A/N: Fun fact - Yasuhara was originally planned as the Gaston character in this story. But then that plot went absolutely nowhere. :) Thank you all so much for so many reviews on the last chapter!
Part of this chapter was heavily inspired by the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland and a scene from Anastasia. :)
Disclaimer: If I owned Ghost Hunt, Vic Mignogna would be in it. But I'm not that lucky.
Chapter 13: Bittersweet and Strange
"Well. Welcome back," a snippy voice greeted her as she reentered her room. Upon instinct, Mai turned toward the dresser to shoot back a comment just as sarcastic to Masako, but found that the face she was so used to seeing was gone. Her stomach was suddenly hollow.
"Over here, Mai," Yasuhara said. Mai welcomed his tone, which proved to be the opposite of Masako's. She swallowed and turned to face the pair. Yasuhara towered over Masako's tiny frame. Both were dressed formally, to her surprise, with Masako donning a dark blue kimono and Yasuhara looked rather dashing in a classic tuxedo.
"You like what you see, do you?" he smirked, running his hand over his jacket. Mai giggled.
"So, you're all like… this?" Mai asked, unable to come up with words for their ghostly condition.
"Are they all as handsome as me? Well, they'd like to think so, but…" Yasuhara went off, but Masako interrupted. She sent Yasuhara a haughty look which he returned with a serene smile, running his hand through his hair and fixing his glasses.
"Yes. If you walk around the house, everyone will be just like this. Ghosts, I mean," Masako explained, sending another look toward Yashuara. "And everyone will probably be celebrating. We can finally leave this bedroom." A hint of emotion other than disdain stood out proudly in Masako's voice. Freedom.
"I can be your personal escort, Mai-chan," Yasuhara volunteered. "It's been a while since I walked around this place. And it'll nice to see everyone again. Actually see everyone."
Masako's expression turned from snooty to longing in a matter of seconds. Mai hid a grin. It seemed that this was exactly what Yasuhara had planned. He moved away from Masako to stand next to Mai. He laid a transparent hand on her shoulder and smiled back at Masako. "Do you want to come with us, Masako-chan?"
Masako tried to make it look like she really didn't want to come along with the two of them, made it look like she really wanted to stay in the room with the peace and quiet of dusk. But Mai saw through that act in an instant. Masako bit her lip and sighed.
"All right, why not? And it will be nice seeing everyone again."
Yasuhara's grin widened and he sent a wink to Mai. Before she knew it, she was out the door and walking down the semi-lightened halls of the manor, flanked on either side by Yasuhara and Masako. Mai took in a deep breath. Somehow, this seemed a lot more normal than walking the halls with what would have been a bookcase and wardrobe.
…even those they were ghosts. Dead ghosts, to state the obvious. And Naru – her boss, the one who had pretty much just saved her life – had killed them. Murdered them. Mai once again tried to wrap her brain around this tragic fact.
But she had to give him a little credit. After all, the curse on the knife had caused him to kill. It wasn't his choice. Yes, he could have prevented it from happening all together, but, still… Ugh. Here she was trying to prove to herself that Naru was innocent. Those two words just didn't make sense together.
"Mai-chan!" Takigawa's voice bellowed, snapping her from her thoughts. Mai caught herself before her eyes fell to the ground searching for the candelabra. Instead, she looked ahead in time to see a lanky man in his mid-twenties come at her full speed. She was picked up off the ground and swung in a circle, and then brought into a tight hug.
"Man, it feels good to do that again," Takigawa chuckled, setting Mai safe on the ground again. Her eyes were wide, taken completely off guard. Takigawa pulled on the cuffs of his dark blue jacket and loosened his white tie. He was dressed just as formally as Masako and Yasuhara. Didn't Ayako say something about having a party the night it all happened?
"How did you…? But you're a…? Wouldn't you just…?" Mai ran her hands through her hair and sighed. "I don't get it."
Takigawa laughed again, ruffling her hair. It felt like a window had suddenly blown open and icy wind rushed over her scalp.
"It's a little thing called state of mind, Mai-chan. I can either pass right through you—" He placed a hand on her shoulder, but it slipped right through as if nothing was there. Mai jerked away – it was as if ice had just been injected into her blood "—or I can't." This time when he put his hand on her shoulder, he pressed down softly. Mai felt the pressure of his hand.
"Whoa," was all she could think to say. Takigawa kept that smirk on his face and shook his head.
"I never realized you were this easy to impress."
Mai giggled. "I never realized you were actually six feet tall."
"Ah, ah, ah," Takigawa scolded lightly, wagging a finger in her face. "Six-two."
