GH 3 one shot
Naru stared at the key in his hand. The dream he had felt so real, he refused to believe that it was a dream. But when he woke up, he uncurled his fingers to reveal a key on the palm of his hand.
Naru was surrounded a bright white background. It seemed never ending as he continued to walk endlessly in his dream. From afar, he saw a figure hugging their knees. He slowly walked closer. His heart skipped a beat at the familiar brown haired girl. He noticed slight changes in her; like how long her hair was grown or how sad she just seemed to look as she stared at her feet. Slowly and cautiously, he walked closer to her until he stood right in front of her. His heart was beating faster and faster. 'Is this really a dream?' he thought to himself. He watched the girl's head slowly look up. Both of their eyes widened when eye contact was made.
"N-Naru," she softly said. Naru couldn't hold in his smile. She blushed.
"Mai." He watched her gaze avoid his shyly. He watched the spark in her eyes grow and his smile just lingered. 'That's definitely Mai.'
"How did you know it was me?" Naru asked. Mai slowly looked at him. It has been a while since she saw Naru and Gene. She assumed that Gene moved on once Naru found his body. But Naru? She never thought she would be able to see him. Naru thought the same. How was he able to see her in a dream state? He knew that he fell asleep. But his psychic powers never involved with dreaming like Mai's.
Mai gently smiled at him. He was surprised that she would still smile like that to him, even though he left her.
"Your eyes," she shyly answered. "When you look at me, there's this warmth that I get from you that I don't get form your brother. Your smile too, it's different."
"What am I doing here?" he asked curiously. He watched her shrug. Mai was sitting down, so Naru decided to do the same.
"Are you coming back to Japan?" she asked curiously. Naru was a little shock at her sudden question. He was silent, not knowing the exact answer to her question.
"It's been a while, huh?"
"It has." Silence engulfed them but they didn't mind. It was comfortable. "I was mad when you left. I'm not mad anymore. I want you back, even if we're not on friendly terms." Naru was surprised when she held his hand, but he didn't bother to pull away. Only when she did pull away did he frown. "I'll see you soon I hope." She disappeared to Naru's dismay. He frowned and stood up, looking around his surroundings in hope to see her again.
"Mai!" he called. "Mai!" He looked at his hand that she held. It was her key, the same one from the Urado case.
A knock was heard from his office door in BSPR. Naru told the person to come in as he stared at the key. Lin came inside and gently shut the door behind him.
"You saw Taniyama-san?" he asked. Naru text Lin the moment he saw the key when he woke up. They decided to talk about it at work. Naru nodded and showed Lin the key.
"It's the same key that Mai gave to Hara-san during the Urado case," Naru mentioned. "It's just why? And how, especially while I was sleeping? That was the only time she performed clairvoyance and me? I don't understand." Lin lightly chuckled at the boy. Naru glared at him in response.
"Bou-san emails me and updates me about everyone," Lin said. Naru raised an eyebrow at the tall, Chinese man. He noticed his expression to be soft, a small uplift was present on his lips.
"How are they?"
"They are good actually," Lin answered. "They still get together and investigate paranormal cases with Madoka while she's in Japan. I've been told that they've been helping Mai with astral projection and clairvoyance." Naru's eyes widened.
"So…she did what she wanted to do." Lin nodded. Naru smiled softly. "She misses you it seems."
"Naru?" Naru looked up from his computer. His eyes widened.
"Mai." Mai walked closer to him until she was right in front of his desk. "Am-Am I dreaming?"
"No, you're not," she answered. "I am." Naru's eyes widened at the new information.
"Your powers are growing and controlled," he said, still surprised to see her right in front of him. Mai smiled softly at him and walked around his desk to stand next to him. Naru slowly reached his hand out to her. He was hesitant but he finally held her hand. "You feel so real."
"You do too," Mai said.
"Are you well?" he asked curiously. Mai nodded. Naru eyed her up and down. Indeed, she was different. Maybe it was because they were apart for a whole year. Heck, he never knew that Lin kept contact with the group.
