It wasn't as cool out as before with the sun shining down on everything, but Mai didn't take much notice. In fact, as she walked through the streets of Shibuya aimlessly, she barely noticed anything going on around her, unless it was something or someone she needed to avoid colliding with.

Her aimless walk, ironically enough for her, led her to the cemetery her parents were buried in. She had been absently thinking she wished she could speak to them, and then before she knew it she was in front of their headstones. She sighed and collapsed to her knees, staring longingly a the ground.

How I wish you were here with me! I could really use your advice right now, she thought sadly as she plopped back onto her heels. She reached out and dusted the headstones off, careful not to disturb the flowers that were there. They were wilting, she noticed. I will replace these later this week Mom and Dad, she said silently to them, hoping that, wherever they were, they heard her.

Mai sighed heavily again and sat back on the grass, making herself comfortable as she replayed the previous night and today's events. Wearily she leaned back, frowning and shaking her head.

"Why is it that everyone is always saving me, but I can never return the favor?" she asked aloud to no one. "And why does everyone also insist on butting into business that has nothing to do with them!" With that she was more angry. She ripped out some grass and threw it with a growl.

I love them, but why did Gene and Monk have to do that? What is with them? Can't they just let sleeping dogs lie? She huffed in annoyance, frowning even more. Stupid men always ruining things! I mean, if Naru really felt something, he would have told me, right?

With that thought came a flood of emotions as she recalled her confession to him just before they left to take Gene home to England. Her heart ached as she remembered him asking if it was Gene or him. Stupid Naru just had to lose his confidence then, didn't he?

The more she thought about the entire situation, the angrier she got at herself for even confessing in the first place, and the more upset she was at everyone else for butting in all the time. After what seemed like forever, when she had finally calmed down, she decided she should head back.

If I don't I think Monk might call out a search party, and I really don't want to be the center of attention any more today. She stood, a new resolve in her heart as she started back.

I will just pretend it never happened and that Naru and I are friends, and nothing more. She nodded her head at this, eyes narrowed. I can do this…right?

Naru sat at his desk and listened for everyone to leave. A while after the last sound of the door shutting, he leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.

What am I going to do about all of this? Gene, I wish you were here right now. Naru sighed and turned to a mirror he kept in his desk.

"Gene, are you there? I really need to speak to you," he said to his reflection. He waited a few moments, and when it didn't smile or say anything back, he frowned.

I suppose he is angry at me for my thoughts earlier, and my reaction to Mai's…revelations, he thought bitterly as he placed the mirror away again. I suppose I do not blame him. I was being rash and mean, though no one heard it except for him.

The young boss sighed and placed his head in his hands tiredly. But how am I supposed to react to her? She was the reason he died. And now, with all the struggles we've had since Gene's body was recovered, I am trapped with her for the rest of my life? He frowned when he thought of the word trapped. Not trapped, that's not right…but still, how am I supposed to be?

Naru sighed again. He was feeling frustrated and trying his best not to let it all out, for fear of what that would mean with his powers.

And why am I letting her get to me like this? I never allow anyone or anything to bother me this much, not ever before, so why her and why now? Naru's heart clenched in pain and longing as he thought more about his assistant. He was always a little puzzled by her, but now he felt completely lost, and he wasn't sure if it was because of recent facts that were revealed, or because he was feeling something towards her.

Do I like Mai as more than an assistant? Or a friend even? He shook his head to clear his thoughts. How can that be? I've never felt like that for anyone! Still…

The more Naru thought about Mai, the more pained he became. He thought of the times she was in danger and how he felt about it. He thought about all the times they fought, and he smirked. He did love seeing her riled up because of him. He loved watching her laugh and joke with the others. He loved the way she care for everyone else first, then worried for herself later. She was a kind and loving person most of the time.

He felt so proud as he realized she was becoming rather smart in the ghost hunting business, too. I never really recognized it before, but Mai is very knowledgeable, more than I ever usually give her credit for. And she's grown so strong, too. At this he recalled all the times she was in danger, but faced it as fearlessly as is possible. And all the times she kept herself in control, when she really needed to be. And especially in light of recent events how she managed to keep smiling and laughing and enjoying life.

His eyes widened as he saw her face flashing in his mind over and over again. His heart reacted when he thought of his young assistant, beating rapidly and loudly in his ears. He carefully placed a hand over his chest, as if to calm it down.

"It can't be? Have I really…?" he whispered to himself as realization dawned on him.

He heard the office door open and shut quietly, the little bell ringing out shortly. Naru stared at the office door and waited, knowing who it would be and unsure of what to do…

Mai entered the office quietly, intent on avoiding everyone if at all possible. Thankfully for her as she stepped inside, no one seemed to be around. She sighed in relief and walked to her desk, only to see a note there from Madoka.

Mai,

Everyone left after Noll…requested…them too. Noll is holed up in his office if you need him. If I were you I'd make him tea before he goes crazy hehe! But seriously, he seems to be in a rare mood, so I would be extra good around him. Lin and I are taking the day off! You should too! See you tomorrow!

Love,

Madoka

Mai groaned and slowly made her way to the kitchen. Man! Of course my distractions all conveniently disappeared for the day! Now how am I supposed to deal with him? I hate my life sometimes! She was inwardly cringing as she heard Naru's office door open and footsteps head for her while she started tea.

