A/N: Hi, hi! Here is the next chapter...sorry it is kind of long...but there was so much I wanted to get into it! I own nothing sadly, but enjoy reading anyway! Anyone going to Ohayo con at the end of the month? I am and I can't wait! ANYWAY! Please let me know if you like the direction I am heading! Thanks!
Before Mai knew it, the car they were riding in pulled into the circle drive of a large mansion. Mai stared in awe of the building. It was built western style and was quite elaborate in design. Mai was sure there was a large garden in the back from the looks of it. She couldn't wait till the sun was up so she could fully see it in the light…it would no doubt be stunning.
"Mai hurry up or we will leave you behind." Naru said in irritation as he grabbed her luggage and his own and made his way to the door. Mai was stunned to see that while she had been awe struck, the car and all their belongings had been emptied and the driver had already left.
"Ah, I'm coming…I'm coming." Mai quickly followed Naru and Lin to the door. Naru only paused a moment at the entrance before he let himself in followed by Lin. Mai was surprised to find herself standing in a beautiful lobby, though they were alone in the space.
"This way Mai." Naru motioned as he walked straight into the house and navigated easily to a large living room. Mai followed silently as she took in her surroundings. She had never been in a house quite like it before. She found herself being a little jealous of Naru and Gene for being able to grow up in such a house. Naru stopped in the hallway and sat his luggage on the floor, Lin doing the same. "Mai, leave your things out here. We will get them later."
"Alright…" Mai said as she sat her luggage down as well and followed Naru into the large space. She was astonished to see that Luella had instantly latched onto Naru in a suffocating hug. It only took a matter of moments from when they entered the room for her to take action…she was quick.
Martin walked over and greeted Lin and patted Naru on the shoulder while his mother continued to embrace him. They were all communicating in English, which Mai was completely lost on. She felt totally isolated and left out…
'I wonder what they are talking about...' Mai thought to herself as she remained outcast. It was actually a pretty dumb thought, she finally concluded. It was obvious from the context that they were greeting each other and welcoming each other home. 'The perfect family uh…'
It was something Mai could no longer look forward to. There was no longer anyone at home waiting to greet her or welcome her back…there was no longer anyone that loved or cared for her as if they were family.
Lin and the other members of SPR, like Madoka, where not family…but they cared about Naru as if they were. He was lucky that he still had something even remotely akin to a family…Mai was envious…
'A family…' Mai dropped her head as she could no longer watch the scene in front of her.
"Oh! You must be Oliver's assistant I am always hearing about!" Luella announced as she neared Mai.
Mai flinched as she saw Luella nearing her and she froze completely when the older woman embraced her tightly. Mai knew she should have studied more in English class…but she didn't and now she didn't understand anything the woman was saying to her.
"Lin told us that Oliver hired someone and I was surprised to hear that it was a girl, especially one as cute as you!" Luella exclaimed brightly. "I am so glad to meet you! I am Luella Davis; Oliver's mother!"
"Mother, she doesn't understand what you are saying." Naru said in a dead pan tone. "Talk to her in Japanese."
"Oh. Right! I should have known better." Luella gave Mai an apologetic expression. "I am sorry. I should have known to speak Japanese for you since you probably don't know English. Let me start again; I am Luella Davis…Oliver's mother!" She embraced Mai before she moved away and held her at arms length, a kind smile on her face.
"Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Taniyama Mai." Mai smiled and was going to bow in greeting but her hand was grasped and shaken strongly by Naru's father before she had the chance.
"Martin Davis is the name and I am Noll's father, Luella here is my wife." He said lightly. Mai didn't know what he said but she assumed that it was an introduction. She already knew who he was anyway so it didn't really matter all that much.
"Honey, she doesn't understand! This is Martin, my husband and Noll's father. He never bothered to learn Japanese, so just don't pay him much attention." She explained while forcing Mai to take a seat on the couch where she seemed to be herding Lin and Naru to as well.
