I know I know, I promised this chapter two weeks ago! I really did want to put it up but I wasn't far enough in the next chapter (I'm still not to be perfectly honest) I had to split up the date night chapter into two parts otherwise it would be too long. Anyway I hope you guys enjoy!

Chapter 6-Date Night Part 1

"It's date night, guys! Isn't that exciting?" Madoka squealed in delight as every member of SPR's face dropped. There was no way she could be serious, right?

"Madoka, we are here to work-" Naru argued, not at all amused.

"My case, my lead, Kazuya," Madoka retorted with an almost evil glint in her eye. "Besides, we will be working. Working to get the spirits here to notice us. I already spoke with Juro and since he wanted an update on our investigation, but we haven't really learned much, he agreed that we needed to lure the activity to us. What better way to do it than to really become live bait." She opened her notebook, where it appeared she had written down exactly what would be happening during these "dates." "So, basic PDA, you know, hand holding, maybe a peck on the cheek whatever you can handle without making it look forced."

Mai almost laughed out loud. There was no way The Shibuya Kazuya was going to willingly hold her hand or kiss her cheek, even if he was forced to do it. Even though she secretly wished that maybe, just maybe, one day that would happen. She knew it wasn't likely.

"Monk and Ayako are going to go on the trails after lunch, you are going to meet up with Shizumu-san at the barn and he'll get you set up-"

"I am not going anywhere near that barn!" Ayako shrieked, about to storm off.

"The trails you're going on are for the horses," Madoka argued. "And Juro went out of his way to make sure that the time slot after lunch will be open. If you do not go, people will get suspicious-"

"Then let them think whatever the hell they want!" She crossed her arms and snapped her head away. "I don't even have shoes for that."

"That's a lie, you brought a pair of sneakers," Monk blurted, earning a scowl.

"This is not optional, unless you'd rather join Lin and myself in the mixed bath," Madoka threatened. Ayako shut her mouth and Monk shook his head. "I didn't think so. Yasuhara and Kiko are going to go hiking by the lake."

Mai glanced warily at the two, but Kiko seemed to just shrug and sigh. "Fine," she said before she started rubbing her temple. Yasuhara just nodded and rubbed his neck. So much for the perfect couple, Mai thought with a mental shake of her head.

"Naru and Mai are going to go tour the gardens," Madoka continued, not waiting for a comment from either one of the investigators. "After your 'dates' I expect everyone to get dressed up, each couple has a reservation at the in-house restaurant. Juro said to not worry about the tab, he'll take care of it." She turned to Naru. "The team's yours until lunchtime, what would you like us to do?"

If he was grateful to finally have some control over the situation, he didn't show it. "Lin, Monk, Matsuzaki, and I will conduct the E.V.P. session in room 432, the rest of you will do a temperature sweep. We'll compare the readings with the one's gathered over the last few days and try to find a pattern. By then, if we don't have anything to go on, I suppose we must proceed with Madoka's plans."

I still can't believe he's taking this, Mai thought shaking her head. She let out a quiet sigh. I didn't realize the idea of a date with me would be such a dreadful experience. Her heart sank a little at the thought. It might have been a childish thing, but she was starting to look forward to spending more time with him.

March Day 4, 1:12 P.M.

Mai wasn't really sure what to expect on her "date" with Naru. After the temperature sweep, which she was joined by Kiko and found out that Yasuhara did in fact, sleep on the floor that night, lunch came and went. Leaving her to tour the garden with her boss, who seemed less than entertained with their activity.

On the bright side, at least Mai got to see the garden in the daylight. The flowers were blooming and the path was bordered with bright orange flowers and light pink buds. The archways that led to different areas, like the fountain and gazebo, were covered in pink climbing roses. If she looked closely, she could see the Christmas lights woven through the vines. It was definitely beautiful, but Mai could see how the lights at night definitely added a more romantic feel. During the day, the scenery fell flat with Naru's disapproving glare at everything around them.

Well, I think that proves one theory, Mai thought as they both walked up to the fountain. The sunlight seemed to sparkle off the running water as it flowed out. Mai leaned over and looked at the koi fish that swam along the edge. She glanced up at her escort and his passive expression had not changed in the slightest, confirming her suspicions. I'm pretty sure Naru doesn't have a romantic bone in his body.

"Would you two like to take a picture?" a voice startled Mai as she whipped her head around to find the speaker. It was a middle-aged man who must have been the gardener. "If you have a phone or camera I'll gladly take your picture. The fountain is a favorite spot amongst our guests."

