Disclaimer - (Same as ever) see chapter one

well, we reach the end of part one, and you'll just have to wait for my brain freeze to end for part 2 okay? sorry it may take a while, but I swear! it will be completed! for now just sit back and enjoy the last chapter of part one, and don't forget to review!

"Hey! Are you two going to sleep all day?" Monk-san asked as he leaned on the doorframe, having pushed their door open quietly to see if everything was alright. Mai opened her eyes tiredly and looked across at Naru, who was sitting up rubbing his eyes, having apparently been woken up by the monk's call. "Come on; it's almost twelve O'clock!" The older man added as Naru looked at the clock.

"Alright! We're up!" Mai moaned as she sat up rubbing her tired hazel eyes and looked down at her robe, which was gaping open at the chest. She quickly pulled it shut with a frown, her cheeks burning as she looked across at Naru, who seemed to be in a better mood now that he had caught up on his sleep. "Monk-san? Can you go and put this in the washing machine for me?" Mai asked sweetly as she got up and took her dirty clothes to him, making sure she wrapped her underwear right in the middle of the skirt and two shirts.

"Sure, but only because you have to wait for sleepyhead here to have a shower. I heard your little tiff this morning. You two really need to get it together." The monk teased as he took Mai's clothes, giving her a smug grin as she raised an eyebrow. The older man sighed and ruffled the clueless girl's hair lightly, thinking about how hopeless the teens were.

"What do you mean?" Naru asked as he grabbed his robe and headed for the bathroom, voicing the question that Mai had been thinking. Monk-san sighed as he looked between the pair, finding it mildly amusing that they were both quite level headed and intelligent when it came to their jobs and life in general, but clueless when it came to each other.

"You'll get it one day. Take you pants off and I'll get them washed for you. I'm not making two trips." Monk-san replied as he waited by the door. Mai blushed as she saw Naru's arm pass his black underpants to Monk-san, who then picked up the rest of Naru's clothes from the floor beside the bed. "Oh! Good news. It looks like the snow's melted quite a bit. We'll be able to leave today." He said as he headed for the door, not catching Mai's slightly disappointed look as he closed the door. Why am I feeling sad? Although it has been fun; hanging out with everyone and getting to share a room, not to mention a bed, with Naru…I'm going to miss it. She thought regretfully as she lay back on the bed, looking through Naru's papers. She was able to follow the history just fine, but when it came to Naru's scribbles in the margins she couldn't understand a word of it. It's like he's written it in code…

"What are you doing?" Naru asked, almost sounding amused as he looked down at Mai's face, which was scrunched up in confusion and concentration. The honey haired girl looked up at him and blushed, sheepishly putting the papers back on the bedside table.

"Nothing…" She replied shortly, innocence ringing in her voice as she did so.

"Mai…I apologise for earlier. I was tired earlier, and my mood isn't good when I wake up. I had no right talking to you the way I did." He apologised in his usual clipped formal tone, choosing to look at the wall rather than the girl on the bed. Mai looked at her hands in her lap, her slim fingers entwining and folding together.

"It's alright…It's none of my business how you look after yourself." She replied apologetically, knowing that Naru was both old enough and smart enough to take care of himself. She was his secretary, so it was true, she really didn't have the right to tell him what to do, even if it was with the best intentions.

"No, that's not what I meant; I mean…it's nice of you to worry like that." He argued in a hurried confession. Mai stole a glance at him to see him awkwardly looking at the wall, the barest hint of pink marring his pale cheeks. She could tell voicing his feelings like this didn't come easily; it was usually hard to get anything out of him.

"Well, someone has to worry about you." She joked, seeing that warmth flood into his deep blue eyes for a moment. "Oh! Monk-san said we should be able to leave today. The snow's been melting." She added brightly as Naru gathered the papers and headed for the door, Mai close behind him, their bare feet silent on the thick cream carpet.

"That's good. Once we leave I'll take you home before picking up some of my belongings." He replied as they walked down the first flight of stairs to the first floor. Mai sped up and hurried to his side, the smooth stone cold on her bare feet as she kept pace beside the old boy.

"Naru! I told you I'm not leaving you!" Mai objected firmly, her hand reaching out to grip the white sleeve of his soft flannel robe. Mai paused as Naru stopped dead, his eyes rising from the page he'd been scanning to look at her.

