Teehee! Did y'all have a little fun with that last one? Poor jealous Naru! Poor Lin being used so much by Naru! Silly Ayako and her shopping addiction! Anyhoo! I'd like to thank xSapphirexRosesxFanx, Krissy2lip, and Ayjah for their consistent support and feedback! I hope to draw in even more fans! Thank y'all so much!

MAI'S POV:

"I do believe Naru just used me as a distraction to get rid of Ayako. Grr! Figures! He's so manipulative! I wanted to stay and hear about the new case. I even left Mom and Dad behind because of the speed that Ayako dragged me out at! Oh God I hope they're OK!"

Ayako had dragged Mai to a taxi and directed the driver to the heart of the famed Shibuya shopping district. Turning to Mai once they were settled, she firmly stared down the younger woman. Mai, feeling uneasy at the tense silence and warning stare couldn't help but duck her head and look away.

'Mai. I want answers now. You can't really believe that any of us will let this subject drop do you? I'm really worried and anxious here! Why are you moving in with Naru and Lin? Just what is going on?'

Finally looking up, Mai could do no else but look at Ayako in confusion.

Gulp…"I-I truly don't know what's going on myself Ayako. Naru says this is to help me both financially and safety wise. In turn I'll basically be doing the housekeeping for them."

'And how did this all come about? You've all been working together for so long now and he just now proposed this idea? It's not like he just now found out about your situation! We've known about the fact that you've been on your own since the Urado case. It's been ages since then! So why? There must've been another reason for him to keep you so close to them. Do you know something that you're not telling me? What about Masako?'

"A-Ayako, please! Right now I'm just as confused. Once I come to an understanding myself, I promise to let you know what's going on. I-I truly don't know what's going on with Masako. I have a feeling that her and Naru aren't truly a couple. I'll cross that bridge when I get there."

Sigh…'Fine. Well at least answer me this. Has there been a change in your personal relationship with Naru?'

At this Mai visibly froze. Ayako knew at that moment that even if Mai wasn't sure herself, something has changed enough to make the young woman hesitate.

"I-I think. I think, yes? If I'm not mistaken, we had a lunch date today." Mai exhaled softly.

'You did?' Ayako exclaimed loudly in wonder.

Still fidgeting and hesitant, "Hmm. Well yes? He called it a date. He arranged everything. We had a picnic underneath the Sakuras at the grove."

She didn't go into all the details because she knew she'd start blushing even harder than she is now. She's still having a hard time believing everything that's happened.

Sighing, Ayako just looked out the window.

'Mai. I don't want to tell you how to live your life. I just want you to carefully think about how to take care of yourself in these situations. Naru isn't the most expressive with his affections. Whatever you choose, just know that Hoshou and I will always be there for you. If it ever gets too much, don't hold it in. I'm a woman as well. I've been in situations where I got confused and hurt. Those times made me wonder why I had to be hurt as much as I did. So let me be your sounding board if anything happens? This is still your first attempt at a serious relationship, a lot of misunderstanding, insecurities, and confusion is bound to come. So let me help you OK?'

Feeling warmth welling up inside of herself, Mai nodded quickly before tears could spill from her eyes.

"I really am lucky to have come to know Ayako. She's not Mom, but at least that void has someone trying to fill it. I don't really remember much of Dad, but having Bou-san there makes me feel like I have an older male figure to lean on and be protected by. Lin-san is almost like an older uncle figure. He doesn't speak much, and is rather stoic. However, when I truly need him, he's always running to my help. I thought I was all alone when Mom left. Now I have a family I don't know about. As much as I want to get to know my "real" family, something tells me that they won't ever be as real as the one I've bonded together with now. Blood-ties aren't the only things that make a family. I know I'd do anything to keep them safe and happy. I can only hope that they feel the same for me."

The taxi finally arrived at their destination, and Mai stepped out as Ayako paid for the ride.

'Alright Mai! Let's get shopping! It's gonna be so much fun! I can tell!'

"Ugh…."

Resigning herself to her fate, she trudges after the over-excited Ayako. The next few hours were shopping hell for Mai. She was forced by Ayako to try on one outfit after another. At one point she tentatively tried to suggest online shopping. To which an aghast Ayako stared at her in silent disbelief. Finally, Ayako was marginally satisfied with what they were able to find and suggested they head back to SPR to show Madoka their spoils.

Back at SPR:

Naru, Lin, and Madoka had just finished reviewing the upcoming case.

