OK! Hope you guys are ready for more! I'm trying to type all these ideas out before I forget them. So enjoy! Thanks so much as usual for all the regular feedback guys and gals! Please continue to guide me! The start of this chapter is still in their date scene!

NARU'S POV:

"Sometime during the course of our picnic, Mai had tied her shoulder length hair into a bouncy ponytail. It seems as full of energy as she is, the way it bounces with each of her exuberant movement. With her hair out of her face, her pixie-like features are more pronounced and oh so utterly charming. I'm barely able to keep up with her happy chattering so entranced I was with the slender collar and neck she innocently exposed.

As we finish up I watch silently as she relaxes back and basks in the sun. I see her taking in a deep breath as if to appreciate the beautiful weather. I'm really glad I decided on this picnic lunch. I few tendrils of hair are fluttering softly from the gentle breeze, and I can just feel a sigh of contentment coming on. This really is picture perfect isn't it? All the fuss about dates and courtship and whatnot all seem to be tedious and a complete waste of time, but I can see the merits. Well I think this can only happen because my partner is Mai. Hara was just an over-simpering "hime" type that just grates on my nerves. Overly confident sexual types like Matsuzaki are just as suffocating. But Mai, she's constantly changing and thus never boring."

Pausing for a moment away from his moment of happiness, he ponders something else.

"Gene, is it ok for me to be happy? We're twins, but I was never the sentimental type to ever expect that we'd share or obtain all things equally, but...this is just too much. You've already lost your chance to obtain anything more from this living world. Am I taking Mai away from you in any way? I know we're as different as we're similar, so knowing you the way I do, I have no doubt that you may see Mai as more than a kid sister. I don't want to take away what little happiness you can find, but I don't think I can give her up. No, I really don't think I can, even for you. If you can hear my thoughts at all, please forgive your idiotic little brother and give us your blessing."

Glancing down, he realizes that it's almost 11:40.

"Mai, let's get everything packed up so we can head over to see your landlord."

Stretching a little and yawning along the way, she moves to do as he instructed. Noticing her movements, he couldn't help it.

"Do you never get enough sleep? You just had a nap before we left too!"

'I think it was because of the nice weather and yummy picnic. Don't get me wrong; I slept really well during the nap earlier. Best power nap I had in a long time come to think of it. It was a dreamless sleep and I woke u really refreshed!'

"Well I'm glad youuuu had a good nap." He grumbled begrudgingly under his breath when he recalled his responses to her kittenish movements while he had lain there with her.

He left her to the packing as he looked around for what he had went off to seek earlier. Spotting the person, he motioned the stranger over.

As she finished up packing, Mai noticed a stranger making his way over to them with what looked to be a painting easel. Curious, she glanced at Naru and notices that he wasn't watching him with what seems to be expectancy.

Naru met the man a few feet away from Mai, and she watched curiously as Naru handed the man some money and received a couple rolled canvases in exchange. Naru then made his way back over to unroll each one for inspection. Bristling with uncontained curiosity by this point, Mai leans over as he unrolled the first one and gave a small gasp. It was a rather good rough sketch in colors no less of her leaning against the tree trunk looking up into the foliage. It was from when they first got to the grove. As she looks over it, she started blushing. 'I look like an airhead with that look!' Naru on the other hand was quite pleased with the quality. "She has that day-dreamer look on her face."

The other canvas was a scene with Mai leaning back on her elbows, eyes closed, as if enjoying the warmth of the sun. What truly made her catch her breath was the artist's portrayal of Naru. With her eyes closed and unaware, Naru was gazing at her with the gentlest eyes she's ever seen on him. The artist must have had a lot of skill, because the rest of Naru came off as indifferent and apathetic as he normally is, all except his eyes. Shyly, she glances up at Naru with a small blush staining her cheeks.

"Not a bad job huh?"

'He did very well! It's very beautiful!'

"Of course it is, with me as a model, how can it not be? Unless he was completely talentless, which judging by this, he's not."

At that point, Mai turned into her chibi form. 'This guy really doesn't hold back on compliments pertaining to himself does he?' Sweat drop.

'Why did you suddenly decide on something like this Naru?'

Moving to gather their picnic items, he motions her to start walking. "Is there something wrong with me wanting an artistic interpretation of my own physique? It's good to acknowledge oneself every now and then in order to build confidence and not lose sight of ones potential."

'Naru, I think you have enough confidence already without the need for such things. In fact, I could probably make a fortune if only I could bottle your confidence and sell it.'

"Stop being jealous and ridiculous, Mai."

'J-jealous? Ha! Don't make me laugh! Care to explain why you commissioned one of just me? Hmmm? See? Nothing to be jealous about here!'