Mai raised her hands in defeat and turned so she could see Masako, Yasuhara, and Takigawa together. It was quite a sight, and Mai had a feeling it was all about to get more interesting. After all, she still had John, Madoka, and Lin to find…
"Where is everyone else? I want to see everyone!"
Takigawa rubbed his chin. "Well, John and Madoka are usually in the kitchen. And if I know Lin, he's usually anywhere Madoka is. So our best bet would be the kitchen. You've already seen Ayako, correct?" Mai nodded eagerly. Takigawa scoffed and placed a hand over his eyes. "Good God, she was in an awful mood after she came back from Naru's office. So just… be careful around her, you got that? All three of you."
Mai nodded again, understanding exactly why Ayako had been so pissed off. She would be too if she had been in the woman's shoes. There was silence for a few moments longer, until Mai pivoted and went sprinting down the hallway, heading toward the kitchen. Following the girl with a shared smile, the three ran off after her.
She was just the cure they needed.
"…and so I think that in celebration we should—" Madoka was cut off by the heavy door slamming open.
"Hello!" Mai burst into the room, out of breath and grinning wildly. The three ghosts hiding out in the kitchen turned toward her, each face clicking with a name in her mind. John was the shortest of the three, with bright eyes and short hair. Her eyes flicked to Madoka next. The young woman was a fair amount taller than John, with wavy hair and a Cheshire cat grin that could only speak trouble. Mai saw the one familiar ghost, the one she had seen days ago. Lin looked the same with dark hair that hung over his eyes and a black and white outfit. Now just to find…
Ayako's voice rang out, loud and shrill, from the doorway. "Aren't you supposed to be resting, Mai-chan?"
And then, just like that, everyone was here. Mai couldn't keep the little smile from sneaking onto her face.
"She already has," Takigawa replied, shooting a glance to Yasuhara and Masako for backup. Yasuhara jumped in without missing a beat.
"Yeah, she went right to sleep," he said, patting Mai on the head. Mai's head bobbed frantically through all of this, agreeing but not trusting herself enough to speak. Ayako rolled her eyes and looked behind the three of them.
"Masako?" Ayako snapped, raising her eyebrows. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but you're the only word I'll believe. Is this true?"
Masako nodded. Mai bit the inside of her lip to keep her jaw from dropping. "She only woke up after Bou-san here barged into the room. She couldn't go back to sleep after that, so we all decided we'd walk her around the castle. She did want to see everyone, after all." Mai blinked. After that effortless lie, she wondered if Masako had lied about anything else.
Ayako ground her teeth but could find no comeback. Takigawa swiveled toward Madoka and replaced that cheeky grin on his face.
"So… what was that you were saying about a celebration, Madoka-chan?"
Their expressions suddenly matched.
"Well, because of the current events," Madoka motioned to their ghostly forms, "I thought a little… party for us was necessary. Mai, you are welcome to come as well, of course. The more the merrier, right?" Madoka's grin was bordering between mischievous and just plain evil. "And Mai, dear, you mustn't come without a date."
And that was it. That was the ulterior motive. Somehow, Mai didn't hate the idea as much as she knew she should have.
"How do you expect me to get Naru to come to party, even if it's just with you guys?" Mai asked, screwing up her face. Glances hidden from Mai were passed around the room. Madoka's eyes glittered brighter than ever before. Without even realizing it, Mai took a small step back.
"I never said anything about Naru, but now that I think about it, that's a lovely idea!" Madoka clapped, laughing. "I guess you'll have to go get ready then. Masako, can you help Mai here pick out an outfit? Make sure it's suitable for tonight. Lin, you can tell Naru of the celebration. My goodness, look at the time! I've got so many things to do if I want this all to happen tonight! See you all later!"
Madoka was gone before either Lin or Mai could get a word of protest in. Mai sighed and crossed her arms. It was only useless if she tried to protest and maybe a party was something they all needed. But then her thoughts returned to when their last party had been thrown… and they had all been murdered. Chills ran up her spine, but Mai shook the feeling off. If everyone else seemed to be okay with the party idea then so was she.
"I have a lot of work to do, as well, Mai," Masako said, not bothering to hide snootiness in her voice. Masako gave her a look from her knotted, damp hair to her squeaking shoes. Mai laughed sheepishly.
"Might as well get started then, right?" Mai grinned. Masako rolled her eyes, but Mai saw the trace of a smile linger on Masako's doll-like face as she walked out the door. A sense of accomplishment came over her as she ran out behind her.
