Disclaimer: I do NOT own Ghost Hunt or NaruxMai :(
Chapter 13: Sleepover?
Naru Pov
"Noll," I heard my mother's voice on the other side of the phone as I sat on the couch by myself since Lin was in the kitchen, it's pouring so hard outside that we can't even go out. It's three in the afternoon and Mai hasn't woken up.
I went silent, not sure how to address the situation, as my mother sighs speaking again.
"I know you're not pleased by this, but I'm doing this for your good, Lin can handle the other two cases, after this one you can return, bring your wife, we are dying to meet her properly. Plus, there's the issue of someone wanting to hurt her. We are very worried, and….." she went silent, hesitating on what to say.
So there's more to this?
"Ma?" I finally broke the silence and my mother finally spoke again, making me grow cold that I stood up.
"Your father isn't doing well."
"What?"
"Noll, calm down, he's fine, but since the attack, your father's health has been in and out, he's been having nightmares of losing you. He hasn't said anything, you know how your father is, so please come as soon as possible. I'm sure Mai will bring some light to him and you." She explains. I tighten my grip on my cell phone.
Endless complications don't have an end.
"I'll take the next plain next week," I told her wanting to get to her as soon as possible.
"Finish this case first Noll then take the plane back home. Please, son, take care of yourself and protect your wife. I know how depressed you were last year, even gotten lovesick Noll. I have never seen you that depressed, not even with your brother. I can't imagine how much that girl means to you, that's the only reason I have accepted this marriage because she makes you happy, and your happiness is my happiness. When you become parents you'll understand what I mean."
"Alright, wait, why did you send that email to Mai?" I question her, there was a silence in the background for a long minute before she could answer me.
"Ma?"
"Oh, I did? Sorry love, you know how bad I am with technology, love you so much Noll, and please take care, see you soon." Before I could answer her, she hangs up causing me to feel a sweat drop behind my head.
She sent it on purpose, then, she runs a business and has to use the internet half the time.
I sat right back down when Lin came back into the living room with two cups of tea at hand. He places it down in front of me and I turn to look at him.
"We are leaving as soon as we finish this case, can you handle the other two?" I question him. He nods as he sat in the recliner.
"I can, I have done solos before, especially after you got lovesick a few months after returning to England last year, also I got the others, they can help," he assures me. I took the handle of my cup and rose it to drink.
Right, I got sick because Mai wasn't with me. I never knew it was possible, but you can get lovesick. It's a horrible feeling.
I lowered it and lick my lips, only to realize that they are swollen, and my mind flashed back.
I just had my first real kiss and Mai as. I….. I want her to wake up already. I knew she loved me, but… Not that deeply. I…. Calm down Noll, don't over-excite yourself. I pray that she remembers.
I move my free hand to rub my chest now that my heart is beating wildly at the memory of feeling so excited. Now I know the expression of a young teen being in love. These feelings are too powerful for my liking.
"Tomorrow Bou-san and John are coming over, maybe with them here we can make them move the ghosts along and break whatever suppose curse they are under," Lin stated.
"Maybe, has Mr. Arata updated on anything?" I asked him.
"Ah yes, he said that tomorrow afternoon you can meet up with the Chief, but I'm sure someone is lying, to cover their tracks." Lin crosses his arms and leans back.
"Mai and I didn't have a good feeling with officer Stan, he seems sketchy." I input as I finished my tea and place it down.
"Plus their tea is horrible," I added causing Lin to chuckle.
"No one can beat Mai's, huh?" he winks causing me to chuckle.
"She's not replaceable, that's for sure," I admit.
"Oh, I know she's not. So want to run everything down? Make a diagram?" He offers, I nodded watching him stand.
"Oh, and Noll," he turns towards me.
"Hmm?"
"I'm happy to hear that you're doing good and that helps Mai a lot, but do remember you have a long road to recovery." I frowned but felt touched by his concern.
"Thank you Lin, and I apologize for not answering you earlier," I admit and he shakes his head as he heads upstairs.
"Mai got you straight, so it's fine. I'm so glad you listen to someone for once." he chuckles and leaves me be. I look at my now empty cup and frown, feeling a bit stressed.
Yes, the only one, now what do I do with this secret? Do I tell her or keep it if she doesn't remember
…
…
…
I wonder if Bou-san and John can make it safely tomorrow, it's raining extra hard right now, it can cause trouble again.
I frowned, peeking out the window to watch the heavy rain pour hard hitting against the window, the sky lighting up with lightning as the strong winds blew harshly, making the trees move harshly.
"It's hard to see anything, I doubt having cameras set up in this region is even worth it," Lin said as he worked on his laptop. I turned and cross my arms, looking towards the stairs, since Mai hasn't gone down just yet.
"It is, we might capture something like last time, the weather should be clearer by the end of this week," I told him, not removing my eyes from the stairs.
I wonder if she's okay? She's been sleeping all afternoon. I was about to go towards our room to check on Mai when I heard noises coming from the kitchen.
