Disclaimer: I do NOT own Ghost Hunt
Chapter Sixty-Six: Birthday Present
Mai Pov
I stood at a familiar ship, I can see people around, real people that we haven't seen for over eight years. My heart is pounding hard, so hard that I became a little dizzy. I place my hands on my tummy, only to feel nothing, a flat stomach. I panic, only to see a tall shadow on the floor. I turned to my right and my heart skips a beat to see Lin looking straight at me.
"LIN!" I called out stretching out my hands running towards him, forgetting all logic, but he just steps forward, going right through me. My heart drops as Lin continues to walk forward, I turned and squint my eyes, to take notice of something, he has the same clothing from the day Naru and I went over boar.
"What in the world?" I question as he goes up to an older man with a ponytail, white hair, chubby around the cheeks, but in good shape. I remember him, he was the captain.
"Calm down, we'll find them, they have only been missing for eight minutes, so we still have a chance to find them," he tells Lin as he places his hand on his shoulder to give him some assurance.
"The real question is Captain will we find them alive? Eight minutes is a long time as it is." Lin questions him as the captain's face drops and shakes his head.
"That I don't know if they are alive, I don't guarantee it, but alive or not, we will find them. I do say pray, pray for a miracle." It's all he said as they all fade away.
"No, we are alive, Lin!" I stretched out my hand to grab him, but it was too late, he was gone.
"Lin, we are alive, Naru and I miss you. This is not fair." I felt tears rolling down my cheeks when suddenly I felt an arm on my shoulder causing me to jump in fright.
"You did it," Gene said behind me. I turned, to see Gene giving me a soft smile and gave me a sad look as I run towards his arms and hugged him tightly.
"They think we are dead, Gene, they think we are dead." I cried out with sorrow as Gene rubs my back trying to comfort me.
"You were only shown a small memory of Lin, I can't tell you anything yet, but continue to survive, you have two more years to go, keep holding on," Gene said as I shook my head.
"We want to go back now, Naru is so sick and worry about me with my health, I can't move my fingers, and I'm sleeping so much. I am worried as well."
"I know, but just hold on okay, as you two have been doing for the last eight years." It's all he said as he continues to rub my back. I cried softly on his shoulder and he just let me.
After a few, we finally separated and I wipe my cheeks as he just stares at me gently.
"I miss you so much, Naru misses you. What happened? Why did you stop visiting? It's almost been a year." I gasp out. Gene cups my cheeks.
"I had to stay away for some time, I had something to take care of."
"Take care of? Are the dead that busy?" I question causing him to chuckle.
"You have no idea, but it's much easier than being alive, that I guaranteed," he replies as he lowers his hands. I licked my lips as I took notice that we were back on the shores of the Black Lagoon.
"Oh? Did the creatures move on? Do they still need our powers?" I asked, not remembering much after I blacked out.
"No, they have moved on. Like I said before, these powers, are yours, no one else."
"Then how come I purify them? Naru said that Alack had something in his head, I don't get it? Weren't we supposed to take it out?"
"It was all planned out... Alack head was a lure to get you to this part. I knew you wouldn't have touched the waters, so I talked with Isaac to use Shibuya to place the head inside the black waters."
"How?" I was now confused by this.
"There's no time in my word Mai, so it doesn't matter how I go forward or backward time doesn't mean anything, just the moments, it is hard to explain it." He explains. I rub my head in confusion.
"Okay?"
"So you made Shibuya take Alack's head and he throws it on the dark waters, in a matter of two days? On foot, it took almost a week in our past lives, for us a day, since Naru pop us closer to our destination." I didn't get it.
Gene chuckles once again and shook his head.
"Don't worry about it... Just know that you made it, now live in peace with Noll, and be brave, as you two get closer to leave, a big trial awaits you out the skirts of the Island. A trial to see how much you and my brother truly mean to each other. Remember trust your hearts and I do apologize in advance."He whispers.
"Brave? Another Trial? Seriously?"
"Just take care of yourself and the twins," he said as he looks down at my stomach. I automatically wrap my hands around my flat stomach.
"I will. You'll become an uncle. How do you feel?" I asked him, feeling warm about this... Gene's eyes soften, as he places his hand on my flat stomach.
He smiles at me kindly.
"Happy... I wish I could watch them grow." He frowns, I wrap my arms around him, leaning my head against his cold chest.
"I do too, as Naru. You'll probably spoil them." I giggled. I felt Gene kiss the top of my head.
"I would, you have two more to go... Remember this, when you return, everyone will be shocked, including you and Noll. " And with that, he disappears.