"I already know what you're going to wear. You're about my size so it should fit you," Masako said, gliding along in front. Mai jogged to keep up, and opened her mouth to ask another question, but Masako cut in and read her mind. "The dress is a knee-length ivory dress. The fabric is the highest quality of velveteen there is, and if you rip or stain this dress…" Masako trailed off, giving Mai a look. "Well, let's just say you do not want this dress ruined."
She heard the threat loud and clear.
"We can put part of your hair back, too. I'm sure I have white ribbon around here somewhere. After you take a shower, I'll have everything ready."
And in no more than an hour, Mai was staring at a girl in the mirror that was supposed to be her. Part of her still didn't believe it. Well, almost all of her still didn't believe that she was here, about to go to a party with a bunch of dead people… and her boss.
"There. After a lot of work, you're finished. Madoka will come in when she's ready for us."
"Do you really think Naru will come to the party?" Mai asked, unable to help herself. Masako put a sleeved hand to her mouth. Her eyebrows drew together ever so slightly, but she shrugged.
"I can't be certain. Lin can be a very hard person to say no to, but since this is Naru we're talking about…"
Mai laughed softly. Masako didn't need to finish her sentence. They sat in an awkward silence for a few more moments. Mai brushed a hair through her hair and Masako swatted her hand away, worried that the pretty updo she had spent the past hour working on would fall out.
"Y'know… Mai…" Masako began once more, walking back out into the bedroom. Mai took this as sign to follow her and they both took a seat on her bed. She couldn't help but notice that when Masako sat down, it left no impression on the bedcovers. "I can guarantee that if you ask Naru to the party tonight, he will say yes."
Mai blinked. "Me? If I asked him? Do I have to remind you that he threw me out of the house this morning for going into a room?" she sputtered, but Masako's assured expression didn't falter. Mai slumped back against one of the bed posts and asked softly, "What makes you so sure?"
"If only it was her place to tell you," Madoka said with a smile. The two girls spun to see Madoka enter the room with a flourish. Masako laughed slightly and slid off the bed.
"Had a change of heart, then? Usually you would be the one to jump at that opportunity."
"No, but I thought obeying Naru for once gave us a better chance of him attending out little celebration. But your idea, Masako-chan, is much better." Madoka turned to Mai with that infamous grin again playing upon her lips. "She's right, Mai. If Naru hasn't consented already to Lin-san, he will most certainly say yes if you asked him."
Mai scoffed. "Does no one really remember that I'm not even supposed to be here right now? I would be walking home… or dead. I don't see why you think he'd just change his mind about me."
"You'd be surprised," Masako muttered against her sleeve. Madoka sent her a dangerous look, and walked back toward Mai, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Mai, dear, everything happens for a reason. We've known Naru longer than you. Almost a little too well, unfortunately, but you can trust us when we say what we say about the… master." Madoka made a face. "He'll say yes. I promise you."
Mai hesitated.
"We'll even come with you. We'll be right by your side the whole time if you're intimidated by him," Madoka continued.
"I'm not intimidated by him!" Mai interjected, stomping her foot.
"Then there's nothing to lose. Go on." Madoka shooed her forward. Mai walked with her head held high and made it to the door with her hand on the knob. She tensed, and turned back around again, meeting gazes with an expectant Madoka and a cool Masako.
"But… it would be nice if you both came along."
Amused smiles passed over their faces. Together they made the short but nerve-wracking (for Mai, anyway) journey to Naru's office. Mai wandered several steps ahead of Madoka and Masako, feeling she needed to do this somewhat on her own. The other two were just there for silent moral support.
"Wouldn't he be in his bedroom, not his office?" Mai asked, falling back into step with her friends. "I mean, if he was considering going." Masako shook her head.
"His bedroom is connected to his office. It's hidden behind one of the bookcases next to the fireplace," she said smoothly. Mai stared. That explained so much.
"Of course she would know where his bedroom was," Madoka chuckled under her breath. Mai pressed a hand to her lips to keep her laughter in. If looks could kill, even ghosts who got in the way of that glare would have vanished on the spot.
Still smiling, Mai strode forward and knocked on the door. Lin answered, towering over all of them. Mai half-expected him to greet them with something, and then remembered this was Lin. He leaned against the open door, waiting for a reason for this intrusion.
"Um… is Naru in there? I, uh, wanted to… well, you see…" Mai swallowed, wondering what she should say. Masako gave her a sharp poke in the back and Mai finished, "I wanted to invitehimtothepartytonightpersonally."
Lin's eyebrows rose. His gaze shot from Mai to Masako and Madoka, most likely telling Lin silently to get the hint, and then back to Mai. A small smile passed over his face and he nodded.
