Disclaimer: Don't own anything. Just borrow the characters for my amusement cause this is a Fanfic
Chapter Ten: Brave
Mai POV
"Ayame!" I called out as I move Naru's body to the side, making him flop on the ground upside up. (Which I might add, wasn't easy to do.) Tears leaking down my cheeks, I press my hand against his cheek and rub my thumb against his skin.
"I'll take care of you, just hold on for... a bit" I whispered feeling my voice tremble. I leaned down and kiss his cheek gently, not caring about anything but his safety then wiped my eyes, since it was not the time to cry at this moment.
Then I stood up looking around the village, trying to find something for my aid, only to find that the huts are not as new, as before, no, they look broken down or burned, and we stood near an open wall.
"I need to get to the treehouse, how? It was easier for him, cause I'm small, but he's tall and big. I can't carry him." I complain, trying to find something.
Okay, Mai. Collect yourself. Naru needs you right now, he needs me to be brave.
I took in a big breath cupping my mouth with my hands and screamed.
"Ayame!" but as the minutes pass nothing. No response from her.
"It took two days to get here. How in the world can I get him back? Our treehouse is the only haven. Ayame, please come out. I need help." I sigh in frustration and walked up to Naru and bent down.
Grabbing Naru's arm and gently as I could raise him, but then flops back due to my lack of strength. I try a few more times, but each time ends up doing the same thing, but I would place my hand behind his head so he won't harm his head.
"Come on, please cooperate with me Naru. I'm trying hard here." I brush his hair not sure what to do. He's too heavy for me, I'm too wiped out from what just took place.
"He won't awake for a long time."I heard behind me, making me jump in fright.
I turned around, to see Ayame cross arms, floating in the air.
"Don't scare me. Already had enough with the phantom guy. Can you help? I can't carry him. I want to attend to his wounds, but I'm afraid that the bad guy will come again. He almost killed us." holding in my tears, not wanting to show witness but on the inside, I was shaking in pure horror from Ayame's words.
Long time? Please don't tell me, he's going into a coma?
"Don't despair, Angel, I'm sure you'll find something useful. Also, he won't come, let just say, your lover powers, did some damage to him."and with that, she disappears.
I was now frustrated by this, Ayame isn't helping me at all.
"That doesn't help at all. And damage? What damage, the phantom didn't even get hit. Please explain, don't leave me." I screamed in despair but gave up after a few minutes since she won't come back to me.
Taking in a big breath, I turn to look back at Naru and grab his hand and rubbed it gently.
"Give me a few Naru," I whisper as I let go of his hand and run my palms against the top of my legs, and stood up and rolled my shoulders.
"Mai, now you're in charge, keep a level mind. Look for something useful." with that thought in mind, I started to head down the village, shaking off the images of the corpses, that plagued this piece of land not so long ago.
After five minutes of looking around the big ruin village, I was about to give up, all of the sudden, in the corner of my eye, near the waterfall, behind a log, something round caught my eye. Something brown and beige mixed, and I headed towards one of the ruins huts, against an old tree a few feet away. As I got closer my hope became bigger and bigger.
"Please, oh God, please let it be." I came up to it and against the tree, there's an old beige worn-out barrow, some half-broken, and some not, but next to it there's an old wooden wagon, with wheels still in tack. One wheel in the front, and two in the back. Big enough to place a body in.
My heart raced with happiness.
"Thank you, God, and Ayame for hinting it out." I smiled, feeling hope once again. Rushing my steps, I go around the barrows and grip the handle to lift it.
I tested the grip, the wheels so it won't fall out, and checked if it's not rotten. Nothing, it's all intact, which causes my joy to grow.
So I pushed the wagon reaching Naru.
"Look, I found a wagon Naru, now we can head home." I smiled, as I place the wagon close to him, and went up to him.
Taking his arm, I rose him, feeling this new strength in me, and sat him up, placing his arm around my shoulders and my arm around his back and lift him.
I somehow manage to move him towards the wagon, by dragging him and flop him down as gently as I could, but I heard him groan in pain when I heard him bang his head.
"Sorry, sorry." I went up to him and rub the upper part of his back. With that, I took a hold of the wagon and began to push it with a big difficulty, but somehow manage slowly, but surely.
"I hope this holds for two days," I mumbled, as I glance over Naru and a small giggle pass my lips, feeling a bit of joy in this horrid few days. His legs and arms hang out like a large doll.