"Me?" He echoed in a small questioning tone with a raised eyebrow, his blue eyes boring into hers searchingly. Mai could feel her cheeks heating as he stared at her, a heavy silence falling between them for a moment as he waited. Mai could feel her heart pounding loudly in her chest, the sound drumming in her ears.

"What?" She stammered finally, feeling her heart stop as she realised why he'd chosen that word. Oh no! I said the last part out loud!

"You said you wouldn't leave 'me', why?" He asked sounding genuinely perplexed as he lowered the papers and looked at her, a strange swirl circling his chest as he looked down at the girl beside him. Mai's mouth opened in shock at his question, then closed and opened again, though no sound came out. Finally Naru watched as her bare feet began moving, the girl tottering back a little before pausing with one hand resting on the banister.

"I-I…I have to go…um…yeah." She stuttered before turning and running back up the stairs as fast as her legs would carry her, the cold stone hard on the balls of her feet as she bounded away. Naru didn't realise one of his arms had reached out in objection to stop her as she hurried away, her legs catching on her pink robe in her rush.

"Mai!" Naru shouted after her. "That girl's going to get into serious trouble on of these days." He sighed as he turned and followed her, seeing her turn the corner near Mika's old room. "Mai!" The young businessman called again as he looked around the deserted corridor. He eyed the door to Mika's old room and eased it open, hearing someone sniffing as he opened it. "Mai?" He called softly as he put his head round the door, seeing Mai in the shadows lying face down on the bed with her head buried in her folded arms. The heavy curtains of the room were shut, only the SPR video camera standing out of place in the room. Everything else was neatly put away and looked like it belonged there.

"Just go away, okay?" Mai replied quietly, her body shaking as she cried. How could I have been so stupid? He's bound to know now! Only a complete idiot wouldn't be able to work it out! I don't want to hear him reject me. She thought in embarrassment, waiting for the cold rebuke or indifferent let down. She felt hands on her shoulders, gentle hands, firm hands, cold hands. She felt herself being turned over and came face to face with Naru, but something was different about him. "Naru?" She asked uncertainly as he climbed onto the bed with her, straddling her hips as he leaned forward on his arms, his head beside her ear. She felt a cold shiver at his closeness, droplets of water dripping from his still damp hair as he nuzzled her, his breath hot on her neck.

"Mika." He sighed as he breathed in her fragrance. Mai froze and looked across at Naru in horror, her heart pounding as he looked at her with eyes filled with warmth. Mai forced a laugh as she shifted uncomfortably beneath the older teen, very conscious that only bathrobes separated their bodies, the heat of his skin burning through her despite the chill she felt.

"Naru! That's not funny; now get off! The others will be wondering where we are." She said brightly, her voice shaking despite the jovial tone of her voice as she put her hands on his shoulders and tried to push him back, but he wouldn't move. It was like trying to push back a mountain. "Naru. Get off!" She ordered firmly, panic setting in as he looked down at her with a slightly hurt expression, his warm eyes getting a little cooler at her rejection.

"Mika, why do you fight me?" He asked in a deep purr as he leaned down and licked her ear gently, the feeling hot and wet, his breath ghosting across the damp skin. Mai felt a shiver go through her body and started struggling, feeling Naru's body weight pressing onto hers more firmly. She fisted her hands in his white robe, trying to force him back, turning her body to tip him off, and bending her knees to get purchase on the mattress beneath, but it was no good. Her feet slipped on the silken sheets, Naru was far too heavy and well balanced to be tipped, and far too strong to be pushed back.

"No! Naru stop it!" She cried frantically, helplessly trying to throw him off. Oh god; he's possessed! She realised as he reached for the belt of his robe and tugged it loose, letting Mai's struggling hands push the white material off his toned shoulders. The younger girl pulled her hands back and laid them on Naru's bare shoulders, straightening her arms and locking her elbows to hold him back. Naru gave her an amuse smile as he sat back on his heels, the young teen letting out a cry of objected as the boy above her snatched her wrists and forced her arms upwards. Mai squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her legs together, dreading what she knew he was going to do. She felt him pulling her robe open, but she was powerless to stop him while one of his hands held both of hers above her head. "Naru; please stop." She begged in a whisper as he started kissing a line along her collarbone. He released her hands and moved one up to the back of her head and the other down to her breasts. Mai gritted her teeth and tried to get away, using her hands to try and push him back again.