"You look upset," Mai said. Naru nodded but couldn't find the words to say to her. He watched her give him a smile. Something about her smiles radiates warmth in his chest. He couldn't help but smile back. With her face blushing, he couldn't help but smirk.
"I see that you still blush when I smile," he said. Mai scowled at the boy. Naru's heart fluttered. "I miss you."
"I miss you too, Naru," Mai said. "I need to go. I have an exam and I should rest." Naru nodded.
"Will—Will I see you again soon?"
"Most likely." Naru watched her disappear. He frowned, suddenly feeling cold and alone. A knock again was heard. Martin entered inside with a worried look on his face.
"I heard you talking," he said. "I was a little worried and wanted to check up on you." Naru nodded.
"I'm okay," Naru said. Martin sighed and walked over the chair in front of his son's desk. "Taniyama Mai has been showing up to me through clairvoyance."
"Your assistant, am I correct?" he asked. Naru nodded.
"Lin informed me that she has been training."
"That's good to hear. Psychic powers like that need training and I'm glad that she seems to be okay with the training." Again, Naru nodded and watched the clock. "Luella wants us both home for dinner. We'll leave together."
"Okay."
By 8:30, Naru was in his room drying his wet hair. Dinner was quiet for him as Luella did most of the talking with Martin adding a few comments here and there. Naru sat in the living room after dinner, reading a book before taking a shower. He held on to a shirt.
"S-Sorry! I'll leave!" Naru immediately turned around and grabbed Mai's wrist.
"Stay," he said and immediately put on his shirt. "I thought you have an exam today?"
"I wanted to see you before I head to school," Mai answered shyly. Oliver softly smiled and gently ruffled her hair. "Naru, you're never coming back aren't you?"
"I never said that." He watched tears form in her eyes and he couldn't help but feel guilty.
"I-I understand though. Your life is here, not in Japan." The words were heartbreaking but they were true. But it didn't feel that way to Naru. Nothing felt right to him, except right now.
"Mai?" She looked up at him with tears rolling down her face. Naru cupped her face and wiped them away with his thumbs. "I'm coming home." Her eyes slightly widened. He can tell that her mind just stopped.
"H-Home? Japan?" A soft chuckle escaped his lips and he leaned in closer to her, lightly kissing her forehead. He pulled away and rested his forehead on to hers, his hands never letting go.
"To you Mai." Mai wrapped arms around his waist and sobbed softly in his chest. He hugged her back, arms around her upper back and her head as he gently caressed her hair. "I'm sorry I left you. I'm sorry I accused you of loving my brother."
"You're such an idiot!" To himself, Naru smirked.
"I am, aren't I?" He gently pulled her away, just very slightly. "Wait for me just a little longer Mai." His hands found their way back to cup her face. He wiped away her tears. Mai nodded in his hands and gave him a weak smile. "You have an exam, am I right?" Her eyes widened.
"I'll see you later?" she asked.
"Whenever you please," Naru said softly and kissed her forehead one last time before she disappeared.
Quietly, Naru stood there as he was taking in the situation. He left his room and walked to the living room where his parents were now with Luella watching TV and Martin reading a book. Luella smiled and waved her son over to sit next to her. Naru nodded and did.
"Are you okay Noll?" she asked curiously.
"I—I want to go back to Japan," Naru immediately said. Both his parents looked at him with wide eyes. Luella frowned but she knew there was a reason.
"How come?" she asked curiously. "Why the sudden change of mind?" Naru was silent. He wasn't a fan on talking about his feelings.
"I think I know," Martin said. "But Oliver you do need to tell us why." Naru sighed. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his lap.
"Because of Mai," he said. A smile crept on Luella's face.
"I knew it! You do like the girl!" she exclaimed excitedly. "Oh my—Noll why didn't you say something sooner?" Naru kept his eyes on the floor.
"Tomorrow we'll call Madoka and then we go from there," Martin said. A ghostly smile was on Naru's face when he looked at his father.
"Thank you."
"I'm sorry Naru," Mai said once she appeared in Naru's office. Once she appeared, her eyes widened from the company Naru had. She smiled widely. "Lin-san!" She noticed another male next to Lin. Her eyes widened and she bowed. "Dr. Davis." Martin's eyes widened. He never thought that he would meet a psychic like Mai.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Taniyama," Martin said. Mai smiled.
