Disclaimer: I do NOT own Ghost Hunt

Chapter Seventy-five: PTSD

Mai pov

I nervously watched Lin listen to Naru's explanation, not sure if he believes everything, as I can tell he's a bit not believing it which is perfectly normal. I checked on Ayame and Gene, both were perfectly enjoying their newfound foreign stroller, sleeping. They must be so confused and so tired after today's ordeal. This morning in the Black Lagoon, then a few hours later, back to civilization. I hope they aren't sick or anything. Rubbing their tummies, Ayame swats her small hand, and continues to sleep, while Gene wraps his small arm around her small torso.

I would love to take a picture of this. I smiled gently and with that, I closed the top part and turned to face Naru. I take a hold of his hand and began to play with his fingers, not wanting to talk, as memories resurface in my mind.

"I'm sorry Noll, I just can't believe this, I see the two children and your rings but doesn't mean anything to me. It was only ten minutes, I do believe the supernatural, but..." Lin shook his head as I stood up and went up to Lin.

"Mai?" Naru calls out, but I ignored him and I stretched my hand out and open my hand to show him my palm to show him my scar.

"Mai, you don't have to..." but I shook my head.

"He won't believe us, and it hurts me Naru, that he's not believing you. I'm already tired of this, if this doesn't work then we just give up okay." I told Naru as Lin kept looking at my scar.

"Look Lin," I rose my shirt, not high enough, but enough to show him my ugly scars that I manage to get over the years.

I was about to say something but Naru came up to me and opened his shirt as well to show his scars, and how toned up.

Lin's eyes narrow with disbelieve, looking at our scars, then Naru lowered my shirt, giving me a 'That's enough,' look. I nodded.

"What in the..." Lin was lost in words while I bend down and grab his hand as tears gather in my eyes, feeling so much, wanting Lin to believe us and help us, especially for Naru which means so much.

"Naru suffered so much, you have no idea how many times I almost lost him or died because of me. For you and the others might be ten minutes but truly believe us, Lin, it's been ten years for us two. We haven't had a peaceful smooth ride. We've been traumatized and now if Naru stays away from me for five minutes or a bit more, I get panic attacks to the point that I can't breathe. I would think the worse because it happened before Lin. You have no idea the day and nights I spent alone when Naru was gone for five months, or when I stabbed him and I thought he died. Or when they kept hurting him... and..." I was now sobbing as Naru wrap his arms around my shoulders and look straight at Lin's eyes, with his serious look, when he has business to attend to.

Naru, I know you're trying to hold it back, my poor Naru, yet, I can't help but admire him so much, he is so handsome with a good head on his shoulders. How blessed I am to have him as my husband. He changed so much, yet still the same. Even though he's only twenty, he already lived a decade and experienced so much more and grew and I couldn't help but love him even more than ever.

Lin took notice of the way I was staring at Naru and watched me take Naru's hand to give him my support and he just grabs it holding it tight, knowing that's his way of thanking me.

"Stab?" Lin blinks, processing this.

"Ten years Lin, many things have changed in us, Mai suffered more than I ever had, she was viciously burnt, disfigured, and she died. She was tortured trying to save me and so much worse than I can even go through. She even lost movement of her fingers trying to save me from him. I made her stab me, she even gave birth without painkillers, I just had to watch in agony as I helped her birth our children and watch her pass out. She patiently had my back without complaining and all she did was give me her love and support when I couldn't do anything to help her. I don't deserve her Lin. I'm begging you, not for me but for Mai to please help us. We can't function in society anymore."

"Naru, that's not true, you.." but Lin shook his head, inturpting me.

"Enough, Noll, when did I say I'm not helping you two? I simply wanted to know the situation and try to believe it, please be in my shoes, I can handle ghosts and supernatural elements, but this it's only in science fiction movies. I never said I wasn't going to help. You know me, Noll. I am sorry to hear that you two went through hell and suffer so much that your bodies were marked for life. If I knew this I would have done everything in my power to help you two, but please understand Noll and Mai that for me it's only been ten minutes since you two disappeared, not ten years, so it's hard to wrap my head around it. I will help and keep this a secret until you two are ready to tell everyone, that please be at ease with."

Naru and I look at Lin, feeling our hearts leap with hope.

"You won't betray us?" I suddenly asked as Lin gave me a confused look.

"Did someone betray you two because that's not the first time you mentioned it," Lin asked a bit worried? I went behind Naru and took a hold of his shirt, feeling afraid.