"That won't be-" Naru tried to decline, but Mai already had her phone out.

"That would be great, thank you, so much!" Mai said with a smile as she quickly showed the man how to use the camera feature on her phone. She rushed back to Naru's side, who was now even less amused than to begin with, and held onto his arm making sure her ring would be visible in the photo.

"Okay, smile!" The man took a few pictures of the couple before giving the boy in front of him a look. "At least pretend to like your wife, you're much too young to be unhappy in your marriage!"

Mai couldn't stop the laugh at escaped her lips. She was almost positive that this guy had been recruited by Madoka to make sure the "dates" went off without a hitch. She stood on tip toes and said softly just for Naru to hear, "Just do it, pretend you're having a little fun." She turned back to the man. "Take a few more, please!"

"Of course!" A few more pictures were taken before the phone was handed back to Mai and the gardener was back to his work. She slid the device back in her pocket, earning a peculiar look from her "husband."

Mai shrugged and walked down another pathway, forcing him to follow. Once he caught up, she remarked in a low voice, "Madoka's going to want proof. C'mon, it can't be that horrible to pose for a few pictures with me." She watched him raise his brows when he realized she had spoken in English.

She quickened her pace before he could respond. She never did see the slightest smirk grace his face.

"No." Ayako crossed her arms and damn near stomped her foot as Taro led one of the horses out of the barn. "You cannot make me."

"C'mon, Dear," Monk replied, nearly choking as he said the pet name. "Madoka and Juro went to a lot of trouble to setup this activity for us. I know you're not one for nature, but it'll be fun."

She gave him an icy glare. "You don't understand…" she said through gritted teeth.

"Okay, Spark is all set. He's our most tame horse, great for beginning riders," Taro said as Monk nudged the priestess forward. She flinched when the horse shook its head. The stable manager knitted his brow. "Are you afraid of horses?"

Ayako shook her head too quickly as she took a step back. Monk placed a hand on her shoulder and raised a brow. "Are you afraid of horses?"

She shook her head again. "I used to ride horses, but it was a very long time ago-"

"You have nothing to worry about!" Taro said with a reassuring grin. "Like I said, Spark is very tame and gentle, even if you're nervous you won't spook him. Up you go!"

Before Ayako knew what she was doing, she had one foot in the stirrup and swung her other leg over the saddle. Once she felt that she wouldn't fall off, she readjusted her helmet and grabbed the reins. Monk could see the tension in her shoulders and placed a hand on her knee.

"Are you sure you're okay to do this?" he asked.

Ayako nodded quickly. "Just get on your horse and let's go. Once we start moving I'll get used to it."

"If you say so," he replied, as Taro brought out another horse. This was going to be an interesting date.

"So, Naru willingly agrees to stop all work and allow us to go on dates. I feel like something is not right about this," Yasuhara commented as he and Kiko headed up the trail. "And Lin is going to the hot spring with Madoka? I guess that confirms that theory."

"Yeah, Madoka turned the company into a matchmaking service and we're the guinea pigs," Kiko replied, as Yasuhara helped her up a small break in the height of the trail. "Why are we on the most difficult trail again?"

"You tell me, you're the one that chose it," he said with a smirk as she considered the thought for a moment.

"Then I don't know," she replied going forward. The incline was pretty steep and it looked like some people might have chosen this path in the morning, but it was practically deserted by now. The trees were thick on both sides of the path, but if she was right, if she looked to the left that's where the lake should have been. There was something about this path that-

"Hey, you okay?" Yasuhara's voice stopped her train of thought. She blinked hard and turned to look back at him. When she didn't answer, he took it upon himself to continue. "I'm sorry about yesterday. The words didn't come out right. Came out really wrong, actually. By the time I realized, it was too late to take them back. It put both of us in an awkward spot and I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable-"

Kiko started laughing and shook her head. "I'm sorry I made you sleep on the floor. You could have pushed me over so I wasn't taking up the whole bed."

"It's okay, I think I deserved it," he laughed scratching his head. "So I was wondering-"

"I think I can see the lake," Kiko interrupted heading up the trail. "C'mon! I heard the view's amazing!"

"Wondering if we were ever going to talk about Ryokuryou…" Yasuhara finished as he watched her rush up the trail. He sighed and shook his head. "And that's how this conversation always goes…"

Madoka definitely set this up, Mai was sure of it. Every person they passed that was an employee offered to take their picture. It wouldn't have seemed odd if it weren't for the fact Mai noticed other couples had to ask for an employee to take their picture. Mai had probably more than twenty pictures that she would have to explain to her friends when she went back home and one of them starts playing with her phone. Michiru and Keiko were going to have a field day.

