It was so quiet in the house that Mai was finding it impossible to sleep. She had to have been laying in the bed for at least three hours when she finally decided to get up to get herself a glass of water. The dark haired girl slipped out from under the comforters on her bed and walked through the cool house, it was chilly without the heat on but she was used to it. She usually had to turn it off before she went to bed some nights anyway so it wouldn't run up her bill. With a yawn she noticed that two candles on the table in front of the couch were lit where Naru was. Mai rubbed her eyes as she forgot about the glass of water and made her way into the living room quietly. What she saw was a scene she'd seen before, however Naru was in his pajamas now and not in his usual suit. The book that he'd been reading rested in his lap as his head was facing the back of the couch, laid on the pillow behind him.
Mai's doe like eyes softened at the sight as she inched closer as quietly as she could to gently take the book from his hands. Once the book was out of his lap and on the table she paused to admire the boy's features. Her lips pursed as she wished she knew what he was dreaming about right now with such a soft expression. Or if he was even dreaming at all. Often she wished she knew what was going on in his mind, what he thought about, who he thought about. There were so many secrets she had yet to know about him, so many things she had yet to discover that he would not openly speak of unless she asked. And there was no way she was going to pester him.
In reality even though she'd been with Naru for such a long time now, she really knew nothing compared to what she would know of her other friends had she known them for over a year. Sure she knew what buttons to push to get him to react in certain ways, how he liked things done and when he liked them done, but as far as little details like who his favorite author was, what kind of music he liked, she knew nothing. Nothing at all. She sighed as she found herself reaching down to move his skewed hair to the side of his face where it wouldn't be in the way. If only she could have a peak into his mind for one day. She caressed his cheek gently as she stared down at him in wonder before blushing.
What was she doing?! She pulled away before he could wake up and blew the candles out leaving the room dark. She definitely needed to go back to sleep. Her charm bracelet jingled once as she left Naru's side and retreated back to her room where she didn't wake until late morning.
There was a soft knocking sound before the call of her name that had woke her from her sleep, "Mai."
The voice sounded like Gene's but when she didn't see him in her dream she frowned slightly and then the voice called again, except in a much harsher tone this time.
"Mai, get up or you'll get bed sores."
"What?" Mai groaned as she sat up and rubbed her eyes to see the dark haired narcissist at her door staring blankly at her.
"I want some tea," He started "And it's almost noon."
Even in her own house he was the boss. She glared at him then got out of bed slowly and stretched, "Alright give me a minute." She said as she ushered him out of her doorway so she could get to the bathroom where she took her time making herself presentable.
By the time she stepped out with her face washed, hair and teeth brushed, and feeling refreshed she noticed Naru reading at the dining room table waiting for her. She knew he was irritated by the scowl on his face. She guessed she should make breakfast as well.
Tea was the first thing she served him, and the second was breakfast, sunny side up eggs over rice, with fish. Something simple and quick to make of course. "Say Naru, what do you eat for breakfast in England?" She asked curiously, their cultures were totally different so she wondered how different their breakfasts were as well.
Mai looked down at Naru as she handed him his plate and utensils before making a plate for herself. "I usually eat toast with tea, however mother and father eat eggs, toast, sausage, and grits." He paused for a moment as she came to sit down with him.
"…I would always end up eating Gene's grits because of his dislike of them and mother would often fuss if I didn't eat anything other than toast." He ended it with that and looked as if he didn't want to continue with the conversation.
Mai was shocked, one Naru had not only answered her question but he had also said something about Gene. Rarely would he speak of his older twin brother but when he did it wasn't any kind of personal information like he'd just given her. Maybe he found it easy to speak about Gene with her since she too had a personal relationship with the deceased teen. A smile graced Mai's lips as she began to eat as well.
"I can understand why she would, it's important to have a good breakfast to start your day after all." Mai replied back before watching him eat slowly, and when silence fell between the two she took a sip of her tea.
"Can you tell me what your mother is like?" Mai was curious now, the woman who she'd only seen once when they had recovered Gene's body. The woman she'd met in such horrible circumstances that had suggested Naru buy her the bracelet on her wrist, was all but a mystery to her just like her son was.