"I'll go get him for you."
The door was tugged shut. Mai stepped back and let her breath out, covering her eyes with a hand. Madoka only had time to reach up and squeeze her hand as a sign of a job well done (the first part of the job, anyway) before the door swung open again. There stood Naru in all of his selfish glory. One hand clutched the silver mirror, poorly hidden behind back, the other running through his messy hair. Lightless eyes paralyzed her.
What had she come here for again?
Masako gave her another sharp shove, nearly sending her face-first into Naru's chest. He caught her by a shoulder and pushed her back upright. Mai steadied herself and sent a glare back to Masako while tossing her hair out of her face.
"There was something you wanted to tell me, correct? Otherwise, I'm just wasting my time out here."
"Right!" Mai chirped, he voice coming out awkwardly high. She gave a meek cough, took in a deep breath, and looked up at Naru. "I wanted to invite you to the party tonight. Personally. The two of us going together. Tonight—"
Naru held up a hand. Mai swallowed to silence her babbling and looked on, biting her lip. Naru's gaze looked her up and down, registering she had dressed up just for this party. Naru blinked – and then disappeared back into his room with a slam of the door.
"That was a no, wasn't it?" Mai found her voice as the ringing in her ears stopped. There was silence before the answer came.
"No… I actually think that was a yes," Masako whispered, the smile horribly hidden in her voice. Mai scoffed, trying to make way back down the hall. The brutal rejection was already getting to her. But she supposed she shouldn't have expected a light letdown from Naru…
Madoka caught her by the arm and swung her back around in front of the door. "I-I think she's serious, Mai. Naru wouldn't have missed the chance to say no if that was what he wanted to say. He didn't seem angry, either… maybe a little surprised?" Madoka guessed. Both ghosts had identical expressions of confusion etched on their faces. They couldn't be serious.
"I'm going to the ballroom. I think I'll have a better time in there where I'm not constantly reminded of him." Mai yanked herself out of Madoka's scary-strong grip and once more made her way back down the hall. She was going to make the best of this night, whether it was spent with Naru or not.
"Ah, Mai-san?"
Mai spun around at the sound of Lin's voice. Masako and Madoka listened in, eyebrows raised.
"Naru wanted me to tell you that he will meet you outside the ballroom and escort you to the party… or at least inside the doors. He wanted to put on the proper attire for your… date. He also says thank you for the invitation."
Mai had no words for this. She stood there gawking at Lin, trying to think of something intelligent to say.
"Uh… wow. Okay. I guess… then I'll… be waiting… there. Yeah. Okay. I'm gonna go…" Mai motioned behind her, knowing that the sentence she had barely put together sounded stupider than anything and took a clumsy step back. Masako giggled behind her sleeve.
"I'll go with you, Mai-chan. That way you won't be waiting for your date alone," Masako said with a hint of teasing in her voice. The grin that had made its way onto her face told them what she thought otherwise.
"Naru actually said that? Thank you? You made it all seem so eloquent," Madoka hissed as Masako and Mai left in shrieked whispers. Lin shrugged and moved closer to Madoka, his eyes a little brighter than usual.
"More or less. I might have reworded it a little, but what Naru doesn't know can't hurt him and also makes Mai a little happier."
Madoka smiled and shook her head. "I can't believe this has gotten under your skin."
"We all want this to end, Madoka. And now that we're so close, a little extra push won't hurt," Lin replied, keeping that serene face. Madoka gave a weak laugh. Their time was almost up, but hopefully their happy ending would come sooner.
"Right. Right…"
"But…" Lin started again, his voice soft and slightly confused. "I didn't make up everything Naru said. He told me tell her to wait for him at the ballroom doors and to say thank you. He seemed a little… out of breath. It took a little while for the words to come out of his mouth," Lin said. He stared back at the master's door, thinking this all over. "I really do think this is heading in the right direction."
Madoka brushed a hand through her hair and sighed. For the first time in a while, the women held her excitement together and kept her expression serene. "We all hope so."
"He's late," Mai whined, smoothing her dress over and over. Masako looked well enough like she was going to shoot Mai herself. She definitely regretted keeping Mai company before this party.
"Just relax. You know Naru. He'll get here when he feels like it and he'll just say that everyone else is early."
Mai slumped back against the wall with a bang and pouted. She should have expected this to happen. Even though she hadn't actually expected him to say yes in the first place, there had to be a catch somewhere. How pathetic would it be if she was stood up in her own home?
