A/N: FINALLY!

"The Depth of Dawning"

-Epilogue-

Time was not kind to Mai…

It had all felt so surreal; Naru's gallant appearance, sweeping her off her feet and making her feel like she was at the top of the world…a happiness she never knew was possible…and then plunging her into hell.

Oh yes, her moment of glory was short lived.

Naru was not pleased with her in the least. His sweet expressions and kind words were like bait luring her into thinking he was actually not the demanding, unforgiving boss that he was. Naru had at least allowed her the night to be in sheer bliss until morning broke and Mai found Naru to be a level of cross she didn't even think was plausible. The occurrences of the night before seemed like a distant memory compared to what she had to face once the day started.

They had come such a long way only to end up right where they had started.

Mai recalled the events of that day with a crooked smile as she poured tea into simple yet ornate cups. It was a day she would never forget after all. It had been a short time already since then, but Mai felt that it was as vivid as if it had happened just yesterday…

-x-

'Care to explain yourself?' Naru had cornered her after breakfast, a displeased look firmly in place.

She had tried to worm away from Naru's intense look but found herself wilting under the weight of it. 'Not…really…' she replied meekly.

'Why did we find all your belongings in a storage unit?' He glared sharply.

'Uh…' She hesitated. She didn't really want to explain since it was already done and over. Why bring up the issue now? 'I…lost my apartment…just before we left for the case…'

'And why was that?' Naru continued to look sternly in her direction.

'Well…those people said it was no longer necessary for me to live away from my husband…so…uh, they canceled my lease…' She had spoken softly and avoided eye contact. Naru seemingly was not going to let her off and Mai had braced herself for quite the berating.

But Naru had remained oddly silent…as if he was contemplating something deep. He had that far away look in his eyes…

Mai laughed aloud recalling where the conversation had gone after that. It was so like Naru to make her feel guilty about her actions and then brush them aside as if they were nothing, even though he knew full well that she would not be able to disregard his displeasure. He knew that she would remember…it was like his way of retribution…making her dwell on it for repentance.

'…Only you can make me feel this beguiling feeling…' Naru had voiced softly. 'So, I suggest you prepare for it; this is the last time I'll ever leave you behind…'

Mai remained stunned for a moment while the words impacted her. She loved the man before her even more than she had thought; the words he had spoken reminded her of it and she would never doubt again. 'It's your fault that I fell this much in love with you; take some responsibility for it already!' She had laughed after the words left her mouth, a smile gracing her lips. 'I may not know about a lot of things, and I sure as hell don't know much about marriage…but I do know that the entire time you are near me it feels right. We're the exact opposite of each other in almost every way but you are always on my mind and I always find myself following your every move.'

Naru could only smile inwardly at Mai's embarrassing confession; he loved that expression when she was uneasy because of him. 'I assure you that I will take responsibility and please take note that being dependent on someone else is not a sign of weakness…' Naru trailed off. 'I want you to depend on me more…and honestly I need your support as well…'

She hesitated…fixating on the floor in front of her. 'Anyone with eyes can see you're more than I deserve…' Mai laughed, though she had truly meant it. He was so much more than she ever imagined could be hers.

'I do not know what others see…but Mai to me…there is no better person than you.' Naru leaned forward and met her gaze. 'That's why I love you more and more each day…'

He loved her…he really loved her.

It felt like a lifetime already since that very first case in which Naru and Lin had shown up at her school. It felt so long ago since she had befriended everyone and started to work at SPR…yet somehow it felt as if she had finally come full circle.

In the beginning she didn't know anything…she wanted to help and she was attracted to Naru, much like any healthy teenage girl would be, but that was the depth of it; nothing more, nothing less. But soon she knew that there was more; much more. She wanted to be with Naru and everyone else. She wanted to be needed and she wanted a place where she belonged.

Mai finally felt like she belonged.

When she realized who her dream guide was for the first time, it had felt like she was bathed in cold water. It changed everything, yet Mai was grateful to Gene. He had helped her through so much without her even understanding who or what he was. At that time, had he not been there for her…had he not shared his past and his identity with her…Mai was sure she would not have been able to get through that ordeal as well as she had.