Naru sighed and took a seat next to Mai, following his mother's form with his eyes as she bustled around preparing tea. Mai knew that expression; it was the expression he showed when he had resigned to his fate. He probably felt this conversation was unavoidable and therefore it was worthless and a waste of energy to try and fight it.
He was right too; there was no way either of them was going to get out of this particular little chit chat. It seemed that his parents wanted to know everything about his trip, the latest case, and of course the details about Gene. Naru of course was not very talkative, so they were doing everything they could to pry the information out of him. They had long since switched over to speaking in English, Lin included, so Mai was completely lost. She zoned out, looking at the walls around her. She had been in this room before with Gene…
Mai turned her head slowly, searching for the familiar window. Her eyes glazed over as she spotted the large, curving picture window at the corner of the space. There was a small round table sitting there with four decorative and fancy chairs placed around it, but there had been a piano there at one point…
Gene always referred to Naru as an 'idiot scientist' and he never really did much else. Gene on the other hand actually liked doing things…like playing the piano. The alcove seemed so unfamiliar without the piano…it seemed wrong. "Where is the piano…?" Mai whispered without meaning to. The words just slipped out before she even realized it.
Naru, who had been keeping an eye on her while he chatted with his parents, stopped and looked at her with a rather shocked expression. He had been following her eyes and observing what she was looking at, the alcove namely, but when she mentioned the piano all conversation ceased.
Luella also followed Mai's line of sight and landed on the corner alcove. "What piano?" She questioned softly, not wanted to scare the young girl into withdrawing what she had said.
Mai quickly debated within herself. She had not meant to say the words, but she did. So now she had the choice of just being honest or trying to worm her way out…neither of which sounded like anything Mai wanted to do. "There used to be a piano there…" She started off, still keeping her eyes on the corner. "Gene played it…"
Naru's mother resisted the urge to bring her hands to her face and merely offered up an awkward smile. Luella had no words, she could just stare. Mai shifted uncomfortably under the silence.
"It was moved upstairs. It was painful to leave it here since there was no longer any one that played it." Naru explained quickly, not wanting to go into more detail…since it was the truth after all.
"Hrm…" Mai made an uncommitted noise.
"Mother, we have had a long trip and I think Mai is tired. Can you show her to her room?" Naru requested calmly while the awkward silence persisted. "We can talk more once you return."
"Ah, alright then." Luella rose and took Mai by the hand, she paused momentarily when she saw the ring on her finger but was discrete enough that Mai didn't even notice she had done it. "This way dear…"
Luella led Mai down the hall and up a large flight of stairs. Mai looked at everything as they passed, there were not that many changes compared to what she had seen in her vision. Naru's room was at the end of the hall…
"This is the guest bedroom" Luella stated as she opened the door. Mai sat her luggage down at the foot of the bed and sat fluidly down. "There is a bathroom through that door" she pointed and turned to leave. "Rest well dear, we will talk more tomorrow. Let us know if you need anything."
"Yes, thank you…" Mai said kindly as she smiled. Luella smiled back and softly closed the door. Mai waited until she could no longer hear her footsteps in the hall before she flopped onto the bed.
"What in the hell am I doing here!?"
-x-
Luella took her time returning to the living room. She had so many questions that needed answers, yet she knew if she confronted Oliver about any of them she would end up with nothing at all.
They had been informed by Lin back when Mai had been hired, though her title was supposed to be administrative only. Lin had told them over the phone on several occasions that she was being used as much more that that, and that she may even have some extent of psychic ability…though that fact was never discussed in detail. As time went on and updates continued, it became apparent that Oliver had taken a liking to the girl.
Luella recalled that it was not that long ago that there was a request for funding to cover a hospital stay. She had initially worried that Noll had once again over exerted himself and wound up bed ridden, but it turned out that was not the case. It seemed that it was something serious that had happened to Noll's assistant. Lin had kept her fairly updated and informed about the numerous misfortunes that tended to befall the two teens in the past, but Noll and even Lin had remained strangely silent about the extended recent hospital stay.
