Mai's P.O.V

It's been about 3 months since Naru found me in those woods. Christmas was here next week and i was back at his parents house for the holidays and to find a new home. Though, for now i think i'll just live with Luella being a bit overbearing and making us stay here. I had been released from the hospital under instructions that i couldn't fly, so, I was not going home to Japan, and i needed plenty of bed rest and medicine.

I felt like a nuisance, but i couldn't fight her. I know she's just worried. Naru had resorted to letting her be the one to make sure i ate and everything, but…I was really starting to miss him. I hadn't seen him in a few days since we got home, due to him being whisked away on another case. Though, he should be back at the end of today.

I looked up from my book as the door opened. "Hello, dear" I heard Luella say as she peaked in. Smiling a bit tiredly, i nodded.

"Hi, Miss Luella…" I said quietly.

"Oh honey, have you not been sleeping? You know what the doctors said…" She walked over with a tea tray and some snacks.

"I can't sleep…Nightmares…" I said. She nodded understandably. I took my cup as she handed it to me, "Oliver is the only one that stops them…I'll probably sleep for a whole day when he gets home…" I said.

"I'll make sure he comes up here then, and that the others don't bother you two." She said softly. I smiled gently and sipped my tea. "You know, dear…It still is Christmas…Do you want to go find something for Noll while he's gone?" She asked. I looked at her.

"But i can't go anywhere…and i don't think online shopping will do…" I said.

"If you're fine with a wheelchair, i'm sure it'll be ok. And as long as you don't overexert yourself." She said, I thought for a minute.

"Alright…I would like to get him something…and my other friends…" I said, she nodded and went to the closet. "Ah- i can get my own clothes…" I said and smiled nervously.

"No, no, it's alright" She said, grabbing a pair of leggings and a sweatshirt for me from the dresser, going into the bathroom. I slowly moved to get up off the bed and made my way over to the door as i heard the water start.

"Should i meet you downstairs..?" I asked, leaning against the counter.

"Yes, i'll everything ready for us to go out." She said and smiled, "take your time…we have all day." Patting my shoulder she left me to shower. Maybe i shouldn't have agreed…

Naru's P.O.V

We were finishing up a case, and i was ready to just leave. I kept my mask on the whole time, but Lin knew i was pissed. Sending me on a case at a time like this? When my girlfriend is bedridden? Ridiculous…

Packing up the last bit of the reports and getting ready to leave, Marie walked over.

"Oliver, i got the rest of the equipment taken down. Should we get some lunch?" She asked, a hint to her voice.

"Give it a reeeessst Marie. You know he's taken." I heard Ryan, her brother, pipe up and walk over, holding a case.

"Oh please, that girl from before? She couldn't compare to me." She said. I grabbed my folder and walked off.

"Oh…" I stopped, looking at her, "You won't be saying that when she's healed up enough to join the team." I said, then continued walking. "Lin."

"Ooooo buuurn" Ryan said. "Ow!" I heard a thunk as a book hit his head. Getting in the car, Lin drove off towards home. I tapped my finger on my book, looking out the window.

"You'll be with her again soon, Noll." Lin said, "Just a few hours." I sighed. Yea…a few hours, then back with her until after Christmas… I smiled softly in the window. I already had her gift waiting, I just had to wrap it. Though right now, all i wanted to do was hold her, and sleep.

We got home after some time and I went inside. I saw bags everywhere, and the house was decorated to high heavens. I blinked and looked around as Lin took the bags upstairs. I heard giggling in the kitchen, so that's where i went.

"Noo no it's really ok, Miss Luella…I've been sitting all day, let me help…" Mai said. I leaned against the doorframe and smiled softly, crossing my arms. My mothers face was priceless, she looked ready to faint with worry.

"Mai, really, please sit down, you'll give me a heart attack…" Mother said.

"I'm fine, i promise. I feel better when i move around anyway." She was helping to make cookies. My eyes softened as i watched. I knew once i said something i'd make her jump.

"Alright…if you're sure…" mother sighed out, beaten. Mai was smiling, her hair pulled back and her cheeks flushed, her eyes were bright, but not as bright as they used to be…and they were tired…Dark circles under her eyes.

"Mai." I said, staying against the doorframe. She squeaked and dropped the cookie cutter, pouting.

"Aww…" She said quietly before looking up and over at me. Her eyes widened, then welled with tears. Practically knocking the chair out of the way as she ran over. "Naru!" She yelled, tackling me in a hug. I picked her up tightly and held her, my face in her neck. She'd…lost more weight…

"Welcome home, dear." My mother said and smiled. "Go ahead and sit in the living room, i'll bring you some tea and cookies." She said. I nodded, and keeping Mai in my arms i walked to the couch and sat down. Moving so her legs were on either side of mine and her head on my shoulder. Vanilla and Rose…I could get high off this scent…

Mai's P.O.V

He was home, he was really home. My arms were shaking and i couldn't stop the tears as they fell. My head was buried in his neck and i was gripping his shirt. Sandalwood…He didn't wear cologne but gods i missed his scent…

"Are you feeling ok?.. Are you in any pain..?" He asked me. I shook my head.

"I'm ok…I just missed you…" I said quietly into his neck.

"I missed you too…" He said quietly. I smiled as his mother came in with the tray. He was tall enough that he could drink his tea and i could just sit here with my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

"How was the case?" His mother asked, handing him a cup.

"Annoying. But fine…" He said, "Mother, may i ask why you sent Marie?" He asked. My body tensed even though i heard the annoyance in his voice.

"Your team was one short and Ryan had mentioned she was interested. Surely a few cases aren't a big deal." She said, sipping her tea. Naru rubbed my back to soothe me.

"She's annoying. But i'll survive." He said.

"Well once Mai is healed, she can join you again. In fact…Once she's done, you both should go back to Japan…with your team from here, Marie included." She said, and i smiled. Home…I missed home…

"So after the new years?" I asked.

"If the doctor clears you for travel, yes. I'd look for a home beforehand." She said, "We'll help pay for it." I looked at Naru and smiled. His eyes softened and he nodded.

"We'll look tomorrow…" He said. I nuzzled his neck and hugged him close. Closing my eyes, i started to suddenly feel all the lack of sleep catch up to me…He was so warm…