stagnated? Who said it actually did? Maybe it was set up to make us think it did. Whoever or whatever set this trap must have known where Mai worked and what type of work she did. It must also have known that somehow, word of what was happening would reach our ears at some point. Naru cradled his chin in his fingers and frowned at the dull illumination that the lamp gave off; it hardly did any good fending off the shadows. A random news article on the radio on the way back to the hotel, he thought, ticking off the events on his fingers. Mai telling us, or she could have told Bou-san or John what was happening; had she done that, they would have informed Lin and myself or encouraged her to tell me. Mai's friends could have informed me… a number of things could have happened to bring this to our attention. And that was the entire point, he realized. Of course it was! They just wanted to get us involved! All it took was a push—Mai getting chased to the office.

Yes, now that I think about it that makes sense. It was staged to get us there and once we were, the curse was really set into motion. It started with me stealing a kiss. Why, though? Why begin with me? And then he had his answer. Because that was the most shock. The person that held Mai's heart stole her first kiss; it was not given, but taken. My stolen kiss galvanized the next shock: someone who acts like an older brother stealing the second kiss—Bou-san, obviously. Having Lin guard her from me and the other boys and men was a big joke. Nothing more serious than a stolen kiss was meant to happen—and it was us he needed to guard her from—little too late to realize that now. But… why did I want to kiss her again if it wasn't supposed to be? Bou-san, John, and Yasuhara-san didn't seem to experience the same want…at least, not to the extent that I did.

He filed that away for another time. It wasn't relevant to the current case. The next shock was someone she called a good friend stealing the third kiss—John. The fourth was another friend that wasn't supposed to have anything but platonic feelings taking another kiss. That equals four. Wait, he thought, Yasuhara-san stole two kisses, Lin said. So two more left. Where do they come from? Hara-san and Matsuzaki-san? No… if that was meant to happen, then it would have. Could the last two come from one of us again? No, that wasn't right. His gut instinct told him that their parts were done in this curse. Lin? Possibly. All the better that he performed the counter-curse then, came the disgruntled admission that would never be spoken out loud to anyone. One of her many "admirers?" No. If they were meant to have a part in this elaborate game, then they would.

As suddenly as the solution came to him, he wondered why he hadn't pieced this all together before. Her dreams. Of course—dreams are a reality in their own right. I don't know how to stop her from dreaming and I doubt there's a way to prevent it. But… who did they plan on doing the actual deed when the curse is complete? Me? That thought made his blood run cold. Gut instinct, however, told him otherwise. No, it's not me. He started to pace again as he ran through a list of possible people and just as quickly dismissed them; it wasn't them… and it wasn't any one associated with SPR; that part…he'd figure it out in a second. There was something else bothering him: Mai's ardent admirer, her friend Michiru's elder brother.

The crush Akira had on Mai didn't bother him. Well, admittedly that did annoy him some. What really didn't make sense was why he was unaffected by the entire spell. Not one attempt to do anything to Mai, but it was blatantly obvious that he felt a great deal for the second-year. Why is he unaffected by all this? He should have had the first kiss… Naru blinked. Scratch that. He should have stolen a kiss instead of remaining unaffected. Why is he the only unaffected person? His eyes widened as a terrible thought surfaced. Because he's the one, isn't he? He's the one the spell will overwhelm. He already has feelings for Mai; he doesn't like me or anyone else male associated with her, either—if his attitude towards us is anything to judge by. And he's persistent, despite the fact that Mai's been trying to ignore him. Didn't Michiru-san comment that her brother had been acting oddly as of late? She did, he recalled, his mind returning to the first day of the case when Akira had blatantly admitted that he'd asked Mai out in hopes of her becoming his girlfriend.

So now my only question is who's behind this. That's an obvious answer if everything I know so far is true. It would have to be Akira's former girlfriend, Yukimura Hotaru-san. I can't see one of the girls in her school that is currently dating a guy being the responsible party. Naru cursed himself for being a blind fool. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned- William Congreve, he told himself. Something so simple—I should have seen it earlier! But this curse was designed so that I wouldn't. Mother always said that the best place to hide something is in plain sight. I bet, however, that Lin performing a counter-curse was unexpected. Had things gone as smoothly as planned—well, no need to get into that again. The problem now isn't defeating the curse. This is one curse that we can't stop—unless Mai stays awake. That's impossible, so I won't even contemplate it.

But it doesn't make sense, Naru thought, pacing again. Yukimura-san's been coming around to visit Mai quite a lot lately. Lin didn't sense anything odd about her and neither did Hara-san. Mai hasn't dreamed anything associated with her that we know of, so where did she get the power to bring about such an insidious curse? …Hara-san hasn't sensed anything odd about Yukimura-san. But she has sensed a ghost walking around. Cameras didn't pick anything up—what if Yukimura-san is a willing host? Can a ghost even do something like this?

Broken from his train of thought with what he thought might be an answer, he rushed back to the couch to grab his cell phone from the table. Pressing two buttons, he held the phone to his ear and waited impatiently. It seemed to take an eternity, but Lin finally picked up.

"Lin," he said, wasting no time with formalities or returning the questioning salutation that the Chinese man uttered upon answering his phone. "Is a ghost capable of casting a curse such as this?"

…

Omake: Just for you, Ginny!

Protect me. That idiot. Slowly, she approached him and he watched her warily. She'd already slapped him once with a sweet look on her face—he had no desire for an encore performance—especially with Lin in the room.

Mai put her hands on his cheeks and smiled at him gently. "Naru… you can't protect someone by keeping them in the dark. All the same…" Her hand inched its way back and she slapped him across the face—hard.

He stared at her in disbelief. "What was that for?" he asked.

"You dyed my teddy bear pink! How could you? Why don't you just ask your parents to mail you yours?"

…

A/N: I'll say it for you all so you don't review saying it: ZOMG! Naru apologized! Are you high on something, Kyia-san?

No, no I'm not. Yes, he did apologize. It seems unlikely, but Naru's always struck me as someone who—if they knew they were absolutely, without a doubt wrong—would apologize for their actions. So… he did. And I'm not changing it. You all will have to live with a slightly more human Naru.

Sorry this took so long. I had hoped to finish it last month, but as you all can obviously see, that didn't happen. Next chapter hopefully won't take so long, but I'm not promising anything. School just started and it takes me a while to write something to where I'm happy with it. Rarely do I send Titian chapters I'm not completely satisfied with, do I Titian?

If anyone's curious, here's how the writing process for me works: write the chapter out on paper; type written parts; print out what's typed whether or not it's complete and revise; make corrections on master copy and continue both writing and typing; copy/paste final chapter and print out for revision again; make corrections and send to Tish to be ripped to pieces; correct the mistakes Tish finds and post chapter.

It's a long process. Not one chapter of Shades of Lust is composed solely on the computer. This is why it takes me a while to update. So now you guys know.

Hope you all enjoyed! And once again, happy (belated) birthday, MX!

I'll see everyone in chapter ten: "The middle of the middle and the end of end." Are you a Harry Potter fan? Surely you recognize the quote then…assuming I've gotten it correct. We're almost at the end. Chapter ten will wrap just about everything up and chapter eleven the epilogue will be the very end. I will also take the chance to address any questions that people have—assuming that chapter ten doesn't answer them. Yes, this includes the 'who will Mai end up with,' question. Some of you already know. Please don't tell anyone. I'd like it to be a surprise. Thank you for your cooperation.

Later!

Kyia Star