Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt or it's characters. They belong to Fuyumi Ono. I do, however, own the plot.

Chapter One: An Introduction

Mai Taniyama was having what one would call a frustrating start to her day. She had been up all night studying, and as a result was running late for work. This also meant that she wouldn't have time to drop the twins off at their teacher's. She had no choice but to take the twins to work with her and they were already in sour moods after being woken up so suddenly.

She guided her children down the streets as quickly as possible, holding both their hands firmly. As if to further prove that the world was against her, it started to rain. Mai picked the twins up before hurrying into the building where she worked. "Bou-san? Ayako?" she called out as she set her kids down and led them to the lounge area. The two sat on the couch and watched their mother silently.

Bou-san ran out to greet them. "Jou-chan! And do I see my adorable grandchildren?"

Mai rolled her eyes at the monk as Aki and Rei launched themselves at him. She smiled as she thought, 'Maybe it won't be such a bad day after all.'

"Hey, Monk, is Ayako in?" she asked.

Monk looked up from the twins. "Not yet. I let her sleep in this morning since we won't have a client til noon. I was thinking we could get breakfast."

Aki and Rei cheered at the prospect as Mai raised a brow. "But what if we get a phone call or miss a client?" she protested.

"C'mon, Jou-chan. That's what an answering machine is for. It's my treat!"

Mai sighed as she nodded. "At least let me make a sign for the door."

Soon the four were off to their favorite café, the rain having lessened up. As they neared the restaurant, Mai watched people as they passed. Time seemed to slow as her eyes caught a glimpse of dark hair and a pale face. She stood, frozen and gripped Aki closer to her as blue eyes met hers.

Mai's attention was suddenly brought to the twins, who had been calling for her.

"Kaa-san, kaa-san!" they chorused.

"What is it?" she asked the two in a trembling voice.

"Kaa-san's crying," Rei stated from Bou-san's arms.

Aki wiped at Mai's face, silent.

Mai wiped away the tears that Aki missed and explained, "Kaa-san's still sleepy. I'm alright."

Mai didn't miss the look that Bou-san shot her as they walked into the café where Ayako was waiting. Ayako took Rei and Aki to a table, not oblivious to the tension in Mai's face.

"What was that about, just now?" Bou-san asked as the two made their way slowly to the table.

"I think Naru's back in town," Mai answered, keeping her focus straight ahead. "And I'm pretty sure he just saw me," she added.

Bou-san crossed his arms over his chest. "What the hell would he be doing here in Japan? I thought for sure he'd never come back! Is there any chance he knows about the twins?"

Mai shook her head. "Who would have told him? Lin and Madoka have no idea and none of us have talked to Oliver since I told you I was pregnant! So there's no way."

"Well, let's not worry about it just yet, okay? Maybe he's just here on business. I doubt we'll have to even see him while he's in town."

Mai could only nod as she sat down with Ayako and her kids, mind still on the encounter.

A/N: Sorry the first chapter is so short! This is something I've been thinking on for a while. Don't assume that this is your run-of-the-mill "Mai and Naru has kids" type fanfic. At least, I don't think it is, anyway. XD Hope you guys enjoy and as always, please read and review!