Me: Hey guys
Mai: You're back again!
Me: Yup, and with the latest chapter. This is the longest one I've written yet
Naru: Then stop talking and let them read it
Me: *huffs*
It was about an hour later when the others finally noticed that Mai was awake. It probably would have been longer but Yasu made a joke and the brunette couldn't help but burst into a painful fit of giggles.
"Mai!" a certain monk shouted, rushing over to her. If it weren't for Ayako he surely would have hugged her half to death.
"How are you feeling?" she inquired, going into full doctor mode, checking cuts to make sure that they weren't getting infected and changing the bandages.
Mai grinned. "Good as new."
She was forced to retract this statement when Ayako placed a bit more pressure to one the cuts that would require her to get stitches and she hissed.
Yasu snickered. "Oh yes Mai, you're better than ever" he mocked.
The brunette merely pocked her tongue out at him.
"Akito" he reminded her.
Flushing Mai looked away from him. "Jerk" she mumbled.
He chuckled and placed his hands up in mock surrender.
"Akito? Wasn't that-" Bou-san started before he was shut up by a sharp hit. He turned to yell at Ayako only to find that it was Mai who had stolen her bag and hit him with it.
"What was that for?" he whined childishly.
This time it was the miko that hit him. "Idiot" she grumbled.
The monk pouted but daren't argue for fear of being hit once more. If only he could get used to her hits, but alas it seemed that she had once again added more power to her blows. He quietly mused over what she was keeping in there that cause him so much pain but stopped with a warning look from his fiancé.
"Oh yeah" Mai stated in surprise, "When are we leaving?"
Naru glanced up from where he was still reading at the question. "Tomorrow" he answered before looking back down at his little black book.
She stared at him for a few minutes before she giggled.
Glancing up at her he shot her a glare. "What are you laughing about?" he asked in a miffed voice.
Her giggles turned into laughter at her revelation. "N-nothing" she stuttered through giggles.
"What's so funny?" John asked trying to figure out why the brunette was laughing so hard. He was just as confused as everyone else.
From over in his seat, Lin chuckled mentally. It only took her a few minutes to figure out what was going on. He had to hand it to the petite girl, she could certainly read people.
Mai contemplated answering him but was saved the hassle when Jean came in announcing that dinner was ready.
Several cheers resounded around the room and they were quick to rush out the door.
Naturally because she was injured Mai took a bit to move and swing her legs around the bed. Slowly she got up. Wobbling slightly she steadied herself and moved towards the door.
Before she walked out though she turned to Naru. "You know, the look you make when your sulking is cute" she teased before moving as fast as she could out of the door.
Meanwhile Naru blinked in surprised before scowling. This girl…
Sighing he followed her out of the room. He would have plenty of chances to get her back. She was after all, still a klutz. Smirking at the thought and in a significantly better mood he ignored the feelings stirring in his chest. They weren't important at the current moment.
When he reached the large dining room he was greeted by the sight of everyone sitting down chatting and fussing over Mai as she sat down, leaning forward to avoid brushing against her bandages lest they begin to bleed again.
Making his way over to an empty seat opposite her, he ignored the looks he was given and began to eat the meal that had been set out for them.
It was an ultimately uneventful dinner and they all seemed extremely tired.
As soon as everyone finished Jean shooed them off. "Oliver your room is the same as always. Lin's in next to you, would you mind showing him?"
Naru nodded and headed towards the stair case to head up the upstairs rooms.
The woman turned to the rest of the group and sighed. "Mai, you can have the room that you're using for base to sleep in. Ayako, Takigawa and John, if you would follow me your rooms are this way."
Ayako turned to Mai and gave her a stern look, "Be careful" she warned before following after Jean along with John and Bou-san.
Sighing the brunette turned around and began to make some tea for herself. She sighed, breathing deeply in the silence. Normally she didn't like the silence but at the moment it was peaceful and much appreciated.
Moments later, she had a steaming cup of tea in her hand and was making her way towards the room she was assigned. Opening the door she placed the tea on the coffee table and sat down on the plush couch.
