A/N: Sorry for the wait! I am still working on this! In fact, just writing the ending and the epilogue now! So close...yet so far! Thanks for sticking with me! I have just been really busy and have not been able to find the motivation I dearly need!

Anyway...tons of thanks go out to my love BleuRaven and her great writing skills!!!!!!! Could not have done this chapter without her! Thanks to Lina, Loli, Sarah, and everyone else that I harassed and made help me with this! I love you guys!

Okay, I own nothing...sadly. Let me know what you think! I will try to post the next part soon! I promise!!!!!!

The morning of Gene's funeral dawned overcast and dreary.

Gray clouds rolled across a darkened, dismal sky. The heavens seemed to know it was a day of mourning; the skies grieved along with all those present. Mai moved solemnly in a sea of black towards an old, elegant cathedral. Bloods red roses adorned a deep mahogany casket, providing stark contrast to the black colors of mourning and the dreary gray hue of the sky. It looked as if it would rain at any moment…the clouds must have felt the same as Mai…

Mai felt heavy as she walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family.

Naru gently rested his hand atop Mai's as she fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat. They were seated in the first row of pews nearest the priest and coffin. Mai settled down almost instantly, yet Naru made no move to change their positions. Even though she had calmed down, Mai still found herself terribly uncomfortable and preoccupied.

The cathedral they were seated in was old and ornate. The architecture, namely the vaulted ceiling, was breathtaking not to mention mesmerizing. Several stained glass windows adorned the high walls and Mai could only stare in awe at the painstaking detail of the artwork.

No matter how distracting the cathedral was, Mai could not help but return her gaze to the closed casket situated behind the pulpit. Red roses practically dripped off the rich colored wood they covered. Small white flowers intermingled within the crimson roses, and Mai could not help but think the spray arrangement resembled deep, red blood flowing over the surface of the wood. It was simply captivating; Mai could not look away.

As beautiful as the flowers were, they made Mai recall feelings that she much rather forget. Somewhere within her, it still felt as if she had betrayed Gene in some way…that maybe it would have been better to take his secret to the grave. He had asked her not to tell, asked her to keep his existence a secret and yet she had betrayed that request as she was taking her last, dying breaths.

In those last moments before death closed in on her, she had to tell Naru. Something within her knew that she was going to be breaking her promise to Gene, but her love for Naru was greater and so was her wish to please him. She didn't want to see him suffer any more. She had grown to love him so much…it was overwhelming, but she loved Gene as well. If she were to die, she at least wanted to put Naru's mind and heart at ease by telling him what he most fervently and desperately wanted to know.

But Mai never could have accounted for the turn of events that followed. She never would have thought that Naru would care so much for her, or value her life to the extent that he did. She never would have thought that he would love her…

But even so, the fact remained she had disclosed the location of Gene's body before she died…ultimately bringing them to the present. Yes, she had been dying…she thought she would never have the chance to talk to Naru again, to tell him what she knew. Yes, she was saved…Naru had saved her and Mai couldn't have been more thankful. She was even blessed with his love…a profession she thought she would never have. But did she have to say what she had said?

No.

To have her feelings returned was the greatest gift she could ever have hoped to receive. She loved Naru, and he loved her…it was more than she could ask for. She was truly and completely happy.

But Gene…

She loved him too. She had come to look forward to his company and relied on him for guidance whenever she found herself in her often dangerous and frightening visions. She had come to know him like no one else had. They had a special connection and that fact would never change.

A single tear escaped from her eye and slid slowly down her face. The priest was saying something, the atmosphere was somber, and Mai desperately wanted to let it all out. She wanted to cry, she wanted to scream…anything but sit quietly where she was. It was all her fault that everyone was here now. It was her fault that the funeral was even taking place and yet not a single person felt like she did. It wasn't fair. It was all so wrong.

They all had expressions of closure, of relief, of sadness…yet there was also a strange sense of joy. A joy that only expressions could explain, no words could come from their lips that foretold why they were invested in the idea of delight at a time like this. Mai could not understand why they couldn't feel like this wasn't correct. She felt isolated and abandoned…she was alone in her feeling.

