Disclaimer: I Don't own Ghost Hunt
Chapter Fifty-Five: One Heart
Mai Pov
I can feel the fire surround me, as I held Naru closer to me, so these creatures won't get closer to us, they surround us, making a somewhat circle.
I can hear my heart pounding dramatically against my ribs as I look around to see the creatures move swiftly as though they were waiting for their next move or something like that.
I could hear a distant drumming sound, similar to what Ayame gave me on my twentieth birthday, and had me dance around the fire. I don't know why, but it felt almost hypnotic.
"Please, leave us alone, it's not our fault we have your powers. I would gladly return it, but if I do, we might lose our lives. I am not willing to risk that." I told them. All the creatures stop in their tracks at the same time and in a union, their heads faced towards me in the most creepy matter making my heart speed in horror.
So creepy.
"We will spare your lives if you are willing to give us back our powers." One of them said, not sure which one. I lifted my gaze at them and I had to bite my lips to not scream as all of them had piercing white eyes staring down at us. No pupil or anything, or did they had a mouth. I lowered my head to stare at my husband as I shook in fear.
"I told you we can't even if you spare our lives we still can die. They are part of us now, so I don't believe that you can spare us. Sasuke was proof that these powers come with consequences." I told them.
"Sasuke, I do remember him, as he lays in your lap."
A sudden silence pours over us, which I can hear those strange drumming becoming louder by the minute. With my good hand, I took a hold of Naru's hand. My eyes narrow and my heart drops, to feel his hand not warm, but cold to the touch.
"W... W... what did you do to him?" I demanded of them while tears rolled my cheeks, as I press Naru's cold hand against my cheek.
"We didn't do anything, but you. He's dying." My world cracks into two.
"D... dying? Because of me? H... how? Please help..." my voice stumbles not believing this. How many times do we have to go through this?
I press my ear against his chest to find his heart beating so low, barely any beat.
"How is it me? What did... I do?." I beg again. Then all the creatures surprise me when they move in a row, and stand in front of me. I blinked in surprise as I lifted myself.
"He is dying, cause he did something he shouldn't because of you. He betrays us, as he did in the past. If you want to save your mate, you must give up your powers, then you will be able to leave this island."
"No, he didn't, he was framed the lady lied to him... I…" I began to ramble because now I felt conflicted by this… Looking down at Naru's body, my tears started to cloud my vision, that I have to wipe them with my arm.
"Silly girl, you have to give up your powers, or suffer.."my body tremble, but I couldn't show fear, is my turn to protect what is mine. Standing up, I wipe my eyes and turned to face the creatures.
"I'm sorry I can't do that since it's part of us. I can do anything else you ask for, but give up our powers." I compromise.
"Since you won't cooperate with us, we must take him."They said as one. Gulping heavily, a sudden pulse pass through me, that I had to take a hold of my chest, to contain myself and my eyes widen.
"What's going on?" I asked, feeling my hair starting to move. I watch the fire spread from the tip of my fingers, spreading through my arm, up to my other arm. I lift my arms as the fire began to consume me and it didn't even hurt.
"You can't do this to us, he's dying and..." but I gave them a warning look as the drums around us turned louder and louder going at a rapid speed.
"You shall leave, and leave us alone. We will help, and try our best, but you will not touch us, you shall not touch my husband. I will protect what is mine." I hissed under my breath, as I lift my gaze and gave them the coldest glare I can muster up. The creatures started to back away slowly.
"LEAVE NOW! I choose to protect him and I won't give up our powers. It's part of us. Try as you might, but you will never get it. LEAVE!" with the final scream, every creature leaves scattered about, heading for the door in doing so, as the last one leaves, the door closes behind them violently making a 'bang' loud noise and the drumming noises subdue. Then I spread my arms and fire comes out spreading around the treehouse going out the window and surrounds the treehouse and disappears.
I didn't even know I made a forcefield protecting our home.
Breathing hard, I turned towards Naru and kneel in front of him.
"Naru, wake up, please!" I cried, shaking his shoulder, trying to wake him up, no avail, standing up, I glance around the room, trying to find something to help.
"Gene, Naru needs help. What can I do?" I yelled, pleading, as more tears stream down my cheeks.
I snorted, rubbing my nose, kneeling again. I press my hand on his forehead, feeling him colder than ever.
"This is not normal… He's dropping temperature too fast. Gene. Ayako... Ayame... MAMA help me." I cried out. With shaky hands, I straighten up, and press my hands on top of his chest, and started to press it down not caring if my hand flamed up, not caring that the ache became worse at each thrust, the pain in my heart was worse. I counted to ten then I pinch his nose, after I tilted his head up and press my lips against his, and breathed in.
"Come on. You can't die, my love, you gave me your heart, so I tend to keep alive for us to be together forever. I haven't told you that you have my heart to and there are so many things we haven't done yet." I begged, doing CPR once again. After the twentieth time, I gave up, placing my forehead against his chest, now with bloodshot eyes and feeling exhausted, that my hand palm began to bleed once again.
"Naru... Gene, please, help." Now weak I felt lost. I manage to protect him from the creatures, but not this. I'm a terrible person that can't even save her husband.