Naru paused in eating then put his chop sticks down before going for his tea. He propped his chin in the palm of his hand as if he were in thought. He didn't look at Mai but instead he stared into the cup of tea "She is a woman with a tender heart. How she took in two children that were nothing but labeled as freaks or insane, and treated them as if they were perfectly normal…but most importantly like they were her own children from the day they were born is beyond my comprehension."
The boy's expression seemed to soften, "Luella is assertive but never brash, and she always speaks nothing but kindness towards others. Even those who have done her wrong. Sometimes she worries more than necessary but it is always out of love." He trailed off then continued as he looked up at Mai, "She's also like you and Gene. Always very ecstatic over the smallest, insignificant things that are a waste of time."
As if out of habit Mai blushed as she took in a mouth full of food before putting her napkin over her lips. She shot him a glare and when her mouth was free she spoke. "As if, you're just an un-excitable person and unexcitable people are boring." She stuck her tongue out at him before taking a drink of her own tea.
"Stating opinions as facts shows your lack of intelligence Mai." Naru shot back as he looked at her over his tea cup as he took a drink.
"Excuse me?" Mai huffed, "I have made high marks all year; I would say I'm fairly intelligent."
Naru sat down his tea cup then relaxed in his chair as he stared Mai down with calculating eyes. "Oh? Then if you are as intelligent as you claim, where is the evidence to prove your statement? So far all I've seen is lack of intellect, seeing as you're not as fluent in English as you should be –"
"That's because you talk too fast!" Mai interjected hotly but Naru continued.
"And, you state your opinions as facts, which, mind you, have no scientific evidence or studies to back your claims. So tell me; where is your show of intelligence?"
As usual Mai had nothing to say to his statements as her cheeks burned red hot. She was so used to his teasing now that it didn't hurt her as much but yet it still bothered her that he could always one up her. "You …you boring narcissistic jerk!" Mai huffed at him before standing from her seat. "Why are you always teasing me like that?!"
She ranted, "Always insulting me just for the fun of it. If I didn't know any better I would think that you enjoyed putting me down for your own pleasure!" She spit out as she took up her empty plates before going back to get his, out of habit.
"You know what, maybe I should call you the sadistic narcissist! Since apparently you take pleasure out of insulting me in such ways!" As she went to take his dishes he took her hand instead and pulled it to him.
Mai's speech was cut off and she gaped at him as he inspected the piece of jewelry on her wrist that he'd gotten her. His touch was gentle and by no means forceful. In fact his touch was so faint that it was sending chills up her spine. "W-what are you doing?" Mai asked as her cheeks burned red hot, making even her ears turn red.
"It looks good on you." Naru said with-out looking at her, he let go of her hand quickly as he had taken it.
"Ah…yeah I really like it." Mai said as she fingered the bracelet on her wrist before smiling.
"Good." Naru said softly as he stood from his seat and made his way into the living room, "Thank you for breakfast, and dinner last night." He called as he sat down on the couch where he picked up his book off of the table.
Mai looked after him in a confused daze as she held her tingling hand to her chest. She could still feel his warm feather light touch on her skin. She hated how he had such an effect on her. "Ah, you're welcome." Her voice spoke her confusion as she cleaned up their dishes and then she'd realized what he had done. He had totally just switched the topic so he wouldn't have to hear her rant!
That sneaky weasel. She glared at him as he read his book on her couch, not noticing the stares she gave him as she washed their dishes. As she was doing so she had not realized she'd slid the blade of the knife she was washing across her finger until she felt the after sting. "Ouch!" Mai hissed as she dropped the knife. "Ah...dammit." She cursed under her breath as she reached for a nearby towel.
"Are you alright?" Naru asked, he was making his way over to the kitchen now. It was kind of funny, they were off the clock and yet when she got hurt he still came to her rescue. The thought made her blush slightly as she put pressure on her finger.
"Yeah, I just cut my finger on the knife." Mai said staring down at her finger disappointedly.
