Chapter 2: The Arrival

A/N: So I was anxious to get this chapter out because in a week or less, my schedule would be pretty packed and I reckon that I wouldn't be able to update as often as I'd like. On a happier note - a 4k+ words chapter!

I'd like to apologize in advance for any typos and grammatical errors - it's three in the morning and I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open. I'll check it later today.

And your reviews are wonderful; I read and appreciate every single one of them. Thank you so much for every favourite, follow, review and just simply giving it a chance.

Enough of my ramblings: Onwards!

After Noll had returned from Japan two years ago, he had became more withdrawn and he almost seemed lonely at times. Luella had noted this and thought him finding the body of Gene would bring at least some peace to his spirit, but it did not, quite apparently. However, the parents never got to ask as Noll would always busy himself with cases after finishing his studies in college. He almost looked as if he was searching for refuge.

When they breached the topic with Lin, he would only sigh and provide an evasive answer that was no answer and Madoka would only look saddened and state that Gene wasn't the only factor contributing to his detached person. Basically, both were of no help for the concerned parents who were no closer to reaching the revelation of Noll's state.

The house, for most of the time, had an ominous black cloud hovering over them all in which they all drowned themselves in, during the first year after finding Gene's body. However, even as both parent slowly made their way out of their loss, Noll didn't seem to make much progress.

Two years did a number on Noll; with each passing day, he seemed to have a growing oppressive aura that sometimes manifested out of nowhere, even for Noll. Luella felt solicitous for his health, but there were only so many things she could do.

She remained positive that one day it'd improve and her husband shared her thoughts - both agreed that they shouldn't be trapped in grieving for too long. It was impossible to get over Gene's death completely, though. And Luella wished that she could have a gift to at least say goodbye to him one last time.

At this depressing train of thoughts, she drew her attention away from it abruptly, shifting her focus to her husband as she carried a cup of Earl Grey. For Martin to be grinning this way was something quite rare, and Luella was rather curious.

"What's the matter with you?" His wife, Luella, finally inquired as she set a cup of Earl tea before him and he folded up the newspaper, eyes gleaming excitedly, "finally!"

Luella shook her head at her husband's antics - the latter was obviously waiting for someone to ask this question.

"Transfer students," Martin explained, a small smile tugging up his lips, "they're coming over next month."

His wife arched a brow. "And?"

"You see, I've always made it a point to read the reports myself; and my, theirs were remarkable, considering their age.

"One of the two is a latent psychic while the other is a talented researcher, from what I gather. It is rather rare to find a student with at least an A grade report, much less an excellent one with graph readings and statements written out clearly. Their paper sent completely - more than - satisfies the requirement."

He beamed, picking up the cup and taking a sip of the tea. "They collaborated on their findings and had came up with this," he waved the folder before his family triumphantly and Noll gave it an disinterested glance before he went back to his book.

"Now, Noll, don't dismiss it so easily; listen!" His father scolded, flipping to the first page and clearing his throat. His wife seated herself on the armchair beside her enthusiastic husband, an affectionate smile playing on her lips.

"To argue for the validity of parapsychology, concrete facts and findings must be obtained. Statistical data must be used to prove points to persuade non-believers. Unfortunately, survival cases do not convert to statistical factoids, as they are more anecdotal and observational.

"Due to this caveat to this research, parapsychology has moved away from survival issues. The field has not been abandoned, but it is not as heavily researched as before," he continued reading, "it is vital that people who specialize in this field bring out credible data and use Science to achieve that."

Noll had by now looked up, his normally flat ash mauve eyes seemingly a shade brighter, and it was apparent that the paragraph had perked his interest, if only slightly.

"Their English sounds very fluent. Where are they from?" Luella asked curiously.

Martin hid a triumphant grin, glad to rise a reaction out of him. "Japan."

"Their points are valid," Noll said, averting his eyes back to his book. Luella's eyes widened at his comment; it was a compliment coming from Noll, really. In fact, to spark some reaction in him was already a feat.

"Well, I'm sure they'll do well in SPR," Martin said cheerily, happy at the thought of two competent students enrolling into his class the coming term and helping out in work. His son didn't express any further opinions and Luella sighed.