Now that I think of it, earlier when I took Lin's arm, I wasn't afraid, but that's because I was excited, not thinking, but now that I'm more relaxed, am I able to get closer to others? Besides Naru or our babies can I let anyone closer to me? Did William steal that peace from me as well? It took me half a year to get intimate with Naru again, so it might take some time, right? Oh, Mai, you're messed up.

"I don't trust anyone near Mai that's all you have to know Lin. We trust you at this moment, no offend to the others, but we have built a trust issue due to The Black Lagoon residents. We aren't the same as you last saw us." He said deadly serious as I closed my eyes, shivering from the memories.

"Naru," I whispered looking up at him, he kept looking at Lin and I wrap my arm around him.

"Alright then, I'm sure one day you will tell me the whole story, besides finding a treehouse and being guided by this Ayame character, but how did you know it was ten years have passed for you two?" Lin asks as he stood up, looking puzzled by this.

"The ghosts will tell us when the year is up, so we could tell the months by that at least more or less. We didn't realize they were counting the minutes, now that I think of it. Damn." Naru shook his head in frustration.

"I see, alright then, you can continue to tell me, it's been a long day for all of us, everyone is impatient to see you two, and the babies. How do we explain them?" Lin asks, patting Naru's shoulder. I turned not sure how to explain it either.

"We don't, if they ask just advert the question, we won't admit or deny our kids. Right now my priority is to get Mai checked and the kids, then go home. We are exhausted as for work propone it, for now, I'll give them a week off with pay." Naru said as he turns around and looks down at me after I let go.

"We have someone to help us," he gives me a soft smile of reassurance. I couldn't help but hug him tightly feeling so grateful as he hugs me back.

"This is just so weird, this is going to take time to get used to, Noll and Mai married? and have kids?" I heard Lin while he shook his head.

...

...

...

The afternoon sun began to go down, as I glance at the waters one last time, knowing that this is the last time we will be anywhere near the Black Lagoon ever again. As time passes, the more homesick I become.

We followed Lin down the path, and Naru kept next to me holding my hand, while our babies kept sleeping.

Naru can feel my heart beating wildly as we grew closer to the others, which were waiting for us at the parking lot.

"I'm not used to seeing people anymore, it's so strange to see them walk around and not the dead trying to kill us," I said catching Naru's attention. I felt him run his thumb across my knuckles.

"It does, are you sure you want to meet the others? We can just head home after getting checked." Naru suggested. I look up at him and shook my head.

"It's the least we own ourselves to see them after missing them so much. I want you to get checked and our babies to be at peace in mind that you lot are healthy, then head back home," I told him. Naru gave me a small squeeze and nodded.

"As I Mai, I want to be at peace that my family is healthy, especially you Mai," he tells me. I couldn't help but feel touched by this.

I stopped for a second causing him to stop and look down at me. He arched a brow as I slip my hands up and grab the collar of his shirt and pulled him down to my level to give him a chaste kiss since I couldn't resist it.

"Thank you, my love, is your headache better?" I question him while brushing his temple. He shook his head, as he wraps his arm around my waist.

"Worse, it's pounding, but what's holding me is the fact I can't wait to drink the tea you're going to make me. I miss it terribly," he said, causing me to smile at him, he down to kiss my cheek, making me blush hard.

"Me too," I agreed snuggling against his cheek, closing my eyes, when Lin turned around and caught us, he shook his head, still in disbelieve.

"Unless you are going to explain to them why suddenly in a few hours you are two are this close, I recommend no skinship in front of them, we are a minute away, to enter the parking lot." which it's just an open space, not inside of a building. Naru lets go of my shoulders and clear his throat.

As we continue, I became so nervous, Naru can feel it, so he got a bit closer, brushing his hand from time to time on mine, giving me some peace.

"MAI!" I heard Ayako call out, as we reach the old van parked on the far right side of the half-empty parking lots, besides our friend's ones, and some others few. Naru and I stopped to stare at the van, then the others who all waited patiently for us in front of it.

We aren't sure how to react, I wanted to cry so bad but held it in.

"Naru,"

"Yes?" Naru turns to look at me.

"You sure you can do this?" I asked him since I'm worried that he can faint or something due to his headache. He represses a lot of things.

"I'm fine, if I can't hold it, I just excuse myself," he assures me. I nodded and turned, to see Ayako running towards us.