Someone in the kitchen?
"Oh, before you go in there and do some exorcism, it's Mai, she came down a few minutes ago while you were looking out the window. She didn't want me to tell you, I'm guessing she wanted to surprise you or something," Lin stated as he takes notice of my confused look towards the kitchen. I glance over at him and gave him a, 'Seriously, you tell me this now?' Look and he just shrugs at me.
"After dinner, we'll discuss everything we found, also I hope the lights stay on, we were lucky last time." Lin simply ignores me and went back to work.
I shook my head and headed for the kitchen, when I arrived, I see Mai humming to herself while chopping some onions on the cutting board. She also has a pot boiling on top of the stove, the steam already steaming out and it smelled delicious already, chicken?
I couldn't help but stare at her, watching her smile to herself, almost as if she was dancing. Wearing a long white dress, with her hair tied up.
"I hope Naru likes it, should I add shrimp? Did Lin-san buy some?" she washes her hands under the sink on her right and went to the fridge to see if she can spot it, but frowns when she couldn't find it.
"Then, meat it is, next time I have to get shrimp, I'm sure he will like it," she giggles to herself.
Well, she didn't get mad, does she always think of me?
I watch her go back to her cooking, and her words from earlier came into my mind, causing my heart to beat hard against my ribs.
Her words, which are now deeply penetrated in my heart will always live there. I know now that she means every word of it, this is Mai, a free spirit girl that suffers a lot but doesn't complain nor ask anything in return.
Without thinking, lured like a moth to a flame, I went behind her, and slip my hand around her waist towards her stomach and kiss the back of her head. She gasps, but relaxes in my arms, knowing it was me.
"Trying to be sneaky huh?" she giggles, as she pats my arm.
"Hmm," I said, closing my eyes, and rubbing my forehead on the back of her head.
"How are you feeling?" I question her.
"Better, a bit out of it, but I'm not sleepy as before. So I'm going to prepare dinner and we can work on our case…. I worked on my school work half an hour ago and caught up since there wasn't much." She adds.
"So you've been up a lot longer," I sounded disappointed causing her to turn to me and began to rub my arms with her palms, in a tender matter.
"I didn't want to interrupt you two and I needed to concentrate on school work," she explains.
"I see," I whispered as Mai run her hands down to mine, pressing her palms against mine and interlinking our fingers, causing me to automatically fold my fingers down.
"What's wrong?" she takes notice of my disappointed look.
"Do you remember everything from this morning?" I question her avoiding the real reason why I was disappointed. She squints her eyes, but nods at me, feeling my heart beating hard.
Does she remember her confession and our first kiss? I can feel my heart now pounding hard with fear and anticipation.
"I do, oh, did you call your mother?" she asks me.
"I have, we spoke and I switch some plans, Lin will take over the other two cases, and we both will travel to London, don't worry, I have spoken to your principal an hour ago, he said if you can come back before the final exams, and study hard, there shouldn't be any problems since you have completed the majors subjects and such, just concentrate on your finals."
"Alright, while I can graduate beforehand, then I'm fine with it." she agrees, but I can tell she looks a bit nervous, I was about to say something, when I began to sniff.
"Is something burning?" I turned my head to my right and Mai's eyes widen in pure fear.
"Oh no, my chicken," she let go of me and headed for the stove and turns it off, grabbing the spoon from the counter she sticks it inside of the pot and sighed in relief.
"Just in time or not it would be a burnt chicken, now, you mister out of the kitchen if not I won't be able to concentrate," she comes up to me and surprises me when she pats my butt after she spun me around to push me out, I turn to look at her.
"Mai, I can help, I know how to cook and…" but she shook her head at me and guides me to the exit of the kitchen.
"I want to do it by myself, please Naru humor me and wait with Lin-san." she tiptoed and kisses my cheek, then nuzzles my jaw with her nose, closing her eyes.
"Be my good boy and wait for me," she breathlessly said, causing me to lean into her intimate touch, closing my eyes, feeling her hand on my chest, caressing it tenderly.
I... I can't hold back, she's driving me crazy.
I lowered myself and began to kiss her jaw, tenderly going down to her neck. I playfully kiss her soft skin, as I rub my hand on her stomach, while I felt her hold my arm, leaning into me, feeling her breathing going rigid. I came back up looking at Mai, feeling my veins burn with desire for her, my gaze looking at her passionately.
Mai surprises me when she presses her soft lips near my lips, causing my eyes to widen, causing me to grow still.
She slowly pulls back and gives me a gentle smile, her eyes shining so beautifully as she licks her lips as I did the same.
Did she just kiss me? Again?
"Mai, I..." but she cuts me off.
"I'll be done soon," she assures me as she forced herself to move away from me leaving me confused.
So does she remembers?
"Mai," I called out, she turns to me with a deep pink blush on her cheeks but smiles regardless.
"Yes?" she said as I felt myself grow even more nervous about how adorable she looked right now.
Damn, she's making me nervous.