Not commenting, he just glanced back at her with an enigmatic look, and then smirked.

Sigh…'This guy...really now!'

Finally, the silly couple arrived at her landlord's office.

"Good afternoon oya-san. As you can see, Taniyama-san my employee is one of your tenants. She'll be moving to a new residence so we're here to cancel her lease. Would it be a problem for me to handle the paperwork and all affairs pertaining to this?"

'Ara-ara! Since Mai is here with you, I see no problems at all. She only had two months before the contract is supposed to be up, but I'll waive the cancellation fee if you just pay out those two months. That's one less fee to worry about. Of course, I'll also deduct her deposit out of there as well. (Normally one would've had to pay out the rent, cancellation fee, and may or may not even get the deposit back, so they actually save quite a bit here!)'

"That is very generous of you, you have our gratitude."

'Ara! It's nothing! I've known about Mai's situation since she first moved in here with Hana sensei. When Hana sensei had to return to her hometown, I made sure to be as understanding as I could and look after Mai in her place. However, Mai has never truly needed my help. She's never been late, and keeps the place clean. I'm quite proud of her and consider her almost like a granddaughter.'

Blushing a little from the affection the landlady showed, Mai gave a quick bow. 'Arigatou, oya-san!'

"Alright then, Mai, go greet the movers to give them any particular instructions you may have. I'll handle everything else here."

'Hai…'

Walking a few doors down she gets to her apartment and realizes that the movers still aren't there yet. Quickly thinking, she went in and decided to pack some things on her own.

'First thing first! I want to take care of mom and dad's shrine on my own.'

Carefully kneeling in front of the shrine built to respect and honor her parents, Mai gave a deep respectful bow.

'Otou-san. Okaa-san. We'll be moving to a new place! We'll be living with Naru and Lin now! Their place is much better than here! I'm sure you'll both like it! It doesn't quite have that "home" feeling, but I'm sure we'll adjust in time. Please continue watching over me, but now I'd also like to ask you two to look after Naru and Lin as well.'

Giving a final bow, she then proceeded to carefully pack the shrine. Both portraits of her parents were wrapped in special red and white cloth, as were the candleholders, offering dish, teacups, and incense holder. Everything else was discarded since she was planning on preparing fresh incense, candles, and offerings.

After everything at the shrine was packed, she sat back and another thought occurred to her. Hurrying to her bedroom, she didn't notice when Naru let himself in.

Sigh…"The idiot didn't lock the door. I don't get how she's so sensitive to dangers of the paranormal, but has no sense for actual basic human dangers. Idiot!"

"Mai? Where are you?"

Glancing around he saw what appears to be the special packaging done for home shrines.

"Guess that's for her parents huh? Of course, she'd think of them first and handle it personally."

Still not getting a reply, he walks around her small apartment looking for her.

"She really doesn't have that much; a small TV, a loveseat, and small coffee table. Shouldn't take long for the movers to pack and get back to the condo."

Wandering into the kitchen, he still can't find her.

"Guess she's in her bedroom."

Making his way back, he's about to knock on the door when all of a sudden Mai opens the door and jumps a little from the sight of Naru standing so close. Due to being startled so suddenly she dropped the small suitcase she was holding and out spills the contents! (Wanna take a guess what came out of the bad? *Grin grin*) She had previously been packing all her clothes, and being Mai, packed everything from the intimate's drawer last. Thus all her panties and bras were packed on the top layer.

Blushing furiously now, she quickly starts snatching the spilt contents up and shoved them messily back into the case.

Naru on the other hand was frozen there for a good minute. "I never imagined her to have "that" type of undergarments! Oh my god, all that lace!" Groaning inwardly, "She'll be wearing those every day….and EVERY NIGHT! We'll be under the same roof!"

Then he started to envision her scantily clad in those same lingerie and reclining on his navy colored satin sheets. "NOT GOING THERE! SO NOT GOING THERE!"

Taking a deep shuddering breath, he willed his rarely shown libido to cool it. Turning to the now finished and still flustered Mai, he gave her his best knowing smirk to date.

"Did you need to take care of anything else?"

'N-no. All my clothes are h-here, and Mom and Dad have been prepared as well.'

"That's all she has? Well, thinking back, I guess she never really did have that many outfits in the first place."

At that point the movers had come knocking. Naru and Mai moved to greet them. Leaving Mai to direct them, he quickly turned around at the sound of someone calling to Mai.

'Mai? Is that you? Mai Taniyama?'

'Ren-nii?'

'Mai! So good to see you!'

Swiftly moving to stand by Mai, but subtly inching her behind him, Naru coolly looked over the young man.

