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Chapter Eleven: Don't Love him
Mai POV
"Gene," I breathed out wrapping my arms around him. Gene chuckles, feeling his arms around me, giving each other a warm hug.
"I guess you did." letting go, he brightly smiles at me as his blue eyes searching mine.
"How are you doing?" he asks, taking a hold of my hand. I felt my heart jump at his simple touch but then shivered since his touch is cold. Unlike Naru that is warm.
"You know, surviving this place. I thought that you can't get in here?" I asked confused searching for his eyes to see if I'm dreaming this or seeing a vision. Gene stares at me for a brief second, but lets go of my hand and turn towards the window crossing his arms.
"You're right, I can't, but I found a way, very short visit, Mai. I can already feel Isac pulling me out," he explains while I move to his side.
"Really? How? Why? So many questions, no answer. Please explain, please explain why Naru and I are here? Aren't the other crazy looking for us? It's been two months now." I took a hold of my arm pleading for him to answer me. Gene glances at me a deep sadness passes his eyes.
"This place is known as the Black Lagoon. It holds many secrets, one is about time." he stops for a brief second turning his gaze back out the window.
"Time? Naru and I have been talking about that, there's like no time on this island. It's so weird but we can tell the months so far, but I'm afraid if this keeps up, we'll begin to lose track." I explain to him.
Gene slumps his shoulders a bit and answers me.
"Time is non-existent here, um, the only thing I can tell you is different from your normal time. That's all you need to know." he seems to hold something like he wants to tell me, but he can't. So I just switch the subject.
Different from my normal time? What does that mean? Maybe Naru will know when I tell him.
"How the others, then? I miss them terribly." Feeling an ache in my heart, from missing them.
"The others? Oh I can guarantee you they won't be missing much and they won't stop looking for you, I guarantee you they will find you two," he assures me that.
Hope reached my heart and it gives me comfort, but the question is how much time? How much longer do we have to wait.
"How long do we have to wait?" I pushed it a bit and Gene thin out his lips as though he had to think about it.
"Just solve the cases in this Island Mai, it won't be easy, then ten you will be set free with my little brother." he simply said. I pout, not liking his response.
"Ten what Gene? What does that mean? Alright, we'll figure out the cases, but it's scary, I'm getting burned all the time, why? Why do I have to get burned? Am I feeling those restless souls' last moments? Last time they were in fire encircling the treehouse." I question him.
"It will be cleared when you find the truth, just bear it because it's your destiny, everything has an explanation, just like Noll has his destiny tied with yours," he tells me. I rub my arms, looking out the window.
"Ha, yeah right, this sucks, the only thing I'm good at is bringing trouble to Naru and attract the dead." I felt Gene's hand on my back and rubs it gently causing me to shiver from his cold, but I felt at ease as I turn my head to look at him.
"Everything will be worth it in the end, just trust my words, Mai. You and my little brother are strong and unbelievable people; you two will be an unrepeatable duo, and Noll will protect you until his last breath Mai. You aren't a burden to us." he assures me. I licked my lips, not wanting to argue with him.
"If you say so, but I'm not convinced," I told him. He chuckles as he wraps his arm around my shoulder and gave them a little squeeze.
"Oh, trust me, Noll has a big surprise when he learns the truth, trust my words, he's more important to you than you and he realizes." I place my hand on his and pat it.
"If you say so," it's all I repeated causing him to lean his cheek against my head.
"I do love you, Mai, I'm so happy that you're my little sister, you have no idea how grateful that you're here with my brother," he tells me. I felt my cheeks warm up at his words, feeling touched by this.
"I love you too Gene, you're like my annoying big brother." I giggle, causing him to chuckle, then he clears his throat and leans down, and whispers into my ear.
"Tell Noll that the one he finds special isn't far out of his reach, he needs to be patient because he has all the time in the world, also tell him about your dreams, don't hesitate in telling him," he whispers the other half. I turned my head as Gene separated from me.
"Can you let Noll that?" he asks me. I nodded, as he gave me a bright smile.
"What do you mean the special one? The girl he admires?" I fisted my hands, trying to control myself. Gene chuckles, nodding his head.
"Don't' worry, let just say that little fool isn't good at his feelings. Here's a small secret Mai, Noll is very shy when it comes to girls and knows little about how to react around the girl he loves. I should know, I lived with him all my life. Noll is a shy man, don't let that cold front look fool you. I can guarantee he's a very good man. He just hides behind that mask he made up after I died. Don't let his words get to you. Please, Mai, take good care of him." he explains to me, and I couldn't even get too mad, even though it bothered me.
So Naru is shy? That's the first I hear that, but so cute, so maybe he doesn't know how to place the 'Special,' girl. So that means I still have hope? Right?
"I'll try my best," I promised him. Gene ruffles my hair, then he shook his head.
"I have to show you something before time is up."
"Just like in the dreams? Wait, you haven't answered my question, how in the world you came?" Gene shrugs, taking a hold of my hand once again, causing me to look at him.
"I borrow Ayame time. That's all you need to know, Come, before I get kicked out." and before I could ask we disappeared.