"Mika, look at me." Naru ordered in a soft voice as he caressed her cheek. Mai opened her watering eyes and looked into his, suddenly feeling her body weaken as if her strength had been completely sapped. What's going on? I can't move! I can't move and I can't even speak! She thought fearfully as silent tears slipped from the corners of her eyes, seeing a smile cross Naru's lips as he leaned down and kissed her mouth. She could only lie there helpless beneath him as his lips plundered hers, his tongue creeping into her mouth to tangle with her lifeless one. He continued his way from her lips to her neck and soon trailed a wet path to her breasts. Please stop! I don't want this! Naru! Please! Help me! She cried inwardly as she felt one of his hands slip between her now weak legs, pulling them apart so that he could kneel between them.

"M-Mai!" Naru gasped above her as he pulled back, his body shaking as he fought for control. He planted a hand on either side of her as he forced himself up, holding himself above her. He panted heavily as he gasped for breath, straining to hold back the presence that tried to envelop him. His blue eyes swam with remorse and fear as he looked into Mai's terrified hazel orbs.

"Naru!" Mai cried, suddenly free from the trance of whatever it was that had subdued her. She reached up, soft hands placing themselves firmly on Naru's chest to help support his weight as his arms shook. He gritted his teeth as his body lowered; his nose almost touching Mai's as he held himself above her, feeling her legs close against his, trapping his thighs between hers.

"Mai, I-I can't…I'm sorry." He whispered apologetically. He couldn't believe he was so weak; he desperately didn't want to do this, to hurt the girl beneath him, especially like this. He couldn't believe that all he could do was apologise. "I don't want…' His voice cracked, tears sliding down his pale cheeks before the spirit once again replaced him. The tears stopped falling as the spirit took hold, guilt replace with lust as the teen leaned closer. No! Please stay! Don't leave! Naru!

"No! Get out of him! Give him back!" She cried as she pounded helplessly on Naru's chest, her tears blinding her vision. Her hazel eyes widened as she felt Naru's body shift between her legs, something unfamiliar prodding her thigh and sliding further up as Naru's hips rolled forwards. Mai's mouth fell open in objection as she realised what was coming. No way!

"Damn it! John!" Monk-san shouted as he burst into the room and tackled Naru, taking him down to the floor with a loud thud. Mai lay there shaking; barely noticing as John entered wearing his priest robes, bible and holy water in hand. Before she knew what was happening, Lin was sitting beside her on the bed, gently pulling her up and closing her robe. Mai looked up at him blankly before leaning into his chest and crying, feeling his body stiffen as his arms wrapped round her awkwardly, stroking her head lightly. For the first few moments it was like hugging a suit of armour, but finally the stoic man loosened up, his embrace both warm and secure.

Mai turned her head and looked at the floor, where Naru still struggled against Monk-san's hold, almost getting free of him. It was like watching an animal. She's never seen Naru look like that, and doubted she would again as he pale skinned boy writhed and thrashed against the older man's grip. Monk-san let out a grunt as Naru tried to flip them, the monk holding Naru's wrists on either side of his head as he straddled the younger boy, who bucket and twisted in objection. John hurriedly knelt down and put a cross of holy water on his forehead before flipping through the bible, the action quick and practiced as if he'd done it a hundred times, which he probably had. Despite the solid spine, the Bible was slightly cracked, the corners bent with age and use.

"Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our." John recited, almost drowned out by Naru's snarling until suddenly Naru's body went limp and he leaned back to the carpeted floor exhaustion. A weak hand reached up to grip the sleeve of Monk-san's beige top, the older man automatically reaching down to comfort the younger boy.

"Did you stop him? Did I?" Naru asked fearfully, his blue eyes wide in terror. Monk-san stared at the boy, taken back by the unusual expression. Usually nothing would have rattled Naru, though Monk-san could hardly blame him this time. Tears pricked the edge of Naru's vision as he awaited the older man's answer, the hand fisted in the monk's top quivering as he waited.

"No; he didn't. We got here in time." Monk-san replied softly, gathering the boy up and cradling his naked body soothingly. Naru cried into Monk-san's shoulder uncontrollably, the older man holding him tighter in response and rubbing circles on his bare back. "Hey; it's okay; you're okay." Monk-san soothed as John grabbed Naru's robe and put it over the younger teen's shoulders, letting his hands rest there supportively as the naked boy tugged the robe tighter over himself.