"You always say that, but the only shock the others will figure out is that after ten years, we are alive with three babies in hand. That's all, I wonder how much they changed? What trial do we have to endure after we leave THe Black Lagoon? Is like a never-ending horror show with us."
Naru pov
Finally is over, is strange to feel so at ease right now, I'm not used to it at all. I have Mai is sleeping against my chest, as we sat in front of a small fire that I made earlier to keep us a bit warm since tonight is a bit chilly.
I look down at my wife and brush my finger against her cheek as a tear roll down. I wipe it and frowned, as I leaned my forehead against her head and began to rock softly.
"What's making you cry? Your heart feels unease." I whispered to her, as I glance up at the night sky. Watching some shooting stars shoot towards a distance.
"It's been two days, come on Mai, when are you going to wake up? I'm afraid for you and our babies." I admit as I held her tighter.
"Ne, Naru!" I heard my name, I look down to see Mai rubbing her eyes, as she looks at me. My heart jumps in delight at the sight of her being awake.
"Well, welcome back sleeping beauty," I teased as she gave me a soft smile. My voice becomes thick as she began to caress under my chin with her knuckles.
"Sorry, did I frighten you?" she asks with a thick voice. I nod my head and grab her hand, and rub my fingers against hers.
I thought I lost you for a second there.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know my powers will..." but Mai shook her head and wraps her arms around me, burying her face on my chest.
"So warm, it's fine Naru, you didn't harm me or our little ones. I just passed out from exhaustion. Don't blame yourself, please." She begs me. I just rub her small back.
I can't even argue with her.
"Want a shower? Or eat first? You have been out for two days, I have given you water though, and I cleaned you up since you ended up peeing on yourself." I explain.
"Eii, seriously?" she asks a bit shocked at my statement as she moves away from me. I nodded at her.
"It's normal for the babies since they are growing and you've been going to the bathroom more than the normal," I explained. She slumps her shoulders, looking embarrassed.
"Sorry, and you gave me mouth to mouth so I can drink?" she asks me.
"Yes," I simply replied to her. Remembering, that she kept kissing me, just like we had our first kiss.
I smirked, wondering when will I tell her, that she was the first to steal my first kiss, and not I…
Mai covers her face not looking at me.
"Mai?"
"So embarrassing, you were disgusted weren't you?" she asks as I stood up, and dusted my pants, to take out the sand.
"Well, I think of it as training for the babies when we have to change them." I simply told her as I bend to help her stand up. She groans and rubs her forehead on my shoulder.
"Ugh, I'm so embarrassed." I place my hand around her small back and chuckled at her.
"It's fine Mai, I know if it was me, you would do the same right?"
"I have," she said, looking up at me. I blinked, looking down at her.
"You have?" she nods shyly.
"Remember when you fainted in our first year here? And you were out of it for some time?" I nodded at her.
"Well, I had to clean you up, it was hard, but I try my best to give you privacy without looking, but it was hard. You are human Naru, you had to take a piss as well," she said not looking at me. I was now scarlet red but cleared my throat.
"Now we are even." I simply said as I suddenly place my arm under her legs and scooped her on my arms, being careful with her stomach. She suddenly giggles and wraps her arms around me as I jump us towards our bathing post.
"What's so funny?" I asked her. Mai shook her head and kisses my cheek. I blinked a bit taken aback and look at her.
"Nothing is funny, I just realized even though we are married and have seen each other naked, and made love, we still get shy around each other. I was thinking of how innocent we are,"
"Oh, does it bother you?" I asked her, but she shook her head as her eyes soften giving me that look she gave me two days ago when I held her. I am sure she felt my heartbeat like crazy.
"Never, I think it gives charm and respect and keeps our relationship in a level of being in love for the first time. In other words, it is sweet, so sweet Naru. I love it." she said to me looking shy as I leaned down and couldn't help but to kiss her lips, which I can't get enough of.
"You're overly romantic aren't you?" I teased causing her to shrug at me as she returns the chaste kiss.
"With you, always." she giggles causing me to chuckle.
After our talk, I helped Mai bathe as I wash her back, she suddenly rubs her arms causing me to stop my movements.
"It feels strange now." Mai whispers. I wrap my arms around her small shoulders and made her lean against me, as I placed my head against hers.
"I feel it too.."
"This peaceful feeling is just too unnerving, I'm afraid," She suddenly stated.
"About?"
"About our dreams, of Hayato and Shibuya. About the weeping woman, what will she bring to us?"
"We'll take it a day out of time, no rush. I will always protect you." I whispered into her ear. Mai gave me a nod.