...
...
We were in front of our new home, the treehouse, as I held Gene's hand. Yet, the treehouse looks very new, instead of how it looks now.
"Gene, why does the treehouse look new?" I question looking at him.
"Just watch Mai," was his only answer when we heard footsteps behind us. I turned around and I spot a young man heading our way. He has slick long dark hair that is brushed back, wearing a long green shirt and tight black pants. He's a strong figure a bit thick and he looks young, maybe in his early twenties or so. Small droopy eyes, and pale complexion. The man is holding a quilt. The same quilt that Naru and I found back last month.
"Who's that?" I asked. Gene just kept quiet, but points.
"Fine." I rolled my eyes at him but turned my gaze towards the man.
"Isac, what are you doing here?" I heard behind me. Turning my head, another man appears, he looks exactly like Isac, like his twin but he's wearing a red shirt, but with short hair. Isac walks up to the man and takes a hold of his shoulder.
"I have discovered, discovered a way out." his voice seems to be cheery, familiar, then it dawns on me.
"He sounds like the phantom guy that attacked us." taking a grab of Gene's arm.
"You have? How? The tribe had said that there's no way out." the other man knitted his brows together in confusion, shaking his head while placing his hands inside of his pockets.
"I don't care what those Tribe people said. We will leave this forsaken island and we will see our parents." Isac sneers, noticing something sinister glint in his eyes causing me to shake a bit.
The other young man frowns at his brother, which I presume he is since they look exactly like each other.
"How can you say that, they have been our family since our parents left us behind. It's been fifteen years," The man spat at Isac.
"Time here is different you know that. It's been fifteen years for us, but..." he paused when a noise is heard behind them. I watch in anticipation, but then, Gene pulls my arm, making me stare at the window.
But what? It's been fifteen years for them, but what? Does it have to do what Gene is hinting out? Come on, this isn't a television show to leave me hanging.
"Oi, Gene, why did you pull me back? I was just getting into the good part." I scolded turning around only to stare at two angry blue eyes. I blinked rapidly and tilt my head.
Did Gene leave? Oh no, did Isac pulled him out? Wait, why is Naru looking at me like that?
"Gene?" His voice came out strong, my heart jumped not sure why.
"Yes, Gene, why do you look angry?" I asked Naru, he takes a step back and clears his throat.
"Gene was here?" He asks me, now taking a breath. I nodded at him.
"Yes, he was just standing where you were, he was showing me a vision or whatever you want to call it, but it got interrupted," I explained. He arched a brow confused by my words.
"Didn't you say he couldn't come here?" He asks. I shrugged at him, rubbing my arms feeling tired all of the sudden.
"He said he borrowed Ayame's time, whatever that means," I told him honestly. He seems to let my words sink in as I took a step forward only to let out a scream of agony as I fell to the ground as reality came to me.
"Eii, that hurts," I rubbed my eyes trying to stop my tears which form from the pain to fall.
Naru bends down looking at my legs, then looks up at me.
"Tell me what Gene said or done," he questions me.
"Err, he said that this island is called Black Lagoon. See; is like the movie, but it's Black, instead of Blue." I told him feeling a bit proud causing me to giggle. Naru rose both of his brows giving me a 'You serious,' look while I shrugged at him.
"Anything else?" he asks again. So I told him everything, what Gene said, besides my dream and what he wanted to say.
"So, Isac has a twin brother?" he mumbles to himself, capturing his chin after I let go of his hand, causing me to blush a bit. Naru looks in deep are in deep thought. I cross my arms, rolling my shoulders, trying to stretch my aching back.
"It seems so. Isac had long hair, while the other brother had short hair. They said that their parents left them fifteen years ago, but Isac said something about the time on this island, but Gene was gone so I couldn't finish hearing the conversation. The strangest part, they were near the treehouse." I concluded.
Naru finally spoke after a few minutes of deep thought as I silently waited for his response.
"So, that explains why the phantom guy and the wolf have similar voices and hate each other. Not sure about the back story, but we need to find more information. Too bad, Lin nor Yasuhara isn't here, they could have been a great help." He mumbles the last part, as he stood.
"Naru," My voice turns into a low whisper, making my hands tremble. Naru lowers his gaze.
"Huh?"
"Are you mad at me? I'm sorry to get you upset. Tell me, what made you so upset? I don't get it." I asked him honestly.
Naru surprises me, without a word, he lifts me in his arms, I stare at him with wide eyes.
"Ne? Naru, what are you? Just put me down please, you just awoke yesterday and you're not strong enough." but he just kept quiet, instead of heading up, he takes towards the outside, causing me to flinch from the bright sun.
"Naru?" I asked again he remains quiet while I hid my face from the sun, by lowering my head. I took a hold of his shirt, fisting it.
Don't Mai. Don't think that I'm in his arms, and I trust him, he won't do anything bad to me. I chanted in my head.
About a few minutes later, we were standing in front of our bathing post, hearing the water move in the background.
He gently sets me down on the ground.
"Why did you take me here?"