Relaxing her body she couldn't help but feel happy about the current arrangement. Her happiness however, was short lived as she took a sip of her tea just as Naru walked into base. He didn't acknowledge her presence so she just picked up a book from on the table and opened it to a random page, letting her eyes flick over the information that was presented.
Taking another long sip she sighed.
Her temporary boss glared at the satisfaction she got from having tea while he didn't have any.
Mai rolled her eyes at the look. "If you wanted some you could have asked. I would have made you a cup" she stated.
Naru gave her what was probably supposed to be a glare but she could clearly see the hope in his eyes. It figures that he would go through tea withdrawal. Honestly she had no clue how he managed to survive when he wasn't around. Did he ask Luella to make him tea?
She shook the thought from her head and stood up from her seat with her now empty cup. "You coming with me or are you going to sit there and act like you're reading that book?"
His gaze snapped up to Mai and he closed the book. Getting up he made his way to the door and opened it. Mai followed him not far behind as they walked in complete silence. It wasn't uncomfortable but it wasn't comfortable either… perhaps tense?
When they reached the kitchen Mai put the kettle on again and began to prepare more tea.
Neither said anything until she finished making Naru's cup and refilling her own. Turning around he handed it to her.
He merely nodded and took it.
Mai let out a frustrated groan. "Why aren't you talking to me?" she demanded.
Naru raised an eyebrow at her with a slightly irritated look. "Do you want me to start lecturing you now because i'm so close. The only reason I haven't yet is because Miss Matsuzaki said to let you rest because you were going to need it. I decided that would be better but I'm reaching my limit Mai. Of all the stupid things you could have done" he growled becoming more and more angry.
The petite girl gulped. Now that she thought about it he didn't really know much about what she did but he was this angry. She shivered thinking about how they were going to react after they found out what it was she had actually done.
They were not going to be happy.
Nodding mutely the girl turned heel and began walking towards the base. She suddenly felt very tired.
Naru seemed to have the same idea because instead of following her he turned around and made his way towards his own room.
Letting out a breath of air she quickly calmed herself with a sip of her tea.
After finishing her tea, Mai climbed into the bed and quickly fell asleep.
It was still early when she was woken by movement in the base.
Warily she opened her eyes slowly, glancing at the clock. She groaned seeing the flashing numbers 6:30.
Looking around she noticed the source of the noise was Lin and Naru who were beginning to pack things up.
Waiting until they left the room again she forced herself into a sitting position and slowly got out of bed, wincing as the cuts on her back stretched in defiance. Stopping for a second she forced herself onto her feet and relaxed.
Making her way out of the room she quickly moved towards the kitchen. Knowing those two they probably hadn't even thought of making themselves something warm and the sun was exactly strong at this time.
Mai made the tea swiftly and carried it back towards the base. Just as she was entering the hall the door opened and Naru came out.
He narrowed his eyes at her. "What are you doing up?"
The brunette rolled her eyes, "You and Lin aren't exactly quiet," she explained motioning for him to take a cup from the tray.
Naru picked one up and took a sip before stepping out of the way of the door. Obviously he had decided that her explanation was sufficient enough.
Walking inside she spotted Lin wrapping up some of the chords.
"You should have some tea" she stated placing the tray on the coffee table and picking up her cup.
The Chinese man turned to her and sighed. "Naru wants to be out of here as soon as everyone has had breakfast. I don't have time to sit and drink tea" he denied.
Mai scoffed, "Naru has time to drink tea while working so you do too. Besides, no-one told you to sit."
He sighed but relented and moved to pick up the cup that was left on the tray. "Thank-you" he expressed.
Looking at him she smiled, "No problem. I figured you two would start working without anything in your stomachs. This should at least help until you can eat something proper."
Lin opened his mouth to speak but Mai shot him a glare and cut him off. "And you will be eating breakfast."
Sighing the elder nodded before turning back to his work, placing his half empty cup back on the table so he could use both hands.
The brunette gave him a satisfied look before settling to finish drinking her tea.
Half an hour passed before long and soon everyone was beginning to wake –much to the dismay of Mai who couldn't understand how anyone would be up this early.
