A/N: Sorry, it's a little short. Next chapter should be meeting the family.

Disclaimer: All characters in Ghost Hunt are the creation of the Goddess Ono Fuyumi-sama.


Mai stood in front of the mirror checking over her outfit. As she looked at her reflection, her eyes took in the azure hue of her dress, slowly examining the way the fabric lightly draped over her thin form. She anxiously wondered if this was appropriate for meeting Lin's parents, her fingers twitching slightly as she unconsciously tugged at the sides of the garment. After a few minutes, she sighed deeply and dropped her hands to her sides. Within the next moment, she lifted her hands once more and placed them against her stomach, trying to ease the queasy sensation wreaking havoc on her insides.

Too caught up in her own mind, she was startled out of her thoughts as Lin unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her, gently pulling her against his body.

"Calm down," he said quietly.

His touch immediately soothed her nerves and she automatically leaned back against him, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. After a few moments, she opened her eyes again and looked at Lin's reflection in the mirror.

"That's easy for you to say," she commented. "It's your family."

Lin paused for a moment.

"You have a point," he agreed, leaning down to kiss her cheek, "but I'll protect you."

"Is that so?" she asked skeptically.

Lin thought about it for a moment before shaking his head.

"No, you're on your own," he responded.

Mai lightly slapped his arm in punishment for teasing her and attempted to wiggle free from his embrace. However, her struggle was futile.

"How many times do I have to tell you," Lin whispered in her ear, "I'm never going to let you go."

Feeling a chill run through her body, Mai immediately stopped wiggling.

"Don't," she said sternly.

"Don't what?"

"Don't be so seductive," she answered. "I can't handle it right now."

Lin gently laughed.

"Was I being that way?" he wondered.

Mai sighed at his lack of awareness. It had always been like this. He never seemed to realize the strength of her feelings for him.

"You don't even know the power you have over me," she quietly remarked.

"Perhaps you're the same way," he replied, hugging her closer. "You look so beautiful in that dress, I couldn't resist holding you."

Now Mai sighed in frustration. He was such a tease. She wanted him so much, but he was forcing her to wait. In her opinion, the day of their wedding couldn't come soon enough. She just hoped it was actually going to happen.

"I can't wait til we're married," she admitted. "The idea that there's a slight chance we won't end up together is unbearable."

"You shouldn't doubt that we will," he reassured her. "I know the bond is there."

Mai didn't doubt that, either. Not anymore. But she still had her doubts about his family.

"It's just… what if your family hates me so much they deny it's there," she fretted.

Lin frowned at her words, wondering if she really thought that were true.

"Mai," he said seriously, gently spinning her in his embrace, "even if that does happen, I won't give you up. I'm just giving them the opportunity to accept and acknowledge you as my chosen partner. If they can't do that, we'll leave without hesitation."

"Really?"

"Absolutely," he confirmed. "I'll always be at your side... unless you desire otherwise."

"Do you honestly think I would?" she asked in surprise.

Lin was silent for a few moments before answering.

"I don't doubt your love, but I wonder if I'm exerting my own feelings too much," he confessed. "I've never wanted anything as strongly as I want you, but I worry that I'm forcing you to stay with me. I know I say I'll never let you go, but I have to consider whether that's something you want as well."

Mai pursed her lips slightly, displeased with his words.

"Of course it's what I want, you dummy!" she responded testily. "I've been waiting for the courage to be with you for years, and now that I've finally overcome my fears, I won't give you up without a fight. So stop thinking I'm with you just to spare your feelings!"

Lin couldn't help laughing at her reaction. She never failed to surprise him with her reckless and impulsive passion.

"I love when you get worked up," he smiled, pulling her closer. "Even when I'm on the receiving end of your ire."

Mai's temper immediately deflated and she blushed softly at the knowledge that he loved even her worst trait. Feeling embarrassed, she pressed her face to his chest.

"I knew you were weird," she mumbled.

"Very weird," he agreed.

Remaining silent, Mai wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. She was glad things had turned out the way they did. And the last few days had showed her just how compatible they really were. That time also allowed them to have fun together without worrying about anything else. Mai had seen glimpses of it in the past, but it wasn't until recently that she realized just how playful Lin's personality was. Underneath all the stoicism, of course. But that was also something she was glad of. She preferred being the only one to know.

"We should go soon," Lin said softly, though he really didn't want to let go of her.

"I'm almost ready," Mai answered just as quietly.

Wanting to be on time, Lin began to pull away, but was stopped by Mai.

"I meant… I want you to hold me a little longer," she clarified.

He smiled and hugged her tighter.

"Your will is my command," he answered.

Mai lightly sighed, knowing he was teasing her again.

"Be quiet," she murmured.

"Yes, my love."