Chapter Seven: Subconscious Mind

Mai pov

"There, I'm amazed the baby bed fits inside my room." I wiped my forehead, seeing the crib fit on my corner of my bed, with cute cloud patterns, and white railings. (Took an hour to set up with Naru) Turning to face Naru.. Naru sat on the ground, with some papers of instructions at hand. He lifts his gaze, and nodded at me.. I smiled gently, and turned my gaze at the sleeping child.

"She sleeps a lot." Its been two hours since we have brought her here.. I move towards the edge of the bed, and on doing so, the baby awakens, moving her small hands.. A smile passes my lips.

"Ne, Naru, she's awake.. She'll be hungry right?" I turned, only to blush, to see Naru next to me, staring at me.. He nods. The baby started to cry.. My eyes widen..

"Oh no, come here.." I whispered, taking the baby in my arms.. The baby seems to calm down, and turns her gaze at Naru.. Her cries left and a smile passes her lips.. I felt warm at his gaze. Then her blue eyes landed on me. For a reason, something in her gaze seemed very alluring.. Not in a bad way, but strong.. I move my hand and cup her small cheek.

"You're so cute. And.." for a reason a sudden odor started to fill around my nostrils.. I lifted the baby up and sniff, and she giggles..

"And stinky.. Oi, that smell so bad." I scrunched my face, as Naru chuckles silently.. He takes the baby away from me, and place her in his arms.. I stood, and points at his right, where the bag of diapers and creams lays.. I nodded, heading for it.. Taking the bag, we headed towards the living room.

"Don't we need to give her a bath? Or how does that work?" I asked him. Naru place the baby on top of my sofa, and lifted her small chubby legs up. He points in the bag.. I nodded, opening, he places his free hand inside and takes out a blanket.. He places it under the baby, and place her down.. He has undone her diapers, and I gagged.

"She's a small thing, but brings out big packages.." I giggled. Naru turns his gaze at me, and nods at me in agreement.. He then points at the carpet.. I tilted my head, as he points at his knees and points at the ground..

"Want me to kneel? Why?" he points at the baby. Then, as though I could get it.. My eyes widen in realization.

"Oh. You want to teach me?" he nods at me.. Now moving closer, Naru started to clean the child, placing the dirty diaper into the bag. I watched carefully, as he goes slowly teaching me.. Now with a clean diaper.. He lifts the baby up, and I took the blanket away. Throwing it away.. Naru stands, and hands me the baby.. I kiss her cheek..

"You're very good at this.. You would make a good father in the future.." I told him. Naru stop in his tracks, watching his shoulders slightly go stiff.. I frowned, as the baby fuss in my arms.

Turning around, he moves his lips, and moves closer to me.. His cold eyes turn warm, and place his hand on the baby head, then on mine.. My heart now racing, the baby moves her arms.

"What does she likes to eat?" I asked, trying to distract myself from him; noticing how close he gets to me, my heart started to race. Naru seem to snap out of his thoughts, turning around, we headed for the kitchen. There on the counter stood baby bottles, and baby formula, as well powder and such.. The baby stares at Naru then back at me.. I smiled at her.

"You want food? Alright, mama will get you food…" I paused at my words, as Naru turns his gaze at me, I frowned, feeling now confused why in the world did I just say that..

"I didn't mean to say mama.. It just slip.." I told him. Naru seem a little shock, but shook his head, turning to make Aimi her food.. I went to the table, and place her on her own her own baby seat, that Martin place earlier.. Making sure is secure. I move my chair, and sit right next to her, as she started to giggle even more… I smiled at her.

"You know, I feel bad for her mother.. She needs her mother, not a stranger.. I know she's your cousin, but is not the same." I spoke, as I move my hands, and Aimi takes my fingers, and wraps her chubby fingers around my fingers.. Naru came in with a bottle of milk and gave it to Aimi.. Aimi lets go of my finger, and place the tip of the bottle inside of her mouth.. Naru bends down, and ruffles gently at her hair, and for the first time, I saw a gentle smile, that warms up his cold blue eyes. My heart jumps at the sight..