It was then that she made a vow to keep what she knew hidden and it was then that she knew in her heart that Naru was more than just an infatuation or crush…Gene helped her realize her feelings yet also made painfully clear his own suffering and willingness to aid his brother anyway he could…which Mai was never to reveal or speak of.

But she shattered that vow…

She had told Naru about Gene's whereabouts as she was dying. It was one of those moments that withheld words just had to be spoken. Mai didn't know if she was ever going to be able to speak to Naru again and at all costs she wished to ease his pain and reunite him with his late twin brother.

Mai sighed deeply. She was lost in her own thoughts, it had been awhile and she had conveniently avoided thinking of such troubling things. She didn't want to think about what had transpired in the past months nor did she want to think about Gene. Deep down, even if she knew no one blamed her, Mai felt guilty. Because of her, Gene was found even though he didn't want to be. Because of her, Naru was troubled with issues concerning his family and home. It was all because of her…

Because of her…

"Mai!" Naru's voice startled her from her inner angst, "Tea."

"Coming!" Mai gave a hurried response as she quickly fixed the arrangement of cups on a nearby tray.

She had of course moved into Naru's house since then. He had scolded her even while he made arrangements for her belongings to be delivered to the house from storage, which Mai found rather amusing. She had also, of course, accepted his proposal of marriage even though they technically were already wed…but it was the thought that counted and Mai was pleased with the progression of events.

For the most part, not much had changed. She settled into the home quickly and without much difficulty, as if it had always been her own. It was a place she was quite familiar with after all. After her near death encounter with that demon, she had stayed with Naru and Lin after her release from the hospital. Back then she had deliberately made her presence known by being as much like a "wife" as possible. She didn't want to be treated like a glass doll or fragile object forever. Mai wanted Naru to recognize her as a lover at all costs.

And before that, she had stayed in that very house when she was at her most vulnerable. At that time, Mai was terribly unsure of herself and her feelings. Naru was still an unreachable goal, a fantasy, something she could only admire and never touch. But touch him she did…and Mai could not have been happier that she had reached for her sun. She realized then that her crush could be so much more than that…

It was the fourth time she had returned to that house; to Naru's house…and this time she had no intention of ever leaving.

"Sorry for the wait!" Mai voiced as she entered into the lobby of S.P.R, sitting down the tray full of tea cups. She quickly and efficiently distributed the cups among her coworkers, taking special care with the cup designated for her boss…and husband.

"I was starting to worry, Mai!" Bou-san laughed, "We were starting to think you got lost in there or something!"

"Honestly, be more aware of yourself." Masako said rather haughtily though it didn't stop her from quickly sipping her tea. Mai noted that Masako seemed more agitated than usual and wondered momentarily if something was wrong but decided it was probably not worth concern. If it was indeed something, she would ask about it later.

John was already happily engaged in conversation with the medium and that in itself had seemed to abate her mood. Ayako on the other hand was hard at work deteriorating the mood of a certain monk. Their bickering brought a smile to Mai's already beaming face.

Many things had happened…but some things where still the same.

Lin was still reclusive and as stoic as ever, but at least he left the door to his office open and took the time to drink the tea she had brought him. Naru…well, Naru was still Naru and at the moment he was on the phone engaged in a conversation she could not understand.

Mai calmly sipped her tea while listening to the commotion around her. Lin was steadily typing on his computer, Ayako and Bou-san were busy bickering about the little things, John and Masako were chatting politely, and Naru was starting to seem irritated with the conversation that seemed to drag on forever. She still couldn't understand the language he was speaking but she hoped that he would fill her in on what she missed later.

There were still a lot of things they both needed to work on, but Mai at least hoped they were past the point of keeping things from each other. If the recent events and cases had taught her anything it was that she needed to rely on others. She no longer was alone nor did she have to feel like a burden…she could open up to those around her. She didn't have to hold it in or worry about troubling anyone, especially Naru…he wanted her to trouble him and it only caused him worry when she didn't speak her mind to him.

Even though Mai had learned her lesson…there was still one thing she had yet to tell him…

-x-

A Week Earlier…

"If you want to sleep, then go to your room and do it there…" Naru stated in irritation. "My office is not a bed-stay."

"I'm not tired!" Mai protested emphatically. "And besides, why can't I be in this room…it's technically my house too!"

"That may be so, but there is no logical reason for you to be in 'this' room, 'this' late at night." Naru retorted seriously. "Just go to bed…" he added in on a lighter note.

