The Case of The Stained Roses- Chapter 2

"My name is Reina Zheng and I desperately need your assistance, please help me." After taking a moment to compose herself following her plea Reina continued. "It all started about a two weeks ago, I had just bought my lovely home and had finally gotten everything un packed and put away. It started out with small things being moved to places around the house, to places I had not left them in. Then bigger things furniture being moved, and things being thrown across the room. I live alone so as things progressed I became more…more frightened and finally two days ago…"

Reina began to sob hysterically, as Mai had often done before with past clients she moved next to the client and laid a comforting hand upon her back. Knowing Naru would get annoyed with the loud sobbing Mai urged the young women to continue, "Please Ms. Zheng I know it's difficult but you must continue to tell us what happened." After a couple of deep breaths Reina continued. " Two days ago death threats started to appear on the walls written in deep crimson red, and just last night the faucets would only spout out what looked like blood! It was horrible! I can't go back unless it is fixed this is my first home I need you to help me please please I beg you!"

With her right arm hugged tightly around Ms. Zheng Mai looked up at Naru. She looked at him with a very somber face. Naru knew that look it was a somber look that Mai eyed him with but also a very determined one. If he didn't accept this case she would make sure that he'd regret it later, however as Naru considered his options carefully one thing stuck to the front of his mind. Mai's safety, he knew she would not be safe on this case not one bit. As if she hadn't terrified him enough during their 7th case, running off to find Masako by herself putting her own life in danger of course, now they seemed to be facing an even more terrifying entity.

He'd regret it either way he knew it, but he could not turn this women away. Naru sighed heavily SPR was definitely the only team that could help her and that team included Mai weather he liked it or not. "We will accept the case please give all your contact information to Lin as well as the address. Since you have plainly stated you cannot return till this situation is handled, I must also ask you to sign certain liability and permission forms regarding our investigations and housing arrangements which Lin will also provide and go over with you.

Closing his laptop Lin got up gesturing for Ms. Zheng to follow him to his office. Mai gave Ms. Zheng one last reassuring squeeze before letting her go. Mai watched her walk into Lin's office and shut the door behind them before turning her attention back to Naru. Narus gaze bore into Mai deeply she knew their were going to be extra conditions if she were to join this investigation. Looking down at her hands as she twiddled her fingers Mai spoke with a serious yet sad tone. " So what are the other stipulations regarding this investigation Naru?" Naru leaned back into the couch and clasped his hands together, he lowered his head and closed his eyes before speaking.

The moment of silence between the two was almost deafening as Mai continued to fidget nervously Naru began to speak. "I love you Mai more then any words can ever express, and I do not want to lose you ever. So here are the stipulations you are not to wonder off alone on this investigation, ever! I don't care if your just leaving for a moment to get a drink or a snack, YOU GO NO WHERE BY YOURSELF!" Naru looked up at Mai to make sure she understood. Mai slowly nodded in response waiting for him to continue, with a sigh Naru went on. "I know this is difficult for you because you worry so much about everyone else, but please you must think of yourself for once and if not for yourself please adhere to this one simple stipulation for my own sanity?!"

As Naru slowly ran his pale hand through his deep black hair, Mai began to see all his pent up concern and worry show on his face. It was a rarity for Mai to see him this distraught over someone he didn't even really show this side of himself when they found his brothers body. Mai got up slowly and walked over to Naru and sat on the floor in front of him. Mai looked up at Naru and gave a small smile before gently laying her head on his knee. "Naru I promise I will try my best to not be as careless as I have been in the past. As long as you promise the same, I will not put you through the pain of losing me as long as you do not put me through the torture I would endure if I ever lost you."

Naru looked down and tenderly patted Mai's head. Mai really did bring out the best in him, even if took a little tug and pull she never gave up on him. Smiling softly Naru stared off into the distance, "I promise Mai, I promise…"

Hey all! Well after over a year I have finally brought you chapter 2. Sorry for the huge delay but a lot has happened since I started this fan fic no worry I plan to continue and will try to post at least once a week. So please enjoy. This chapter is a little weak but I promise it will get more intense later on. I won't give it away so stay tuned to what's bound to come. Peace Out ^_^