"Mai? Introductions are in order I believe?" still keeping his gaze on the mover. He was athletic, dark-green hair with bangs sweeping low, grey eyes, and by the looks of it, very familiar with Mai.

'Ah! Of course Naru!' Turning to indicate Ren, 'He is Rennosuke Ijiwaru. Our parents were close to each other, but he moved when he started middle school, and we just lost contact.' Turning to Ren, she gestured to Naru, 'This is Ol-Kazuya Shibuya-san. He is my employer.'

'Employer? So young?' Ren asked good-naturedly.

"What can I say? Talent." Naru replied deadpanned.

Laughing heartily at Naru, 'Cheeky are we not?' chuckled out Ren.

'Ren-nii you have nooooo idea!'

"Sorry to interrupt the reunion, but we're being billed by the hour are we not? I'd like to get moving as soon as possible." Turning to Mai, "Instructions?"

'Ah. No. All the important things have been handled. Everything else is left up to them.'

"Very well. I've told the landlady that we will be leaving the furniture behind, and she took off another chunk from the remaining fees since we'll be leaving the place furnished for the next tenant. You don't have any sentimental attachments to the furniture do you?"

'N-not particularly. I can't keep them anywhere, and the condo doesn't need anything.'

"Alright, lets go then." Turning to Ren, he inclined his head in a slight bow. "Pleasure Ijiwaru-san, we'll leave everything else to you guys."

'S-sure, but wait, Mai! Where are you and your folks moving to?'

'Ah umm' Fidgeting a little, 'Mom and Dad are both gone. It's just me now.'

'Wh-what? Mai! I. I don't know what to say. I'm so very sorry for your loss! Obaa-san and Oji-san were spectacular people!'

Flashing back to what she now knows about her parents, she couldn't help but agree even more. 'Yes. They were absolutely spectacular.'

'Well, so, where are you going now?'

'Ah, umm. I'm moving in with others. It's a pretty good set-up! It helps with my rent and utilities cost, so there's less financial worries to think about.' 'Ren-nii will totally freak if he finds out I'm moving in with two males.'

'Hmm ok. Well give me your contact info! We'll have to catch up sometime!'

'Sure!'

After exchanging contact information, Naru ushered Mai out the door.

'Bye Ren-nii!' She happily called back with a merry wave.

'Bye Mai! Don't worry about the move! I'll take care of ya!' Ren called back just as full of cheer.

Holding the shrine package and wheeling her suitcase, she hurried after Naru.

'Now where to Naru?'

Glancing down at her, he grabs the suitcase handle. "Hold your parents properly."

'Gentle in his own way.' Mai thinks while smiling softly. 'So? Where to now?'

"We're going back to the office to pick up Lin and the car. It'll be easier to carry everything."

'OK!'

And so the two of them meandered back to SPR in a companionable silence. Both were lost in their own thoughts.

"Just how close was this "Ren-nii" to Mai? Is keeping bugs away from her something I'll be doing a lot of from now on?"

'I can't believe I ran into Ren-nii again! Today has been filled with one surprise after another! I still can't believe Naru took me out on a date! I wonder if we're official now? He never did ask me to be his special someone, nor did he come out and confess either. Should I try to make him verbalize everything? Will I be too pushy if I do that? Sigh… For now, I think I'll enjoy his attention while I can. I wonder if he was like this with Masako when no one was around. Sharp prick of pain in her heart.'

Finally arriving at SPR, they both glanced around to see if any of the "loud crowd's" car was still there. Not seeing any they both let out a sigh of relief.

LIN'S POV:

"It's been a while since I've locked myself in. I think most everyone should be gone by now. Takigawa and Matsuzaki are neither the patient type. More like the take action kind. John would most likely leave with those two to attempt to calm any argument those two may have been having whilst leaving. Hara had already run out from the bomb drop earlier. That leaves Yasuhara. He's the only one that may be left. Pulling my headphones off, I sent my shikis around the office, and found no Yasuhara lurking. Sigh….Leave it to Noll to leave him to deal with things. I've already sent Madoka an email summarizing the current situations. I also told her not to mention anything to Martin and Luella yet. I think Taniyama will do Noll some good, so I don't want the elder Davis' to do anything to possibly disrupt the two teenagers tenuous relationship."

"Mai."

"I think it's a good time to start calling her by her first name. She'll be needing an ally when dealing this personally with Noll. Making her more comfortable with me will put her more at ease. Besides I've taken quite a liking to her. Then again, I saw that coming. There is just something about her that makes people like her whether they want to or not. I'd say any one that doesn't is automatically on the team's bad list."