"If I don't stop, we can reach it by tomorrow. I hope I can remember the way or get there in one piece." Yet, I felt worried, so worried, that it began to bother me. I became sad as I glance over Naru once again.
I think Naru Pk, doesn't harm the body, but the soul itself. Why did he do that? He knows, how I feel about that, but thank you.
"I'm sorry to always cause trouble for you. Ever since you met me, you're getting hurt because of me" Guilt ate me.
Going past the dirt road in the forest feeling sweat rolling down my neck, while my legs burned from the fire that the phantom guy place, I just ignored it.
"Naru, when we get home, I'll check on you, I'm sure you're hurt somewhere your pk was a bit powerful, at least this way, I can somewhat repay you. Don't worry Naru. I will protect you. Even if I die trying." with this final word, I kept going.
O.o
My stomach growled in complained and my boy complained to take a rest, after a whole day and night without stopping. I have no idea how I made it, but I did. Alright, I cheated a bit, stop time to time to get some rest or use the bathroom, but no less than five minutes.
It was so scary in the night, but Ayame kept me company and showed me the way, which helped greatly to me but didn't speak though, I did try to convey some small talk, it was useless, but I was grateful that she protected us. I helped myself to some fruits and water that we carried and helped Naru, to drink some as well and use some of the fruit juices for him.
"Home Sweet Home, how I missed you," I yelled as soon I came in contact with our new home. I stopped the wagon near the stairs and look up feeling my heart at ease.
"Naru, we made it," I said looking at his sleeping form and my heart tightens again.
I discovered while I was adjusting him so his body won't grow stiff that his back right shoulder is swollen, so I press a washed quilt to try to minimize the swell.
"So this trip should have taken a whole day, but that stupid Phantom threw us from course." I shook my head in disappointment when I place my hands on my hips and huff out.
"Now the real question, how do I get Naru up the treehouse?"
"Now, how do I get him up there?" Cracking my aching back, I hunch over Naru and grabbed a hold of his arms, and turned to push Naru into my back, only to huff out from his weight causing my body to hunch down.
"This man drinks tea, why does he weigh so much?" I complained.
Taking a huge breath, step by step slowly and achingly looking up I swallowed hard.
"What suppose to be an easy climb, this is hard. I will never take for granted when Naru does this for me. You heard Naru, I'm grateful for what you do for me," I turn my gaze halfway to see Naru snoring gently over my shoulder. I rub my forehead against his temple and grunt in a playful matter.
Then turn to head back up the stairs and kept going, not slowing my pace, until I made it to his bed, I just blocked out the pain and my muscles screaming.
Bending down, I place Naru down gently as possible, when I heard his elbow hit the floor.
Gently I place him down moving backward. Then I heard him hit his elbow against the floor. I move rapidly to grab his head so he won't hurt it, and lay him down gently, and look at his elbow.
"Okay, not telling him that, sorry Naru." I rubbed it, he kept on sleeping. I extend my hand and folded my fingers, to caress Naru's cheek.
"I'll be back." with that, I stood up and began to get everything ready to wash and prep him.
...
...
"There you go Naru," I said as I removed his shirt in a gentle matter to not cause more harm to him after I sat him against the wall. Now half-naked, I grab my fresh washcloth and began to clean wipe him. I felt my face turning red, but I just concentrated on the task at hand even though I became very shy. After a few minutes, I began to take notice that his arms are thin, there's barely any blemish on his skin, unlike last time. I trace his arm and frowned.
"Same, his skin and yours feel the same, same body, Naru, but he was more toned with muscles and he had scars, this is strange." I felt confused, but my heart knew he was Naru, I can't explain it.
I look at his sleepy face and my heart clenched, as I cup his cheek.
"How powerful was your Pk? Please wake up soon, I feel alone and scared. It's so lonely without you Naru." I whispered as I caress his cheek with my thumb staring at him with longing.
After wiping him, I checked on his shoulder blade. It doesn't look that bad, but I had to attend to it.
"I don't have any ice. What do I do?" frowning at that, I rushed downstairs, ignoring my screaming body for rest.
What the heck do I use? The ice is out of the question. then it came to me. So for the next ten minutes, I went towards the ocean and with a bucket in hand, gather some seawater, which was perfectly cold. Upon returning, I rushed upstairs, I dip the washcloth in the cold water, and rinse it out. Placing it on top of his wound. He hissed in pain, but I continue to aid him.
Taking notice that his body ripples under my touch and his skin felt hot to the touch, but not feverish.