Naru turns heads for the kitchen.. I lick my lips, watching Aimi drink her milk, as a sudden weird feeling passes through me.

'Why do I feel so at home?'


Naru pov

I have Aimi on my lap, as she plays with her raddle. Mai sat next to me, writing in her notebook, and looking at her text books.. I turned my gaze at her, and my expression softens.

'Mai, if you only knew.' I thought sadly.. Mai stretches out her arms above her head, and turns to face me.. She smiles, as her puffy cheeks turn red.

"I'm tired, and it's getting late.. Will Aimi sleep? I mean she took a long nap, and.." I move my body to face her, and Aimi glances up at her.. Mai stares at the child, then at me.. She frowns, tilting her head.

"She looks so much like you, the more I look at her.. She reminds me of someone as well." She pouted, bending down, she takes her small hands and plays with it.. My heart warms up with the simple gesture.

"I can't place my finger. She looks so much like someone I know.."

"Well, you did tell me once, she looks like your mother in the eye department." I mumbled, Mai tilts her head up.. Aimi starts to become fuzzy in my lap.. I was about to pick her up, but Mai beats me to it, and gather her in her arms, and bounce her gently.

"What will we do tomorrow? You have work and I have school.. I.." But I move towards the table and took out my notepad, and pencil to write in it.. Handing it to her, she glances at it and read out loud.

"Don't worry, you can come to my office.. My mother managed to get you out of school for a few days, as well Aimi can come with us." Mai eyes brighten up, turning her gaze at me.

"Really?" I nodded at her, standing up, Mai follows my lead..

"How do we pass this little one back to sleep?" We arrive to her bedroom, and Mai places Aimi on her crib. The baby blue eyes landed on Mai, and raise her arms up.. So she can be picked up once again..

'She can feel it, right? She has been attached to Mai since she awoken.' I moved closer to the crib, and smiled at her gently.

"Aren't you attached to her.. Aimi, you missed her didn't you? Sorry love for making you wait.." I whispered, moving my hand and rub her small head.. I turned to face Mai, knowing very well that she couldn't hear me, so I said it, as Mai brown eyes turn to face me.

"She's so cute.." she moves to rub her stomach, and Aimi giggles more. I smiled, as Mai lifts her gaze at me.

"I know this will sound strange.." she swallows hard, turning her gaze at Aimi. A longing passes her eyes, as I ached to wrap my arm around her..

"For a reason, since I met her this afternoon, I feel attached to her. I'm not sure why.." I frowned, looking down at Aimi.

"That's because you're her mother Mai"

"Lin," Mai burst out in happiness, when we entered inside the lobby.. (Thank God, she fell asleep last night.) Lin eyes landed on Aimi then at me.. He slightly nods, and Mai turns to face me, then turns back at Lin.

"Hello Mai," Lin bows slightly.. Mai beams at him and bows again.

"I'll take off her coat and stuff, I'll be right back.." I nodded at her, as she rushed towards the sofa, and place her down. Lin came up to me, and handed me some papers.

"New case." He stated. I glance up at him, and frowned.

"Fine.. In two days."

"How is Mai adjusting to her?" Lin asks.. I turned to hang my coat, and smiled within myself.

"Very well.. Mother plan worked.."

"I knew it.. Looks like she doesn't need her memories to know, I saw when she cried yesterday.."

I nodded at him, turning to face him.. Lin gave me a passive look, turning to face Mai, as I did the same. She has Aimi sitting on her lap, and taking off her coat..

"Is like her instincts are there.. They said a mother's instinct is always strong no matter what." Lin spoke, turning to face me.. I nodded at him.