"Go take a bath, the water is warm today, so it's good for your muscles," he explains.
"But my clothes?"
"I'll get them. You can barely move unless you want me to help you wash your back, while you wash mine?" Naru challenge, raising a brow in a taunting voice. I blushed hard, lowering my head.
Is he being sarcastic or being for real? I can't tell.
"No, I can wash," I told him feeling very shy. Naru doesn't reply but stood and turns to leave.
I slowly took off my clothes, trying to not complain too much, and wiggle myself into the warm waters, which felt great. I began to wash my arms, feeling in heaven.
Wouldn't it be great, if it was a hot spring somewhere on this island?
After washing myself, I lay back against the rocks, to look up at the blue morning sky.
"Isac and his brother, what happened between them? They seem very close" Closing my eyes, letting my muscles relax, I heard a noise of someone walking.
It's not a ghost, is not, I would have sensed it by now.
Opening my eyes, I see Naru placing my clothes on top of the rocks, and turns his gaze at me. At least the rocks cover me completely.
"Oh, it's you, thank God," I told him. He glances at me and nods.
"Don't be too long." he simply tells me.
"I have something to tell you, Gene told me to tell you," I told him, nervously moving closer, but not close enough, I just don't want Naru, to leave. Naru leans against the rocks, crossing his arms, and looks down at the ground.
"I'm listening,"
"He said that, to tell you that the one you find special isn't far out of your reach. That, take your time, cause you have all the time in the world. Not sure what exactly that means, but you do." Naru snaps his head back at me, his stare becomes cold.
"He said that?"
"Yes. Also, he said that I should tell you about something, but I'll tell you when I finish." and with that, I move back towards the water, and swam down, trying to relax my muscles even more. Which is helping.
"Open your eyes, Mai, it's time, look down on your left." I heard Ayame's voice whisper into my ear. I opened my eyes and did what she asked me.
On my left, I spot something shiny reflecting down in the clear waters.
"Oi, I found something Naru," I called out.
"What?"
"Something shiny, I'm going to get it," I told him.
"Just be careful, I'm not strong enough to get you out," Naru orders, as he glances over me and frowns looking worried. I rolled my eyes at him, knowing that's all full of baloney as I took a big breath and dunk down on the water.
I swam down and extended my hand to remove the dirt which covered the shining object and I watch it float back up to the surface. I swam back up and gasped out for air as I look down to see two silver round rings.
Are those rings?
I remove my wet hair from my face and grasp the items.
Swimming back to the surface, I look up at the boulders where Naru stood behind waiting for me.
"Naru, I found rings," I said a bit excited as I pushed myself out of the waters, forgetting a little bit of my pain and walk around the boulders, forgetting one small detail.
"Rings?" I heard Naru says as he walks up to me, but stops in front of me, and his eyes widen in shock.
"Yes, they look like wedding rings," I said lifting my gaze and smiled at him, but then my frown drops as I slowly walk up to him. He turns his gaze away from me as his cheeks turn to a dark red.
"Naru? what's wrong?" I asked concerned.
"Mai, I think you're forgetting something," I heard that his voice seems off. I frowned, moving to the side.
"Forgotten something? I just found some old rings, what did I forget?" Now confused. Naru turns around, grabs my clothes and towel, and surprises me when he stretches out his arm to my side.
"These," He shyly says. I stare at his hand, then panic and embarrassment came crashing on me as I yelp in fright taking the clothes, I turned around only to wince in pain.
"Eii! Oh no. I forgot... How embarrassing," I cringed so hard, wanting the earth to open up and swallow me up.
"I'm sorry, I forgot,"
"Err, just... Just hurry." he cleared his throat sounded a bit strange, not noticing that his eyes turned a little darker than normal as he rubs the back of his neck. I lower my head, shaking it.
"I'm sorry, I promise you I didn't do it on purpose, I just found these rings and got excited and forgot that I was naked. How embarrassing," I cover my heated cheeks with my palms. Shaking my head, I dry myself and slowly dressed.
"Let's pretend it never happen, okay," Naru says, while he turns and stretches out his arm towards me without looking.
"Agree and I'm all dressed," I said while I stare at his hand.
Does he want me to hold his hand? Well, he doesn't see me as a woman so it doesn't matter, but still, it's so embarrassing.
Naru signals me to with his open hand. I arched a brow but shyly slipped my hand on his. He went still for a brief second then turn to look at me and arched a brow confused as I took notice of how red his face is.
Why is his face is red? It looks cute on him. I felt my heart hammer as Naru flickers his eyes on my hand.
"Rings, Mai, the rings," he tells me. I remove my hand and nervously laugh.
"Sorry," I blushed even more embarrassed but he just reaches out and took my hand, taking the rings.
"Old rings, I'm surprised that they didn't rust," he whispers, lifting the rings to inspect them. I frowned, moving to his side, and stare at it.
"They're pretty, they look like wedding rings though." Naru lowers his hand and stares at me.
"Maybe it belongs to the Doc. and Ayame," he guessed.
"Maybe, but why are they there though?" I question as I inspect the simple rings, but they look so beautiful.