"Wake up.." I pleaded as I look at his pale face, noticing how fast his lips turn bluish. My heartbreaking even more. I kiss his cold lips while I wipe my eyes, but I clenched into my chest as this agonizing pain pierced through me. He wasn't going to wake up, I was losing him and it's all my fault. All my fault that I'm losing him.
"Ah!," I let out the most agonizing cry I ever made feeling so hopeless seeing the man of my life die in front of me.
"I can't lose you, please, God, bring him back. I need him, you know that I love him, I love him." I prayed as began to feel so lightheaded, but I couldn't stop crying until everything turned dark.
...
...
...
(Past)
"Ayako, I'm so nervous," I stated leaning my head against my folded arms, hearing the clock behind me click by so slowly.
"Nervous? Why?" she asks moving around the table and sits on the small chair that I have next to me, just in case anyone wants to join me.
"I have never been on a ship. What if I get seasick, or worse the ship will sink. I saw titanic both documentary and movie." I tell her. Ayako giggles gently, as she stretches her arm and pats my head, as a blush passes my cheeks.
"Don't worry too much, if that happens, Naru will be there to save you, mouth to mouth." she winks at me. My blush turns darker.
"Ne, don't speak like that. Naru doesn't have feelings for me. You know that, either way. Tomorrow we have lots to do. So, why aren't you coming with us? Are you using this as an excuse?" I teased. I watch her cheeks flame up, crossing her arms; she turns her gaze towards Naru's door.
"No, I have a doctor's appointment, so I'll catch the next ship with Bou-san and John, as well with Masako and Yasuhara since apparently everyone has something to do tomorrow." She explains. I frowned, rubbing my head.
"Oh alright, I hope everything goes well," I told her honestly, Ayako turns back to look at me and gave me a thank you smile. She then rubs the back of my head.
"Thanks, Mai, now, have a wonderful day tomorrow. We'll see you soon." And with that, she winks at me and stands to leave. I groaned, hearing the door sly open. I turned my gaze, to see Lin walking out of Naru's office, with a piece of paper at hand.
"Tea." He orders. I nodded, forcing myself to get up, I rub my aching behind.
Right, the agreement, but why would he ask me that? Strange, I mean Lin can make him some tea while I'm not around, well he does look handsome with his glasses on. Hold on Mai, why are you thinking about that?
"Do you want some tea?" I asked him after I shook my head. Lin stops in his tracks and turns his gaze at me, his eyes turn soft, and gently nods. I gave him a warm smile.
"Coming right up." With that, I headed into the kitchenette. While preparing the tea. A sudden weird feeling passes my bones. I rubbed my arms.
'Something feels off."' I whispered, only to jump in fright when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Ah," I jump turning around, to see Naru staring at me with a cold completion. I grasp my chest, trying to calm my heart.
"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" I accuse him.
"If you weren't busy daydreaming, you could have heard me earlier." His voice tone is the same. I gulped, rubbing the back of my neck, laughing nervously.
"I wasn't daydreaming at all. I was preparing the tea, and thinking about something, what is it?" I asked, turning to face him. My heart jumps noticing how close he comes up to me, his blue eyes scanning mine.
Don't get too close to me. Please.
"I said, that tonight you have to pack, and get everything ready, as well, set your alarm clock at five am. No delays, I won't tolerate that." He orders. I nodded, taking a step back.
"I know, I know, your highness," I rolled my eyes at him. Naru gave me a dark look. Turning around to leave, he turns to face me once again.
"As well, remember to pack extra tea.." I nodded, I was about to say something, but a strong male voice echoed the kitchenette.
"Mai, there you... Oh hey Naru." I heard. I turned around to see Bou-san with Yasuhara. Yasuhara adjusted his glasses, making them glint under the light.
"Hey guys, want me to make you tea?" I asked. Both males nodded in unison, as Naru stare at them, with a strange look.
"So what's up?" I asked as I went to grab two more cups from the bottom drawer. Bou-san clears his throat, crossing his arms, leaning against the entrance wall.
"I came because I wanted to get Mai's opinion on something and Naru's as well." For a reason, his cheeks turn red. Yasuhara smiles, as he links arms around his arm, and snuggles against his arm.
"Eii." Bou-san squeezes out, as Yasuhara holds his grip on him.
"We are getting married, and we are delighted to ask you to be our maid of honor., isn't that grand?" he plays around. I laughed, placing the cups next to Naru and Lin's.
"Stop joking around, what do you want Yasuhara?" Naru asks dryly.
"I came to get some information about this island we headed off tomorrow so we can be prepared." He explains, letting go of Bou-san's arm. Bou-san shivered and adjusted his clothes and shrieks away from him. I giggled, as I heard the teapot hiss. Preparing the tea, Naru crosses his arms, and leaned against the counter, looking at Yasuhara.
"I have the information on my desk. As well, I want you to look up its records. I already have Lin searched, but there's some information that has been too torn to look up. So if…"
"I know, I know. Dig a little deeper. Right boss. Still, I am older than him, and I still have to take orders from a kid." He mumbles as Bou-san chuckles at him.
