Hey guy, I hope everyone had a Happy Mother's day!

I'm hoping that I can begin consistently uploading once or twice a week now that I have finished school! (Woohoo College Graduate 2020 baby)

Anyways, here is chapter 3! This more of a filler type chapter before we stumble into our first case. Chapter 4 will include a bit more introduction material, but it will also include the details of our first case and maybe even our first day there. We'll see how spicy I'm feeling.

Before beginning this chapter I want to congratulate all the graduates out there! Whether you're in high school or college. This is a really weird and hard time at the moment and we don't know what the future holds, but just know all your blood, sweat, and tears were worth it. Even if you don't get to walk across a stage. I know for a day or so after I finished my last assignment I felt kinda robbed of the fact that I wouldn't get to physically see all my hard work pay off, and honestly, it hurt, a lot. If you're feeling this, know that this is also a valid feeling, don't let anyone tell you to just get over it or that it doesn't matter, because it does matter. Because of this virus, you are being robbed of an experience that you wanted and worked for and you have every right to be upset. Just know that you have people who are so proud of your accomplishments and celebrate the best you can. I'm so proud of the class of 2020 and all that we will be able to become! Congrats Grads 3

As afternoon turned into evening Mai became acquainted with both Madoka and Lin, and introduced to Luella and Reza.

From the moment they joined with the other four, the evening turned into a whirlwind of awkward moments and laughter. Mai had yet been able to process any of her emotions about everything and still wasn't able to as she walked up to her apartment accompanied by Naru. Lin had driven them back to her place and Naru had insisted that he walk her to her door.

The day had progressed in a way she would have never imagined when she had woken up this morning. Never in her life had she imagined Naru's mother to be so bubbly. The woman was the embodiment of motherhood and sunshine, and Mai had almost cried when Luella brought her in for a hug when introduced.

The memory of her mother struck her as Luella had wrapped her arms around Mai. To this day Mai missed both her parents dearly, but because her memory of her dad was foggy and filled with childhood haze, it was her mother's absences that caused her the most pain at times.

Dinner had been an interesting affair as well. Watching both Madoka and Lin parent had been a sight to see. Reza was a spitfire and very sassy for a two-year-old. Reza seemed to take to Mai well though, asking to sit in her lap during dinner and playing with Mai's long strands of hair.

Mai noted that Naru had spent the rest of the evening being his usual quiet self. No one had dared to bring up what had happened at the lecture, but Mai hazard a guess that Martin would spill the beans to Luella. To which, Naru would be thoroughly reprimanded. Even throughout the night, Luella commented on his dismissal and silent demeanor, but Mai also recognized that Naru had been done with the day before the lecture this morning. He would be in a sour mood until he got some proper sleep.

Reaching her door, Mai turned to Naru with a small defeated smile.

"Thank you for walking me to my door Naru." She hadn't counted how many times she had said his name today, but she knew it was too many. While part of her was still seething from his actions during the lecture, she was too tired and excited to care.

No matter how she had felt after he had left, she was excited to have him back in her life.

Naru sighed, he understood his actions today had not been kosher. This is not how he had wanted things to go.

"I apologize for my actions today, it had not been my intention to say anything this afternoon at the lecture." Mai couldn't believe what she was hearing. The great Oliver Davis aka Naru the Narcissus was apologizing - to her.

"Um well, gee Naru I don't know what to say. It's okay I guess, I'm still a bit peeved about it, but with you back I guess it was bound to happen anyway." Mai wanted so badly to comment on the fact that he was even apologizing, but decided against it.

"Because of today's events, I haven't been able to ask you this, but if you would like, I am inviting the whole of the SPR team back. This offer includes you as well." If Mai was anyone else, Naru was fairly certain they would decline the offer after today's events. Though she was still able to surprise him.

"What's in it for me?" Mai countered.

"What exactly are you asking for Mai?"

"Well, am I being offered my original position? It would seem unfair to my experience and schooling to just be your tea-runner and office assistant." Mai watched a hint of a smirk pull at the corner of his lips.

"You are correct, it would be a shame to let such spiritual and educational talent go to waste," he paused as he watched a blush heat her cheeks. "I will speak with Lin and Madoka, and see what they think, but I see no issue with hiring you as an investigator. It was never my intention to bring you back on as my office assistant, that is what interns are for."

Mai was shocked into silence by Naru's straightforwardness. It was not an unusual trait, but she had never felt so confident in her life than she did in this moment. Naru had basically complimented her in a way he had never before. She felt for the first time that she was on somewhat evening footing with him.