"How your muscles?" he suddenly changes the subject, placing the rings inside his pocket pants. I look back at him, and then turn my gaze away as the memory of earlier came back to me.
"Better, stills hurts, but I can manage." Not sure how to act around him. Naru walks forward causing me to follow him.
"You know, this is the first day that we are back together, are you still mad at me?" I asked.
"Tell me, what you wanted to tell me." He changes the subject.
Well, that means he's still mad, he doesn't want to speak about it. Naru, I hate it when we get like this. I don't like it.
"Okay, I didn't want to tell you, cause I don't want to worry you. Gene told me to tell you, here goes nothing. You know, in the diary, Ayame was having those dreams, and the next day, she'll have the marks," I started, this time, I get his attention.
He turns to stare at me.
"Have you been having those dreams?" he simply went to the point. I felt a sweat drop and nodded.
"You sure don't beat around the bush. Yes, just look," I move my wet hair to the side, to show him my marks even though I grew nervous.
Naru now moves closer and takes a hold of my chin.
"You had them before that, they seem to be redder than before," his voice is oddly gentle. Without warning lifts his free hand and using the tip of his fingers began to trace and caress it gently. My breath caught as I lifted my gaze to see him looking at my neck with a strange look. Everything that I just felt melted away by feeling this new sensation causing me to shiver in delight.
I was becoming putting under his touch as I half-closed my eyes, loving his soft touch, but tighten my fist.
Don't fall for it Mai, don't. He doesn't love you. He only sees you as his assistant and a friend, plus he's mad at me.
"Naru?" my voice is heavy as I lifted my gaze trying hard to break this spell.
"I think Ayame was a medium, something similar to you or Ms. Hara, I'm not quite sure, since I don't know the extent of her powers. Yet, she was sensitive, you're starting to have the symptoms," he explains to me.
"Oh? You make it seems as though I'm getting a disease or something" I teased trying to lighten the mood.
"You know what I mean. Yes, It can get worse. I'll think of something, so the dreams won't affect you directly." letting go of me, he turns around while I press my hand against my neck, feeling the aftereffect of his touch.
"How do you conclude that?"
"Her diary explains, I didn't want to tell you just yet until I verify it, but it seems I was right," he mumbles the last part.
Shyly I move next to him, as something dawns on me. Lifting my gaze, Naru seems to be in deep thought since he captures his chin.
"Naru, before you went unconscious, you said you found out what's the meaning? Or clue, what is it?"
Naru stops in his tracks, turning to face me. I suddenly blushed, still embarrassed, I turned my gaze down on the ground. Naru knits his brows together at my sudden reaction but doesn't comment on it.
"Everything was an illusion. A simple memory. The lionheart is stronger than a human heart which means that we were too weak to overcome it. We need to become stronger, to not believe everything that we see. Use our hearts." he explains.
I was surprised by his wisdom as I look up at him.
"How did you come up with that conclusion?"
"When you didn't see me and the phantom use my appearance,"
"That? Oh. I thought he was you. Hey, do you think, it was the phantom that was here last time as you?" I pushed even though I already knew the answer in my heart.
"I don't think so Mai, the phantom wouldn't help us, I'm not sure why, but that man, he made sure he helped us instead of attack us." he shrugs his shoulders.
"You know, I wish I could remember what he told me. He told me something important, but I don't remember it. I feel it in my bones, that is something important." I told Naru as he turned his gaze at me, arching a brow.
"Maybe he wants to warn about the marks? He said to stay away from fire. So.."
"So that could be it, well I hope so because right now the more I think about it, the more it makes less sense," I admit to him. Naru slumps his shoulders a bit and an awkward silence surrounds us. yet, something in me, tells me otherwise.
O.o
A few hours later after we ate and settle things down, Naru sat in his normal spot and starts to read, while I look at the cover of the diary blankly.
It's bothering me. Is he mad at me or not? It's like an itching feeling that I can't scratch.
From frustration I threw the book on the ground, making a (bang) sound. Naru jerks up a bit lowering the book giving me a slight startle look.
"Ahh, this is killing me. I can't take it. Are you mad at me or not? Please answer me, Naru." I shout while scratching my hair like a madwoman.
"What do you think?" was his answer after he recomposes himself before I caught him. I turned to look at him.
"That's the problem, I don't know. You're worse than a woman in her period." I bluntly told him, Naru stares at me with an arched brow and calmly stated.
"Am I?"
"Yes, this morning you were so mad, then you came back and you act as nothing happened. We need to explore more and gather things around. You haven't spoken to me for hours now, this is driving me nuts."
"It's fun making you guess," he shrugs at me with a mocking smile. I move closer to him, snatching the book away from his hands.
"Hey!" He snaps, as I place the book behind my back.
"Tell me, why are you mad at me? Is it because I didn't take good care of myself? Or what?"
Naru turns his gaze on mine, if looks could kill, I can assure you, that I would have been buried in an instant, but I didn't back down.
"Think whatever you want." was his response. I groaned, lowering my head.