Hearing the main door tinkle, Lin made his way out of his sanctuary to see who it was. Emerging from his office, he sees that Naru has returned along with Mai. They were both holding packages.

Catching sight of his guardian, Naru made his way over to the taller man. 'Lin. Any messages while I was gone?'

"Of course he wouldn't apologize for throwing me to the wolves earlier. Brat!"

Remembering something from Madoka's return email, "Madoka has a new case for us. The client will be expecting us tomorrow afternoon. She's sent the preliminary information over for you to look at. She'll be over in a little bit with the rest of the information she's started putting together."

Frowning at the news, Naru felt the signs of a headache coming. 'Did it ever occur to you to turn her case away?'

"Noll, you and I both know that we can try, even be downright uncivil to her, but she'd still get her way even if she bulldozes you down in the process."

At that moment two whirlwinds colored pink and red blew through the doors.

'Hi everyone!' piped out a cheery Madoka.

'Naru! You and Mai are finally back! I want answers right now! This instance' yelled a still irate Ayako.

'Madoka-san! Ayako! You came together?' questioned Mai.

Ayako turned to look at Mai. 'I was about to go shopping to vent when I ran into Madoka. She told me we have a new case and was on her way to the office. Since none of us got any answers earlier, I decided to come back together with her to see if you two came back.' Jerking back around to face Naru, 'Now answers! Why is Mai moving in with you and Lin?'

Thinking quickly, Naru glanced at the suitcase Mai had set by the door. 'Matsuzaki-san, as I've told you before, I have no need to explain myself to you. Now if you're going shopping, do take my assistant with you. You're so concerned for your perceived little sister that you're not even aware of what little she owns.' Nodding his head towards the suitcase.

'Wh-what does that have to do with anything?' she screeched turning to glance at what he meant by that. 'Mai always carries the same amount on our cases, it's sufficient!'

Smirking a little, 'Yes. I suppose if that's all you own it's sufficient. I completely agree actually, so much tidier and more efficient. Unlike a certain Miko that thinks three suitcases still isn't enough.' Naru said all this with a sugary pleasantness that made the other four occupants of the room feel shivers.

Turning back to look at Mai, Ayako has been effectively distracted at the idea of a girl owning so little. 'Mai. Is that really all you own?' she asked in disbelief.

Blushing a little, 'Well I don't really need much. Besides, I need to save for college. The scholarships for college compared to high school yields a higher amount yes, but the actual costs for college is higher as well. There isn't a guarantee that I'll have enough to cover all my expenses come then.'

'Oh goodness! We're going shopping this instance!' yelled a panicking Ayako.

'Wh-what? I just told you I don't want to splurge!'

'Mai. Won't you be saving a lot by not paying for rent or utilities?' Naru asked quite logically.

'Well, yes, I suppose. But, I just don't like shopping for clothes! Other cute things yes, but clothes!'

'Mai!' Screamed a further alarmed Ayako. 'We. Are. Shopping! Do not worry about paying. I'll handle it, and don't worry about what to choose. OK? Let's go.'

And thus, a still fretting Ayako dragged out poor Mai. Once the door slammed shut, Madoka looked over at Naru.

'You did that on purpose, Noll.' She said.

Shrugging without a care, 'I figure we'd need the quiet to discuss this case that I unknowingly accepted?'

Eyes narrowing, Madoka's entire being turned serious. 'Noll, it's a good thing that you sent Mai away anyways.'

Giving her his full attention, 'An why is that Madoka?'

Becoming more and more somber with each passing moment, Madoka heaved a ragged sigh. Noting this rare sign of weakness, Naru and Lin became hyper aware and their attention were riveted on the usually annoyingly hyper woman.

'This particular case is much too gruesome. Even for me. Mai consistently has dreams during cases and in some instances even precognitive ones. Not only a trouble magnet, but to also have her rest become plagued by such horrors. I want to spare her as much trauma as we can. She's always been able to bounce back, but none of us truly know the workings of her mind. She hardly ever lets on what's truly bothering her until it pushes her nearly to the breaking point. I want to minimize the damage this will cause her psyche later on. On the other hand, she's become essential to solving cases. We have to tread carefully. Try to fill her regular day-to-day life with as much joy as possible to offset the horrors she faces by being one of us. She lives it awake and asleep. That type of environment would break anyone. From what I've learned recently about her from Lin, it seems like she now has even more to worry about. I don't want her to come to hate her powers and possibly hate those that drew her into this life.'

With that said, all three were in a silent agreement to try and do their best to protect this precious existence called Mai Taniyama.

That's it for this one! Hope the cliffy doesn't drive y'all nuts! Again, please RxR! It really helps boost my imagination and determination!