Disclaimer: I do NOT own Ghost Hunt or NaruxMai :(
Chapter 19: Desire me?
Naru pov
"A few days Noll, Mr. Arata needs to sort out his things in the attic to get that diary, he was even surprised that you knew about it. Noll, I'll be honest, have no clue what's going on, but are you sure about leaving this case? You never back down in a case before," Lin asks me on the phone, he called me right after I confessed to Mai. This time missing my confession, which I was thankful for.
"I have my reasons and I'm sure if I explain them to you, you'll lose your mind," I answered him while I leaned against the railing of the stairs, watching Mai just staring blankly at the black screen television.
"Then what are you planning?" Lin questions me.
"I'm going to take Mai to England, I have called Mr. Watson and left him a voice message, if he doesn't call me back by the end of the day, please call him tomorrow morning to see if you get better luck,"
"You're going to England?" Lin asks baffled, but there was something in his tone which cause me to raise a brow.
"For now that's the plan, som
ething the matter Lin?" I question him.
"Err, you just took me off guard, alright then let me know so I can buy you the tickets, also anything else?" he asks.
Strange, last time he wasn't this hesitant, did something change?
"I'll call you if anything else, just be careful," I told him watching Mai stand up and slowly walks up to me, I made eye contact with her, but she looks away, placed her hand on the railing of the stairs, and began to head upstairs. I frowned, turning to tilt my head, watching her reach the last step and head to the right.
Does she have to use the bathroom?
"You as well," I said and hung up, placing my phone in the breast pocket of my shirt.
Then I headed upstairs when I reached it, I headed for the right where Mai went, only to see the guest room which is two doors from my room wide open.
That was close.
So I walk up to it, only to spot Mai looking over the far right corner almost attentively. I cross my arms and leaned against the base of the door arching a brow.
"Do you want this room to be your room?" I question her feeling a bit disappointed at the thought. She turns to look at me as though she was ripped out of her deep thoughts.
"Huh?" she questions me.
"I said do you want this room to be your room? I can move your things," I suggested causing her to shake her head while placing her hands behind her lower back and rubbing it.
Her back is hurting her?
"That's not why I came in here, but I thought I heard someone singing, so I entered, and this overwhelming sensation overcame me. I don't know, this room feels strange to me. I can't put my finger on it," she admits to me.
"I assure you, this place isn't haunted." I was now taken aback by her words, while looking around the plain room, with one bed that hasn't been used, since last year, having Lin over to work overtime. There's no curtain at all so we can see the cloudy afternoon skies.
I hope it doesn't rain, I had enough last timeline.
"I heard a man's voice singing a lullaby, it sounded almost like you," Mai admits causing me to now feel strange about this. I ended up walking up to her to stare at the same spot.
Now that she says it, feels like something is missing in this room.
"Like you earlier, similar to the wall downstairs, I don't know, feels like something is missing," she admits staring at the wall.
"Yeah, it's a weird feeling," I admit. Mai turns and grabs my arm to squeeze it, causing me to look down at her.
"I was meaning to use the bathroom, sorry I didn't mean to barge in here. Let's go," she said.
"It's fine Mai, you can go anywhere in this house," I said, causing her to let go of my arm, and turns to leave. I frowned, not understanding her sudden attitude.
I confessed to her, I wonder how is she feeling. Was it too early to do so? Or should I have waited, now I'm nervous that I messed it up?
….
…
…
"Good night," Mai said after making sure the pillows between us is well set, after watching our movie, which was action and comedy. She had a good time watching it, but she sat a bit separated from me, so for me, enjoying it wasn't fully there. I'm not sure why, but she's keeping her distance.
I didn't like this at all my fears coming true. Maybe in this timeline, her feelings are for Gene and not me. Did I miss my chance?
"Night," I said facing my back at her frowning deeply, not liking this at all.
Was confessing to her the wrong move? Why is she putting a distance? Maybe she is still hurt because I rejected her the first time? Maybe that's it and since she can't remember anything… I'm such a fool. These dark thoughts are now plaguing my thoughts. I move my body to face the ceiling as I place my arm behind my head and breathed hard.