"Look. I'm not good, I know that. I'm not pretty or smart, but I'm not stupid. Just tell me. I promise I'll take care of myself more. I'm your friend Naru. We can't be arguing like this." This time my voice turns soft almost in a pleading matter.
Naru stares at me for a few minutes but then shook his head.
"The man you love, what's his name?" Naru throws me off a loop at his question. I just stare at him.
"Huh?"
"The man you love, what's his name?" he asks again, knowing very well that Naru hates repeating. I was a little confused at his question.
"Why do you want to know? Wait, what does this have to do with you being mad at me?" I was not expecting these turns of events.
"I just want to."
"There's gotta be a good reason Naru."
"Just answer the question."
"No."
"Then leave me alone." he moves forward to grab the book, but on doing so, I move swiftly only to fall back as I took Naru's shirt and pulled him with me causing him to land on top of me. He catches himself using his hands at each side of me, as I moan in pain. I opened my eyes only to see Naru dangerously close to me and our eyes lock.
My pain was gone for that moment. My breath caught, feeling his body on top of mine. Our eyes connect. My breath catch, feeling his body on top of mine. I don't know why, but the feeling of warmth spread all over, and felt protected.
No words were spoken, as he moves a little closer to me. I felt weird, not a bad weird, but a good weird. My chest started to rise getting extra nervous as he tilts his head to the side, our breathing mingling together. I licked my suddenly dry lips as my chest rose more and more, feeling his chest against mine.
Mai, he's your friend, you move on.
Naru's eyes roam my face as though he was looking for something or I don't know, but it made my heart pound like crazy, I'm sure Naru can feel it at this point.
"What's his name?" he whispers so low that I fist my hands, trying to control myself while biting my lower lip.
Oliver Davis.
"If I told you, what difference would it make?" I asked him. Naru rose his hand, and cups my right cheek.
"It won't make any difference. I was curious, that's all," he said seriously.
I'm hating myself for enjoying his touch, his body on mine his eyes that deep looking at me. I hate myself because I can't push him away, I hate it because butterflies filled my tummy.
"Haven't you heard, curiosity killed the cat?"
"At least the cat got to know before it died," Naru responded. I don't know what happened, I reach out, and took a hold of his hand that cups my cheek.
"I'm not sure if that was even mentioned if the cat got to know what's behind that curiosity," I whisper, Naru lowers his head came dangerously close to my lips, I can almost feel them. I couldn't breathe every sense in me becomes heighten.
"So, aren't you going to tell me?" his voice turned into a low whisper.
"If I told you, that the guy I like has no name? Will you believe me?"
"No."
"Then he doesn't have a name," I whispered aching to kiss him. To tell him that I love him.
I need to work on it... On not loving him.
"Why?"
"Cause I decided to give up on him. So I'm going to move on." I told him the truth. Naru lifts his head blinking a bit rapidly as though my news came as a shock to him, then he looks back down at me.
"You gave up?"
"Yes. There's no hope for me, so I set him free. I don't love him anymore. Now, I'll just concentrate to get out of here with you, and hopefully, to God, I can fall in love with another man, and this time, he'll love me back completely." I told him. Naru's eyes narrow.
"Is that so. What about Gene?"
"Gene?"
"Yes, Gene."
"He's not alive Naru, I'm sorry to say that, but what does he have to do with anything?" I asked confused. Then it dawns on me.
Right, he thinks I like him.
"You seem very found with him, so.."
"Naru, I do love him," I began causing Naru's body to go rigid at my words and his eyes tighten that he moves away, but I took a hold of his arm stopping him.
"Yes, I do love him Naru, but as a big brother, I have zero romantic feelings for him. I don't see him as a man, but a big warm brother that I never had, so don't ever confuse how I feel for him. I give you my word plus he's dead Naru, even if I did it will never work out. I'll probably have warm memories with him in the dreams but that's about it. So get that through your thick mind Oliver, I have zero romantic feelings for your older brother. Zero." I finally told him the truth as I lowered my head.
That wasn't so bad to tell him the truth. It feels like a relief out of my chest.
"So you don't like him?" Naru asks to make sure. I grind my teeth in frustration.
This man is stubborn.
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, is my own heart, I can tell if I like or love someone or not."
Naru surprises me when he turns around and leans his forehead against mine. Then a chuckle passes his lips, making my eyes widen
Naru doesn't chuckle? What's wrong with him?
"Naru?"
"You know how silly I was? How absurd, I was," he tells me. I move my head, to stare at him in shock.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing." he returns his gaze at me.
"You confuse me sometimes."
"Good," he seems to hesitate to move, but then he gets up, helping me up. By gently pulling my arm up, but when I look at his eyes, they were bright almost bouncing with joy? Something I have never seen before on him. My heart jump.
He looks so cute, like a young child. Oh God, it's adorable. What happened to my cold Naru? Wait, why is he reacting like this?
"So you're not mad at me?" I blushed looking away to ignore his face, if not, I would just get lost in his joy. Naru nods.
"I didn't mean to act the way I did, I wasn't really mad at you, I was trying to figure out something." I stare at him, then sigh out in relief.
