Summary: Upon Naru's return to Japan he has revisioned the rules & duties Mai must abide by within her contract — and he isn't allowing her to slip up with a single one of them. Lemons. Aged Up.
The Employee Handbook
Responsibility #5 — Tea
Mai hums in content. Head flopped over the arm of the couch, a mouth full of ice cream, and her feet laying across Naru's lap.
A perfect end to a rough day.
Leaving the office earlier and having Naru escort her to his car with a comforting hand on her back did nothing for her frazzled nerves. Not even when he stopped her favorite restaurant and ordered enough food to feed a crowd. She continued to gnaw at her bottom lip until it bled for most of the car ride.
Ayako…Ayako she could deal with. As painfully awkward as that conversation will be, she knows she can survive and things will go back to normal between the two. She could talk through everything with and spill her guts to the motherly red head but John? John.
She can't even begin to comprehend how that conversation would go. Should she even attempt to or pretend she never noticed he was there to begin with?
As if sensing her thoughts begin to drift away, Naru took her hand in his over the gear shift and gave a firm squeeze. Holding tight the rest of the to her apartment. Their first stop. Soft melodies from the radio easing the tension.
Despite his cold exterior and hard to decipher sentences she knows he cares.
She knows he cares by how he insisted he carries her suitcase and bags to the car himself down the stairs. Accepting none of the offers of help she gives them.
"The last thing I need is you tripping down the stairs before a case." He had said but the lines by his eyes crinkled when he sorta smiled at her.
Her mind tells her it's because he doesn't want to chase after his assistant that's hopping on one foot but her heart tells her another.
When she looks towards the back seat when the car drives away, she notices a few more bagged items she doesn't remember packing. A good chunk of her closet is now suddenly sitting against the leather of his car.
"Makes things easier for the future." Was all that he would elaborate on despite her questioning. Just tugs at her hair once and then pulls back and settles in the silence.
She can tell he cares in the little touches she's given. Knowing he's not one for touch due to his psychometry. Yet he has no problem caressing her cheek or placing a hand on hers.
Her heart tells her it's love but her mind says he's lonely. There's no level of commitment or exclusivity. It's just for now.
But he also shows he cares in the way he opens the door for her and walks her through the parking garage to his home with an arm securely wrapped around her waist. She can see it so clearly in his eyes every time he glances at her when he thinks she's not looking. Concern and warmth emitting so brightly from the deep blue eyes.
She just wishes she knew if it was love.
His ever present mask slightly slips in her presence the more steps they take to reach his front door. Hinting that he has many questions he wants to ask but respects the space she needs to think things through. Instead of probing he ushers her through the doorway and to his bedroom, handing her a change of clothes, and takes her dress off her body with tender care.
When she had stepped out in one of his many black sweaters and a pair of silk boxers, the first thing she noticed was his body hunched over a bubbly kitchen sink and sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Dress in hand and surrounded by various bottles of soaps and stain removers.
His gaze intently burned onto the fading stain of her black tweed dress. Scrubbing every which way,'causing bubbles to fly through the air and onto the marble countertops.
Everything she ever felt and thought finally clicked into place at that moment.
It wasn't a huge moment filled with loud declarations and fireworks and a symphony of emotions. There wasn't a crowd to witness the private moment to ooh and awe. No tears and no dramatics.
It was quiet. A slow creeping sense of realization. It was filled with an overwhelming sense of compassion and understanding and comfort.
Like taking a freshly warmed blanket and draping it over herself before settling into the comfort of a large bed with a book. Or the tingling sensation she would feel down her spine to the tips of her toes when her mom held her close while carding her nails against her scalp, humming tunes as she did so.
For the first time in a long time, Mai didn't feel the need to fill the silence.
She understood just a little bit more.
She patted over and slid her arms around his waist. Resting her forehead against his spine and inhales deeply through her nose. Taking in the soft subtle scent of tea and bold cologne.
"I think I got the stain out." Naru says quietly but in the silence of the room it felt loud.
More than comfortable, she felt assured and a little bit more confident. While still unsure of what to call the relationship between the two or what the future that lies ahead of them, she was suddenly very content with where they were and confident in who they are.
Which led to her blissful current situation. Feeling like she's on cloud nine.
"I never want to move from this spot." Mai says happily. Shoving another spoonful of ice cream in her mouth.