:Flashback:

Sighing, Madoka began: "This case is very violent and what's more, I can't figure out a pattern. The client, a Mr. Touya Fukiyo claims that many of his staff had disappeared at one point one after another and each were later found tortured in some way. Two casualties and the rest were so traumatized that they were sent to an institute. The doctors don't see them recovering ever. There weren't any gender or background patterns. Nor were the noticeable forms of torture necessarily the same. Even what the broken survivors mumble out have no connection. It's as if the entity causing all this is attacking people randomly. The odd thing is in most cases the owners are affected one way or the other or have felt or seen something. Neither Fukiyo-san or his wife have experienced anything personally."

"Going through the history of the house is even more disturbing. The actual house has only passed through two owners. The previous owners, the Abekawas were a family of three. All were found mutilated in the house. They had only built the house and lived in it for just over 3 months. All the neighbors claim no knowledge of anything wrong. Everyone liked the young loving couple and adorable daughter."

"Previous to Abekawas buying the land and building their own house, the previous land/house owner had for some unknown reason burned the house down one night. The neighbors came out and saw him just standing there, and for reasons unknown, ran back into the fire during the collapsing end."

"Before that, an elderly couple was left alone until they passed away from natural deaths."

"Previous to that, two brothers Daichi and Jun Yoh along with Jun's lover Chiaki Masaharu all passed away in tragic events as well."

"Before them was the Rokujos. A family of three whom later adopted two sisters from the mother's cousin side. The sisters' parents had passed away from a disease. That family had many rumors flying around at one point, and many different tragic events as well. They supposedly died in an earthquake that crumbled the house, but rescuers did make a note that the deaths seemed post earthquake. Since the technology at that point wasn't advanced enough to give an accurate time of death. The suspicion was shrugged off and marked as death by earthquake."

"That's as far as I can trace. The Rokujos were a distinguished family that owned the surrounded land for a long time. A fire at the county records building erupted a little before Akira married Seiji Rokujo."

Arms crossed and head tilted slightly, Naru silently contemplated different angles on how to pursue the investigation. He knew that Madoka being the pro she is has gotten all information they can possibly get without actually going on site and starting the interviews.

'So we can't say for sure when all the events truly started occurring. Considering that the house was rebuilt at least twice that we know of. The entity is probably tied to the land rather than the house.'

"I agree Noll. Honestly this case sounds very dangerous since we can't really pinpoint the target victims. However, these aren't just normal deaths, these are torturous murders. We have to do something about this. I debated with myself for a long time about this, but I want to request that Mai-chan comes along. I know you would rather leave her behind. She would probably relive many horrors, but I don't think we'd be able to do this without her."

Stiffening from his place leaning against the wall, Naru shot Madoka a look of pure anger.

Lin had been typing away everything the whole time, but looked up in silence to see what Naru wants to do. When Naru still didn't say anything and just kept staring at Madoka, Lin just sighed in defeat.

'Noll.' Lin started. 'I know you don't wish for this. None of us do. However, Madoka is right, there isn't another more efficient method to solve this case. Mai's insights always speed our findings along and in turn cause us to close off a case faster. So taking that into consideration, the faster we solve this, the less time we expose everyone to danger. We'll double our attention on her.'

Sighing, Naru finally gives a nod in acknowledgement. 'Only if she agrees while knowing all the risks.'

'Of course' Lin concurred. 'Noll I think it's also best to come clean about who you really are. Since Mai knows it's not fair to ask her to keep quiet about something when it's not even her problem to start with. Better to get everything out into the open now, before it blows out of proportion later and she gets thrown into the middle of the loyalties argument.'

'Since when did you start calling her "Mai"?' Naru asked softly.

Raising the eyebrow hiding underneath the cover of his bangs, Lin wondered if that was a note of jealousy in Naru's tone. 'Just recently. Is there a problem? We've certainly known each other long enough, and she herself had requested it of me on many occasions.'

Not saying anything, Naru just pushed off the wall and went into his office.

"Well that went well. I think?" said Madoka while smirking at Lin.

"Do you think Mai will do it?" she asked.

'Knowing Mai we as we do, most likely. She hates it when we think she isn't needed. She'd do anything to help. While it's endearing in its way, it's also what gets her in so much trouble.' Snorting slightly at that thought, 'Like she doesn't get into trouble enough by herself!'

They were both chuckling about Mai when she and Ayako walked in.

MAI'S POV:

"Lin's chuckling? I've seen him smile a little from time to time, but I think the only time I've seen him show actual mirth was when he laughed at me back at the Urado mansion. Well I guess he's only human."