Well, that's close to 'I'm sorry, I was wrong,' I would get out of Naru.
"Oh, thank God, I thought we would have been fighting for years now," I told him. Naru moves back to his spot, to take notice that he took his book back.
Oi, how did he get his book back?
"Hey, you jerk, how.." but Naru smirks at me with a devious smirk.
"Just get back to reading, we have to catch up a lot and rest." he simply orders. I stare at him, not believing this.
"Jerk." I hissed, grabbing my diary, and started to read well trying to, but his delightful joyful eyes plague my mind for the rest of the night.
Naru POV
(Two Months Later)
"I can't do this Naru." Mai's voice trembles on my right as she takes a hold of my arm.
"Then how do you think the others do it? We need to." I told her.
She glances up at me, with teary eyes, sadness passing her eyes.
"But.. But, I can't Naru." she lowers her head in shame.
"We have been on this island for four months now, we need to start doing this," I whisper at her, noticing how long her hair is and lighter than ever, it passes her shoulders now. Her skin became more vibrant a little darker, no, caramel color. Her eyes filled up shining delightfully.
Also, she became stronger, her muscles don't hurt her as before, as well as for me. We've been exercising to build up our muscles.
From all these climbing and eating right, our healths has increased, yet. I miss tea, terribly.
"But come on Naru. I don't want to, It's horrible."
"I know it is but is necessary. We can't keep living on fish and fruits."
"I miss meat, but.."
"Then how do you think they feed us meat? Do they magically pop them out of nowhere?"
"Darn it Naru. I know how it goes, but... I'm not there to see them kill the poor defenseless animal." I rolled my eyes at her, turning my gaze back in the clear area, not far from our treehouse.
We stood behind a tree, looking at a white rabbit that came from the south side.
I don't like this either.
Ever since that conversation two months ago, everything seems at ease. We just kept going and normally talk. I felt at ease, knowing that Mai doesn't like the other guy nor Gene. Well, I'm beyond happy at this point that it won't be plaguing me.
Even if she doesn't like me, at least I have her friendship.
Mai is more precious than anything at this point in my life. I'm not sure if I like her. I just know that I need her by my side more than ever. She doesn't know it, but she makes my day a little brighter. More than ever, these last four months living together has made me learn and appreciate her even more, living with her is becoming second nature to me and I love it, we do argue time to time, but we have learned to talk it over since we can't just leave if we wanted to and being mad at each other bring us nothing at this point.
"I can live out of fish for the rest of my life, let's go," she grabs my hand and pulls me to go back to our house, but I just stay firm, making her step back.
"Oh Come on, Don't tell me, that you have the heart to kill the rabbit," she complains.
"Yes, I do it for fun, don't you see?" I sarcastically told her rolling my eyes. She smacks my shoulder.
"Right, like last month, that you came rushing in, because you found the blasted leaf suds like a child so excited, and you look rather cute," she blushes as a giggle passed her lips. I stare at her confused.
Cute? I was just excited that I can finally bathe with, soap. Maybe I did overdid it. Since it's only her around, I can drop some of my walls, just a bit.
My mind went back when I came back after I cooled off, two months ago when I caught Mai in one of her visions, but this time with Gene.
Mai was standing there looking out the window, when I pulled her, I thought that she was looking out the window, or seeing the Isac again, if I knew she was seeing a vision, I wouldn't disturb her.
Gene hasn't contacted Mai for a while. I wonder why? What did he mean with those words? Borrowed Ayame time?
So many questions, yet no answer. The activity on the island seems to slow down, and Ayame hasn't shown herself to Mai for a while.
Mai pulls on my arm, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"What?"
"Let's go Naru. I don't' want to kill that animal. I feel bad as it is."
"Then go back to the house, I'll take care of it." I challenge, not liking this at all. Mai turns her gaze up but shook her head.
"Are you sure? I don't want you to kill it either." she frowns. I just got irritated.
"Mai, please go back, or go to the shore. Just let me do my job." I somewhat snapped at her, not sure why.
"Well, mister grumpy pants. Fine. I won't look at it, then." she rolls her eyes at me, but then, sorrow passes her eyes as she takes a hold of my arm once again.
"Okay, I'll suck it up. Do you know how to clean a rabbit?" she asks.
"Should be the same as a fish, or something familiar," I told her. Hoping I was right. Mai timidly shook her head and stands next to me.
"Okay. You do it. I can't. I just can't." Mai covers her eyes with her hands. I shook my head and took in a big breath.
"I'll be back, okay." Mai nods and I went. Slowly I started to sneak on the rabbit, as it ate its plants. Reaching it being careful, I reach down and manage to take a hold of his ears, and raise it to my eye level. The poor creature struggle at my brace as he looks at me with his innocent big black eyes.
"Don't do this to me." I groaned bending down to the ground, I let the creature down, and set it free.
I'm getting too damn soft.
I rubbed my face in frustration when I felt two sets of hands on my shoulders.
"I knew you didn't have the courage." Mai whispers, I stare at the ground, watching some ants pass by.