Mai had a feeling if Naru didn't show, she would be marching back up to his office and kicking some serious—
"Mai, stand up straight!" Masako hissed out of the corner of her mouth, staring off down the hall. "And act like we were actually talking about something other than Naru!"
Mai did ask she was told and Masako immediately began a new, rather loud conversation, "So that's why you think Yasuhara is gay?"
Mai suddenly found herself clutching her stomach, giggling uncontrollably. Out of anything Masako could have chosen, that probably was the best. Masako attempted to hide the proud smile that was edging its way onto her porcelain face. She placed a sleeve to her lips and waited for Mai to return to her normal color.
If Naru had heard, he hadn't cared. He glided over and laid a hand on Mai's shoulder. Mai jumped and swiveled around, calming herself in seconds. Her eyes traveled over Naru's chosen outfit for the night. He looked much more… regal tonight. No less stuck up, but just older, wiser. He was still in his traditional black outfit, but tonight he had added a silver silk tie, pinned with a shined clasp. Mai stood in wonder.
Naru's attention turned to the third wheel. His glare practically screamed 'go away' at Masako, but she got the message loud and clear. Masako slipped back into the ballroom with a small smile still hidden by her sleeve. Unsure of what to say, the two of them stood in the dimly lit hallway, each waiting for the other to begin their conversation.
It was silently decided tonight was not the night for words. Stories, accusations, lies had been tossed around all day, but no amount of words was going to ruin this night. Naru held out his arm, and together, the two of them walked through the doors.
The scene was breathtaking.
The twinkling chandelier up above rained light on the huge room. The ghosts were scatted about the room, all most certainly ready for a relaxing night. Every window against the circular far wall was open, allowing the night sky as their backdrop. Chimes were places at each open window, so that whenever cool air rushed in, music would play with it.
The ballroom itself looked brand new, very much unlike the rest of this decrepit manor. Mai was sure she had never been in here, with gorgeous, floor-to-ceiling designs embossed with gold and painted with hues of blue. The floor was made of sleek marble, the image of perfection. The domed ceiling was the same royal blue color as parts of the walls.
There was a very good chance this room had never been used.
"It's not much, but I suppose it will have to do for tonight," Naru muttered next to her. She spun to call him out on that, but soon saw the jesting glimmer in his eyes and the same emotion reflecting upon his upturned lips. Mai's frustration soon turned to delight and she beamed.
Finally this night was something that was up to Naru's ridiculously high standards. And she would get to spend it with him.
"Well, someone's impressed," Takigawa said, stepping into her line of view. He had caught sight of the stars in her eyes. Mai laughed and wanted to twirl under the bright lights of the chandelier.
"It's amazing! It's like I'm in a different building!" Mai gushed.
"Give Madoka all that credit. She did most of the work. Organized and supervised most of the work at least." Takigawa cringed, giving Mai an idea of how Madoka had supervised. A gentle breeze swept through the windows, allowing the chimes to ring out a makeshift melody.
"I think I'll leave the two of you alone. Have a wonderful night." With a wink that surely meant more than good luck, Takigawa bowed out. Mai watched him rejoin Ayako, grinning and shooting her unabashed, teasing remarks, before turning back to Naru.
"This may be unorthodox, but I want my night to start." After taking in Naru's hilariously confused face, Mai curtsied, and extended her hand. "Naru, may I have the pleasure of having this first dance?"
He continued to stare at her as if she were crazy and opened his mouth in such a way that she was sure she was going to hear another insult. But Naru had decided to be merciful tonight.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
"You actually know how to dance?" Mai asked him as his hand glided to her waist. Blue eyes seemed to come to life for a moment, like a lightning flash, but the brightness died as she looked harder.
"Are you doubting my infinite knowledge?" he replied with a raise of his eyebrows. Mai rolled her eyes as he continued to guide her around the room with effortless grace. The floor seemed to evaporate under their feet as they twirled and twirled. Mai didn't want to stop.
"As a matter of fact, I am," Mai said. "And I don't think there's anything you can do about it."
The teasing lilt in their tones and the smiles at their lips were clear as day to the seven who watched.
Mai tugged him faster to their unheard, inspiring orchestra and soon enough, she was the one leading them in their waltz. Mai's contagious laughter rang along with the wind chimes, pulling at everyone's heartstrings.
Takigawa, with a grand leap of faith, grabbed Ayako's hand and together they moved into step along with Mai and Naru. After a small, fierce battle, the new pair began to dance smoothly, with Ayako rolling her eyes at the shameless monk, but blushing at the same time.