I leaned Naru against my chest, and press his head against me, while I rubbed his arm as I leaned my cheek on top of his head.
"Don't do that again Naru, please, if it hits me then let it be, I can't stand seeing you hurt," I whispered as my fresh tears landed on top of his head.
...
After finishing wiping him, I lay him down, after getting him a new shirt. I let out a loud yawn, but took a hold of his big hand.
I stare at his hand for a few, as I traced it, compare to mines which are two sizes smaller they are huge. His fingers are long and elegant, yet very masculine and it felt so nice having it against mine.
Dropping his arm down, my eyes soften.
"I don't get the chance to do this. I like your hands, besides your eyes and hair, your hands, are the second-best feature of you." I whispered, pressing his upper part of his hand against my right cheek.
His hands, always protect me, no matter what.
"It even covers half of my cheek, wonder what did your parents fed you and Gene when you both were younger?" I giggled pressing a small kiss on his palm. Then frowned as realization dawns on me.
Even if he saves me all the time, that doesn't mean he likes me or loves me. I'm just his assistant, that can see the dead.
"I thought you should know. I shouldn't love you. So being friends is good. So I'll try my best to let go of you. So don't worry anymore, I won't be a bother anymore."
I trace my thumb across his lips, biting my lower lip, aching to press my lips against his.
It will be a sin. Since that's being selfish on many levels.'
"I don't care how handsome you are, cause from the beginning I knew who you are. How cold you are. Yet, I fell for you, not because of your looks. I have no idea why, but because, like a rough diamond, there's something precious deep inside you." I move down, to press my palm against his chest, where his heart beats softly. I smile.
Like a rough diamond, sharp around the edges, but beautiful on the inside. I know you went through so much, so I understand. So for your peace of mind. I will let you go. So please, Naru. Wone up soon. I promise to let you go.
Everything around me began to spin, my sight becoming blurry.
"A little nap, shouldn't hurt right Naru?" I asked, looking down at Naru.
"Ayame said, he won't wake for a while, so. Would it be okay?" I thought out loud.
"I'll make it fast. After this, I will start forgetting you." I whispered, so I settle down to his side, and lay my head on his shoulder, wrapping my arm around his chest.
"Warm. Naru is very warm, despise how hot is in here." I mumbled, snuggling more into him.
"Just a few minutes, and I'll get up." I inhaled Naru scent, just like before, which made my heart flutter. Burying my nose in the crook of his neck, slowly closing my eyes, I place my leg around his leg.
"He won't know... Can't I just pretend for right now, that he's mine, and I can do this? Can I just pretend that I'm his?" My heart talked, wishing that with all my heart. That we can be one.
"I'll just put a brave face on, so when Naru wakes up, he'll know I was strong and not weak. I was brave." I whispered, as finally, everything went dark on me.
A few minutes later after I passed out, Naru slowly opened his eyes and groans, rubbing his head. Then he moves only feel me against him. He looks down and looks confused.
"Mai?" he whispers my name. A headache burst in his head causing him to groan. Shaking it off, he wraps his arms around me, pulling me into him, pressing his cheek on top of my head, closing his eyes.
"I'm glad you're okay," He whispers, kissing the top of my head and once again, went into a deep slumber.
Both of us embracing each other scared, scared to let each other go since we only have each other.
O.o
Naru has been asleep for a whole month, as Ayame said and it's worrying me.
"Please wake up, it's boring and I miss you," I whispered while I run my fingers through his hair as I sat next to him.
Luckily Ayame has been a great help to me, but she told me it won't last long soon trouble will come, but that's all she told me.
"I miss meat and noodles." I frowned, leaning my head against the wall, looking up at the ceiling.
I've been feeding Naru as the best I could, even when he had to pee, I had to help him, but I try my best to not touch or see anything, you don't want to know how I did it, but I manage while respecting his privacy.
A blush passes through my cheeks, when I lowered my head, to stare at Naru once again.
I hope it doesn't get uncomfortable with him if I tell him that I was helping him with his bathroom necessities. Also, I've been sleeping next to him for this past month, and it was heaven, pure heaven.
Standing up I went up to the mirror to look.
"It's been two months now since we became stranded, my hair is long, reaching to my shoulders. At least, I cut Naru's hair. Aren't' I lucky, I found some pair of old scissors, buried deep in one of the chest. I sharpened them with some rocks near the river. This past month has been a lot of work. I'm exhausted." I frowned, looking at my reflection.