"Do you remember what you the secret you told..." but a loud knock interrupted my moment.
Mai looks startled and I rose a brow in confusion.
"Who could that be?" we both said at the same time, Mai move quickly and takes my hand and we both headed for the living room, Lin already at the door letting someone in.
"That's one hell of a storm!"
"It was, are you okay Miss. Hana?" we heard a familiar voice.
"John? Bou-san, and Masako?" Mai gasps, looking at me, I shrugged, not understanding this either.
Mai let go of my hand, causing me to frown, watching her slowly go up to them.
"Mai!" Bou-san screams with joy running towards her to give her a bear hug, and before I could stop him, he almost crushed her after tightening his grip on her.
Mai let out a painful yelp, so I move rapidly and pushed Bou-san away from her, causing him to do a back step and look at me startled.
"Naru? What the?" he asks as I turn to look at Mai.
"Did he hurt you?" I asked worriedly as she shook her head.
"It's fine Naru, he doesn't know, I'm fine now," she whispers to me so he won't hear us, I sigh as I turned to face Bou-san.
"I apologize Housho, but no one is allowed to hug Mai if so please do it gently, she had an accident two days and threw out her back," I lied as Mai grabs my arm and Bou-san feature turned concerned.
"I'm sorry," he said, causing her to shake her head.
"No, it's fine, Naru just worries, that's all, I'm the one that is sorry, I should have told you, but I missed you so much and I do miss your bear hugs," Mai giggles causing Housho to blush.
"That's good." he rubs the back while I turned to look at Lin, he rose a brow to say, 'really?.'
I ignored him this time and Miss. Hara cleared her throat. We turn to look at her, she has become very beautiful, a bit more rounded, but still has her doll-like face, and longer hair, tied in a low bun.
"I'm sorry to hear that, I hope you're okay," she said as she removes her raincoat, wearing black long pants and a long blue shirt that reach her knees with black boots. It's rare to see her in normal clothes, normally she's in her kimono.
"Masako-chan, I hope the trip wasn't that bad, and thank you, I'm fine, just stiff that's all," Mai said as she goes up to her to help her with her blue raincoat and place it on the coat hanger that is near the door, letting it drip.
Then Mai turns to look at John, he leans down and gives her a soft hug, causing her to giggle, rubbing his back.
"I missed you to John," she said chirpily.
"I have missed you as well Mai-chan. Naru and Lin-san," he said, smiling gently while rubbing her back. I felt touched by this since Mai adores John as her big brother.
"This is a surprise, you all came early, but why are you here Masako-chan?" Mai turns to look at her.
"We wanted to surprise you, but didn't expect the heavy rain, we barely made it, and Ms. Hara wanted to join us," Bou-san intersected into the conversation as he removes his boots, as well as the others. The floor becomes drippy and Lin went to get a mop.
"We left our suitcases inside the trunk, but we need to change," John added as he removes his things.
"Oh, the bathroom is upstairs. Oh, we only have two bedrooms though," Mai said worriedly turning to look at me.
'I don't want to separate from you.' Mai said with her eyes, clenching my heart.
'Me neither, but what else can we do? No one knows about our relationship besides Lin.' I told her in response as she frowns turning to look back at the others.
So I have to remove my things before Masako goes into our bedroom.
"Don't worry Bou-san and Brown-san can sleep with us," I agreed, feeling happy to see them be honest, I step aside when Lin came back to begin to mop up the puddles and mud from the floor.
"Oh, then Masako-chan can sleep in my room, just like a slumber party," Mai added looking a bit excited at the thought.
Almost two weeks now sleeping next to her, has become more than just a habit, it became so natural and so intimate. Yet, Mai needs some girl time, I'm sure it will lift her spirits a bit more.
Now feeling a bit better at the thought.
"Alright then it's planned, then we'll let Miss. Hana goes first," Bou-san said as Lin clears his throat.
"You can go as well, you can borrow some of our clothes, but I'm concerned now with Miss. Hana being here," Lin said.
"Me too, it's hard enough with Mai, now having two females. For now, if anyone asks, Miss Hana you will be Bou-…." but she interrupts me.
"I know, Lin-san filled us in, but can't I pretend to be your girlfriend?" she asks me.
I was about to reject her when Mai pulls on my sleeve in a child-like matter. I turn to look at Mai. She just stares at Masako, but I couldn't read her.
"Ha, ha, let's get you all cleanup, and we'll talk about that later. I'm preparing dinner before you guys gave us this surprise." Mai said.
"Great, it's been long since we had your cooking Mai, can't wait," Housho excitedly said as John nods in agreement.
"Then I'll show them upstairs," Lin offers after placing the mop against the wall near the door to finish later, and everyone began to follow him.
Now leaving Mai and me alone, she comes up to me.
"They will know about our relationship sooner or later, and now we can't even share a bed," she said with a disappointed tone while I can see the panic in her eyes.
"Do you wish to tell the others?" I asked as I move my hands to rub her arm.
