Things were at a standstill. Because the recent shootings had resulted in a lot of deaths, it was hard to determine if it had been a deliberate attempt or not. According to Ripper and Hopper, Geese and the others had just been at the wrong place at the wrong time, which was unfortunate. As it stood, venturing outside the tower was a dangerous affair but something had to give – eventually. Or Geese would make it, one way or the other.

The fools, whoever they were, would not succeed in taking his life or the city from his grasp. But since the Neo Black Cats were suggested to be a part of it, that possibly meant that more of Turner's allies were as well. No word on John Crawley; according to a few birds, he had gone completely off the grid and subsequently lost his mind wherever the hell he was. He was of no concern to anyone. However, Jack Turner was as slippery as he was fat; hard to catch.

But perhaps things would move along now when Geese had returned. His day off hadn't gone as planned as he now sat in his study, mulling over several documents, including the list from Billy. The following week would get bloody, no doubt about that. In more positive news, Mai had returned and it seemed as if she was here to stay. Since she knew everything, maybe she could be convinced into doing some spy work on some suspected leaders of the coalition. Geese would have to choose his words carefully when he posed that question.

Leaving his study, he emerged into the hallway, spotting Mai leaning against a wall with a folded tray in her hands. She seemed deep in thought, staring at one of the paintings on the wall, which depicted Mt. Fuji. It was only fair to assume she'd feel some affinity for it considering her heritage.

"What is this?" was the question that came out of Geese's mouth, and he couldn't help but smile when she jittered a bit as if she had been startled. Suffice to say, she had been busy while he showered. Gingerly, she opened the tray and revealed two tinfoil cups.

"I made chawanmushi," she shuffled on her feet, her cheeks flushing a bit. A woman like her probably wasn't aware of her own allure. It made her even more delicate, Geese would begrudgingly occur. Moreso he was curious about the dish she had apparently been making; considering the size of the tray, she had been busy feeding everyone in the tower.

"Right. Well, I do reckon we need silverware, yes?" he turned around, heading towards the kitchen with Mai following behind.

It had been a long time since he had eaten chawanmushi and he found himself a little excited to have a taste. Once in the kitchen, he quickly found a pair of spoons while Mai took the cups and removed the layer of tinfoil. The egg custard looked smooth and vibrant so she had certainly done a good job. Geese was not a man who liked to admit that he could fail at something but he would have to admit defeat when comparing his culinary skills to Mai's.

Then again, he didn't cook on the regular or well, ever. He was a busy man after all, even when he taught himself to do it for his mother as a young man. The fact that Mai had done this, sweet as the gesture was, awoke some acidic memories and made palatable once he had a taste of the egg custard.

"Not bad. You did well," Geese said.

Mai's shoulders slumped in relief and the excitement in her eyes shone with the intensity of ten suns. "Thanks!"

They ate in silence but not in one of those unbearable quiet moments. Rather, it was pleasant, almost serene. Their dinner dates were a little livelier, but at the same time, those were before revelations had been uncovered, and they had been forced to stay locked in a safe house for half a day.

"Geese. Did you take me in order to make me join your syndicate?" Mai broke the silence, balancing a piece of shallot on her spoon. She stared at him intently with those large eyes of hers. The seriousness in her voice was clear, almost like a subtle warning that she'd not accept his response if it was anything but the truth.

And so, Geese would give her nothing but the truth. Somewhat. "I would be lying if I said that I hadn't hoped you'd offer your talents to me. In order for that to happen, I showed you my nicer side. I can be a nice guy, hard to believe as that may be."

The warmth returned to Mai's eyes in an instant. "I don't doubt that."

And Geese didn't doubt that either. Yet, he found himself conflicted for a moment. He had been honest that he wished to have her under his employ because of her skills as a ninja but at the same time, that had not been the only reason. How could he put it in a way that didn't come across as pitiful? The best and honestly only way he knew how to carry his vulnerabilities was to hide them.

Of course except for the times where he'd leave breadcrumbs for Mai. He would have to be careful with how he worded himself now, feeling like he was taking the first steps into an emotional minefield. The human mind worked in such a terrible way that it did everything in its power to shield itself from all things painful yet always failed in one way or another.