"You're right, it's hard to kill," I told her. Mai tightens her grip on me. Her eyes soften, but she doesn't hug me. No, she just tightens her grip on my shoulders. The closest thing to a hug. It comforts me.
Ever since that conversation, Mai and I have become closer, a little too close.
I became adjusted to her touches as though my body became adjusted to her and her alone. It's like second nature now. I don't know how to describe it. Yet, we are more than friends now, more than Boss and assistant. Not sure how to label it. I just know, that this simple act, makes me feel at ease. Like no other.
"The great Oliver admitting I'm right, another historic moment." she mocks with a giggle causing me to look back at her.
"Mai," I hissed through my teeth as she shook her head, rubbing my shoulder blade.
"Joking, joking, lighten up. We'll figure out something." Mai lets go, as I get up.
"Don't pat your shoulder just yet Mai," I told her, while we headed towards the ocean. She took out her tongue and pats her shoulder.
I rolled my eyes again at her, but suppress a smile since I knew she was just pulling my leg.
"You know, since I told you about my dreams, I haven't had them. Did you do something? I was meaning to ask you." She asks. I turned my gaze towards the afternoon sky, watching one of the clouds pass by.
"I didn't do anything, I'm still trying to come up with a solution since it's harder, I don't have Lin with me, he normally could whip up a doll, or his Shiki," I told her. Mai frowns.
I shouldn't tell her. I shouldn't tell her. At least, is working. I chanted in my head, afraid if I told her the truth she'll be mad.
"I miss them. Terribly. I wonder how are they are doing? Are they still looking for us? Or lost hope to ever find us? Gene said they won't, but it's been four months now." she asks with sadness.
"Don't know. I'm sure, they haven't stopped searching for us. My parents wouldn't let that happen." I assure her. Reaching the sandy ocean, looking over the horizon, Mai rushes up to the surfaces, as I place my hands in my pockets.
"I can never get tired of this view. I think, if we ever return, I would miss this part the most, besides our house."
Our house? That became so natural to say and it is our home.
"Is that so," I spoke, moving behind her. Mai shook her head, smiling at me. Lately, she's been doing that. Smiling a lot, instead of shedding tears, like the first two months, that we arrived. I liked that very much.
"You know, is strange, that everything seems so quiet. It's scary. I wonder what Isac and his brother have planned? And I miss Ayame." she whispers. While she sat down on the sandy shore. I shrugged, sitting next to her, stretching my right leg.
"Something not good. I wonder why he meant by what he said. He has something for me. I am sure of that." I tell her. Mai lifts her gaze.
"This time, when we confront him or Isac, please, promise me you won't play hero," she pleads to me noticing that fear in her eyes.
"I can't promise that Mai. You're a danger magnet. Remember last week, you almost slip out of the treehouse stairs?" I watch her cheeks turning red, lowering her head.
"Yes. You caught me in time. Thanks again." she shyly mumbles.
My heart skipped, as the memory came to me. She was just talking, while we were heading for our bath when she slipped with what? I have no idea, but I caught her in the time since I was very close to her. I grasp her waist, and pinned her against me, only to let go rapidly, and cleared my throat as she avoided my gaze.
Just like that night, her closeness made me lose the thought. Made me feel odd. Cupping her cheek, wasn't the best idea, but I couldn't help it.
She makes me do things, that I never normally do. Even before we ended up on this island.
Mai wraps her arms around her bent knees and stares at the vast water.
"We need a plan. To overthrow this, and free those souls. You know, in the diary, after the Tribes, she doesn't speak about it anymore." Mai explains while I move forward.
"I know." Mai moves her hand to her pockets and takes something out. She lifts her hands, to shine the object in her hand.
"These rings. From what I gather in the diary, it's the matrimony wedding rings. I wonder how they ended up in the waterfalls? You were right about being theirs."
She praises as I look at the rings.
"It could have been numerous things, that cause them to end up in there. Remember, this is more than seventy years ago."
Mai stares at the rings, not sure what she's thinking about, but I can tell is something sad.
"It's sad. They seemed that they love each other very much. From what I saw in the vision. They had a baby, I wonder what happened to her. I hope that the spirits didn't get her." I just remained quiet, hearing her opinion, cause I have no say about it.
"Don't you think it's romantic? Even though all of this, they still love each other."
"It caused them their death."
"No, not love, but those two brothers. Don't you wish to be in a relationship with that girl you think is special?" she throws that ball out of nowhere. I just blink at her.
"No," I swear, I saw a sweat drop behind Mai's head.
"Then what's the point of confessing to her? You even dream you kissed her. So... You know. It's normal. Maybe it would work out, and live together forever, or not, it's just a passing feeling and breaks up, and meet new people. It happens." Mai explains.
"It's a fact that people don't always stay together. Either they get tired of each other, or too much stress, and can't stand each other. What's the point of having a relationship? One nightstand to release is better than having to go through that heartache." I told her. Mai shook her head, making her long hair move behind.