Takigawa's risk allowed Madoka to gather up any extra courage and grin suggestively at Lin. He held out his hand to the beaming woman. Now three couples moved to music brought by the rushing of wind. It was not long before John and Masako joined in and Yasuhara stood alone. He caught Mai's eye a few times while the dance continued, and she could tell just by the gleam off his glasses that he was laughing at her. Laughing at the way she so easily let her guard down to dance with Naru. Laughing at everyone else because they had seemingly put on this party for very selfish reasons, and ended up enjoying it themselves.
And laughing at himself at the idea that was just beginning.
Mai wished she could have a picture of the ballroom right now. Four couples circling around the ballroom with nonexistent music that stirred the coldest soul. It was like a dream, or a dream from a dream. Whatever it was, Mai knew it was magical and she loved every second of it.
Over the roar of their personal music, out of the corner of her eye, Mai saw Yasuhara cut in to John and Masako's dance, allowing John to bow out blushing. It wasn't long before the next time Mai saw Yasuhara – and now John and Masako were dancing together again. Yasuhara was carrying on a conversation with Madoka. Mai could almost see the smile on Lin's face that he always hid so slyly.
And then Ayako became the one with no partner. Mai couldn't help but laugh out loud, causing Naru to give her a stare that she just shook her head at. He would have stopped paying attention to her if she knew. For once, Mai liked that attention.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself," Naru brought her back into conversation after a long time in silence.
"Very much. You actually seem to like this, too," Mai laughed in slight disbelief.
Naru shrugged. "It's something different. Something new. And everyone isn't restricted by those ridiculous household items, so it's only natural they'd want to celebrate."
"Everyone gets to be themselves. It's nice," Mai nodded. "And – and I'm happy you accepted my invitation. I was kind of surprised you did, actually." She swallowed, suddenly becoming more interested in perfectly timing her steps by staring intently at her shoes.
Naru nearly pulled her to a stop. Looking shut down, he snapped, "Why?"
Mai struggled to keep her laughter in at his very honest reaction. Did he really not know? Understand? Realize that most of the time he was a cold bastard who didn't even seem to care about his life, much less the lives of the eight people he lived with?
Naru blinked.
Guess not.
"W-well… you kind of shut the door in my face without answering me. And you're always so busy with your own work, so you don't really seem like the let-go-and-have-fun type of person. At all."
Naru only looked affronted momentarily, and then realized Mai was just stating the obvious. "No?" Naru replied, all traces of humility gone from his voice. "I guess you could say I used to be."
Mai snorted. The glint behind Naru's eyes told her that there was truth behind his words and her jesting smile fell into disbelief.
"Yes," Naru cut off the rebuttal outlined on Mai's lips. "Before…" Naru indicated the current conditions of the other dancing couples, and Mai nodded, showing her understanding. "Do you really think we were all a bunch of boring business people? We were children of wealthy families and had our lives set out for us. We… liked to have a good time."
"I still don't believe it," Mai said.
"I wasn't the one who got drunk and ended up being taken home by Takigawa at every party. I enjoyed the company. Most of the time."
"Ah, now I see. That sounds a little more like you," Mai smiled. He had been about to say something, probably had been about to crush her good attitude, but a grinning, triumphant Yasuhara appeared behind him. After successfully cutting into the dances of every couple on the floor, some twice, he was going for the grand prize.
Naru stiffened and pulled Mai a little closer to him, but as the night grew later, the dances began to slow. It didn't take much for Yasuhara to keep up.
"Can I cut in?"
"No," was Naru's blunt answer. Yasuhara had been expecting this; he didn't seem jarred in the least. The assured smile spread his lips farther and his glasses flashed.
"You've stolen Mai away from us this whole night, Shibuya-san. I can't let her have a little fun with me tonight?" Yasuhara's pout was ridiculous and made Mai think of a kicked puppy, but naru was impervious to all things cute, fluffy, and adorable.
Naru stared at him, boring holes through his skull. "Go back to Takigawa-san, Yasuhara-san," he intoned and certainly didn't seem like he was kidding.
"But Ayako will kill me if I interrupt their dance again!"
Now both Mai and Naru gave him a glare until he realized what he had said.
"Oh… right." With a soft laugh, he motioned to his apparition of a body. "Guess I don't seem to notice it as much as you two do, huh? Can't there be something we could do to change that?"
The dance stopped then and there. The lights seemed to dim and the walls rattled. Mai gazed around in shock, still gasping Naru's hand and feeling the comfort of his arm around his waist. What was going on…?
