ATTN: I do NOT own Ghost Hunt or the Characters associated with it. If I did well... lets just say the story would have ended differently and Vol 12 would exist in English translation.

Anywho lets get started! NO Beta so sorry for any mistakes but focus on the story and enjoy! :)

IT WAS YOU

****RECAP****"Huffing slightly at Ayako's comment she smiled, "You all are right. I'm not the same person I was. I'm established in my career and this conference is an important part of that. I probably won't even run into him with so many people there!" Trying to remain positive Mai finished her meal as the group helped the girls plan for their upcoming trip to England. She really hoped she could make it through this without opening the Pandoras' box of her true feelings. She'd kept them locked away this long, so if she can avoid him she can avoid them... right?"****RECAP***

He hated these things. The small talk and fake smiles. Those here to try and climb the ladder. The attempts to get his attention, some even more than that, had him at his wits end. Stuck in a boring conversation with another 'up and coming psychic', as they had termed themselves, Oliver took in the room around him looking for an escape. Spying Madoka and his father talking with a researcher from America, he recalled them hosting the previous conference, he quickly excused himself with a half-assed reason. On his way over another person stopped him, he turned to quickly dismiss them but paused.

"Hello Oliver, it's been a while."

Masako Hara stood in front of him now. She was dressed in a slightly more elegant Kimono than usual, her hair tied up with a plum colored flower, matching her outfit. "Miss Hara. It seems you are well." Oliver replied with a nod. He couldn't stop his mind from the path it barreled down. If Masako was here does that mean… His eyes darted around them for a moment before his attention was called back to the woman in front of him.

"I am. I was very pleased to receive the invitation to be BSPR's guest and wanted to thank you for mentioning me." Masako bowed her head slightly in thanks before looking up at him and continued, "I wanted to thank Dr. Davis as well but ran into you first so I will be heading that way. I'm sure we will talk again soon."

Oliver called out to her as she turned to leave, "I wasn't aware you had been invited. I had nothing to do with the guest list. That would have been Madoka and my father."

Masako examined him before smiling slightly, "Then I will have to give them my thanks and let my companion know. She wanted to thank our host as well." Her smile changed to a smirk as Oliver took in what she really meant. Masako was invited by Madoka. There was no doubt it was at least her suggestion and his father happily accepted. Masako also mentioned a companion. A partner? It isn't Monk, John, or Yasu because Masako had said she. The only partner that could have possibly received an invitation as well was… Mai. Oliver, suddenly hyper aware of everyone around him, narrowed his eyes and focused on Masako.

"You have someone with you?" A careful question. He did not want anyone knowing about his current internal struggle. He could be wrong. Whoever came with her could be anyone. He didn't care anyways. He just wanted to make sure the BSPR guests were properly greeted and introduced to his father, the owner/CEO of BSPR.

Looking over her shoulder as she walked away towards his previous destination she responded, "Yes, she and I work together. Mai was going to head this way after running to the restroom. I'm sure she will be here soon." Smiling at him again, as if she hadn't just shifted the ground under his feet, Oliver froze. She had said Mai. He was right but that didn't matter at this point. The one person he couldn't get out of his head was here. He looked around him through the sea of faces. He spotted her. How had he missed her before? She was standing by a champagne table talking to a BSPR employee. Arthur Maxon, the annoying flirt of the research department. Immediately Oliver took off in their direction, ignorant of the smirks and knowing looks of his family and friends, trying to squash his irritation. As he made his way through the crowd, completely ignoring anyone's attempts to talk to him, he observed her. She wore a long black sparkling gown that had a modest halter neckline. Her chestnut brown hair was pulled into an up-do of curls. As he approached the two he was struck with how much older she was. She was honestly beautiful, wearing simple diamond earrings and light makeup, she had matured. The dress flowed around her body, accenting her curves while highlighting her soft skin. He could understand why Arthur had found her. She was a classic among the exhibitionistic crowd. He stopped just behind her as he overheard the conversation.

"As much as I appreciate the offer, I won't be in England after the conference is over so I must decline." Surprised by her smooth English Oliver didn't cut in before Arthur replied.

"I would love to take you out tonight then? I know it's last minute but we only have so much time before we must go our separate ways."