Mai looked healthy, given a bit tired and worn out…but healthy none the less and that at least pleased Luella greatly. She knew Noll…he truly cared even if he didn't show it…and especially so if it was a person he liked; which Mai seemed to be someone of importance to him.
And then there was the ring…or rings rather…
She had noticed it almost as soon as Oliver had entered the room…noticed the foreign object on his finger, the tell tale glint of gold that reflected off the light. Noll was wearing a wedding band, and a nice one at that.
She hadn't noticed right away, but it was terribly clear once the tea was served and she finally took more notice of Noll's younger assistant…her observations were confirmed when she had taken her hand...
She was wearing the matching wedding band…
-x-
"Was Mai alright?" Naru asked instantly upon her return. Luella returned to her seat and smiled.
"Yes, she was fine. She seems tired…it was a good idea to let her rest." Luella answered honestly. "Does she know what is to come? May I ask why you decided to bring your part time assistant here…for such a personal matter?"
"Really, Noll…this is a family matter…not some vacation." Martin exclaimed after sipping some tea. "I was quite surprised when Lin informed us that she would be accompanying you."
"Is that so?" Naru said simply, drinking some tea of his own.
"Yes!" Martin sighed, "So why don't you fill us in. I think your mother and I are both very interested."
"I am sure you are." Naru answered with no intention of really answering. They were always so meddlesome; it was his concern not theirs.
"Oliver!" His mother exclaimed loudly, "we need to know what is going on!"
Naru noticeably sighed and sat down his tea cup in front of him. "You said it yourself father, this is a family matter…"
"Yes and that is why I do not understand the fact that you brought some employee of your-"
"She is my family." Naru interrupted his father swiftly. "She is my wife."
Lin sipped his tea without even a pause. He was rather surprised that Naru had decided to come out with it so quickly, but he had to do it eventually. Knowing Naru's parents, they would not have let the ring on his finger go unnoticed for long anyway so he might as well come clean before things got too messy.
"What are you saying?" Martin asked. He looked like his son had just told him the most absurd thing ever and he was not able to comprehend it.
"I married Mai…" He held up his hand to emphasize his point. "I had Lin prepare my registry papers and joined her to the family register as my wife."
"She married Shibuya Kazuya, not you. It is not binding." Luella voiced a bit irritated. Why wouldn't Noll tell her about something so important? She had no idea that he was even interested in a girl let alone to get him self married to one…one that she barely knew anything about. Lin had kept her informed yes, but never to the extent that they were in a relationship…one deep enough for marriage at that.
"It is binding. I am officially, and legally, registered in Japan." Naru said condescendingly. "I am a duel citizen, so even though I was married in Japan following their legal procedure…I can still bring that paperwork here and have a marriage license made."
Luella opened her mouth to protest but Lin spoke up first. "I oversaw all the arrangements, so I covered all angles of the marriage; it is legal in every meaning of the term…I made sure of it myself." Lin spoke seriously which made everyone present in the room pause and listen to him. "Mai Davis or Shibuya Mai…they are both correct."
"Why would you help with this Lin!?" Martin looked annoyed. "You were supposed to accompany him and guide him so that he would not get off track or do anything stupid."
"I approve of their union whole heartedly." Lin said with little change in his voice. He did not miss the surprised and relieved look that flashed over Naru's features; it made him glad to see such an expression. "In fact, I advised both of them to deepen their relationship…though Noll was the one that decided to make Mai his wife."
There was silence throughout the room. Luella and Martin were both speechless…Lin was pleased that is interjection was of some help. There was really nothing more they could argue on that would not have a logical and reasonable answer. They had no real comeback.