"MAI!" she calls out extending her arms towards me to hug me and automatically flinched.

She's not going to hurt me, she's not going to hurt me. My body stiffen up regardless of what I told myself.

Naru sense my stress, that he gets in front of me and stops Ayako.

"Sorry, but Mai's too exhausted to get hugged right now," Naru said in a solid voice, causing Ayako to stop to stare at her boss.

"Geez, aren't you a party pooper, fine, I respect that, but I'm glad that you two are alive, must have been very scary for the two of you, in those shallow waters for ten minutes, must have felt so long," she said, crossing her arms as I peaked around?

"You could say that again, hi Ayako, I missed you." I timidly wave as she smiles at me then winks.

"Me to, look Houshou drove me crazy, worried about you two." Then she turns to look at Houshou who was heading our way.

"See, I told you Naru won't let anything happen to her, even though he doesn't admit it, Mai is his very special assistant," she winks. Naru kept staring at them, as Houshou came up to us. Lin just shook his head, as he goes up to Naru and whisper something in his ear.

Naru nods in agreement and turns to face me.

"He's going to take the stroller and watch over them for a bit," he tells me. I nodded, looking at Lin.

"Thanks," I smiled, he nods and takes the stroller from my hands and I watch him go to the van which was a few feet away from us, so I didn't have to worry. The others watch but didn't comment on it.

"I'm glad you protected my little sister and that you're fine as well. I was worried, thank you Naru, I wish I could hug her though, so overprotective, aren't you? I get it, but a hug isn't that big deal." Houshou snaps at Naru, I walked around Naru, not liking how Bou-san is treating Naru.

"Don't get mad at him, I'm a bit of a shock, so I agree with him, please Bou-san, also I'm so glad to see you and Ayako, you have no idea," I felt so happy and nervous I can feel Naru's as well.

"And what about us? Are we chopped liver or what?" Yasuhara asks as he adjusts his glasses. I giggled, smiling at all.

"Of course, all of you, Naru, and I missed all of you from the bottom of our hearts," I told them, as I went through everyone, John, Masako, Ayako, and Houshou. My heart warms up, and I couldn't help but let my tears drop that I cover my eyes with my arm.

Naru looks down, not sure how to react since he can feel my overwhelming heart beating with happiness.

"You have no idea how much we missed you all." I cried out as everyone looked at me a bit startled.

"Mai!" they all said at the same a bit concerned. Naru moves closer to me, and being sneaky, rubs my back, comforting me. I hiccuped, lowered my arm, and gave a nervous cracked laugh.

"I apologize, she's a bit emotional, Lin is going to drive us to the hospital to get checked, we'll have a meeting in a week's worth, Lin will send you the details," Naru said. Everyone looks at Naru like deers caught in traffic.

"A week? What about the case and..." but Naru shook his head.

"Lin canceled it and I have to deal with other problems at the moment that is more important than the case. Take a week off, you will still be paid of course." everyone just blinked not sure how to take this as.

"Are you still the workaholic boss we know?" Houshou asks as Masako covers her lips with her kimono sleeve.

"Yes Naru, why with the sudden change?" she asks, as he looks at me.

"I won't beat around the bushes, Mai and I have something important to tell you all, but we have to deal with something important. For now, Mai and the twins have to get checked, so if you please excuse us," Naru bows slightly and began to head towards the van, but John cleared his throat, and waved at me with a smile. I wave back, as he mouthed, 'Welcome back.' I thanked him.

"Wait," Yasuhara stated. Naru stops and turns to look at them and arched a brow.

"About the babies that Lin mentioned, who are they and how did you find them in the middle of the sea? Did someone throw them over? That's horrible." Ayako asks this time. I thin my lip about to say something when Lip stepped in.

"It's getting late, it's been a very long day for all of us. I'll update you all," it's all Lin said. Everyone look disappointed, as I and Naru gave a thank you look at Lin. Lin nodded, as John looks at me and Naru.

"We are happy to see you two are fine, see you soon then," he said, we both nodded, and watch as everyone left, but Masako came up to Naru. Her cheeks turn to a slight pink. Naru blinks, looking down at her.

"Yes?"

"I'm glad you're doing fine. I know you would have done it with anyone else if they went overboard. You have a brave heart Naru. Mai," she turns towards me.

"Y...yes?" I stutter as I wiped my eyes, and look at her.