Mai was taking a look at the pictures and Naru seemed to look less and less annoyed with each shot. Maybe he's not as bad an actor as I thought, she wondered as they made it to the gazebo.

It wasn't a large structure, just big enough to fit two benches on either side of the entryway. It was set as a focal point of the garden, pretty much anywhere you looked once inside the structure you really didn't have a bad angle of the garden. "I think Madoka will be happy with these," she commented, nudging the boy next to her. "You almost look pleasant in this one." She held her phone up with a picture of them in front of some rose bushes where Mai was smiling and Naru's face was straight, but slightly amused.

"Excuse me, Miss, but I'll take your picture if you'd like," another staff member said, tapping Mai on the shoulder.

She definitely set us up, Mai thought as she handed the woman her phone. "That would be great, thank you!" Naru was standing at one end of the entryway of the gazebo as Mai raced over to him.

In true Mai fashion, as she ran up to Naru's side, she lost her footing and crashed right into his side. The force of her fall pushed Naru into the pole of the gazebo and forced him to wrap an arm around her to catch her. Mai could only imagine what they looked like as she tried to use an arm to steady herself.

After they both had stopped moving, Mai looked up to see a different emotion in Naru's eyes. Slightly concerned, but also somewhat amused. In spite of her clumsiness, she grinned as she closed her eyes and laughed. She wondered just what photos the woman had captured.

"How sweet," the woman commented, ruining the moment. "Look here so I can get one head on." Another picture was taken and Mai was handed back her phone.

"Sorry about that, I must have tripped on something," Mai said running a hand through her hair. She looked at the ground and sure enough there was nothing to cause her fall. Just my usual klutzy-self. Great.

"I think that should be enough to satisfy Madoka for a little bit," Naru said stepping out of the gazebo. Mai felt her heart sink as she rushed after him.

"Wait, where are you going?" she called, catching up. He stopped and turned to her.

"I'd like to review the E.V.P.s from yesterday and this morning," he explained with his hands in his pockets. Mai pursed her lips, not quite willing to let him get back to work. At least, not alone.

"I'll help," she offered, crossing her arms. "It'll get done faster if we both do it-"

"It's not necessary, Mai," he said. It felt like a bullet in her chest. Just when she thought they were getting along so well.

So much for "date night." She thought bitterly.

"You have the day off, I'll see you at dinner." And for a moment, just a moment, Mai swore she saw a smile very similar to the one she used to see in her dreams. And he walked away.

Mai shook her head and suppressed a laugh. "Maybe I'll go to the springs and show Madoka how our date went," she decided heading in the opposite direction of her boss.

"So are you going to tell me what really happened back at the barn?" Monk asked guiding his horse to be next to Ayako's. "There's no way you used to ride horses. You were apprehensive about them when we came here on Friday."

"Actually, my parents did want me to learn horseback riding," she replied with a breath. She wasn't too sure where they were, she was more focused on not falling off the animal. "They figured that because I was an only child I should be well-rounded and participate in some sport to have friends outside of school."

"Yeah, and how long did that last?" Monk smirked and raised a brow.

"Only one lesson," she admitted as they followed a trail that let up into the mountain. "I supposedly was given one of the tamer horses for beginner riders, well lets just say he was tame until some little brat threw a rubber snake at me."

"Why did they throw a fake snake at you?" Monk had to hold back a snort at her story. There was no way this was true, right?

"Hell if I know," she said with a shrug. "The snake landed on my saddle and I justifiably freaked out. I swatted the thing away and when it landed on the ground the horse saw it and started galloping around the pen. I ended up falling off and hitting my head."

Suddenly, her fear of horses wasn't so funny anymore. "Are you serious?" Monk asked knitting his brows.

Ayako pouted and huffed. "Of course I am! I had a pretty bad concussion from it. Knocked me out for a couple of hours too."

"You realize that you probably could have told Madoka that or Yasuhara and Kiko and we could have switched."

"I don't even know why I'm admitting this to you, you really think I'd tell the rest of the team? No one knows that story." She shook her head and sighed. "I'm just glad Spark hasn't thrown me off yet."

"He's not going to throw you off. I'm not going to throw a plastic snake at you or Spark, so there's nothing to worry about."

Ayako managed to smile a little. "Well, there are such things as real snakes. I'm sure as soon as he sees one I'm going to get thrown off." Spark stopped moving once they came to a flatter piece of land. "What is it?" She raised a brow at the horse before looking forward. "Wow."