"I don't know, you told us to not tell them, a part of me wants to, but another one doesn't. I feel conflicted." Mai admits.
I can kiss her, right? She did it earlier well just take a chance, worse case scenario she could just slap me.
Swallowing hard, feeling so nervous, I slowly lowered myself and tilt my head and press my lips to hers. Her eyes widen as I closed my eyes and began to kiss her, which felt strange, but it feels so right. I place my hand on her small waist, feeling my pulse running wild, while Mai began to move her lips against mine a bit clumsy, but I didn't mind, since we both aren't experts. Slowly our kiss became passionate as though years of holding back began to crack, desiring each other. I can feel her small body trembling under mine. I rose a brow with satisfaction, loving every moment of this kiss, her taste, and the feeling of her lips on mine.
I don't want to kiss anyone but her.
Yet our kiss is short-lived, as Mai pulls back opens her eyes, and stares at me blushing hard. I opened my eyes, feeling nervous and joyful at the same time. My heart was about to leave my ribs on how hard is beating.
"T... Then... We tell them when... We are ready.." Mai stutters so bad causing me to just nod.
"Okay," I barely whispered, not sure what to say myself, I felt too nervous to do so.
I saw Mai take a step only to grow weak knees, so I move rapidly wrapping my arm around her and she takes a hold of it, looking at me.
"You okay?" I question her. She lifts her gaze and her cheeks are almost like a tomato.
"Yes..." she squeals causing me to chuckle.
Did it affect her as much as it did to me?
"Great, be careful Mai, so what are we having for dinner?" I question her as she kept staring at me, looking at my lips, then licking her lips and she didn't hear me at all, but she was in a trance, as she lifts her gaze.
"Mai, I asked what are we having for dinner?" I caught her out of her trance and blinks rapidly and horror-struck her face.
"Oh no, my food, I forgot," she scrambles out of my arms, but not before kissing my cheek. I felt my heart flutter watching her go to the kitchen, as I press my hand on my cheek, then down to my lips.
Now, this is going to drive me bonkers, does she remember or not?
Who would have thought, this was the beginning of our love and hardship, but I would never change it for the world.
…
…
….
"Mai you can cook, that was delicious." Bou-san compliments while he rubs his stomach and Masako wipes her lips with a napkin. John nods in agreement as Lin stood up to grab the plates.
It was good, I would like to try it with shrimp though. I look at Mai who was smiling at the others.
"I'm glad, did you like it Naru?" she turns to look at me.
'I made it, especially for you, I hope you like it,' she tells me with her eyes, as I slightly nodded at her.
'It was delicious Mai. You're an amazing cook,' I assured her with my eyes, causing her to shyly smile at me.
"It was eatable," I verbally said while I push my plate towards her since she sat next to me and she glances over my empty bowl. She gets the hint and smiles, turning to look at the others.
"How was the trip?" She asks as she hands the bowl over to Lin, she smiles at him and he just nods, and then proceeds to take mine.
"It began great, as soon we reach the middle of town, that's when it began to pour, it was a slippery slope, but we manage," Bou-san answers while John nods in agreement, they both sat two seats down from Mai on my right as Miss. Hara sat on my left near me as Lin sat next to her.
"Then why did you join them? Aren't you filming? What about Miss. Matsuzaki?" I asked her, she blushes a bit and laces her fingers together, placing them on her lap.
"Ayako-chan won't be coming this time around, she is caught up in work, so I decided to come a bit earlier, and I wrapped up filming yesterday afternoon, so now I have a week off before going off for the next filming location as well I wanted to check on Mai and catch up," she explains to us. Yet there was something in her tone that seem off as I took notice of the sharp look she gave to Mai. Mai seems to notice and looks confused, but either way frowns.
"Oh, I wish Ayako-chan would have called me, I miss her. Yet, I'm happy to see Masako-chan, I missed you dearly," Mai admits, but she lowers her hands and fists them.
Is something going on between them? Last I remember, they patched up their feud, or am I going insane?
"Why didn't she contact me or at least Lin to let us know?" I question her, Masako shrugs at me.
"I don't know, she didn't explain anything," Masako explains to us.
"I'll call her up later, don't get mad Naru, she must have a very good valid reason," Mai pleaded on her behalf, feeling her leg wrap around my foot. I turn to look at her.
"Work is work Mai, but please do try to figure this out," I told her, she nods and turns to face Masako.
"I have sensed three ghosts, two are females, and a hidden one," Masako suddenly said.
"Hidden one?" Mai asks this time.
"Yes, but I can't point out what gender the ghost is, but it doesn't feel friendly, the other two girls are just in great pain. Oh, the hidden ghost doesn't like a single woman in particular. I felt a sense of deep hatred, and this unknown ghost manipulates," she tells us.
Mai tightens her hold on my foot, feeling fear in her, that I turn to look at her.
"Could it be that the man that tried to drown you?" Mai asks me worriedly causing Bou-san, John, and Masako to look at Mai.
