Title: Of Tea, Ghosts, and One-Word Prompts
Summary: Theirs is a common love story- A bright young girl, a cold young man. But it gets complex and confusing when you add in the paranormal factor. 100 oneshots based off of one-word prompts, merging the simplicity and the supernatural of the Ghost Hunt we love so much. Mai/Naru.
Rating: T for language and violence.
AN: Okay, so I lied. I'm just gonna update whenever I get the inspiration. It's not necessarily going to be every Monday and Wednesday. And so here's the second installment, posted just one day after the first. I couldn't help it- Mai and Naru are justso perfect! Read, review, enjoy! Don't forget to leave a request for a prompt if you have one!
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She thought it was her lucky key. It had always comforted her in times of doubt, but now, as a possessed Masako was tearing at Mai's face with the same key, she wasn't so sure. Mai had only lent it to Masako, as she was feeling uneasy, and it helped console her in the Urado case. And to see it now being used against her made her blood chill. The medium managed to land a hit on her right cheek, causing Mai to hiss in pain. Mai turned, and attempted to outrun the medium, but the smaller girl moved at an incredible speed. Mai turned a corner in the carpeted hall, skidding and sliding and stumbling and trying, trying, trying to save herself while screaming out for Bou-san, John, Naru,anybody to come.
"Mai!"
A piercing whistle rung through the air. Several small beings of light flew around the possessed Masako, not letting her get to her prey. Mai looked up to see the intimidating Onmyouji bent over, gasping for breath. His shiki swarmed Masako, preventing the shrieking spirit from getting closer to Mai. Behind him was Naru, with a panic stricken look on his face, reaching out to take Mai's hand.
She gladly accepted the offered hand, and stood up shakingly, letting herself fall into Naru's comforting arms. He protectively wrapped them around her, and guided them away from the still screaming Masako. As they walked back to the base, they passed Takigawa, who was running to the location they had just left. John wasn't far behind, clutching his small bottle of holy water. Both gave Mai a once-over, seeing the scratches along her arms and a deep cut marring her right cheek, before moving even more quickly towards Masako. Little drops of blood slid from her face to the ground, and Naru supported her as she threatened to collapse in his grip.
As they finally stepped foot into the base room, Ayako was ready with her first aid kit. She pried Mai away from a reluctant Naru, and guided her to the couch, where she immediately began disinfecting the numerous cuts. The T.V. displaying what was going on in the hallway. A staticy "Screw you, bitch!" came from Masako's fighting form on the monitor. Mai's eyes widened, and started shaking so much that Ayako had to hold her down.
Naru paced the room, glancing worriedly at his brunette assistant nearly every five seconds. He was so furious with himself for allowing her to look for Masako by herself, especially after what had nearly occurred during the Urado case. He should have known better, he should have gone with her, he should have, should have, should have. He whipped around to face the monitor as the noise level increased greatly, then all too quickly cut off. The only sound in the base was that of Mai's whimpers. He saw Masako collapse through the screen, only to be caught by John. The three male figures in the hall conversed quietly for a moment, too quietly for the microphone to pick up. The brown haired monk picked up Masako's fragile figure and, followed by John and Lin, headed towards the base.
Naru turned back to Mai, who appeared to have calmed down slightly. He walked over to her, and gently sat next to her on the couch. Being careful not to disturb the bandage that Ayako had set onto the wound on her cheek, he guided her head to face him. Looking deep into her tired, watery eyes, he said only one thing.
"I'm sorry."
Mai jerked away from his touch, startled by his sudden apology. But then she smiled, and settled back into the couch, sighing. "There you go again, Naru. Always stealing the good moments for yourself!"
Naru laughed quietly, just as the three men returned to the base with Masako just starting to awaken. Lin walked silently over to the pair on the couch, and pressed something into Naru's hand, whispering something in his ear. The young man nodded in understanding, then turned back towards Mai. "I believe this belongs to you. You shouldn't lose your keys, dummy," he said teasingly as he dangled her lucky key in front of her face. He held it just out of her reach, and as she half-jumped to grab it from him, she lost her balance and landed on top of her boss, causing him to topple onto his back, laying on the couch.
She got a perfect view of his slightly shocked expression, and the sight of it made her giggle innocently. And then not-so-innocently as she realized her position. But before she could move away and apologize deeply, Naru raised his head to lightly touch his lips to hers.
Maybe my key is lucky after all, is all the brunette could think in that moment.
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