"Mai, you're going to attract flies if you leave your mouth open like that," Naru repeated the quip from earlier in the day. "You should not be shocked to hear that you are more capable than you were before, you have gone through schooling to become more educated in the field, and it would be a waste to treat you as if you have not done so. I will contact you tomorrow with more information, goodnight Mai."

"Goodnight Naru," Mai watched him walk down the first flight of stairs before entering her apartment. Whatever footing she had created in her head, had crumbled a bit. Naru was still way too high up to reach, and she wondered if she would ever be good enough to stand in the same place as him.

Her heartbeat tight against her chest, and the time she had spent trying to forget what it felt like to love Naru was beginning to seem in vain. That feeling was already finding its way back to her.

The next few days were a whirlwind of different things happening. Ultimately, Mai would not quit her current job until she knew for certain what was happening behind the scenes with SPR. Naru did call her the next day to inquire about what her schedule looked like so that he could plan a meeting with the whole of the old SPR team. He later corresponded that the meeting would be Friday evening at the new building, the email warned that the building would be bare of most things as most of the furniture would be arriving the following week.

Mai had also had her promised lunch with Momo and Daichi. Both inquired about her old job and previous acquaintance with Dr. Oliver Davis. She went into detail about as many things as she could without giving away too much personal information. Daichi also tirelessly drilled her about her spiritual powers, asking this that and the other. While Mai didn't mind speaking about it, she didn't like the feeling of being under a microscope. Momo, understanding this, finally got Daichi to back off and halt his endless questioning.

Thursday night, the day before the big meeting, found herself at work at the Crimson Flower. It was a bar in a fairly nice district, closer to the outskirts of Tokyo. She had found this job two years ago and had grown close with her fellow coworkers.

George gave her a suave smile as he handed her the order for table six.

"If those boys are giving you any trouble Mai-"

Mai cut George off with a laugh. "I'm fine, I can handle a few college boys, they're not that bad, honestly."

"You're so much nicer than I am Mai, I would have begged to hand that table off an hour ago." Evie came up next to her with a sigh.

Both George and Evie also attended Tokyo university but were in different programs than she. Evie had chosen to travel abroad for a semester in Japan and had loved it so much that she decided to finish her degree here. George had already completed his bachelor's and had wanted to study in a different country for his Masters. He had family here, so this had been an easy option that he later fell in love with.

"And lose out on the big tip, I have those boys eating out of the palm of my hand. Though, if I get another big group like them I might die. When did Thursdays become a busy night." Mai placed her order on her serving tray and carefully lifted it to her shoulder. She was also balancing precariously in a set of heels Ayako had gotten Mai for her birthday.

She had learned about a year ago it paid to look good in places like this, and she would hardly disagree that the heels made her look good.

"I think you spoke too soon, it looks like Mika is seating another large group in your section," George said as he moved down the bar to some of his own customers.

Mai glanced behind her to see Mika talking and seating a group seven, she instantly recognized several faces. She quickly looked to Evie.

"Hey Evie-"

"No, absolutely not, I have my own tables and you should be getting those drinks out shouldn't you?" Mai sighed and nodded. She whisked herself away, glancing back to Evie once only to find her smiling back and wiggling her fingers at her.

Mai strategically ignored her new table as she made herself busy with table six. The couple smiled at her as she laid their drinks out. She inquired about a food order, hoping to prolong her impending doom, but they only wished to be left alone with their drinks.

She glanced over at the rowdy group of boys and noted they were still fine with their appetizers and drinks. Her other two tables were also preoccupied with their food and drinks as well, leaving only one last table.

Seated about ten feet from her was Naru, Lin, Madoka, Ayako, Monk, Luella, and Martin. All dressed smartly for the night out. She would hazard a guess that Ayako had dragged them here knowing that Mai had a shift tonight.

"Good evening guys, what brings you here tonight," Mai said. She had not really known what to say, but her normal greeting would have been weird considering they all knew her.

"Mai," Ayako gushed, "it's so good to see. It's been weeks since we've gotten together. How are you?"

Ayako stood to wrap her arms around the petite girl and then sat back down. Most everyone else greeted her as well.

Luella gave the girl a wink, "you look beautiful tonight Mai."

Mai realized the last time Naru's mother had seen her, she was dressed in leggings and an oversized tee. Her outfit now differed greatly in contrast, especially considering the heels added an extra three inches to her height.