"Tone it down, darling," Luella said, "and wash your hands, boys, it's time for dinner - " she directed a glare as Martin picked the research paper up, newspaper long forgotten, "and mister, don't you dare bring that on the dining table."

Martin acquiesced and scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

\\\\\+\\\\\

As they started on dinner, Martin took a bite of the medium rare steak, chewing on it thoughtfully. "Hey, Luella, I'm going to meet the students in the airport. Do you want to come along?"

Luella smiled gently, "Why not?"

"Ah," Martin sighed, "if only Madoka is here - she'd have expressed so much delight to meet them as well." He was fond of his student - and though she was practically breathing energy, her enthusiasm was always the key to any awkwardness that might come.

"It can't be helped; it's for business after all. She can always meet them after," Luella said as her eyes averted to the black-clad teenager, who was currently glaring at the offensive broccoli on his plate. "Noll, perhaps you'd like to come, too? It's always good to meet new people."

"No, it'd be a waste of time," he said, turning the offer down immediately, stabbing his broccoli with his fork, "I've cases to investigate."

"It wouldn't take much time, I'm sure," his mother tried, frowning at his picky eating habits as she watched her son finish up his food, pushing the green to the side.

"No," he repeated, firm on his stand.

"You would have to meet them one way or another," Luella said, "it makes no difference."

"Even considering the prospect of going over to the airport to fetch strangers is incomprehensible. It's a waste of my time, I've better things to do," he muttered darkly, wiping his lips with his napkin.

"Come on, Noll," his father joined in the persuasion, but still his son refused. He stood up, gathering his plate and cup, signaling the end of the discussion as he strode to the kitchen to wash his utensils. The professor pressed his lips together, resigned, exchanging a look with his wife - Noll was a tough nut to crack, especially if he was being stubborn like this. He supposed he'd have to meet them during cases, then.

\\\\\+\\\\\

Mai was rubbing the back of her neck, teeth chewing on her bottom lip nervously as she waited for Yasuhara to get his luggage from the conveyor belt. Her palms felt cold and clammy - her tension never faded from the period she got wind of the professor's name. It was almost screaming to her that she'd meet Naru, and she'd felt jittery about it. She had closed the feelings down then, but they were certainly bubbling up right now. The queasy feeling wasn't very comfortable.

Her stomach was coiling up and she breathed in deeply, attempting to ease her nerves.

"Yo!" Yasuhara greeted her as he seemingly popped behind her out of nowhere. He'd thought she was fine on the plane, but it was evident that her nerves were back with her hand rubbing her neck. Leaning towards her, he murmured, "Relax, Mai. Big Boss wouldn't be here. Can you imagine him clad in black attire, waving a colourful banner saying 'Welcome, mates!'?" She giggled, a little high-pitched as she felt her shoulders relax for a bit.

Yasuhara grinned, a little triumphant, and squeezed her shoulder for reassurance. "Anyway, I can always send some love signals to anyone assaulting you with just my eyes if it helps. My charm is irresistible." His glasses reflected off some light just as he finished, and Mai burst into a laughing fit.

"Right, Yasu, right," she said, giggling as they made their way to find the professor and his wife, weaving through the crowd as they mumbled apologies, bumping to a few people on their way.

"Shall we go for the profile of a mad scientist or man wearing completely black?" He questioned her jokingly, in which she smacked him as a response.

As their eyes darted about to search for the professor and his wife, her heart gave a leap whenever she saw a male wearing an entirely-black attire. She sealed her thoughts; she wished fervently that Naru wouldn't be present.

- Okay, perhaps part of her wanted Naru to appear very much. But she wasn't prepared. Yet. She knew, though, that seeing him was only a matter of time. Her internship would definitely be in SPR, and he'd, without doubt, be there, playing the part of Narcissus -

"Hey!" The loud shout jolted her and she nearly screamed. Yasuhara's shoulders shook beside her and she glared at him, not clueless to his barely-suppressed amusement.

"Relax, Mai," he said, still chuckling, "I believe that's giant boss there." He waved back enthusiastically with a louder shout that beat the professor's hands down. Some Englishmen turned around to stare and she stifled a giggle as he returned the staring with a bold wink.