"You should be more careful, Mai. Where is your first aid kit?" Naru asked with a sigh.
"It's in the bathroom, top self in the cabinet next to the mirror." She replied as she went to sit down. Mai didn't think the cut was deep but she sure was bleeding a lot more than she'd expected to. When Naru came back he opened the first aid kit and took out some gauze which he used to pour alcohol on.
Without a word he placed the gauze over the cut to clean it and watched Mai squirm. "Naru that stings take it off!" She exclaimed but he held on to her with a firm grip so she wouldn't snatch her hand away from him.
"You don't want it to get infected do you?" Naru asked her with a flat tone before taking it off and pouring peroxide on the other side and placing it on the cut.
"Well…" She winced as the cool liquid came in contact with her cut. "No."
"Alright then stop complaining." He scolded with an amused stare as he now placed a large bandage over her cut finger.
Mai scowled at him as she stood from her spot in the chair. "You're-!" She stopped as her lips pursed into a hard line. Her brows furrowed together tightly as she glared at him with, what she hoped was, intensity as he stared down at her with mocking sapphire eyes.
"I'm what Mai?" His voice was low as their gazes locked. Mai was only a few inches away from him, if she stood on her tip toes her lips could reach his perfectly.
Her gaze slowly lost whatever intensity it had as she noticed that Naru seemed to be baiting her for something, no. It was more like he was waiting for something, something other than her reply. "Such a narcissistic jerk." She seethed before going to move away until she realized their hands were still intertwined.
Mai looked down then back up at Naru who was now bringing their entwined fingers up towards his lips. He sighed as he let his lips brush against her injured finger that was covered with the bandage. "I know."
The girl turned blood red and gaped at the boy in front of her. Was this really her boss? Her egotistical, rude, narcissistic boss? No this can't be him. Snapping out of her thoughts she became worried something was wrong with him. Mai immediately ushered back to his side, much to Naru's surprise, and put her free hand on his forehead. "Are you sick? Running a fever maybe?" The girl asked worriedly as she found her injured hand freed to place on her own forehead.
Naru frowned in frustration then moved away from her touch. "I'm fine." Suddenly, Mai noticed he was frustrated. He had this odd scowl on his face as he packed away the first aid kit.
"Then why-" Mai began but was easily cut off.
"It was nothing, I was just making sure you weren't bleeding anymore." He said before carrying the first aid kit back into the bathroom.
When Naru came back out he didn't say a word to Mai but simply walked past her, just as if nothing had happened. But she only stared at him in confusion and awe. Had he just kissed her? She did feel his lips brush across her fingertips. There was no way he had been checking to see if she had been still bleeding. What had gotten into Naru anyway? First he buys her the silver bracelet that was on her wrist and now he was kissing her injuries? Mai stared hard at him as she watched the dark haired teen pick up his book once more to pick up where he'd left off. She watched him like that for at least five minutes until she broke her gaze from him. Could it be that Naru liked her? Maybe…just a little bit and he didn't know how to express…that's impossible. In her mind she would imagine that the always straight forward boy would just tell her he liked her with a straight face and declare they were dating. He was a bit egotistical after all and seemed like something he'd do. "Yeah right." She mumbled as she made herself tea, and Naru some as well, to calm herself.
Besides, he'd basically shot her down when she confessed to him. Then again he'd been wrong and she'd never once gotten the chance to tell him that. So maybe it was time? Maybe it was time to ask him about these questions that now fogged her mind, and that had lingered in the back of her mind for the past year.
When the kettle went off she poured herself and Naru a cup of tea. She then went into the living room and found Naru intensely focused on the book he had his nose in. She sat the cup of tea down on the table next to him then curled up on the other end of the couch as she took a sip of her tea.
The girl was silent for a long while before she put her tea cup down on the table. Her heart was racing so fast that she could hear the blood rushing through her body. She had to ask what this was all about. She had to know. She bit her lip and right before she spoke Naru let out a sigh then snapped his book shut.
"What is it, Mai?"