Naru rubs his thumbs against the bottom of her foot in circular motions. Mai melts further into the couch cushions with a sigh.
"You are more than welcome to stay here while I go off on the case then." Naru teases. "But I wouldn't pay you."
"What if I request to use my vacation time?"
Naru chuckles under his breath. "Unfortunately for you, company policy requires a week's notice." A sly smile stretches across his face. "I'll have no choice but to deny it."
Humming, Mai takes in another spoonful of matcha ice cream. Wiggling her toes when Naru's hand slides down to her ankles and up to her calf. Kneading her skin. "I guess even if I did stay here it wouldn't be the same without you."
"Nothing is the same without me."
There's a ring of truth to that but she isn't going to let him know that. He has a big enough ego already. He doesn't need her inflating it. His head might actually explode.
Mai snickers at the thought.
"I need to ask you something. I think it's something you would appreciate—"
"I really don't feel up for it tonight. Sorry." Mai glances up at him through her eyelashes. Cheeks radiating heat. "I mean I'll do everything else. Ride on top or missionary but not that."
"Mai, that isn't—"
"I mean I like doing it. I love pleasuring you." Mai brings the spoon back to her mouth, licking the back for emphasis with a hammering heart. "But my heart won't be in it."
"If you could stop interrupting me." Naru gives her a light glare. Pinching her pinky toe with his forefinger and thumb.
"Sorry. Continue." Mai smiles sheepishly.
"I was going to suggest," Naru looks at her with a twinge of annoyance. "that we work you up to a true investigator and shadow Lin and I on this next case."
"Wait, really?" Mai sits up slightly. "I would love too! I've been waiting forever for this…Wait —" Mai frowns. "This isn't because we're sleeping together right? A weird form of nepotism?"
Naru brings his fist to his chin, the other tapping along her ankle. "Do you really think I would promote you just because our relationship has changed?"
Mai blinks.
That's exactly what she thought.
He gives her a flat stare.
"Mai." Naru sighs. Pinching the bridge of his nose. "I didn't think it needed to be said but your powers are growing, you're more level headed with age, and you've been with the company long enough that both Lin and I feel confident you're ready for this next step."
Oh.
"And it's not because I had a bad day today?"
Naru stares her down with a raised brow. "If that was the case then I wouldn't have bothered buying all of your favorite desserts at that run down shack you're so fond of."
Mai grins widely. Pointedly ignoring the slight jab.
"Then yes. Yes, absolutely!"
"Good."
Mai wiggles in place. Shoving another spoonful of ice cream in her mouth. Eyes moving from the man in front of her to the tv across from them. Huddled with blankets and various foods scattered on the coffee table.
A picture perfect frame of domestic bliss. Mai giggles to herself. If she didn't know better, she would have said this counted as a date.
Who knew an awful start could end so beautifully? A (maybe) date night and job promotion?
Mai's eyes shift down to the assortment of cookies and mini cakes, mostly eaten, plus the princess treatment to end the night?
Life couldn't be better. Mai smiles, taking the last bite of her dessert. She should really learn to count her blessings more often as John would say.
"Thank you, Naru." Mai breaks the silence softly. Dropping her spoon into her bowl.
"For?" He raises a single brow, lets go of her feet and reaches for the bowl resting in her lap.
"For being you."
For calming the tsunami of feelings she has with simple actions and comforting silences.
For being a sturdy rock while she's the roaring water.
For simply being him.
"I believe I should be the one thanking you then." Before she could question what he means, Naru is walking away from the couch and entering the kitchen.
Even after all this time, she can't get a perfect read on him. But maybe one day she will.
Mai huddles further into the couch. Knees to her chin while the faint clanging of dishes and rush of water can be heard.
She truly could stay here in the moment forever and be happy for the rest of her life.
"Come on." Naru stands before her. Placing a hand in front of her face palm out. "Let's get to bed."
"But it's only nine?" Mai stares at him, taken back. She's usually down, at the earliest, close to eleven at night.
It's her decompress time. Catch up on reading time and scroll through mind numbing social media to turn her brain off time.
"Yes, but," Naru tugs her forward. Bringing her nose to nose with him. "We will be getting up at five and I do not plan on being late despite your presence."
"I'm not always late."
Naru lands a soft peck on her lips. "That's okay that your late. You're on time when it counts."