Even the blissful sands of time could never always erase the hurt. Still, there was something soothing in having to drop such a piece of information on someone who could quite relate to it.

"More…sentimentally, there's a part of me that sees myself in you," Geese admitted with a knot forming in his stomach.

He expected some shocked expression from Mai but she was surprisingly forthcoming, looking at him like she was expecting more without outright demanding it. Suppose it was given if he dropped such a bomb on her.

"…I was married once. I think you know what that means since we're here – alone," Geese shrugged, calm at how leveled he sounded. Thank goodness for emotional restraint and training. Mai sat, mulling over that revelation as she looked down at her hands, holding the spoon with a piece of shrimp on it. With everything she had experienced, she surely put the pieces together herself.

The empathy in her expression was as clear as her slightly furrowed brow. Even better, she hadn't spouted some senseless platitude like most people did when the topic of death came around. In the silence, Mai exuded worry but above all else understanding.

"Before you say anything, it was many years ago anyway," Geese preempted her before she thought of anything to say. "What I'm trying to say is that I understand the process you find yourself in."

Somehow, perhaps through the rawness of his own emotions, Geese felt a slither of peace untying the knot in his stomach. The notion of speaking about one's feelings was such a pathetic thing anyway but leaving just a thread or two was relieving, he'd have to admit.

For tonight's dinner date, Geese considered doing something special, just to cement that Mai would stay here – or celebrate. Celebration sounded better to the mind anyway. In many ways, Geese had never quite expected himself to be entranced by Mai, considering he had remained emotionally closed off for decades.

But Mai had always been a pleasing sight to behold whenever he had the pleasure of encountering her – a thought that was quickly dulled by the task of fighting against the Bogards. Without either of them present, he was given more room to focus on her. Hmm, maybe that was why he had become so smitten with her. For a moment, Geese wondered how Mai would handle it if Terry found out she had chosen to remain within the tower.

Like clockwork, the surviving Bogard boy would no doubt try to talk her out of it. Geese could already see it happening, and then he'd step in to fight Terry for the honor of keeping her. Then again, Mai was not a pet and she could choose whatever she wanted. When or if that day came when Geese would have to face Terry because of her, he'd better make sure that she loved every second of being here.

Starting with tonight.

For the next two hours, the maid staff worked hard to make sure everything was immaculate. Not much needed to be done, however, considering their constant diligence and the fact that Geese had been gone for a week. It gave him time to retreat into the study for an hour or so. But by evening, everything was ready and so was he, standing in the dining room, waiting for Mai to appear, which she did a moment later.

She hadn't done much with her appearance for the night, simply dressed in a woolen dress. Curiously her hair had been let loose, cascading over her shoulders and back. In the dim lighting from the candles and the lamps set on low, she looked particularly delicate.

As the gentleman that Geese could sometimes will himself to be, he did the noble thing and gestured for her to sit which she did, staring longingly at the plate already in front of her. She hardly noticed the glass of wine poured for her. Ever so slowly, Mai had begun to enjoy drinking in moderation again.

The so-called date went by smoothly as they had done times before with Mai sharing tales of her life, conveniently avoiding all things Andy Bogard. Similarly, Geese made sure to avoid all things emotional or criminal when telling of his life – when he was telling. Mai was bit of a dominating conversationalist, but she seemed content and he liked to watch her in said mood.

"I was thinking about the coalition. If gang violence is spiking because of it, wouldn't be best if we stop it quickly? You know, for the greater good! People die over this, so I like to end it soon…" she said, poking an egg with her chopsticks.

"So do I. It's rather stressful and annoying to deal with maggots but the issue is that they are slimy, Mai. Quite good at hiding their tracks. But I do have an idea. I suspect Mr. Big might be involved so I've been meaning to ask you if you could go and have a little talk with him. Use your charms to pry him open. Women are and remain his greatest weakness."

She blinked in confusion, dropping the chopsticks in shock as Geese continued.