"I was thinking, we need to get rid of that demon as soon as possible, and I can't take a week more without Mai at my side.. So let her come and work for us like before, before the incident.. We can have Aimi stay with us, and as for the cases Mother and Father can watch her for the time being." Lin nods, and place his hand on my shoulder.

"It's hard on you Noll.. Losing your wife like that, having her close, but can't do anything.. Due to the contract.. I know how much you retrain yourself these last few months to go to her, only watching her in the shadows, while your child grew. I…" but for a reason the memories of the last few months irritate me.. I gave Lin a dark look.

"If you can, please don't remind me." I hissed under my breath.. I turned, heading for my office..

"Tell Mai to come into my office with Aimi." I told him in a monotone, as I rushed my steps, and shut the door behind me.. I place my hand on my forehead, as my heart raced.. Those memories seem to haunt me.. I don't even want to think about it.. I almost lost Mai, and Aimi.. Stupid deal..

I heard a soft knock, snapping me out of my spell, I cleared my throat, and turned to open the door.. Mai now without a coat, and holding the baby tightly in her arms, my heart beats uncontrollably. Is strange, how this girl change me so much, in the matter of years..

How much, this child of ours has brightened us so much.. How I learn something each day, and how Mai constantly reminds me of how much the world works.

"Lin told me to come here. Wow, your office looks so gloomy." She whispered, entering the office.. My office remains untouched, since Mai last time came..

"You need light as well, some fresh air…" she whispers, but sits on the chair in front of my desk.. Placing Aimi on her lap.. The baby giggles as Mai gives her a small toy, that made a squeaking noise.. I move next to her, and took my notepad from my breast pocket and my pen.. I wrote on it and handed it to her..

"I want you to work for me, as my assistant.. We can have Aimi here.. I'll talk to Lin, to make arrangements.." she read.. Her eyes widen, looking up at me

"You want me to work for you? Wait, that's a little too much.. I don't know nothing about assistance, and as well, I'm not good with supernatural things.. And.."

'Well, this is annoying.' I thought, moving to grasp her hand, her eyes widen, as her cheeks flares up once again. I cleared my throat, feeling my cheeks turning warm once again.

I want her to hear me, to understand.. I want her to know the truth.. Is hard. Very hard.. I move to write once again, and she read it.

"Lin will help you out, and I have a feeling that you'll be a great help in my line of work, as we spend more time, I can help you with that black shadow.. One thing I ask of you." I paused my writing, as a strange eager feeling plagues me.

"What?" I took the paper, and wrote it.. She glances down, a and her eyes narrow.

"You want me to stay away from the café?" I nodded at her.. She nods at me, moving Aimi to her other leg.

"Err, well, you know better than me, okay." She agrees to it.. I breathed out in relief..

'At least Tome won't be near her for the time being.' I thought..

"You hear that Aimi, your cousin wants me to work with him.. What do you think of it?" she asks our daughter. Making my heart hurt, that she doesn't know the truth. Aimi turns her gaze at her, then at me.. I leaned forward, grasping her small hand.

"Want mama to work with papa?" I asked her. As though Aimi understood us, she shakes her head, waving her hands up and down in a happy mood.

"Dah, Dah," she made silly noise.. Mai lifts her gaze at me, and for a reason, our faces became so close, my heart started to beat hard, as I heard her gasp gently.. Her eyes turn deep and soft. I gulped, aching to cup her cheek, and tell her, tell her that we are married for five years, that this is our first child. That everything she thinks is a lie. I want.. I want her back. I want to do the things we use to do.. I miss her terribly. The only thing that held me, is our child.. I will always keep that promise I made Mai years ago..

She then giggles, shaking her head.

"All right, the judge has spoken, if you want me to become your assistant, then I will." She agrees to it. Moving back on my seat.. I turned, to get up and walk around my desk.

"Then, what do I do? Do I start today? What about Aimi? And.." she started to ask all this random question.. I move my hand and grasp a piece of paper and handed it to her. She takes it and glance down at it.

