It was a terrifying experience. One that Mai would never want to go through again. Not only was she haunted by nightmares, but Masako, her rival in love, would also be scarred. The name Urado echoed in her mind even now as the anorexic, blood soaked form rested hunched over in front of her. Mai had to shake her head, slapping her cheeks softly to rid her mind of the image. Now that they were back home, maybe she could get it off her mind. After all, it wouldn't be right to worry the others because of something that had happened in the past.

Running a hand through her hair, Mai slumped against the couch and debated on seeing what the others were up to. They were all so close now, and she wondered how a team as diverse as theirs got together in the first place before she remembered it had been because of their first case. At first everyone rather disliked each other and would bicker, not that they didn't do that now, but as time went on the group became one at SPR. Mai smiled a little, wondering when their next mission was going to come in, but maybe a break was most important after their last encounter with the paranormal.

At this moment, the room was quiet. Closing her eyes with the intent to take a small nap, she soon fell asleep, feeling comfortable with her surroundings as the only sound besides the feint shuffle of papers was the clock softly ticking away. Nothing could interrupt this peaceful moment. Nothing.

Houshou Takigawa barged in through the front door of SPR with a huge grin on his face and his guitar slung across his shoulders. "Hey guys! I'm back, how is everyone today?" He boomed, his voice shocking Mai from her sleep. The only other people inhabiting the room were Naru and Lin, neither of which acknowledged the blonde. Heaving a sigh, he smiled brightly at the sleepy Mai when she got up to hug him.

"Monk, if you don't mind, I would prefer you not barging into my place of business and disturbing our work with your hollering." Naru said this with irritation dripping from his voice. He had been working on some research for their next case when he lost his train of thought when the man had slammed the door open; though he would never admit that to anyone except Lin.

"I'm sorry Naru; I thought everyone else was here and that you guys were discussing the next case. I didn't think I was this early. I'll try to be quieter next time I make an entrance." Sheepish after being reprimanded, he hugged Mai's small form, "And how is my favorite dreamer?" Houshou was sure she had more power than they thought, referring to how she had saved Masako by dreaming of her and seeing other victim's memories. He was pretty sure she was no ordinary high school student.

Mai had always enjoyed Monk's company; he wasn't anything like Naru who would ignore her half the time while picking on her ignorance the other half when she didn't know something. Monk on the other hand was kind, listened to her, and often the two of them would team up and go out somewhere. They had a lot of the same opinions and taste in certain pass times. Looking up at him with dazed eyes, she mumbled quietly, "Masako seems to be resting up and probably won't be here for a while. She got it worse than me, but I'm doing well, thank you for asking. You're welcome to stay until everyone else shows up." Taking his hand, she led him to the couch and settled next to him as she tried to wake back up.

Watching him set the guitar beside the couch; she wondered just how well he could play. She really couldn't think of a time when he played it for anyone except his band, and if she was truly honest, she hadn't looked them up yet so she didn't know how good they were. "You should play sometime for me, I bet you're great at it." Even if he was a monk in a metal band, he probably had a lot more skills up his sleeve.

Houshou smiled and ruffled Mai's hair, "Maybe, how about I play for you when we go out on that movie date we have been planning since forever, how does that sound?" Poking her on the forehead, he got up and walked over to Naru's desk, "So what is on the agenda for this week's job?" He asked, playing with a few pens and pencils that were in a jar.

"So far we have a possessed doll, a cursed cave, and a haunted mansion. I'm leaning more towards the doll because it is most promising, but the cave promises much as well. I won't take the mansion just yet after our last encounter with such places; I believe everyone could use a break from that. Now, would you please stop messing with my things? I need to concentrate. Take Mai out for a walk or to the mall or something. I'll text her if I need either of you."

Houshou smiled deviously as he took up his guitar and turned to Mai who had an odd look on her face, "Shall we go on that movie date then since we aren't needed apparently?" Taking her hand before she could even give a response, he led her out of the office and down the stairs to the street below. The two of them had wanted to go out for a while now, which was hard to do when hunting ghosts, getting caught up in school work, or having previous plans, like his practice sessions with his band.

