DISCLAIMER - see chapter one


Mai woke up to find Naru gone and Lin in the chair beside her with a steaming cup of tea. She must have rolled onto her back at some point, or Naru had repositioned her before he left. Lin looked down at her softly as she gazed at him sleepily, pulling herself slowly into a sitting position, her ribs protesting as she did so.

"Good morning Taniyama-san." Lin greeted warmly as he set his cup down, wearing his own clothing today. She wasn't sure if that meant he'd been discharged or not; he was still a little stiff as he sat rigid in his seat. Though with the damage that splinter of wood caused he'll probably be stiff for a very long time…

"Morning Lin-san…What time is it?" She asked tiredly as she looked around, seeing the sun out of the window. It was high in the sky; not a cloud in sight. An endless sea of blue.

"Getting on for twelve O'clock. Naru will be back soon." Lin replied, seeing Mai's relieved smile as she leaned against the pillows, her eyes catching sight of the bright flowers on the table beside her? Who… "I brought them for Fai; he'll visit later." Lin replied to her silent question as he followed her puzzled gaze to the vase.

"Lin-san! Is it safe? Is he really…" She began urgently as she looked at Lin, but he didn't have to answer. The look in his eyes was enough to tell her. He's gone…He's really gone…It's over. She thought in relief as she settled back against the pillows, quickly remembering her other imminent problem. For now…She added inwardly, the relief fading quickly as she thought of what was to come. She felt an uncomfortable lurch in her stomach at the thought.

"Taniyama-san? Mai…Are you alright?" Lin asked in concern, seeing her hazel eyes dim as fear slowly edged its way into her gentle gaze. At his interruption Mai came back to herself, looking sheepish as she looked up at the concerned Chinese man.

"I-I'm fine Lin-san." She replied with a forced smile, feeling Lin take her hand gently. She felt her cheeks heat as the older man leaned forward until he was resting his slender elbows on the bed, her hand gripped gently between his. His dark eyes looked at her searchingly, the intensity suddenly making Mai feel quite warm.

"If there is something wrong…or if you need help, you know I'm here…We all are." He assured gently. Lin-san…Mai thought as she returned the light grip on her hand, caressing his skin lightly. His skin is so soft…She added inwardly as she gaze across at the handsome man, who was leaning down to her eyelevel. It was rare that she got to examine Lin from this height, because he was usually towering over her.

"Thank you." She said gratefully as she pulled their joined hands closer so that she could rest her cheek against them. His hands are so gentle…She thought in a daze as he released her hand and turned his palm up to cup her cheek lightly, pink rising to her cheek as she looked into his intense eyes. She leaned closer to him as he leaned closer to her, closing her eyes as he came closer, until the door opened with a resounding click.

"Mai-chan! How are you this…Were we interrupting something?" Monk-san asked in confusion as he looked at the two only inches apart, Mai blushing furiously as she looked over at Monk-san while Lin merely sat back and lifted his teacup. He was so cool and unaffected; Mai had no idea how he could be so calm about what had almost happened.

"Not at all." Lin replied in his usual neutral tone. What happened? I was really going to…kiss Lin-san…but…it's not right! I love Naru! She thought, the blush fading from her cheeks as she sat deep in thought. She'd never had the urge to kiss Lin before, and they'd been in the same room plenty of times; alone in the same room. She couldn't even count the amount of times she'd tripped into his arms and jostled him in the hallway, but every time she'd just laughed and apologised. She'd never felt her heart skip, or been caught by his eyes, or leaned a little closer to catch his scent of smoke and mint; not once. Mai was pulled back to reality as Ayako sat on the edge of the bed and put her hand on her forehead.

"Well…no temperature; are you feeling alright?" The older woman asked in concern as she examined the younger girl, noting she looked slightly pale, though it was to be expected as she recovered her strength. She was looking much healthier now than she had a couple of weeks ago; Ayako had spent many sleepless nights standing over Mai in this room wondering if she'd pull through or not.