"Oh? I just need to sign this?" I nodded at her.

"Why? Don't you need my background information and such and.." but I shook my head, going around once again.. I bend down, and took Aimi from her lap, and hoist her up in my arms.

"Just like always, your mom talks to much.." I amuse myself.. Aimi laughs, placing her head on my shoulder, placing her thumb on her mouth.. I pat her small back.

'How much content, this child gives me.. She reminds me so much of Mai.. How much I love them both.'


Mai pov

Its been a day since I was hired already.. Now is weird, having him as my housemate, and now the boss. I sat behind my new desk, that stood next to the door.. Aimi plays behind me, in a small pouch Lin set up..

"Mai.." I heard my name, when I turned to gaze at Ayako and Bou-san.. I stood up and bowed down at them.

"Hello.. I didn't hear you come in.." I told them, feeling nervous.. Lin hasn't explained anything to me.. He told me to sit on the desk and pick up any calls and write the messages down. Tomorrow, he'll start teaching me how to organize papers, in the orders of cases, as well, to place it on online.

"Zone out, and.." but they paused, when they hear Aimi laughter.. Their eyes widen, and turn to face each other.

"Aimi-chan?" both said at the same time.. They both go around my desk, and bend down, to see Aimi playing with some toys..

"Aimi-chan.." Ayako burst out in happiness, opening her arms.. The baby turns her gaze at her, but doesn't do anything. Bou-san goes up to her and picks her up, giving her a tight hug.

"Why didn't Naru told us about her.. Isn't your daddy a mean man.. Didn't let uncle Hosho know." My eyes widen at his statement.

"Daddy? Who's the dad? " All of the sudden Ayako steps into Bou-san foot, causing him to yelp in pain.

"Ahh woman, not again, and um…."

"He's in England, a very close friend of ours.. She's Naru cousin right?" Ayako seem to grow nervous.. I nodded slightly squinting my eyes.

'Strange.' I thought.. The baby started to fuss, as she turns her gaze at me, pulling her body towards me.. I frowned, at the hurt look Bou-san gave Aimi.

"Apparently she wants her mother." Bou-san whispered to Ayako, but low enough to not me to hear. I took the baby..

"Sorry, apparently she doesn't want to be held by you.. I'm very sorry." I bowed.. Bou-san shook his hands.

"Is okay, she doesn't really like me.. Not sure why?" he rubs the back of his head, as Ayako rolled her eyes.

"Maybe because you scared her last month, with that horrific face.. Naru wasn't pleased with it either.." she tells him.

"Oh, but it's suppose to make her laugh, not make her scared.. If we have children in the future, I can make sure, that it will make them laugh."

"Oi, don't say silly things." Ayako blushed, turning her gaze at me.. I smiled gently at their interactions.. They seem so sweet how they get embarrassed.. That's' the same reaction Naru makes me feel. Blushing myself, Aimi places her head on my shoulder, fisting her small hands on my shirt.

"Oh, that's sweet.. We came because Naru has a new case for us.. As well, we didn't know Aimi was here.." Ayako explains to me.. I nodded, going around the table.. I go towards his office. Not sure how to contact him.. Lin hasn't shown me how to call him yet.

Knocking on the door, I clear my throat.

"Naru, Ayako and Bou-san is here.." I spoke.. Naru takes a few second, before coming to open the door, I heard the door of the front open this time.

"Masako, John.. And Yasuhara. Welcome." I heard behind me.. I turned my gaze, and my eyes widen to see the beautiful girl appears, wearing a red kimono. For a reason, my heart felt unease.. The baby seems to feel my discomfort, as she started to fuss in my arms..

"Sorry." I whispered, kissing the top of her head. The door suddenly opens, causing me to lose balance, ending up in the Naru warm chest.. My cheeks flares up, as I felt his hand on my shoulder. I glance up, and our eyes lock.. Suddenly my knees went weak, feeling his arm around my waist.