I look a bit thinner, but not thin enough. Yet, I look very healthy, do with all the organic food. My eyes are bloodshot red, from the crying, and lack of sleep at times. I lifted my hair, to stare at my neck.
"The burn mark hasn't left yet. And my legs." A tight knot fills my throat when I glance down. A terrible mark is left behind. A burn mark, that looks like a spider web at least thank God, it wasn't a third-degree burn or second at that.
"Stupid ghost," I whispered, rubbing the back of my neck.
"I'm becoming ugly, I having scars now," I mumbled feeling my self-esteem dropping. Yet, a sudden noise of someone grunting in pain caught me off guard.
"M.. Mai?" I heard a familiar voice on which I haven't heard in a month causing my heart to flutter in the most beautiful way ever. My throat thickens.
I just took in a big breath, and plaster a fake smile, trying to not show him any tears. I am brave, I don't want to show him how sick and worry I was, how tire I am, or how I simply miss him. Taking care of Naru has become second nature to me, even if I'm trying to forget him, it's hard, so hard.
"Here goes nothing. I was brave and that's what Naru will see. Not a pathetic girl, that runs and hides." and with that final word of encouragement, I fist my hand to give myself some motivation.
I turned around and went towards Naru. Even though I wanted to run up to him and hug him and cry hard.
Naru POV
I slowly open my eyes my back aching me completely. My sight a little blurry, my bladder hitting me hard.
What did the hell happen?
Rubbing the side of my head, my sight came back to normal to see a familiar roof that has a quilt covering a hole. It took me a few seconds, but it all came back to me.
No, is not a dream. I am stranded. This is the treehouse. Mai. Where's Mai?
"M.. Mai?" her name is the first thing that passes my lips, noticing that my voice cracked causing my throat to hurt.
"Naru! You're awake," I heard a familiar voice echo my name. My heart jumped from the mention of my name that came out of my lips.
Mai's face comes into view, she looks tanner, her hair longer and her eyes look bloodshot red, and have bags under her eyes yet she looks beautiful, not sure why.
"Wh..." My voice felt heavy to even speak.
"Here, drink this," she said gently, helping me sit up causing me to sit against the wall then she hands me one of the old cups that is filled with water. I took it and drank, relief passes through me.
"What happened?" I finally asked.
"You have been asleep for a whole month. It's been two months since we been stranded here." she frowns, looking down at her hands.
A month? I was out of it for a month? How can that be? I don't remember exactly what happened. I... That explains why Mai's hair looks longer. My mind became a turmoil trying to comprehend this.
"A month?" I repeated, trying to comprehend what the hell happened.
"Don't you remember?" she asks.
"No. I have a pounding headache, have to use the bathroom and I'm starving." I told her the truth. Mai frowns but hands me some fruit, and some fish.
"I caught this fish this morning. Cause of you, I became a good fisherman, err, woman." she smiles. I stare at her, watching as she just stares at the cooked fish.
What has she been doing?
Then I started to eat, silently while Mai sat across me staring at the ground, for a whole good five minutes. After I finished, which I might add was very good, I moved my body only to ache.
"A month? That's.." I paused, trying to remember. Mai sits closer to me, stretching out, she places an old rag on my face and starts to wipe. My eyes narrow.
"Don't think of it too much, it will come to you. I took good care of you. It was a bit hard, but I feed you the best I could and gave you some water. Are you okay? I'm not sure if I did a good job." she frowns, lowering her hand down. My heart jumped, a strange feeling filled my heart.
"Why do you look so skinny?" I asked, getting annoyed, that she hasn't taken good care of herself. She shrugs.
"I have been doing a lot of housework. Fishing, and taking care of you. You know, last week I was running away, cause a boar chased after me." she seems to smile at the memory as my eyes narrow.
She's been doing everything by herself, while I slept? and a boar chased her?
I felt annoyed by this, irritated that I was not awake to help her.
"I made our house a little more comfortable. Switch things around, and found more clothes. I washed them, so we can use them. Come, I know you're dying for a bath, and your bladder needs to be bothering you." she stood up causing me to look up at her.
"I kept you clean though." she blushes, lowering her head. I just stare at her, registering everything she just told me.
I stood up slowly, only to have Mai wrap her arm around my own, helping me to stand up, which I was grateful for because I felt like jello.
"Slowly Naru, you just woke up," she tells me as I turn my head to look at her.
"I just need to walk and get some exercise," I told her. Mai frowns but moves away from me.
"Okay. I'll take you to the stream. I have many things to tell you." she smiles, moving slowly as I walk down the stairs.