"I know, as I will protect you, and our children. I just hope she's a good spirit. Now, for the time being, we have more pressing matters." She began turning to face me. I arched a brow at her.
"What is it?"
"I saw Gene," she began causing me to go rigid, yet I couldn't help but feel a bit of happiness to hear about him.
Now he comes?
"What did he say?" I asked. She moves her wet hand and pressed it against my shoulder as our eyes lock. I felt captured by her, as our breathing began to go a bit unevenly.
"He had some business to take care of, that's the reason he hasn't come to visit us, and when we return to our home, we have a trial to face, also I saw Lin in the ship, he and the crew members were looking for us, but the Captain thinks we are dead as well with Lin. They were looking for eight minutes and such," she said. The spell broke, I felt my heart drop to my stomach and Mai felt it. This bad feeling disturbed me and Mai nodded in agreement at our silent thought.
"Again a trial? Like we haven't had any as it is and Lin? Strange." I asked her. She nods at me as tears roll down her cheeks.
"Naru, I'm tired already, can't we just live happily without worries, and now our friends think we have died, eight years is a long time," she asks me. I wrap my arms around her holding her tight afraid that she will disappear.
"We can never run away from being worry is just life, so whatever this trial is, trust in me okay? When we return, they will be shocked and such, so don't worry about it too much until we get there. I will always watch over you, no matter what. I can't live without you." I told her with heartfelt words. Mai held me tighter and nodded at me.
"Me either, I can't bear you leaving for a short time, let alone for a long time. I get panic attacks Naru. Even if our hearts are one, it doesn't mean scenarios don't play in my head. I almost lost you so many times and I can't deal with it. I would go crazy without you by my side." she admits to me as I nodded.
Same here Mai, I do get panic attacks, I can't leave you not even for five minutes. I almost lost you so many times.
"So whatever this trial is, we'll face it together," I assure her as I felt her nod at me and held me tighter.
"Always Naru, always."
Mai pov
"Mai, I'm fine," Naru protested as I began to work on the slight burns he received while covering me from that waterfall from two days ago.
"No you're not, it's raw Naru," I simply said as I dab some of the herbs on his back. He doesn't move but lets me do it.
"Thank you for protecting me," I said as I leaned down and kiss his back. I felt Naru shiver but again doesn't say a word. I frowned, not liking this at all.
"Naru, what's wrong?" I asked as I felt him a bit out of it. He slumps his shoulders and looks out the wall in front of us since we were back in the treehouse.
"What you told me earlier about having another trial when we leave this place. I'm trying to wrap my mind over it, but nothing can come into mind," he tells me.
"Maybe another woman or man will come and try to seduce us so we can separate?" I guessed causing him to get a reaction and turn to look at me. He gave me a straight look with his left brow arched up.
"Why yes, that's the first thing I've been thinking of when we return," he said in the dryest tone ever. I felt a sweat drop as I wrap my arm around his shoulders and held him tight.
"Hmm, I don't know what else we can go through, I'm afraid of that as well, that you'll meet a prettier, younger woman and fall for her and leave me." I honestly said.
"Well then, it would have been a waste of time the hell we went through then." he simply said as I grunt.
"Then what is this trial do we go through?" I bury my face on the crook of his neck as I felt him rub my arm, as I took a deep breath, letting his scent overtake my senses.
"Not sure just yet, but if anything we learned from Gene's and Ayame's warnings, they are serious and have meaning behind them. So whatever it is, we need to stay alert."
"Alright," I simply told him. Naru was about to say something else when suddenly Naru went rigid and grabs my hand.
"Mai, your fire," he said as I blinked and back out from him. I lift my hands to see the same blue fire beginning to run down my arms and I stood up as the blue fire consumes my body. I lift my gaze to see Naru and feeling our hearts beat in worry.
Before I could say anything, Naru grabs a hold of my hand and the blue fire spreads down his arm, all over his body and the next thing we knew, everything went dark.
(Hayato/Mai Pov)
"So this is the mansion?" Shibuya asks with a whistle while we stood in front of the big old mansion, which belongs to Poppy's father.
"Mansion, yes, it is. I never step inside." I told him. Shibuya gave me a strange look, but then anger filled his eyes.
"What?" I asked him.
"He looks down at you; just that simple sentence is stating everything." He murmurs, watching him walk straight towards the front. My eyes widen, and I rushed to his side.
"Oi, pirate, what are you doing?" I asked getting worried. I manage to take a hold of his hand, in doing so, he stops and turns to look at me.
"To beat the crap out of him. He belittles you. I can't let anyone belittle you." His voice is stern with anger. I felt a strange emotion pass my heart.