"Actually Ayako did say something to me before she left the room this morning. She—"
"Mai, would you like to go outside onto the balcony with me? It's a lovely night, and it seems to be getting a little stuffy in here." Naru fixed his gaze on her, waiting a little too expectantly for an answer. Yasuhara just smiled, wanting Mai to finish her sentence. Her view darted from Yasuhara to Naru and then back again. Mai bit her lip and grasped Naru's hand tighter.
"It looks beautiful out, Naru."
With a triumphant glare shot back at the shut-down young man, Naru led her away from the pestering teen. Mai turned her head back around to mouth at Yasuhara, 'I'm sorry.'
He raised a hand and shook his head, instantly forgiving her. Mai forced a smile and then focused herself on enjoying the moonlight with Naru and Naru alone.
…Oh boy.
Walking back to her room in the dark hallways was much easier when Naru was around. After a long night of talking – just talking, and this may have been the best night of her life – Mai began to feel the effects of minimal sleep dragging her down. Naru hadn't hesitated in taking her back himself.
Mai could hear the whispers and feel the stares even now.
And so here she was leaning against Naru and slumping along in a dress that was now rubbing at raw skin and shoes that were not made for hours and hours of dancing or standing. No words had been exchanged since Mai had nearly fallen asleep and bashed her forehead in on the balcony.
"I can't believe tonight's already over," Mai whispered more to herself than to Naru. He exhaled sharply and allowed a smile at the edges of his lips.
"What do you mean by that?" He probably just wanted to hear her fawn more over the night they had spent together, just shooting his ego through the roof – and, even though it injured Mai's pride, that was exactly what she was going to say.
"Well… it was fun. And now it's just over like that. It went by too fast." She raised her head to gaze at him. He rolled his eyes at her gesture. Mai giggled and flopped her head back against him. At least he understood her.
"I'm sure if you ask Madoka or Ayako… or Yasuhara, for that matter, they will be more than happy to put on another one of these parties tomorrow morning. And tomorrow night… and the morning after."
Mai jostled his side, scoffing good-naturedly. "I get your point. But…" She sighed. "All good things in moderation. I don't want to get sick of this. It was…" Mai yawned, her steps falling even more out of sync, "fun."
"You said that already, Mai," Naru replied softly. Mai made a sound, coming out something like, 'Hmmne,' unable to put together an understandable sentence. Naru sighed and found his way to her room, half-carrying her there. Mai heard him kick open her door and felt the bedspread under her fingertips. She smiled as she slumped back onto the pillows.
"Naru?" Mai said weakly, stopping him in his tracks. "Thank you."
Naru stared at her for what seemed like the longest time and felt compelled to reply.
"I'm the one who should be thanking you, Mai."
She didn't respond. She hadn't even heard him. Mai was already asleep.
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast
Something was wrong.
Mai raced down the halls, her heart pounding erratically, hearing yells bounce across the corridors. They had to be coming from somewhere, and that somewhere was exactly where Mai was headed.
It sounded like Naru, yelling and screaming and ready to kill. Kill.
Again.
Ice shot straight down her spine, causing her to run faster, away from her fears, away from the fact that she was living with a murderer. She knew him as Naru, the jackassy, arrogant bastard who on more occasion than one proved to be loyal and actually care. She dearly hoped he was all right. Otherwise… she wasn't sure what would happen to her.
Mai saw the door to that too familiar balcony wide open. Her breath caught in her throat as shadows shifted, nearing the door. Mai ducked against the wall and listened to the fighting match.
"Leave! Leave now, or I swear on my grave I will throw you over this ledge!"
"Really? Your grave…?" An idea bubbled into existence with just those few words. Footsteps shuffled slightly, grunts were heard, and something clattered to the ground. All in a rush, there was an awful splintering sound and a moan of delirious pain.
And then laughter.
"You said you swore on your grave."
Mai pressed herself up against the wall as the attacker left in a rush, shielding herself from their view.
As soon as the stomping faded into the distance, Mai swung herself around the door outside—
And screamed.
His shirt was torn open and bruises peppered his chest. He looked so defenseless shoved up against the corner of the balcony, half conscious and barely breathing. Dashing to his side to gain only scraped knees, she hastened to move his hair out of his eyes, but only felt her fingers come in contact with blood. Mai held her gasp in, but didn't even bother brushing the blood off.
"Mai, you need… you are…" he muttered, trying to sit up, but Mai pressed him back into the corner with shaking hands.
"Shh, d-don't waste your energy. You're go-gonna be okay. We've gotta get you help. A bed, water, a rag, just tell me where—"
Naru shook his head and forced his lips into a sweet, pained smile. Tears welled up in Mai's eyes, but she held them back. She had to. If she didn't, his dying words would be making fun of how sensitive she was.