"Doesn't mean I plan on ruining my timely streak for you though."
"Hey!"
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Using Naru's shoulder as a steady point, Mai jumps out of the van. Sneakered feet sliding across the white gravel.
"It feels good to be out!" Mai stretches above her arms above her head. A cracking sound soon followed.
"I don't want to hear that from you." Ayako grunts. Stepping out of the other car. "You didn't have to be squished in the back seat between a box of monitors and that lug over there." She jerks her thumb towards the blonde that's currently waist deep in the back of the van. Pulling out suitcase after suitcase.
Ayako is not one to pack light.
"I have to sit between Lin and Naru. It's not like I have room to stretch! The entire back seat is filled with equipment."
"Equipment that needs to be moved immediately." Naru steps around her, focusing his steely gaze on them one by one. "Hara-san, Matsuzaki, and Mai, go ahead and unpack your belongings. Lin has the keys. Takigawa and Father Brown will unpack the monitors."
"Don't need to be told twice! Come on, Mai! I think it's time we have some much needed girl time."
"W-wait!" Mai looks back at Naru desperately. "Are you sure you don't need help with the equipment?"
"I'll need you at your best to conduct the interviews." Naru turns her back to her, walking towards the others to give more detailed instructions.
She swore she saw a hint of a smirk appear on that smug face of his.
That jerk!
Ayako drags her by the hood of her jacket. Her other hand pushing Mai's and her luggage on a trolly that appeared seemingly from nowhere. Grinning all the way past the crowded lobby.
"The more you fight it the longer this will last." She sings. Yanking the hood harder.
Mai makes a choked noise. Kicking her feet out as they rush down the halls. "You don't have to kill me! I'll tell you whatever you want, just let go!"
"Okay!" Ayako chirps. Dropping her hold and swiping a key card. "In you go."
Stumbling into the room, Mai placed a hand on her chest to catch her breath. "You know you could just ask like a normal person."
"Where's the fun in that?"
Mai sits back on the edge of her bed. Taking in a room while Ayako snaps open Mai's suitcase above the dresser.
Decent sized room. Two queen sized beds with way too many pillows and not enough blankets. Why do hotels never have enough blankets?
A small living room area complete with a loveseat and table in front of a mountain view from the patio and large tv's and a bathroom bigger than her own bedroom back home.
Giving out a low whistle of appreciation, Mai smooths her hand over the bedding. This is hands down the nicest place they have ever had a case.
"First things first. Could you really not have picked up your shirt after getting busy in the office? I mean really Mai, that's asking to get caught." Ayako drops a folded shirt from Mai's luggage in the top dresser.
"How did you know the shirt was mine?" Mai immediately shoots back.
Ayako rolls her eyes. "Let's not play this game. Of course I recognized the blouse. I was the one that bought it for you."
"I — I guess that makes sense." Mai flops herself backwards into her bed. Arms spread wide.
"How about next time you decide to have your hot office sex with your boyfriend be more discreet about it, hmm? And not peek around the legs of the desk you're hiding under." She flaps out a shirt between her hands.
"He's not my boyfriend."
"Really? You're still going to lie to me after I caught you mid act?"
"I'm not lying." Mai blows out a puff of hair. Making her bangs fly. "We weren't dating. It's purely sex."
"Oh, yeah? And how did that conversation even start?"
"Well," Mai takes a deep breath. "He invited me over to his apartment—"
"And you just stripped naked and decided that was the new norm? Because I can't imagine him willingly having a conversation about sex."
"No! Give me more credit than that! I wouldn't just drop my panties at the door!"
Ayako shrugs. "Yet to be seen. Now continue."
Sighing, Mai gives her a weak glare. "I went to his apartment to work on my meditating and go over my dream journal."
"Why his apartment? I thought you were doing that with Lin?"
"Do you want to hear the story or not?" Mai snaps.
Ayako gestures out a hand in a sweeping motion with a grin.
"Anyway," Mai glares at the red head. "I was. Lin lives in the same apartment as Naru just one floor up but he wasn't home so I went downstairs to see Naru and well, one thing led to another and afterwards…" Mai trails off with a frown.
The aftermath is what she hates remembering. A very persistent memory that floats to the forefront when she's ready to go to sleep or pops up to knock her down when she's having a good day. Taunting her to not forget and to mind her place.