"He practically raised me. I owe him a lot." I told him. Shibuya didn't seem convinced, but I felt him relax under my touch as I began to rub my thumb across his knuckles.
"Then what is your plan?" he asks me.
"We go and take Poppy out, and kill Ester," I told him.
"Do you have the guts to kill? Have you ever killed before?" He suddenly asks me with a serious tone, that causes me to wince.
"No, but..." he sighs in disbelieve.
"Haven't you learned anything from what we talked about a few days ago? It will haunt you; I still see blood in my hands, from all the people I have killed. I get nightmares. We find another way to get rid of Ester." He gently tells me, cupping my cheeks with his free hand.
His eyes soften and he places his forehead against mine.
"I don't want to spend my remaining days, knowing that you have killed. You deserve better." I cup his cheek.
"You're not mad? You haven't said anything since I told you about Alice." Shibuya gave me a teary laugh and wrap his arms around me.
"No, is not your fault, things happen." He whispers, kissing my cheek. My heartfelt ripped into two. I can't believe he doesn't hate me.
"But Shibuya, it's." but Shibuya shook his head.
"Is not your fault. You tried your best, I wish I was there, I wish I could have helped you. I can't imagine how scared and alone, you felt that day. I'm sorry. I can't imagine the pain you felt." I hugged him tightly, feeling fresh tears roll down my cheeks, as a lump is caught in my throat.
"Just remembering, it hurts. Shibuya. I'm sorry." I cried out. He rubs my back gently.
"Don't worry about it, let start anew. That was our past lives. After this, we will do whatever you want, and live happily." He whispers to me. I nodded. I wish I can believe in his words. Knowing the truth I can try, right?
Yet, How can he still love me?
Naru pov
We walked up (well, I limp,) towards the front door, and I glance down at my wife, noticing her eyes are still puffy and red.
I still can't believe it myself, but what rips me, is the thought of how she had to do it alone. I won't pressure her at all. I wish; I would have never met her that day so many years ago. Maybe her life would have been different. Maybe, and I could have just died alone, and not feeling anything for anyone. Right?
"So you won't do anything?" She asks me, making sure I won't rip a certain someone's throat out. I nodded at her, leaning down, and gave her a soft kiss on her cheek causing her to blush.
"We'll see, but for now I'll try to be a good boy," I somewhat promise her. She slumps her shoulders and nods.
"I'll hold you up for your words," she said. I nodded and turn to look back at the door.
"So we just knock?" I asked her.
"Well, unless where you live to change a way to enter someone else's house, I assume we have to," she said to me causing me to give her a dry laugh.
"Funny, then show me then," I simply said as I cross my arms and took a step back to hide in the shadows since is dark outside as it is. The only light we got was the illumination of the mansion itself.
"Go ahead," I suggested. She turns and gave me a subtle annoyed look, causing me to smirk at her.
She takes a big breath and stretched out her hand, fisting her hand, she knocks loud enough at the front doors.
Nothing happens at first. She turns to look at me as I shrug at her.
"Try again love," I simply told her. She nods, she was about to knock again when a loud screeching noise is heard, as someone opens the door.
Oh hell, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
What the heck was that?
"Oh My, Hayato, my dear daughter." I heard that familiar voice, which I hate so much. I breathed out, as Hayato gave her a death glare.
"Ester, I see you made it in okay." Her voice is forced out. Ester steps out and adjusts her silky blue robe, and gave Hayato a warm hug.
"I was waiting for your return. Oh my, what a beautiful young woman you have become. Any man will be crazy for you." She cups her cheeks, giving her a loving gaze. Hayato gave her a poker face look, with no emotions.
"I rather stay single." Was her reply. Ester giggles and grasps her hands.
"Oh, but you will be missing the most important parts of life. Trust me, dear, being in the arms of a man, is something out of this world." She winks at her. I fist my hand, trying to control myself, so I won't go up to Ester and kill her right there and then, one for killing the only person that raised me, but for giving Hayato those dirty thoughts.
"Is it now?" Hayato respond. She nods at her.
"Come in, my dear, I need to introduce you to someone, and if Captain Shibuya would gladly join us, he is welcome to." She suddenly said, not even turning her gaze towards me. I arched a brow, amazed that she knew I was here, I am hiding pretty well, but either way, I stepped forward and tilted my hat down.
"My lady," I smirked at her and she smiles back.
"Well, now that we have the whole family back together, let's go in, I just finished preparing dinner." She steps inside. Hayato gave me a fast glance and went inside, I follow her in, knowing this is not what we were expecting at all.
A strange feeling filled my heart, as we stepped inside the mansion.
