"Do you think he's alright?" The old woman asked, brushing a stray blonde hair out of her eyes.
"They were two of our best, he'll be fine." The old man sitting beside her replied.
"That's my point though. They were two of our best, but by himself…" She trailed off.
"He can handle himself just fine."
"Have you heard from Madoka?"
"No, she's laying low for a while. But her last transmission indicated that everything was fine. I have kept an eye on the news in Japan; nothing has given me too much cause for concern." The old man replied reassuringly.
"Did you not hear about the gang extermination?"
"You think he was involved?" The old man frowned.
"I wouldn't put it past him."
"I doubt it. That boy is the most rational person I have ever met. He wouldn't do something so reckless." He said. "Or at least, not without a damn good reason."
"You say that, but he's only 17…"
"Stop worrying. There is nothing we can do and we have several other cases more worthy of our attention right now." The old man said calmly. "I know how you feel about those… That boy, I feel the same, but we cannot interfere. It might cost him his life."
The old woman nodded and sighed, before picking up another piece of paper to read.
"Echigoya has a copy of what the police think they have on what you did." Lin said as he hung up. "He's going to give us a copy so we are at least aware of what they think." The tall man shock his head.
"Good." The young man replied, not looking up from his book. He then cut off Lin before Lin could even speak. "I know what you are going to say, so don't bother. Yes there was a very good reason that I did what I did. No I do not regret it."
"I think you're getting distracted." Lin countered.
"What gives you that impression?"
"The girl."
"Mai?"
"Who else?" Lin rolled his eyes. "I presume that is where you were earlier?"
"Does it matter if it was?"
"Madoka thinks you're interested in her."
The young man scoffed in reply.
"I am not a fool."
"No, but you are human." Lin said calmly. The young man rolled his eyes and shut his book.
"I'm going to bed."
"Before you go, what is this case tomorrow?"
"A request of Hara Masako." The young man replied as he stood up. "I expect it will be a waste of time."
"So why are you indulging her?"
"It is necessary." And the young man left the room.
However, half an hour later and despite the lateness of the house, the young man was still awake.
Narumi Kazuo liked milk chocolate. He had a real sweet tooth and would always pick cake for dessert.
Shibuya Kazuya hated milk chocolate. But he would partake in the occasional piece of dark chocolate.
Naru…
Naru did not know what he liked. Sometimes he forgot where the facades he played started and his real feelings ended. He could slip easily into any of his aliases and fool everyone.
Everyone except Mai.
She had not believed in his Narumi Kazuo character, had seen through the act but played along for him anyway. The young man wondered briefly what might've happened if they had met under different circumstances.
If he hadn't had the burdens he had now. If he was free to do as he liked. If he was free…
Then an overwhelming wave of guilt racked through his body. How on earth could he be thinking about a girl at a time like this? He had things to do! Someone to find! Someone to avenge!
A loss to mourn.
Scowling, he turned over in his bed, so that he was facing the door. The young man felt under his pillow for gun and wrapped his hand around it. He couldn't help but think of Mai. He knew it was his fault that she slept with a knife now.
And another wave of guilt rolled over him.
He had dragged her into this life. How could he have been so careless? He had already lost one person to this world of blood and drugs and sex and lies. How could he expose someone so innocent and carefree to that pain?
But as the thought of her beautiful, inquisitive, chocolate brown eyes came to mind, the young man realised that it was far too late now. He had already caused her fear and doubt. Yet she had not run away.
Did she not realise that the police would protect her if asked? Protect everyone around her if need be?
The young man sighed; knowing full well that that girl would be trouble. And yet, for some reason, he really didn't mind.
Perhaps Naru liked chocolate after all.
Author's note: I'm sorry this is so short! I've had a really stressful couple of days but I wanted to get something up for you! Next update will most likely be Thursday and I am not looking forward to writing that chapter... Like it sort of has to happen, but I'm just not looking forward to it - hence why this chapter turned up... I was putting off the next chapter! Please don't get the wrong idea, the next chapter won't be heartbreaking or anything bad. I just don't think I'm going to like how it turns out.
ANYWAY enough of my rambling! Please review this tiny little thing! You guys have no idea how much reviews mean to me. Sometimes, when I'm having a bad day, I go and read old reviews and they always cheer me up!
Please review with your thoughts and ideas!