How they could feel joy was beyond Mai. How could they be happy? In an odd way it made sense once Mai actually thought about it. Anyone that was close to the family would have known that Gene was dead and all those that cared but were not included in the truth knew the fact that he was missing and presumed dead. Feelings of grief and mourning would have been deepest at that time…the time of his death. But now…now feelings and thoughts had time to settle and injured hearts had time to mend. Had what she done caused those mended wounds to be violently and painfully ripped open?

Mai let her head drop, her eyes tightly closed. She could only feel guilt…a deep remorse that was solely reserved for her. Mai perked as she felt warmth on her hand. Naru…what did he think? What could be hiding behind such an expressionless face? Could he really be so cold about his own twin's death?

No…Mai knew that was not true. He tried to hide it, but Mai could tell. He did care…but his exact feelings remained a mystery even to her.

"I'm…so…" Mai whispered softly, almost inaudibly, "so, sorry…"

Naru glanced over to the girl at his side. She was slightly trembling and her hands were tightly clasped in her lap. It only took one look for Naru to tell what was going through her head. He had become quite good at reading her since she was always so predictable and honest. He could read her like a book and from what he could see she was feeling miserable; probably blaming herself like an idiot for things that were beyond her control.

Knowing Mai, she was most likely feeling guilty for where they were now…for the turn of events that she single handedly had spurred on. She had a connection with Gene that he couldn't possibly fathom, but this funeral was obviously hurting her.

"Mai…" Naru's voice was soft and gentle…a tone that was rare even to Mai. She opened her eyes slowly and glanced over at his perfectly postured profile.

"Mm?"

"You're an idiot." He smirked though only slightly. He didn't want to attract unwanted attention. "I knew you were stupid, but I didn't think you were this stupid…"

"What th-" Mai started angrily before Naru swiftly cut her off.

"You are too deaf and dumb to realize what you have done for my family, to realize the joy you have brought to them. You brought their son home…my brother home…to rest. You finally gave them closure." Naru sighed irritably. "And instead of letting them feel any sort of gratitude toward you, you sit there wallowing in your own selfish misery. Get it in your head Mai, that there are more important things than you."

Mai was about to respond thoughtlessly but held herself back as she immersed herself in Naru's steady gaze. It had never occurred to her before…but he was probably right. Mai laughed inwardly, he was not just probably right…he was right.

She was not the only one that was sad, she was not the only one in pain, not the only one suffering. What happened had happened; there was nothing neither she nor anyone else could do about it now. Gene had even given her comfort…

Mai recalled what he had told her before. He said he wanted to be brought home…he said he wanted to end Naru's suffering, wanted to calm his feelings of regret. Mai noted that the pastor had changed the tone of his eulogy, Naru was focused on the words being spoken but she was sure he still had at least a part of his attention on her.

"Gene told me that it would be okay…" she whispered softly. "He told me that he wanted you to be happy and didn't want you to have to continue to search for him. He said that he wanted to come home…"

Naru didn't respond but Mai knew that he had heard her. She also knew that he probably understood the point she was trying to make. She knew…she really did…but it didn't help make the feelings and thoughts go away. It wasn't that easy…though she wished it was.

Mai startled as people began to move. She had been so consumed with her own thoughts that she had failed to notice that the eulogy was already over. It seemed the priest had already wrapped up the ceremony and was helping usher the many guests out of the pews and down the aisle. Mai had not been able to understand the words being spoken but it must have been a fine tribute to Gene. There were probably prayers for peaceful rest, commitment to the hands of God, and eternal happiness.

Mai rose slowly letting the black fabric of her dress fall gently against her legs. The rest of the church had already been cleared and the row they were seated in was the last to be escorted out. Naru grasped onto her hand, leading the way after his parents out of the cathedral to the waiting funeral procession. Mai let herself be led along as she filled her memory with the last fleeting images of the beautiful cathedral and its high vaulted ceilings, aged stone walls, and brightly colored stained glass windows. She imprinted the gorgeous flower arrangements that surrounded the casket to memory and didn't let a single detail pass by.