"I remember that we were heading for west. How did we end up here?"
"Don't you remember? just like me?" she asks. I stopped in my tracks, turning to face her.
"You forgot again?"
"No, I mean, I still can't remember the east, but I do remember the west quite too clearly," she whispers, taking a hint that sorrow lingers in her voice.
Shaking my head, we kept going downstairs which I leaned against the railing taking my time. Looking around, I notice that some things were arranged or change.
"Did you do this alone?" I asked, noticing that there's more food on the corner near the right of the treehouse, and some beach decorations, like seashells around the window and some other touches here and there, and the chests moved to the left side of the treehouse.
"Yep. I was bored. If you don't like it, I can change it." I heard the disappointment in her voice. I shrugged, not caring at all.
"Do whatever you want Mai. It's your house until we get rescued." I told her. Mai's eyes widen, while a smile spreads on her face, and shook her head.
"Wrong Naru, it's not my house, but ours, we live here together since the moment we came in here. So if you don't like something, I can change it..."
Our home? It has become that didn't it? two months together, well one sleeping it off, but still. Why does that sound good in my ears? Living with you?
"Do whatever you like. I don't' care for the least." which is true. I'm just mad right now and I don't care much about decorations.
Mai gave me a sad look, but then shrugged it off, and smiled at me.
"Okay," she agrees. I just stare at her, with no emotion because I'm not sure how to face her or do. I'm confused.
She gently grasps my arm once again and pulls me towards the exit. I just stare at her, as the same weird feeling grew even more.
What's wrong with her? She feels distance or something like that.
####
"So, when I saw the boar, I panic and ran as fast as I could, but Ayame helped me out, It was funny, cause she made the overgrown pig squeal," she concludes with a giggle from the memory, while I place my pants on. I felt better, like new but sore all over.
"Ayame sure has been a big help around," I whispered, going around the rock, to find Mai sitting on the ground, cross arms looking up at the sky.
I'm grateful that she wasn't alone, I'm sorry Mai for sleeping for so long. You must have been scared and lonely.
"Yes. Ayame became a good friend. She won't talk about the past. She seems so sad when I try to bring it up, so I stopped doing so to respect her privacy. So I'm happy, now I'm not that lonely anymore, it's nice to have a ghost to keep me company, but is not the same if she refuses to talk to me or interact as much." she glances up at me smiling brightly.
I slowly bend down at her level, I stare at her eyes.
Sadness, tired, weary, and full of worry. All showed in her. I knew very well, I know her more than she knows herself.
Why? How in the world did she manage to get me to the treehouse? Did held it in all this time? My heart clenched tightly almost wanting to scream in agony, that I took a hold of my chest and squeezed it trying to do something with this deep pain that came over me.
"Mai, stop pretending," I whisper. She tilts her head to the side.
"Pretending? I'm not. Why should I?" Her eyes tell another story.
I have to thank Ayame, I'm sorry Mai for not being there for you.
"Mai!" My voice turned serious because my heart can't take this. The weird feeling overcame me. Mai's eyes move rapidly, trying to think of something.
"It's okay Mai. Just let go." I told her. Mai lifted her gaze, biting her lower lip.
"Let go? Let go of what? I was brave, and kept myself busy, until you awoke," her smile drops, noticing that his eyes turn glossy.
"For now, just stop being brave Mai. Just let go. I'm here," I felt miserable, just like that night, and when she awoke and sat next to me. Taking a hold of my hand (Shyly of course, and I felt a little nervous as well, but I just adjust our hands) and we remained quiet.
All I knew, that she was alive and next to me. The simple hold of her warm hand was enough for me to feel at ease to ease my pain and hers. Even if I didn't shed a tear, Mai did, for the both of us. I want to give her that back. I don't know how, but right now, she looks like she's about to break down.
"Mai, just let go, you can for now stop being brave and let it out." I whispered to her once again, as her eyes widen.
"Can I?" I gently nodded at her.
"Yes, I'm awake and I'm here again. I'm sorry for leaving you alone for so long." I truly mean it. Then she grabs my shirt looking at me as I cup the side of her head watching her lean into my hand and she closes her eyes letting her tears finally run down as her shoulders shook in disappear.
"I was so scared. I thought I lost you again. You jerk, stop playing hero. Don't, please stop." she starts hitting my shoulder very weakly.
"You don't have an idea how much I worried. Even though it only passed a month. It felt like years. I hate you..." she cries in desperation. I have no idea what happened to me. I wrap my arms around her, pinning her against my chest as she cries harder.