Roaming hands and fleeting kisses. Soaring on the aftermath of an orgasmic high and their skin glowing with the light sheen of sweat coating their body. Simply enjoying their presence together side by side under his thin sheets.
She was happy. Ecstatic. Felt like she was walking on air.
"We need to keep this private, Mai. I want to continue this but we must keep this between us." He whispers. Giving the back of her hand a kiss while she laid there in silence. She swore she heard her heart shatter. "Being your superior, the company and the office would suffer if word got out I'm sleeping with my assistant."
Mai carefully swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. Worried her voice would crack.
Assistant. Not newly obtained girlfriend. Not even friend. Assistant and sex.
"Afterwards?" Ayako questions. Startling Mai back to the present.
Mai shakes off the pain of the memory. "Afterwards," she says slowly. "He made it clear we need to keep it tightlipped and not tell anyone. It had to stay between us."
Ayako hums with pursed lips and a hand under her chin. "It could go two ways. It could just be sex but considering the special treatment you receive and how socially stunted he is, even before all this, I think it's safe to say he just wants to keep the relationship private. For now."
"He called me his assistant afterwards! You don't label someone as an assistant after sex if it's something serious."
Rolling her eyes with a scoff, Ayako turns back to the luggage. "If you want to stay delusional just say that. When Monk finally made a move he still went straight back to calling me an 'Old Hag' without hesitation. Reminding you that you are his assistant as a reason to keep a relationship quiet is nothing."
"Did you tell Monk?" Mai asks quietly.
"Are you kidding?" Ayako barks out a laugh. "He would have come into the office ready to attack the both of you if I did!"
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. The only people who know are me, you, and that stud of a boss of ours that you're sleeping with." Ayako continues. Unpacking Mai's bags at a leisurely pace.
Mai cringes and brings her hand to her face. Hiding behind her fingers. "Actually…"
"Actually what?"
"John may or may not have witnessed a, uh, sort of unprofessional type of meeting happening at my desk between Naru and I." Mai could feel her face burn from the tip of her nose, fanning across her cheeks and spreading to the tip of her ears.
"Mai!" Ayako gasps. Throwing down the skirt in her hands to place her fists on her hips. "You two really couldn't have at least done it behind a closed door?"
"I know, I know!" Mai cries into her hands. "But everyone was gone for the day! I didn't think John would come back for his Bible hours after he left!"
"I know office sex is great and all but after getting caught the first time you would think that between the two of you that there would be enough brain cells to realize you probably shouldn't be going at it like rabbits at work." Ayako says dryly. "Besides, you have your own apartment!"
"We do go to his apartment occasionally! It's not like we only have sex at the office. And we did go back to his apartment after John walked in." Mai protests. Sitting up with hands in her lap. "Like I said I just didn't think John would come back."
"Oh?" Ayako pauses in her movements, a t-shirt dangling in her grip. Swiveling her head to look over her shoulders with a glint in her eyes. "His apartment? Not yours?"
"Uh, yes?" Mai squeaks. Cheeks flushing.
"So, do you strictly hook up in his apartment frequently?" Ayako takes a step forward. Hand at her chin. "Or do you guys find other things to occupy time?"
Rubbing the back of her head, Mai tries to recall every instance she's been inside his spacious two bedroom apartment. "Sometimes we hang out before the sex. Like the other day he made me lunch and sometimes we analyze ghost movies together…Just last night we had dinner and watched tv. Nothing too exciting."
"Well, I hate to break it to you but it sounds like you're dating." Ayako mocking whispers.
"No." Mai shakes her head. Pausing. "Yeah, no. No! I would know if we were dating! He hasn't even said anything that would make me even think we're dating."
"It's Naru. Do you really expect him to give verbal confirmation of any kind? He expects you to know you're dating. He isn't the type of guy that will declare his everlasting love."
"I know, but, uh…" Mai trails off. Sitting up to face Ayako's unimpressed look, she tilts her head. "But do you really think this is dating? Any time we get together it's sex. He hasn't even asked me out on a date!"
"Are you sure? Because just a moment ago you said he made you dinner. Twice. And asked you to spend the night with him. Those sound like dates and that adds up to a serious relationship if you ask me."
"Well, technically it was a lunch he made and take-out for dinner the other time."
"Mai."