Mai let her attention fall to the wooden casket that rested among the flowers. It was the final thing that she had yet to focus on and it was also the final thing she was able to look at before she was pulled from the space; it was fleeting but still enough time for her to remember it clearly. The deep color of the wood, the dripping red roses that looked like blood falling over the top, the contrast of the bronzed handles crafted perfectly at the sides…it was an image Mai decided she would probably never forget.

-x-

Trees and cars alike rushed by as the long line of black vehicles made their way to the cemetery. Mai rested her head against the window listlessly, watching the world go by. Her eyes were open but she didn't really feel like she was taking anything in. She watched gawking faces peer in from cars that passed by the procession, wondering who had died but probably never knowing. They would never know, never know the pain of what was lost…

Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo Mai's inner turmoil. The cemetery was reminiscent of the cathedral, very old and extensively grand. The grounds were flawlessly kept and every tomb stone, monument, obelisk, and mausoleum that could be seen was exquisitely crafted. Polished marble statues of angles and other depictions were numerous and magnificent, all distinctly unique and exceptional. The rolling hills were shaded with the largest and possibly oldest trees Mai had ever laid eyes on. It was like the graveyard was nestled within a forest of only the most brilliant and beautiful trees. She was sure that under other conditions the landscape would have been the most scenic she had ever seen.

But she was not seeing the cemetery under other conditions…

She was moving hand in hand with Naru who was covering them both with a large black umbrella amongst numerous other blackened forms moving in the same direction. She could not help but etch the passing tombstones into her mind; each was unique yet strangely the same. Each held a name, a testament to a fallen loved one…each combined to enhance the grandiose of the grounds, melding together in perfect uniformity.

But the splendor of the stones that bore so many names and the marble mausoleums that reminded all those that looked upon them of their wealth, the fact still remained that this was a place of the dead. Every structure, no matter how grand and beautiful, was still a marker…still a reminder of the dead and buried under the cold earth.

Mai felt strangely remorseful. For the first time it actually felt real…the cold raindrops that splashed up at her feet, the deep voice of the priest committing Gene to the ground, the stifled sobs that echoed from the guests that had amassed. It was like it was finally sinking in, like the rain to the earth at her feet. And like the sky pouring down rain, Mai let tears freely fall from her eyes.

"In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord…we commend to God our brother Eugene…we commit his body to the ground…"

Mai turned her tear stricken face towards Naru. He did not acknowledge her nor did he move, just silently continued to translate what was being said. Mai sniffled hard and didn't even bother to scrub at her eyes; her tears were far from being dried…

"Earth to earth…ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face shine upon him and be gracious unto him…and give him peace…"

Mai sobbed and Naru tightened his grip on her hand. "Amen…" he whispered softly. She noted that he looked like he too was about to cry but that was probably something Mai alone could notice. On the surface he seemed stoic and calm, but Mai could tell from the look in his eyes that just below the surface was an unnamable emotion.

The casket had been lowered, the earth had been moved, and the rain continued to fall. Water droplets streamed off the polished surface of Gene's headstone…Mai could not read the inscription but she could easily marvel at the beauty of the craftsmanship. She would have to have Naru read it to her later…

Nameless faces paced solemnly by, giving their condolences and paying their last respects. One by one blood red roses fell to their resting place atop the partially dirt covered mahogany coffin. Despite the rain, tears could not be hidden and sobs could not be subdued.

Mai mutely watched as numerous figures in black passed her by. Her world had gone blank…nothing around her seemed to matter. Her tears gave no sign of stopping and frankly she didn't want them to…if they could give her any form of relief then they were a welcome escape…if they could drain away her sorrow…drain away the pain…then she never wanted to stop crying.

"It's time to leave Mai…"

Naru's parents were already slowly making their way back to the procession where the rest of the guests were quietly awaiting their return. Naru's father was supporting his wife as she seemed to have no strength left in her. Mai listlessly watched their fleeting figures, it reminded her of how she felt on the inside…weak and defenseless. She thought of herself as a rather strong individual but at the moment she could not have felt more powerless. Naru's voice was falling on deaf ears…

Black fabric rustled as the wind started to strengthen, driving Mai to shut her eyes but not before she caught a glimpse of red falling at her side. It was a rose; a rose that slipped from Naru's hand like the water from the umbrella. He caught her eye and much to Mai's surprise he was offering her a rose, concealed from prying eyes by his protective posture.