I ached to put my hand on hers to ease her.
"D… Drown, who was drowning?" Bou-san asks worriedly, John and Masako inch closer towards us looking super worried.
"Please explain," John asks, as Mai was about to stand, I kept my eye on Bou-san and John while I extend my arm for her, and she grabs it to help her stand. Both men didn't take notice, but Miss. Hara did but didn't comment on it.
"I'll be right back, anyone wants tea?" she asks avoiding the question.
"I want some," Miss. Hara spoke, but the other two shook their head.
"Not now, thanks, now explain to us Naru," Bou-san said as Mai lets go of my hand and headed for the kitchen.
So I explain to them my situation while editing out some parts between Mai and me. I try to be as professional as possible and not let my emotions of fear be shown.
"I see, but why did this man want you to drown? Why control the men in this village? Have they tried to attack again?" John asks, I cross my arms, leaning back against the chair.
"Not recently, but it can happen again, now that Miss. Hara is here, it can happen again, but now that we know this hidden ghost has a hatred towards a single woman, it can explain the attitudes of the villagers, in the theory of course." I told them. Miss. Hara frowns at my words.
"I didn't know it was serious, I apologize for being an inconvenience, I just wanted to see you, I did miss you a lot and I wanted to speak with Mai in person." she bluntly said.
After placing my elbows on top of the table, I just rose a brow and laced my fingers together.
"I have missed everyone, believe me. Houshou, I apologize once again for pushing you away from Mai. She has hurt her back a few days ago and she's a bit sensitive. Miss. Hana, it's fine, I can't control your actions, but next time take heed of the warning, and let us know in advance. I'm glad that Mai's clothes fitted you," I simply said, her cheeks turning red, causing me to raise a brow.
"Flirting already huh Naru?" Bou-san playfully wiggles his brows as Mai entered the room with Lin, and frowns at his words.
"Did it look like I was? I was only complimenting that Mai's clothes fitted her so we didn't have to trouble ourselves to go outside in this weather." I bluntly said as Mai came up to me and place the cup in front of me and leans into my ear. Not noticing the hurt look on Miss. Hara.
"Be nice, she does look cute with my clothes, you hurt her feelings," she said, causing me to turn my gaze to see how close she was, my heart skips a beat, our eyes searching each other, while her cheeks turn pink.
"Why is it my concern if she looks cute on your clothes, is not the same if is not you wearing them. If you have forgotten I'm your legal husband and in a relationship, my eyes are on you not on another woman." I brutally told her the truth, hinting at my love for her.
Mai's eyes widen and suddenly has hiccups going back as she covers her mouth as another hiccup escapes her causing me to smirk and lift my cup to drink.
"My tea?" Miss. Hara asks but she looks troubled by how close Mai and I look. Mai nods and walks around me and hands her the tea.
"Sorry, I told Naru to mind his manners," she nervously laughs, when another hiccup escapes her.
"Mai are you okay?" Housho asks worriedly as I glance over my wife and arched a brow.
"F… Fine, I have to go to the bathroom." Mai excuses herself as she began to walk slowly towards the living room, but John frowns knitting his brows.
"Did you notice how Mai is walking, I know she hurt her back, but her walking is…. Different slower than the normal" John asks concerned.
I'm sure the others will catch up eventually, but we are still adjusting to this, so until Mai is ready I just have to wing it.
"She was in a lot of pain two days ago, but she's recuperating, now let's continue with the case?" Lin speaks up after he returned to the dining room. I threw him a thank you look. He slightly nods, understanding and we began to talk about the case.
…
…
…
"This is like a sleepover, I haven't had one in years," Bou-san said as he lay on the floor on a futon that he and Lin brought back after the rain became lighter. I sat on the chair working on my laptop.
"It is, again we didn't know it would be this bad," John said to Lin and me, as Lin adjust his pillow. It was around eleven at night, and I had to go and rub Mai down before she sleeps, but I have no idea how to do so.
"It's the hurricane season, and since we are near the mountains, is worse over here. It's fine, I'm glad you guys came, we were worried that it would be hazardous to reach here." I close my laptop and place it on the small nightstand next to Lin's bed. The room is similar to mine and Mai's, but different there's no bathroom and it's a bit smaller.
Luckily I manage to take my things out before Miss. Hara came into the bedroom, Lin is a great friend, to be honest, to keep her busy.
"Miss. Hara insisted on coming, she has missed you, since you cut out contact with us, but I think the one that suffered the most was Mai, you know how attached she is with us," John said causing Housho to lay on his back with his hands behind his head.
"Yes, I barely had time to look after her after my band took off and life kept getting in the way, that I didn't have time to check on Mai. All of us have been too busy to see Mai at least once in a while." he frowns causing y heart to ache.
"True, she once said we are like her family, one that she never had all thanks to Naru," John said causing me to look at them.
"She said that?" Lin asked for me, to which I was grateful.