Mai made no objection when Monk grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the office. She didn't want to be there anyways if she was just a burden. Shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight, she let them adjust before looking around, "It's so nice out today!" She giggled, stretching her arms above her head with a half smile curling her lips. "Maybe after the movie we can go and get something to eat." She offered, pressing a hand to her hair as the gentle breeze blew it into her face. It was always fun to spend time with her friends, and she knew Monk was always there for her, even if he didn't know she was down.

Houshou smiled and brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear that she had missed and winked, "As you wish, milady." Heading towards his car, he pulled out his keys and unlocked it before looking at her over the hood, "What movie would you like to see?" Putting his guitar in the back seat, he climbed into the front and started the vehicle, putting in his band's latest CD for background noise as they talked. "I hear there is a new Godzilla movie out, and that other movie… what was it called… oh! The Avengers is out too!" A soft chuckle left him as she practically bounced in her seat with excitement. "We could probably watch both if you like. We could watch one then go eat and come back to watch another if you are up for a double feature." Changing the song to a solo he had done with the lead vocalist, he handed her the case and smiled, "This is my band's newest album by the way."

Monk was a charming character. With cheeks still flushed from him brushing her hair behind her ears; she thought over which movie they should watch first as she looked down the list of songs on the CD case. "U-uhm… I think that a double feature sounds fun! I don't go out often and no one is waiting for me back home, so I usually just eat dinner and go to bed after I leave SPR." Pausing to listen to the song he had switched over to, Mai found it to be quite nice; it was softer than the other song she had heard. Almost like a Soft Rock instead of Metal. "I've never gotten the chance to listen to your music, just hearing this song I feel like I could fall asleep to it." Studying the case again she appreciated the artwork, the grey background with insignia's crawling across the cover all over the case.

Monk smiled, "I'm glad you like it Mai." Pulling into the Theater's parking lot he easily found a space near the entrance and shut off the car after making sure he was in the lines. Waiting for Mai to join him at the trunk, he locked the car as they made their way to the ticket booth, "Which movie do you want to watch first?" He asked as they looked over all the options.

"Let's go see Godzilla first!" She mimicked the huge reptile, waving her arms and roaring as she stomped on a few leaves while they made their way to the line. Bolting ahead, she ducked under the ropes instead of weaving through the maze that was meant to organize a crowd. Stopping behind the last person, she turned to watch him slowly make his way through with a smile. A thought came to mind and her smile quickly left, looking to her feet as she shuffled them against the concrete. She stepped up in line and pursed her lips as the tall blonde came to stand by her. "You know… I never did thank you for everything you have done for me. Whenever you saved me all those times, I never really did thank you properly." Ashamed with the way she had acted, she linked her fingers behind her back and slowly looked up at the male in question with sad eyes.

Houshou had found amusement in her childish antics, chuckling at her rendition of Godzilla smashing the city before she had run off to get them a spot in line. To be honest, he was shocked at her confession. He had never expected thanks for what he had done, and she was his friend so it was only natural to come to her rescue. "No Mai. It's okay, I didn't do it for thanks. You are my dear friend." 'Hopefully one day more than that if I'm truly honest with myself, she is just too damn cute!' His cheeks colored at his thoughts, but he ignored them as they stepped up to the booth. Ordering two tickets for Godzilla, he paid before she could even pull out her wallet.

Smiling at her pout when she realized she had been thwarted, he led her to the concession stand inside and they each got a box of popcorn and a drink before making their way to the theater hosting their chosen flick. Settling down towards the upper-middle section, they put their drinks in their respective spots and nibbled on their popcorn, making small conversation before the room grew dark and the movie began to start. Monk couldn't help feeling like this was an actual date, shaking his head at the notion he smiled zoned in to the movie as the theme song began to play.


Hey guys! Okay so i am rewriting this old fic, its been 5 years coming and i promise more chapters are to be uploaded once i finish revising and editing the three that are already here!

I hope you enjoy the rebuilt chapters and continue to support me!

- Ivory Out