The sound of her name nearly made her jump and she could feel her cheeks grow hot. She almost got up and ran but her stubbornness didn't allow her to do so. She pursed her lips then turned to her dark haired boss to meet two sapphire eyes staring into hers and suddenly she felt vulnerable. So very vulnerable. As if he could see every part of her, like he knew every corner of her mind. It was frightening.
"I…" She paused and looked at him with intense eyes that showed she was by no means playing, "I want to know why you got this bracelet for me…and why did you come over the other day too? Also in the kitchen why did you…"
"Why did I what?"
"Why did you kiss my fingers?" She stated pointedly "You've never done those things before so why now?"
Naru slipped on his poker face and Mai knew she was going to have to pry it out of him. Why was he so adamant in hiding things from her? It was pointless in hiding things when he was being so obvious about it.
"I told you, my mother suggested I buy it for you and I thought I would stop by to give it to you before I forgot to do so when everyone was back at the office." Naru answered simply, not caring to answer her last question.
She immediately picked up on this and glared. "You and I both know that's not the real reason. Also you didn't answer my last question. Why are you so insistent in avoiding my questions? You've been so…different…and you didn't seem to try to hide it too hard. Now answer me."
Mai didn't like to play Naru's word games where he would bend and use his words to slyly hide his intentions. She knew him all too well when it came to that and she wasn't going to let him pull one over on her. Apparently he could see this in her eyes because his own eyes moved away from hers and down to the book in his lap. He was silent for a moment before he turned to look at her with an odd expression that was rare for one to see gracing his features. It almost looked pained in a way as well and conflicted yet…there was something else there that she couldn't identify.
"You know I've been asking myself the same questions ever since I came back to Japan." Naru told her truthfully before continuing. "For months now I've been mulling over the same sort of questions, and yet I cannot seem to find a rational answer that will quell my mind. However there is one answer that has made itself known that is rejected in my rational mind but it seems to be the only answer that my being will accept as the answer to those questions."
Mai held her breath as he spoke. What was he getting at?
"But since I know how you feel about Gene, I have tried to take that answer as invalid and more importantly futile. But for some odd reason I can't seem to quite disregard the solution as I seek to do so-"
How she felt about Gene? What? Mai frowned as a tight knot formed in her stomach as a sharp pain echoed in her chest. What is he getting at? Could it be he was…
"It's so utterly obnoxious, and if I could I would rid myself of it. Sadly I cannot because the answer is I can't prevent myself from doing all of these things because I love you, Mai."
…confessing to her. The pain she had felt instantly went away as the three words she'd never thought she would ever hear from Naru filled her ears. "What?" She said breathlessly and Naru seemed to want to lock himself up again in his mind that was guarded heavily by thick steel walls.
"Surely you heard me, unless you have somehow suddenly hard of hearing."
His retort brought back some of her sanity and reality as she realized Naru had just told her he loved her. How he had struggled with this emotion for months and now she could see how hard it was for him to confess something that in his mind was irrational. Mai blushed and looked down at her cup of tea before looking back up at him to see him staring at her, she knew he was trying to read her. Surely he could tell that her mind was still trying to wrap itself around the whole situation. The girl sat her tea on the coffee table then turned her full attention to him. But as her mind began to fully understand what was going on her emotions understood the concept, and were fully resolute.
"I love you too, Naru." Was her answer as she tucked a piece of stray hair behind her ear but his response only brought them back to the main problem that had prevented him from confessing to her.
"No, you love Gene. That day when you told me how you thought I was him, you actually –"
"I actually was heartbroken. I was heartbroken that the boy in my dreams was not you but someone else. I wanted so badly for Gene to be you that I almost wasn't willing to accept the fact that the person he was would never be the person you are."
"But the more I have gotten to know you I've found that even though you will not give me those kind gestures as Gene did, and that you would never be like Gene as I person, I came to realize you do have you own way of showing your true heart which seemed to have drawn me more towards you. It's true that I would choose the good twin, as you put it, in a rational situation but love is not rational. Therefore I have not chosen the good twin but the bad tempered twin with a heart of gold that is only shown to those he can trust."