Attempting to put some space between them, as Arthur had moved too close for comfort, Mai took a step back to reply but bumped into Oliver, who caught her before she could move away with his hand around her upper arm. She looked up to him quickly, her chocolate brown eyes widening with surprise and an apology half way out before pausing upon realizing who he was. Oliver looked to Arthur, "I believe she isn't interested. You'd have better luck moving on." Arthur looked ready to protest before he glanced between the two, the way Mai hadn't looked away from Oliver or how Oliver had only pulled her closer as he watched, narrowing his eyes Arthur took a step back and walked away. Oliver sighed, that definitely is going to come back to bite him in the ass later, annoying. Reminded of the woman in his grasp as she attempted to move away he released her, "You always seem to know where to find trouble, Mai."

She moved to face him, taking a step away, and studied him for a moment before smiling softly, "You always seem to know when to save me, Oliver."

He watched her, disappointed with her choice of name. That wasn't what she called him. Mai looked him up and down before commenting, "You look nice. I didn't know bow ties were your thing."

Stepping forward and placing a hand to her elbow Oliver guided her away from the table toward a less crowded area. The last thing he wanted was prying ears. "You should know I look good no matter what I wear, Mai." He was baiting her. He wanted her to call him her nickname. Wanted to hear her say it again, get that rise out of her that he so lo-enjoyed. The indifference in her greeting and the way she said his name was wrong. He didn't like it and he planned on changing that. Stepping into a small indention in the wall by a large potted plant he let go but didn't step away. Mai looked at him, brow quirked and eyes narrowed in disbelief. Smirking to himself he leaned his shoulder against the wall and waited.

The man in front of her was insufferable. She had been doing great. She'd met several amazing Psychics and Researchers. Even started to believe she could make it through the conference without running into him after the first two days passed with perfect avoidance. Now here he was, after showing up out of nowhere, complimenting himself. His smirk was too much. The damn narcissist. Take a deep breath Mai. She was not an immature high school girl anymore and she would not let him get to her. Breathing in and out once more as his smirk widened. She wanted to smack it off his face, stupid prick. But the breathing was for more than just her irritation at the, too handsome for his own good, man in front of her. She had been avoiding this, him, for a reason. Her chest was tight and her stomach in knots. She was hyper-aware of the areas he had touched her. The skin covered in raised bumps. Smiling, she met his eyes, challenge accepted Oliver Davis, "I'm surprised you even made it. I figured you would be too busy looking in the mirror to attend." His eyes slowly looked her form up and down making Mai want to fidget under the intensity of his gaze. She wanted nothing more than to turn and find Masako. To escape his concentration.

He met her eyes, smirk ever present, and said, "I have a compact mirror." Scratch that she just wanted out of there fast. She could apologize later. She couldn't handle this. Handle him.

Crossing her arms she gave him an irritated look while huffing under her breath, "of course, Narcissist."

His eyes seemed to light up as he leaned his head down towards her and began in a softer tone, "You look quite lo…."

"Oliver! Mai! We were looking for you two. They are over here Martin!" Madoka called. Oliver retreated from her immediately, irritation crossing on his face before it fell into a scowl; as his mentor, Madoka, and Dr. Davis, accompanied by Lin and Masako, made their way over. What was he going to say? Mai couldn't help but feel cheated. He was so close, she could smell his cologne, and it almost seemed like he was going to compliment her before he was interrupted. Conflicted between wanting more time alone with the man, or running, Mai turned to the intruding party with a smile.

"Well, what are you two doing over here all by yourselves?" Madoka teased as she gave Mai a hug and sent Oliver a teasing smile and winked. Backing away as Lin offered her a small bow in greeting, which she returned, Mai laughed.

"Hello to you too Madoka, Lin, and I presume you are Dr. Davis?" reaching a hand out in greeting, why did they shake hands anyway, she continued, "I wanted to thank you for your invitation to attend."

Martin took her hand and shook it gently, "I'm so glad you all could! I have taken great interest in your show. What I really enjoy is seeing how it steered from the usual reality TV version of its predecessors and was actually very informative! I even got Oliver and Lin to watch it."