"Mai, are you alright?" Lin asked as he looked down at the girl in his arms. Mai pushed herself back and forced a smile, tears still running down her cheeks as she looked up at the Chinese man's concerned expression. It was unusual to see the stoic man rattled, and he clearly wasn't used to dealing with a hysterical teenage girl, but still it meant a lot that he was trying.

"I'm fine." She replied shakily, finding that she couldn't stop crying despite herself. "I just need a minute okay?" She added tearfully as she leaned into his arms again, a small hand reaching up to grip the front of his shirt. He held her comfortingly and rubbed her back gently, occasionally running his long fingers through her honeyed locks. He smells nice…comforting…I feel safe…After a while she heard Naru get to his feet and pick up the scattered papers, which had fallen from his grasp as the spirit first took over.

"Come on. We have work to do." Naru said coldly, not even looking at Mai as he left the room. She felt Lin getting up and caught his sleeve, the Chinese man looking back at her with an expression of curiosity with a hint of dread and discomfort.

"Thank you Lin-san." Mai murmured as she released him, pulling her knees up to her chest and burying her face. The older man said nothing before she heard his heavy footfalls departing, somehow feeling lonely. She felt the bed move and looked up to see Monk-san sitting next to her with his arms open. He always knows…With a small smile Mai shifted closer and leaned on his chest, feeling his arms wrap round her, enveloping her in warmth and security. "How did you know?" She asked after a few moments of silence.

"Lin was watching the screens. We were talking for a minute and when he looked back he saw you and Naru in here and knew something wasn't right." Monk-san replied in a soothing tone as he wiped her eyes gently. It amazed her that the monk didn't have children. He'll be such a great father…

"Is he…going to be alright?" Mai asked as she looked up at the older man, enjoying the security of his arms. She tried not to think about it too much, the weight of Naru's body as he leaned down, the hot breath on her neck, the cold touch of his hands, the tears falling from his eyes as he looked down at her. She shivered lightly.

"I hope so." Monk-san replied as he looked at the door, interrupting Mai's thoughts. "Come on. You should eat something, and your clothes should be dry by now too." He added as he got to his feet with Mai in tow, the younger teen tying her robe tightly before following the monk, John following behind quietly. As soon as Mai was downstairs Fai rushed to her side and escorted them to the kitchen, where three of them sat and ate, John opting to join Lin and Naru in the living room.

"Are you alright? I don't know exactly what happened, but I hope you are." Fai said with his usual heart melting sincerity as he took Mai's hand across the table. His grip was soft and gentle with an underlying firmness that suited his character. She forced a smile for him as she pushed her only half empty plate away. She really didn't feel hungry.

"Fine…I'm full." She added as she got up and took her clothes from the worktop above the tumble dryer.

"You get changed in here. We'll wait outside." Monk-san decided as he got to his feet, Fai nodding his dutiful agreement as he accompanied the older man out into the hall, giving Mai a warm smile on the way by. Mai dressed quickly and looked at the kitchen door. I really don't want to see anyone right now…I just want to be by myself. She thought as she turned to the backdoor. She walked over and saw the key in the lock, opening the door quietly before she slipped out and began walking through the garden, her bare feet freezing in the snow. After a short while soaking in the cold calming atmosphere she went back inside and opened the door. "Hey; you took your time." Monk-san teased lightly, knowing he could be treading on eggshells. Mai looked up with a halfhearted smile and headed for the living room, where Naru was sitting on the sofa and Lin was sitting in the chair as usual. Mai hesitated before sitting next to Naru, seeing him stiffen as she sat down. After a few moments she looked at him, his eyes fixed to the sheets in his hands, scanning back and forth across the page.

"Naru?" She called quietly as she twisted her hands in her lap, desperately wanting to reach out and touch the older, now fully dressed, boy beside her. They had both been through something, something terrible, and right now she just wanted…I just need…

"Not now Mai, I'm working." He replied in his usual cold indifferent tone. Mai sat there for a moment before looking away sadly, holding her breath so that she didn't choke on the lump in her throat. She felt almost bitter as she clenched her fists in her lap, her eyes burning as they teared up again. Of course he wouldn't…Idiot!

"Excuse me." Mai said quickly as she got to her feet and left the room hurriedly, feeling her body beginning to shudder as she held back the tears. She felt her world turn as her stomach lurched, not even seeing Fai as she pushed past him into the hall.