"So do not suddenly decide my feelings when back then I was so confused. " She paused, "And now I am not confused, but certain with who I love and that person is you, Naru. It will always be you. I've always wanted to love you and I am going to love you." That was her answer before she found herself pressing her lips to his. Apparently as she had spoken she'd moved closer to him and now she was practically in his lap giving her first love the kiss she'd so long desired to give him.
The gulf that had separated the two of them now had a bridge between it that connected them. It was a narrow bridge but she knew it would grow over time. When she pulled away she looked into sapphire eyes that were slowly opening only to give her a soft stare. After a moment Naru reconnected their lips in an inexperienced yet passionate kiss as Naru wrapped Mai in his arms.
His book had fallen in the floor and Mai had took its place in Naru's lap as the two's lips synced with each other's perfectly. Mai had her arms firmly wrapped around Naru's neck and his on her upper and middle back as he gripped her shirt. The two slowly pulled out of the kiss only to look at each other. Mai smiled at Naru with a bright smile and caressed his cheek then went wide eyed as Naru gave her a faint smile.
The smile was not one Gene would give her, the smile she'd wished Naru would give her, no this was the real Naru's smile. The smile he'd given her when he'd apologized to her when they were on the case at Yasuhara's school, the gentile, yet melancholy smile that belonged to only Naru. This sincere smile that only belonged to Oliver Davis was now directed towards her once more causing her heart to pound out of her chest. Yes, this was the man she loved for who he truly was. Narcissistic, ill tempered, sharp tongued, condescending but yet the boy who had a heart that cared deeply, more deeply than most, for those who were close to him. The man that had a kind nature inside of him that was hidden so deeply within him, this was the man she loved with every fiber of her being.
She was so perfectly happy that she could cry and as she felt the moisture swell in her eyes she pressed her lips back against Naru's once more. This earned a dumbfounded grunt from the teen before he found himself kissing her back.
Mai noticed how stiff Naru was and pulled away gently, she supposed he wasn't used to such expression of affections. "I'm sorry was that too much?" She asked.
Naru stared at her, "No it was just unexpected." He answered flatly before letting his arms loosely wrap around her waist.
It was apparent to Mai this was rather hard for him considering he wasn't in favor of physical contact but the fact that he was still holding her there, although awkwardly, she felt that he was making efforts of physical contact. "Sorry, I was just…happy." A smile sheepish grin appeared on her lips.
"I know." Naru's trade mark smirk appeared on his lips as he stared into the chocolate eyes of his assistant. It was apparent that the vulnerable side of Naru's feelings were locked up again, but perhaps not as tight now.
Mai huffed at his change in attitude then pouted as she let her hand fall from his cheek and rest on his shoulder. "Of course." She said before blushing. Since he had confessed to her then would this mean they were dating now? She hoped so, because she knew Naru didn't take these things lightly and if it was something serious then… Well it would be the best thing that had ever happened to her.
"Uhm Naru?" She asked shyly as she looked down at his chest.
"What is it Mai?"
"So…does this mean…that we're?" She didn't continue but instead left Naru to answer for her, it seemed that her lips couldn't form the words.
"A couple?" Naru said for her before continuing, "Yes."
His answer was so short it made Mai look up to see a frustrated look on his face. It seemed that since it was not in his nature to blush a frustrated expression would appear on his features instead.
Another smile bright as the sun itself appeared on the girl's face and for the third time that day Mai's lips met Naru's in a breath taking kiss. Except this time it lasted a whole lot longer than the others. Mai found her fingers entangled in Naru's midnight black hair as his fingers dug into the flesh of her back. His touch was so firm yet cautious. She, being more experienced, took control and let her tongue brush against Naru's tongue causing him to pull away.
Mai looked at him with glazed eyes before blushing. "I'm sorry, I'm getting carried away again."
At that time Naru's sapphire gaze locked with hers, "Don't be." He said, before placing a kiss on her forehead.
Mai blushed as he did so before nuzzling herself into his arms. When she did so she could feel Naru tense beneath her before relaxing. His arms wrapped themselves firmly around her and she could feel him rest his head against hers.