John was first to enter base and smiled when he saw a tired Mai sitting on the couch watching an episode of the English dubbed version of fruits basket.
"Mornin' Mai" he greeted.
Mai turned to him and grinned. "Good morning John. Did you want some tea?" she asked.
He nodded, "Yes please, I think the others will be up soon too."
The brunette laughed slightly. "I'll just grab some cups and put the tea into a pot."
Smiling the priest nodded. "That might be best" he agreed.
Walking out of the room she made her way back to the kitchen and quickly made up a pot of tea and grabbed a few extra cups before turning around and heading back to base once more.
When Mai re-entered the room she found that Masako and Bou-san were also awake now.
"Good morning Mai" Ayako greeted. Masako just nodded towards her.
She grinned at them and placed the tea on the table before pouring out some cups and handing them around. "I'm guessing Ayako and Yasu are still sleeping then" she mused before sighing, "They really are the only sane ones."
Bou-san rolled his eyes and Masako hid a smirk. "I don't think sane is the word anyone would use to describe Yasuhara" she noted.
Laughing Mai nodded, "That's true."
It wasn't long before everyone joined in with her laughter although it was short lived as Lin and Naru made their way back into base to pick up the last of the monitors.
"If you have time to sit around and laugh about things then why is it that there is still things that need packing up?" Naru asked coldly.
Bou-san gulped. "Ah sorry Naru, I'll do it now."
Moving quickly, the monk picked up the monitor and made his way towards the door.
Just as he was about to open it he felt someone collide with him.
"Watch where you're going" grumbled Ayako, obviously unhappy that she was awake at such a time.
The monk blinked before grinning. "What are you talking about old lady? Are you getting so old that you need a lot of sleep after such a small amount of work" he teased.
Instead of the usual banter she just brushed past him and continued on her way to her seat.
Sighing in disappointment, Bou-san set off to do the task he was assigned.
Mai rolled her eyes at the pair before squealing as Yasu leapt onto her lap. "Yasu!" she exclaimed in annoyance.
He looked up at her and grinned. "Good morning my dear Mai! How do you feel today?"
Huffing brunette tried to push him off of her. "I would feel much better if you weren't sitting on my lap. Go find a seat." She grumbled.
Yasu pouted, "But Mai" he whined, "another seat isn't nearly as comfortable as my love!" he exclaimed dramatically, flaring his arms around to prove his point.
Ducking to avoid one of her arms, she shot him an exasperated look. "I thought Bou-san was your 'true love' your 'soul mate'."
He grinned, "Is that jealousy I hear?"
"Not a chance in hell."
"You didn't even think about it before you said it. How cruel," Yasu sighed before blinking when he found himself looking up at the ceiling. "What was that for?" he asked pouting as he sat up.
Mai grinned, "I did tell you to get off of me didn't I? Not all of my threats are empty you know" she pointed out.
Yasu smirked, "You mean like-"
The brunette didn't even think before landing a swift kick at his shin.
He winced slightly before giving her a pout, "I got it, I got it."
Naru looked up at them from his book. "If you want to eat before we leave I suggest you start now" he warned, "I want to leave in an hour."
As if they had just heard a bomb explode everyone but Mai began scrambling to leave the room, obviously wanting nothing more than to eat before they suffered the long drive back.
Sighing at them, Mai shook her head. 'They'll never change' she thought.
Naru raised an eye at the brunette. "You aren't going to eat?" he inquired.
Mai sighed, "I couldn't even if I wanted to. These injuries are making my stomach all weird. I'll eat later… probably."
Over by the monitors Lin frowned at the new information at the same time as Naru.
"Shouldn't you ask Miss Matsuzaki if this is normal?"
Mai glanced over at the elder man. "No need" she insisted, "I get injured enough, this is normal."
Her temporary boss didn't seem too happy with her reply. "Are you a doctor?" he asked.
Mai shook her head.
"Do you have a degree stating that you completed the college courses to become a nurse or a paramedic?" he continued.
"Of course not…" she trailed off wondering where he was going with this.
Naru smirked, "Then how are you supposed to know whether or not this queasy state is normal, a side-effect or if it's something serious."
