Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Ghost Hunt characters! XD

[Chapter 9: Unexpected]

Naru, the great and narcississtic Naru, was crying in front of her. Mai suddenly felt like she did the worst crime ever. She had never seen him like this- so vulnerable and fragile. His midnight blue eyes were starting to get red, his body was shaking lightly, and he looked like he wanted to say something, but is afraid to do so. Mai felt very guilty.

" Naru, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all those things that I've said. I'm sorry for feeling all jealous when I should have expected these things to come. I just had a hard time accepting the fact that you don't feel the same way for me " Mai started as she took Naru in her embrace.

" Being vulnerable like this, I am a disgrace. Not being able to protect you when you needed me, I feel like I am not enough for you. Knowing that I am the cause of your heartbreaks, I can never forgive myself for. But please Mai, please be with me. I cannot handle living in a world where there would be no you and me. I cannot live happily seeing you with that Namiko. Please accept me Mai, even though I am the most imperfect man for you, and that I am being selfish for wanting you and you alone, " Naru buried his face in her shoulders, his arms holding her as tight as he could, not ever wanting to let her go.

" I love you. You should have known that for a while now. How I am willing to sacrifice everything and anything for you. " he continued as he looked directly into Mai's eyes.

" I can't believe that I am actually hearing those words from you. But what can I say? I cannot lie now, can I? Because the truth is, I have always loved you, and I am sure that I will love you until the day that I die. " Mai answered, her feelings for Naru stronger than ever.

And then Naru kissed her. He kissed her slowly and passionately, and Mai sensed that he feared about losing her, as he almost thought he did. Mai wrapped her arms around Naru's neck, and he tightened his grip on her waist; neither wanting to let go.

Then suddenly there was a crash from above them, and Naru used his body to cover Mai.

" Yo, lovebirds! " it was Bou-san's voice that made the two feel relieved.

" Oooooh, have we disturbed something? " Yasuhara peered down to check out what was happening.

Lin immediately lowered himself into the large hole that he and Bou-san made, and helped Mai and Naru get out of it. Ayako immediately checked their pulses and was relieved to know that both of them were okay.

" You two are safe! " Madoka squealed in delight and even Masako smiled.

" Taniyama-san, are you alright? " Namiko was beside her at once, and Naru sent him the most terrifying glare he could muster, and it sent Namiko backing away from Mai immediately.

" She's fine. Mai was with me after all " Naru answered for Mai with his signature smirk.

Lin cleared his throat.

" You two would want to take a shower. Then get back here for dinner will be served " Madoka commanded and the two complied.

After taking a shower and changing into a new set of clothes, the two met up with the rest of the group inside the base.

" We are close to solving this case " Naru announced and the others cheered.

" We also have to celebrate something else~ " Yasuhara teased and the others were looking expectantly at the two of them.

Both Mai and even Naru were confused.

" Well, you two are holding eachother's hands...and Naru covered Mai using his body...~ " Bou-san and Yasuhara said in a sing-song voice.

" What they mean is, we will celebrate about the two of you getting together! " Madoka and Ayako both cheered as they drank some wine.

Mai and Naru looked at eachother, then smiled.

" We realized some...important things while we were down there in the maze " Naru said while Mai giggled.

" It was a maze? " John asked and the others looked curious.

" Yes, and this building used to be an asylum, with a maze built underneath so that no one would be able to escape. Mai had purified spirits down there, but we still have one spirit left " Naru answered as he explained.

" I think we should talk about the case later. For now, we should celebrate first " Masako's soft voice filled the base, and the others agreed.

" Finally you're becoming one of us! " Ayako and Bou-san shouted in unison, and upon realizing it, they both blushed as the others laughed. Yes, even Lin was laughing lightly.

" Are you happy, Mai? " Naru whispered to her as the others were talking and laughing with eachother.

" Of course, I am. You're here with me, after all " Mai replied and was rewarded with a quick kiss on the forehead.

" Awwwww! That's so sweet! Bou-san! Kiss Ayako on the lips! " Yasuhara started, and the others cheered.

" WHAT?! This idiot of a monk is not my type! " Ayako stood up in protest, her cheeks reddening in the process.

" Oh come on, Ayako! I know you like me! " Bou-san teased as he chased Ayako around the base.

" Why on earth would I like a monk like you?! " Ayako countered as she ran away from Bou-san as she laughed.

" How about you, John? Can you kiss Masako on the forehead? " Yasuhara asked him.

John and Masako blushed.

" I believe that it is highly inappropriate, Yasuhara " Masako answered with a smirk.

" You are such a kid! " Yasuhara continued, wanting Masako to give in.

John was just smiling as he prevented a fight from erupting.

" Alright, alright. It's just a kiss on the forehead " John finally said as he stood up and kissed Masako on the forehead.

Masako blushed beet red.

" And now...Lin and Madoka! " Yasuhara shouted with joy.

Somewhere inside the base, Bou-san yelled about catching Ayako and kissing her on the lips, while Ayako kept on protesting while chuckling and giggling at the same time.

" Don't include me on this " Lin coldly told him.

" Why? Not man enough to do this? "

" Well, atleast I know that I'm manlier than you, Yasuhara " Lin countered.

" You got burned, Yasuhara! " Mai laughed as Naru encircled his arms around her, so that she was leaning against his chest.

" Then, I get the honor of kissing Madoka's cheek! " Yasuhara teased, wanting to see Lin's expression.

Even Naru couldn't deny the fact that Lin's face looked epic.

" Fine. What do you want me to do? " Lin asked Yasuhara as Madoka started blushing.

" Hmmm, maybe...I want you to kiss her on the lips, but longer than Bou-san and Ayako's kiss " Yasuhara smiled like a Cheshire cat.

Lin looked annoyed.

He stood up and gently held Madoka's hand as they headed to the door.

" Wait! Where are you two going?! " Bou-san and Ayako asked.

" The dare that Yasuhara told me might lead to something else, I'm just playing safe " Lin answered with a smirk as Madoka started to playfully hit his arm.

" No fun! " Mai whined along with the others, except Naru, of course.

" Now then, Yasuhara, I dare you to hug and kiss Bou-san on the cheek " Naru's commanding voice made Bou-san feel the chill in his spine.

" NO! " Bou-san yelled like it was the end of the world while Yasuhara didn't hold anything back.

The others were laughing to their heart's content.

" Mai? " Naru asked her while the others were busy about something else.

" What is it, Naru? " she turned to look at him, and at that exact moment, he kissed her. Mai smiled.

" I love you " Naru whispered to her.

" I love you too " Mai answered.

Awkward silence inside the base~

" Why is it suddenly so quiet? " Mai asked the people around her, who were at the wall, listening to something.

" SHH! " Yasuhara said, and because of this, Mai and Naru also listened.

" Is that Madoka moaning? "

Naru could only smile.

[Author's Note]

Our exams just finished, so yeaaaaaah. Merry Christmas everyone! And a Happy New Year too! Sorry for the late update though :D Gomen~