So she maybe has realized that she's in love with Gene? I closed my eyes, feeling my inside twisting horribly.
Stop thinking about these things Noll, just give it time.
Mai who was facing me all this time, kept looking at me running her fingers through her lips, down to her chest, biting her lower lip while looking at me with longing as her chest moved rapidly.
As I turned to face Mai, I caught her turning her body away from me, facing her back.
I place my arm on top of the pillow to lower it and stare at her, aching to wrap my arms around her.
Without thinking much I move my hand and began to trace her back. Not noticing Mai holding her breath, closing her eyes while holding a full fist of her blanket.
"I apologize for rejecting you that day Mai. I regret it every second of my life, and I mean it, even if you don't love me, I can wait and love you to the fullest, even if it means letting you go."
….
…..
…
I'm not sure how much things will change between the first timeline, but I knew this time around I won't hold back and I want her to feel that I'm here for her and make up for the hurt I gave her.
It was eight in the morning the next day and we planned to go out to get fresh air and to investigate. Trying to forward this situation, but I'm sure it's not easy for her, but Austin hasn't gotten back to me. At least Mai hasn't had any dreams about the ghosts or Gene. I'm not sure how to feel about this new way of line, since I got my memories, it's been tearing me apart.
"Mai, are you almost done?" I called out from the bottom of the stairs.
"Sorry, the zipper of my dress isn't going up, can you help?" Mai asks as I watch her come down, wearing her light blue dress, with dark stalkings, and holding a pair of brown small-heel boots in hand. Her hair is tied up, wearing light makeup, and a soft glossy pink lip gloss.
"Beautiful," I said out loud without realizing it myself, feeling mystified.
"Huh?" Mai gave me a puzzled look, as I caught myself and shook my head.
"I said, be careful," I corrected myself causing her to nod.
"I will, thanks," she smiles at me gently.
Mai looks different, I don't know why…. But she looks stunning, or am I seeing this because I'm in love?
My heart began to race, as I watch her slowly come up to me and turn around. I look to see her bare back and her pink bra strap. I blushed hard that I closed my eyes, not wanting to fall into temptation.
Lifting my hands, I manage to find her zipper and pull it down since it was stuck and rose it up. Yet I couldn't help it she smells very sweet peaches with lavender that I couldn't resist leaning closer to her.
If falling in love would have consumed me this much, I wouldn't even believe it.
Mai turns her head to look at me, with a deep expression.
"Thank you," Mai whispers causing me to open my eyes and lock eyes with hers.
"Anytime," I said a bit breathlessly causing her to clear her throat and take a step forward hiding her blushing face.
"Let's go," she said, watching her go around me. I nodded and cleared my throat, and watch her go to grab her small pink purse, which she brought earlier to place it on top of the couch.
"Do you want to get breakfast?" I asked as I went to the coat hanger and placed on my jacket and then grab hers. While waiting, I took out my phone from my pants pocket and swipe to activate the camera.
Well, I did it last time. I rose my phone and place it on silent mode while I see Mai adjusting herself
I got two this time. I felt proud of myself. Mai turns and arched a brow as I place my phone back in my breast pocket.
"Yes, that would be great. I've been wanting to take you to a place that makes the best pancakes in town," she said while making sure she has her things inside her purse. Satisfied, she walks up to me and drops her shoes, without hesitation she grabs my arm for support and places on her boots.
"Do we need a taxi?" I asked, as she lifts herself and looks up at me.
"No, we can walk, it's not far from your house, I'm surprised how close you live to your office and my home," she admits to me.
"Wanted a place close by, it was a coincidence that you live nearby as well," I admit as I opened her jacket. She places her arm in the first sleeve and lets me help her place the other. She adjusts it as I adjust the back of her jacket.
At least she didn't keep her distance this time. I felt a bit proud and hopeful that this time we are getting closer.
...
...
...