"Thank you, Luella, you do as well." Mai meant it too, she looked extravagant in her dress. "Can I get you guys started with any drinks tonight? The menus in the middle of the table have all of our food and drink specials. Our late-night happy hour starts soon, drinks from our specials menu are half-priced and appetizers are buy one get one."

Everyone around the table began looking over the different menus and asking questions. Mai noted Naru was extra quiet tonight, most likely overwhelmed with the atmosphere. Before she could make her way to him though, Madoka beckoned her over.

"Hey," Mai said.

"Don't let Ayako or Monk pay for anything tonight, we're celebrating their engagement since we weren't here for it." Mai nodded and smiled.

"Thank you, I wasn't able to do much for them, so it's nice to see them being celebrated." Mai began to jot done orders as everyone began to decided on what they wanted.

Mai looked to Naru again, he seemed disinterested at the menu in front of him. She slid up next to him while she waited for the others to finish deciding on food orders.

"While it is not on the menu, we do have tea if you would like that," Mai said a slight smile gracing her lips. She knew this wasn't his scene and was honestly shocked he hadn't opted out, though Luella probably had something to do with that.

"That would be appreciated," Naru commented back trying not to stare.

When she had first walked up to the table, Naru had been a little taken back. The Mai he had seen on Monday had been a Mai he was familiar with, older and with longer hair, but not far off from the high school girl he had met. This Mai was older, confident, and carried a womanly grace.

While his usual thought processes were not ignorant of the beauty of women, it rarely focused on it. But Naru was still a man and not blind to the fact that Mai had begun to grow into her body and become confident in it as well.

She sauntered away from the table gracefully over to a table of college-aged boys who had been pressing to get her attention. She smiled at them disarmingly and took their comments in stride.

No, he was definitely not blind and neither was the emotion that pressed on his chest as one of the boys boldly asked for her number.

"Noll, are you, okay dear," Naru pulled his eyes away from Mai to his mother.

"Yes, I'm fine mother," Luella smiled at him.

When the table received their drinks Madoka stood.

"A toast to Ayako and Hoshou, may your wedding be less chaotic than mine." Madoka took a large sip of her drink as she sat back done. Everyone at the table cheered.

While the table around him began to talk of wedding plans and other nonsensical things, Naru, inconspicuously, watched Mai as she balanced all of her tables. She would pop by every so often to top off drinks and take new orders. She made sure Naru's cup was never empty for long, which he appreciated more than he realized. Though he could tell by the flavor, it was not brewed or prepared by her, at least it was better than the other array of drinks the bar offered.

He was not necessarily against alcohol, but he didn't like having his actions impaired by it. When the occasion arose he would sparingly drink a glass of wine.

Speaking of, he just finished his third cup. He looked up and found her to be finishing up with the college table. They seemed to be leaving, several of the boys obviously drunk. The boy he had heard ask for her number before seemed to be trying again before he left.

Mai declined him again.

"Ah come on Mai, it's just your number." Naru looked around the table to see if anyone else had noticed this. To his assurance he found both Monk and Lin watching over the scene as well.

"I don't give out my number to customers or strangers." Mai was trying her best to not make eye contact as she finished cleaning up the table. The boy stepped closer to her, bringing his lips closer to her ear.

"We don't have to be strangers." Mai prickled and very gently backed away from him.

All three men noticed this and began to wonder if they should step in.

"If you're looking for a friend tonight I'm free Hunny."

Lin, Monk, and Naru settled back into their seats. Mai thanked the stars for George and his keen sense.

The college boy made a nasty face at George and pushed past him and Mai none too gently. George caught Mai's elbow and steadied her before all the glasses on her tray toppled over.

"You are a lifesaver," Mai sighed.

"It's why they pay me the big bucks babe." Mai laughed at George's comment and followed him back to the bar.

She yawned as she placed the glasses in the sink. The night was starting to wear on her.

"By the way Hinata said to cut you when those boys left." Mai frowned at his comment.

"But I still have an hour left on my shift and two more tables to close out."

"Apparently someone from your other big table requested that, if possible, you could be cut early to join them."

Mai laughed,"they can be so meddlesome. Okay, fine, what does she want me to do about table three."

"Have both tables pay whatever tab they have with you and I'll handle any orders they have after that."

"Thanks George, that's sweet of you."

"It's no problem, anything for my favorite server." He ruffled her hair and shooed her away from the dishes.

She went and explained the situation to both table three and Her friend's table. Lin quickly handed her his card before anyone could protest. She could hear Monk commenting that the next round was on him though.