"Mai!" I heard at a distance, and my eye started to burn, feeling lightheaded, my body started to drop, and before I knew what's going on, everything around me went dark.

..

The sound of dripping is heard at a distance.. My heart rapidly beating against my ribs, I found myself floating in a darkness.

"Hello?" I called out. I felt a hand on my shoulder, causing me to jump in fright.. Turning around, my eyes widen to see Naru standing in front of me.

"Naru?" I gasp out.. He just turns and points at his right. I follow his finger, and my eyes widen.. My heart pounding harder than ever.. A shadowy figure stood in front of me, with a glassy look. It was holding something in his shadowy hand. I move a step forward, and the shadow glances up at me..

It opens its mouth, and a vial of a deep, profound weal of a scream is released from the shadow.. I had to cover my ears.. Then it screams out.

"I WAS FRAMED… HELP ME!" it screamed, in a woman's voice, as the scenery change, I stood in front of a glassy field, that outlooks a pool, turning around, I found myself standing in front of an old what looks like a shrine.. I frowned, then my eyes widen, to see blood pouring out from each opening.. Like a pool blood.

"I didn't kill them.. I was framed.. Help me.." she screams.. I cover my ears, and when I turned, Naru was gone, and everything turns dark once again…


Naru pov

I have Mai on the sofa, while Ayako holds Aimi.. Trying to calm her down.. When Mai fainted, Aimi started to cry nonstop..

"Is okay little one, mama is okay. She's okay." I heard Ayako trying to calm her.. I turned, and raise my arms.

"Let me.." Ayako nods, and hands me the baby.. I place her on my arms, and started to bounce her.

"Is okay, Mama is okay.." I whispered to her.. Turning to face Mai.. Her face turns distress.. Yasuhara fix his glasses, and turns to face me.

"I think she's having a dream.. Maybe for our next case? Wait, strange, why now? If she can't remember anything in these past five years." He added.. Masako frowns, taking a sip of her tea.

"I went to visit, as you suggested, and I feel a powerful presence there. Two to be exact." She tells me.. I nodded, as Aimi kept crying, her small cheeks flaring up.. I started to grow a little panic, even though I kept my composure..

'She can feel her mother's distress. Just like that day..' I thought, as I move closer to Mai, and without the others to watch me, I sneak my hand, and grasp her cold hands, that sweat.. As soon I made contact with her, she bolts right up, her eyes shadowed.. Her eyes become clearer, as her eyes landed on me.

"Naru.." she burst out in tears, wrapping her arms around me.. The baby and her cry on my shoulders.. For a reason, I felt many emotions, wanting to wrap my arms around her.. Then again, the others are here, and is not my thing to show emotions around them.. Mai accepted that from me..

"Mai, what happen?" John asks, moving to sit behind her.. Placing his hand on her shoulder.. She presses her forehead against my neck.. I push the urge to hug her back down. I hate it when she gets like this..

"Blood, an old shrine, and a shadow.. I don't know.. I.." She hiccups, when she finally moves away, she stares at me with bloodshot eyes, then she turns to face Aimi.. Her eyes widen,

"Why is she crying? Oh no, did I hurt her?" I hand her our daughter, she held her tightly, and bounced her gently.

"Sorry.. I'm sorry to make you worry or hurt you.. Please stop crying…. Mama gets sad if she sees you cry." She whispered the last part, noticing that no one heard her.. My eyes narrow once again, like the other night..

'Her subconscious mind is kicking in, without her noticing.. Please, remember soon.' I prayed.. She glances up at me… Her eyes turns deep, and scared.. Placing my hand on her shoulder, for a reason, her trembling body stops, as Aimi started to calm down. I turned my gaze at Ayako.

"Prepare some warm milk and some two herbal teas." I order.. Ayako nods, turning to head for the kitchenette.. Bou-san moves up to Mai and bends on his knees.