"Yes! I'm fine!" Mai replied brightly as Monk-san hopped onto the other side of the bed and ruffled her hair. He was tempted to pull her into a tight hug, but knowing how delicate she'd seemed just a few days ago he settled for keeping his hand on her head for a little longer than usual. Ah! I wish he wouldn't do that! My hair must be filthy! Mai realised with a blue as she remembered how long she'd been asleep.

"See; I told you she was just spacing out." He added to Ayako with a grin. The group turned to the door as it opened and Naru re-entered in fresh clothes with two cups of tea, handing one to Mai before standing beside Lin with the other, leaning on the wall. "So, when will you be out?" Monk-san continued as Mai sipped the hot tea. She savoured the flavour; it was English tea with milk and one sugar. Naru had only made her tea once before, but it tasted wonderful. Her gaze dropped slightly as she thought about Monk-san's question.

"I don't know…" Mai replied, a slight shudder running through her small form. Will they already be waiting at the house when I get out? Are they there right now? What if they come here? She thought suddenly as her gaze was drawn to the door. Her eyes widened as the door handle turned, her body jerking as it opened. It was John and Masako.

"You sure you're okay?" Monk-san asked in concern as Mai jerked and gasped, more in fear than surprise. John gave Mai an almost apologetic look as he realised he'd been the cause of her reaction, Masako hiding her face in amusement as the stepped closer to the bed and hovered beside Ayako.

"Fine…just startled." Mai replied hastily, trying to join in as Monk-san began to joke around, annoying Ayako to no end. The room was filled with laughter again; as it had been the other times she'd visited the hospital, only now it was Mai in the bed rather than Naru. Eventually the nurse came and ushered them out, but as he was about to leave Mai suddenly grabbed Monk-san's top, her knuckles white, her eyes desperate as she looked up at him.

"Uh; could you give us a few minutes?" Tee older man asked in surprise as the others filed out, Naru's worried glance falling on Mai as he hesitantly left with Lin. Monk-san waited until the door was shut before he turned back to Mai, who still had a firm grip on his top. "What's up Mai-chan? You've been a little jumpy today; did something happen?" He asked in concern as he stroked her cheek gently, his eyes widening as she buried herself in his chest, his arms pulling her close as she cried uncontrollably. A few moments later the door opened quietly, the nurse putting her head round the door, nodding and backing out at a sign from Monk-san. "Hey! It's okay; hush…Mai-chan, shh…" He soothed as he rocked her back and forth stroking her hair. Gradually he felt her calm down and relax in his embrace. Her eyes were closed as he looked down, so he gently leaned over the bed, lying her down gently and kissing her forehead lightly as he pulled the covers up to her chin. He stood for a few moments, his hand stroking her hair softly, but as he turned to leave he felt her grab his hand, and her eyes were on him again.

"Don't go…" She said pleadingly, relaxing as he sat down beside her and ran his fingers through her short locks.

"Why Mai? What are you scared of? Naru didn't do anything did he?" He demanded suddenly, relieved when Mai shook her head. "Not Lin-san!" He added in disbelief, again relieved as she shook her head. "Then what Mai?" He asked softly, but Mai shook her head, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Okay…You don't want to tell me, that's fine; I'll stay right here." He assured, tightening his grip on her hand slightly and smiling at her assuringly as she turned on her side to face him and closed her eyes, slowly relaxing until she fell asleep.


She woke up the next morning to find Monk-san still beside her, his hand still in hers, though the grip was lax where he had fallen asleep. His face was almost as carefree sleeping as it was most of the time he was awake. His hair had started to fall free from its small ponytail, the locks of his bangs strewn across his cheek and closed eyes. Monk-san…you really stayed here all night? She thought gratefully, quietly embarrassed at how she'd behaved the night before.

"Mm…ohhhhhh." He groaned as he slowly sat up, reaching around to the back of his neck with a grimace. He opened his hazel eyes and looked around tiredly, as if he'd forgotten where he was for a moment. Despite waking up disorientated, Mai noticed that he hadn't loosened the grip on her hand at all.

"I'm sorry, are you okay?" Mai asked guiltily as the pained expression faded and he gave her a grin, looking slightly sheepish as he straightened up and sat back in his seat. He released her hand as he did so; he could tell she was feeling better, and it was morning now.