"Mai!" She heard Monk-san call as she ran through the kitchen and out of the back door, running for the end of the garden.

"She's gone!" Monk-san snapped angrily as he re-entered the living room, throwing a glare at Naru, who was still looking at the same page with unmoving eyes. "Naru! What are you doing?" The monk demanded as he ripped the papers from the teen's hands and threw them in a rage, the pages scattering across the tidy living room floor.

"I am trying to do my job." Naru replied blankly, not looking up at Monk-san as his head dropped, his empty hands dropping between his knees as he leaned on his arms, blue eyes staring at the floor. It was impossible to know what he was thinking, but the older man wasn't in the mood to figure it out.

"Don't give me that Naru! I know what you went through was terrible, but she needs you right now! Are you just going to sit there? The state she's in there's no telling what she'll do!" Monk-san snapped in response, feeling a firm hand on his shoulder as he stepped closer to the teen. Looking over his shoulder he saw Lin, who gave him a look of warning. Monk-san gritted his teeth, knowing that the Chinese man wouldn't let him give Naru the kick he deserved. "Alright, fine! Sit there and pretend everything's fine, but if Mai gets hurt, or worse, then you just remember it's your fault and I am holding you personally responsible!" Monk-san warned as he stepped back, shrugging Lin's hand from his shoulder roughly as he stalked towards the open living room door.

"Hey, where did Fai go?" John asked suddenly as he looked around the room.

"Shit!" Monk-san swore as he ran into the hall with John close behind. If Fai and Mai had disappeared at the same time then that couldn't be good. Not good at all. "We'll check the house! Lin, Naru! Go check the garden!" Monk-san shouted as he and John ran up the stairs without giving the other two the chance to object or respond. Lin got up and went to the door, looking back at Naru, who hadn't moved.

"Naru, come on." He prompted in his usual deep tone, watching Naru bite his lip as he sat there hesitating. "Takigawa wasn't lying you know; she does need you, more than you could ever know." The older man said as he left the room, knowing it was useless to press Naru further. Naru paused and looked at the door. Mai had been hurt. It was his fault. Mai was gone. That was his fault. But…

"Where's Naru?" Monk-san asked as he leaned over the banister and looked down at Lin in disbelief. The older man stood alone in the entrance hall as he slipped on his shoes, looking up as the monk spoke. John was also looking down from above, both perplexed and troubled by Naru's absence.

"He's not." Lin began, but as the door behind him opened he paused and turned around.

"I'm here. Lin, check the front. I'm going out back." Naru directed as he slipped into his shoes and walked through the kitchen. Lin opened the front door and went out as Naru left.

Mai reached the well and walked up to the edge, sitting on the crumbling overgrown rim with her legs dangling inside the well. What did I do wrong? Why is Naru so upset with me? He didn't even look at me when I spoke to him; he was so cold! She thought as tears slid down her cheeks, her small sobs echoing in the deep black hole. She leaned forward and looked down into the well, something about it making her uneasy. As she looked down she was sure she saw something. Am I imagining things again? She wondered as she leaned further forwards, trying to get a better look. It just looked black below her now, but she was sure, so sure, she had seen something move.

"Hello?" She called hesitantly as she looked down, her voice sounding rough and whiney from her tears. That's strange…I don't know why, but I feel like there's something down there…something…She trailed off as she tried to get a better look, screaming as she felt something grab her and pull her back roughly. When her feet hit the floor she found herself turned to face a very angry Naru, whose hands remained on her arms as he span her towards him.

"What the hell are you doing you little idiot? You know you're not meant to leave the house alone! What if someone had followed you? And what stunt were you trying to pull just now? If you had leaned any further forward you would have fallen in! You could have killed yourself!" He shouted as he shook her shoulders roughly, his heart pounding as he gripped her tightly. Mai cried out and stepped back, pushing him away as hard as she could. He felt the rough shove and released her, more from the surprise that she had pushed than her strength.

"Stop it! You're hurting me!" She cried, tears still sliding down her cheeks as she staggered back, free of Naru's tight grip. They stood across from each other, both panting from their tussle as silence fell between them. "Maybe if you weren't such a cold hearted jerk I wouldn't have stormed out! Maybe if you'd decided to talk to me instead of shutting me out and treating me like I don't exist I wouldn't have been upset!" She snapped heatedly, her tears drying up as anger took hold, the atmosphere between them thickening.