"I'm glad you're okay," she simply said and turns around, I blinked not sure how to feel about that. Our relationship is just plain strange, knowing that she has a crush on Naru, now this is more awkward, and I feel bad.

Naru watched as everyone left in their car, as I wrap my arm around my husband's arm and pushed my head against his arm.

"I wanted to spend more time with them, but my body couldn't even get close to Ayako, all I thought was that she could harm me." I swallowed hard, feeling my heart hurt. Naru glances at the twilight and sighs.

"This is going to take a long time for us to heal, especially you Mai."

Naru pov

The ride itself felt strange, while the babies has woken up, but was amazed at the strange contraption. It was hilarious, for their small mouths are opened, looking at me and Mai in a shocked expression.

"This is a car, my little ones, you'll get used to it," Mai giggles, wiping Gene's saliva since he was drooling. I look at Aya.

"Aya, this is Papa van, you'll be riding it a lot, so you'll get used to it," I told her, as Mai smiles.

Gene and Ayame looked at each other then began to clap. Lin stops the van and turns to look at us.

"They are well behaved, so a year old huh?" Lin said, causing us to look at him.

"Most of the time, these two are hell raisers, Gene is so much like his father though a little trouble maker, it's scary, um they were born a year ago, on Naru's birthday," Mai said, as I nodded.

"Ayame is like her mother, sweet and patient. That day I went to get some papayas for her, and when she called out for me, I returned and saw that her water broke, so I helped her give birth," I added.

"Call out for you?" Lin thought that aloud, not sure why that sounded strange. I cleared my throat as he shook his head and adds.

"Oh, yes you mentioned that must have been hard raising them without much, but you two are doing a good job so now I'm an uncle, wow. Truly you guys were gone for ten years in this Black Lagoon thing." He said, we both nodded.

"The first year was so hard, then we ended up getting married without our consent, and we had the walking dead after us and I was being burnt almost to a crisp, then Naru went missing for five months, leaving me alone. Well a lot more nightmares over the years, getting worse and worse. We even spent a week living from cave to cave. Bathing in cold waters, which we've become accustomed to and learning all types of dark secrets." Mai summaries.

"Once again, I'm sorry that you two had to go through this. Each minute that passed for us was just trying to find you, who would have thought those minutes were years the more I speak to you two I can see a big difference and maturity especially how you two-act." He said. I took my wife's hand and held it gently.

"Lin, I wasn't joking, that island made us grow and grow fast, there was no support or anyone to trust. We took our time, to get to learn about each other, and every day grow stronger in trust and naturally, our love became the source of survival. If it wasn't for Mai by my side, I would have lost it long ago." I told him, looking at him seriously.

"So I can be at ease that you won't break up with her or hurt her? Noll, I know you very well, you tend to do things which you think benefits you, without thinking much of others. And..."

"Lin, I understand what you mean, he already did that, but I learned that Naru isn't much of expressing himself, I just had to learn to be patient with him and learn to let him finish."

"I was about to say that as well," Lin added with a small smile that Mai understood me. I felt our hearts swell with pride, so I cleared my throat.

"Lin, the first thing in the morning, get the certificate ready, we are going to get our marriage legalized," I told him.

"Really?" Mai asked surprised as I turned to look at her.

"We already are married, do you want to wait even longer? Especially now we might have a new case with that woman that wants to separate us? Also, I'm sure my parents want proof as well." I asked her. Mai shook her head and scoot closer, wrapping her free arm around mine.

"Lin," Mai calls out and he shook his head.

"Don't worry I'll work on it first thing in the morning," he assures her.

"I'll be back in an hour to pick you guys up," he said, we nodded as Mai opens the door of the van and carefully jumps down and then I follow suit.

...

...

...

After my check-up and the babies, which took some time to get the babies to calm down. Mai kept putting it off until we were done. About half an hour later, the results came back and we are perfectly healthy.

Doctor Sarah came out with a clipboard in her hand reading over the details, before sitting on her black chair across us. We sat inside of a pretty large office, one huge window behind her, that overcast a highway and lots of trees, with the night lights overshadowing the city. Mai sat next to me, holding into Ayame, and I held Gene this time.

"Mai, you're healthy, but have some things I have to go over with." a sudden chill ran down my spine, as I felt Mai go tense.

Doctor Sarah is a young woman with long black hair, tied in a traditional ponytail, wearing white sneakers and long blue pants and a blue shirt, with the traditional white lab coat over her clothes. Her face is rounded, not thin, but has deep dark eyes, and thick brows, but nicely shaped. Chubby fingers, but not over the top and in shape.