Surprised Mai looked to Lin, who nodded, and then over to Oliver, whose reaction surprised her. He had stiffened and sent his father a look that could kill. What was his problem? Did he not like the show? Looking back at Dr. Davis she responded in kind, "I am too! It has been quite the experience. I've already met so many influential members of our field and have learned new ways to handle certain hauntings from the lectures!" Blushing slightly as she sideways glanced at Oliver before continuing, "I wasn't aware you all had watched it. Honestly I'm always unsure of how to react when people tell me they've seen me on TV." She still got thrown through a loop when random people recognized her around town. She had asked Masako how she dealt with it this long and all she got in return was, 'I just have other people take care of mundane things for me. I don't really interact with the general population', brat. She hadn't wanted fame when she accepted Masako's offer. She couldn't afford to go to college after high school and it gave her the opportunity to continue doing what she loved. Helping those still with us pass on and finally rest while simultaneously helping a family get control back over their lives was something she not only enjoyed but was genuinely good at.

As Martin laughed Madoka grinned, "You'll get used to it Mai. If you need any pointers just ask our resident Naru for advice." Madoka just loved to poke the bear.

"Well Mai has no plans to take on an alias so I think she would have better luck asking another." Masako haughtily responded as Oliver turned his death glare from Madoka to Masako and quirked a brow. The corner of his mouth tilted upward as he spoke, "And if she needs a lesson on blackmail I'm sure you could direct her in the right direction."

He hated these things. He truly did. He would be lying though if he said he wasn't having a good time when he had found Mai and kept her from Arthur's filthy hands. He had been, what some would say, enjoying himself for once. He had gotten her to banter. He didn't get his name from her but he would concede with its extended form for now. He had wanted to return the compliment, genuinely she looked nice, but had been interrupted. His Father really did give too much unnecessary information. Mai didn't seem any happier than he was at being caught. It was her fault anyway. He was a gentleman but the smell from her was intoxicating. It posed quite the problem. He had been caught in a compromising, relaxed position by others and he'd be damned if he would let it be used against him. Masako had just provided the perfect opportunity to turn the tide.

"Noll. Don't be so rude to our guests." Martin scolded.

Ignoring his father he heard Lin address Mai, "You look very nice tonight Mai." Oliver watched her cheeks fill with color, as Madoka agreed, and fumbled through a thank you before returning the compliment. Lin met his glare and rolled his eyes in response.

"I wanted to talk with you two, Mai and Masako, about your show but now isn't the time. I have a request for you all and would like to invite you to join us for breakfast tomorrow."

Mai started, "Oh, w-."

"We would love to, Dr. Davis." Masako said with a pointed look to Mai before addressing Martin again, "It would be our pleasure to join you. It would be rude to refuse our host." Oliver had a feeling that was a pointed remark. Mai was glaring at Masako as she was cut off. Interesting. They hadn't been close when he left but the two seemed to have developed a relationship of some kind. Oliver watched as another attendee grabbed Martin's attention.

"Great! We will see you in the morning. Madoka will tell you where and when. It was great meeting you girls, but I must go." Waving goodbye to the group Martin left.

"Madoka, will you show me where we are meeting so that way we have no issues in the morning?" Masako asked. The odd exchange continued as Madoka grinned, "Of course! Let's go, Lin." Practically dragging his co-worker behind her.

"They aren't very subtle are they?" Mai spoke, almost to herself, as they watched the retreating forms.

"No. Not even a little." Oliver offered in return. He was rewarded with a gut wrenching smile. Looking away from her he tilted his head to the left towards a door that led to an empty balcony. "Want some fresh air?" Looking a little surprised Mai nodded following him out.

The night air was crisp against her bare shoulders. Wrapping her arms around herself to keep warm she glanced at the doors of the grand hall. The conference was being held at a large historical hotel just outside of Cambridge. BSPR had booked a room in the hotel for them, so she could go grab her coat. But walking up there to just come back did not sound appealing. Honestly she probably wouldn't come back down if she did go. Turning from the warm hall she condemned herself to freeze as she dragged her feet towards Na-Oliver. She had been doing her best with that stupid name. She had gone through a lot when he left Japan. She'd lost her job and had been terrified of losing her family. Her world had entirely shifted in an instant. He lied to her the entire two years they had worked together. She fell in love with someone who hadn't trusted her enough to know his real name. Well, she conceded, that wasn't exactly true. He was a very well known figure in the field and even though he hadn't been public with his image before, after they found Gene things changed. He and the Davis's had been broadcast on the news and photos of them were posted to forums, like the Paranormal Journal, listing the details of their loss and the murder of Eugene Davis. The killer had turned herself in. Mai wasn't aware of the details regarding the case other than that.