"I love you." Mai said against his skin causing him to shiver.
His arms seemed to tighten a bit before relaxing. "I love you too Mai."
The words were foreign coming from his mouth but they were music to Mai's ears. In all honestly she couldn't be happier.
The night and day after consisted of kisses, and bickering from the couple but when the day for New Year's party came there seemed to be a sort of nervous tension between the two. It worsened when the two arrived at the party together hand in hand. Eyes bulged out of heads but it didn't last for long because eyes were soon in their rightful place as Cheshire grins replaced a few of their co-workers expressions.
"Well, now look who came in hand in hand, perfect for being under the mistletoe!" Ayako exclaimed as Takigawa and Yashuhara stood beside her with wide devious grins to match the woman's.
In the mean while John was smiling innocently and Masako had a hurt, yet disgusted look on her face. She didn't even seem to want to glance at the couple. Lin on the other hand still had a shocked look on his face while Madoka was grinning triumphantly.
As soon as the word 'mistletoe' left Ayako's lips Mai perked up and noticed Naru giving Madoka a murderous glare that made her wonder how the woman wasn't falling over in fear. It was clear the tradition had been her idea after all. Instead she shot him a glare back with her grin still intact. "Oh Noll, don't be shy. It won't be your first kiss after all." She taunted.
His lips turned into a sneer, "You're lucky that there are witnesses in the room." He hissed and suddenly Mai was looking down. She knew Naru wasn't one for public display of affection, or one to even be put on the spot but she still wanted to try this new tradition.
The girl looked up, seeing the foreign plant that lovers, or even non lovers were supposed to kiss under. "Oh I'm sure you do, however you know you have to give Mai-chan a kiss before proceeding to do anything of the sort." Madoka shot back catching Mai's attention.
Her cheeks burned hot as the others began to chuckle. Naru's frown deepened before he shot one last glare at Madoka. "Such a ridiculous tradition. " Naru said before turning to look at Mai who was staring up at him with curious eyes that held a bit of hurt and interest in the participation of the tradition.
Such an odd mixture of emotions to have but that's how she felt. She silently wondered if he would actually kiss her in front of the others but when her hand was being pulled upward she knew he wouldn't. When his lips pressed against her fingers his eyes easily caught hers and the disappointment she felt disappeared as she was captured in his gaze. She knew it all too well now, the gaze that told her how much he truly cared for her and that was enough for her.
Suddenly he flipped her palm upward and kissed her wrist causing her blood to rush to her cheeks. The area was so sensitive and seemed utterly intimate.
Silence filled the room and Naru held her gaze for a bit longer before breaking it and looking towards the others. "That wasn't a kiss Noll!" Madoka exclaimed, clearly disappointed.
"Yes it was." Naru said as he escorted Mai inside before letting her go so she could mingle among their friends.
"No it wasn't! A mistletoe kiss is clearly reserved for on the lips." Madoka pressed, clearly very upset.
"Not necessarily. If you were requesting a kiss upon the lips you should've specified, however I would not have obliged considering the tradition of the mistletoe does not require a specific kiss." Naru said as he removed his jacket.
The woman huffed then crossed her arms, "Well aren't you going to at least tell us how you two came to be?"
"No." Naru said as his eyes met Mai's.
Mai stood next to Takigawa who was lecturing her about love, and how if Naru gave her any trouble to come to him. Although Mai was listening she let her eyes lock with Naru's. She gave him a sheepish grin before Takigawa noticed the two and sighed. At least it had finally happened. Besides, the tension between the two had been so thick before the others had planned to lock the two in a room for a few hours during one of their feuds to see which one of them cracked first. Hopefully now everything would be a bit calmer but from the looks of it, it would be a while before the tension left. Or at least until Naru came to know the pleasure of a woman's touch.
A/N: I know it seemed so sudden to have the confession, but mind you they had been mulling over this for months! Almost a year. I've always wanted to ... fix Naru's justification of Mai's feelings in his mind so here it is! Naru has been corrected! Straight vanilla for you guys. I hope you enjoyed! Please review I love reading your feed back!