A/N: I laughed the whole time while typing this.

--

My nightly outings were no longer about fights, tying up perverts or avoiding my roommates. More or less, I often visited the inner city for my side job, selling information to Natsuki Kuga. Hey, I had to make up the lost cash somehow, and I still needed to buy Mama's urn. I was thinking of getting more involved with her business, not the shady one of course, but the more legitimate operations such as spying on cheating spouses or locating people in hiding.

I wouldn't say that I had given up my nightly hunts. After wandering around the streets for so many years, it was hard to drop my habit completely. Once in a while I'd go out of my way to help out some poor girl. Of course, I expected compensation for my trouble. This didn't bother the girls too much as I did accept cash taken from the man's wallet.

Still, life had its way of making things difficult. Makino had developed a rather unwelcomed attachment to me, and I was unsure of how to deal with her. The girl would not leave me alone. She followed me from the end of school until I went home at night. It was rather annoying to have a witness to all my more questionable activity. An odd creature had attached to me, and nothing I did seem to drive it away.

All I did was teach the girl some self defense moves, and now she was attached to me like a parasite. Every time I tried to make her cry resulted with her claws digging further into the flesh of my life. It had occurred to me that threats typically worked well, yet the girl seemed to only press harder for my attention. I threatened to hit her; she shrunk back in fear but didn't leave. I actually did hit her; she acted as if she deserved the punishment. I tried to ditch her, and she managed to make her way to the entrance of my dorm building.

I went to Natsuki for help. She laughed at my predicament. Shizuru, who was around for her biannual visit, told me to treat her nicely. They were insane. For what reason should I be nice to some strange stalker? After an endless amount of teasing, Shizuru suggested I talk to the girl about her attachment issues.

Mai had offered me a free meal coupon for the café where she worked. It was perfect as the crowded area would strongly discourage Makino from making a scene, and I would also have a friend for any awkward situations.

Naturally, Makino was ecstatic about my offer to take her out to eat. She clung on my arm the whole way to La Madeleine's bakery and restaurant, attachment issues indeed. Her smile at my words, "We need to talk" irked me to no end. What in the world did she think we were going to do?

It was the first time I would visit Mai's workplace since she started two years ago. Not to say that I avoided the place, but it was rather out of the way from my usual haunts. Plus, the prices were far too high for someone who got by on stealing.

The restaurant was located on the better side of town in the middle of a nice suburban area next to organized shopping arcades. One look down the busy streets and I knew this was not a place delinquents belonged.

Mai greeted us happily as we chose a booth and handed us the menus. The uniforms were really something. They were red dresses with pink accents and lace overlaid by a white frilly apron. Yet, despite the color, they did not appear too obnoxious. I had to say, Mai looked quite nice in her outfit.

I looked at the menu to see that all the items seemed a little on the expensive side. Good thing Mai gave me that coupon. Makino sat across from me studying the menu intently. She shot her head up with stars in her eyes and asked if we could share a milkshake. I arched my brow in curiosity, why share at all? Still I kept my mouth shut, though a strange thought started itching in the back of my mind. Something was off about this arrangement, but I couldn't quite place it. Regardless, it was best to feed her before trying to reason with her. I figured most people tended to take bad news easier on a full stomach. At the very least, she would find it harder to chase me after eating.

We only ordered one milkshake, though she drank it on her own. The sandwiches arrived, and both of us ate them in silence. Occasionally, Makino would try to bring up some pointless subject for conversation, but I wouldn't actively respond to any of her attempts. Towards the end, she excused herself to the restroom, which left me an opportunity talk to Mai.

She walked over with that annoying motherly smile. "She's interesting."

I groaned and slammed my head onto the table. "She won't go away."

"Poor girl is just looking for a friend." Mai retorted. Why did she have to see the good in everyone?

"Really, well, I'm not it." I was annoyed, beyond annoyed.

"Come on, you could use more friends too." Damn it, she was too kind for her own good.

I turned my head towards Mai. "I have you already. Doesn't that count?"

Her fist hit my head. "Look, she's back." My waitress friend walked away a little too quickly. A satisfied smile and dare I say, a faint blush was on her face.

Makino didn't return to her seat. Instead she stood next to me and twiddled her fingers while avoiding eye contact. This was just like the day she first approached me.

"Senpai," she said. She bit her lip nervously.

"What?" I groaned. I really didn't want to look at her right now.

"I know you're a good person." Now where did she get that idea?

Whatever, we needed to talk anyway, so I turned to face her. "Look-"

"And I know you would never abandon me." She was completely wrong. I'd do anything to ditch her right now.

Suddenly, she took a deep breath and looked straight at me. Actually, her gaze shot straight through me. Flames burned in those eyes, so I prepared myself for attack. "Senpai," she yelled.

"Mak-"

Her lips were suddenly on mine. What the hell? Fuck, I should have seen this coming. God damn it, the girl had a crush on me. It's always so obvious when it happens to someone else.