"I am going to retire for the night." Naru finally broke the silence. He put his empty cup on the table and rose to his feet. "I have had a tiring day and the flight was long. I will be in the guest room if you need me. I will leave the arrangements for tomorrow for you to handle. I am sure you have a better plan in mind than I do. Please inform me when everything has been settled and set."
Naru turned and headed for the door swiftly. He was glad to be home after so long, and it would be a lie if he said he hadn't missed his parents. But everything felt so strangely different. The memories of the house were those with Gene always by his side. It felt wrong that his brother was not there to share the space anymore. He felt uneasy and restless.
He wanted to return to where Mai was. He could be at peace if he was where she was. She was probably sleeping like a baby already. The mere thought of Mai sleeping brought a soft smile to his face…
"The guest room!?" Luella's voice rang out as he was almost out the door. "But that is-"
"Yes, the guest room; that is where my wife is sleeping…" he smirked as he left the living room towards the bedrooms, the faint sounds of squabble fading from behind him.
-x-
Morning came all too soon…
Mai squinted her eyes shut and willed the sun to leave her alone as she rolled over and buried her head in the blankets. She didn't want to get up. Getting up meant she had to face all the consequences of that action…like actually being a member of the living. She wished she could just stay in bed all day and do nothing. Not have to worry about Gene's funeral, Naru's parents, or the confusing environment she found herself in.
"Mai…" Naru's voice was soft and Mai almost felt herself straining to hear the richness of his words. She didn't want to listen though…
"Mai, get up." Naru's voice was a bit more forceful but still retained a sense of gentleness that Mai only started to take notice of recently. She could feel his hand resting on her shoulder, nudging her lightly.
"Hnn…" she mumbled in response. "Just…a little bit…longer…."
"I'm sorry, that is not an option." Naru said sarcastically as he grabbed the blanket that covered Mai and pulled roughly. Mai squeaked as her warm covers were robbed from her, finding herself suddenly awake and very aware…even though she didn't want to be.
Mai curled up into herself and willed everything to go back to the way it was so she could sleep, but it didn't work in the least. Naru continued to bustle around the room doing who knows what while he continued to talk to her about the schedule for the day…which she didn't listen to at all. He had stolen her blanket at some point and it was probably miles away by now with no hope of recovery. Mai cursed the fact that she hadn't held the blanket tighter.
"Mai, how long do you plan on wasting time there in bed?" Naru said in his normal condescending tone. "Get up or you will miss breakfast…then my parents will really start to wonder what we were doing in bed all night…and so late into the morning."
Mai missed the smirk plastered to Naru's face but she bolted out of bed and staggered to the bathroom where she promptly started to ready for the day. In no time at all, she and Naru were walking down the hall to the kitchen.
-x-
Breakfast went by quickly and without incident. Mai could not bring herself to look at Naru's parents in the eye, so she concentrated solely on the task of finishing her meal. She felt lost to say the least in her new environment and surroundings. It was like being stranded on an island, isolated and alone. She could not understand the words being spoken around her nor could she be involved in any part of conversation.
Frankly, she was lonely…
Though Mai had pretty much gotten the gist of what was going on. Naru had at least tried to inform her in passing. Gene's funeral was scheduled for tomorrow morning. They were to be finishing last minute preparations for the service throughout the day and informing other family members and friends.
Everything seemed like it was happening in a rush; going by so quickly. It was fortunate that Lin had immediately sent word informing Naru's parents that Gene's body had been found allowing them some time to already get most of the arrangements taken care of. There were only a few last minute things that required attention and those would easily be taken care of throughout the day.
She wasn't going to have time to be lonely…
"Mai" Naru voiced seemingly out of nowhere, "Mai!" He repeated more forcefully when he noticed that she had completely zoned out and retreated to her own world. He was concerned for her since it was probably a shock to her system to be in such a new and different environment but there was nothing he could really do about it other than to keep an eye out on her. It became apparent last night that Mai was familiar with the house…but to what extent was still unclear. No doubt she had learned about it at the time she learned about Gene…along with all the other mysteries she inexplicably knew about him and his family. When or how she knew what she did was still a mystery and would probably remain one for some time since he didn't feel like prying more than necessary.