I move to Hayato's side, to see a large ballroom, the stairs are the first thing that caught my eye.
"My, my, luckily I made enough food." She sounded as though she expected us. Hayato grows stiff, when an older man came down the stairs, gray hair and an older complex. Well suited, as a businessman and firm look. His sharp brown eyes landed on me for a brief second, then turns to face Hayato.
"Mr. Scot" Hayato mentions, as he came up to us.
"Ester, what's the meaning of this?" he asks Ester in an angry tone, turning to look at her. Ester smiles gently and takes his hand.
"I invited them, please don't get mad." She said kindly to him. Mr. Scot's brown eye tightens and turned to face Hayato.
"I'll get Poppy." With those final cold words, he turns, heading up the stairs once again. I felt a bubble of anger beginning to boil my blood.
"Come, this way," Ester mentions, waving her hand, heading for the two large doors on her right. I didn't move an inch so Hayato takes a hold of my hand catching my attention.
"Hmm?" I asked. She looks mad for a reason, her eyes are tight.
"She's playing with us, Mr. Scot looks very mad; I think she told him a lie about us. What do we do?" she asks looking slightly concerned.
I smirked, looking at the stairs, and an idea pop into my mind.
"Hayato, one thing you need to learn about your husband..." I took a hold of her hand and press my lips on it. I felt her shiver a little, and that causes me to give her a full-blown smile. That's one of the things I love about her, no matter how many times we are reborn, I still have that effect on her.
"What?"
"I'm quick, I'm quick on getting to the point, just trust me." Hayato stares at me and nods.
"Can I trust you?" she suddenly asks... I smiled even more, and a dark glint passes my eyes, as I said the next line, that would affect us in the future.
"I'm your guardian. Remember this Hayato. Trust me with all your heart, but I can't guarantee you a happy ending."
Four months later: Mai Pov
I can't believe how huge I am, larger than a melon at this point in my life. I'm eight months pregnant and lots of things change, I can't even get up without having Naru helping me up. He has been such a sweetheart, helping me during this pregnancy, just like always. Everything has gotten more difficult to do, even sleep. Naru has to put lots of pillows around me, to help me sleep, and the weight of my stomach hurts my back. Naru has been massaging my swollen feet and back.
I rub my big belly when I felt a soft blanket over my shoulders.
"I hope this keeps you a bit warmer," Naru said as I wrap it around me and he facing me, placing his right leg behind me and his left dangling from the edge of the roof. (Since we sat on top of the Treehouse.)
We are enjoying the cool breeze since the last few months have been terrible with the heat.
"Thanks my love," I smiled at him as he gave me a wink.
"There's a storm coming," he broke the silence, I lifted my gaze and look at the night sky, but I couldn't see anything.
"How do you know, is pitch black," I mentioned. Naru lifts his head and sniffed the air. I giggled, covering my mouth.
"You look like a dog doing that." Naru lowers his head and gave me an annoyed look at my statement.
"I just ignore that, and I can smell the air. I have gotten used to that, smell the air." I lifted my nose and sniffed as well to smell it musty with the mix of rain.
"Oh, you can smell the difference, and it's chilly tonight, no wonder," I told him. Naru nods, as I leaned my head against his shoulder.
"Is so sad with Hayato. I mean with Alice." I started. Naru nods at me.
"I know, how do you feel?" he asks me. I lower my gaze and rub my big stomach, feeling both of our children move inside. A beautiful feeling. Those few months ago, when we first felt it, Naru was so surprised, that he kept on touching my stomach every five minutes to feel the babies move again and again. He looked like a child that just found his favorite candy in a store. Yet, I treasured those moments with him.
"It hurts profoundly. To think. To think that." I felt a tear roll down my cheek, as Naru lowers his head as well.
"To think that you lost our child." He finished for me. I cover my face, as more tears kept going.
"I'm sorry, I should have..." I gasp out, Naru wraps his arm around me and gave me a strong hug.
"After I was gone, I am glad to know, that I didn't leave you alone, that." I felt my heart hammer hard against my ribs.
"This sucks, every time we are together, something always pulls us away. When you died, you left me pregnant. Knowing that I had your child gave me the courage to keep going, as Alice. I loved that child."
"I can imagine. Was it a boy or a girl?" He asks. Remembering that Hayato didn't tell the gender to Shibuya.
The big secret is that Sasuke and Alice produce a child from their love.
I rub my stomach, as Naru did the same.
"A boy. A beautiful boy. He had your eyes and your looks. Every time I see him, I saw you. I loved him with all my heart and soul. I watch him grow and change my life for the better since he loved me unconditionally. He was so much like Sasuke even his gaze. You gave me a precious gift before you died Naru, which gave me strength even though I missed you like crazy." I told him as my throat grew thick.