"No…"

"I'll be there shortly…"

"That's what you said last time!" Mai exclaimed loudly. "I am here to make sure you don't work yourself to death! You need sleep!" As hyped as she was, Mai unconsciously let a sleepy yawn escape her lips. She was tired; there was no doubt about that. Since they had returned, S.P.R. had been flooded with work. Mai suspected it had something to do with Naru's parents…making it worth their while or something. Naru had yet to explain why exactly he was able to stay in Japan with her just as he had before. When she confronted Lin, he merely told her that Naru had explained things clearly to his parents and that they had worked it out. When she pressed for details, Lin had skillfully slipped away from saying anything more.

"Mai…" Naru sighed heavily. He knew she was worried about him, but she was being a distraction. He could finish his work quickly if she could just wait for him patiently…and in another room. "I know what I said last time…but I am accustomed to this pace of work and schedule. It is nothing out of the ordinary for me so I am hardly pushing myself as you may think. Besides, I am no as careless or as absentminded as you…" He paused a moment, deciding if there were anything more he wanted to add. "Do you understand, Mai?"

Naru swiveled his chair only to find that his lecture had gone to waste. Mai was already fast asleep in the corner chair, her head tucked into the side of the backrest with her arms and legs unceremoniously strewn over the armrests. Her soft breaths echoed throughout the space and as the only other person present, he found himself mesmerized by the scene.

Naru wondered for a moment how she could fall asleep in such a position, but then realized it was Mai after all. She could fall asleep at the drop of a hat and in the most peculiar locations. It was by far her most impressive skill.

With extraordinary gentleness, Naru effortlessly hoisted Mai from the chair and carried her down the hall to their bedroom where he deposited her atop the covers. He had grown accustomed to tucking the girl in and now felt like an expert at the act. In a short time Naru left to return to his study and to his incomplete work, but not before he placed a soft kiss upon Mai's defenseless lips or before he bade her goodnight and sweet dreams.

And sweet dreams she had…

That night Mai found herself in a familiar place, one she had not been to in sometime. "…here again…" she muttered to no one. The will o' wisps danced brightly and Mai immediately relaxed. Even though her dream world often revealed fearsome or unpleasant things, it was also the place of some of her most treasured memories.

Her joy was short lived however, for the good memories also made her recall her loss…an unshakable sadness and realization that she was actually alone washed over her like ice. He was already dead, but to her he had been a real existence, the same as her. It finally felt like he had really died and was really gone…Mai could not help but cry even though she thought she had already shed all the tears she had for Naru's brother.

"Gene…" She sobbed not caring how loud she cried. There was no one there to hear it besides her anyway. Mai squatted down and hugged her knees tightly, burying her head in her lap. She didn't want to be there anymore; she wanted to wake up and bury herself in Naru's warm embrace.

'…don't cry…' Mai startled as she felt a hand rest gently atop her head. She quickly looked up to see the person that materialized before her…

"Gene!?" She voiced barely able to contain her happiness. "But…but how…you…I thought…" She stammered trying to find the words but Gene merely responded with a smile. Mai launched herself forward into Gene's awaiting arms. She hugged him tightly, as tightly as she could. "I thought I would never see you again…"

Gene laughed softly and returned her embrace, 'What kind of in-law would I be if I left you here alone?' He smiled to himself before he added, 'I'm glad I got to see you again, Mai…'

Mai was beyond herself with joy but realization soon hit her, her expression dropped. He must not have been able to…

"You…weren't…" She started to cry again. "…sorry…so sorry…"

'Stop that!' Gene scolded while patting her back lightly. 'I'm here because I want to be here. It's not your fault. Besides, it seems like I can come and go when I please. I don't know the reason but I am happy with the way things are.' Gene reassured her though he knew Mai's character quite well and he knew she would still worry.

"But…"

'I'm happy.' He cut her off. 'I can help my brother this way and help you at the same time. I can't stand the thought of you alone in this place. It can be scary and very dangerous…it's not safe. I am sure Noll feels the same way.' Gene sighed and put some distance between them. 'I want to protect the both of you…'

Mai immediately seemed like she wanted to say something but paused and composed herself. "Thank you…" she said softly but with all her heart. "I can't express how much your words mean to me…really…thank you."