Walking side by side, I look up at the morning sky, it's blue and chilly, with barely any clouds. Yet I couldn't help but to give stolen glances at Mai, as I walk closer to her, nervously stretching my fingers, aching to grab her hand, since her hand is almost brushing against mine.
Why has this become difficult all of a sudden? It wasn't this hard the first time, I want to hold her hand.
I felt more depressed by this situation, as Mai lift her gaze at me.
"The place we are going to is very cozy, we discovered it last year and every weekend after school. I think you'll like it. It has good tea." She smiles, maybe thinking about the memories.
"We?" I question her.
"Ah, Ayako-chan and I, it was a few weeks before you left. I wanted to introduce you to it, but you know." she expressed with a tad of sadness in her tone.
"Well it's never too late, I trust your judgment," I said, while I place my hands inside of my pockets since Mai won't let me grab her hand.
We both stop at the first intersection and waited for the light to change so we can cross the street.
I felt Mai very quiet, too quiet for my liking.
I look down to see Mai closed eyes, fisting her hands to tightly trembling while her face turns pale. My heart leaps out of concern.
"Mai?" I call out causing her to grab my jacket breathing hard.
"Sorry, I can't cross the street." she gasped out as it dawns on me.
"But you can get in one without a problem," I question her.
"Two different things," she mumbles.
I have never seen this side, nor did she ever display this type of behavior. I got an idea.
I walk behind her snaking my arm around her waist and press my hand flatly against her stomach, under her breasts. Then, using my free hand, I press my palm over her eyes to cover them. I can feel her eyes open since I can feel her lashes brush against my palm.
"Naru?" she gasps as I leaned forward and whispered into her ear, while some people came over and look over us giving us weird looks. I didn't even flinch since it's not their business. I leaned into her ear and whispered.
"I'll be your eyes," I told her honestly, hoping this will work and she doesn't push me. I can feel her shake out of fear, but she surprises me when she surprises me placing her hand on top of mine, and rubs it gently.
"Alright," she breathes out making me feel happy that she does trust me enough for this.
"Just breath Mai, and follow my directions," I said causing her to nod.
"That's adorable." I heard a girl say as I kept my eyes on the lights, watching them change. With that, the people began to walk now minding their own business.
"Let's go," I gently said and I felt her hold my hand tighter. Then we began to cross the street, taking each step slowly.
"There's nothing in front of us, so you can walk normally," I told her, feeling her pressing her back against my chest. Ignoring the strange looks from the drivers as they waited for us to cross.
Finally, we manage to cross the street, and slowly remove my hand from her eyes. Smiling, feeling proud of her.
"You did it, you cross the street," I told her as she opens her eyes and looks around her. She squeals, jumping up and down, turning around, she wraps her arms around my shoulders, breathing hard, her cheeks are so red, but hugs me gently.
"Thank you, thank you, even though it didn't cure me, it's my first time crossing the street since I left the hospital, I've been avoiding it and just taking buses or taxis to get to my destination," she said as I wrap my hand around her waist and rub it gently.
"It's a step Mai, you did it yourself. I didn't do anything." I admit causing her to shake her head and tiptoes to catch me by surprise giving me a tender kiss on my cheek and lowering her head blushing hard as I stare at her feeling confused.
She's getting me confused, does she wants me to get close to her or not? Regardless, I won't just leave her like I did last time, but I do respect her boundaries too. I don't get women at all.
….
…..
"It's good right?" Mai looks excited like a kid watching me take a bite out of my fluffy pancakes. I raise my brows and nodded at her, as I lick the fork from the syrup, not noticing Mai transfixed on my movements, as she bites her lower lip.
She's right the place is cozy, it has different animal drawings around the white walls, almost hand painted, with a heavy scent of baked goods and pancakes. The tables are small but big enough for two people or four, round with comfortable dark chairs. We sat near the big windows where we can see the street.
"It is," I agreed, as I took a hold of my cup of herbal tea and drank it. Then I continue to eat and raise my gaze only to see Mai look away clearing her throat. I arched a brow confused by her flustered look, and turns to look at me once again and smiled.