Now the motherly instincts growing on me from Alice's memories. Naru's eyes turn hurt and turned to face the sky.
"I wish I could have been there to watch him grow, what was his name?" Naru sounded so sad as I look down at his hands, his hands are so dry and rough from all the hard work he had to put in these last few months.
"Sasuke. I named him after you. He had this bad habit to always grab my hair and suck on it until he turned six, he finally stopped that habit." I giggled from the memories of our child always taking a hold of my hair and suck on it.
Naru chuckles.
"How did he," he paused, hearing him gulp deeply. I knew what he asked; he didn't have to finish the sentence.
"Hayato kept it a secret, it was too painful for her to talk about, and you respected that. I can imagine that it drove you crazy." Naru nods at me in agreement.
"To no end." I move and lock eyes with him and cup his cheek.
"He... He fell out of a tree and cracked his skull when he was ten." The memories of Alice and the emotions of that day hit me hard. I broke out, crying harder than ever.
"It was my fault. The night before, he asked me to tell him a story about you. So I did, I always talk about you, of how wonderful and strong a person you were, as well very gentle and kind. I told him how you could jump into trees and how you can make it as though you can fly." Naru's eyes harden.
"So let me guess, he wanted to do the same thing like his father."
"I fell asleep; the next morning, I found his body on the rocks, near our bathing post, blood already dried up. I couldn't move, nor breathe. The last thing God gave me was gone. My being was ripped. I died a month later, from not taking care of myself. I died of heartbreak, from losing the love of my life, and our child, that I love so much. It's my entire fault Naru. I'm sorry." I cried harder, burying my face in my hands as this pain eats me up.
"Shibuya and you should hate me, I was the cause of our child's death."
Naru wraps his arms around me and holds me close.
"Is not your fault. He was a child, and you were the only one raising him, so he was curious, and went on his way. You can't possibly watch him all the time. You were alone Mai. Kids are very curious and thank you again." His words for a reason cause me to feel calm and warm.
"I did warn him not to go alone, to never leave my side. He didn't listen, and it's my fault. It's my fault that he died. I'm a horrible mother. Now that I'm having my own, I can make the same mistake, oh no, what if I cause one of our children to die?" I became depressed by the thoughts, as I felt my hormones all over the place.
Naru holds me tighter.
"Even mothers aren't perfect Mai. It happened long ago. He's in heaven now. We'll reunite with him and with his new baby brothers or sisters. We'll become a whole family when we go to heaven. Also, you won't cause any harm, I'm here with you, and this time you won't be alone. You won't harm them and I trust you with them as I did in the past. So don't put those silly thoughts in your head." He assures me.
"He'll hate me." Naru shakes his head.
"I doubt it, you are so kind and pure, and you always place yourself last to please others. He'll be happy to see you again. I bet you right now, he's looking down at us or talking to Gene. Treasure him in your heart. Even though in this body you didn't give birth to him, you did as Alice. To give that much to her. And treasure him in your heart." I glance at him with wide eyes.
"Why is it, that your simple warm kind words, make me feel at ease, no matter what body we are from?" Naru cups my cheeks and stares at my eyes.
"Because we are soulmates, and your pain is my pain," he said. I tilt forward and kiss his lips.
"Sweet talking, huh?" I told him as he nods, then he looks down at my big stomach.
"I call it the sweet truth with bitterness." he chuckles as he began to rub my stomach.
"How do you feel now that I'm bigger?" I asked him. He shrugs at me, as he turns to look back at me.
"Strangely, I'm still scared, but not as bad as before. I'm just a bit weary about it. It's strange to see you this big and Mai..." he became serious as he gave me a stern look.
"Hmm?" I licked my lips as he brushes my hair behind my ear.
"I know it hasn't been easy for you, and you've tried to be strong about the whole thing. Just know that I am proud and I'm here for you always," he said to me. I smiled at him as I wrap my arm around his shoulders, and he leans down to give me a soft kiss. I closed my eyes and returned the kiss, as our hearts beat hard and overflow with love for each other.
"It's not easy, but thank you for holding up with my mood swings and such, now that I can't move as fast or do normal things I normally use to do," I told him. Naru nods as he wraps his arms around me once again and rubs my back.
Naru pov
Today is my birthday, and she's eight months pregnant, or nine? Still not sure, but she's around there.
"Another year older, eh Naru? Now that you're twenty-nine," She chirps, as I help her use the bathroom behind the tree. I look up at the sky, to give her privacy. Since she gets embarrassed.