"You're embarrassing, Yasu," Mai said beside him as she dragged her luggage behind her. "And please, don't call him giant boss."

"If we were to compete for embarrassment," Yasuhara started, "I believe there was once when you went into the public restroom with only one toilet and the cover closed. Of course, you'd first have to lift it to do your business, and then - oops, shit floating on top of the water. Now, what do you do next?"

Mai smacked him on the arm repeatedly to get him to shut up, but he continued grinning his wicked smile, "Of course, you close it back and walk out pretending nothing happened. But alas, there was someone waiting right outside for her turn to the toilet."

He tilted his head the side to eye her burning face as they neared the couple, "Man, I can still remember her scream and her bursting out of the toilet stall with such disgusted expression directed to you that the janitor immediately rushed over from the bench. You were totally blacklisted at that mall, I reckon. Thank goodness that you actually asked me to wait right outside or I'd have - " She clamped her hand over his lips.

"Yasu!" She warned, "stop before I start." Yasuhara arched a brow that seemed to challenge her and she removed her hand from his lips, a little disgruntled to find a smirk tugging his lips. She was obviously not intimidating enough. "And you could've used your admirable oratorical skills to explain for me, but you were too busy laughing - hey, stop it!" She smacked his arm lightly and he raised his arms up in surrender.

"Sorry, boss." He even attempted an apologetic look, which of course, failed miserably.

As they reached the couple, Mai noted that they appeared relatively normal, not completely clad in black as they'd evaluated earlier on. Or wearing lab coats.

"Yasuhara-kun and Taniyama-san?" The professor greeted them, though with some uncertainty in his tone.

Yasuhara flashed his smile immediately, "Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you, sir." English flowed off his tongue smoothly and Mai blinked; if she'd not known him, she'd have thought he lived in England all his life.

He laughed, taking his hand and engaging in a half-hug as they exchanged pleasantries. Mai held out her hand next and they did the same, though she stumbled over some words awkwardly, still not used to not speaking her native language. Her eyes darted over to woman beside him, and Martin seemed to have noticed.

"Ah, my bad! This is my wife, Luella," he introduced, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

Luella beamed, kind smile on her face as they exchanged greetings for the second time.

Overall, it went by pretty smoothly- at least, till Martin asked if the suffix for their names were correct. Before Mai could get to replying him, Yasuhara snatched the opportunity away.

"Of course it was correct," Yasuhara assured, and a sly grin flickered on his face, "and even if you were to use a -pyon as a suffix, it'd have been fine for me. In fact I'd love it."

"Yasu!" Mai hissed in his ear. "Sorry, he was just joking."

The professor and his wife exchanged a curious look, making a mental note to ask Lin or Noll about it later on.

\\\\\+\\\\\

Mai threw her luggage to the side of the door, scampering over to the couch and throwing her phone on the couch before she sprawled on it ungracefully, exhausted.

"Mai, what do you want for dinner tonight?" Yasuhara asked as he pushed her legs towards her chest to make more space and plopped down on the previously occupied seat. She pouted as he switched the television on, flicking through the channels.

"I'm fine with anything."

Yasuhara hummed thoughtfully. "Some pizza, then?"

"Okay, sure."

"I checked out the television programmes for today - there's a paranormal show named Science of Parapsychology." He stopped at a channel as the dark dull background flickered on with 'Science of Parapsychology' smacked in the middle.

"It isn't a cheesy one where they crap?" Mai asked, eyeing the screen dubiously as it zoomed in on a group of people typing before computers and explaining their destination for the day.

"The reviews were good. It's a series where a group of paranormal investigators go poking about in infamous haunted locations," Yasuhara said, leaning back against the couch. Mai curled up on her corner as she yawned.

"This apartment is pretty good, isn't it?" Mai asked after a few minutes of silence, looking around the cozy apartment. Yasuhara nodded his agreement. It has three rooms in total: the living room, two bedrooms and a kitchen. It wasn't big, but it was definitely enough to accommodate two people. The professor was a great help to recommend this location. It was close to the SPR (according to Martin; they'd have to check it out soon), and the school can be reached in about twenty minutes by flagging a bus. All in all, it was convenient and it meant more sleeping time: perfect for Mai.