Gene smiled. It was amazing to see how much the girl before him, his brother's wife, had matured. He remembered when she had first stumbled into his world, his plain of existence, back when she was none the wiser and still so unsure of herself. It seemed she would never come to trust herself and she continued to pass it off merely as dreams. Gradually, she had come to see the connections and she started to question. Maybe some of the scientist in Noll had rubbed off on her, since his idiot brother had always believed in Mai and her ability…it just took Mai a little longer to catch on.

The Mai he was with now had grown up so much from that time. She was still young, over caring, always concerned with others, emotional, brash, and much too absentminded…but she seemed to know herself now; more rational and composed, able to handle a situation.

'So, that's the real deal?' Gene questioned singling to the ring on her finger.

"Ah, yeah…yeah it is." Mai was startled from her racing thoughts but was glad to see that Gene was just as he always was. "Naru actually proposed to me this time…properly even! Can you imagine that?"

'Ha, I bet that was a sight to see.'

"…it was…it really was…" Mai paused, thinking back. "Your parents obviously wanted Naru to stay in England with them after your funeral…they wanted me to stay too…" she paused again but Gene patiently waited for her to convey what she wanted. "…I couldn't do it…I just couldn't stay there with him…I ran away like a coward."

'Mai…'

"I was so afraid that I had messed up beyond repair. I didn't have any place to go back to…and, and I was so worried I had ruined everything!" Mai laughed lightly, a bright smile appeared on her face. "But he found me…he came back to me and proposed to me like I never thought he would. I still feel like it was all a dream…"

'You don't want it to be real?' Gene asked concerned.

"No, it's not that!" Mai exclaimed quickly. "It's just…"

'Just?'

"I feel happy that he came back to me but at the same time I feel guilty for it. I worry about the trouble caused because of me; the trouble Naru got into because of me. He was supposed to stay in England and work but he returned to Japan without your parents' approval. Not to mention he was supposed to be with one of those high class girls…one that would suit him and your parents would approve of…" Mai finished dejectedly.

Gene tried his best not to laugh and to keep a composed face but he was finding it rather difficult. It was so like Mai to feel badly about such stupid and unnecessary things. She really needed to think about herself more…

'It's okay to be happy…' he started off slowly. 'My brother did what he did because he wanted to and you know his character, he would not have been satisfied any other way. You know as well as I do that Naru would not be able to be with any other girl besides you…even if our parents wanted him to. He is an idiot scientist after all.'

Mai seemed relieved if not reassured, even though she said nothing. Gene's words were already more than enough…

'So how is my idiot brother doing anyway?' Gene asked while taking a seat. 'I find it rather amusing to think of him as a husband…'

"Ha!" Mai certainly agreed with that statement. "He's…how should I say…himself. He is acting normal; so much for the 'newlywed' stage…"

'How typical of him.' Gene sighed. 'Well, keep at it and break him like an expensive piece of china. I'm sure he'll come around and you have plenty of time ahead of you.'

"I know…" Mai sighed as well. "He's not really that bad, and he is trying…I think…even if he is moving at his own pace. I think he just needs some time…and besides, we are both still pretty young. There's no real need to rush."

Gene suddenly leaned over and pulled Mai into his chest. 'I love you Mai, I love you so much!' he said happily while planting a kiss atop her head.

"Wha…what!" Mai struggled but Gene held tight.

'You really are just what that idiot needs and that's why I love you! You match each other so well!" Gene declared boldly. 'Please don't leave him…he would be lost without you…' he finished seriously. If he hadn't still had Mai buried in his embrace, Gene would have been able to see her blushing, smiling face.

"I won't, and thank you…" she replied in a muffled voice. Mai was uncertain about a lot of things and she didn't know what the future held, but she knew that she would never leave Naru again. Even if they were apart, they would still be together, their hearts would be connected. She would make it work, make it last…that much was certain.

-x-

Naru aggressively hung up the phone and let out a surprisingly audible sigh. The sound oddly enough brought a smile to Mai's face though she was already in a good mood from recalling those most blissful memories from a few days prior.

"So, what was that all about?" Bou-san asked with enthusiasm. Though everyone present had been occupied with their own tasks, it didn't mean they hadn't paid attention to other things as well.

"That is none of your concern." Naru responded flatly.