The single flower was unlike any other…diluted and pale, a bud rather than a bloom. Where Naru had acquired the said flower was a mystery but Mai didn't much care since the fate of the bud was obvious; he was offering it to her as the final flower to be given to Gene, to fall atop his coffin…the last gift and tribute to be given before he would be encased in earth.

Indolent and listless, Mai tilted her head to examine the offering. In any other sense, she would have been elated to receive such a gift from Naru but it was not…in fact it was far from it. Mai accepted the flower from Naru's awaiting hand, brushing his hand with her own as she did. She allowed the bud to slip from her fingers and her body to be quickly led away from the site as if she were on auto pilot. How she made it back to the car only Naru knew.

-x-

The reception that followed went by much like the walk back to the procession; by rote and with her eyes closed. She felt as if she was merely going through the motions, not giving anything much conscious thought. It was not like she fit in anyway. There were only a handful of people that she actually knew and even fewer that she could communicate with. Naru had a responsibility to the guests so Mai found herself being led around by the hand…no more than a doll at the whim of its master; a doll that could only pose and smile vacantly.

Night came all too soon but Mai was relieved to be back in the silence of her room. Naru had escorted her back early though he himself could not stay since he promptly had to return and see to more engagements. Mai was alone.

"I was pretty stupid, uh?" Mai said quietly to no one in particular. "Yet…I can't help but feel what I feel…and I can't just make it go away…"

Mai let her head drop; curling up on her side wishing sleep would claim her. She knew that it was going to be a restless, dreamless sleep. Mai closed her eyes tightly as she held onto herself, letting tears slip endlessly from her closed lids.

There would be no peace for the restless on this night…

-x-

Naru paced the length of the room irritably. "This can wait until tomorrow."

"Just be patient Oliver." Luella chided. "They are your relatives after all."

Naru sighed loudly resisting the urge to make a snide comment. He was being detained by the fact that his relatives were staying over. They were persistent in 'catching up' and idling in useless chit chat. Naru didn't want any part of it yet as Eugene's twin he was being forced to stay.

"How have you been as of late Oliver?" His moment of berating was soon interrupted and his mother quickly pulled him back to the center of attention. "You have been in Japan for some time now I hear."

"Yes, we are so proud of him!" Luella interjected. "He has been working so hard to find Eugene and it has finally paid off…he brought him home to us…I'm so happy."

"I must say that I did not do much…Gene was found by someone else." Naru said earnestly. "I would probably still be looking if it was not for that person."

"Is that so? Who is that person?" Everyone looked on in sincere curiosity.

"It is…" Naru mused. "The young lady with me today, I am sure you all saw her, she is my wife and she was the one…"

"Your wife!?" More than one astonished voice exclaimed. It seemed as if that fact had been withheld in some way or form, though Naru felt it was ultimately their own lack of observational skills that led to their ignorance. He was far beyond the point of caring however…he didn't want to take the trouble to explain nor did he feel that he had to.

"Yes, and speaking of which…I really must be getting back. She is waiting for me in our room." Naru smirked as he turned; sure that he was receiving several exasperated expressions. "If you will excuse me, good night."

Lin watched as Naru left the room, an uproar of whispers following as he did. Lin had to hide a smile of his own; Naru had obviously enjoyed what he had just done though his parents were quite panicked about the whole situation. Lin knew that they could not avoid the situation forever…they were going to have to come clear with it not only to each other but to Naru's family as well.

But for tonight…tonight they could rest easy enjoying the comfort they could offer each other…it was a night for healing, though short, it would be welcomed none the less.

-x-

Naru sighed as he quietly slipped into the guest room and started to remove his formal clothes. The darkness of the room immediately calmed his nerves and the mere thought of the person waiting in the darkness relaxed him more than he could ever put into words.

"Mai?" Naru announced himself softly as he approached the bed. There, curled up within herself, Mai lay atop the covers lightly clad in her night gown. Naru gently brushed stray strands of hair from her pale tear stricken face. She had been crying and traces of fresh droplets still lingered on her eyelashes.