"It's not my fault that you can't keep your emotions in check! You need to grow up!" Naru retorted angrily, stepping closer the petite teen. Mai's hazel eyes widened at the hurtful remark, gritting her teeth as she glared at the ebony haired boy, who stared straight back, his blue eyes burning. She would have slapped him if he'd been close enough.

"See? You're doing it again! You're so clueless!" She snapped angrily, stepping closer to Naru. She was right before him now, barely half a foot between their tense bodies as they stared each other down. Naru folded his arms and glared down at Mai, whose hands were planted firmly on her hips as she glared up at him.

"I'm the clueless one? That's a joke! So tell me then, what is it that I'm so clueless about?" He demanded harshly, his face a few inches away from hers. Mai felt like she was going to start ripping her own hair out he was such a clueless idiot. She lost all control as she reached up, her hands slapping the older boy's chest roughly as she replied.

"Naru, you idiot; I'm in love with you!" She cried, clamping her hands over her mouth as she turned away quickly. She hadn't even realised what she was saying until it was too late. He'd definitely heard her this time, and there was no way she could take it back or get out of it. Her face turned red as she stared at the well, her heart pounding. Behind her Naru was left stunned and speechless. "Well? What are you waiting for? This is where you're supposed to mock and taunt me, boost your ego, tell me I'm stupid! Go ahead! Make fun of me like you always do!" Mai snapped. Her body was stiff and poised, waiting for the inevitable rebuke. Why did I tell him? I'm such an idiot! She thought as she started crying again, her hands remaining stiffly by her sides as hot tears slid down her cheeks. What's he waiting for? Did he just leave? She wondered, gasping as Naru's arms wrapped around her from behind and pulled her to his chest. Naru turned her round in his grasp and looked down at her, his eyes warm, but uncertain. "Naru?" She stammered questioningly as he reached up and brushed the tears from her cheeks.

"Mai." He sighed as he leaned down and gently brushed her lips with his own, sending a wave of warmth through Mai's body as she slowly reached up and wrapped her arms around his slightly stiff shoulders. He kissed her again, just as softly, his lips lingering on hers as he slowly melded into her. Mai felt his tongue run along her bottom lip and opened her mouth obligingly, moaning lightly as his hand came up and caressed the back of her neck as he deepened the kiss, his tongue entering her mouth and entwining with hers. She heard him groan as her tongue hesitantly dipped into his mouth. One of her hands reached up and ran through his thick ebony locks. If this is a dream please God don't wake me up! She thought as they both pulled back gasping for breath.

Mai blushed and looked at the snowy ground, her hands still loosely on his shoulders while his were still resting on her waist. She felt one of his hands leave her waist to caress her cheek, moving down to lift her chin. She looked up into his oceanic eyes and saw the warmth still there, tinged with something slightly darker, but not unpleasant. He smiled and leaned forward, nuzzling her forehead gently.

"So that's what your little tantrum was about." He taunted in his usual business tone, pulling her closer as she started pulling back, her small fists pounding his shoulders. He grunted at the small painful impacts, surprised she hit so hard.

"Why do you always have to turn everything I do or say into a joke? You're always like that with me!" She snapped crossly, feeling embarrassed and used as she looked at the chest of his black shirt. Her hands stilled, her fists opening to lay flat against his clothed shoulders.

"Don't deny me one of life's small pleasures." He replied offhandedly, groaning his objection as she pounded his shoulder again. Mai sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder as he chuckled, breathing in his scent and fighting back a moan as she inhaled. God, what is he wearing? It smells so good! She thought as she nuzzled his shoulder, which was no longer stiff as he accepted her weight. "Come on…The others will be wondering where we've gotten to." He said quietly as he released her and walked away. She stood there and watched his retreating back. He didn't say the words…he didn't say 'I love you'…She thought as he stopped and turned round with warm eyes, giving her a slight smile as he held a hand out to her. Mai smiled and ran to catch up, taking his hand to feel it grip hers firmly as they walked back to the house, letting go of each other's hands as they saw Monk-san waiting by the back door.

"They're back!" The older man called into the house, his tone full of relief. Mai looked up at Naru, who once again had his narcissist mask firmly in place, but before she looked away and started moving towards the house she saw that warmth flicker in his eyes, the look reserved just for her. But one day he will.

To be continued...