"Don't worry, I'm used to it! Happens all the time when Ayako gets mad and I have to sleep on the sofa." He replied assuringly, his eyes widening slightly as he realised what he'd said. "Uh! That is-uh-I…Damn." He stuttered with a small blush as Mai smiled brightly. She'd suspected there was something going on for a while; they teased each other far too much for it to be simple rivalry.

"Don't worry; I'll keep your secret." Mai replied brightly. Though it wasn't much of a secret…She thought as she remembered Monk-san's reaction to seeing Ayako injured. She'd never seen him look so scared before. He really does care about her…Good for you Monk-san!

"Thanks." He laughed sheepishly as he stood up and stretched, opting to sit on the bed rather than the chair. Mai could tell he meant business by the stern look in his eye. "Now; I think we need to talk." He said more seriously, his eyes filled with concern as he folded his arms.

"It's nothing I…I just didn't want to be alone…" Mai replied quickly, seeing Monk-san's eyes harden as he frowned at her. She should have known she wouldn't get away with such a simple excuse; not with Monk-san. But maybe that's why I latched onto him so tightly…

"Mai! You were more than uncomfortable, you were terrified! And I can't help if you don't tell me what's wrong!" The older man argued firmly, watching as Mai looked at her lap and fiddled with the bed cover. "You know you can tell me anything." He added assuringly as he laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. I shouldn't tell him…There's nothing he can do! If I let him know he'll try to protect me; he'll get hurt! I'm so scared right now! She thought, her eyes filling with tears again.

"Monk-san!" She cried as she buried her face in his chest, breathing in his comforting scent. She felt Monk-san hold her, his hand stroking her hair softly. He really was like a brother. I wish he really was my brother; then this wouldn't be happening right now!

"What is it Mai? Tell me!" The monk urged more gently as he looked down at her tear stained face. She took his wrists with shaking hands and looked up at him as he cradled her face in his strong hands and wiped her tears away. He gave her a small nod. She could tell him. She could tell him anything.

"Monk-san…I'm in terrible-terrible trouble." She began, shifting over as Monk-san moved to sit next to her, leaning his back against the headboard with his arm around her shoulder protectively. She was leaning against his shoulder, noticing again how large he was, and strong. She could feel through his sweatshirt that his chest was firm. "My mother had no family. She was an only child and lost her parents, and my father…The only family he has left are two brothers…I never met them; my father protected me from them…They're terrible people! They buy and sell young women; even children sometimes. They also run a few brothels. Their main one is in Kyoto; that's where they live…They're my only legal guardians and…" She trailed off, shifting closer to Monk-san. The older man tightened his arm around her shoulders comfortingly.

"And if they come for you they'll stick you in a brothel." He finished, gritting his teeth as he almost spat the words out. How on earth could Mai be related to people like that?

"Or worse." The young teen added with a shiver.

"Don't worry; I won't let them take you." Monk-san assured stubbornly as he laid a gentle hand on her head and ruffled her hair.

"But it's legal! There's nothing you can do!" She objected.

"I can threaten to let slip their little business to the police." He suggested thoughtfully.

"You can't! What they're doing is huge! The chief of police is their biggest supporter! If they get arrested they'll be set free straight away! You'll just get hurt!" She added desperately as she turned towards him and gripped his light blue top tightly. "You can't get involved…I'll just have to…" She trailed off, pulling her knees up to her chest, her hands slipping from Monk-san's chest to hug her knees tightly.

"If you think I am going to sit back and let that happen you have another thing coming!" Monk-san snapped, tightening his grip on her until she almost couldn't breathe. Monk-san…He cares this much? "I'll never let that happen." He added darkly, turning the situation over in his head. There had to be something he could do. Mai shrank into Monk-san's arms as the door opened, revealing Naru and Fai.

"Fai! How's the house?" Mai asked as he came over with a box of chocolate and handed it to her, receiving a blush and thanks in return. Naru glanced at the monk, who had loosened his hold on Mai as they entered, but hadn't released her. One look at his clothes told the young ghost hunter that he'd been there all night.