"I hate you!" she repeated while I closed my eyes, trying to give her some sort of comfort.
"I know." I just told her, feeling her small hands fisting my shirt.
"Don't do that anymore, don't block anything to protect me. I can't lose you Naru. I meant it, you're the only one I have, you're my only friend I have that I depend on this scary island. I don't want to lose you." she presses her cheek against my chest.
Her words came back to me, as I held her tighter, and my memories of that day came back to me. Opening my eyes, they narrow as anger rushed in my veins.
I don't know how long we held each other, but I couldn't let her go or did she wanted to let go of me.
...
"Are you okay? Does it hurt? I tried my best to take care of you." she moves away from me getting on her knees, and takes a hold of both of my cheeks. Her eyes scanning mine. I can see is a concern in her eyes, making my heart quiver.
"Mai, I'm okay. You took good care of me. Okay." I cup her cheeks, running my thumbs across her wet cheeks, wiping her tears away.
She leans on my touch, as her eyes soften. My heart gave a painful jump. Making me gulp heavily.
"Are you sure? You have been asleep for so long," she whispers.
"I am. I just remember what happened. My Pk, for some odd reason, felt like it hit my soul, but I'm okay, but my body is sore and I need to begin to retrain my muscles. How did we come back to the treehouse?" Mai surprising me when she moves closer and wraps her arms around me, pressing my head against her chest, making me feel her breasts.
My eyes widen, to feel her softness, and her warmth. I swallowed hard but was afraid to say anything.
"I'll help you get better then. Oh, I took you myself, I carried you in a wagon I found. We'll talk about it later. Just give me a minute." she whispers, tighten her grip around me.
Wagon? Very creative, how in the world she carried me up to the treehouse?
My eyes become soft, letting myself be pampered by her embrace, yet, I don't wrap my arms around her. No, that's too personal. I can hear her heart its' pounding hard and fast against her chest. Her scent is the same, but stronger than ever. So I embrace it soaking into her warmth.
Never did I met someone so dedicated to me as Mai and I'm thankful, so thankful that I wish I can yell it out.
O.o
Mai drops in her bed as a yell of relief escapes her lips. I move closer lifting the veil, after struggling to move closer to her bed.
"What's wrong?" I asked her that night. Mai blushes hiding her face from me by using the blanket.
"Nothing, you should rest," she whispers. I tilt my head to the side confused by her sudden mood swing.
"I'm okay, but why are you like that? Did something happen?" I asked worriedly.
"Nuh-uh," Mai timidly shook her head as she peaked out and looks at me like a child. I frown feeling worried, but I have to admit she looks adorable.
"I won't get mad, just tell me what's wrong," I assured her.
"You promise?" she asks me. I nodded, not in the mood for anything plus, why should I be mad at her? She spent a whole month taking care of me patiently waiting for me.
"I cut your hair. Please don't be mad," she squeals hiding back under the blankets.
I arched a brow. Standing up, I go up to the mirror and took a look. Pretty good, the same size as before, but a little shorter.
"With the knife?" I asked.
"No, some scissors, I found and sharpen it as best I could using a rock. I thought it was time for a haircut. So don't be mad." her voice muffles. I arched a brow, turning my head towards her.
"Mad? We are in the middle of nowhere and we only have each other, why in the world will I get mad?" I asked a little confuse. Mai lowers her blanket to look at me.
"Cause you get mad at me a lot. So I thought."
"I get mad at you for other things, but this, I let it pass, since there's no other choice," I told her, then curiosity hits me.
"What about yours?" I asked. Mai shook her head while she answers.
"I want it long for now. I'll cut it later." returning, I sat next to her bed, rolling my shoulders since they felt stiff.
"Okay then. Oh, have you learned anything from the diary?" I asked. Mai shook her head.
"No. I haven't been reading, because I was too busy taking care of you, and err, some things were in English. I still don't know how to read them." she admits. Lifting the veil once again, Mai covers her face under the blanket, but on doing so, she lifted her quilt, showing me her legs. I frowned noticing something strange. So without a word, I took hold of her chubby legs, and look at them carefully.
"Hey!" she yells, sitting up to look at me and looks horror-struck while I stare at the burn marks in her legs. My heart drops to my stomach.
"Oh, no. I didn't want you to see them." she shyly grabs her quilt to cover them, but I force her leg down.