"Good, I'll try to figure out the recipe," she said as she takes a few bites of the omelet that she ordered, but it doesn't seem like she was up to it.
Is her medicine messing with her stomach?
"Why do you need the recipe?"
"To make it for you in the future, I'm sure on the other timeline I cooked for you at some point right?" she smiles tenderly at the thought causing me to freeze on my movements. I lift my gaze watching her cheeks turn pink as I couldn't help but smirk at her words.
"You remembered?" I question, feeling hopeful, but she shook her head.
"Knowing myself, I would have cooked you something, then I'll cook for you tonight." she blushed taking another bite out of her food.
That's a good sign, right?
I extend my arm in front of me and took her plate and place it in front of me after moving my food to the side.
"Hey," she looks startled by my action while I grab my knife and began to cut the egg omelet into small pieces, and then cut small chunks of my pancakes and place it on her plate. I took some of the egg and place it on mine. Satisfied that she has a less portion of food, but at least enough to keep her full, I handed her back her plate.
"Naru?" she looks down at it a bit flustered about why I did this.
"See if this helps your stomach," I said as I took my tea and handed it over to her.
"Try that," I told her. She looks touched by my actions and grabs my tea and drinks. I took her glass of milk from her left side and I drank the remaining milk.
She lowers my cup and looks at me in surprise.
"Naru?"
"Drink the tea, Mai." I simply said, as I place the glass down and I continue to eat. She blushes and began to eat the small cuts. Yet, I couldn't help but feel Mai's foot against mine, I lift my gaze and arched a brow.
What is she doing?
"Naru,"
"Yes?" I lift my gaze only to see her hand extended showing me of her piece of pancake for me to eat. I leaned forward and took a bite and she balls up her hands and becomes bubbly with the most beautiful smile since I didn't argue, and began to bounce while eating her food. I pulled back chewing her piece of pancake.
"You're that happy that you feed me?" I question her and she looks at me.
"I don't know, but I feel this is normal for us, so it makes me happy and the fact you didn't…" she clears her throat and gave me a cold face, crossing her arms under her breasts and looking straight at me.
"Isn't it childish that you have to feed me," she does a terrible job of imitating my voice, but spot on in my features that I'm not sure if I should be proud or scared of her.
"I love this a lot," she admits. I low key smiled, feeling my heart at ease, and look straight into her eyes, causing her to stop bouncing, as I told her.
"Remember, I only do it for you because you're the only one in this world that set my heart on fire bringing out my real self."
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…
Mai kept looking at me while I wasn't looking, but with a tender look.
"You're right, it helped, my stomach feels better," she said as she rubs her stomach after we finished eating.
"In the first timeline your medication was messing with you, now that we aren't in a village, I can speak to Doctor Yung to change your medication, I didn't do anything at first because I need to adjust to this strange situation we are in," I told her. She nods, as we stood up, taking our plates to the front.
"Alright, that sounds good, I trust your judgment," she smiles as she opens her purse to pay, but I took out my wallet from the breast pocket of my jacket and took out the money.
"I'll pay," I said, but she shook her head.
"It's enough that you paid for my hospital bills two days ago, let me at least do this," she said, placing her hand on mine stopping me from paying. I felt electricity run through my body as I felt her shiver. Yet she doesn't remove her hand from mine.
Please Naru, let me pay.
I want to give you everything.
I know, but even letting me pay for you is giving me happiness.
I place the money back in my wallet and she smiled.
"Thank you…. Plus..." she turns to a young man that was behind the cashier, attending to a customer.
"I got discounts," Mai giggles, as she goes up to the young man.
"Koji-san," Mai bows at him as the young man around our age smile back at her. He has bleached-out hair and small dark eyes, and he's handsome looking, tall as well. I move closer to Mai, remembering back in the hospital that it made me uncomfortable that the young male nurse, which I keep forgetting the name was a little too happy to see her.
"Mai-chan, you're back, it's been over a month now," he said as Mai handed him the money with the ticket.
"Work and school, you know." she edits.
