A/N: Well here is the next chapter! Sorry that it is another short one! Please just bear with me! Please enjoy and make sure to review and let me know what you think of it!

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Naru safely made it back home in no time at all; he no longer had any reason to drive slowly after all. He surveyed the sleeping girl with a look of worry and concern. Once again she let things go until they spilled over, until she was overwhelmed. Why couldn't she come out and say something in the beginning? How long was it going to take to earn her trust? How long would it take to open her heart?

Naru was torn between being furious or worried. He didn't need to deal with this now...he didn't want Mai to be dealing with it now. Naru sighed...she really put him in situations no other person could and it perplexed him greatly. Naru gave up on his trend of thought as he gently lifted Mai from his car and walked carefully to the door of his house. He knocked soundly on the door with his foot and was soon met with a surprised looking Lin who stepped aside as soon as he registered the sight.

Lin wondered momentarily what had transpired with a bemused look. He noted that Mai was breathing roughly and unevenly, her face was red and stained with dried tears and Naru was looking less than pleased. His boss had instantly given him the 'not now' look upon entering but it was clear that the boy was supremely frustrated and annoyed, even though it was obvious that he was also greatly concerned. Lin closed the door behind the pair and followed them into the house.

Naru swiftly made his way into the living room and gently deposited the sleeping girl onto the couch with a soft thud. In mere moments Naru had acquired a pillow and blanket from the closet and was quickly making his way back to Mai's prone form. He propped her head upon the pillow and covered her gently with the thick blanket. Naru sighed again before he went to work removing her shoes, socks, and other useless attire that she would not need for sleeping.

"Is there anything I can get for you, Naru?" Lin had entered the room shortly after Naru had placed Mai on the couch and had been watching in silence as the boy went to work making her comfortable. Naru didn't notice but a small smile appeared on his face as he watched Naru work. If only Mai could see how tenderly and carefully Naru cared for her. Lin was sure that even she would be surprised at the expression Naru wore when he knew she was not looking.

"Yes, a warm wash cloth and maybe some ice water. She seems to have a fever." Naru placed the palm of his hand on her forehead where he did indeed feel an unusual heat rise.

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Lin complied and returned shortly thereafter and passed the warm piece of material to the boy. He watched as Naru gently washed Mai's face with the warm cloth. He carefully and meticulously washed her cheeks, eyes, and her nose. Thankfully once he was done she did look better, though even the water could not help the reddened complexion that stained her face. Naru even cleaned her hands softly before tucking them back under the blanket and placing the cloth in the ice water to cool. "What happened?"

Naru let out an exasperated sigh as he slumped on the floor next to the couch. "From what I can gather Mai is in danger of being sent into foster care or an orphanage."

"What?" Lin asked surprised, "for what reason?"

"Apparently since she can't lawfully be without a guardian." Naru sighed again. What a mess this was turning out to be. Mai didn't need a problem like this; she didn't need to be troubled with such a thing. Naru ran a hand through his hair…he didn't need to worry about something like this either.

"Can't I file as her guardian?" Lin offered concerned. "I am your guardian here in Japan after all."

"Hm…" Naru made an inaudible noise. "No, I have an idea that will work…besides" Naru paused as he placed the cooled cloth on Mai's forehead and gently pushed a stray strand of hair from her face, "it will be to my advantage if I do things my way…"

Lin raised an eyebrow in question. What was the boy planning? Lin decided it would be best to let it go for now since no matter what he knew Naru would do anything to protect the girl and to not let her cry. It would probably be okay…

"Lin…" Naru started softly as he got to his feet and fixed the man with a strong look, "tomorrow morning…can you get my family registry that is filed here in Japan and a marriage certificate?"

Or…maybe not.

Lin should have known…it was so like Naru. He was shocked but found himself nodding in affirmation none the less. Things were going to get very interesting after tomorrow that much he knew…and it was only going to get more difficult once they went on the case…

A/N: Once again, so sorry about the length! I will update SUPER fast! zoooooooom! Please review, thanks!