"Fine thanks to you." Fai replied gratefully, wondering if he should say anything about the heavy atmosphere. "I did stop by last night, but visiting hours were over, and the nurse said you were a little upset." He added in concern, strongly suspecting that there was still something going on.

"Oh, I'm fine!" She insisted with a forced smile, confirming Fai's suspicions. He'd only known her for a few days, but the stiffness of her jawline, the slight squint around her eyes and the way she tilted her head slightly gave her away.

"Is that why you're burying yourself in Takigawa's side?" Naru asked sarcastically, masking his concern with indifference. Mai dropped her gaze at that. I should have known I wouldn't be able to lie to Naru…

"Naru; I need to talk to you outside." Monk-san said authoritatively as he got up and walked to the door, pausing to look over his shoulder as he turned the handle. "Fai; you stay here okay?" He added, receiving a nod in return. He wasn't a part of their group, so whatever was going on really didn't concern him. Perhaps he should be a little hurt, but this group were like a family. It was something he couldn't just walk into. While they were gone Mai listened as Fai told her about the house; the servants had returned, the snow was gone, and he had started clearing the garden to plant new plants in the spring. He'd decided to lay Mika to rest in her garden, and had even arranged for Eishi's body to be moved to the new burial site to lie with her.

"Mai; where's your house key?" Naru all but demanded as he re-entered. Mai looked around in surprise. Of all the things she had expected Naru to say, that was low on the list.

"I'm not sure…If it's not in my clothes it should be back at Fai's house with the rest of my stuff." She replied thoughtfully, watching as Naru hunted through her clothes, obviously coming to the conclusion that the key wasn't there. It was a minor inconvenience; with any luck they could call the mansion and have a maid search.

"Monk-san is going back to your house to take your stuff over to Ayako's house." Naru informed as he left the room. Monk-san…Naru…Ayako…They're all protecting me… Mai thought, her chest feeling warm and light at the thought. Naru re-entered and sat beside her as Fai took his leave, saying he would see her again once she got out of the hospital. "Speaking of getting out, I spoke to the doctor and he thinks you'll be able to leave tomorrow, though he'll want you to take it easy for a while." Naru said, taking her hand gently as he looked into her eyes supportively.

"That's good I guess…" Mai replied, her thoughts shifting to her uncles, who were sure to turn up at some point; if they hadn't already. Mai felt the bed shift as Naru sat beside her, pulling her into his arms. Naru…He smells so different to Monk-san…and his touch is so different from Lin-san…Lin's skin is so soft…She thought as she closed her eyes, opening them again as the thought occurred. She looked up at Naru's face, which was filled with affection for a change, far more like the boy in her dreams than he'd ever been before. His blue eyes were flooded with warmth, bringing heat to Mai's cheeks as he gave her a small smile of assurance.

"Don't worry; we'll protect you…I'll protect you." He assured firmly as he reached up to caress Mai's cheek and reposition her head. Lin and Monk-san said the same…They really do care for me, all of them…She thought warmly as Naru leaned in a brushed his lips against hers lightly. Mai allowed her eyes to flutter shut as Naru leaned further into her body, his arm slipping across her waist to support himself on the bed as he deepened the kiss. Feeling his tongue brush her lower lip Mai opened her mouth and allowed him entry, a small moan escaping as his tongue tangled with hers. She was feeling hot again. She hadn't felt this hot since Lin had kissed her. But his kiss cooled me down…the way his chi flowed through me was…Don't think that! She scolded, blushing as she broke the kids and hid her face in Naru's chest. "What's wrong Mai?" Naru asked in confusion, still a little breathless from the kiss.

"Nothing, just…hold me for a while." She replied quietly, feeling him move to lie down, pulling her with him so that he could comfortably hold her in his arms. She leaned her head on his shoulder and breathed in his familiar scent. Lin smells really masculine, he just has a hint of peppermint and smoke from his cigarettes, but Naru…he's so much stronger and darker…She thought as her arm snaked over his waist.