Mai startled from her wandering thoughts and turned her attention fully to Naru. He was giving her that scrutinizing look that meant he was trying to figure something out and from the looks of it…he was not succeeding.
"Hrm?" Mai spoke softly. She didn't want to draw too much attention to herself even though the mere presence of her voice was already drawing the unwanted attention of the others present. "What is it Naru?"
"We are heading out as soon as you finish." Naru said as a matter of fact.
"We are? Where are we going?" Mai paused from eating and looked at Naru in the eye. She was met with the look he gave her when he thought she was being an idiot. Mai sighed and prepared herself for what was sure to come.
"Did you listen at all to anything I was telling you this morning about what was on the schedule for the day?" He responded in a condescending manner. Mai sighed again. She knew it…she knew he was going to say that. He knew full well that she had not listened to him in the morning but just wanted to make it a point…in front of everyone…how lackadaisical she was.
"No." She answered simply and honestly. There was not point in fighting it anyway, she was tired and it was not worth it by any means. "What did you say again?" Mai smirked to herself. She could play this game too.
Naru sighed. Mai continued to smirk knowing full well that he was not going to take the hassle or time to repeat something he had already said once. "It's of no concern, I can explain on the way."
"Alright…" Mai agreed half heartedly, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. He had rolled her out of bed at who knows what time for this? She much rather have stayed in bed and sleep the day away. She wasn't even really part of the family anyway…well…she was, but she didn't feel like it. As far as she was concerned it was like meeting strangers off the street.
It was going to be a long, long day…
-x-
"Is there any place you would like to go?" Naru finally asked as he settled into the car. He had just returned from yet another house, about the sixth of the day…running errands or something. It seemed to Mai that he was the personal messenger of his parents and Lin was being kind enough to drive them around town.
Mai couldn't really say she wasn't enjoying herself since the scenery was lovely and the sites were magnificent. Everything was so completely different from back home. The houses were grand and elegant, the landscaping was immaculate, and the entire atmosphere was extraordinary. It was like she was in another world…
"A place I want to go?" Mai eyed Naru critically. He looked tired, though she was probably the only person who thought so. "I don't know anything around here, how would I know of a place?"
Naru resisted making a sarcastic remark and just let it pass. "I meant if you were hungry or wanted to take a break at a park." He commented dryly. "Tell me what kind of restaurant you would like to go to. I am familiar with the area; there is a fairly decent selection."
Mai thought a moment. There was a place that she wanted to see…
"I'm not really hungry…" She finally decided. She didn't want to be a burden and she didn't want to impose. She had been alone for long enough to be fine by herself, but that also had a reverse effect. She was having a hard time dealing with the idea of 'family' that was suddenly being presented to her.
"Hmm…" Naru voiced. He knew she was not being truthful but couldn't figure out why. "Tonight we are having a formal dinner with my parents and several guests. After dinner there will be a formal gathering in which we are all going to have to attend. I can guarantee that it will be a long night and we have to rise early tomorrow morning." Naru turned and fixed Mai with a glare, "I suggest you take every opportunity to build up your strength and skipping a meal is about the stupidest thing you could do if you are to achieve that."
"Gah, fine!" Mai huffed. "I get it, I get it! I am hungry and we should go get something to eat!" She crossed her arms to emphasize the point, "happy now?"
Naru didn't respond and settled on fixing her with a strong and steady look. He was probably thinking she should have just said as much in the first place and not waste his time with useless lies.