"You wonder how we know each other? That's how. He's been trying to usurp me for years," He leaned back in his chair with the cup of sake in his hands, drawing circles in the air with it. A mouthful of bitterness slid down the back of his throat and settled in his stomach. It spoke strongly of the relationship with Big if merely discussing him could bring such a reaction out of Geese. Not helped was the anticipation of Mai's answer lingering like stagnated electricity amidst the silence.

Swiftly, she picked up the chopsticks and stabbed the egg, swallowing it in pieces. She rested her head on her hand, poking at the noodles. "Do you think he'd try to kill you?"

There was fear in those words. Curiosity but strongly marred by fear. Geese suspected that Mai might feel inclined to agree to do some spy work by the end of the night. With the knowledge of Geese's relationship with Mr. Big, it would not surprise him if she was curious as to why that oaf had come by, demanding to see Geese personally but never followed up on that. Maybe he was trying to play both sides or perhaps, he knew of Geese's absence and tried to weasel his way into Mai's graces – rather ungraciously. To any self-respecting woman, it must have been insulting.

"Heh, I bloody well know he would. He has done it before. Obviously, that failed, and he knows I'm not here to play games with him. That might be why he's been hiding."

Silence again before Mai reached for her cup of sake, putting it down on the table, a tad harder than normal as she stood up and said; "I'll do it! If it can bring an end to all of this, that is the sacrifice I will make as a Shiranui ninja,"

Geese was not a poker player, but he knew how to obfuscate his expressions for the most part, and behind the veil, he was quite surprised yet elated at this development. In a way, almost proud of Mai. The girl was integrating nicely, taking a step to cement her place in the syndicate with each day she was here.

Determination burned in her eyes like the fires he knew she could produce. It was a sight to behold. The road to hell was paved with good intentions after all but she knew and accepted that already. She had handled Big before; she could surely do it again.

"You talk as if you're about to get burned at the stake," Geese said, his lips twitching into a smile. "I'm not interested in finding your lifeless body."

She sat down again with a warm crimson spreading over her cheeks. Her eyes flicker upwards to meet his, dark and warm like the color palette of autumn yet almost turned alit in the candlelight. Her voice was excited despite her soft appearance. "I'm delighted you worry about me."

It was enough to make Geese's stomach ache. He leaned forward, resting on his elbows with his fingers interlaced to cover his face somewhat. She'd be mortified if she knew the thoughts about her that circled his mind. He drew a deep breath and willed the blush off his face; he wasn't supposed to react like this. Suppose this was just a result of being so relaxed in her presence.

She smiled merrily as she poured herself some sake. Her fingers were nimble and slender, holding onto the flask, tracing the lines of its patterns, and just for a moment, Geese wished those fingers were tracing lines on him instead. He came to envy Andy now, being such a subject of affection for her.

This was not good; the knot was becoming tighter. The yearning was strong tonight or maybe it was the alcohol in his blood taking a jab at his inhibitions. A hint of a smile played around her mouth as she went for a drink. It was not good that Geese began fixating on her delicate lips.

He could watch them move all day. It was a strong reminder that he had kept to himself for decades since Marie's passing. Taking such a shine to Mai turned out to be a weakness of his; one he didn't think to curb.

"I too have a heart after all, guarded as it is but sometimes, certain people take a certain place within it. Hereunder you," Geese said and watched her hum and yawn with satisfaction.

"Mm-hm. I'd hope so! I live here rent-free after all. Makes me feel spoilt but valued," Mai smiled into her cup, licking her lips. It was no surprise that she had felt alone in her six months of grieving and she was in good need of appreciation. Geese would give it to her, value her as she deserved, and take great pleasure in giving her a zest for life.

The first step in this sake-filled goal was to confirm a bit of information. "I heard from Hein you miss having a kitchen."

"I do! I want to make curry again and I can't keep asking Hein."

Careful where you tread, Geese. Remember this is a doe. Don't scare her off. Carry yourself as a man of your status and not a lovestruck stripling.

"You can stay the night – if you want. Should give you easy access to the kitchen tomorrow morning," Geese offered her, shooting a glance at the clock that hung over the doorway to the dining room. It wasn't all that late, but it didn't need to be.