"You're telling me. I'm in my mid-twenties." He tells him. I frowned, pouring the hot water into the cups.
"I feel so young. Everyone is so much older than me." I told them. Everyone went silent, but Bou-san and Yasuhara burst out laughing.
"That's a good thing. I wish I was your age, but at times, being older has its advantages, don't let it get to you. I can assure you, Naru and you have lots to learn about the adult world." Bou-san sounded so fatherly at his explanation. Lin enters the kitchenette and rose a brow as he scans the area.
"Are we having a meeting?" he asks a bit confused as I shook my head.
"Right in time Lin, and no, we just hanging out," I told him as I handed the teas to everyone and they all took it.
I couldn't help but smile as all the boys in the kitchenette, (Missing John of course.) feeling warm having them around. Even Naru seems a bit more relaxed than normal.
Naru turns and connects his blue eyes with mines while he takes a sip of his tea, causing my heart to race from his sudden gaze at me.
Why is he staring at me? Oh no, did I do something wrong? Or do I have something in my face? I rose my hand and wipe my mouth just to make sure, missing the smirk Naru hid behind the cup.
Clearing my throat everyone began to talk with each other and laughing and I lift my gaze to look at everyone, even Naru joined the conversation.
I felt tears prickle in the corner of my eyes.
"Mai? Are you okay?" Lin asks me as he took notice of my behavior. Everyone turned to look at me a bit worried. I nodded, rubbing my eyes with my arm.
"I'm just so happy, to be blessed by having a warm family," I told them. All the males stare at me, with soft expressions. Bou-san came up to me, and takes a hold of my shoulders, giving me a sided warm hug.
"Oh, now don't go too girly on us. After all, Naru brought us together, but you're the one that united us. We appreciate you so much." He tells me.
I glance up at him and smiled.
"Thank you. Thank you for being here with me."
I started crying as I step out of the memory missing them so much.
o.O
I awoke from my beautiful memory. I rub my puffy eyes my eyes came back to focus, to see Naru's chin. My memories returning to me, I flung up, and my eyes landed on a still Naru, without a breath and deadly pale.
Stupid, how could you pass out? Naru needs me.
"N... Naru?" my voice cracked. I move my shaky hand and touch his blue lips, as fresh tears ran down my cheeks, landing on his chest.
"Naru... Please wake up, don't die on me. We need to return back. You're my family now. Don't leave me, my love, my life. Please.." I begged.
"Please God, let him come back to me." I prayed again crying harder. Closing my eyes, I press my lips against his cold ones.
"Come back to me. Please, I restore your power or whatever, just come back." I kept beginning. Slowly I move away from him, feeling my heart so heavy.
Nothing happens at first. I move my hand and touch his cold cheek, as more tears fall landing on his cheek.
"Naru... Come back to me... You're not allowed to die before me. Please, I love you. I want to become your guardian so we both can protect each other. Please come back to me. Don't die. Naru… COME BACK TO ME!" As I yell from this agonizing pain that escapes me, a sudden weird feeling surpasses my body with a pulse, and my body starts to glow. I felt my heart pulse along with another feeling of a heartbeat that wasn't mine, but it beat at the same time with mines.
"Naru!" I called out as I press my glowing hand over his chest. As I did this the flow of energy light surpassed my body going into his. His body pulse causing the scar that I have in my chest to turns hotter and hotter by the second.
Then, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around, to see Gene smiling at me gently.
"Gene?"
"Good job is finally completed." He said. I frowned, as I turned to Naru, with my tears landing on his torso.
"What?" I was confused.
"Now, you two are finally are one. You will do great things, Mai with my brother. This is just the beginning, now you're his guardian Sleep tight." and with that, everything went dark once again falling next to him, as my hand landed on his.
Naru Pov
"There." Gene points out towards the horizon as we stood on top of the rocks, watching the waves hit the surface. I frowned, crossing my arms.
"I don't see anything, are you sure?" I asked him. Gene nods, nudging into my shoulder.
"I am. When it's time to leave, you'll go in that direction as I mentioned in the past, you and Mai will be in with a big surprise. Sometimes things aren't what it seems." He winks at me, with a playful smirk. I rolled my eyes at him.
"We have been stuck on this island for seven years, trust me I won't be surprised by anything. Though it will be a little difficult to adjust to life again and explain to others. I wonder how they change." Gene chuckles at me, turning to face the trees.
"Let's see about that, and I can assure you, your friends... Well, they miss you too terribly, but not the way you think." He whispers.
"I would love to ask what you mean by that, but knowing you, you won't answer me. So I do ask you this, why did Mai have that strange dream, what about Cinderella? As well, how did those creatures manipulated William and Ester? It was all an illusion, wasn't it?"
"Not exactly, but did you get Alack, head?" he asks. I nodded at his question, crossing my arms, feeling the warm breeze brush past by me.
"Yes, I'm tired. I want to have a normal day. Without worrying who's going to kill us next." I told him. Gene frowns but assuredly pats my back.
"I know, soon, I promise, just hold on."
"Naru, please come back to me, don't die on me." I heard at a distance. I turned myself towards the voice, on my right side.