"Martin, let's leave these two alone," Lin said and headed towards the door. "It's good to see you again, Taniyama-san."
"You too, Lin-san." Naru and Mai were left alone in the office. She smiled happily at Naru and walked closer to him.
"You've been busy," Naru said. Mai nodded.
"I haven't seen Michiru and Keiko in a while. We were looking up at universities," Mai said.
"Where do you plan to go?"
"Todai! I'm not sure on what I want to do yet so I'll just take general classes," Mai said shyly. She played with her hair as she answered. "Bou-san, Ayako, and I are going on a case in a couple days."
"Where?" A finger rested on her chin as she pondered.
"I think it's at a high school. A fan of Bou-san emailed him. Apparently, lovers get attacked there. Can't be something too complicated."
"Just...be careful," Naru said.
"I'll make sure there's someone with me at all times. Bou-san and Ayako get worried too. Naru?"
"Yes Mai."
"I can't wait to see you in person."
"Me too."
She disappeared again. Naru sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He picked up his phone and called Madoka.
"Naru!"
"Has father spoken to you yet?" Naru asked.
"I'm doing fine, Noll! How about you? Ugh you need to fix those manners of yours," Madoka scolded. Naru rolled his eyes. He put her on hold and called his father.
"I'm transferring you to Madoka."
Naru was in bed. It's been a few days without Mai but to him, it felt longer.He heard footsteps quietly walk up to him. He felt a dip on his bed by his feet.
"How's the case?" Naru asked as she sat up next to her.
"It's okay. The spirit hates me," Mai said. "I tried to go to you last night but the spirit caught me. She's jealous because of the connection we have." Mai blushed. She took a quick glance at Naru who blushed ever so slightly.
"You can't stay long?" Mai shook her head.
"I'll talk to her soon. Poor girl," Mai said with a frown.
"You're always putting others first," Naru said. Mai gave him a smile.
"Goodnight, Oliver." Naru smiled.
"Goodnight Mai."
Naru had his suitcase packed. He was waiting in the living room for Lin so they could head to the airport.
"You have everything, Noll?" Luella asked.
"Yes, mother," Naru answered. Early this morning, Martin and Naru bid their farewells before Martin headed off to work. Naru sighed at Luella's sad eyes. "I'll visit. I'll bring Mai with me as well." Luella gleamed.
"I can't wait to meet her." The door opened and Lin came inside.
"Ready?" he asked. Naru nodded and took his bag and suitcases. He hugged Luella one last time and followed Lin to the car. "Bou-san called me about their case. Taniyama-san suffered some light injuries." Naru's eyes widened. "Light injuries Noll. She's not on her deathbed."
"I told that idiot to be careful," Naru muttered. Lin lightly chuckled to himself while Naru held on to her key and closed his eyes. He found herself to be in the hospital surrounded by everyone apart from Lin and Naru. There was laughter and a lot of chatting. Naru opened his eyes, looked out the window, and smiled. 'She's okay.'
"I take it with that look that she's okay?" Lin asked. Naru nodded, eyes not leaving the window.
Naru settled inside his new apartment complex. It felt very empty but it would have to do for now. He made a list of things to buy this weekend and stuck it on the fridge.
"New home?" Naru smiled to see Mai standing right in front of him.
"I just settled in," Naru answered. Mai looked around and pouted.
"It doesn't feel like a home," she stated. "It's really empty."
"How are the nurses and doctors treating you?" he asked curiously.
"Great! Ayako's staff is so friendly," Mai answered happily.
"I'm glad," Naru answered. "How long will you be there?"
"I think a couple more days. The spirit threw me against the wall so they're taking precaution," Mai answered. "Will you visit soon?"
"Very soon." Mai disappeared with a smile on her face. Naru called a cab and grabbed his wallet and keys before leaving his apartment.