They would have to get to preparing for the exams after settling in today, and the announcement of their results would be somewhere at the end of the month after their exams in January. Meanwhile, Professor Davis had offered to bring them to the branch for observation and learning purposes.

"Oh crap!" Mai suddenly gasped, sitting up from her seat. The bespectacled teen didn't so much glance at her, giving a distracted "Hmm?" as a response.

"Yasu!" She tugged him on the sleeve. As the screen rolled to the commercials, he arched a brow questioningly.

"Tomorrow! What do I do? What do we do?" She almost wailed, her hands pushing on both sides of her face. "Oh god," she groaned.

Yasuhara blinked. "Turn up for dinner, of course. It was kind of them to invite us - how could we refuse? Besides, the professor is rather handsome, don't you think? But of course, big boss's beauty is unrivaled."

Mai pursed her lips, folding her arms like a petulant child demanding candy but getting her request refused. "This isn't the time for jokes. Oh god, it's going to be so awkward."

"I don't think so. The only awkward thing that'd happen is if Oliver Davis suddenly head home in the middle of our dinner - ah, that'd be a scene to describe to Ayako-san and Bou-san."

She tensed a bit at the mention of his name, but didn't elaborate. "You don't have to remind me of the possibility. And of course you won't be awkward, but I will! I'm a social disaster!" She buried her face in the cushions in despair.

"Mai, unless you want to wake up tomorrow with a pimple-filled face and trillions of tiny bacteria crawling over your face, I suggest you keep your face away from the cushions." Mai yelped, rubbing her face consciously, then glowering at the chuckling Yasuhara. "Really! You never know what was on them."

Yasuhara flung one at Mai in which she retaliated by throwing back another, hitting him at the chest. He arched a brow. "I see. You're on!"

As chaos ensued with the two laughing and silly teenagers flinging poor, innocent cushions to each other's faces, the ringing of the phone almost went by unnoticed.

"Mai, I think the phone's - " he ducked an oncoming cushion deftly, "ringing."

She paused for a moment and listened, and scrambled for her phone in the mess which had slipped from the couch somehow by the chaos.

"Hello?" She answered almost breathlessly and a feminine voice almost screamed at her through the phone.

"Mai! You could've called me to tell me whether you've arrived safely or not!"

Mai winced, holding the phone away from her ear. Yasuhara mouthed 'Ayako-san' questioningly and she affirmed it. He wished her luck as he started picking up the fallen cushions.

"Sorry, Ayako-san," Mai said meekly, the matter completely slipping off her mind when the generous couple invited them for a late afternoon snack before bringing them to their apartment. "I forgot."

"Hmph!" The grunt from the other end didn't sound pleased, but Ayako seemed to let the matter slide as she found her next target. "So why were do you sound so out of breath just now?"

"I was having a cushion fight with Yasu," she explained, scowling as Yasuhara made a gesture of aiming a cushion at her. Shaking her head, she bent over and started helping to clean up as she trapped the phone between her shoulder and ear.

"Oh," Ayako's tone was rather suggestive as she dragged out the single syllable, "you are two hormonal teenagers in the house alone. Playing with cushions." She coughed. "Don't attempt anything you wouldn't want us to see."

Mai pressed a palm against her forehead. "Ayako-san, we're just friends."

"Not all 'just friends' spend as much time as you two do together," she retorted, and Mai suppressed a sigh.

"We're best friends," Mai countered, and she could hear the sarcasm in Ayako's voice.

"Yes, best friends; but you two are still teenagers. Watch your conduct! We'll join you guys in about a week." Her tone switched to being apologetic almost immediately. "Sorry I couldn't make it to the airport today; I'd have pushed my appointment away if I could."

"It's all right," Mai said, smiling, "it's already enough. Thanks, Ayako-san. How is Bou-san? Still at his concert?"

"Yes, probably coming out about now. Of all days to schedule three concerts!" From the tone of her voice, it seemed as if she was waiting for him somewhere.

"Oh," now it was Mai's turn to be poking about, "a date, huh?"