"Mai? Why is she saying that?" My heart skips a beat as I turned to look at Gene. He gave me a sorrowful look as he tries to come up with the words.
"She's worried. Noll, you have been dead for a few hours. Well, not dead as for dead, but almost there." Gene throws that truth, as though it was a bucket of cold water to me.
No, I just passed out, I made sure Mai is safe and I was just tired, I can't be dead or the verge of it. I'm not that cruel to leave Mai behind, I just got her back.
"Dead? I don't feel dead, I know my physical body felt tired, but not.." I closed my mouth when a weird warm feeling passes through me. I glance at my arms, as Gene's eyes widen.
"She's passing your powers back to you and finally you two are one. Took long enough…" he stops as a smirk passes his lips.
"My powers back? I know I let her borrow some of mine, but I'm lost, what happened? and what do you mean taking long enough. We have been one for a long time now, and…" I asked him, but Gene shakes his head stops my sentence.
"Didn't Mai warn you? Forget it, now, go back, before your wife ends up dying, I don't want this to be a Romeo and Juliet ending." He tells me. I smirked, placing my hand on his shoulder.
"This is not a Romeo and Juliet story. I'm not that sadistic... When I want my woman, I want her, above anything or anyone." I gave him a stern look, while he gave me a soft playful look.
"So weird hearing you say that. Too bad you can't be this open around people. Either way, let's try to have a happy ending." he stops as a sly smirk passes his lips.
"There are no such things of happy endings, those are for fairy tales," I told him.
"I know Noll, but every day can be your happy ending, as well congratulations for... um... Yeah for living again." I titled my head at his sudden words but nodded oddly at him but I knew he was going to say something else.
With that, Gene disappears, as I heard the waves hitting against the rocks. I turned to face it, but in doing so at the slightest moment, I see something huge appear from the horizon. I squinted my eyes, to see if I can get a better look.
Then a large horn-like sound echoes my surrounding areas, finally, the strange sound is revealed. My eyes grew big, as a familiar ship comes into sight.
"Our ship?" I whispered, watching it float along. From what I can gather, there are people on board, but it was hard to tell whom they look like ants. A sudden temptation to jump into the water hits me.
"Naru... Come back to me... You're not allowed to die before me. Please... I love you. I want to become your guardian. Please come back to me. Don't die. Naru… COME BACK TO ME!" I heard Mai yell this time, making my legs stop at the edge of the rocks.
My heart started to race and warm up, with a mix of pain as I turned my head towards the direction of her voice.
"Mai... I can't leave her, even if I'm just a few ways of freedom, I did promise to stay with her and live with her. After all." I smirked, turning to face the trees.
"Who will be there and protect her?"
...
...
A splitting headache overshadows me when I open my eyes, my body ached, especially my chest. I groan in pain, rubbing my chest.
"Who the heck pound me?" I complained, sitting up, only to feel a warm hand on mine. I look down to see Mai on the floor with tears coming down her closed eyes and my heart tightens at the sight.
I lay down next to her to stare at her as I move my hand to wipe her tears.
"Silly girl," I whispered placing her loose hair behind her ear.
I kept staring at her, tracing her face, of how small round, and pure she still looks, and how soft her skin looks, so warm.
Without a word, Mai moves closer to me, placing her head on my chest, but in doing so, I let out a loud yelp, causing Mai to bolt up from her sleep.
Still startled, she glances around the room, and then her puffy red eyes landed on me. She stares at me with a profound look. I stare at her back as I rubbed my aching chest as I slowly sat up, leaning my back against the wall.
"Did you hit my chest?" I asked trying to recall what happened. She extends her hand, taking notice that her injured hand is bleeding profoundly.
"M..." but before I could get a word out she spoke first, as she cups my cheek.
"You're... alive? You're not... my dream Naru?" Her voice quiver so thickly. I look at her as more tears run down her eyes.
"I'm me, Mai... What happened? Why is your hand bleeding so..." but before I could get another word, she moves closer and before I could think, she captures my lips with hers, kissing me desperately leaving me breathless. All I can hear is her cries and kisses as I returned them, but pushed her a bit away to comprehend what happened?
"Mai, explain to me, what happened?" I asked as she shook her head.
"You fainted and the creatures came, then they told me you were dying and..." she continued to explain so rapidly and in a nervous state as my eyes narrow, I had to take a hold of her shoulders to stop her speedy chat.
"Mai, calm down..."
"And I try my best to make you come back and I thought I lost you and..." she burst out crying again as her small body shook. I wrap my arms around her small frame and held her tight as the events of today came back to me.
"I remember and I heard you. You did a good job, Mai, I heard you call out for me. I'm sorry for scaring you. I didn't mean to." I told her as she rose her gaze and looks so defeated.
"You did it to protect me, but now I'm your guardian, so we are one, you know what..." she takes my hand with her good hand and place it above her breast where her heart lies and then press her bloody hand on my chest.
"We share one heartbeat," she said to me. I blinked confused by this.
"One heartbeat?" I asked her. She nods at me.
"We are one now, and we are each other guardians, I gave you your powers back, and we share one heart. I don't understand it, but I can feel it," she said to me.
"So we share one heart? So you have my heart literally?" I asked her. She timidly nods at me.
