A/N: Here is Chapter 3. No need to say anything else :)

Notes: So Mai in my story is going to be a little OOC. This is Mai x Gene. Just stick with it. It will tell the story of a truly desperate soul searching to save another.


Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt. Period. If I did, the romance would have been more fleshed out and Mai wouldn't have been so childish all the time.


Chapter 3

Mai closed another book with a frown as she thought about what she had learned so far. It wasn't much, but all throughout folk lore, there were mentions of souls and their matches. A perfect match was called Sorumeito, or soulmate. The lore all described how the perfect matches were rare yet cherished. They experienced feelings of wholeness and happiness when together, longing and sadness when apart. But if one died before they could actually bond, there was so much despair. And if they had bonded first, the other half would follow their mate into death. Mai somehow knew that she and Gene were Sorumeito. He was somehow her soulmate and he had died before she even had the chance to meet him. She suspected that she never would have even missed him or realized what was happening if she hadn't met his spirit. And Mai knew that she wouldn't kill herself to be with him. It would never work in such a way. She knew deep down that if she killed herself, she'd never see him again.

But maybe there's a way to bring him back? Or a way to reverse his death?

So she started to research the gods of old, hoping to find something. Some story that would lead her where she needed to go. During this time she continued to work with Naru, and never let on that she was starting to research what would be considered dangerous and questionable material. She also never told him about Gene being in her dreams-partly for her own wants but also at Gene's request. They hadn't had another case since the mansion and she was starting to wonder if they'd ever get another. She knew that it was only a matter of time, but she did feel like time was crawling now.

Mai packed up her things and stood, putting away the books she was using. The library would be closing soon and Mai wanted to get home so she could eat and go to bed-hopefully to see Gene. She lived for those nights, even if they didn't talk and he only held her. But other nights his lips would find hers and he would share stories of his childhood with her. The more she learned about him, the more she loved him. She wanted him completely...even if it couldn't ever happen in the real world. The walk back to her apartment was short and long all at the same time, and she felt momentary relief when she finally walked inside and laid her bag down on the table. The apartment was cold and lonely, a stark contrast to the astral plain she often found herself on.

Mai went about the routine of cooking some noodles for her dinner and then she finally ate, showered, and went to bed. The moment her eyes opened to the astral plain, she felt such relief. And that relief helped ease her longing because she knew Gene would be there. Either he already was, or he would be soon.

"Mai," a voice said from behind her.

Before she could even turn around, she felt arms wrap around her and hold her against a hard body she had become very familiar with. She turned in his arms and hugged Gene back, breathing him in. He didn't have a scent. Not really but she could feel him as if he was seared into her soul.

"I've been looking for information on what it is between us," Mai said quietly. "I haven't found much...just managed to verify what we are feeling. But I did see that having a soulmate die often leads to the death of the other half of the soul."

Gene swallowed, his heart hurting at the idea of Mai dying. "I'm so sorry, Mai. I wish this hadn't happened...hell I even wish we never met, but only if that means you'd live in ignorance and feel happiness in your life."

"I don't," Mai said strongly. "I would rather live and lose you in a thousand lives than to live without ever knowing you. But I am looking for a way to save you, Gene."

"Mai, that's dangerous," Gene said strongly, almost in a scolding tone.

"I know, Gene. But...I have to try. Somehow. I just...I want to be with you. No one else. In every way I can have you," Mai said strongly. She leaned forward and kissed him once more, pouring all her love and longing into the kiss.

Gene groaned against her lips, holding her even closer to his body. He wasn't sure how far they could go with this. He knew that mingling like this with souls was dangerous...for her and for him. But dammit he needed her. She made him feel alive in so many ways. And that was dangerous. It wouldn't be hard for him to give in and tell her to do her research and whatever she needs to do.

"Gene...please," Mai whispered against his lips. "Just...just don't stop me tonight. I need this. My soul needs this..."

Gene swallowed. He wasn't sure exactly what she was asking...but over the past few months they shared so much here. That first kiss...wandering hands...he felt alive and like the teenager he was with her.

"Okay," he finally said, giving in. He knew she wouldn't be happy if she couldn't at least try. Both here and when she's awake.

With his confirmation, Mai's lips crashed to his own again. And before either of them realized it, they sealed their own fates as they joined their bodies for the first time.


A/N: There's the third chapter. I'll be taking my time with this. I'm also rewatching Ghost Hunt because I have plans for this one. Read, review, and give me case ideas! 3