Okay, Mai, you can do this! Just act like what Monk said didn't happen and try to make peace with him before he fires you!

"I am not going to fire you, Mai. And you are not very good at building a shield at all," Naru said nonchalantly. Mai stiffened and sighed, only nodding in response. She was afraid to speak, but also afraid to think, so she just focused on the task at hand, hoping Naru would retreat to his office soon and she could leave.

"Mai, we need to talk," he said, right behind her. She was expecting him so close so she jumped and eeked, dropping the kettle to the floor. It shattered at her feet.

"Clumsy," Naru whispered softly. He meant it as a joke, but it didn't come out that way. Mai stood unmoving, and Naru frowned.

"Are you going to leave that mess there?" he asked. Mai just shook her head and bent down to grab the dust pan and brush from under the sink. She started slowly sweeping the pieces up, not once saying anything to Naru, or looking at him for that matter.

Naru frowned again. This is not like you Mai…"What's wrong?" The words were out of his mouth before he could think.

"N-nothing. You just scared me is all," she whispered, still not looking up at him. He could tell she had started crying by the crack in her voice. Uncharacteristically for him, which seemed to happen a lot because of Mai lately, he bent down and made her stop cleaning. Instead he did as he told her to go sit. She obeyed silently, sitting at the table, head in her arms.

I can't do this, she thought to herself as she felt tears coming again. She brought her head up and looked at him as he cleaned. But I won't cry anymore, not over him. I can't feel this way anymore, or it will break me. Mai saw Naru pause and flinch slightly. She knew he had heard her thoughts and it made her groan and bury her face again. She felt her cheeks flushing and new tears forming. I just want to die right now! Stupid, idiotic, how could I-

"Mai, stop berating yourself please. It's not healthy." Mai froze and flinched, then slowly brought her head up. Chocolate met blue and she was frozen in shock. She had expected to see him smirking in his amused, better-than-you way, but he wasn't. In fact, she had never seen this look before, and she couldn't understand. He was looking at her with amusement, and also fondness, and something she couldn't quite place…

"N-Naru?" she squeaked out. This made him smile, and her jaw dropped. I've only seen that face a couple of times. She felt her face heat up more, and she suddenly felt like hiding.

"Mai, I need to speak with you, and I would appreciate it if we could do this without any interruption from you." His voice was firm and soft, and she couldn't help but nod at seeing the vulnerability in him. He was sitting across from her, and although he seemed to be okay, she noticed his hands trembling slightly. Instinctively, forgetting what had happened moments ago and earlier that day, she grabbed one of his hands.

"Are you alright Naru? You look nervous?" she asked. When their hands touched she felt a small shock, but not a painful one. This was something else, and it flew through her, filling her with warmth. She gasped as he stopped moving and looked at her.

"What was that?" she asked absently as she stared. And then she saw it. Suddenly she saw his aura and hers, mingling and meshing. She could see how he would pull at her and she would give, and then she would pull at him and he would give. Her eyes met his in awe.

"O-Our auras, do you feel it?" she asked. He nodded, clearly as surprised as she was by the whole thing.

"Yes Mai. Our connection to each other is growing it seems." It is what Gene and I always felt whenever we had strong feelings about each other too, but with her it is so different. I feel so much more…

Without thinking Naru grabbed Mai's hands in his own. She looked up at him and shied away, blushing again.

"What are you doing?" she asked. He simply smirked at her, but there was something in his eyes that made that smirk so different from the times before. He wasn't being rude or playful, he seemed genuinely amused for once. This made Mai turn her attention fully to him, her curiosity winning over her shyness.

"I am reveling in the moment, Mai," he responded quietly. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped open in shock. What is he saying? He is acting so strange…Wait! He isn't? No, he couldn't be…could he? Without thinking Mai pulled her hands away, unsure of what Naru was doing, and a little afraid of what it could be…

JADE: I AM SO EVIL! *cackles uncontrollably*

MONK: Uh-oh, what did you do to her? Yasu? Gene?

YASU: Why do you think it was me? *grabs Monk's arm playfully, frowning in feigned hurt* How could you be so mean?

GENE: And why do you assume it was me? I would never do anything to Jade…well, at least I would try to refrain from temptation…

MONK: GET OFF OF ME YASU! THAT'S NOT FUNNY!

MAI: *sweatdrop* Um, Gene, do I wanna know?

GENE: Ew! Why do you always assume I am a perv? *stomps like a kid*

JADE: ENOUGH! *taps foot and waits for everyone to quiet down* THANK YOU! Sheesh, nothing is wrong you guys, I am just reveling in being purposefully evil to my readers!

EVERYONE: O.O^

JADE: Anyhoo, the reason I left it like this is because I am no longer getting many reviews. I do appreciate Chrysanthia-Sunshine, anon, felicianoludwig, artlover-2011, xSapphirexRosesxFanx, and sun-yXmoon-liteXstar for reviewing recently! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! And I also want to thank sarasaysrawr for making my day with your review! However, I see that most of you are choosing not to say anything, and I really look forward to your input, so PLEASE review! I am waiting to continue this until I see some more, so after this chapter I will not update unless I see at least 10 reviews for this chapter! Come on guys, it's not that hard, I do it ALL THE TIME! So I'd appreciate a little love in return :D

MAI: Please review! I just have to know what Naru is thinking and if I don't I think I might die!

NARU: *eye roll* So dramatic…