Confessions . . . or Lack Thereof

Naru looked at the key in his hand, then at the building in front of him. He didn't need to go inside. He could just go back to his apartment and avoid all the drama. That had always been Gene's thing, anyway. Of course, if he walked away, Mai would not come back to SPR or to him. She was helpful on cases when she chose to be. She did make the best tea. Naru frowned, realizing he was stalling. He thought he showed Mai how he felt. Mai could be an idiot sometimes, and might not have understood.

Naru realized he was looking at the door to Yasu and Mai's apartment. He was so deep in thought he didn't realize he'd moved. Even subconsciously, he was drawn to her. He slid the key in the door and let himself in. Quietly, he removed his shoes and coat. This would be a daily occurrence if I can convince Mai, he thought to himself. I wouldn't mind coming home to her.

"Yasu, I . . ." Mai stopped in front of him, her mouth open in shock. She was wearing brief shorts and a spaghetti strap top as she was preparing for bed. Naru could see her skin between the two pieces. He wanted to slide his hand between them and touch her warm skin. Mai blushed as she heard his thoughts. He didn't have a barrier up. It sounded like he was talking to her.

"You do enjoy staring at me, don't you, Mai?" Naru smirked as her face turned brighter red.

"Did something happen to Yasu? Is he okay?"

"He's spending the night at Hatomi's." Mai folded her arms across her chest. It caused her top to rise up and Naru saw more of her bare skin.

"I can spend the night alone, Naru. I don't need a babysitter." Mai frowned and turned away. Naru caught her arm and pulled her toward him.

"I'm not a babysitter," Naru said as he lowered his face to hers.

"What . . ." Mai's question was cut short as Naru kissed her. He pulled back to gauge her reaction.

"Yoshiogo isn't around. You don't need to pretend to like me."

"Who said I was pretending? I thought you could read my mind, Mai."

"I could until I taught you how to build barriers." Mai muttered as she felt his arms wrap around her.

"Then I guess I need to show you." Naru kissed her again, waiting patiently until she responded. He could feel her arms moving around him. Naru moved his hands under her shirt to touch her skin. Mai gasped as he stroked her back. He could feel her pressing herself to him. They continued kissing and touching until they pulled away gasping.

"Naru, why are you here?" Mai asked, looking up at him. He looked down at her parted lips, wanting nothing more than to kiss her again.

"I told you once, but obviously you're too dumb to listen." He felt Mai stiffen at his insult. "Either we part after the case or we're together."

"I left . . ."

"And I followed. That should tell you all you need to know."

"Naru, why are you *here*?"

"I intend to spend the night with you. Together." Naru smiled his natural smile. He could see Mai melting in front of him. "Together, Mai. Do I need to explain it further?" Mai nodded.

"Taniyama Mai, will you be my girlfriend?"

"Just your girlfriend, Naru?"

"Well, I don't want to overload your brain so I thought we'd take it slow." Mai glared at him and tried to push him away, but Naru didn't let go.

"Narcissistic jerk . . ." Naru tilted her chin up and started kissing her again.

- x X x -

. . . to be continued

Author's Note:

I hate releasing a story unless it is complete. I do want to go further with this, so I'll be working on a part two. I am currently doing research on psychic powers to give me even more ideas!

I'll leave the final goodness up to your imagination. :)

P.S. I don't own Ghost Hunt, but I do like borrowing it for a while.

As for anything else, ask the cats — they own everything and are nice enough to let me live with them.