"Oh yeah, finals are coming and they are a killer. Your friends haven't been by either, and…. Who is this? Another boy?" He asks as he finally took notice of me.
"Another boy?" she questions as Koji lifts his hand and points at me. Mai nervously laughs and rubs the back of her head.
"This is Shibuya, he's my…." she went still not sure how to introduce me.
"I'm her husband," I finally spoke, causing the young man's eyes to bulge out. Mai turns to look at me, and smiles which causes my heart to be at ease that she didn't flat-out panic.
"Yes, this is my husband, we got married some time ago," she said sounding proud making my heart jump with pure happiness.
"Husband? Wait… I thought you were dating the other guy… What in the world was his name again." He scratches his head as Mai went rigid as my fist my hand.
"Did it look like we were dating?" Mai asks him a bit angry by this. I place my hand on her shoulder and I felt her relax.
"Well, that's what he told me that you two were dating about three months ago. He even told me that you two were ready for the next step," he admits Mai's face turns pale as I fist my hand.
So he was planning this all along? Targeting Mai?
"What? No, we never dated and I only saw him as a friend. Did you ever seen me all lovey-dovey with him or whatever?" Mai asks breathing hard, but he shook his head, thinking back.
"I have never seen you intimate with him, that is true. I was hesitating to tell you that I would often see him with this other girl that used to come with him, he would have his arm around her and kiss her. So I thought he was two-timing, but I kept it out of it, too much a of a mess to get into two-timing cheats." he admits.
So you rather keep your mouth shut? What in the world? I was getting madder by the second.
"Anything else?" I growled out causing him to look at me yet he flinches at the dark stare I was giving him. Mai took notice of his reaction and turns to look at me and her eyes narrowed.
"Naru, it's fine, it's fine…." Mai rubs my arm to calm me down.
"What happened next?" we heard behind us, turning around I felt a sweat drop when we saw a line of people waiting either excited to hear what was next or annoyed that we are taking too much time.
"Sorry," we both bow and turn to Mai's friend.
"Err, nothing, that's all, now I hope you come again and congratulation Mai, on your marriage," he said as he points towards the door. Mai grabs my hand and we both come out.
I let go of her hand and began to speed walk away from her, not sure where to go, but I was going.
"Naru, wait… hold on, where are you going!" Mai half runs towards me and grabs my arm and spun me around only to gasp at the furry look I was giving.
"To murder that bastard!" I growled out from the depth of my being, anger pulsing in my veins.
"Naru that's a bit to the extreme. I was never with him, so it doesn't bother me that he was with another woman, but he's a player, a disgusting player that will break any woman's heart. I…"
"But he was forcing himself on you Mai and that alone is enough to murder him and play with another woman's heart and possibly do the same to other girls." I hissed through my lips.
"Naru look at me." Mai grabs my cheeks and forces me to look at her.
"I know, but you have to calm down and think this logically if you murder him, then you go to jail, it's not good and it's a big sin stain in your hands, you're too pure for that Naru. I don't want you to kill because of that bastard. I want you to live a good happy long life next to me, not behind bars."
I saw her trying to calm me down as she leans forward and kisses my forehead, then press her forehead against mine and close her eyes.
"If you want revenge then we will get it, but murdering him is not the answer Naru. I know you too well and thank you for not doubting me for a second." I move rapidly and wrap my arms around her hugging her as my anger is subdued.
I closed my eyes, leaning my head against her.
"I hate that I can't do anything to protect you, Mai, especially at that moment. If I have to choose, I rather go back in that timeline and save you instead of repeating this one." I admit, but Mai shook her head, holding me tighter.
"I want to go back where you weren't' stabbed, I want to step outside and stop you from chasing that person, and protect you."
Pulling back we look at each other, and I grab her jacket and adjust it.
"I still failed to protect you, you almost lost your life in that accident," I said to her. Mai shakes her head wrapping her arms around me, and buries her face on my torso.