"And you have mines. I'm yours forever as you are mine," she tells me. I wipe her eyes and felt my heart grow warm and this new deeper love.
"This is weird, to be honest, but nothing surprises me anymore. If it's like this, what can I do? There's no other person in this world would I haven't given my heart to." I assured her, Mai smiles giving me a deep loving look as she reaches up and began to kiss me on my lips. I cup her cheek, moving my lips away from her lips, and began to kiss her jaw, as she clenches into me feeling my heart burns with passion for her.
"You are the biggest... naïve girl I have ever met. You know... that." I said between kisses, as I heard her gasp, forgetting about her injury, but just to get lost in this feeling to show her how crazy I am for her and how grateful I am for everything she does for me.
"You're the biggest... Narcissist and calculated... Coldest man I have ever met. Then here we are, matching each other perfectly. I love you, you big oaf. I thought I did lose you again. I am so sorry. I am so thankful to God right now. Oh, God. I thought I lost you." She cries, wrapping her arms around me, her body tremble, as she kept holding me tight. I hold her tighter, as I close my eyes, holding her closer to me, burying my head against her warm shoulder.
"I should be the one saying thanks," I mumbled into her shoulder. Mai shook terribly as a hiccup passes her lips.
"Then say it." She whispers. I nodded, moving my head I made her stare at me, and I press my lips against hers, smiling brightly at her.
"Thank you, for putting up with my crap and for loving me so deeply."
Mai POV
I clamp my mouth together as he works on my newly open wound.
"Now I'm worried that this won't heal. You did more damage to it, Mai," he scolds as he pours water on it to wash away the dry blood. I let out a painful cry causing Naru, to turn and gave me a worried look.
"Sorry," he said to me as I shook my head leaning my forehead against his shoulder.
"Just hurry." I whimper as he nods and continues to work on my wound. I clenched my teeth together and bounce my leg. Naru places fresh herbs on top and wraps my hand. Breathing hard, Naru gave my hand a small kiss and turns to look at me.
"It's done, okay." He moves his arm around me and rubs my back for support. I was sweating hard as I lazily looked up at him.
"Thank you," I said as he shook his head. He looks a bit better, but he looks so tired and pale. It's only been twenty minutes since he awoke and I can't take my eyes off him. Is this how he felt when I came back?
"My love, you should sleep, you look so tired," I told him.
"What about the creatures? Aren't they going to come back?" He looks a bit worried as I took his arm and pull him down to me. He gently lays down and turns to look at me.
"Don't worry, today we are safe, I made sure of that," I assured him as Naru lays my injured hand on top of his. I felt it throbbing, but I kept it so Naru won't be too worried.
"You still can't feel anything?" He asks me as his eyes look at my fingers and gently touch them. I shook my head at him.
"Nothing, nor can I move my index, middle, and ring fingers, but my pinky and thumb I can," I told him.
"That damn bastard." he simply said as I run my good hand through his hair, but then I remember something so I lower my hand to place his shirt up to see his wound, it didn't look like it was bleeding or anything. I breathed out.
"Does it hurt?" I asked looking at him.
"No, I'm healing a bit faster than you Mai, don't worry about me, let's sleep okay," he tells me as he incircle his arm around my waist and lays me against him. I felt him place his leg over my waist hunching me closer to him.
I lay my cheek against his chest, hearing his heartbeat as I press my hand on my chest.
"Ne Naru,"
"Hmm?"
"Seven years ago, when Bou-san asked you to throw me a graduation party, were you going to reduce my paycheck?" I asked him. He looks down at me and blinks a bit rapidly as though he was trying to remember.
"What graduation party?" he asks me. I gave him a stoic look and look a bit back.
"Seriously? You don't remember?" I asked him. He shook his head and tilts his head.
"Mai so many things happened since being trapped in this island, seven years is a long time."
"You asked me to make your tea and call you directly when I was going to take a day off," I told him. Naru thins out his lips and then his eyes narrow as though he finally remembers.
"Ah, now I remember, and no, I wasn't."
"Then why did you threaten me with my paycheck?" I asked. He suddenly chuckles as he squeezes me into his warm chest, kissing my forehead. My heart melted at his gesture while he chuckles.
"Because I enjoy making you mad."
...
...
...
I stare at the horizon the next day, as Naru stood behind me with his arms around my waist, pointing at the horizon.
"You seen the ship over there?"
"Yes. It was tempting to go into the water a swim towards it." He tells me.
"Oh... Again, why one ship? Shouldn't it be a lot of boats or something? Wait, you were with Gene then what happened? I'm confused." I told him. Naru gave me a soft squeeze and kisses my cheek.
Blushing at his act, he hisses in pain as he sits on the edge of the rock while rubbing his chest. I frowned, feeling even more guilty.
"Sorry," I whispered, sitting next to him looking at him worriedly. He shook his head.
"You were trying to revive me, but you overdid it. Twenty times? That was a little too much, no wonder your hand was bleeding so much last night."
I move to face him and with a shaky hand, I undid his buttons which were hard to do with one hand. I sigh in frustration as Naru lifts his hand to undo them from me. I thank him with my smile as I look down to see his chest black and blue. I touch his chest in a tender matter.