"Yes, after you left, she was so sad and depressed, so we took her out to eat, and she admits that, if it wasn't for Naru she would never have the family we became. Yet, even though she tried several times to reach out for us, we slowly got caught up in our lives and she was left behind." My heart ached at this information.
I didn't know that, not even one person.
"Not even one?"
"Hmm, oh Ayako-chan, she is the only one that has kept in touch with her, but lately she's been so busy that she couldn't keep up any longer. Wait, last time I heard from Ayako that Mai was dating a guy, my little girl has a boyfriend?" Housho stands up looking startled as I shook my head.
"Did Mai tell her that she has a boyfriend?" I questioned him, feeling my beginning to boil.
"Well, not exactly she said she has a boyfriend, but a friend that is a boy, Ayako was excited that maybe she will see someone new," he clears it, but I already have my hands fist.
"Naru?" John takes notice of my stance as Lin turns to look at me.
"Noll?" he asks worriedly.
"You look like you're about to kill someone, um... Mai doesn't have a boyfriend, she's too faithful to you, don't get jealous," Bou-san tried to fix it, but I sigh.
"I have to go and take a piss," I simply lied because I used the bathroom fifteen minutes ago, I just want to leave the room.
"Um let's go to sleep and it's almost midnight, thank God that the lights didn't go off today," Lin said as he turns to turn off the lamp on his left side as I stood up in the dark and began to walk down the narrow small path that leads towards the door, only to hit someone's legs.
"Ouch Naru, that hurts," Housho complains causing me to stretch my arm out.
"Sorry, it's hard to see," I said when Lin turns on the lamp and sighed. I turn to look at him and gave him a strong look causing him to shrug at me. I rolled my eyes at my mentor and continue to head out.
Finally freed from the room, I went down the corridor and spot my room door ajar.
I peeked in to see an outline of a body under the blankets and I frowned.
Where's Mai? That's not her, Mai doesn't sleep under the blankets like that.
I sneak down the stairs, to look over the couch, and I can brown hair sticking from the end of the couch. (The only light source we have is a night light that Lin installed in the living room, so if one of us needs to go to the kitchen, we won't' trip,) I went up to her, to see Mai, but what shook me was that she has tears running down her eyes, shaking. My heart drops into my stomach.
What happened? Does her back hurt her?
I didn't say anything but went up to her. I lowered myself and pressed my hand on her hip. Mai turns her gaze at me while wiping her tears, without words, I slip my hand under her shirt and began to rub her causing her to whimper.
Mai clenched her teeth as I continue to rub her, but softly since she already went through the harsher therapy earlier. After a few more minutes, I remove my hand and leaned down to kiss her lower back. I felt Mai shiver and lift herself to look at me.
Her eyes are bloodshot red looking at me as though I just saved her from something. My heart pounded hard.
"Thank you, why aren't you sleeping?" she asks while she sniffles.
"I should be asking you that. Why are you down here? This couch will kill your back Mai," I questioned her. Mai wipes her eyes and shook her head while sniffling.
"I... I wanted to um to think, that's all." She lied, avoiding my eyes.
"Think? Down here?" I asked as I move closer, and squint my eyes to see a big hand print on her right cheek. My blood ran cold.
"Mai, what happened?" I gently grab her chin to inspect her cheek, causing her to flinch, removing my hand away and covering it with her hand.
"Nothing, I…"
"Mai," I demanded as she slumps her shoulders.
"Masako-chan and I got into a heated argument about half an hour ago," she admits to me.
"Did she have to slap you? That, unlike Miss. Hara," I felt confused by this situation, while Mai lowers her head, but I felt anger that she did this to her.
"She told me she saw me with that guy in the alleyway, she thought I was making out with him and she just left. I told her why didn't she take a picture and send it to you, I didn't care if it hurt you," she tells me, as I froze.
"She saw you with that bastard?" I was stunned causing her to nod.
"Yes, she was in the neighborhood wanting to visit me but spotted me with him. She…. She could have saved me, I wouldn't care if she would have made a scene, I would have been so grateful to her. Masako-chan thinks I was making out with another man. I…. I will never do that. Now you won't believe me and that hurts the most." She cries out in pure agony. My heart tears up by this.
"Mai, look at me," I begged her, but she shook her head looking down in shame. So I took a hold of her chin and gently lift it so she can look at me once again.
"I trust you, you aren't a person to be just kissing anyone, and you would have told everyone about your relationship. You have now a reason to hide it. For now, as we spoke before is because we are getting used to it, we've known each other for two years now Mai. I'm your boss, so is not as easy either. But with another guy, it would be. I trust you." I assured her.
Even if you don't remember, you gave me your first kiss to me.
"But I have no proof, you could believe her, but I promise you, I never kissed him. I just gave you my first kiss today. That guy tried, but we never did anything, I did push him out and ran out of the alleyway, there's even video footage of it, I'm sure Austin can see it soon, I saw it myself during interrogation, but nothing where I got hit, I hope Austin finds it soon." She tells me, as I stare at her, and she panics.