"You will catch a cold sleeping like this Mai…" Naru whispered into her ear as he rubbed the tears from her eyes. He easily slipped her into his arms and guided her under the covers. He rested her head lightly upon the pillow and planted a kiss on her furrowed brow. Naru smiled tenderly as he watched her restless appearance ebb away into a look of contentment.

"Good night Mai…" Naru's smile deepened as she cuddled close into him. For now at least he could see that she was at ease and just by holding her sleeping form in his arms he was as well. Naru watched Mai slumber silently from his position beside her. There were so many things running through his mind; so many things he wanted to ask her…but at the moment his troubles were fading away with every passing second and soon Mai's rhythmic breathing was lulling him into sleep. Naru finally let his eyes close and sleep washed over him.

For tonight, even if it be a few brief hours, there would be peace for those who slumber…

-x-

Leaves rustled briskly in the wind and Mai could not help but watch them from her seat within the house. The rain had ceased, the clouds had cleared, and the storm had passed…but the storm within Mai's heart was far from over.

It was mid-afternoon and Mai was already lost within her own thoughts. The events of the funeral were still vividly replaying in her mind…the grand cathedral and the somber eulogy, the lengthy formal procession, and the picturesque cemetery. It seemed no matter how hard she tried, she could not push the images away.

A deep blush suddenly adorned her face, painting her cheeks a cherry red. There was something else that was on her mind…something that she was trying hard to forget but was failing miserably at. Mai once again recalled for what felt like the millionth time, the events from the morning.

She had awoken from a peaceful and comfortable slumber much to her surprise. She felt safe and sound…so comfortable in fact that she didn't want to get out of bed. Mai's blush deepened when she recalled the image that met her when she opened her eyes. Naru was holding her in his arms protectively, his face directly in front of hers. His soft breath felt warm against her cheek and the feel of his hands embracing her made her feel that same warmth throughout her body.

Mai quickly sipped from her cup of tea, trying to calm herself down. Naru, of course, was acting like nothing had happened at all. He had awoken and prepared for the day just as he always did without so much as a single flaw in emotion. He was just as calm, cool, and collected as he always was; his narcissistic norm. Mai felt like she was the only one being affected by the whole thing…

"So, this is Oliver's wife?" The question was directed at Mai though she never would have guessed. She was still much too preoccupied with other things to notice. She didn't want to hear what others had to say.

"She is." Lin, who was sitting at the window table as well, answered on her behalf. "Her name is Mai and I suggest you be respectful; Naru is very defensive when it comes to her."

"Is that so?" The man chuckled and shifted his weight. "She must be something special to have caught that Naru's fancy. With his personality we all thought he would never love anything other than his beloved science equipment. It's a real surprise. Well, it's a pleasure Mai; I hope to hear more about you at more…appropriate time."

Mai followed the man with her eyes as he moved away back into the center of the room, mingling with the rest of the people gathered there. For once, she was glad she could not understand what was being said. She was not blind. The shifty quick glances in her direction, the condescending looks, the whispers and glaring eyes…

Lin watched Mai in silence. He didn't like the situation but there was little that could be done. "Have you been to the garden yet Mai?" Lin asked calmly catching Mai by surprise.

"Ah…" Mai started, looking in Lin's direction. "I haven't yet…"

"Why don't you head out to the garden and I will locate Naru." Lin said as he stood, watching Mai follow suit. "I will bring a pot of tea out to the pergola. I know Naru is suffering from withdrawal from not having your tea…it seems he will have to tolerate what we have on hand."

Mai laughed softly, which in turn earned her a small smile from Lin. "I will have to make him some tea and look forward to receiving no thanks…like always…" Mai missed those simple but pleasant moments; Naru demanding tea…rude…yet strangely warm. When would they be able to return to those times?

"You know he would not have it any other way." Lin said still retaining the soft smile he had from before. "I will meet you in the garden shortly…" he trailed off as he walked down the hall away from Mai.

Mai watched him leave before she turned and made her way towards the ornate English garden. It would no doubt be amazing and Mai could only hope that it would help ease her troubled thoughts and weary body.

A/N: Okay! So there you have it! Please let me know what you think! I need some motivation so help me out! Hugs for everyone! THANK YOU all for following this story! Drop me a line anytime or review!