"But, what satisfaction will you have, if you live your life like that. None. I think that love is something precious, and hard to find these days. I do believe in true love. Is out there, but is hard now in days. I think God has everyone for everyone, but we just don't see it, because we're looking for perfection which is none realistic. No one is perfect. No one. Including you Naru, so I just accept everything about you since I'm used to it and I'm not perfect myself. " Mai explains honestly.
She accepts me as I am? That's news to me, feeling my heart racing, I cleared my throat, feeling my cheeks warm up.
"Then, you rather be heartbroken?"
"Yes, because I have loved, than not loved at all. My wish is to stay with that man forever. To love no matter what. I know is hard, nothing is easy. There will be days, that we want to kill each other, or fight, but I don't want to separate because of that. My parents love each other dearly. They had their moments, but never let it get in the way for them to separate. They respected each other and they were really good friends." her eyes soften at the mention of her parents, which is rare for her to talk about.
"One of the things I hate, truly hate, is cheating, abuse of any type, and lying. I can tolerate many things, but those things I do not. If you want to be with me, then you have to stick with me. No need to be with another because that's destroying your other half on which you promise to love forever. I won't do that, the thought of it makes me cringe. Lying? Why lie, some white lies it's okay since who doesn't lie? But not to the point of lying about everything. And abuse, I can't stand an abusive relationship either because I don't believe in harming the one you love or anyone period. It's wishful thinking that I want to have a relationship just like my parents. Pure, and strong. It doesn't have to be perfect either."
I hate those as well. I didn't know Mai thought it that way. Strange. It's interesting, that I keep getting to know her better and better. We almost have the same thoughts.
"That's a lot."
"It's just me. I think that way. Maybe if I do get a boyfriend, we do go out, and it doesn't work out, at least I gave it try, eventually, I'll find that right person. He doesn't have to be perfect." she shrugs.
I don't' want you with no other man. My heart screamed, causing me to squint, and rub my chest.
Why did I just think of that?
"Anything else?" I asked her. Mai lifted her gaze towards me.
"Don't be afraid and confess to her. So, can you tell me a little about her, besides what you have told me in the past?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"I just do. We haven't touched the subject for a few months. I can be of help. I can help you Naru, plus I'm a girl, so I'm more in tune." she giggles causing me to arched a brow.
"Why thank you for clearing your gender to me, I wouldn't have guessed it," I said in a sarcastic matter causing her to shrug my shoulder.
Well, it won't hurt,
"So, how she is, besides being nice and gets out of her to help others?" Mai asked. I turned to give her a long stare, trying to get her without giving it away. Yet she stares at me with those innocent brown eyes. My heart jumps once again causing my mind to go blank for a few seconds.
Darn it, again, why does she look adorable?
"She's very fragile, and small. She makes me think and do things I shouldn't. At times, I can't seem to get her off my mind. And I feel very weird."
"Weird?"
"Not sure how to explain it. Either way, that's all for now." I finished, so I won't give myself away. Mai frowns, tapping her index finger on her chin, thinking hard.
"She sounds unrealistic for some odd reason. Well, you like her a lot. Can I know her name?" I was taken aback by her verdict.
Like her? I like Mai?
"Why?"
"Cause, I want to help. Maybe I can help hook you two up or make it easier for the both of you when we return." she shrugs.
"Don't try too hard. She won't know"
I like Mai? She's very special to me, but like her? I still linger her words close to my heart.
"Fine, it's fair, since I haven't told you my old crush's name. So yes. You like her a lot. That's what I felt when I like the boy.." my heart froze at her words.
"Did you forget about him?"
"Yes. I am like a free bird. I can now look and start at new." she smiles brightly, but I miss the hurt past her eyes when she shyly glances at me.
That's good, but why does my heart hurt?
"So, want to do something fun? Or make a plan?" she changes the subject. Moving back, feeling the sands between my fingers, I glance up at the sky.
"A plan sounds good. We need to prepare for anything and everything. The others won't be finding us anytime sooner."
Mai took a breath, leaning her head against my shoulder.
"At least I have you. It's better than nothing. Gene said that when they do find us, is like it never happened. I don't' get it, but I trust what he says."
I glance down at Mai, feeling my heart pound once again. Yet, I don't do anything, just stare at her, getting lost in her as my eyes become heavy just staring at her as though she's the most precious thing in this world.
"Is that so. Wonder what he meant by those words, it's been four months. So, what if they do find us? How does that change? Like it never happened? It's happening now." I whispered, trying to wrap my thoughts around it. Mai shrugs.
"I don't know, Sometimes Gene doesn't get to tell me, he is just point and I have to guess. So what plan do you want to make up? Just in case." Mai closes her eyes, snuggling more into my arm.
"So Gene just points? Mai, something just popped into my mind." I told her, while she moves away from me, to stare at me.
"What? That was fast." she seems amazed. I gave her a rare smirk and took a hold of her shoulder.
"Well, I'm good at thinking of things, want to hear my plan?" Mai nods, noticing that she brightens up. So I leaned forward, and gently cup her ear. Just in case someone, (The Dead) hears our conversation.
"So, here what I want you to do.."
Thanks for reading.: )