"Where to?" the cab driver asked. Naru gave him the name of the hospital. The trip wasn't long, to his relief. He asked for Taniyama Mai, and the nurse gladly assisted him to her room. The sound of laughter was heard and he felt butterflies in his stomach; a very new feeling that he had ever experienced. He opened the door. The talking stopped. Naru looked at a surprised monk and priestess. Behind them was a smiling Mai. Naru smirked and closed the door gently behind him.
"This is sooner than I thought," Mai said happily. Naru stood on the opposite side of her.
"Naru," the two said quietly.
"When did you get back?" Takigawa asked.
"Today."
"Oh, did Mai visit you?" Ayako asked curiously as she rested her arm on Takigawa's shoulder. Naru noticed the ring on her finger and smirked.
"Congratulations," Naru said. The couple blushed and Naru smirked.
Naru helped Mai pack her bag while she was in the bathroom getting ready. Mai came out with her old clothes neatly folded in her hands. She stood next to Naru and packed the last of her clothes.
"Thank you," she softly said and shyly looked up at him.
"You're welcome," Naru replied softly and gently ruffled her hair. "Are you ready?" Mai nodded. "Okay, let's go." Naru grabbed her bag and with his free arm around her shoulders, guided her out of the room. The car ride was silent as Mai fell asleep in the car. Lin drove while Naru sat in the back with her.
"Will you be staying with Taniyama-san?" Lin asked.
"I will," Naru said.
"Okay, then when I pick you up, I'll drop off dinner as well," Lin said.
"Text me where you'll order food so that Mai can see the menu." Lin nodded and turned to the parking lot. Naru gently shook Mai awake. "We're here." Mai tiredly nodded and rubbed her tired eyes. Naru helped her out of the van and took her bag and threw it over his shoulder.
"Thank you, Lin-san," Mai said with a tired smile. Lin smiled back.
"You're welcome, Taniyama-san. Feel better." As the two walked up to her apartment complex, Lin drove off. Mai unlocked her door and went inside. Naru closed the door behind him and they removed their shoes before walking further in the room. Naru observed the complex. It was a new complex since Mai decided to live on her own once Naru left (information he learned as the two caught up in the hospital). It was smaller but the place felt comfortable. It definitely feels homier than his place.
"Make yourself comfortable," Mai said. "I'll make us some tea."
"I'll make us tea," Naru offered. "You should settle in first." Too tired to argue, Mai nodded and took her bag before going to her room. Naru found different packs of tea in her cabinet. He gave himself black tea and an herbal tea for Mai. The apartment suddenly became quiet. Cautiously, Naru walked to her bedroom. He sighed in relief to see her asleep in her bed. Naru put her bag on the chair that sat in the corner of her room before covering her with a blanket. Naru swept her bangs away from her face and his hand rested on the top of her head. 'This is real,' he thought. 'She's actually here.' Naru left the room. He took his tea and sat on the couch, quietly reading his book.
He felt someone gently shaking him. On instinct, Naru opened his eyes and sat up.
"I'm sorry," he suddenly heard Mai say. Naru shook his head. "Um, Lin-san stopped by and gave us food. He said to call him when you're ready to go home."
"I slept that long?" Naru asked. Mai nodded.
"I know I did."
"You needed the rest," Naru said.
Naru heard Mai heat up their food while he was in the bathroom. He washed his hands and splashed water over his face. He straightened up the collar of his shirt and fixed his hair before heading to the kitchen. Mai set up their plates, along with a cup of hot tea. She happily waved him over. Naru thanked her and the two quietly ate.
"So—" they both started out saying but paused, both waiting for the other to start.
"You first," Mai said shyly. Naru gently smiled. He stood up, leaned in, and kissed her lightly on the forehead. Mai blushed at his sudden action. When Naru pulled away, he rested his forehead on hers with his eyes closed. He pondered on how to say what was on his mind.
"Do you still like me?" he asked, feeling uncertain on how she felt. He carefully watched her expression. She was surprised but a smile immediately formed on her face. Her blushing face brought the same warmth in his chest.
"I love you Oliver," Mai said softly. She leaned in and gently kissed his lips. Naru was shocked, to say the least.
"I love you too Mai." Naru went in his pants pocket. He held Mai's hand and had her palm up. He placed the key in her hand. "I believe this belongs to you, love."