"Well, we are getting closer to being nine years being on this island, and don't say anything, two months ago you turned twenty-eight, you're not far from me," I told her. Mai giggles, as she takes a hold of my arm.
"Whatever makes you happy old man, up." She tells me, sounding like a child. I simply rolled my eyes as I lower my body and grasp her arms to help her up. She places her hands behind her back and stretches her back.
"I look like a giant air balloon." She jokingly stated as I place my hand on her large round stomach.
Wow, she is still beautiful as ever. Even in her worse.
"At least it's been a healthy pregnancy," I told her, feeling relief from that. That she's healthy as well as our baby. I move and kiss her lips and she responds back. She licks them and blushes after we let go.
"Yeah, one thing I sure miss, since the last three months..." she said.
"What is that?" I asked as I help her walk up to the stream and slowly I help her bend down, so she can wash her hands.
"Making love. Promise me, after I recover, you'll go back to it. I miss you being intimate with me," She blushes. I felt my cheeks warm up.
"I am sure to keep that promise," I told her. She looks up and smiled, but rose her arms up once again and waves her hands.
"Great," I took her hands and gently help her up once again, and then she places her hands on her round stomach.
"What should we do today?" she asks me. I shrug, looking around.
"Not sure, you can nap or something," I told her. Mai frowns, looking down at her stomach.
"I do that too much."
"Enjoy it when it last, for the next few months, after the babies are born, you won't be able to sleep. I should know, remember I told you about my mom babysitting?" I asked her. Mai giggles and nods at me.
"I do," she said, causing me to thin out my lips.
"Well, Gene and I went with her, and I couldn't get a wink of sleep since my cousin's mother, baby kept crying all night," I warned her. Terrible really. Mai frowns, pressing her forehead on my shoulder.
"Fine... You know, we haven't decided on what to name the babies."
"Whatever is the genders are, we'll come up with a name. Is not that big of a deal." I told her. Mai smiles and rubs her forehead on my shoulder.
"Thank God I don't have the pressure to have someone nagging me, to name the baby on the spot. See, you're the best husband ever." She giggles.
"I don't like to hassle around," I told her the truth. She giggles, and moves, to stare at the waterfall.
"I wonder how many months I am really. I feel like eight or nine, I can feel the baby can come at any moment," she tells me.
"I feel it as well. You look like you're ready to pop at any moment.
"Don't remind me, that means I have to exercise double now. It will take me months to lose this weight. When we see the others, I don't want them to see me huge, but my normal self."
"I'll make sure to give you a strict diet and since you've been doing lots of exercises during the pregnancy you're pretty in good shape, so losing the weight won't be as bad," I stated.
"At least everything around is organic, so I don't have to worry about gaining more weight. See, you have muscles, that you didn't have before. My big strong man. See little ones, if you're a male, be like papa, strong, you when you fall in love, you can protect that woman." She teased. I rolled my eyes at her.
"Then what do we do? Since you don't like celebrating," she said while rubbing her eyes. I shook my head and grasp her hand. Popping us into our spot (On top of the rocks,) she sits on the edge and stares at the ocean.
"Nothing, relax and think of nothing." I huskily whisper into her ear making her shiver in delight. Mai closed her eyes and leaned her head on my chest, feeling the smooth breeze brush against our heated skin.
I wrap my hands around her big belly, and she places her own on top of mine, knowing that this is the best birthday I can ever ask.
"Happy Birthday Naru," I heard her whisper making my heart swell.
Mai pov
This morning was a delight, I spent it with ease with Naru, enjoying his birthday, this year it felt more at ease. He even brought me breakfast in bed. It was such a delightful surprise since he normally gets up early to get our things done before I wake up since it became our morning routine since I am a bit slower and he's afraid I would get hurt or our babies. He sometimes overdoes it, but at this point, I don't blame him. I am almost done with his birthday present with those shells I gather on our last date, I just hope he likes them.
Naru wasn't here at this moment. He told me he had to do something, so he left me at our house. Now alone, I wipe the sweat out of my forehead.
"I hope Naru comes back soon, I'm getting anxious as it is," I rub my hands, already feeling fear since he's not with me, even though I can feel his heartbeat, but it was a bit irregular.
"I feel crappy." I thought out loud, leaning my head agent the cool wood that felt good against my heated forehead. Then my eyes widen as a strange pain ran through me. A strange deep pain, that causes me to howl hard. I press my hand on my stomach, and as though I feel like I had to pee.
"Ahh," I moaned in pain, buckling my knees down. Then I felt pee past my bladder down my legs. My eyes widen in shock, but I glanced down to see a pool of water on the floor.