Mai sighed. "Is there a park near here? Maybe it is a garden…" she trailed off. Naru would probably wonder where she got her information from, but he was smart…he would know. "There should be a café or something there…overlooking the flowers…"
Naru stared, undoubtedly processing the request, before he answered. "Alright, we will go there." He said calmly. "You know the way Lin…"
Mai remained silent and watched as the scenery went by. She closed her eyes…if only this was the extent of it…
If only this could be the entirety of the trip…
-x-
"This place is truly beautiful…" Mai said more to herself than to the others sitting around the table. She looked out over the garden and let her eyes travel up to the canopy trellis above her. The canopy was covered in a variety blooming flowers and vines. The sweet smells and the bright colors all relaxed Mai more than words could even express. She really did need a break, the food was excellent and the tea was delicious. She could not have asked for more…
"It figures that you would like it here." Naru commented dryly sipping from his own glass of tea. "I take it you have been here before…"
Mai paused. What an odd thing to ask since he already knew the answer. They were there because she knew of it…so it was obvious. "Only once, and it was not this lovely…"
"Is that so…"
"If you want to ask me something, no need to beat around the bush…just spit it out." Mai looked Naru in the eye. They should have been passed this stage. "Gene took me here once. He said he loved this place and that if I ever had the chance to come here…well, he told me to come see it for myself."
"We used to come here when we were younger…" Naru disclosed seemingly unaffected by her confession. It was what he had wanted to know but had not wanted to ask. "He was right in telling you to come here. This place fits you well."
"Hnn, I think so too…" Mai brought her hand to her face and tucked her hair back behind her ear. The slight breeze felt nice and the sweet smell of flowers was all but intoxicating.
Naru watched Mai as she stared off into the garden. Such mixed feelings…it was complicated. It wasn't like him at all. There were so many things that he wanted to ask, so many questions that his mind continued to supply endlessly that his mouth just couldn't seem to form the words for.
He was a rational and logical person, he was a scientist. He worked off of fact and proven theory…yet he had nothing to go on, nothing to base his actions on and frankly it was starting to frustrate him that he didn't have all the answers.
"We should go." Naru said as he glanced at Mai. He took in her appearance for a moment; the stunning garden in the background seemed to frame her profile beautifully. She really was something…probably no other woman could interest him like she could or actually make him find beauty in what he normally would see as mundane. He had decided long ago that his feelings where indeed that of love, but it never ceased to amaze him how often he was reminded of those feelings…that he truly and deeply loved Mai. A simple glance, a slight blush, a soft whisper, or a gentle laugh…he was acutely aware of her every movement, every gesture, and her every word. He found himself following her figure with his eyes even when he didn't want to. He loved everything about her. He loved Mai. Naru sighed at the tangent his mind had taken him on even if it was the truth. He was far beyond trying to suppress the once annoying feeling, and in fact he was getting used to embracing it. It wasn't all that bad…
It wasn't bad at all…
"Hm, okay." Mai mumbled not really hiding her disappointment. It would be so nice if she could just stay in the garden enjoying the flora, not having to think about anything. But unfortunately she knew she could not, she knew that was not the reason why she had come. They had important matters to attend to…
The walk back to the car was solemn. Lin and Naru moved ahead of Mai easily as she trailed behind watching those before her. Her eyes settled on Naru's back and she picked up her pace to match his.
Naru startled as Mai gently intertwined her fingers with his own. "Thank you…" she whispered softly, a cherry blush crossing her face as she averted her eyes downward. She clasped his hand tighter and walked at his side, giving his hand a firm squeeze. "Thank you for bringing me here…to your home…and to this garden…thank you…"
Naru gave no reply but the returned pressure of his hand on hers was sufficient enough. He didn't need to say anything. The couple walked in silence the remainder of the way to the waiting car, hand in hand. It wasn't bad once in awhile to simply enjoy the feel of each other's warmth and share in the comfort that it provided, since they both knew that they would need it for what was to come…
-x-
"What a night…" Mai said tiredly to herself as she let her head flop onto the chilled pillow. She didn't even have the energy to change or crawl under the covers…she could merely lay there staring at the room in a blank, vacant manner.