"What is it?" I swallowed.

"As you can see, you and your kids are healthy, so nothing to worry about, for Mrs. Davis, well, for your fingers, the nerve was damaged to the point that it can't be repaired with surgery, if you would have come sooner, then we could have saved your nerves and recuperate your movement. I can recommend some places where you can have therapy."

"But is she okay? Anything out of the ordinary?" I asked her. She checked the charts and then lifts her gaze at me.

"For a nineteen-year-old, she's healthy, nothing out of the ordinary, I do admit she has many scars and burns, but I do recommend to keep an eye on it, once a year check up on them just in case if it does affect her health in the future as she becomes older. Also, from what she told me, everything she's experiencing right now is called Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is common after going through a traumatic event. From what you told me, your wife was almost raped, so that is a big factor as well, so being around people will be hard for her, especially when it comes to men. She can't get to close others at the moment and for you Mr. Davis, from I gather, you as well have Post-traumatic stress disorder, but your is different, as your wife, you can't be around people, and the fact that you can't leave your wife not even five minutes, it's a normal reaction from what you two went through, from that kidnapping. It just going to take a lot of time." Mai held me tighter.

I nodded, feeling a bit bad that we had to lie about us being kidnapped for two years, to explain why we had all of this.

"Oh, It took me half a year to get closer to my husband, why did I manage to get closer to him without fear?" Mai questions.

"It could be various things, but I'm sure it's because he was patient and you have full trust in him, not only being there for you, but you have trust that he won't harm you. So you trust your heart and your body with him. In other words, your love for him and his love for you."

"Then what should I do to help her/him?" Mai and I asked at the same time. The doctor giggles, causing us to raise a brow, she shook her head.

"Sorry, I found it very sweet, that you two care about each other so much, you two make a beautiful couple, to be honest as though your hearts are one. My suggestion is to take it slow, go seek therapy and be there for her you're the only one that she's very comfortable with, which means she has complete trust in you as you completely trust your wife. You're her rock in this situation as you are your husband's rock as he trusts you more than anyone in this world, both are each other keys to healing. Also one more thing..."

Mai looks at me and smiled at me gently as I rub her hand, then turn to look back at the Doctor.

"What?" Mai asks as we watch her take a pen out of her breast pocket and click it to write something on blue paper that is on top of her desk near her computer.

"I'm going subscribe medicine, and don't worry, she's lacking iron, it's normal since she's breastfeeding."

"Can I get pregnant again?" Mai suddenly asks, making the doctor stop jotting and lifts her gaze.

"Do you plan on having more?" she asks her, causing my stomach to drop.

That doesn't sound right.

"Yes, we've been planning on having more children, but we are a bit worried since she hasn't been getting pregnant, you can say we're a bit old-fashioned," I somewhat lied, since, at this point living on an island, nothing seems possible.

Mai blushes and nods at her. I cleared my throat and added.

"Well, I don't see why you can't, everything is normal, even after the ultrasound, we didn't spot anything wrong. Your husband is healthy as well, and it's normal for a twenty-year-old." my face turns a bit warm as Mai blushes even more.

"Then why haven't I gotten pregnant?" Mai asks, the doctor crosses her arms, leaning back on her chair.

"Stress after all the torture you went through with your attacker and everything that your body went through. It's a miracle that you were able to give birth to twins under those conditions. Just give yourself some time to heal, when it's time then you'll get pregnant. I guarantee you two, there's nothing wrong with your health." she affirms as Mai leans her head against my arm, breathing out and I did the same.

Thank God.

Mai Pov

As we came out of the doctor's office, something in me felt off as a chill ran down my spine as though someone was watching me.

I stopped pushing the stroller and looked around to see people around minding their own business, or nurses walking around the lobby. Naru who walked next to me stopped and turned to face me since I wasn't moving.

"What's wrong?" Naru asks, crossing his arms across his chest. I turned to look at him and shook my head.

"Something feels off, I can't put my finger on it," I admit to him. Naru came back to me, looking around.

"Is it the woman from the dreams?" he questions, knowing now to go with instincts than just brushing it off. I shook my head looking back at him.

"I don't know, but it could be at this point, I'm open to anything in the supernatural world," I admit to him. Naru shook his head lowered his hands, and grabs my hand.