Rolling her eyes, Mai clutched a pillow to her chest. "I'm just clarifying." She mumbles.
"What are you so afraid of?" Another folded piece of clothing enters the dresser. "He's clearly into you. When it comes to him, his actions are what you need to read — not his lips."
Ayako throws her a look over her shoulder. "Just talk to him. Trust me, everything falls into place when you finally take that step and talk to him."
"Is that how you and Monk started dating?" Mai teases.
"We're not here to talk about me, we're here to talk about you. But yes, if you must know." Ayako sniffs at the air. "Once I finally got over myself and insecurities and talked to him — the rest of my life fell perfectly into place as cheesy as it sounds."
"Weird. I thought we were here for a case."
"Cut the sass, kid. It's not as cute now that you're twenty." Ayako turns back to the half empty suitcase and goes back to folding the skirt she previously dropped. "Now, out with it. Let's talk this through. You tell Naru how you feel, that you want a label, what's the worst that can happen? You two happily get married and live a long life together?"
"Or the more realistic version," Mai grumbles. "He turns me down. Again. And my job security, friends, and family all fall wayward because I couldn't keep my hands to myself and I'm too ashamed to show my face ever again."
Ayako sighs. "You can't tell me there isn't one moment, just one, in all the time you two spent together that you can't see he loves you back?"
Mai hesitates. Scared to vocalize the moment in fear her friend thinks she's crazy and confirms it's all in her head.
"Well?"
Mai sighs and begins playing with the corner of the pillow. Twirling the corners with her fingers. "He cleaned my dress."
"Your dress?" Ayako repeats slowly. Eyebrows pinched together in confusion. "The one from yesterday with the tea stain?"
Mai bobs her head. "Yeah, I came out from his bedroom and saw him scrubbing my dress and Naru didn't stop until he got it out."
Ayako cocks a hip out, one hand resting on the dresser and the other on her side. "And him doing laundry is the moment for you? What were you doing in his room without him, anyway?"
"Yeah, it was." Mai smiles to herself. Fingers still twirling the edge of the large pillow in her lap. "We hadn't unpacked my clothes yet so I was changing into some of his spare clothes and I came out and he was cleaning my dress. Naru. The narcissist jerk of a boss went out of his way to make sure a stain on my dress got out. It was so unlike him. I didn't even ask him to do it, he just did."
Mai brings her eyes to meet Ayako's with a halfhearted shrug. "That was the moment I realized maybe he could love me back too."
"Honey," Ayako chuckled, "he's moving you into his apartment. There's no 'maybe' about it so just talk to him. There's nothing to be scared of. It's an open and shut case."
"Nothing to fear?" Mai barks out a laugh. "I fear everything and overthink everything and I try so hard to hold onto everyone with everything I have because I'm scared of being lost again."
"I don't want to risk losing Naru by asking him to label us as something more. What if he's not ready?" Mai continues somemly.
She's fine with overthinking and over analyzing. She's fine with what she has now. She doesn't want to be greedy or overly selfish.
She just wants things to stay the way they are out of fear of the unknown. Yesterday was perfect. Why sour the lingering feeling with hard hitting questions she may not like the answers to?
"He's more than ready." Ayako rolls her eyes with a scoff. "Trust me. No man would do even a quarter of what he does for someone they're just sleeping with. He loves you."
"He loves me, sure. But does he love love me? The in love and want to be married and have kids love? Or love me for a good time and friendship love?"
"I can't believe you're even asking this!" Ayako tosses a sock in her direction with an amused look. "You've pinned after him for years and he very clearly returns the feelings and you're questioning it? What's wrong with that head of yours?"
"I meant it when I said I'm scared, Ayako. I don't think I can survive losing my family again."
"Oh, Mai." Ayako crosses the room in hurried steps. Hands reaching towards her.
Mai can't stand the look on her face. The pity. So she hides her face in the pillow.
"Hey, listen to me." Gentle hands shake her shoulders. "No one is going anywhere. Sure, we had a little bump in the road when Lin and the boss jetted off to England for those two years but know that it wasn't intentional. We love you Mai."
Sniffling, Mai removes her head from the pillow with a heavy heart. Icy fear in her veins. "But what if that bump comes back and becomes permanent? What if I cause him to leave?"
"Mai, honey, have you ever considered therapy?" Ayako takes a seat next to her. The bed shifts under the added weight.