It was a small clearing. It was full of wild flowers and led to a cliff that gave a nice view of the town below. Spark began to walk toward the middle of it and Ayako could see just how lovely the view was. Trees and fields below them and clouds merging with the hills in the distance. It was nice.

"Hey, Ayako!" Monk called, forcing her to make the horse turn to face him. "Smile!"

He had pulled out his phone and was waiting for her to pose for a picture. She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Idiot." But she smiled anyway, before yelling at him for something trivial.

"Mai? What are you doing here?" Madoka asked as Mai walked toward the women's bath. The older woman was walking out of the changing room for the mixed bath. "I thought you were supposed to be in the gardens with Naru."

Mai pulled out her phone and pulled up the last picture taken to show her. "We were, but he wanted to listen to the recordings from this morning and last night. I offered to help but he insisted I have the rest of the day off. I figured I would come here for a bit and then go get ready for dinner."

Madoka took the phone from Mai's hand and looked at the picture closely. She smiled before handing back the device. "At least you two look like you were enjoying yourselves. Lin and I were actually going to head back to Base and get a little work done."

Mai raised a brow and slid her phone in her pocket. "Aren't you the one who insisted on 'date night?'"

"What can I say, Lin guilted me into at least analyzing the E.V.P.s and comparing notes. Doesn't mean we won't get back to our date-"

Mai held up a hand and shook her head. "Okay, TMI, Madoka." Just as she said it, Lin popped out from the men's changing room. "I guess I'll see you guys later."

She headed into the women's changing room and after removing her clothes, she checked her back in the mirror. She forgot to check it that morning, but still wore a bra and it didn't seem to bother her, which was odd now that she thought about it. Sure enough, she understood what Naru meant that there was something weird going on. Her back was no longer scabbed over, but she could see two thin lines creating an X.

I guess whatever hurt me felt bad about it, she thought with a shrug as she went to the shower. She washed and rinsed herself thoroughly before tying her short hair into two small buns on the top of her head. She placed the small towel she had been given on her head and walked into the steam filled room.

It was surprisingly empty as Mai carefully made her way to the spring despite the thick steam. She carefully climbed in and scooted over to the side so that she wouldn't be in the way of anyone else who might have wanted to enjoy the water. With a deep breath Mai felt herself sink into the hot water. "The water's nice, isn't it?"

The voice startled her, but Mai recognized it the moment she opened her eyes and saw who it belonged to. "Chika-san? What are you doing here?" Mai asked as she relaxed again.

"My shift doesn't start until four, but I work until eight tomorrow morning. I figured I'd do better if I was relaxed from the beginning of it," the young woman explained with a breath. "Hope you don't mind that I'm joining you."

"Of course not," Mai said with a smile as she leaned back. "Our investigation is at a bit of a standstill, so we're all taking a break for the day."

"I would've thought your husband would have joined you in the mixed bath," Chika said with a confused look. "That's partly why this bath is so empty."

Now it made sense, Mai realized. A blush had crept to her cheeks at the thought of Naru joining her in the bath, but she was glad she could chock it up to the heat of the bath. "He's a workaholic, even though we're supposed to be taking the day off and letting the spirits come to us, he feels the need to keep working or reviewing evidence. To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure he can really sit still for too long without some type of work to do."

Chika giggled at that. Mai laughed as well and closed her eyes. The water felt so nice and really helped relieve the tension she had been feeling since the start of this case. She was actually was pretty sure she had been tense for the last couple of weeks with the end of her term and exams.

Maybe I can convince Madoka to get me a complimentary massage while we're here, Mai thought amusedly as she smirked.

"Whoa, I was not expecting it to just drop like that," Kiko commented as she looked over the edge on a small clearing just off of the path they were on. It looked to be a great spot for guests and tourists to take pictures of the lake with a background of the mountains. But once you reached the edge it dropped straight down to the lake, on a slight slope.

"Just be careful, I'm having flashbacks to the case at your house," Yasuhara said, gentling taking her arm and guiding her from the edge. "But this is quite the view. I wish I brought my phone. Did you bring yours?"

Kiko shook her head and pursed her lips. "No, I didn't even think of bringing my camera either. All I have in my bag is a couple water bottles and some stuff from the first aid kit in the room."

"That was a good idea, how many waters did you bring?"

"Three, why? Did you finish yours?" Kiko smirked as the boy scratched his head.

"Yeah and all I have left in my bag is an empty water bottle and two umbrellas in case it rains."

