Silent Loneliness

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"Naru, tea," Mai called softly as she nudged his door open. Naru glanced up from his work, eyeing her almost dismissively as she padded quietly to his desk and set the steaming cup down with a gentle tap. He couldn't help squirming in his seat. He was a little more agitated than usual. He was tapping his foot and spinning his pen restlessly. Mai paused, wondering if she should ask him about it. Though, normally asking doesn't go so well for me...She felt sheepish as she recalled all the times he'd snapped at her for prying.

"What is it?" Naru asked almost curtly as his hand reached out to raise the cup to his lips. His eyes fluttered momentarily as he breathed in the comforting scent. Mai watched his movements, still marvelling at how elegant he was. She'd never seen anyone who could look so precise and picturesque just doing something as simple as sipping a cup of tea. She tried not to blush as he met her eyes, knowing he was waiting for an answer.

"Just...you seem a little unsettled." She watched with her usual concerned head tilt as Naru suppressed a sigh. She could tell by the way his head lowered a fraction, and his eyes closed for a couple of beats. There was also a slight pinch at the corner of his eyes. He hated it when she caught him out. He wasn't used to being read so easily, at least, not by anyone besides Lin. Lin had practically raised him, so he had that leeway. He'd learned from years of experience. But how did Mai get so attuned to my moods?

"It's nothing...My heat's a little late is all," he replied stiffly, rolling his head slowly to ease the tightness in his neck. He truly hated it when his cycle was messed up. His body was preparing for the heat, but it should have started two days ago now. He was stuck with all the negative side effects. Sore muscles. Fatigue. Headaches. Cramps. A shorter temper. Mai's honey eyes widen in shock. He tilted his head questioningly as her cheeks reddened. If anything, she looked upset. Naru had the feeling there'd been a miscommunication somewhere along the line. He sipped his tea, allowing his eyes to close for a moment as he enjoyed the comforting taste. Mai's tea...

"Do you need to see a doctor? Have you been taking your birth control? I didn't realise you..." She trailed off awkwardly, delicate fingers gripping the empty tray to her thighs. Naru was stunned. His blue eyes widened at the sudden awkwardness in the air. He could sense unrest and hurt rolling off her in waves. He quirked an eyebrow in confusion as he tilted his head ever so slightly. Birth control? Don't tell me she thinks...His expression softened a little, amusement tugging his lips faintly before he raised his cup to hide it.

"Don't jump to conclusions. I can assure you, that isn't the issue," he replied in his usual cold monotone, though he knew she could feel his quiet amusement at being able to tease her. He also felt the waves of relief she was giving off at the news. He was almost troubled by it. Much as he liked Mai, much as he may even want her in that way, it wasn't appropriate or practical. It wouldn't be fair to her. "My heats are sometimes unpredictable," he added dismissively, though until John presented as an omega he'd managed to work out his current cycles. They'd changed a few times for various reasons. First, he'd been stressed without his twin close by. Then, his twin had died and the resulting emotional shock had thrown him off. Then, he'd moved countries, so the change of time zones, eating, and living habits had changed it. After that, he'd met Takigawa and their cycles had somewhat synchronised. John's heats had now thrown off his cycle again as he adjusted to yet another omega presence in his life.

"Uh...is there anything I can get for you?" Mai wondered if some painkillers were required. When he got closer to his heat, he'd usually get really short tempered with the cramps and headaches. Before she'd found out he was an omega, she'd just thought he was short-tempered in general. It made a lot more sense now that she'd tracked his moods along with his cycles. At the moment, he seemed perfectly fine, if a little stressed. Either he was already taking painkillers or his cycle wasn't anywhere near ready to start.

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