She shivered, the wind cutting through her and studied Oliver. He was leaning against the metal railing, eyes turned to the city lights that illuminated his frame. The black suit fit his lean form like a glove. His pale face framed by his wind swept hair. God he was gorgeous. It was unfair that he looked like the definition of perfection while she slowly became the replacement ice sculpture. Coming to stand next to him, her breath visible in the night air, she took in the view. It really was a beautiful place. The lights reflected over the grounds of the hotel, highlighting the trees and pond below. A heavy weight settled over her shoulders as Oliver placed his suit jacket on her. His cologne wrapped around her as she studied the man next to her. Unconsciously she pulled the jacket around her tighter as she thanked him. He met her gaze and gave a small nod but didn't look away. He had changed over the years. The blue in his eyes had only deepened. Framed by dark lashes, seriously why did guys always have the best lashes, that contrasted with his light-toned skin. His face had slimmed, accentuating his sculpted jaw. She could feel his eyes on her as her cheeks tinted. Okay this is dangerous, he was dangerous. Why did she come out here again? The weight of his gaze had her frozen in place, yet made her want to high-tail it out of there. She definitely needed to stop staring, and she definitely was not looking at his lips. She was definitely not wondering how they would feel. Heat flooding her face she quickly turned back to the city lights.

"I-it sure is cold out. I wasn't aware it got this cold in October." Mai scrambled for anything to distract her.

"Well unlike Japan, where it is still warm this time of year, England starts to prepare for winter." Oliver hadn't stopped watching her. "I did watch your show. Father wasn't completely wrong in his assessment earlier. It is very informative without being over-dramatized." Did she hear that right? It's like he is trying to say he liked it.

Smiling to herself she leaned against the rail. "Oliver, it is nice to see you again." Oh no, why did she say that! She was not ready to go down that rabbit hole. Fumbling for something else to say, because that was way too much to talk about right now and would bring up too many painful memories, she continued, "I read your latest dissertation. It was quite interesting."

"Mai." She turned to him, brows furrowed, why did he say her name like that. Why was he still looking at her? "You look good tonight. Especially in my coat." He smirked. Was he messing with her? There is no way he was flirting with her. Maybe she needed to go to bed, or she had too much to drink. That has to be it. Stunned by his words she failed to notice him step closer as her mind raced before crashing to stop. The soft pads of his fingers slid down her temple and around her ear, tucking a loose curl behind it.

"Oli-.'

"That's not my name."

What did he mean that wasn't his name? She couldn't focus with him so close, let alone touching her. His hand ghosted down her jaw, "That isn't what you call me Mai." The question must have been on her face. "You almost said it earlier. I won't answer to Oliver anymore." Dropping his hand from her face he took in her flushed cheeks and smiled. "Don't worry Mai, I understand it's hard to resist my charm."

That damn narcissist. She was going to kill him. She could apologize to the Davis's later. Truth be told she was sure they'd understand. There was no way he just short circuited her brain to get what he wanted. "You selfish, arrogant prick! Were you doing that just so I would call you Naru!?" She was so done with him, with this night. She was going to go straight to bed and maybe even forget to set her alarm. That way she wouldn't have to see his stupid face in the morning. Yeah right, Masako wouldn't let that happen. Huffing to herself, she crossed her arms under the jacket and glared up at him. "I was trying to be respectful, Dr. Davis, by calling you Oliver. I figured that little nickname wouldn't go over well with the professionals." Also she didn't want to call him that, not since he asked that question. Me or Gene? He had looked so pained when he asked that she felt like she hadn't ever really known him.

"I don't care what those idiots think." He was smirking at her. Was she that amusing?

"Of course you don't, Oliver." She wouldn't give him what he wanted. Especially when he messed with her like that. Irritation danced across his face as he went to correct her but was drowned out by the toll of a bell.

Midnight. He sighed before turning, placing a guiding hand on the small of her back. "Let me walk you to your room. It's late and we have a meeting in the morning." She met his sideways glance and nodded. She couldn't think straight when he touched her. Walking towards her room she glanced down at the soft material swallowing her. His coat smelled amazing, she wanted to wrap herself up in it and never let go. Even if he was a jerk, he was still caring. His hand never leaving her back he escorted her to her door.