"That was smart, I should've brought one," Kiko said, taking off her bag to dig through it. She knelt to the ground and found the bottle. "Good thing we're paired together, one of us brings what the other forgets."

"Except the cell phones, we both forgot them," Yasuhara teased as he took a drink. "So is it straight down or does it slope?"

She leaned over to get a better look, but she was far enough away from the edge to not fall over. "It slopes a bit, kind of like the cliff behind my house. It's actually not that far from the water, so long as the lake's deep enough you could probably dive from here with no problems."

"Let's not test that theory," he laughed, taking a step back. "C'mon, let's keep going, I think there might be a spot where our trail connects with Monk and Ayako's, we can spy on them."

She laughed and threw her bag back on her back. "What's with you and your-" She stopped as she started to stand. She swore she felt the earth shift beneath her. She was still mid-crouch when her "husband" gave her a confused look.

"Kiko? Is everything-" But he couldn't get the words out fast enough as the ground beneath her crumbled and she found herself falling. "Kiko!"

"Yasu!" she screamed as she slid down the slope of the cliff. She somehow had pushed herself away from the cliff and she dropped straight into the lake with a splash.

The water was cold and the shock of it caused her to let out a bubble of surprise. She didn't open her eyes because she had contact lenses in, but for some reason she couldn't swim up. She kicked and paddled her arms but she didn't seem to move.

There's no way I sank that deep, right? She wondered, her lungs straining from the lack of air. I need to get up, but-

Something grabbed hold of her ankle before she could finish her thought. Whatever had grabbed Kiko, pulled her down further as she let out another bubble.

Whatever had pulled her stopped, and forced her body to turn in a specific direction. She felt goosebumps rise on her body and knew she was supposed to open her eyes. She also knew that she would not like what she would find.

Yasu! Help! Her mind screamed as she felt something touch her hand.

Pretty…

Her eyes snapped open and as they adjusted to the water, Kiko realized what she was looking at. Also saw what had touched her hand. She thrashed her body, but whatever grabbed her wasn't letting go. If she had the air to scream, she would have.

Her ordeal seemed much longer than it really was as Yasuhara dove into the lake. He could see Kiko thrashing, but it was only when he reached her that he realized why.

He swam down further to reach her and wrapped his arms around her. It was only then that the small skeleton that had grabbed her finally fell apart.

"How… how did…" Chika's voice was uncharacteristically quiet, but it was enough to snap Mai from her reverie.

"I'm sorry," Mai said with a shake of her head. "What were you asking?"

"How did you and Shibuya-san realize you were in love?" she asked, blushing as she looked down at the water. "From the way you look at each other I can tell it was a long time ago when you realized." Mai couldn't help but feel a sweatdrop on the back of her head. She wasn't expecting that question.

This girl must be blind, or Naru and I are better actors than I thought, she determined as she took a breath. "Well, I mean Naru-I mean Kazuya-"

"And why do I get the feeling you came up with that pet name a long time ago? You're more comfortable calling him by that than his own name." She shook her head and pursed her lips.

"Wanna know why I call him that?" Mai asked with a sneaky grin. She couldn't tell you why she was suddenly so open with this maid that she was now naked in a hot spring with. But she was. The girl nodded. "The day he had me work for him, he was working a case at my high school and I did a stupid thing and had to replace his assistant, he was the most self-centered and cocky man I'd ever met. He made a comment and I was able to see how full of himself he was, so I dubbed him Naru the Narcissist!"

Chika laughed as Mai leaned back against the wall of the bath. "So how did you two come to realize it? What you felt for each other?"

Mai looked up in thought as she used her hand to create ripples in the water. "Honestly, things weren't as smooth as you might think," she admitted with a shrug. "Like I said, he was full of himself when I met him and despite that I developed the hugest crush on him. But it seemed more like he was interested in someone else so eventually I got over that little crush."

"After you worked together for some time?"

Right, I'm supposed to be eighteen and a high school graduate. "Yeah, this was my second year of high school." Not a total lie. "I met someone else and we seemed to click, but obviously it didn't last long." She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Not very long after that, I realized I was never over my crush on Naru. After dealing with such a narcissist I thought that if I still felt this way about him then I must have just been a lovesick teenager who romanticized too much."

"Romanticized?"

"Yeah, you see, Naru not a romantic, but in a way I am," Mai admitted with a shrug. "Luckily, this second time around I was a bit more rational. I understood that if we were to get together it wouldn't bee like the relationships in books or movies. No romantic dinners or nights spent stargazing. He would only find it a waste of time."