Water? Why is it water? Wait, did my water just broke?
My mind ran a mile per second, another pain shot through me.
"Oh God, am I in labor? Wait, no, this isn't supposed to be." I choked out, as the pain started to get to me rapidly. Already burning sensations pass through me, on my back through my front.
"Naru," I called, out, closing my eyes, feeling the blood draining out of my face, as natural pain hits me.
"Naru!" I yelled out this time, I had to lie down. Grasping my blanket in my hand. I have no idea how long or minutes pass, but each minute felt more painful than the other. My body felt weak, and Naru isn't here.
I don't know how long I was in agony, but it felt so long, (Maybe a few minutes,) but wow, I was in pain. I had no idea what I have to do or anything, but I'm sure Naru can feel my pain, my heart aching, calling for him.
"Mai!" I heard my name being called out on my right. I turned my sweaty face, as Naru drops to his knees, dropping his bag, and grabs my hand.
He was drenched, and I saw he had a cut over his brow with a bit of blood.
Did he hurt himself? I was about to question him, but another wave hit me, causing me to scream in agony.
"Water... Broke... Hurts. Naru..." I pant out as Naru kisses my hand and turns to look down at the mess I made.
"Look at me Mai," he said in a calm stern look. I did as he helps me lean against the wall, using some of the pillows for support.
"I'm going to check the situation. I need you to be brave okay and do what I tell you, do you understand," he asks me. I grab his hand and shook my head.
"I'm scared, what if I can't...Give birth now... I don't... Understand how this works." I told him the truth. Naru shook his head and kiss my lips.
"John and Ayame wrote the steps by steps of what to do during childbirth, and I have studied it, so please be assured, the only thing I do warn you, there's no medicine to numb your pain, this will be raw as it gets. So be strong and brave for me. I'm so sorry Mai that you have to go through this." He said.
"Just protect... Our babies. Okay?" I gasped out as he nods at me.
Naru gets up to get things ready as I let out a muffled scream.
"Breath Mai, breath," Naru reminds me since we've been practicing it for some time now. I nodded and began to breathe in and out. Never in my life have I been such in pain and I knew the worse part hasn't even begun.
Naru goes back to me with a bowl and other things I can't really concentrate on, but Naru goes in front of me, and splits my legs, I suddenly felt self-conscious as I try to close them.
"Mai!" he said a bit concerned as he looks over me. I shook my head.
"I'm embarrassed, I... I don't want you to see it." I told him honestly. Naru shook his head and went up to me once again. He gently takes my hands and gave me a sweet tender look.
"Is not like I haven't seen anything Mai. I'm your husband, not a stranger, just trust in me, you need to deliver our babies or not it can get worse. I wish I can send you to a hospital right now, but we have to do what we got, so please just think of giving birth, not what I'm doing." He encourages me.
"I don't like you, why did... You had me falling... in love with you?" I simply said between breaths, causing him to chuckle since he knows I'm not saying this out of truth, but in pain. He rubs my hands and nodded.
"I know, but I do, I like you so much, and thank you for responding to my love for you," he said to me. I began to cry, now looking crazier and messier than normal.
"Whatever happens, protect them... I don't care... if anything happens to me... I love them Naru... They are yours, so love them as well and... Take good care of them." I told him. Naru shakes his head.
"You'll raise them and love them, Mai, you'll do it with me. You saw it, and we will have another one on the way. So keep that in mind. You're strong and a wonderful woman. If God continued to protect us, he'll continue to do so. So have faith and hope." He said to me, as I took notice tears to roll down his eyes.
"You're crying?" I asked as he wipes them and shook his head.
"No, just a bit of dust, and Mai..." he kisses my lips once again.
"Yes?" I stare at him.
"Our babies will be my most precious birthday presents Mai, and thank you for being the mother of my children. For choosing me to be your Husband/partner in everything and being the father of your children. Thank you for giving me another chance and this time I promise you, I won't leave you alone. " He said with such honestly and tenderness causing me to cry even more because I can feel his heart, his truth beat deeply with such gratitude and love, that burns in such a way I couldn't even explain it.
I love you so much Mai, I love you more than anything in this world. I can feel it from his heart.
"Naru... I love... You... So much." I couldn't even mask it even though I was in pain. Naru smiles at me and we give each other an encouraging kiss. Then he separates from me and went to help me give birth.
Thanks for the Reviews:
To Damaged Forest Spirit: No, there's still background with it, I just stretched it out since they have two more years and I want to contribute in other things. But don't worry, they will get to the bottom of it.
I hope this chapter was alright. :)