For the night, much of the lighting in the estate had been turned down, possibly as some cruel prank from the maid staff – excluding Hein. That man's humor was as vigorous as a beached whale. The light however made the short trek to the sleeping quarters more sensual than it normally would. More curiously, Mai had not asked about a guest room. Guess she just expected to be taken there directly and initially that was Geese's plan but when he stopped in front of the door to his bedchamber, he found it hard to continue.

Alcohol, even in moderate amounts, had the amazing ability to work as a truth serum. That was primarily the reason why Geese always drank in moderation, even tonight even if he had a glass or two more than usual. It helped to ease the anticipation in the room. Mai stood close to him, staring at him with those wide eyes of hers. Maybe he was being too optimistic, but he could have sworn that she was silently beckoning him to come closer.

He took the bait, well prepared for the night to end in two ways. There was no middle when it came to this.

When he stood in front of her, his hand brushed against her arm, daring to move to her elbow and then her shoulder when she remained still. Geese felt her shudder against her palm but still she kept staying. She stayed when he lay his mouth over hers, tasting her slightly parted lips. For a long time, Geese allowed himself to indulge, catching the faint taste of sake, cradling her neck gently, just to give her an out.

Momentarily he expected Mai to retaliate somehow, push him away, ask him to stop. He was basically waiting for it. He had expected that but not the feeling of two hands touching him by the waist, sliding upwards across his chest and then around his neck.

When Geese looked at Mai again, a deep crimson had colored her cheeks and the tip of her ears. Trails of tears poured down her cheeks but the warmth in her eyes was stronger than any flame. He could recognize the gaze; wounds closing and memories lingering.

Time itself felt as if it had stopped. The world beyond these walls and the door behind them had vanished. In this moment, only two people on the planet existed and they stood on the precipice to unwittingly celebrate that fact or go back and pretend that it never happened. With the door behind him, Geese stepped back and opened it, standing in the doorway and letting Mai make her choice.

This was it. A silent invitation to chase what she wanted. A quiet reminder that it was okay. What she wanted was okay.

As if some god had some goodwill left for Geese, Mai stepped closer, through the doorway and closed it behind her, and wiped her eyes dry. Now they were alone, in the darkness of the room with only the distant light of South Town giving them any visibility. They stood in front of each other with inches between them before Geese kissed Mai again. He traced every curve of her body until he reached the edge of her dress and slid upwards, brushing against her soft skin.

Immediately, she was receptive, wrapping her arms around his neck as he lifted her off the floor and lay her on the mattress, pulling the tights off her once he had managed to work the dress up to her stomach. Geese had been methodical up until now but now, with Mai pulling each button of his shirt open, he figured she was in it for the long haul.

Before long, Mai had been stripped down to her lingerie, barely visible in the dim light and Geese hovered above her, bare-chested, his gut tightening at the feeling of her hand pressed against the scar across his sternum. It was a brief pause before he descended upon her again, taking in every soft sound that came from her throat as he planted a trail of kisses from her lips to her jawline and her neck. His hands made their way onto her back, unhooking the bra and caressing her shapely breasts.

In the heat of the moment, Geese couldn't entirely help but feel like both he and the dead Bogard boy had been extremely lucky in getting close to such a lovely creature like Mai. For Geese, it helped his ego that he was being wanted – and that the feeling was mutual. Plenty of times, there had been women who had tried to enter his good graces but none of them had been worth his attention. Of course, to help the façade of South Town's benevolent billionaire, Geese was cordial to them, but he cared little for them.

Mai was different. She was also younger but that was beside the point, Geese concluded while her hands were busy running through his hair. He pulled her panties off before pinning her body under his. Impatience got the better of him and it occurred to him that he should have taken his pants off before this but Mai put those nimble fingers to good use, pulling the zipper down and trying to tug at them. Just to make life easier for her, Geese wriggled out of his trousers on his own.