"We're finally baaaaack!" she exclaims. Setting all her packages next to the sofa, she plops down next to Madoka and whines about how Ayako was merciless in her shopping frenzy.

Hearing her whine, Ayako makes Mai open all the packages to show Madoka. One by one, all the goodies were opened and exclaimed over.

'See?' Ayako exclaims. 'Isn't everything just so pretty? You'll see! Soon I'll have Mai showing off her hidden charms in no time at all!'

'I'd appreciate it if you do so in your own time. Now that you've so kindly given my assistant back, she now belongs to me.'

They all turned to see an annoyed looking Naru leaning against the doorframe of his office.

'Mai. Call everyone together. We have to discuss the case.'

"Hai!" "He said, 'She belongs to me!'" she thought, eyes wide.

That little tell wasn't missed by any of the other occupants in the room.

Watching her through hooded eyes, Naru waited till she finished calling everyone and then motioned her over to the couches to sit.

"Masako didn't pick up, but everyone else said they'll be here in a little bit." Mai said worriedly.

Sitting down with her, Naru gave Madoka a look. Understanding, Madoka gently took Mai's hands into her own to get her attention.

'Mai…'

Madoka proceeded to explain the situation revolving around the new case. Over and over again, she stressed the dangers, especially towards her. In the end, much to everyone's expectations, Mai still insisted on going together with everyone.

"We've all been in dangerous situations before. We've always done everything together. I sincerely thank you for your concerns, but I still want to be with everyone."

'Aaawwwww! That's my sweet adorable Mai!' GLOMP

Monk had walked in at that point and having picked up John and Yasu, they filed in one after another.

Whack!

'Useless Miko! Why'd you do that for?' cried the Monk when Ayako bonked him over the head.

'Ahhh, I was taking care of a bug.'

'You could've just told me! I would've done it myself! Or you could've done it more gently!'

Everyone just stared at him and sweat-dropped. Yeah….he didn't get it.

'So anyway what's up? New case? Masako not here yet?'

'Takigawa-san if you'd please have a seat we'd like to hurry and explain everything."

'Ah! Sorry, sorry!' Suddenly remembering this morning. 'Ah! Hold on! I want to know about all the weird stuff you said this morning!'

Whack!

'Wh-WHAT?'

'Shut up, bug!' Ayako calmly says, settling back onto her seat.

'B-bug? So wait! When yo-'

'Takigawa-san may I proceed?' Naru asked icily.

'Uuuh. Haaaa.' The Monk just slumps into his seat.

Looking to Mai, 'Mai. Tea.'

"Haaaaiii!"

He watches her as she makes her way to the kitchenette. As he's watching her, many pairs of eyes were watching him. After she disappears into the kitchen, he turns around and just arches an eyebrow at those that were staring at him.

NARU'S POV:

"Before Mai gets back, I want to take a moment to explain the dangers of this case. I want everyone to be on high alert for Mai. She's bound to draw trouble as she always does, but this one is…It just might push her mind too far."

Straightening from seeing his concern for Mai, they focused their attention on him.

"Of course, we all need to be careful ourselves. From what Madoka can dig up, there isn't a noticeable pattern for the attacks, nor is there a distinct link between the victims."

Before anyone can make another comment, Mai walked back in with a tray of her special tea. She carefully passed them out to everyone.

'Thank you, Mai.'-Ayako

'Thanks jou-chan!'- Bou-san with a large grin.

'Thank you, Mai-chan!'-a beaming Madoka.

'Aww you shouldn't have Mai-chan!' flirty Yasu who gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

Face red, she passed the next one to Lin. Still watching Naru surreptitiously, Lin accepted his tea with a quiet, 'Thank you very much Mai-san.'

Eyes widening in surprise she finally grabs the last two teas and approaches Naru. Handing him his tea, he grabbed the hand stretched to him and pulled her down gently next to him.

Everyone watched with various reactions. Ayako seemed to relax a little. Madoka and Lin chuckled to themselves. Monk got bug-eyed, but got a jab in the ribs from Ayako to shut him up. Yasu just narrowed his eyes in thought.

'Was that a declaration to the small kiss on the cheek I gave her? He's definitely gotten possessive. I have to act fast.'

Naru just coolly took a sip of his tea, but kept a firm yet gentle grip on Mai's wrist. This flustered Mai to no end and she couldn't look at any of her friends in the eye. Everyone just sipped their favorite beverage and waited.

Once satisfied that he got his message across, Naru nodded to Madoka. "Madoka, if you could please fill everyone in on the case."