Mai silently digs her face deeper into her pillow.
"I'm serious." Mai feels a pinch in her side. "This isn't healthy. I understand why you're feeling this way but I don't want you to continue to feel this way because we don't plan on abandoning you ever." Ayako says fiercely. "Not us and definitely not Naru. I know you can't see it but I promise you that man loves you as much as you love him. No change in relationships or labels will ever change that."
Bringing her face from the pillow, Mai tries to give her a convincing smile. "I'll look into therapy." Agreeing just to move on from the uncomfortable topic that's slowly starting to create a cramp in her stomach and a lump in her throat.
"Do you really think I'm going to buy that?" The red head looks at her flatly. " I will be getting in touch with the hospital and arrange the appointment myself, picking you up myself, and locking you into a room with their therapist myself."
"Now!" Ayako slaps a hand against her back. "Let's get back to base before they send in an army. They probably assumed you already got into some type of trouble by now."
"Hey, I resent that!" Frowning, Mai lightly tosses her pillow towards the woman.
In her opinion, it's not being a trouble magnet; it's simply just doin the job.
"Don't be because it's the truth."
Grumbling under her breath, Mai slides off the end. Hands dusting off imaginary dirt from her leggings. Following the fiery red head to the hotel room door, Mai picks up the stack of notebooks and pens on the dresser on their way out.
"So, how is the sex?" Ayako shuts the door behind them. "I'm assuming hot since you can't keep to yourselves even at work but how is he specifically? Big, small? Knows what he's doing?"
"Ayako." Mai sighs. Hands scrubbing at her face.
"What? I can't be curious?"
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"I trust that you remembered your notebook and pens?" Naru questions from his seat at the couch towards the front of the room. Lin at his side with his laptop open and ready.
Mai shakes the listed items in her hand with a smug grin. "Sure did."
Naru looks over her with a gleam of approval before swinging his gaze to the women behind her. "Ayako, if you will, please help your husband take temperatures."
"Yeah, I figured. Just thought I would drop off your trouble magnet." Ayako smiles slyly at the scowl Mai shots her way.
"As for me? Let me guess. Tea?" Mai grumbles. Still eyeing Ayako from the corner of her eye while moving to unpack the delicate cups and kettle.
Naru has become such a snob with his tea he now requires a specific set the tea be made from. It was bad enough that she was strictly on tea duty no matter what was going on or how far she's progressed, now she has to haul a full set tucked safely inside premium luggage around!
"Just behave yourself." Ayako whispers in her ear as she turns back around to face the door the two just walked in from. "Wouldn't want to come back to something… unprofessional."
With a wave and a wink, Ayako was strutting off.
Huffing, Mai shares a look with her stoic boss. "I don't know what I'm going to do with her."
"I assume it went well then?"
"Yeah, yeah it did." Mai throws a fist against her hip. Scowling. "I don't appreciate you throwing me to the wolves though! You didn't even tell me you were going to leave me at her mercy!"
"Was it really that bad?" Naru tugs her closer by the elbow. Taking the tea tray out of her hands and onto the coffee table.
"No, I guess not." Mai whispers back. Making herself comfortable on his lap. "It went as good as it could have actually. Maybe better."
If all else fails, at least Mai knows she has someone to bounce theories and opinions off of when she needs help deciphering the complex riddle that is Oliver Davis.
"Then you're in perfect condition to go make tea before we conduct interviews." He smiles teasingly. Eyes roaming her face in a way that makes her stomach flip.
"Are you sure the only thing you want is tea?" Mai asks. Looking up towards him through thick eyelashes. One hand feeling his chest and the other resting over his shoulder.
"As tempting as that is, we are here on business." Naru cards his hands through her hair briefly before resting them at her hips. Grazing his lips against hers. "And we must be progressional."
"I don't think this is very professional of us." She teases. Unable to keep the small grin off her face.
She's discovering she loves to have the power when it comes to play time.
"The others think we're brewing tea. We can use the opportunity to brew something else between us." Mai shifts on his lap to have one leg on either side. Darting her tongue out to sweep against his bottom lip.
Rotating her hips, she hears him hiss under his breath at the friction between them. "We can definitely get us and the tea done before anyone else comes back."
Naru pulls away with a tut and clenches his eyes shut. Fingers gripping her hips tightly. "I'm going to need actual tea around the clock during this case. Otherwise I won't be able to control myself."