"Well, you did dream about a hospital, but whatever it is, it eventually get to us, let's go get that medicine and go home," he said. I nodded and headed down the hallway, towards the pharmacy to get my medicine.

...

...

...

Lin pulls up in front of my apartment, never in my life did I feel so exhausted than I ever felt now.

"You sure about this? We can head back to your home?" I said, catching Naru's attention. Naru shook his head and turns to face Lin.

"I'll send the papers as soon as possible Noll, don't worry, go and rest, I took care of everything," he assures Naru. Naru nods and turns to face me and takes a hold of my hand.

"It doesn't matter to me, for now, we'll stay in your apartment, I don't want you to be uncomfortable," he assures me.

"But didn't we talk about this? When we returned, we'll live in your home, and.." but Naru lifts his hand and flicks my forehead making me scrunch my face.

"Hey," I pout causing him to shake his head.

"That's for later, Mai, we need to get used to this little by little. We'll figure this out as time goes, for now, I just want to sleep. I'm exhausted as it is, and I'm still craving your tea." He simply said as I was about to say something, Lin's phone began to ring, Ayame and Gene became startled, as Lin horridly took it out of from his pocket and accepts the call.

"Madoka," He said after placing his phone up to his ear, causing Naru's face to turn pale.

"Let's go," He mouthed me, I nodded, as I turned to open the door when suddenly Lin grabs Naru's arm stopping him from going anywhere.

"PA!" Gene calls out, stretching his body, trying to push Lin's hand away from his father's arm. Naru rubs his small back.

"It's fine buddy," Naru stated, causing Gene to look at him, blink, then wrap his arms around his father's torso. Naru kisses his small head, causing my heart to warm up. I held Ayako closer to me while grabbing my husband's hand.

"Is that a baby? Oliver, put me on speaker this instance," I heard Madoka demands.

Naru sighs and takes the phone after Lin press the speaker.

"Hello," Naru said, not pleased by this.

"Is Mai with you?"

"Yes," Naru said as I nervously laugh not sure how to register this.

"Hi Madoka, long time no speak," I lamely joked causing her to go silent as Ayame and Gene tried to pull the phone away from Naru's hand, very curious.

"Gah," Ayame said as I took her small hands.

"Don't do that my little one, it's not a toy," I said when Madoka spoke once again.

"Why do you have a baby with you? What happened? Lin told us that you and Noll went missing for ten minutes in the middle of the ocean. Explain Noll how do you have babies with you, your mother almost had a heart attack, you're lucky I manage to calm her down until your father came back." She demands. Naru rubs his temple, knowing that his headache is worse than before. I move my free hand and rub his arm.

My poor Naru.

"It's a long story, I will explain everything soon, but please give us time, Mai and I went through some rough patches. About the babies, they have an explanation as well. Send my love to my parents. Also, Madoka, thank you for taking care of my mother and father." And before Madoka could get another word, Naru hangs up.

"Naru?" I question him, and he turns to face Lin.

"She'll call back, tell her that Mai isn't feeling well, so I took her home. It's all you have to tell her." He simply orders. Lin sighs, but nods at him.

"Go and rest." he simply tells him, but before we got off, Lin captures our attention once more, making us turn to look at him.

"Yes?" Naru said.

"Welcome back, even though for us was ten minutes, but for you, two was ten years, I want to formally welcome you back," he said from the bottom of his heart. I felt touched by this and Naru as well.

"Thank you, Lin," We said in unison.

I smiled at him, he nods, as he watches us get out and headed for my old home. Lin shook his head, as the phone rang once again, he picks up only to hear Madoka beginning to scold, but Lin simply said.

"Madoka, all I can tell you, is that boy and Mai, went through something and I can guarantee you, that change their lives forever."

"Are you sure?" she asks, Lin sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, and nods.

"You have no idea how of a big change they went through, I'm still wrapping my head around it. Today was definitely the longest day of their lives."

Naru Pov

I slip my arm around her waist, and pulled her against me, as she was preparing my tea.

"What's wrong?" she asks me, I shrugged, looking over her shoulder, seeing her dip the tea bag in the hot cup of water.

"It must be weird to be back right?" I asked her. Mai nods, looking at me.

"It is, I mean I haven't forgotten how to use any of my equipment, but at the same time, it felt foreign after so many years. Seeing my old things and yet not so old at the same time. It's strange, hey where are the babies?" She questions causing me to shrug.