"Was that your parents Naru-san?" John asked innocently.

"I bet it was from the look of it…" Ayako scrutinized. Naru could usually keep his cool in any situation and yet the conversation he was just having seemed to visibly irritate him much more than something like that normally would have. Also, Naru would normally deal with such a conversation quickly and bluntly, hanging up or cutting the other party off as soon as possible…but for some reason Naru had been held captive on the line for a long time…which could only mean…

"…none of your con-" Naru was trying to speak but he had long since been ignored and the rest of the team were fully engaged in discussing his supposed conversation.

"It was his parents" Ayako finished. "I'm sure of it."

"He was speaking in English…" John paused and blushed slightly, "not that I was listening in or anything…"

"I think there must have been some…conditions….for you to be allowed to stay here…" Masako spoke ruefully, hiding her face behind a well placed sleeve. "It was-"

"It was nothing." Naru interjected irritably.

"Ah!" Bou-san started, "Was it about your wedding plans?"

"Oh!" Ayako chimed in. "That's right! There is that to look forward to, isn't there!"

"No, it doesn't have to do with that…though it was mentioned…" Masako smirked behind her sleeve.

"What!?" More than once voice exclaimed. By this time Naru was beyond annoyed but it seemed there was no stopping his caddy coworkers. "Then what was it!?"

"Ah…" Masako started slowly. "…they want grandkids soon as a condition for allowing Naru to stay here…so they were calling to…remind him…" Mai could hear the condescending tone in the medium's voice, but she didn't care. She already knew about the condition anyway, it was something along the lines of 'we expect grand children so you better get busy,' though Naru probably didn't know she knew of his parent's unreasonable demand. Gene had thought it rather amusing, though Mai didn't think as much of it as he did.

Bou-san smirked deviously. "So that was it! Well, Mai-chan you have your work cut out for you!" Ayako swiftly hit him in the arm and John laughed. Mai couldn't help but blush furiously though she somehow managed to smile.

Mai quickly gathered the empty cups from around the long coffee table and made her escape to the kitchen while the others were in full gossip mode. They were so engaged with their own ramblings they never even noticed who had slipped away. If Mai had paid attention, there was one person who had noticed…but Lin merely smiled to himself, a knowing look reserved solely for them. Mai sighed as she rested the tray on the counter; it had been a long day and she knew she was going to be bugged about that 'condition' for awhile thereafter…just what she needed.

"Sorry…" Naru's arm wrapped around her from behind as he voiced a rare apology in a hushed, sullen voice.

"Don't be…" Mai smiled. "I knew about it anyway." Mai missed Naru's shocked expression due to the fact that he was behind her but she had a feeling he was surprised. "…your brother said the same thing…"

Naru's voice hitched in his throat at her words, "What?" he managed to breathe out.

Mai turned slightly, just enough so she could face her love. She gently placed a reassuring hand atop his that entwined around her and kissed it softly. "I told him he would have to wait a bit but he didn't seem to mind…" she smiled brightly as she watched the realization wash over Naru.

"He's doing fine by the way…sorry I didn't tell you sooner…"

"Ha, is that so? Leave it to him to defy reason…thank you for telling me." Naru said softly but Mai could tell it was full of emotion. He had finally started to show some much needed manners and feelings to her…took him long enough…

Took them both long enough really…finally…finally they had made it this far.

This was a dawn that she could not detest. It was one that she had been waiting for even if she never knew she had been. It was more than she could have ever hoped for; more vibrant, more vivid, and ever so warm. She could not be happier.

It was uncertain, like most things were, but Mai looked forward to what the future held. She looked forward to the many, many coming dawns. She had felt lost; like a child in the darkness, but finally her dawn had come and she was sure that she would not, ever, take it for granted again.

Some say that it is always darkest before the dawn…but the knowledge remains that the darkness will pass and golden rays will usher in the dawn…

Over, and over, and over again…

"Love is the dawn of marriage…and marriage is the sunset of love…"

~The Depth of Dawning~

-End-

A/N: Please review and give me some input! I hope it tied up things like it should have...it made mention of the next (1st) story which I will be posting up soon so you will actually know what they are talking about! I may also write some oneshots for this series down the road so look forward to that!

Thank you all so much for following this story and I hope to hear from you all for the next one as well!