"Hey, please Naru, is embarrassing," she frowns, lifting her upper body, she grabs my hand to swat it away, but I gave her a stern look causing her to stop moving.
"This is from the fire, isn't it?"
"No, I just went swimming in boiling water. Of course, that manic horseman did that. Please, stop looking at it. They look horrible." I heard her cries. Lifting my gaze, tears now rolling down her cheeks once again.
"You didn't take good care of yourself." I spat a bit harshly even though I didn't mean to sound that way.
Mai frowns, nodding shyly.
"You were unconscious, and.." but anger fills me.
"You should take care of yourself first Mai. Stop worrying about me." I snapped at her. Her eyes widen, sadness passing over. I wince at her look.
No, I didn't mean to scream, but this is making me mad, how can she place me first and not take care of herself? I'm not that important.
Then Mai fist her hand and her eyes turn into anger.
"Fine! Next time, I'll let you die!" she bitter spat, grabbing her blanket and covers herself from head to toe becoming a ball. I just stare at her while sitting closer to her.
I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at the fact you didn't take care of yourself, it breaks my heart to see you like this Mai. Please understand that.
"Mai is not about taking care of me. You have to take care of yourself more." I sighed in frustration getting a headache once again. This time, my voice turns soft. Mai turns her body away from me.
"Mai, look at me," I order, but nothing, she just kept under the covers.
"No. You always like this. Go to sleep." she orders me. I ran my hands through my hair, frustrated.
"Mai." I tried again. Mai groans, surprising me, she shoots up, but gasps when she came very close to me, as our eyes lock. Our noses barely touching but almost, my eyes shot to her lips, very rapidly, remembering that night, when she kissed me and a deep ache began to boil in my veins. My breathing hitched, as I lean a bit forward just wanting to claim her lips.
I want to make her know how much I care. My heart already racing like crazy aching for her, not noticing that Mai was staring at me with the same passion aching in her veins.
"J.. Just leave me alone Naru. I don't want to talk about it," she whispers nervously, then returns to her bed. And that was the end of the story.
Standing up, I go to my bed after I lower the veil. Looking up at the roof, my mind wandered. I felt so tired not sure why since I slept so much. Maybe emotionally tired?
Closing my eyes, slumber came over me.
After half an hour, I began to toss and turn, not comfortable so I opened my eyes.
"Why can't I sleep?" I thought out loud, turning to face Mai's bed. She was sound asleep, Her body facing me. Her hand stretched out, touching the floor.
I don't us to be arguing, don't you see Mai? I don't want you to be hurt. I don't know how or why, but when I see you hurt, I hurt too.
I was sliding closer towards her as though it was natural.
I slid my hand across the bed and took a hold of her hand, running my fingers through her fingers. She moans, moving closer to me.
"Thank you, Mai. Thank you for taking care of me and not giving up. Above all things thank you for being brave." I whisper, feeling my heartache, but not a bad ache.
A strange ache on which I never felt before. Moving closer, I lift her hand and gently kiss her fingers. Then I move back laying my cheek on the cold surface of the ground staring at Mai's sleeping form.
Mai suddenly smiles and flutters her eyes open, but I knew, already that she's still half asleep. She smiles at me, intertwining our fingers since I didn't let go of her hand.
"I wouldn't change it... Gene." she smiles broadly causing my heart to stop as anger is replaced. As she closes her eyes I yank my fingers away from her. I cover my eyes with my hand and moaned out in frustration.
"Gene, right she loves Gene." I have forgotten... And with that bitter last thought, the rest of the night, I just forced myself to sleep even though it did little to help, not was I irritated, but I felt like something was missing next to me and it drove me crazy.
Mai POV
"I wouldn't change it... Gene. I would do anything for you and Naru." I smiled as Gene smiles back at me. He bows down, taking a hold of my hand, as we stare at each other.
"Thank you." and with that, he disappears.
What a strange dream. I thought Gene can't come to the island, then why did I dream that he thanked me.
I lay on my bed the next day thinking of the short dream I had with Gene, he didn't say anything, but I felt his gratitude and I was so overjoyed to see him once again that I hugged him tightly. Naru will be so happy to hear when I tell him that I saw his big brother.
I was about to get up when something felt wrong out of nowhere.
My body. Why can't it move?' My body felt heavy, so heavy I couldn't move even my pinky.
"It's time to get up." Naru's voice echoed on my right. I move my head, only to groan in pain.
Did it catch up to me? Oh no. I ache, everything hurts.
I panicked feeling nervous. Naru lifts the veil and bends down to look at me.