Oh no, poor Naru.
"Was it hard to sleep last night?"
"Yes. You on top of me didn't help." I flinched, lowering my head down in shame.
"Why didn't you move me?"
"Because you were crying in your sleep. After our talk, you fell asleep on top of me, so I couldn't do anything."
He could have used his powers, but after all, he was weak. I lowered myself and kiss his chest, he blushes as I rose my gaze to see him giving me a tender look.
Moving slightly, I turn my gaze back towards the horizon feeling my cheeks turning warm as I felt my heart beating rapidly.
"Anything else?"
"The ship looked real, not part of the dream at all." I arched a brow, turning my gaze at Naru's sudden words.
"As you and me real?"
"Yes, real as you are sitting next to me. The strangest part, that Gene told me, is that everything is not what it seems. I am not sure what he means by that, but I do have a theory, I can't compromise it, until we leave this island, and confirm it." He explains to me. Now scratching my head, Naru lifts his hand, and pats my head, causing me to blush.
"Don't think too much. Don't feel guilty, okay. It's my choice, not yours. Everything I do for you is because.." he paused, turning his gaze towards the ocean, noticing that his blue eyes seem to sparkle a little.
"Because? Naru, I feel horrible. It's my fault, and…." He shuts me up, as he takes my hand and pops us, near his nearly done boat. Naru grunts, as he goes around the boat, and pulls it out of the sand, using his powers, I see him take it to the ocean. I turned, and rush my steps to go to the water.
"What are you doing?" I asked as I reach him. He stood at the edge, turning to face me. He shrugs, looking back at the boat.
"It's floating, but needs a little more adjustment, but I think it can manage. Want to take it out for a spin?" he asks, I blinked not believing this.
"Are you for real? What if it sinks, then it will take longer to build another and.." I stop my words watching in horror as Naru jumps into the wooden boat making it wobble from the impact.
"Is not. I made sure it won't sink."
"Naru, I don't think is safe and…"
"Want to go out on a date with me?" he added to my conversation.
"And you're not sure that it won't sink, and sure I'll go on.,.. a... Wait.." I stop my mouth, as Naru stares at me with amusement.
"Wait... I think I gave you too much of my energy. Did you just ask me on a date? You're injured and you have to heal." I felt dumbfounded. Naru nods, crossing his arms leaning back on the boat.
"I know I'm injured, but not immobile Mai, and no, I was waiting until we get back to Japan, and ask Ms. Hara out, or one of those pretty girls, that seem to drool over me," he stated, my eyes narrow.
"I... I can't believe it. Did you ask me out? Why?"
"Do I need a reason to ask my wife out?"
"No, yes, Eii! I don't know. Normally I am the one begging to go out."
"Yes, and it led us to make love, now, I am trying to make the mating call as well, if you don't want to, then suit yourself. There's plenty of other women out there that would love to go out with me. Wonder if.." my eyes flew big at his words.
"Oliver Davis, don't you dare ask another woman out. You're mine, and mine alone, no other woman can touch you." I snap, then my eyes widen, as I cover my mouth. Naru's eyes twinkle devilishly, as he disappears from my sight.
I panic, as I turn around, but didn't find him anywhere.
"Naru?" I asked. Nothing, I turned around and walked up to the boat which is on the water, so I tried hard to get into the boat, since it was a little difficult for me, since my dress started to become heavier due to the water.
"If you keep that up, you will sink the boat." My eyes flew open, feeling Naru's hand on my legs, and helps me into the boat. I flop down, hitting my right elbow. I hiss in pain, as Naru came up to me, and takes a hold of my arm after he helped me to straighten up after he gets on the boat with me.
"Klutz," he murmured, as his eyes scan my elbow and I adjusted myself.
"Not klutz, you scared me. Where did you go?" I asked him. Naru remains quiet, as he rubs my elbow, causing my heart to race at his gentle attentions.
"Secret. Now, are you willing to go with me?"
"You and your secrets. No. I won't go. Take me back." I cross my arms, feeling a little irritated. Not the fact that he asked me out, but with myself. I'm scared that this boat will sink. I felt Naru leans back on his boat, and stares at me proudly.
"Fine... Then.. I'll just set sail by myself. If I find a mermaid or a lonely woman, I won't hesitate to call her up to my boat, to keep me company. Oh, if I find the ship. I might rethink coming back to you." He shrugs, as his cold expression appears in his eyes. My eyes widen.
"Mermaids? They don't exist."
"You never know, we live on an island, where time stands still, so anything is possible, and we have powers." well he did have a point.
"Then have lots of fun."
"I will." I stood, about to leave, but as I turned, my eyes widen, to see that we drifted away from the land.
"Oi, you sneaky man, you…" I complained, turning to find Naru shrugging at me with an innocent face.
"Oh, look at that, it drifted. Now sit before you cause us to tip down." He whispers, looking out at the horizon. I flop down at the boat, angrily crossing my arms.
"Jerk."
"Not my fault."
"Yes, it is, hey, how do we return? You don't have a paddle, and.." but Naru waves his hands, as two long branches appear next to him, that looks trim.