"Is that a threat or a promise?" Mai takes the warning seriously. Moving off his lap to stand before him. Clasping her hands behind her back with a sultry grin.
Knowing when not to push her luck and also fully aware she wasn't actually sure if they could finish before the others finished their tasks. Specifically Lin.
Although the slightly wrinkled shirt, shallow breathing, and growing tent in his pants has her reconsidering everything. Wondering if she could actually pull off a quick rendezvous in the kitchen without getting completely lost on each other for once.
She knew they shouldn't. She knew it was unprofessional and wrong and could cause a catastrophe of events to unfold afterwards…
…But the idea was just too enticing to ignore.
"Both." Naru's eyes open into slits. Blearily looking down at her with darkened eyes. "Now go make the tea before I do something I'll regret."
"If that's what you want." Mai practically sings. Taking a heavy step back.
"But you know where to find me if you change your mind." Mai picks up the tea tray with both hands. Straightening up and taking several steps back.
"I won't." Naru leans heavily against the back of the couch, legs crossed over each other.
Mai felt electricity run through her veins. Excitement of getting caught, the desire of being together when they shouldn't..,made her want to curl her toes and squeal in delight.
"I bet I can get you to cave before the case is over." Mai smirks.
"I have more self control than you think." He says tiredly. Eyes directed at the ceiling.
"We'll see." Throwing him an overly confident wink, Mai turns her back and saunters out of the room they call base.
Let the games begin.
When it comes to touch in any form between the two, Naru is always the first to come to her. To seek her out and initiate their tender moments and intense ones.
She'll have him on his knees before her in no time.
"Excuse me, you're with the research company right? SBR right?"
Stopping, Mai jumps around. Tea cups clinking together and almost toppling over the tray. Freezing in place, Mai holds her breath.
The tea cups stay. The kettle and Mai's job are safely intact.
Straightening, Mai turns her face towards a petite woman wearing the resort's maid uniform.
Tan slacks and a white collared polo with a teal logo on the breast pocket.
"Yes, yes I am. Hi, I'm Mai. I'm on my way to make tea right now but when I come back we will be starting interviews."
"Are you here to help them?" The woman tilts her head, eyes wide and pin straight hair curtaining her face. "Will you be able to save the others? They're hurting."
"W-what?" Mai takes a step forward, hard thumping in her chest. "Do you know what happened to them?" Mai looks around the hall before staring right back at the short woman.
She's so small. Smaller than herself, Mai notes.
"Give me a minute and I can take some notes—"
"Mai?" Ayako's voice rings out. "Who are you talking to?"
AN: No sex this time but I promise it will be back soon! I was really excited for you guys to read this chapter! As I said, lots of confrontations and high feelings and emotional breakthroughs! We are just getting started and soon everything will be made official
Is it just me or are these chapters getting too long? I couldn't seem to stop and it was actually supposed to be longer but cut it short.
REVIEWS
Qin Zhe: Your review came at the perfect time! I had tea planned out for a while and mostly written as the big emotional break through and confrontations and it was originally going to be chapter three but I switched it because it didn't make sense to be that way
But when it comes to Mai & Naru I wanted their relationship to be a bit more realistic and at an low point. Realistically dating someone with Naru who isn't a words of affirmation but instead an acts of service type who is also very blunt and also secretive and likes riling Mai up for no reason other than to see her face — that would be hard for a person like Mai who is a words of affirmation type. Thus the insecurities.
Until they talk things out which will happen very soon trust me! This was just a small taste!
I tried to include subtle acts of service throughout like him taking her home, making her dinner, interrupting Masako & Ayako to show he cares in his own way but they may have been too subtle lol so I'll happily take the constructive criticism and and amp it up a bit
Bewitchedquill: Sorry about the typos! I don't have a laptop so I write everything in the app and it's harder to catch the mistakes no matter how many times I reread it. My brain just glosses over them I think since I know what should be there plus I was in a rush to get the chapter out because I was so excited to get this one out! Lol
More flashbacks to come! Very soon :) This is only the start of confrontations
Thank you for reading as well. I appreciate you very much and I'm so happy you love the story. Hope you don't mind the missing smut for this one. I just wanted a little more Mai and Naru outside of it to truly see how they are and that they can be together without it