A thought about technicalities filled his mind for a moment but it was quickly pushed away when his hands slid in between her legs and pressed against a certain spot that made Mai's thighs quiver. With age came experience and Geese would gladly exploit this skill. He was pretty dang sure that he was successful with the way she softly whined and gasped, twisting the sheets underneath them.

It was almost too much, the way she responded to his touches. It sent heat and want swirling into a thick haze in Geese's stomach and he covered her again, sliding into her. A deep gasp came from Mai, and he wondered if he had hurt her somehow in his eagerness until he felt her legs wrap around his hips, beckoning to keep moving. It was deliriously wonderful, being deeply buried inside of her.

Pinned to the bed, she couldn't move, only enjoy his tormenting her body with pleasure but she sounded as if she didn't want to be anywhere else, purring with each thrust. Her hands pushed against his chest until he pinned them above her head, in a bruising grip.

Blood hummed in his veins while he lay here, feeling like the luckiest man alive, listening to the sweet sounds of Mai's purrs and the sensations of her body merged with his. Shaky and unsteady, yet her voice was heavenly. He dimly heard an amalgamation of his name coming from Mai as she arched her back, her legs still locked around his hips, drowning out whatever low sounds that came from him.

Consumed by pride and lust, Geese lost whatever little control he had left. His thrusts became without a rhythm, fast and hard with the usually quiet springs in the mattress creaking under them. Mai began shuddering, her voice turning hoarse while she mewled something that sounded to start with a G.

"Mai, say my name," Geese growled, pressing her wrists deep into the valleys of the pillow.

"G-geese…" she whimpered, her voice trembling with urgency. Listening to his name fall from her lips like that was exactly what Geese needed, he realized. A sign of devotion, a pledge of loyalty.

"Louder," he growled.

She tried again, her voice still unsteady. "Geese…"

"Louder."

"Oh god, Geese!" she cried with her voice cracking, her entire body shaking as she unraveled.

Only then did he release her arms, leaning back to hold her by the hips, driving into her with hard, deep thrusts. He gritted his teeth, his chest heaving rapidly with beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. His movements became sloppy, and his muscles tightened until he couldn't stand it any longer, cuming shamelessly hard with a deep groan.

He was aware enough to pull out lest he'd have to worry about children. A heavy feeling settled over Geese like a blanket, and he caught himself on his elbows, his body now laying on top of Mai's. Deep breathing echoed through the bedchamber, partly muffled when he leaned down to kiss Mai's open mouth, listening to her hum softly against his lips.

Rolling off her, Geese took a deep breath and sighed without a sound, wiping sweat off his face before he sat up. He reached for the lamp which hung by the corner of the headboard and switched it on. Despite sleeping alone, the bed had been outfitted with lamps on each side. When he looked at the woman in his bed, warmth pooled in his stomach.

Mai in this state was quite a sight to behold; hair lay splayed across the white sheets, her legs were parted, her face and chest were dyed in a deep red, and her skin glinted with sweat. The way her chest rose and sank with her perfectly shaped breasts was almost hypnotic.

"Mai?" Geese called, smiling when she whimpered and closed her legs together. He opened the drawer to the nightstand and pulled out a box of tissues. He had this exclusively for the unfortunate times when his body would succumb to a cold. Now, he used a couple of papers to clean the semen off Mai's stomach before leaving the bed to throw them away.

Somewhere along the line, his trousers ended up laying over his arm alongside the rest of the clothing which lay scattered across the floor. He folded each piece and put it over a nearby chair. Folding clothes the right way was never a skill that left him. It had been taught by his mother and then he taught it to Billy when he found out about the young man's affinity for doing the laundry.

By the time, Geese returned to the bed, Mai had already crawled under the covers, curling into a ball, breathing faintly. Indeed, she looked wonderful in his bed. She felt so much better. Here's to hoping it would be a common occurrence. By god, he wanted that more than anything. Mai lay on her side, so it was easy to pull her close and Geese did exactly just that, almost feeling her bare back against his chest.

In the cold autumn night, away from the threat of death, conspiracies, gangs, and asshole rivals, a comforting quiet befell the bedroom. Not even the sounds of the streets could be heard up here.

It felt like peace.