Disclaimer: I don't own Ghost hunt, the Anime nor the Manga

The 2022 rewrite has begun.

Chapter 1: Case 1

"Well then, your recovery seems to be coming along very well, just make sure you stay off it for two more weeks, and you should be able to get that cast off next time we meet." The doctor voiced with a smile, gathering the medical records from the table.

"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you so much for taking care of me." Mai said bowing as much as her crutches would allow. With that, the doctor smiled endearingly and made her exit.

'Only two more weeks, thank the Gods. I'm not sure how I made it this long with my sanity intact. Naru's been so uptight about my injury, he hasn't even taken any cases since I was hurt on the last one.' Mai sighed, doing her best to get dressed with the boot on her leg. Once Mai was finally dressed she quickly checked her appearance in the mirror.

Her hair had grown since she first started working for SPR, and it was the first time in her life she ever could afford to manage having it long. After all, it meant more products she didn't always have the money to buy. Giving up recreating the neat bun she had prior to changing in and out of the hospital gown; Mai allowed her hair to cascade down her back. She met her reflection on the back of the door and fussed until she was pleased.

Mai was no longer the small girl she was upon Naru's departure from Japan, neither mentally nor physically. While much couldn't be said for her height, according to her friends, she had at least filled out well. She'd also studied hard enough to become the top of her class, and was hoping for some scholarships to support her entry into college. Not that she had much choice. It would be the only way she could dream to afford it.

'I wonder if anyone has even noticed I've grown up a bit.' Was Mai's last thought before hobbling out of the doctor's office, down the hall, and into the lobby where two stoic men waited. Upon seeing her struggling to exit the hall, Lin rose to hold the door open for her.

"Thanks, Lin. Ha! You'd think after two months of having these things I'd actually learn some coordination." Mai said watching Naru sigh at the sight of her. His exasperation at her textbook clumsiness was easy to read, even from Naru the Noh mask. Mai couldn't help but to feel guilty that these two men, who were usually holed up in their respective lairs, were waiting on her so diligently today.

That only made matters worse.

Due to Mai's 'debilitating' injury the team decided amongst themselves that it was no longer a good idea for her to be living alone anymore. Of course, Mai objected vehemently, but she was overruled unanimously. Things took an extremely unforeseen turn when the 'adults' in the room evaluated the best course of action. Apparently, after each of the team members had been around to pick Mai up on time or another, they all disapproved of the neighborhood she was living in, but had never said anything.

Of course Mai stated she was proud to be so young and still able to support herself.

This was promptly ignored while the deliberations continued.

Ayako was naturally the first choice because she was also of the female persuasion and had the funds to care for Mai. This apparently was not a viable arrangement because of the amount of working hours Ayako averaged a week. It would be just like Mai was living alone, which defeated the purpose of having someone else around. Monk, being the first runner up, was in a similar position with his band and shrine cleaning duties. Masako utterly refused and everyone else utterly refused Yasu (the stinking perv). He at least had the gaul to pretend to be offended at keeping Mai at his boys dorm. John didn't have any room at the orphanage he was working with either.

It was Lin who spoke up. The fact that Lin even spoke at all was jarring enough.

"Noll has another bedroom at his apartment. It was part of the deal for his return to Japan that he have a place for his parents, Madoka, or myself to stay with him if required." Lin stated and Monk crossed his arms and narrowed his gaze a Naru immediately. Masako looked like she might actually faint. Something she was clearly good at.

"Lin, though on the surface this seem like our only option, Naru is still a teenage boy. How am I supposed to be sure he won't try anything ?! Mai is so dense she doesn't even recognize when boys are hitting on her when I pick her up from school !" Monk frowned, and Mai's jaw dropped.

"You guys know I'm right here, right. Don't I get a say in where you guys shack me up." Mai spoke tersely. She was actively ignored again.

"Naru, is many things, but a respectable young man is highest on that list. I should know, I helped to raise him." Lin said finitely exited the lobby and walking back to his office.