Once cashed out and she had performed some cleaning duties she made her way back over to the now rowdy table. While Lin and Naru seemed to be sober, the rest of the table was beginning to show signs of intoxication.

Mai grabbed a chair which prompted Madoka and Luella to squeeze out a space between them, which was incidentally also across from Naru.

Mai found the flow of conversation to be comforting, it was nice to have everyone packed together like this. It reminded her that tomorrow her family would once again be whole, if not including a few more members.

As the night grew on, the amount of alcohol flowing to the table slowed and Mai realized the bar would be closing in thirty minutes. It was almost eleven and she had to be up for an online final in the morning and then a class at two, which would be followed by the meeting at the new SPR building.

"I should probably be going, I have an exam in the morning and I want to be able to study a bit beforehand in the morning," Mai said as she moved to get up.

"Of course, of course, I'm sorry if we kept you, sweetheart," Luella said, reaching out to hug Mai.

"It's fine Luella, I rather enjoyed myself." Mai hugged her back, again feeling an overwhelming sense of missing her own mother.

"I'm glad, Noll dear, you should accompany Mai home. It's a bit late for you to be leaving by yourself."

"Oh no, it's fine really, I do it all the time. I'm a bit out of the way and I don't want to inconvenience anyone." Mai looked at Naru and smiled. She was honestly fine getting home on her own, she had done it before and she would do it again.

"Nonsense, it's not an inconvenience, right sweetheart." Something in Luella's tone told both young adults that this was not up for negotiation.

The table watched the two retreat out the door without another word.

"Luella dear, you are positively genius. What are you plotting now." Madoka smiled at the older woman.

Luella smiled into her wine glass, "whatever do you mean Madoka. I simply wish to see Mai get home safe and Noll happened to be the only one here not enjoying himself."

"You're meddling dear," spoke Martin. "You know Noll does not like it when you set him up."

"If you ask me, Luella, your son needs it." Ayako placed her drink down a little harder than intended. "If he doesn't pull his head from his ass soon, he'll lose any chance he ever had."

The table quieted. While Lin was in agreement it didn't mean that he was going to comment.

Madoka stared across the table at the Miko. "What are you talking about, do you know something we don't Ayako?"

Ayako paused for a moment, it dawned on her that she may have said too much. Mai had confided in her about what had happened between her and Naru only with the promise that she would never bring it up again.

"You did not hear this from me," Ayako paused again. "But Mai confessed her feelings to Naru the day before Lin and he went back to England. From what Mai explained, he basically threw her feelings back in her face."

She spared a glance to Luella and Martin, for their sake she did not share the whole truth.

"Lin, did you know about this?" Madoka questioned.

"I had a vague idea that something of the sort may have happened but Noll did not say anything to me about it."

Luella was flabbergasted, to say the least. After Martin's story the other day, she had assumed that maybe Noll had the closest thing to a crush that he could have, but this changed things.

"Should I be worried for Mai, does Noll not care for her as I assumed he did." Luella was worried now that she had placed both in an awkward situation. It was not her intention to hurt either one, but only her hope that her son would find happiness.

"Luella I would not worry too much, despite the situation, Noll cares about Mai in his own way. Whatever happened that day, I believe had a lot to do with Noll not being ready for someone to care about him in that way." While Lin was usually not the most forthcoming when it came to his charge, even to his parents, he wanted to assure Luella she had done nothing wrong.

"Oh, okay, thanks Koujo."

Naru and Mai spent about fifteen silent minutes on a bus to make it to the closest bus station to Mai's apartment. From there it took another five to make it to the said apartment. While Naru was content to walk in silence, Mai just didn't know what to say. Honestly, though, she enjoyed the silence in the way most enjoy silence after hours spent in constant noise.

She turned to him once they reached her door. "Thank you for walking me home Naru."

"I have a feeling that if I had declined, my mother would have been on me about it for the rest of the night and into tomorrow."

Mai frowned and wished he would have just followed her thanks with a 'you're welcome'. She didn't like feeling like a chore.

"Well, thanks again anyway, I will see you tomorrow." Mai was quick to unlock her door and enter. She stopped only once in her motion to look back at him. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight Mai," Naru said as her door shut tight. It occurred to him that her shift in tone must have had something to do with what he said. His lack of social skills usually landed him in awkward situations, and it was for this reason that he tried his best to interact as little as possible.

As he made his way down the stairs he thought back on what he had said, and in what way that would have upset her enough to be coarse with him.

He sighed and reached for his phone to call Lin for a ride home.