I heard some dishes drop, and I shoved Makino back. My eyes traced the origin of the noise to Mai, who stood there wide eyed with shock. "Mai, it's not what it looks like."

She glared at me. "It better not be. I didn't let you in to make out."

I was at a loss for words. My head kept turning from Mai to Makino and back again. The other customers were all staring at the three of us. Suddenly, I felt like I was in the middle of a love triangle. Mai picked up the dishes and returned to the kitchen. Unsure of what to do, I grabbed Makino and led her outside.

"What the hell?" I yelled.

The girl hung her head down with shame. "I love you," she cried. "Please don't hate me."

I really hate it when people cry. It was hard to deal with, and difficult to relate. "I don't hate you." I prayed she wouldn't misinterpret me. "Look, Makino, you're a nice girl and all, but-"

"You don't like girls." She finished for me.

"That's not exactly it, but I-" I replied.

"Then you just hate me," she interrupted again. She started balling.

Damn it, this was so annoying. I grabbed her shoulders. "Would you please just listen?"

She finally looked at me. "Senpai?"

"I don't hate you or anything. It's just that I," Shit, I didn't know what to say. If I said I didn't like her, she would just press harder with some strange impression that she could change my mind. There had to be a way out of this.

Bells sounded behind me as the café's door opened. "Nao, you didn't pay your bill." Mai walked out holding a receipt.

Makino was waiting in suspense for me to finish my sentence. Mai was glaring at me for not paying the bill. I had to take care of one before the other. My hand went into my pocket.

The girl got tired of waiting. "You're with her aren't you?"

"What?" asked Mai.

"No." I shook my head.

"Don't lie. I heard you talking to her," she shouted. "You said you already had her." The tears were getting worse, and we were drawing a crowd.

An idea popped into my mind. If this would get rid of my stalker then it was worth the sacrifice. "Yes Mai and I are together." I lied.

"What?" she yelled at me. "Don't-"

"What's going on?" The café's manager pushed through the door. "You're blocking the customers."

Mai faked a laugh and tried to steer the two of us toward a more private area. "We'll be right back." She told her supervisor. She maneuvered us to the back where no one would care to look.

"I knew it." Makino cried again. "I was just hoping you were roommates, but you're not." She curled up her fists and tried to rub the tears away from her eyes.

"No, Makino you don't understand." Mai tried to interfere. She glared at me for causing trouble. Makino stopped crying, and wiped away her tears. A glimmer of hope flashed through her eyes.

Shit, no, don't redirect her attention to me. I clasped my hands together in desperation. "Please," my mouth silently begged. This girl would back off if she learned I was unattainable. God, please let Mai be my fake girlfriend.

"Umm," Mai stuttered. "It's just that, Nao and I have been through a lot together. Please understand Makino."

Yes! She didn't deny it. Well, Mai didn't really lie either, but it looked like my stalker had bought the story.

The girl ran off with tears flowing down her eyes.

"Thank you Mai." I grabbed her hands in happiness. "I owe you."

"You're right. Now, pay the bill." She ordered.

Never in my life had I been so glad to listen.

--

Natsuki was busy that night. I didn't really have that much information to sell her anyway. Instead I hung outside various pachinko parlors in search of someone's missing pet. I was told the creature enjoyed the little balls those things used. It was one of the job files Natsuki had lying around her office and I thought I could get the reward. The night went about unsuccessfully. The little ferret never showed up, not that I expected it. With nothing else to do, I went home. Outside my dorm building was none other than Makino, waiting for me to return. I thought she had given up on me.

"What are you doing here Makino?" I didn't want to hurt Makino, but she was emotionally unstable. I couldn't predict her actions, and that made her dangerous.

"I'm not going to give up." She resolutely stood in front of the door.

Son of a bitch! I should have made it more apparent that I didn't want her around. "I already have Mai." I firmly stated.

"I know that," she said, "but I'm going to show you that I'm better for you. I love you more than her."

Yeah, I'm sure you do, that's the problem.

"I can accept you for who you are, even all of your flaws." She continued.

Shit, this was turning into a speech. "Look, I'm not interested." I stated.

"I think you're lying." Great, now she put it together. "You don't really love her. You just feel like you owe her." Nope, she was deluding herself more.

"Mai's the only one for me." The line rolled off my tongue a little too easily, but hey, anything to get rid of this brat. I quickly walked around her into the building. She didn't try to follow, but she would be back.

I slumped into my bed. This problem was growing larger. Damn, I forgot that Mai was dragged into this mess. Makino expected us to be a couple. It meant we had to actually act like one for a time, at least until that creepy girl found a new object for her affection. I regretted saving her from those Yankees.

Mikoto was bouncing up and down while distracting herself with a cheap supermarket puzzle. Ah, how I wished I could be as carefree as her. She bent her arms in some odd direction and the two plastic rods came apart. "I'm done!" she proudly announced and proceeded to put the puzzle back together. How was I going to explain this to Mai?