"You had a nasty dream.." he gently tells her. Mai turns her gaze at him..

"It seems so real, and…." She paused, turning her gaze at me.

"What?" This time John spoke.. She shook her head, rubbing her forehead..

"Nothing, I'm sorry for bothering you all." She moves placing Aimim in her shoulder, now that she calmed down.

"Good baby.." she whispers, rubbing her back.. Yasuhara cleared his throat.

"Hello, " he waves at Mai.. Mai lifts her gaze at him and bows slightly.

"Hello.." she turns to glance at me, as Ayako walked into the room, with a baby bottle and two teas.. She places on the table, and I move my hand to take the bottle.. Handing it to Aimi, she rejects it by shaking her head, and arching her body up.

"Nah," she made the sound. I frowned..

"Come on, you haven't eaten since this morning." I whispered, ignoring the gazes.. Mai turns her gaze at me, and hiccups still. Gently she brushes her hand against mine, and takes the bottle.

"Eat little one.. Or not papa will get very worried." She whispered into her ear. Again, my eyes widen, but she shakes her head..

"Okay, weird." She mumbles to herself, placing the bottle in her mouth, and holding it tight.. The baby starts to drink it..

"That's my girl, see Papa is happy." she points with her head towards me. Aimi turns her gaze at me, and stares at me with her blue eyes.. My heart skipped a beat and my chest warms up.

'Mai.' I thought.. She clears her throat, turning to face Yasuhara..

"Sorry, I have a headache, who are you?" she asks.. John moves a little, as Yasuhara bows down.

"Call me Yasuahra, I help investigate the cases behind the haunting…" Mai eyes widen, turning to face John.

"Oh, John-kun told me about you.. Nice to meet you." She bows again. Yasuhara nods, as I cleared my throat, moving to get comfortable.

"As you know, tomorrow we go to our case.. Pack warmly, since the shrine is near the mountains.. We have access to all rooms, and outdoors. Apparently, there's a shadow that haunts the residents there, there's tales about a woman that murder her family, so the villagers from near the shrine killed her, back forty-years ago. So, we need to investigate this case, and prepare. We'll meet over there at eight sharp." I stated. Everyone nods at me, as Mai kept her eyes one me, staring at my lips. I imagine trying to make out what I just said.

"What about your da.. I mean cousin?" Ayako corrects herself, as Masako kept staring at Mai..

"She'll stay with my parents for the time being.. After this case, will concentrate on getting Mai and her memories. I can't have another month without her. Aimi needs her, and.." I paused, when I felt Mai hand on my lips. I turned to face her, to notice that she looks like a child, with her eyes wondering. She blushes madly. Everyone gave us an odd look. I was tempted, to kiss her fingers, but Bou-san winks at me.

"As you can't live without her. We know Naru.. Trust us, we know." He mouthed at me, so Mai won't notice.

Then Masako cleared her throat. Mai lowers her hand down.. I frowned, missing the feel of her touch already.

"Hello, I'm Masako Hara," she introduced herself to Mai. Mai turns her gaze at her, and nods at her.

"The pretty lady.. Nice to meet you. I have seen you before with Naru.." For a reason, her voice seem to break. Masako eyes narrow. I frowned, turning my gaze at her.

'Right, she thought she was my girlfriend.'

"Pretty lady?" Bou-san asks, confused, turning to gaze at Masako.. Masako covers her mouth with her hand.

"Well, she still has good taste, well Noll, I'll see you tomorrow, I have business to attend." I nodded, watching her exit.. Ayako cleared her throat as she hands Mai her tea.

"Drink this sweetie, it will help you relax. Tell us, what you saw, as well good job calming Aimi down." She whispered, patting her head. Mai blushes but sip on her tea.. I move to get mine, and took a sip..

Mai takes a breath and explains to us, about the shadow and that it said that it wasn't her fault.. I turned my gaze at Yasuhara.