"I prepped this a few weeks ago." I stare at him as he shows me the trim branches.
"Wow, you did a good brilliant job, I'm proud of you," I said amazed that he prepared this, he smiles at me as I lifted my gaze at him.
"You were planning this for some time. Then... Why did you ask me for a date? I'm sorry, it's because I'm in shock, you never asked me for a date, that's why I'm asking." I asked, I can see the sun already going down, as twilight approached.
"I was bored, and I wanted another activity, then walking around the island." He loosely stated. I rolled my eyes at him, as I started to feel bad.
"How's your elbow? Did you injure your hand?" he asks a bit worried. Moving closer, to catch a glimpse of my elbow. I shook
"No, my elbow took the blow and it doesn't hurt anymore, I'm alright, and okay if you want to float here then let's float in this boat." I gave up as his eyes sparkles. He looks like a kid in a candy store which I couldn't resist smiling at him as my heart skips a beat.
He's so cute, he wanted me to go with him, darn, I can't be mad at him for too long. I'm a sucker.
"There's a story, I heard long ago." He began glancing up at the twilight sky. I nodded, as I stare at him, my irritation is gone, replaced with warmth, and love. As the gentle waves rock our boat.
"Once, there was this couple. This couple had a tragic ending, the man died." He said causing my eyes to widen.
"Oh no. What happen?"
"Don't know, but the man-made a promise to his girlfriend, those who ride a boat together, shall be separated." I rose a brow at his sudden words.
"Separated? That's not romantic, makes no sense." I bit my lower lip, looking down at the wooden boat.
"The man can't stand for other couples being happy, so he made a curse, cursing anyone that rides a boat at the break of Twilight to separate, he promises this to his girlfriend. Only when he is reunited with her, he'll break the curse." He explains.
"Oi, that's messed up. Then... Hey now. That's not fair, we are riding in a boat at the brisk of twilight. Come Naru, let's go back." I panic, as I stood up, rocking the boat back and forth, but Naru takes a hold of my arm to steady me, and he chuckles.
"You believe that story?" he asks me causing me to nod at him.
"If you say it, then it must be true. So far, everything has tried to separate us, and I'm not taking any chance. Let's go back, take me on a date on another spot. Please." I begged him. Sudden Naru surprises me, as he wraps his arms around my midsection, burying his face on my stomach. I glance down at him.
"I was only teasing you. Don't move too much." He whispers. I should be angry, but for a reason I couldn't be. I wrap my arms around him, holding him tight.
"You're cruel. Why did you bring me here?" I whispered to him. Naru lifts his gaze at me, and gave me a stern look, hard to read what he's thinking.
"Mai, if we went on a date in Japan, would you ask me what type of movie I would like to see, or would you pull me to the first chick flick?" he suddenly asks me. I blinked.
"I would pull you to the first chick flick, why…. Wait. No, that's wrong. I would ask you first. I like to see your interest. I'm not that silly teenager anymore. I don't have much confidence in myself, but I would like to hear your considerations. We'll be living together for the rest of our lives. So I need to be considerate of your feelings as well."
"Right answer, and why don't you have confidence in yourself?" I move and run my fingers through his soft hair as my eyes soften.
"Cause, no matter how much we talk about it, I don't feel confident to stand by your side. You go beyond me. Naru, you can have someone so much better than me. I don't match up. And.." Naru stops me with his grunt.
"Not again. If I wanted someone, I would have not bothered with you, nor respected you for seven years. You mean to me more than you think. So don't belittle yourself. You are worthy to stand by my side. Don't let Ester or no one word bother you. Trust me, when I say that. If I grow tired of you, I'll let you know. It's my feelings and no ones else. Love is stupid and blind, and I choose to be stupid and blind because I see the truth. I am not stupid enough to let you go. It's hard to find someone to make my tea, and put up with my crap." He concludes. I felt teary-eyed as I place my cheek on top of his head.
"Your speech never works," I told him. Naru snorted, as I move and he glances up at me.
"Good," he said making me giggle. He helps me to sit down and then tilts his head up and captures my lips. I wrap my arms around him and kiss him back, gently, savoring him as a strange warmth, and love sensation pass through my body. Feeling his hands travel up to press it against my back as he kisses me with such delicacy and passion.
"Naru..." I whispered into the kiss, as he cups my cheek.
"I am dense enough to put up with your crap because I am stupid and blind," I mumbled between our kisses…. As though this was an ending of a beautiful book, we remained in each other's arms, kissing deeply under the twilight, and all I can feel is my heart exploding with happiness, for feeling Naru alive and warm, and next to me.
To be honest, everything that happened between us these few weeks feels like a nightmare and we just are waking up from the nightmare.
Naru POV
"What?"
"Explain, and why did you take me out on a date?" Mai asks me, as we lay on our hammock watching the night stars brighten the dark sky, as a small fire reflected towards us since it's a bit chilly tonight and we hear the soft waves.
"Didn't you like our date?"
"I did, dearly, you have no idea how much. I was only scared, but that's not the point... Well?" she insisted, as she glances up at me since she lay on my chest. I shrug, closing my eyes, using my leg to push on the ground so we can begin to swing.