"And I almost lost you that day Naru. We almost lost each other to the same person and we are scared to death to lose each other. So please don't do anything stupid and stay by my side Naru. Now that we have each other, with and without memories, let's just protect each other the best we can and take that person to prison and not waste our time on useless things."
"What does that mean?" I look down at her as she looks up at me, but held me tighter, almost in pure fear if she lets go of me, I would disappear.
"That I don't want you to leave me, you're the only family I have now so you've become my treasure. I don't think I can stand it if you leave me. Even if we both are teens, we have faced death in all its ways, so I know how life is precious and it can end in the blink of an eye. So let's not waste time on petty things, but let's just be together."
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…..
….
At least that's a big step, she hasn't accepted my feelings nor rejected them, but being her treasure, is that a closer step toward her accepting my feelings or a two-step back? I can't figure this out at all. So she wants us to be a couple like in the first timeline? She's confusing me so much, but one thing is clear, she wants us to be together, and that I would do.
I wish she could just tell me what she feels, I'm still trying to figure out why she called me slow in the first timeline, but I don't dare ask her.
"Mai?" I question her as we decided to walk down to cool our heads, heading for the next block. She was staring down at a dark alleyway to our right. I turn my gaze and frowned, looking back at her.
"Is this the place?" I question her, watching her tighten her hands and take a step back.
"Ye…. Yes. He pulled me to that place and…" she flinches at the memories causing me to take a step in front of her to block the alleyway.
"Don't think of that, you're with me now, nothing will happen to you, I promise you that," I assured her.
She lifts her gaze as I place my hand on her arm and rubbed it gently, feeling her calm down.
"I know this is hard on you Mai, but can you remember the direction you went after that?" she kept looking at me.
"You were attacked a day before I got hit by the car, so I was heading for your office after the accident..." she mumbles trying to get her thoughts in order.
"Mai?"
"This way," she grabs my hand and began to walk down the pathway which leads up a hill.
"My mind was going blank, all I was thinking was go to a safe place so I thought about your office hoping to see you there," Mai said, causing my heart to break since I don't understand the depth of how much she trusts me.
She was looking for me, do I give her that sense of protection? Now, recalling all the time I would distract her so she won't get scared.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there where you needed the most," I said, causing Mai to stop and look at me.
"You were in the hospital at that time Naru, I didn't even know, it's no one's fault that this happened to us," she said and began to pull me once again. I kept staring at her feeling so bad about this, then drop my gaze down to her small hand.
Even if Mai is spunky and can defend herself, she is nevertheless small and fragile even if she doesn't want to show it.
Mai takes a right turn and stops when her gaze looks out. I look around to take notice it's a stretched-out one-way street.
"Is this the street?" I asked, but I didn't get any response. I lowered my gaze to see Mai flinching. I grab her shoulders and turned around to face me. She has her eyes tightly shut.
"T….this….is…. The…. Place….." she trembles so badly, that her breathing becomes uneven. I felt my heart tighten at her reaction.
This is going to take a long time for her to recover just like me with sharp objects. I haven't even told her that I can't stand being around anything sharp just the thought of it makes me shiver, and my wound begins to hurt.
"Listen to me, breath in and out, and relax," I told her while rubbing her arms and she does just that.
"I need you to go with me and see if you can remember, even the smallest detail. Yet, since you can't right now, we can leave and try again some other time it's your choice, but at least I know where it took place so I can work with this." I told her. Mai was shaking hard.
"Sorry, I…. can't…." she gasped out.
"Then let's go." I grabbed her fisted hand and pulled her out. Yet Mai let out an agonizing yell, causing me to freeze. I turn to see her bulking down, holding her back.
"Mai?
"I can't walk, my back, it hurts, it hurts so bad."
….
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…..
I manage to get a taxi back to the house since Mai couldn't even move, she refuses to go to the hospital. I carried her up to my room, and gently lay her down on her stomach. I hurried downstairs to pay the taxi driver, then lock up and grab a bowl of hot water and towels placing it on top of my counter. Mai was shaking.
"Mai I think you should go to the hospital."
