A/N: Prompt me! Seriously, I would like to take requests for one-shot stories featuring the Lin and Mai paring. That's why I have written this short and hopefully sweet story to get started. I would like the subsequent chapters to be one-shots I have written based on reader prompts. Because seriously, the world needs more Lin and Mai love. My only rule is... no mention of Lin being in love, or together, with Madoka before he finds love in Mai. I will seriously lose my mind. I can hardly stand the thought of him being with anyone but Mai, but him with Madoka makes my blood boil (I love her though). So, if you enjoy my writing and you don't have your heart set on mentions of Madoka, please request a one-shot either through review of this chapter or private message. Thanks and please enjoy!
Edit: No character death requests! I love all the characters. I can barely handle Gene being gone...
Disclaimer: All characters in Ghost Hunt are the creation of the Goddess Ono Fuyumi-sama.
As Lin worked his way through the various tapes Mai had cataloged for him, he came across a tape that had a folded piece of paper stuck to it. Curious, he carefully removed it. Setting the tape aside, he unfolded the paper. Inside was Mai's familiar scrawl. Lin sighed when he realized it was a note. The note simply read:
Lin-san, how is your day going?
'This is childish,' Lin thought as he threw the note aside.
He resumed his work analyzing the tape. Unable to focus, he briefly glanced at the note before firmly fixing his eyes on the computer. The more Lin typed, the harder it became to concentrate until he finally gave up.
Grabbing a pen, Lin opened the top drawer of the desk he was working at. He removed a small pad of note paper and set it down in front of him. Taking a moment to consider his words, he began to write:
Taniyama-san, my day is going well. I would like to inquire the same of you. I'm curious, though, what could have prompted you to write me. As I have no way of knowing when said note was written, it's plausible that you've forgotten. Please deliver all notes directly.
Once he had finished writing, Lin tore his note from the pad and folded it neatly. Afterwards, he stood from his chair and exited the resource room. He made his way to the main office to find Mai at her desk organizing documents. He silently walked over to her and held out the note.
Mai looked up at Lin as he approached.
"Oh, Lin-san, did you need something?" she asked cheerfully.
He could tell Mai was happy to have a momentary distraction. Even so, he remained silent, gesturing towards her with the note. Taking notice of the paper in his hand, she hesitantly took it. He immediately turned and retreated back to the resource room.
Mai watched in bewilderment as Lin left without saying a word. It was unusual that he had even ventured out to give her whatever this paper was. Instantly curious, Mai turned her attention to the folded paper and quickly opened it. She was surprised by what she found inside. Reading the note, Mai found herself smiling in amusement. She remembered the note she had written, but that was weeks ago and she had all but forgotten about it until now.
Mai decided she would respond immediately. Having thus decided, Mai grabbed her pad of paper and her pen labeled SPR, then she began writing:
Wow, Lin-san! I wrote that weeks ago. Are you backlogged? I know how diligently you work, so it must be a difficult and tedious task going through all those videos. I really wish I could do something to help, but as you know, I'm swamped with my own work. Naru uses his workers very roughly, huh?
Lin-san, to tell you the truth, I never thought you would respond. It's somewhat nostalgic, don't you think? Remember when you and Naru returned to England? I was surprised at how talkative you were in your letters. Naru, of course, didn't ever respond. But I know you said it was because he had a difficult time writing in Japanese. Funny how the almighty Naru has a weakness.
Oh! To answer your note, the day has been very boring. Also, I don't know why I decided to write. I was just thinking of how we never talk and then remembered you were great at writing letters. But, Lin-san, what prompted you to write in return?
Mai was surprised with how much she had written. She figured it was because she got to talk to him so rarely. He was usually a man of few words when anyone but her and Naru were present and most of the time he was too distracted by his work. Lin was a workaholic just like Naru.
Mai sighed, deciding she would make tea. It would give her an excuse to deliver her note - more like letter, really. She folded her note neatly and put it in her pocket, then went to the kitchen to make tea.
As usual, Mai put all her heart into making tea. She felt it was her duty to make tea with all her feelings.
'But feelings of what exactly?' a voice in Mai's head wondered.
She pushed the thought from her head, telling herself there was no reason to overthink things. She wasn't a little girl anymore.
And with that thought, she made her way to Naru's office. She quickly knocked and waited for the usual bored response. When it came, she entered.
"Tea," Mai reported as she moved to set it on his desk.
She didn't even wait for the 'Thank you' that never came. Mai knew there was no hope wishing for a kind sentiment from the idiot scientist. She had reconciled herself to that fact some time ago. It was hopeless. He was hopeless.
Mai scurried next door to the resource room, knocking before entering.
"Lin-san, I've brought tea," she announced.
She went to set the tea on his desk, pulling the note from her pocket as she did so. She gently set the note beside his cup.
Lin quickly abandoned his work, picking up the note.
"Thank you, Taniyama-san," Lin replied as he unfolded the note.
Mai wondered if he was thanking her for the tea or the note. She was distracted from that thought as she watched Lin read her note. The way he smiled as he read it made Mai's stomach flutter uneasily. The sensation was somewhat uncomfortable and caused her to fidget in anxiety. Wanting to escape, Mai turned towards the door.
"Wait, Taniyama-san," Lin called as he grabbed her hand.
Mai felt her chest constrict.
"Yes, Lin-san?" she asked quietly, not fully trusting the strength of her voice.
Lin quickly wetted his lips. His sudden courage had all but left him. Instead of saying what was on his mind, Lin handed Mai another note.
"A-another one already," Mai stuttered.
Lin nodded before reluctantly letting go of her hand. Mai nervously unfolded the new note, her fingers shaking.
Taniyama-san, thinking on the issue more intently, I've decided my day has been wonderful since receiving your note. It reminded me of our old letters, which I have sorely missed. I felt that, during that time, we came to know each other well. It left me with a hope that has yet to be realized. Your note has prompted me to finally take action. As such, I can only ask, will you join me for dinner?
Mai smiled as she read the final sentence. She had held onto this hope for a long time. Refolding the note, Mai looked up to Lin, who sat watching her worriedly.
"I'd like that very much, Lin-san."
