Eugene

Mai watched in the unfamiliar churchyard as the procession approached. The service in the church was concluded and it was time to bare Gene to his final resting place. The vicar passed, wearing a cassock much like John’s, and just behind him was a middle aged couple, both bearing a striking resemblance to Naru, they must be his parents…

Just behind the couple Naru walked, his eyes searching for something before they rested on her. He made a swift motion, beckoning her over, and she was hesitant to move until he made to go to her. Not wanting to interrupt the service, she hurried to his side, her cheeks slightly flushed as she walked beside him with her head down,

“Look up…This is where Gene would want you to be.” Naru said quietly, his hand slowly reaching out to take hers gently. Glancing across at him Mai could see the strain on his face, his pride not allowing him to show his grief. Squeezing his hand comfortingly Mai gave him the biggest smile she could manage, which was in fact very small, but Naru understood as he squeezed back with a warm look.

Approaching the grave Mai watched as the coffin was lowered, barely listening as the priest spoke. She looked at her feet as tears trickled down her cheeks, even though she knew it was illogical. I met him after he was dead! I barely even knew him! He’s already gone! She thought, her heart aching as she opened her tearful eyes, which widened as she looked at the headstone. She looked beside her to make sure, but Naru hadn’t let go of her hand, If Naru’s here then…Gene…She thought, the boy smiling at her.

“Mai…do you see?” Naru asked in shock, his blue eyes fixed to the same point, but Naru can’t see ghosts…Could it be because he’s touching me? She wondered, but she wasn’t going to let go of his hand to find out. It would be too cruel to make his brother disappear in his final moments.

Take good care of her Noll, and make sure you do what you want to do…You know what I’m talking about. Gene said firmly, Naru stiffening slightly at Mai’s side as he gripped her hand, tears shimmering at the edges of his eyes. Mai smiled softly as she linked her arm through his and gripped his sleeve comfortingly, Mai…Be happy…and look after this idiot. The spirit added with a warm smile as the priest concluded his service. At the priest’s final words Gene smiled, holding up a hand in farewell before fading away with the breeze.

“Oliver, we’re going home now.” The tall ebony haired woman from earlier stated as she approached and put her hand on Naru’s shoulder. He looked at her solemnly for a few moments before slipping his arm around Mai’s waist. “Oh, who’s this? Your girlfriend?” His mother asked, and she was beautiful. Her skin was like porcelain, her smile was warm and welcoming, her deep brown eyes shone with pride and she had a dimple in her cheeks that enhanced her beauty.

“Are you ready to leave? Ah, good afternoon Miss?” His father asked, his deep blue eyes looked at her curiously.  He was also a lot like Naru, only older and more mature with hair such a dark brown that she almost thought it was ebony. Before Mai could answer Naru had stepped forward, Lin watching from the dispersing crowd.

“Mother, Father, allow me to introduce Taniyama Mai. She’s my assistant at SPR.” He announced, his parents smiling and bowing to Mai, though their son’s statement had confused them somewhat,

“That’s nice, but you’re forgetting SPR is closed now.” His mother reminded tentatively,

“Yes, I’ve just made a decision.” Naru announced as he tightened his grip on Mai as if she might disappear, “I’m going back to Japan. SPR will be reopened.” He continued firmly, his dark eyes daring his parents to object, and for the moment they seemed speechless.

“Ollie, you can’t just…go back to Japan! Your powers need focus and careful monitoring! It’s not safe!” His mother said convincingly, Mai looking up at him worriedly. She knew what a toll his powers had, and she didn’t want to feel responsible for anything that might happen,

“Mother, I’m not being a lab rat anymore…Gene didn’t die from his powers, he died in an accident…I’m not going to waste my life away in a lab when I could be living it. However long I live, I want to do what I enjoy…and I enjoy running SPR.” He stated firmly, his mother looking up at her husband questioningly as she worried her lip. His father also seemed to be considering it worriedly.

“I volunteer to return with him and monitor his condition.” Lin added as he approached from behind, Naru’s parents turning to look at him and then each other.

“Well, Lin-san’s done a good job so far…” His mother said, his father nodding in agreement.

“Very well, I will once again fund the SPR.” His father stated as he looked down at his son. Naru smiled gratefully before turning to Mai, who smiled up at him,

“You’re coming back?” She asked hopefully.

“I’m coming back.” He agreed, laughing for the first time she could remember as she threw her arms around him. It wasn’t a chuckle, but a full, loud laugh that reached his eyes, and as he wrapped his arms around her Mai could feel something changing. I love Gene…I really do, but I can love Naru too.