"I'm fine Naru…. I think it was the stress from the memories... And I tighten my back muscles," she tells me with a shaky voice.
"But you're sweating."
"I'm fine," she said stubbornly. I slump my shoulders.
"Then let me rub you, you got medicated ointment," I said as I go around the bed to grab her black bag which is under the bed.
"How do you... Oh, did you rub me in the first timeline?"
"Of course, and you would nag me so I would be up to date with my medication." I ramble off but froze as my eyes narrow then flinched.
I could have kept that a secret.
"Medicine? You take medication?" she pulls her body towards me as I opened the black bag and look through it.
"Naru, answer me." she places her hand on my shoulder, I turn to look at her, and my guard drops as she gives me those pleading eyes of concern.
"I didn't want to worry you, I… I'm not completely healed, so I have to take some medication to keep myself in check. I might develop some health problems in the future." I said, watching her face ashen.
"That pipe carried bacteria, so it could have lingered on my body, the doctors aren't sure for now, so they have to keep an eye on it and see how I progress as time goes on," I admit to her.
Mai gave me that same agonizing look she gave me in the first timeline.
I hate repeating this part.
"I'm fine right now Mai, don't worry," I assured her. Mai licks her dry lips.
"I'm glad I nagged you, so I will continue to do so." her voice is thick, almost on the verge of crying.
I chuckle at the fact she was patting her back and that she was nagging me.
"It's not funny," she said seriously causing me to shake my head.
"I'm sorry, I found it a bit funny, but I didn't tell you because I don't want to worry you, Mai, you already broke down two times. I…"
"I would be madder if you didn't tell me in this timeline," she said interpreting my sentence as she grabs my hand and kisses it gently as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"I'm not going to pretend that oh, yeah okay... You got injured, oh well, I'm going to do something about it Naru. You're my husband, my family, and my best friend and this is not an obligation, but an act of love, to protect and nurture you. I want you to trust me, Naru, and lean on me as well." she whispers with such sadness and I knew, placing my hand on her cheek while I caress it with my thumb feeling myself falling deeper, now understanding even more that she means each word.
"Trust me, Mai, I know, I truly know this because you told me those exact words in the first timeline," I assured her, as I move forward and kiss her forehead.
"Good, so it will stick in that thick brain of yours," she smiles as her eyes soften.
Just being by my side and letting me love you is enough for me Mai. Even if you don't love me this time around.
"I'll let you nag me Mai, but can I rub you? You don't look too hot." I went back to the subject.
Mai nods at me, but I knew she was breaking inside and I couldn't do anything to soothe her.
I remove my hand and grab the ointment. I place my knees on top of the mattress and look down.
"I need to put your zipper down," I told her, and she nods. Taking a breath, I felt nervous for some odd reason.
I've done this before, what's wrong with me? I grabbed the zipper and lowered it, and opened the dress wider. Now revealing her bare back, I took notice of something as I move my hand and run my fingers down her soft skin, feeling her shiver.
"Naru?" she gasped out as I kept looking down at her hips.
She's curvier, this is new. I couldn't even help it as I lowered myself and began to kiss her lower back, once again but instead of one kiss, I was giving her soft kisses as Mai's breath caught in her throat, molding her body into the mattress while biting her lower lip stopping herself from moaning in pleasure. I didn't realize that I was driving her crazy, as her body becomes sensitive over my kisses.
Yet she didn't complain or pushed me away, letting me get lost in her warmth, wanting her to feel how much I want to be there for her.
I lift myself, feeling breathless but then froze, shaking my head, and I cleared my throat. I place the ointment on my hands and rub them.
"This will hurt, but endure it," I said, she nods not trusting her voice and I began to rub her. Mai becomes stiff and moans. I swallowed hard, trying to not think of anything erotic.
Shouldn't have kissed her. Oh gosh, she drives me crazy.
"Relax Mai," I told her, feeling her muscles tightening at each rub. Mai grabs a fistful of the blanket.
"It feels good and it hurts….. Sorry," she gasped out.
"I know," I said.