"I know, I know, go and look into it.. Fine, if Bou-san would help me all night, I'll be pleased," he joked, as Bou-san rolled his eyes at him.

"Idiot." He mumbles, as he claps his hands.

"Don't worry, is just a scary dream." Ayako assures her, as John turns to face me.. I nodded, noticing his concern look.

"I know, I was thinking the same.. She subconsciously remembers it. Go I'll call you if I need anything." I told them, as now I place my empty cup, and turned to face Mai and Aimi.. Aimi moves her body towards me, after Mai takes the empty bottle from.. Her small hands rose up.. I smiled gently at her.

"Now, you want papa to pick you up?" as though she understands, she bobs her head.. I silently chuckle at her, and took her in my arms.. Turning to face her small head toward her mother.. I felt relief that Mai was able to calm her down, as well herself..

"See, told you, don't have to worry about her. She's very strong, just like you." I kiss her warm cheek. Turning around, Ayako had been already by the door with the rest of the gang. Mai stood up, looking confused.

"You all leaving? You just got here, and.." but John zips his coat up, shook his head.

"Actually is being an hour. Don't worry, we'll see each other tomorrow.. Good afternoon." He bows. Everyone does the same, but Ayako and Bou-san came to my side, and gave Aimi a kiss on top of her head.

"Now, be a good girl and take care of your parents. Okay." Ayako whispered to her.. I rolled my eyes at them.. Bou-san turns to me, and looks serious.

"I think she's falling for you.. That's a good sign… Don't disappoint us Naru and make your wife fall over heels over you once again. After all.." he paused, turning his gaze at Aimi.

"I have never seen a love that strong in my life."


Mai pov

"Is this warm enough for her and the right size of water?" I asked that night, getting nervous, since this will be my first time bathing her.. Naru bends on his knees, and place his hand in the water.. He nods. I glance down at Aimi, that lays on his lap, as he has his arm wrap around her waist.. I move and touch her cheek. Picking her up, I started to remove her clothing. Now bare naked, I place her in the bathtub, and turned to face Naru.

"Err, what do I do? Do I wash her hair or body first? And.." but Aimi laughter interrupts me, as she started to splash around.. I wince from the sudden water, that hit my eyes..

"Calm down Aimi.. You love the water don't you?" I laugh, as Naru stares at me with tender eyes.

Naru moves his arm, to reach for the baby shampoo, (On his right,) and squeeze some on my hand.. After he took it..

"Oh, okay.. This morning you washed her, since I was busy trying to get in contact with my school. Sorry.." I frowned, but he shook his head, said something, but then frowns. For a reason, his eyes turn sad. I move my hand, and cup his cheek, wetting it at the progress.

"Why do you have a sad expression?" I whispered, as my cheeks started to turn red, and my heart runs.. He frowns, taking a hold of my hand. Then the baby splashes even harder, causing us to get wet.. We turn to face her, and a laughter passes my lips.

"Oi, little one, you sure like to play, now close your eyes.." I whispered, moving my hand to wash her hair. She started to fuss, as Naru moves next to me, and grabs one of the ducks and squeak it.. Aimi eyes widen. Now relax, we started to wash her and she enjoyed it... After that, Naru stands, to hand me her blue ducky towel. I smiled.

"Thanks.." I whispered, turning and unplug the tub.

"It's time to get dried Aimi.. Get you in your pajamas, so you can sleep. You had a long day." I whispered, as I wrap the towel around her and gather in my arms.. Aimi lays her cheek on my shoulder.. My heart warms up, as I turned to face Naru..

"I feel bad for her mother, missing out on this.. I hope she gets better." I told him, Naru nods, as we reach my bedroom.. After we get her dress.. We place her down, and as soon as we did, she closed her small eyes and drifted to sleep. I leaned forward, and kiss her temple.. Inhaling her baby scent that causes me to feel so warm inside.