"They are playing with their toys, see," I turned her around so she can see them across the living room, surrounded with pillows I summoned, to make a barrier. Mai giggled, looking at me.

"Bad habit dies hard, later we'll buy a playpen for them," she said, causing me to nod.

"How is your headache?" She asks, as she takes a hold of the handle of the blue cup and we began to walk towards the small living room.

I let go, to sit next to each other. She hands me the cup, and I took it, placing the edge of the cup close to my nose, to smell the aroma. I arched a brow to turn to look at her.

"It's a bit better now, the doctor gave me some medicine for it, but why do you have my favorite brand of tea?" I question, she blushes hard rubbing her arm, looking at her lap.

"Err, I forgot about that, will you believe I ended up liking it as well?" she nervously said, I squint my eyes, leaning back crossing my leg.

"No," I simply said to her, as I finally took a sip of my favorite tea, and life came back to me, I rose both of my brows up.

I missed this so much.

"While you were in England err, I have to say last year, I missed you, so I bought your favorite brand of tea, I know, weird, but..." I lowered my now empty cup and place it on the small table that is in front of the couch and turn to look at her.

"You missed me that much?" I question her. She timidly nodded, feeling it in her heart.

That's very flattering, I didn't know that my decision made her hurt this much. I'm sorry Mai.

I felt horrible that Mai took notice, and slips into my lap, I move back a bit startled, but then she timidly kisses my cheek.

"It's all in the past, we've been through so much, so I don't care anymore, now that you're with me and you're healthy, and our kids. I'm the happiest woman in the world." I smiled at her, as she began to kiss my forehead, my cheeks, and my nose making my heart flutter.

"I am too, I'm very happy to know that nothing wrong with you Mai, I was so worried about that. Regardless, if something was wrong, I wouldn't let you go, you know that, right? You're mine, until our very last breath." I said with sincerity. Mai nods at me.

"As you're mine even if something was wrong with you. Naru, thank you for being there for me, even after I broke earlier today. Today was an emotional day. We just lost our home and gain back our old things."

I leaned forward capturing her lips, and pulled her closer to me, kissing her deeply. She responds, feeling her hold my shirt, then separating, she smiles, closing her eyes.

"When the doctor was talking about that man when he tried to force himself on me, I got terrible flashbacks," she said, holding me tighter. I rub her arm.

"I know Mai, it's not an easy subject to talk about, I'm just glad to know that you trust me,"

"Of course, you've been so patient and so gentle with me after that, just like in the past, you never forced me or demanded me to do anything out of my comfort zone. How would I not trust you? You were even scared when I asked you to make love again. I felt you so nervous, that you would have hurt me. You sometimes do that, but trust me, Naru, if you did, I would have let you know. Also, thank you for today, I just panic at the thought of anyone holding me. All I thought of was someone hurting me or forcing themselves on me. I... I don't know, it just... I'm sorry, I know they won't, but..." Mai's voice become heavy on the verge of crying

"I understand Mai, trust me, I do, it's normal after all we went through, after we explain to them the situation, they will understand as well. Okay." She wipes some of the tears that leaked down her eyes and looks at me.

"You think so?" she said, I brush her hair behind her ear and nodded at her.

"Yes, they will, if Lin did, I'm sure they will," I assured her. She leans back down and closes her eyes.

"Thank you, Naru,"

"Sleep Mai, I'll watch over you," I simply said, kissing the side of her head.

I rocked my wife to sleep, as our babies kept on playing. I kept staring at the round white clock in front of me, that ticked at midnight, letting everything sink in. Missing the late-night animals making their noises, or the noise of the ocean. I never realized how much I enjoyed them, instead of the noise of automobiles driving by.

Picking up my wife in my arms, I took her to her room down the hallway and place her on her bed. Then went to get our babies, which fell asleep next to each other. Adjusting them, I place a small mattress that I took from my old home and place it on the floor of Mai's room. Then I took off my shirt, and slip next to Mai, letting out a yawn. Laying down, Mai crawls up to me, wrapping her arms around me, snuggling into my torso. I smiled gently, holding her tightly, slowly falling into a deep slumber myself missing our home so much.

We don't have a clue how our new life will be, but one thing is for sure, nothing in this world or the next will separate me from Mai. Yet, I was scared, so scared that this new life will try to do that just like in the Black Lagoon.

Mai opens her eyes and stares at me, then kisses my chest.

"Me to Naru, I'm scared, I'm scared of this new life we are going to have."

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