"Don't get me wrong, I... It was so beautiful our first kiss, that you made me see stars, I only want to kiss you Naru for the rest of my life." she said to me, causing me to blush hard as she blushed too, but I couldn't help but feel so happy, I wanted to do cartwheels. I smiled, wanting to kiss her again.
"Um... I'm not sure if I did good, um, you may have kissed better girls and..." she was now self-doubting, but I stopped her.
"You're my first kiss, Mai. You know me, I don't skinship and I agree, it was beautiful and it will forever in my memory, so I don't regret it Mai," I told her so she won't have second doubts, causing her to look at me in shock, but a smile broke out on her lips, and shyly covers her face with her face, causing me to smile, enjoying the fact Mai is expressing my feelings out loud.
So she doesn't remember our first kiss then? She's not wrong though, nor did I lie. I only want to kiss you for the rest of my life as well Mai.
Then something dawns on me.
"Wait, there's footage of you going into the alleyway?" I question her, as she lowers her hands and stares at me, her smile dropping as the serious matter comes back to us.
"Yes, you can see that I was running away and crying. I… If she only went I wouldn't be harassed like that." She cries out.
I lift my hand and using my bent fingers, I wipe her tears, knowing very well that she's telling the truth.
"Mai I believe you, I know you, don't worry, I won't let her bully you anymore," I assured her as Mai shook her head taking a hold of my arm.
"Don't do anything, she might think I might have got you brainwashed or something thinking that I got you against her. She likes you Naru, I…."
"But I don't. I don't like her for a bit, I respect her as my colleague, but that's all, and remember in the past, she was blackmailing me because she knew about my real identity." I assured her. She stares into my eyes.
"You don't?"
"No Mai, I wasn't joking, I only have eyes for you, I have to respect you as well. If I wanted to have eyes for another woman, I wouldn't have married you."
"But I thought our marriage was due to this case? A loveless marriage," she asks, I bite my tongue and sigh.
"Well, we are a couple right now Mai, we just skip being a boyfriend and girlfriend and become more intimate. I don't joke around." I corrected myself.
Mai stared at me.
"Why are you so sweet to me? I don't get it, I… Masako-chan likes you, and she's super prettier than me, she's almost doll-looking, and all the guys go crazy for her." She stated.
Her self-esteem is that low?
"That is true, she's a very beautiful woman, but not every man will fall for her, think of it this way, do you think every handsome man that crosses your path you would fall for?" I question her. She lifts her gaze and shook her head.
"No, I probably blush and feel shy, but I won't fall for their beauty is different for everyone," she answers me.
"Then that is your answer, yes, she's a beauty, but my preference is different from another man's perspective. Um…. She doesn't have what I am looking for," I tried my best to answer her.
"Oh, and what is that?" Mai asks now feeling my heart hammering against my ribs as I stare at her.
Your energy, your view of the world, your simple mind, your innocence, and the way you understand me. How you light up my world and I become so comfortable around you, even act as a child, something that I thought I lost for so long. You are my sun in my dark world Mai, no one can replace that. I cleared my throat as I stood up.
"Naru?"
"Come with me," I change the subject, as I extend my hand to her. Mai slips her hands on mine and I help her up.
With that, we both went to the kitchen and turned on the light. I head for the fridge as Mai let go of my hand and went to put water on the kettle.
"So you're not answering me?" Mai asks to turn to look at me.
"Secret," I simply said as she pouts at me.
"You love to tease me, then are you still confronting Masako-chan?" Mai asks me, as I took out the ice pack that I used a few days ago for my shoulder, which is better now, a bit sore, but not bad.
"I have my ways," I simply said as I turned, only to see Mai trying to reach a cup on the second shelf over the sink.
"Darn, Lin-san forgot I'm short," she complains, as she gets on her tip toes trying to reach it. I went behind her, and reach my arm forward to grab the tea cups, and Mai turns, to look at me with a deep look of longing and love, almost spellbound once again as I lowered my gaze and felt trapped with her.
Our heart beats beating hard against our ribs.
I lowered myself and kiss her swollen cheek gently as she closes her eyes leaning into my cheek.
"I don't want you to be hurt Mai because it hurts me," I breathlessly said to her looking surprised, pulling herself back to look at me.
"Naru, I…." but I heard someone shuffling coming from the living room, and I press my fingers on her lips as I turn to look out the entrance of the kitchen.
"I think someone is coming," I whispered, turning to look at her, but my chest tightens, and my heart beat wilder as the look Mai was giving me with just pure passion, as she closes her eyes and kisses my fingers, driving me crazy.
I want to kiss her again.
"Why is the light on?" I heard Bou-san's voice, and when he entered, I jump back, removing my hand and placing the ice pack on her cheek, she jumps from the sudden cold impact as I cringe at the action.
"Sorry," I mouthed causing her to shake her head.
"Mai? Naru? What are you two up at this late hour?" He asks scratching his head as Mai turns around placing the ice pack on top inside of the sink.