"What - you - no! We're just having dinner together!" She denied vehemently, and Mai almost burst out laughing at how flustered she sounded. "Who'd like that old pervert anyway!"

"Right," Mai said, rolling her eyes: she could continue living in self-denial for a little longer, she guessed. "Ayako-san, overseas calls are expensive- you better head for your dinner with Bou-san before he gets snatched away by fangirls."

"Oh, right," there was a little fumble, "bye, Mai. I'll call you soon! Take care! And remember, don't do anything reckless."

She hung up the call and Mai laughed as she threw the cushions back on the couch. "What?" Yasuhara looked up from the television.

"Ayako-san is obviously in love with Bou-san but she refuses to admit it." She shook her head. "Some people are just so dense."

Yasuhara stared at her for a moment. "I do know quite a few people like that," he muttered.

"Hmm?" She was unzipping her luggage to search for the things she needed for her bath.

He didn't reply and she didn't bother to ask. "Yasu, I'm heading for a shower!"

"Okay, don't slip!" He called back as his eyes remained glued to the screen while he jotted down the observations of the surroundings filmed.

"Remember to call for pizza!" She yelled from the bathroom as the sound of water could be heard.

"Moron, don't shout while you're naked in the shower!" He chuckled when he heard her squeal, hearing something hit the floor - probably the showerhead.

"You're an asshole, Yasu!"

"You're still shouting," he yelled back in reply. He heard a deliberate loud huff coming from the toilet and chuckled some more.

\\\\\+\\\\\

The next night

\\\\\+\\\\\

Mai patted her hair down nervously. She turned about in front of the mirror, worried frown on her face. Her outfit was simple: a cream-colored cashmere top with it slipping down to the top of her shoulders, showing her collarbone and smooth pale skin and her black skater skirt reached about an inch above her knees.

"Ugh," she groaned when she caught sight of Yasuhara's outfit. "I think I'm overdressed. I should change into shorts and a blouse or something."

Yasuhara was wearing a blue button-up with two buttons unclasped and black skinny jeans, showing his slight leg muscles. He looked completely at ease with an air of confidence. He looked both smart and handsome - and she felt her confidence level sink lower.

"Ah, ah, ah," Yasuhara shook his head. "You are being paranoid. You always wear a skirt anyway."

She looked into the mirror again. "Ah, I look weird! I should change," she groaned, turning back to her room.

He caught her, hand grabbing her wrist tight but careful not to hurt her. Mai jolted, surprised and angled her face back to meet his eyes. The loud ticking of the clock was obvious in the silence for a few moments.

Then Yasuhara released her wrist abruptly, looking away and grabbing her coat draped over the couch. "You look beautiful, Mai, and we should go before we're late." She flushed a bit at his compliment.

He held out her coat and she took it, feeling her nerves settle slightly as Yasuhara slipped his coat on. "Better wear it; the weather's chilly." She did as he said, and felt considerably warmer as the coat engulfed her with its warmth.

"Let's go," he declared cheerily to no one in particular as she allowed him to lead her downstairs to flag a cab.

\\\\\+\\\\\

"Welcome, Taniyama-san, Yasuhara-kun," Luella greeted them at the door, pulling the two in for a hug and kissing them on both cheeks.

After the warm welcome, she beckoned them in and closed the door with a soft click after them. Taking the coats from them, she hung them on the hangar and led them further into the house.

"Martin is currently reading a book in the living room," she explained the absence of her husband. "Are you thirsty? Would you like something to drink? Dinner will be served in a few."

"A cup of water, please," Yasuhara said.

"I second that."

Luella nodded her head, smiling kindly. "Come, I'll show you the way to the living room. How was the apartment by the way?"

"Oh, it was wonderful! The views down the street at night is incredible," Mai gushed, "it's more than enough for two people, really. Thank you! I really love it."

"It's really awesome," Yasuhara said, beaming.

"He mainly finds it awesome because of this huge bookshelf where he crammed all the books and files he brought along with him," Mai whispered to Luella who laughed. Yasuhara shrugged, not bothering to deny.

"That's so like Martin and Noll," Luella commented, still grinning. "Noll is my son," she elaborated.

Yasuhara coughed.

"Professor Davis must have gotten along with Naru very well, then," Mai said absentmindedly.