"Why aren't getting up?" he asks arching a brow. I lift my gaze and shivered.
"My body. It won't get up." I cried, closing my eyes.
"Mai?" Naru asks not catching the concerned look in his blue eyes. I just heard him sit down. I felt his hand on my back. I stiffen at his touch, not because I like it because it hurt.
"It hurts. Don't touch me." I told him.
"Hurts?" This time, Naru takes a hold of my arms and flips me around in a gentle matter. I moaned in pain.
"My body hurts Naru." I cover my face with my hands.
"You have been overworking yourself, Mai. Now, it came back to haunt you," he explained, feeling his fingers gently rub my back.
I snapped my eyes open, and lower my hands to stare at him.
"Stop scolding me. If I didn't, you would have died and you shouldn't be the one to talk. You work twice as hard. " I complained.
Then his words from last night came back to me so I shrug him off, closing my eyes.
"Then why didn't you? Damn it, Mai. Look at you now." He hissed, snapping my right eye open, I saw him staring down at me, his blue eyes, cold as ever. I wince at his stare.
"I'll take up that offer the next time, you save me. I'll just let you rot, as I told you last night. Happy. Are you freaking happy! Now, stop scolding me, you're not my father. Just my damn Boss!" I snapped, as anger hits me hard, breathing harder than ever. Why everything I do, he thinks, it's bad or stupid?
Doesn't he know, that I worried about him? That I spend endless hours, watching over him. Also. The phantom man keeps haunting my dreams. I dream that I have been in the fire, burning me alive.
I shivered at the memories as I slowly stood up only to wince in pain.
I think carrying Naru on my back was the big toll on me, that made me like this. It hurts. my inner self cried, wanting to bash my head against the wall. Naru stares at me his eyes turning colder by the second.
"What?" I snapped at him, not in the mood. All I wanted is to use the bathroom and sleep. Sleep all day and not have that nightmare, also, I didn't sleep well last night, because, I felt like I was missing something. Not sure what though?
"Nothing. Do whatever you have to do, don't call me for help, call Gene for that.." and with that, I see him go down the stairs, and slams the door on his way out as my eyes widen.
"Why the hell is he so mad about? And this is new. Naru never slams the door, and what does Gene has to do with it? He's not even allowed to come to this island. I just dreamt about him, wait, I'm confused what does Gene has to do with this?" I huffed, running my fingers through my hair, feeling so down now.
"Damn that man. Gene has nothing to do with this!" I screamed, shaking my body.
Lifting my body, aching everywhere, I glance up, to stare at the stairs, feeling fresh tears running down my cheeks, as finally, my anger went away, replaced by a sudden depression.
"Naru don't leave me. Please Naru, I just got you back. Do you know, how lonely I was this past month?" I gasped out, lowering my head and closed my eyes.
"Either this is going to continue like this, or I'm going to die, but not by a ghost, but from a broken heart. Naru, I gave you up, but at least let me have your friendship." I begged, then my eyes snap open, a strange sensation washes over me.
Rubbing my arms, I stood, as a strange sound (Like walking) is heard from downstairs. Slowly and quietly, I manage to go downstairs. Only to see Naru standing near the window, cross arms.
"Naru? Since when you return so fast? I thought you were mad at me." I asked, not daring to get close to him. Naru turns his gaze and smirks at me.
Wait, Naru is mad, why would he smirk at me? That's not Naru, I can tell who is Naru even the other man that kissed my forehead, he was Naru, but the phantom did disguise himself as Naru fooling me, I'm lost, but I know this is not Naru, and the only one that smiles is...
"That brother of mine is sure something. He doesn't see what I see, and he calls himself a genius. So, call for my name then." he says proudly, my eyes widen at his sudden words, making me catch my breath.
"Gene?" I asked, not daring to move. Gene nods gently moving slowly towards my side and takes a hold of my shoulder, and his smirk turns into a full-blown smile.
"Hello there Mai, miss me? Cause I sure did."
ArmyOT7s : Thank you for being a loyal reader.. I am glad you're liking the new version and yes I have plans to change lots of things around especially halfway towards the middle. I'm trying to develop them more maturely as they grow. As I said before, I forgot how this story goes, I only remember somewhat of it. Lol.
Jjmmr: Thanks again, and thank you for letting me know that, it makes me happy. Also, I hope I have the character on point, I'm trying my best to make it better as I rewrite it.
Hope you guys are enjoying this new version of how they interact with each other.