"Tea, Naru wanted some….. Tea." she stutters, almost steam coming out of her ears as I turn to look at him. He squints his eyes suspiciously as I fist my hand and Mai's as well, and he suddenly claps, pointing at us.
"Oh, I get it, Naru's addiction to tea hasn't left him, come on, let her take a rest, is almost one in the morning," Bou-san complains.
"It's fine, can I help you with something?" Mai asks as Bou-san turns to look at her.
"Just wanted some water to be honest. Also now that you two are up, I wanted to ask you something," he said as the kettle whistled out behind us. Mai began to work on it as I move to grab the cups and place them on the counter.
"Want some?" I asked, Bou-san nods and leans against the counter crossing his arms.
"Thank you," he glances over the cups, then at Mai.
"What is it?" I asked as I went to get the tea bags from the second drawer on my left side near Bou-san's hip.
"Well is more for Mai," he said, Mai turns to look at him.
"Yes?" she asks.
"Do you remember about three months ago when we ruined, well the last time we did until now?" he asks her. Mai nods at him.
"Yes, that was sweet, you got so drunk," she giggles while pouring the hot water into the cups as I added the tea bags.
"Well yes, let's not talk about that," Bou-san blushes in embarrassment as she places the kettle down and grabs my arm for support.
"Why do you ask?" she asks him.
"Well, a few days ago I remembered something that I have forgotten to tell you. Remember, you went out with Ayako-chan to the bathroom because she was puking?"
"Yes, she drank too much as well."
"Yeah, wow, we were wild, you were the only one who didn't drink good girl."
"Of course not, I'm a minor did you forget that?" Mai said causing Bou-san to chuckle. I turn to look at Mai and she pats my arm and shook her head.
Where is this going? I'm glad she managed to hang out with them but drinking?
"What's the point?" I asked now curious about this.
"Oh, Mai left her cell phone behind and she got a call, so I picked it up, and a woman's voice came out."
"Woman's voice?" Mai asks now feeling him grow anxious as I am.
"What... What did she say?" I asked, now Mai and I was growing nervous each second.
"Something weird. I'm sure she got the wrong number, but she said that it has begun, a life for a life." Mai went limp causing me to wrap my arm around her.
"Mai," Bou-san and I said at the same time worriedly as she took hold of my arm and looked up at me.
"I... I need to lay down," Mai said in a shaky voice, I nodded turning to Houshou.
"Anything else?" I push, but he shook his head.
"No, she hung up and I forgot about it since I was drunk, I remembered as I said earlier due to the fact, I got a scam called and it clicked. A weird way to remember, but it concerns me, a life for a life. What does that mean? Mai, did you do something to someone?"
"No, I didn't, I... I'm tired, we can talk about this tomorrow, Naru, I want to head back." She pleads with me with her eyes. I nodded and look at Bou-san.
"Can you clean up?" I asked, he nods and I guided Mai into the living room, but she stops me and lifts her gaze at me as she grabs my hand and place it against her bosom, her small body shaking in pure fear. I felt my heart break.
"I'm here," I assured her, Mai nods at me, and before she can say anything, the front door burst wide open, letting the gust of wind enter the living room and the rain wetting the inside.
Mai and I jump back as a dark shadow appears at the entrance as lightning roars behind it, illuminating it, no feature is found on the thing, just pure darkness.
"What the hell?" I heard Housho entering the living room, but the next thing I knew Mai is pulled right out of my arms, my heart dropping watching her fall violently to the ground.
"Mai!" Houshou and I said at the same time.
I move rapidly to grab her arm, but the pull was so forceful that Mai let out an agonizing scream and I ran after Mai while she is being pulled violently towards the entrance.
No, no, no!
"NARU!" Mai screams as I rushed steps, watching in pure horror as this shadow takes my wife into the depths of the pitch dark night. As soon as I reach the door, it slams shut right in front of my face and I did a double take.
"MAI!" I shout back as I reach for the handle, but it wouldn't open, so I jiggle violently and pushed my shoulder into it, to open the blasted door, but nothing worked, it was tightly shut.
"Noll!" I heard someone call out for me, but I began to slam my fist against the door.
"MAI!" I was now losing my mind as millions of thoughts pass through my mind at this moment of what that blasted thing is doing to her as my heart throbbed to protect her.
"That's not going to open Noll, that thing has it shut tight, even the back door is locked tight, it doesn't want us to leave.." Masako spoke as I turned to look at her, she was wearing her blue nightgown, looking very worried.
I didn't say anything, but went to the dining room and grab one of the chairs closest to me.
"Naru...Wait, wait,... What are you going to do with that?" John asks this time around looking worried.
I think I was in shock or something, but all my thoughts are that I have to save Mai. I stood in front of the front window, and without remorse, I threw the chair into the window breaking the glass into million pieces.
"Making a new way out!"
Wait for me Mai, I'm coming.
Au: Thank you, I'm so glad you like the first kiss... :)...