As Madoka launched into what she has gathered so far, Naru leaned over to read what Mai was writing on her notepad. It proved a tad difficult since Naru was still holding her wrist and she couldn't balance the notepad properly and write at the same time.

'Ne, Naru, can you please l-let go of my h-hand now? I can't take notes well like this.' She whispered, trying not to interrupt Madoka and more importantly not to draw attention to them.

Whispering back in kind, but with his lips pressed against her ear, "Consider this a small punishment for allowing Yasuhara to kiss you."

Shivering from the teasing touch of his lips and the velvety drawl of his voice, she bit her lip and tried desperately to wriggle her wrist out of his hand. 'I didn't allow him! He caught me unaware!'

"Well be more aware!" he growled out softly.

'Ahem!'

Mai jumped when she noticed that Madoka had finished explaining the case. Naru just continued to lean into her pretending to look at her obviously unwritten notes. Their little by-play didn't go unnoticed by everyone.

Finally pulling away, Naru looked at everyone, "If there are no questions, go home and pack. We'll meet up here tomorrow at 8 AM. It's at least a 2-hour ride and I want to get there before noon for set-up. That's all dismissed."

As everyone moved to file out, Monk again tried to approach Naru, but Ayako just grabbed him again.

'Ayako let me go! I need to know that Mai-chan's gonna be ok!'

'Hoshou, send me home, I'll tell you on the way. Don't make this difficult for her.'

Grumbling a little, he went to give Mai another bear hug and glared at Naru over her head. Finally letting go, he let the Miko drag him away. Madoka told them she had to see to another case, but to call her if there was anything she could do and left as well. As Yasu moved to leave, he quickly grabbed Mai from behind and gave her a hug as well.

'See you tomorrow then Mai-chan!' he grins down at her putting his face close.

'You too Yasu! Take care on your way home!' Mai cheerily replies. Remembering Naru's behavior from earlier, she wriggled to get out of his clutches.

Noticing this, he tightened his hold, 'Awww Mai-chan, you're so warm and squishy! So comfy! I wanna huggle you some more!'

Still not having moved from his spot on the couch, Naru glared at Mai and Yasuhara.

Noticing this, Mai struggled harder, 'Y-Yasu, I have lotsa stuff I have to do! Let go now!'

Still whimpering flirtatiously, he finally released her but gave Naru an unreadable expression. 'Alright, alright Mai! You be careful tonight as well!'

Naru didn't like the way that last sentence sounded and decided to move things along himself.

"Lin, time to close up. Mai's things still need to be unpacked. Help her take down her packages." "Mai, go get your Mom and Dad, I'll take the suitcase."

Not saying anything to Yasuhara, Naru grabbed his jacket and Mai's suitcase and went to wait for them at the door.

Rushing to grab her Mom and Dad's shrine package, she went to Lin and hooked a few of the packages on her arm.

'Mai, Lin, let me help you guys with the rest of the packages.'

Stopping him, "Yasuhara-san." Naru directed an unreadable expression of his own towards the other man, "Lin and Mai can handle it. You're parents need to be informed quickly do they not?"

'Ah, of course. Well then see you all tomorrow!' Yasuhara finally waved and left the office.

LIN'S POV:

As Mai and Naru made their way downstairs, Lin is locking up and turns around to the many colored bags from Mai and Ayako's earlier shopping excursion.

"What am I baggage boy?" Oh well, this is getting funnier and funnier to watch. Yasuhara definitely is up to something. Now whether or not it's because he genuinely wants Mai or not, I guess we'll see. Sigh…I'm really worried about Mai. This case makes my Shikis and I nervous. I think I'll place at least two on her to guard at all times. Perhaps I should stop some basic training tonight." Ending with that thought. He made a note to run it by Naru and proceeded to lug the shopping bags down the stairs to the car. "Why do females need to shop this extensively? Then again, I guess this is nothing compared to the equipment we lug around every case."

When they finally made it back home, all of Mai's packages were waiting at the doorstep. (In most Asian countries, it's more often than not safe to leave packages at doorsteps. Theft of that kind isn't that common.) Each going about their own business, everyone was lost in their own thoughts, barely any of those thoughts pertained to the upcoming dangerous case.

Ok, so I really have to stop here today. I have no much more I want to type, but my arm feels stiff and I don't think my fingers are listening to me much. I've been going at this chapter for a good 5 hours now and need a distraction! I'll try to come back ASAP! For now I think I'll go read some manga or other fanfics. Thanks again for reading! Again, please RxR! It makes me so happy and gets me so hyped! 3 me