Tomorrow, I was definitely going to Natsuki, and this time she can't laugh at me.

--

Two days later, Natsuki handed me a manila folder on one Asahara Makino. I skimmed through the pages to see a few candid pictures and a short file on her associates.

Father left the family when she was four, moved to Tokyo to start a new family with his lover. Mother worked as a legal assistant. The woman constantly put in overtime and rarely went home. Often, Makino would be home alone. I felt for her. She probably looked for affection whenever possible. That was why she was so drawn to guys lusting after her body. It was why she latched onto me after my acts of mercy.

"Is this it?" I asked Natsuki.

"What do you expect after a day?" She glared at me. I had called her in the middle of the night demanding information about the girl. No doubt, my dubious acquaintance was annoyed that I interrupted her in the throes of passion. Still, the panting and muffled moaning on the telephone told me they didn't quite stop their activities. Slightly disturbed, I hurriedly hung up the phone as soon as my message got across and prayed that Natsuki would remember my request the next day.

I was sipping some coffee at La Madeleine while conversing with Mai about our current problem. She agreed to pretend a few days, but insisted that we avoid getting carried away. We didn't want to hurt Makino, just force her to leave us alone, or at least let her realize that I couldn't give her what she wished for so desperately.

We were just about to formulate a good plan when I spotted a familiar dark blue blazer. Mai was rambling on about how we could get her to understand my feelings without further complicating the lie we had already begun. She stopped when it was apparent I was no longer paying attention to her words. I calmly nodded my head and indicated that something was behind her. She slowly turned around to look where I was staring.

Makino was standing outside the store windows and glaring at us, or more accurately, at Mai. She walked into the store and nudged herself between Mai and me. I wasn't really quite sure what she was trying to accomplish. It wasn't as if I needed protection from Mai. If anything, people required protection from me, and she knew it.

"Excuse me, umm" she said. Her finger touched her lip as she searched her memory for Mai's name.

"Tokiha Mai," Mai helped her finish.

"Yes, I'm sorry." She smiled in a pleasant manner. "Tokiha-san." Makino sat down right next to me and held my hand.

I managed to release her grasp, and indicated that I was annoyed with the way she was acting. Immediately she backed down. I could see the invisible puppy ears flatten in shame.

Mai gave up talking to me for the time being and returned to her usual duty. It left me to converse with my supposed protégé.

"Senpai," she began, "let's go out on a date this Saturday."

"No." I firmly stated.

"Please, just give me a chance." She begged me.

I was half tempted to simply threaten her life, but everyone told me to be gentle. Plus, I've already tried the forcing her away. It always had the opposite effect.

As Natsuki put it, "People like her require finesse." Ironic that she was the one who said it.

Looking down at her puppy dog eyes, I felt my will weakening. I recalled Natsuki's words. I needed to be smooth. I need to talk my way out. I can't resort to physical intimidation; Makino would think I was being considerate.

"I can't!" I shouted, "Mai and I have plans." Yes, excuses were the best!

Makino's head drooped with disappointment. All I could think was "Go away."

"Let me go with you." She demanded.

"What? No!" I yelled at her. She wanted in on my date. Worse still, she wanted to participate in the date I just made up with my fake girlfriend.

Mai walked around to hush us. I was getting too loud and beginning to disturb the other customers. It wasn't true at all; I could tell they were having fun watching the awkward drama of my forced love life unfold.

"Where are you going this Saturday," she asked Mai.

"What?" Mai responded and looked at me with an arched brow.

I bit my lip and willed that she make up something in my mind. Please dear God let Mai go with the flow.

"Oh, right, umm," Yes Mai make up something! "Picnic, want to come?" she answered. No! That was not part of the plan! Mai didn't understand at all.

"Really?" she chirped happily, "I can come on your date?"

"Date?" Mai asked. "Of course, the more the merrier," she said. Her eyebrow began to twitch in annoyance and her smile was rather frightening. She was definitely angry with me now, though I didn't know why. Regardless, Makino didn't seem to notice.

---

A/N: These chapters are growing longer bit by bit, kind of. Now we've entered the romantic part of the story; let's see where it takes us. I've been leading up to this for a few chapters now by carefully placing in foreshadow lines such as "MaiNao" featured in the summary. No, seriously, there have been subtle indications that Nao is starting to warm up to Mai. It's funny how this turned from a story about trauma to a romantic comedy of sorts.

I fear I may be mischaracterizing Nao for this, but hope it's not too far off. I view her as a character who lives for herself, but doesn't really enjoy hurting those who she considers weak.

Ah yes, a little bit of advertisement. I have begun a side story series about how each of the girls came to be Hime. It takes place in the same universe as this fic, but doesn't directly reference it. The story is called "Origins" and you may find it in my bio page.

La Madeleine is a real place that I found on Google. I needed a name for a French café. I didn't click the link and never been there, so don't ask.

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