The night had proceeded in a dazzling flurry, much like how Naru had warned her it would. As soon as they had returned to the house, they were bustled off to get ready for some formal dinner. Mai was surprised to find that clothes had already been prepared for her and it all seemed like a dream now how she had been whisked away and dressed. It remained unclear how exactly she had made it to the dinning room, but Naru was there to escort her to her seat much to her relief.
The dinner was as elegant and extravagant as she had expected. It was like something out of a movie complete with the most delicious food she had ever tasted. She had tried her very best not to make a fool out of herself in front of the guests but she had, of course, failed. Mai was sure that Naru and his parents had explained in some way or form and covered for her, which of course she could not understand but that was probably best…ignorance is bliss after all.
The gathering afterwards was as tiring as Naru had tried to warn her it would be. There were many people in fine dresses and expensive suits all chatting freely amongst themselves. She had been forced to move along with Naru who in turn was seemingly being forced to stick with his parents as they moved from cluster to cluster. She was obviously lost on the conversation and Naru had stopped filling her in. Mai had wondered at some point how she was being introduced since all she could do was smile dumbly and nod when it was apparent she was being acknowledged.
Mai brought her hand up near her face and her gaze rested on the ring settled there. She recalled dully that she had unconsciously covered her hand most of night obscuring a clear view of the ring. Did she want to hide it? Did she not like what it meant? Mai sighed since she really couldn't answer those questions. She didn't want to think about it.
Mai startled when a gentle hand slipped under her bangs and rested on her forehead. She had been so focused on her ring and lost in her own thoughts that she had failed to notice Naru's presence in the room. She glanced up at him as he looked down at her…at least there was no doubt in her mind nor in her heart that she loved this man before her. At least that much was clear…
"Tired?" he said softly as he let his hand slip from her as he started to disrobe and ready for bed. "You should change and get under the covers; it would be troublesome if you caught a cold."
A smile quickly formed on Mai's face as she dragged herself up and off the bed, teetering her way next to Naru. "Ha, I don't want to risk causing you trouble…your parents would hate me!"
Naru couldn't help but smirk at the playful tone of voice Mai used as she passed him on her way to the bathroom where she promptly changed and returned. "My parents can think what they want, I do not really care." He responded lazily as he tussled his hair with his free hand. He had already changed and was merely waiting for Mai to return.
"Are you sleeping here?" Mai said shyly, trying to hide the deep blush on her face. She quickly entered the bed and crawled to the far side, flopping down with her back to Naru. She knew full well the answer and she knew that he was probably grinning at her like a fool behind her back…but she was happy…
Naru smiled and slipped into the bed and pulled the covers up. He didn't need to answer nor did he need to explain himself. Mai probably already knew…she was just embarrassed, which was terribly cute…the way she hadn't gotten used to it and still could not help but blush.
"Good night, Mai." Naru whispered quietly, "thank you for being with me…"
"…night Naru…" Mai voiced softly back. She was glad that the room was pitch black since it hid the blush on her face, though she doubted she could hide the heat emanating from her body. "You're welcome…I'm happy you let me be with you…"
…that way she was not alone, she didn't want to be alone anymore. Mai had a feeling that neither of them wanted to be alone at a time like this…
The funeral was to be held tomorrow after all…
A/N: Well, there you have it! I am hoping to finish this in another chapter or maybe two...still deciding if I want an epilouge or not so I guess you will just have to wait and see! I did have this in Word so that the dialouge spoken in English was in a different font and that 'Japanese' which is the norm...was in normal font, but it seems that was messed up...but I am sure you all got the gist of it! Let me know how you like it! The next chapter will be the funeral and the begining of the end!
How will Naru deal with the closure of his twin's death!? How will Mai deal with her new found idea of family and the ever clear reminder of marriage!? What will Naru's parents do now that their son has finally returned home!?
Tune in next time and find out! LOL! Thanks for reading!