"I just wanted to test run the boat. This morning I made a few touches, while you slept. As well.." I stopped, trying to find a way to find the right words, to explain what happen yesterday.
"Naru," her voice turns tender and shy. I open my eyes and glance down at her.
"I still feel guilty, and I trust you to the point of no return, if.." she swallows.
"Hmm?" I asked as I move to brush her hair away from her face. She swallows hard, cupping my hand.
"I love this place, a part of me never wants to leave it, then again... I want to leave, I miss everyone. I had a dream about them. I miss them." some tears roll down her cheeks.
"We need three more years. Anything can happen between now and then. So don't give up. Alright." I assure her.
"Okay."
"That's my girl. Now... I need to explain, and I wasn't kidding when I said, we only scratch the surface. Prepare for a long explanation. As well we need to start to grow our powers, so it won't affect us, like yesterday." Mai groans, placing her cheek carefully on my chest so she won't hurt me.
"You became a barbaric man.." I smirked at her words.
"Not barbaric, I wouldn't label myself like that, but a man that wants to protect his beautiful wife." I said seriously. Her face turns to a tomato.
"Oh, .." she shook her head. I chuckle, wrapping my arms around her, pinning her against my chest, kissing the top of her head.
"Well is true. I would never think of acting like this... This is the survival of the fittest. I will protect us. Now that you have become my guardian the bond is more powerful than ever. We need to be on our toes. Prepare Mai, the fight with this creature, will not be easy."
"When was it easy?" she asks. I chuckle, closing my eyes, inhaling her scent. That warms my heart and soul.
"Never, but never a dull moment. And Mai.." I thin out my lips as I let go, and she glances up at me. I gave her a deep smile, and take a hold of her hand.
"Hmm?"
"Again thank you for saving me." Mai shook her head as she arched up and kisses my cheek, down to my jaw, giving me deep loving eyes which drove me crazy.
"One heart we are."
(Deleted Scene a week before going to Black Lagoon)
Mai Pov
I had a nightmare, a terrifying nightmare, as I jolted awake from the front desk.
"Mai?" I heard my name, I lifted my gaze to see John looking down at me with concern. I blinked as I felt my heart racing so bad.
"Did you had a nightmare?" he asks me.
"Hi there John, um, why do you ask?" I asked a bit startled as he points at my eyes.
"You're crying, or did something happened? Did Naru hurt you again?" He whispers the last part. I place my fingers on my cheeks to feel them moist. I didn't notice Lin and Naru coming out of their office.
"I had a strange dream, I dreamt that Naru died while saving me." I told him.
"Died?" John asks a bit concern, I nodded, not sure how to explain it.
"He... He was protecting me, while this fire came out of nowhere, I couldn't comprehend it, but it took Naru's life, and this black creature things surround us. I can't piece it together, but one of them told me Naru was dying. So I held him close to me and I can't remember what happened, but a white light surrounds us. It was strange." I told John.
John crosses his arms progressing what I just told him.
"Does it has to do with the new case? We're about to head to Miss. Hara since we have a case to attend to?" John asks me. I shook my head and look down at my hands.
"No, it felt different, like we weren't in Japan. I don't know why, but my heart ached so much, I thought I was dying with him. I... was so scared because it felt like it wasn't the first time Naru died or almost, I don't know how to explain it myself." I told him. Lin arched a brow looking down at Naru as he kept staring at me.
John went around the desk and wraps his arms around me, giving me a soft hug.
"If it's a future case or a nightmare, whatever it is, be sure the Lord is with you two," he said as I look up at him and he cups my cheeks, making my cheeks warm up.
"Whatever happens you are strong and Naru will protect you that I'm sure of," he tells me. I smiled at him as I wrap my arms around him and gave him a warm hug.
"Thank you, John," I told him. He shook his head and let go of me. I was about to say something else when Naru suddenly appears in front of me catching me by surprise.
"Ne, Naru?" I asked as he gave me a strange look.
"I died? How many times?" he asks me. I was taken aback by his question, but I still answered him.
"Not sure, but it's almost at the verge of death, not sure how many times. We were in a strange place, it wasn't nowhere here." I told him. Naru arched a brow, but his blue eyes seem far as though he was thinking of something personal.
"Get ready we are heading out." He simply said turning around as I suddenly took shyly his long black sleeve. He stops and turns to look at me.
"Yes?" He questions. I bite my lower lip and gave him a nervously said.
"Promise me something Naru."
"What?" he asks as I felt my heart pounding like crazy as tears began to run down my cheeks. Naru's eyes narrow as Lin and John gave each other a concerned look.
"Mai?" Lin ask as I held into Naru's sleeve.
"Promise me that you won't die while trying to protect me I don't think my heart can take it."
Thanks for the Reviews:
For: Damage Forest Spirit: Aww, I didn't know my story will become that addicted to you, even if you re-reading it. Why is that though? Just curious, you don't have to answer.
For: Kallen21: Thanks for always waiting for the next chapter
For: Jjmmr: Thank you for the consent of my hand. Makes me happy that you're still enjoying my story.
Thanks for the rest for being supporters of this crazy story.