"And you Naru ! Are you just going to let them evict me from my apartment and stick us together like hamsters? Is this even ethical ?!" Mai complained expecting some kind of reaction from her boss. If any person in the room could end this, it was Naru.

"While I'm not thrilled at the prospect, it would make things easier. Besides, you can pay back my kindness with 24 hour tea service." Naru smirked and retreated to his office as well. Now it was time for Mai to look like she might faint.

That exchange took place right after their last case, and the two have been living together for the past month. She could still remember her complete surprise at finding her entire apartment packed into boxes after coming home from work one night, and her landlord wishing her a tearful goodbye. Not long after a group of movers took all her things into a van and the stoic duo had taken her into the apartment by force. In the days before, the movers arrived, she'd fallen into oncoming traffic and had her watch stolen, only solidifying the team's case for moving her out.

"Mai!"

"Wha- Sorry Naru, what were you saying?" Mai replied entirely too wrapped in reminiscing to hear her boss's words.

"What were the results of your English examination?" He repeated, annoyance underlying his tone.

"I got a perfect score. I could barely believe it. T-thank you for the help." Mai stuttered, refusing to admit that she was already benefiting from the arrangement. Mai was grateful for the rest of the ride being silent. She had been brooding about the latest case being turned down just this morning.

"Hey Naru." The boy sighed as if he already knew the topic she'd be bringing up.

'I wouldn't be surprised if he could read minds.' Mai pondered as a passing thought. He didn't reply, but it was obvious he was listening.

"Are you going to take John's case?" Mai asked as he opened the van door and put his hand out to help her down. Mai blushed at the show of chivalry, but her instincts told her it was more of a means of distraction.

"I'm not sure Mai." He replied as he didn't dare meet her gaze.

Mai rolled her eyes. " And why is that Dr. Davis?"

Naru looked at her and narrowed his eyes at the use of his true identity, Mai hobbled just behind him and Lin. Lin held the elevator for her to enter; patient and silent as always.

"It may be too hazardous for the team to investigate at this time, seeing as others have tried and failed. Not to mention the medical wrap sheet attached to each failure."

'Oh please, as if that has ever stopped you.' Lin thought to himself.

"Too hazardous for the team or too hazardous for me? You don't have to coddle me Naru! John has always been there for us, especially when we needed him the most. We can't just leave him high and dry when he is asking for our help!" Mai voiced her face reddening with anger.

Lin sighed and pulled out the keys as the elevator opened before them.

Noll pinched his nose bridge feeling a headache coming on. "Don't you think I know that Mai, but you weren't the only one wounded on the last case. And you certainly were not the only one who needed time to recuperate, and besides the circumstances of the case would put you specifically in danger before we even arrived." Naru asserted awaiting Lin to permit them entry.

As soon as Lin opened the door, he rested his things on the couch and started making dinner for the bickering bunch. Naru headed towards his room, but Mai grabbed the back of his suit jacket before he could escape. At this the scientist stopped suddenly and turned around, and noticed the girl dropped a crutch in her efforts to stop him.

"Naru, I know you like to play the big bad wolf, but you are a good friend to all of us when it counts. You do your best to help people with your talents, and that has inspired me to follow this line of work. Please, reconsider your decision. For John." Mai asked so earnestly Naru couldn't help but turn and look at her. Mai could feel her ears getting hot so she bowed her head.

There was a silence between the two that only lasted ten seconds, but it felt more like five minutes. Even Lin looked up from his preparations to see what would transpire amid the two.

"There will be several conditions."

"HOORAY!" She jumped up on one leg before quickly realizing the situation, forgetting her missing crutch and nearly falling to the floor. Naru quickly grabbed her waist and steadied her making the school girl blush.

"Calm down idiot. You haven't even heard the conditions yet." Naru said finding it nearly impossible to understand someone who needed so little reasoning.

"I don't care, you accepted! I can't wait to call John and let him know! He'll be so relieved." Mai said happily as she graciously accepted her lost crutch from Naru and sat on the couch to call the priest immediately.

Naru shook his head and looked at Lin who gave the boy a knowing smirk. Naru narrowed his eyes and escaped to his personal quarters.

Fin