"Ah, yes, they don't talk much, but when it comes to research and paranormal affairs- man, they're unstoppable."

Mai nodded her head mentally with full agreement.

"Martin!" Luella called as they reached the living room. The professor looked up from his book and took off his reading glasses.

"Ah, you have reached!"

"Yes, sir," both teenagers replied.

"Oh please, call me Martin since we're outside school grounds."

Somehow, amidst all the greetings, the three had settled down on the brown leather couch and Yasuhara took out a notebook from his pocket.

"I was watching this series yesterday," Yasuhara started, handing the notes over to the curious professor.

"A drop in temperature indicates a possible paranormal presence. Similarly, when using the thermocouple, we gauge for it using the same principle. In the programme -"

Luella strolled in then, setting two glasses of water before them and walked back to the kitchen. Yasuhara stopped in the middle of his rambles to thank Luella. Mai hesitated for a moment before she stood up and decided to follow since she wasn't interested in the physics aspect of her job, though she did put up with it when it is absolutely necessary.

"Mrs. Davis," she called, jogging to catch up with her. The woman turned, mouth in an 'O' shape; it was obvious she had taken her off-guard.

"Call me Luella, please," she corrected her, "Mrs. Davis startles me somehow. My mother-in-law is a fearsome woman."

Mai smiled as she followed the older woman into the kitchen. "Luella, would you like some help?"

"Oh, no, it's fine! I'm going to be done." She was pulling out plates from the cupboards as she said so.

"Please do allow me to be of some assistance," Mai tried again - she silently promised that if she rejected her offer again, she'd return to the living room. She was afraid that she was pestering the lady.

Luella laughed. "That's why I should have girls in my house, too." She gestured to the plates, "Please do help bring them out on the table."

Mai beamed. "Sure!" As she stacked the plates together to make it an easier task, she noticed there was an extra. She cocked her head to the side, confused, wanting to ask but wasn't sure how to without sounding intrusive or rude. Perhaps it's for a sauce...? But it doesn't make sense with such a big plate.

The kitchen door slid open quietly then as she pondered, placing utensils on top of the neatly-stacked plates.

"Mother."

The pounding of her ears blocked out Luella's excited greeting of her son as she wiped her hands on her apron and moved to hug him. The baritone voice had froze her; iced water seeming to wash over her entire being as the fork slipped out of her grasp, clanking on the plates noisily.

She gasped, snapping out of her trance immediately. "Oh, I'm sorry!"

Luella rushed over to her in an instant. "Are you all right?"

She nodded, smiling weakly, "I'm fine, Luella."

"You're just in time, Noll," Luella said, beaming at the teen behind her. She could hear him taking two steps closer to her and her heart rammed so hard against her ribs she was afraid everyone could hear.

What- What in the world? Mai's fingers curled deep into her palms, digging into her flesh harshly as she attempted to calm herself down. Wasn't he supposed to be in the office today? Why was he here? I need to breathe, she thought to herself, shit, I need to breathe. Why was she being so affected by his presence? She should've gotten over him. It had been two years at least. She shook her head, fingers uncurling as she relaxed. Breathe, Mai, she could almost hear Gene's voice by her ear coaxing her. Breathe.

As these rapid thoughts assaulted her one after another, she'd thought minutes had passed, but in fact, it had only been a few seconds.

"Come," Luella said brightly, "let me introduce you to my son."

She squeezed her eyes shut tightly for a moment to gather the remains of her composure and plastered what she felt was a factitious smile on her face.

Turning, she met the eyes of Oliver Davis bravely, holding her chin high. Relax, Mai, she chanted repeatedly in her head.

"Noll, this is Taniyama-san." Luella gestured to the girl, introducing her but Mai didn't catch what she said after his name was heard, and by the look on Noll's face, he didn't seem to either.

A/N: Thank you for reading! I'm bursting with excitement! Naru finally enters the story! Yay! And that means ghost hunting will occur somewhere in the next few chapters. /does happy dance/ I hope you guys enjoyed reading this and do drop me a review to tell me your thoughts!

May Dream!Naru (or Gene) visit your dreams tonight.

-mysticflakes