"So when did you two get together?"

"Honestly, it happened so suddenly I don't think either of us saw it coming." She giggled as she spoke, the girl next to her had no clue how true that statement was. "I was his assistant for more than two years and the next thing I know we're exchanging rings and I'm changing my last name."

And sometimes the best lies are the truth, Mai thought to herself as the girl smiled at what she was told. For some odd reason this is so much easier than I thought it would be.

"You're so lucky." Chika's smile faded as she looked down at the water. "You managed to get the one you love to marry you. I can't seem to get mine to notice me. All he does is bark orders at me."

"Trust me, I was there," Mai said with a sigh. "In fact so was one of our past clients a while ago." She looked up and tapped her chin in thought.

"Really?"

"What do you think my first orders were once I was officially working in his office?" Mai grinned as she remembered that day. She mimicked her boss's voice as she said, "Mai, tea!"

The girl chuckled. "You said someone else had the same experience? Who?"

"She and her husband own a hotel in Kyoto," Mai explained, remembering the case six months prior. "Before that, they were both employed there by the previous owners. He was working the desk and she was in housekeeping and he'd order her around for tea and other menial tasks. She had a bit of a temper and one day he decided to get under her skin and after she brought him tea he said it was the wrong kind. So she dumped the tea on his head and went to make him a new cup."

She remembered that case very well. It was what started her terrifying nightmares and all of the issues she had since. But even still, she mentally made a note to go visit the new family that coming summer. Akahana-san's going to want to hear about this case.

"So you think there might be a chance?" The serious look in the girl's eye was something Mai couldn't help but smile at as she finally realized how much in common she had with this maid.

"You love Saburo-san, don't you?" Mai asked, before she could stop herself. The girl nodded. "Then take it one day at a time. If it's meant to be it will happen, but if there's another opportunity that comes around, don't necessarily overlook it." She remembered her own experience with her ex, and while she hoped this girl wouldn't have to go through that pain, Mai learned very valuable lessons. While she regretted the relationship, she'd never regret learning what she did. "As cliché as it is, I really do believe things happen for a reason. And honestly, it wasn't until I was in another relationship that I noticed Naru started to treat me differently."

"Really?"

Mai nodded. "Yeah, he started including me in on how to conduct investigations. Started putting me in charge of activities and he started asking for my opinion more. I didn't really put two and two together until much later." Until now, actually, now that Mai thought about it. Could it be…no way. Don't kid yourself, Mai.

"So I should start to look for someone else to make him jealous?" Chika's brow knitted together.

Ugh, abort mission, Mai, this is getting ugly. "No!" She shook her head and moved her arm sharply, causing a splash. "Don't actively try to make him jealous. Just…" She pursed her lips as she tried to think of some type of advice to give the girl. She was supposed to be married she should have a ton of advice. But she didn't. "I mean, what happened with me, was I got mad at him and I just ignored him. I told myself I was over him and then a new guy came along and when that didn't work out-"

"Things just fell into place?" Chika asked. Talk about a save.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that," Mai said with a nod, then she smiled. "Yes, that's exactly how it happened. I had to stop willing and forcing and wishing for something to happen, because it was just a matter of time before things fell into place."

"You're very wise for such a young woman," the maid said with a smile.

"You sound like you're so old," Mai laughed. "You can't be more than twenty-four."

"Actually, I'll be thirty-one in a couple of weeks, thank you though."

"No way! I don't believe it!"

"Well, believe it. Thank you for talking with me, Mai. I really appreciate it, but I need to go, my shift is going to start soon."

"Bye, nice talking with you too," Mai replied as Chika got out of the bath and left. I really need to start paying attention to my own advice, she thought as she relaxed further into the bath.

There was a slight nagging feeling in the back of her mind that perhaps she should leave. The bath was completely empty aside from her, it was the perfect place for her to be attacked by the spirit. Yet, that wasn't exactly what the nagging feeling was telling her.

You're just paranoid, Mai.

So we have an insecure side of Ayako, an understanding Monk, a confused and curious Yasuhara, a freaked out Kiko, an insane Madoka, an indifferent Lin, a workaholic Naru, and Mai's coming full circle from the last hotel case. A bit of deja vu no?

Next chapter will conclude the date night and the following chapter well, we won't quite be getting back to the case but I'm sure you all won't mind with what I have planned.

Also, I'm going to make this a poll but I want to know what powers do you think the SPR gang's future kids might have if any? Let me know in your review!