"I'm almost done," I assured her. She nods, and finally I few more rubs on her lower back, then up her shoulder blades, then I finished.
"Wow, your hands are way better than Dr. Yung. No wonder I let you rub my back," she said a bit breathlessly causing me to nod. I was about to zip her up, but Mai stops me, shaking her head.
"No, I want to change clothes, can you help me unclasp my bra," she said. I nodded lifting my hand and clumsily fumbling with it. I was too freaking nervous.
"Push it Naru together. Didn't you do this last time?" She asks me.
"No, this is the first time," I admit.
"Oh," she blushes as I somehow manage to undo her bra. Then I help her flip her around with great care, now laying on her back.
"Just help me with my sleeves, and then we are good. Sorry, I can't move much," she said embarrassed.
I nodded and with great care help her remove the sleeves of her dress, while lifting her, and let her lean against me as I remove the sleeve. Mai was holding me, closing her eyes.
After I finished, I lay her down and pulled her dress down, but stopped realizing that the front of the dress is pulled down revealing her cleavage, and her pink bra.
I stood up to give her some privacy, but I somehow slip landing on top of her, but I caught myself placing my arms at each side of her. She gasps in shock as I blinked, looking into her eyes.
"Did I hurt you?" I question her.
"No," she said breathlessly.
I sigh in relief, looking down and by mistake, I look down, seeing her chest moving up and down unevenly, almost erotically giving me a good view of her cleavage. I swallowed hard as I keep looking down, and I was right, she was curvier. This felt familiar.
Oh, right back in the clinic, but this is different, I'm closer. Oh, dear Lord, it took me a week to forget now it's going to take me longer.
I was looking at her, just devouring her with my eyes, not with lust, but love.
Darn hormones. Mai is right, I'm still a teenager with hormones, I love her, but I want her as well, I want to love her intimately as well. She'll be the death of me.
I lift my gaze to see Mai looking at me as her face turns red, but there was something in her eyes that burn deep in my veins. It has the same look as the first timeline. She was giving me this tender smile of something which I couldn't comprehend.
"Do… Do you desire me?" she breathed out catching me by surprise.
Was I that obvious?
"You're not calling me a pervert? Wait, doesn't this make you feel uncomfortable?" I questioned her now realizing the situation.
"No, I know you're not a pervert…. And no, why would it?" she admits, moving her hand to brush my hair.
"Because I don't want to make you uncomfortable Mai, is the last thing I want to do," I said honestly causing her smile to grow so sweetly, been touched by my words.
"You're my husband Naru and my best friend, and I know how much you respect me so my body, and my heart just welcomes you with open arms. Well, you know what I mean, even at this intimate level. Even if I can't remember as you do, I can feel it in my heart Naru," she admits making my whole inside jump with pure joy.
I leaned closer to her, hovering my lips over hers.
"Then do you love me?" I questioned, giving her a teasing kiss, Mai's breath becomes rigid, half closing her eyes inching closer to me.
Say yes, don't reject me. I'm not going to back down. I was a fool for waiting for so long. No one is going out to interrupt us. I'm already yours.
"Naru….. I…." but she becomes interrupted when the door of our bedroom opens up.
"There you are, Noll…. Oh gosh, I'm so sorry." Mai and I open our eyes in pure shock as we turned and my face drained as Mai's face turns so beat red and covers her face with her hands, as I move to grab the blanket to cover her.
When I turned I was stunned to see the last person interrupting us and it was not Lin this time, but my parents looking at us stunned. Without taking my eyes away from my parents, I move my hand and went to pat Mai's hip.
"Mai,"
"It's your parents Naru,"
"I'm fully aware of who it is Mai, I'm not blind, and you want to hear something even worse."
"There's something worse than them catching us almost kissing/flirting while I'm almost half naked?"
"Yes."
"Please enlighten me, what?"
"They weren't in Japan in the first timeline."
Thank you for the Reviews: I hope Naru and Mai are still the same even with this new timeline. :)... Also, things are reversed, it's Naru's turn to suffer a bit.