"No… no, Mai, this is the one story I… know the end to." He laughed harshly, and only ended sending himself into a coughing bout, smacking his already concussed head three more times against the concrete he sat up against. Each sickening crack made Mai want to dry heave, cry, and repeat.
Dark blood trickled down the side of his face like raindrops from hell. It drop, drop, drop into his black shirt, never to be seen again. Mai could only watch as he raised his head and stared her directly in the eyes.
"Listen to me, Mai There are… still things you don't know. Save them. They need you. To-to l…" Naru broke off again, the coughing becoming worse and worse. Darkening eyes looked at his palms before clenching them into fists. Mai knew what he had seen, and it was an omen.
"No, but, Naru, you can't go," Mai choked out, eyes burning, chest heaving. "You have to help me, please, please… I can't do this without you, I can't. You know I can't. Please, please, don't…"
"Mai, you can. Do not let me… stop you. I've done all that I can and I know you can get through it without me." He unclenched his fists and took her hands in his own. Mai didn't even care about the blood spattered on his hands. The both of them were shaking.
"I know you can."
His head fell against her chest, and blood instantly soaked through, still warm on her skin. Her heart jammed itself into her throat and she sat there, paralyzed, for a long time. Then reality hit her like a knife to the chest.
Mai wailed, and buried her face in Naru's hair, sobbing and sobbing until her throat would wail no more, until the tears had ceased flowing, until the air around her lightened, until Naru's body was no longer clutched in her arms…
And Mai was awake in her bed, crying into her pillow.
Mai blinked and sat up.
Dawn was only breaking.
It couldn't have been later than five.
But that couldn't have been a dream. Just couldn't.
Mai sky-rocketed out of bed, not realizing she was still in her dress from the night before, not realizing she was a complete wreck, not realizing Masako and Yasuhara had been standing right outside her door, listening.
"Naru!" she screamed down the halls, heading to his office as fast as her sleep-deprived legs could take her. If he hadn't heard her by now, he was dead. End of story. Maybe he was still here as a ghost though, so he could manage to annoy the living crap out of her for all eternity.
She would rather him alive.
She ran head-first into the door, stumbling back, but raised her fist to slam on the wooden door another five times. Lin opened the door before she could get another round out.
Mai shoved straight past an aghast Lin to find Naru, alive and not covered in his own blood sitting like he always had at his desk. With one look at her, he stood and strode over, just staring at the mess she had put herself in. Mai took a feeble step forward, trying to save face, but could hold it in no longer.
"A dream… it only a dream," Mai heard herself gasp, tears streaking down her reddened cheeks. "But you died. On-on the balcony. It was awful, blood everywhere… oh… Gods…"
She buried her face in Naru's chest and sobbed, her whole body shaking. Naru stood stiff, holding Mai up by her shoulders. He finally had the sense to lead her through another door and sat her down. Mai looked up, wondering where he had taken her. She saw the bookcase revolve shut and Mai caught her breath long enough to gasp and widen her eyes.
Masako had been right. This was his room.
…Mai did not want to know how Masako found out.
He plopped her down firmly on the bed and gazed into her eyes with utter confusion. He shook himself out of his trance and
"Stay here," he muttered. "I'll be right back."
And he was gone. Mai sat there on his bed, feeling her breath begin to steady and her quivering body begin to calm. So this was where Naru actually slept… That disproved the theory that he was a vampire. Mai gazed around and saw that in his room hung even more bizarre trinkets from around the world. No doubt at least a few of those were cursed too.
Mai's ears perked as Lin suddenly yelled from the main office room.
"You know what you have to do! You know what she's seen! You've got to explain before she takes away all the trust she's given you!"
"Fine!"
Several books clattered to the ground as Naru thrust the bookcase-door open again, Lin shuffling in behind him. He took in a deep breath and returned to his natural, semi-stoic self, gliding over with a glass clutched in one hand. He sat down next to her on the bed and pushed her shoulders back, leaning her against the headboard. Mai took the glass of water he pressed into her hands and took a nice, long drink.
"Mai… there was one more death we didn't tell you about."
Lin cleared his throat loudly and Mai jumped, spilling half the glass all over herself, having almost forgotten that he was there. Naru closed his eyes briefly and repeated in a pinched voice, "That I didn't tell you about."
Learning you were wrong…
A/N: Although I can't guarantee an update next month (during NaNoWriMo) I will try my best to get the new chapter in less time than this one. This was an EXTREMELY difficult chapter to write, so I thank you for your patience and I'd also appreciate it if you would leave a review! Thank you, everyone!