"Have sweet dreams." I whispered, turning to face Naru. His gaze seemed to instance, that I shied away from his gaze. Shaking my head.. I turned, to head to get my things.

"I'll take a shower.. Dinner is almost ready, so please keep an eye on it until I finish.. Since you took a shower first than us." I turned to face him.. He nods at me, and walks out of my room. For a reason, I breathed out and my heart doesn't seem to stop beating hard.

"Eii, what's wrong with me? He looks so handsome and very kind towards his cousin. Then why?" I cover my mouth, trying to make no noise, as tears started to run down my cheeks.

"Then why is it, when I'm with him and with Aimi, I feel complete, and as though I have a family? Naru.. Please, tell me, why do I feel like this?"

..

..

Moving at my right side, I felt scared.. Very scared.. My blind eye started to burn up once again..

"Ahh," I hissed, bolting up from my bed, and when I did, a sudden cold shiver ran down my spine..

"Something is in here." I whispered, turning my gaze at the window.. My eyes widen, to see the same shadow standing there, but my eyes grew more, when it moves rapidly towards me, and before I knew it, it pins me against the wall, wrapping its cold hands around my throat.. My eyes widen, as tears fall down.

The baby disturbed by its sudden actions, started to stir in her sleep..

"GIVE ME YOUR OTHER EYE SO I CAN SEE, YOUR HUSBAND CAN'T DO ANYTHING, SO GIVE UP." It shouted at me.. As the door slams open, and the lights turn on. Aimi started to cry, as I stood there immobilized, and the shadow disappears.. Gasping for air, Naru moves to my side.. Without a second thought, I wrap my arms around him, crying hard.. He soothes my back, as he places his hands on my shoulder.. I glance up, and watch him move towards the crib. He picks up Aimi, and turns towards me.. He hands me the baby.. I took her shakily, and turns heads for the door. My eyes widen.

"Don't, don't leave us.. Please, stay." I begged him. He nods at me, and turns off the lights.. I move, still crying, he gets on my bed, and without thinking, as though it was automatically, I place myself between his legs, as he leaned against the wall. I place Aimi at front of me, holding her tight. Naru wraps his arms around me, lifting his legs up, and holds me tight, and for a reason.. For a strange reason.. I felt at home. I felt.. I shouldn't' say it..

Aimi calms down in my arms, as she snuggles into my chest.. I glance down at her, and kiss her side.

"Sorry to scare you.. Sleep tight, okay.. Mama and papa are here to protect you." I whispered, not understanding myself.. I don't know, how long Naru held us, but I had no complaints, since I felt so safe in heaven. Aimi finally started to doze off. I closed my eyes, and leaned my head on his shoulder.

"Thank you Naru."


Naru pov

"Thank you Naru."

I watch my wife and my child fall asleep in my arms, as I hold them tighter, trying to see if I could protect them from harm.. This felt like a bittersweet dream, that I haven't had for a very long time.

'God, please protect both of them.' I prayed, as Mai snuggles more into me. She groans, holding Aimi tighter, and she whispers something in her sleep.

"Naru.. I miss you. Help me." A tear rolled down her cheek.. My heart broke, as I tighten my hold on her..

The moonlight bathes our room that night, cast over us, as I lower my head, closing my eyes, and lifted my legs up.. I felt a tear roll down my cheek..

"I miss you as well.. You have no idea. How much I miss you and how much I love you. Please hold on for a little longer, for me and for our daughter."


A disclaimer; I Don't own Ghost Hunt

Thanks for the positive review.. I wanted this story to be different. So I'll explain everything slowly. I wanted Mai and Naru to rediscover love in an innocent way, as well raise their child, even though Mai doesn't remember her.. IS sweet and sad at the same time.. Poor Naru.. Its killing him.. This story will be innocent love (Later on, with a little steam.. Hahaha but still innocent).. As well, horror story, since this is Ghost hunt. I hope you guys enjoy..