The petite girl opened her mouth to speak but was cut off, "Imagine how much trouble it would cause if it turned out you actually have a serious infection or perhaps internal bleeding. How much do you think everyone will worry?" he continued.
Naturally Mai could already feel the guilt building up. "I-I" she stammered and Naru knew he had won, not that he had ever doubted himself.
From over in his seat Lin mentally rolled his eyes at their interactions. They were so childish, that certainly hadn't changed over the year they'd been gone.
"I guess we're going to the dining room then."
Mai looked over at him. "But-"
He cut her off, "Not buts, I thought you were the one always bugging Naru to be more professional in his work and not to complain about things that could create problems."
Crossing her arms, she glared at the two males who had clearly ruined all of her ways to get out of the check-up. Of course she knew they were right but that didn't make her feel any better. In fact she would have preferred if they had just dragged her there or something.
As if reading her mind Naru gave her a cold glare. "I will drag you" he warned.
Mai gulped and was out of her seat in a second, moving towards the door while grumbling incoherently.
Rolling their eyes, they followed the reluctant girl out of them room and down the halls to where loud shouting was coming from, mainly Ayako.
"Who are you calling old you geezer!?" she screeched.
Mai winced at the piercing sound adding headache to her list of current pain. "You sound like a banshee," she muttered as she walked into the room.
The red head whipped around to look at her. "What was that Mai?" She hissed narrowing her eyes.
Ignoring her, the brunette walked over to the kitchen area and poured herself a glass of room temperature water. Taking a long sip she sighed at the curious gazes of her "family".
"Don't look at me like that. I'm in a bad mood now. Stupid stomach, if I could settle it enough for me to eat then maybe I wouldn't be here right now."
Masako scoffed, "Over dramatic as always. Stop being so cranky about everything. We haven't even done anything yet. My guess is you were told to get a check-up because of stomach sickness."
Lin looked over at the medium. "Does this happen often?" he inquired.
Nodding Ayako sighed, "Yeah. Sometimes Mai overuses her powers and afterwards she feels sick because of low sugar and sodium levels. She has some medication to take but if I had to guess I'd say she forgot it," she explained.
Naru nodded in understanding. "Then shouldn't she be trying to eat something sweet or something with a lot of salt?"
From across the table Bou-san made a sound of agreement. "Most likely. Problem is she won't eat anything. That's why she's supposed to have her pills at all times."
The brunette huffed. "I'm still here. Stop talking about me like I'm not in the same room."
Turning to her, Naru gave her a blank look. "Why won't you eat anything? You need to get your sugar and sodium levels back up."
Looking away Mai rolled her eyes at the undermining order, "If I try to eat anything it'll make it worse. I need lots of water and my pill. If I try to take anything else it could have negative effects on my body. The sudden rise in sugar and salt will shock my system. The pill I take is designed to release it slowly and build my levels up over the day. I'll be fine until we get back."
Her assurances only seemed to make everyone at the table more irritated however and she found herself the point of many glares.
Groaning she managed a tight pained smile. "Did I mention the fact that I also can't take pain medication for 24 hours so it would be much appreciated if we didn't argue on this subject?"
"You can't take pain medication?"
Mai looked over at John with a raised eyebrow, "You didn't know? I thought everyone knew that. Last time I took pain medication after using a lot of my powers I ended up passing out and nearly went into a coma. Something to do with the chemicals in it contradicting the levels of energy currently running through my body." She explained waving it off.
Sighing in annoyance, Naru rubbed his temples. "Fine. Time's up we're leaving now anyway."
Quickly everyone stood up and began to grab plates and clean up from breakfast. As soon as they were done they all packed into the vehicles and started on the ride back to Naru's.
Me: So what'd you guys think
Mai: Please read and review
John: *Appears* Shellsan doesn't own ghost hunt
Me: Thanks John. Oh yeah! After next week I will be on holidays so you guys can look forward to more updates over the period of 7 weeks.
Mai: Shellsan plans on doing something for Christmas this year too ^_^
Me: So don't forget to read and review and I will see you next chapter