Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt.

AT: Thoughts are italicized.

Telepathy conversationsitalicized.

Price of Time

18) Vacation

"Here she comes," Monk announced loudly over the cheering crowd.

"Mai congratulations," the members of SPR chimed in unison as Mai smiled happily.

"And Noll here said you where an idiot," Gene teased as he smacked his brother on the back.

"Aw, come on Naru," Mai calmly nudged her boyfriend in the side. "Gene's only teasing, cut him some slack," Mai continued playfully with a laugh as Naru wrapped one arm around her waist.

"With all teasing aside now it's time for a group picture," Ayako announced rewarding her with several groans from the others the more pronounced groans coming from non-other than Yun, Lin, and Naru. "Oh come on guys," Ayako snapped as she grabbed Lin and Yun, while Gene and Mai grabbed Naru before handing off her camera to some nice women who agreed to take the picture for them.

"Mai do you feel any different now that you've graduated?" John wondered as the other member of SPR listened in.

"Honestly John, I don't," Mai replied with a laugh. "I'm just happy I was able to and it's all thanks to you guys," Mai stated motioning to everyone around her in turn with a wide smile plastered on her face.

A collection of nods and 'Your welcomes sounded as the group soon made their way to the school parking lot.

"Mai it's time to say bye. No worries you'll be able to swoon over Naru later at the party," Yun joked causing Mai to blush several shades of red.

"Yun must you tease Mai like that?" Kana wondered a sly grin upon her face.

"Well yes I must. Considering I can get away with teasing Mai," Yun replied waving a hand semi defensively. "Unlike you Kana who I've known all my life, and seeing as you won't hesitate to retaliate well then that only leave Mai now doesn't it," Yun added mischievously as the two girls then broke out into a conversation about who had more 'dirt' on the other.

"I don't know how you do it Mai," Gene sighed as he came up behind Mai.

"Do what Gene?" Mai wondered as she glanced away from her two guardian's conversation to meet Gene and Lin's amused glances.

"Putting up with the two of them when they get like this," Lin replied motioning to Yun and Kana's conversation as Mai laughed slightly.

"It helps to have some dirt on the both of them in return I guess," Mai informed with a sly smile which caused both Yun and Kana's heads to snap towards Mai shock. "Telepathy," Mai smirked as Gene and Lin laughed while Yun and Kana groaned.

"Now that Kana and Yun have finally stopped bickering, you think the three of you could go get the house ready for the party?" Monk asked all but shoving the two older ladies towards their vehicle.

"Hey no need to push Monk where going!" Yun yelled behind her as Monk's eye brow rose almost as if saying 'Really? Could've fooled me.'

With Kana and Yun finally in Kana's SUV, Mai took a moment to give Naru a quick kiss on the lips before being shooed off by Monk to the SUV herself. Once Mai was secure in the SUV it took off down the road towards the girls shared house.

"Now that you two have finally calmed down and it's only us, Mind telling me what we are doing?" Mai asked curiously from the back seat.

"No surprise there Mai. It's just that Devin's waiting back at the house and he wants to stay in the shadows when it comes to the others so to speak," Kana informed as Mai nodded in understanding.

Within no time at all Kana pulled the SUV into her normal parking spot in the driveway before the three made their way inside the house. Upon entry the three were greeted by loud voices several of which were muffled by the speakers of the stereo system hooked up to the TV.

'I'd recognize those voices anywhere,' Mai thought cheerfully as she entered the living room alongside Yun and Kana.

"Congratulations Katie," Richard Davis, Emme and Jonny's voices sounded in unison over the speakers. While Devin's voice came from beside her as he smiled and hugged Mai.

"Thank you all so much," Mai thanked as fresh tears began to fall. "I just wish you guys would've been there," Mai whispered wiping away her tears.

"We may not have been there in person dear Katie but we were there in spirit," Richard announced with a smile.

"It also helps when you have connections," Emme cryptically stated winking at Mai before gesturing towards Yun and Kana. "Yun and Kana had set up a live video feed via Skype during the ceremony," Emme added after she noticed Mai's curious glance to her two guardians.

"Guilty as charged," Yun admitted as Mai all but jumped her and Kana in her thanks.

Devin soon after appeared before Mai after having left the living room and returning moments later with several gifts for Mai. Said gifts where: a set of keys to her very own apartment near the university she was to attend, a new laptop, books, a cell phone that housed Richard's, Emme's, Devin's, and Jonny's personnel contact information.

"The cell phone Katie is in case of an emergency or if you find that you just want to talk with one of us without the others knowing," Richard informed reassuringly.

"Yun and Kana informed us of what university you would be attending and we thought that you would want to live on your own for your own piece of mind, and if not at least you'll get some peace and quiet," Emme chimed in with a wink. "It's a one bedroom flat," Emme added with a laugh as Mai's smile widened.

"Aw too bad for Yun and Kana, I'll sure miss our morning routines here," Mai teased as the others laughed.

"Oh no worries Mai dear we have the spare set of keys to the apartment," Yun joked dangling said key in a teasing way.

"I'm sure Naru will visit often enough seeing as you're taking a leave of absence from work and all," Kana replied with a knowing smirk.

'What have I gotten myself into, those two are going to be the death of me with their constant teasing,' Mai thought with a loud sigh as she plopped herself on the sofa.

"So you've finally told Oliver then I take it," Richard commented as Mai nodded in response from her seated position on the sofa.

"He wasn't very pleased with the idea of me going to school so far away at first, but once I told him what classes I would be taking, Well let's just say he's happy for me now," Mai replied a far off look glazing over her eyes briefly.

"No doubt it was the puppy dog eyes she gave him soon after telling him that caused him to cave," Yun whispered loudly as all eyes turned to her playful tone. "What? Was it something I said?" Yun asked curiously as Kana place a hand on Yun's shoulder.

"We really need to get you and Yasu hooked up and soon," Kana stated almost pleadingly as laughter engulfed the room yet again.

"Yea ok Kana whatever you say," Yun retorted rolling her eyes in the process.

"Ladies it's time," Jonny's voice sounded from over the speakers sadly as all eyes returned to the TV.

"Must you go so soon?" Mai inquired pleadingly.

"I'm afraid so my dearest Katie, I'm needed in the office today," Richard indicated as Mai nodded in understanding. "Remember this Katie; I'm so proud of the young women you've become and congratulations again. We will see each other soon I hope," Richard replied softly a small smile pulling at the side of his lips.

"Yes within the month," Mai replied to Richard's last statement with a bright smile.

"Take care Mai and have fun at the party tonight," Emme stated before the screen went blank.

"The time between now and then won't come soon enough," Mai whispered before being pulled into a group hug by Yun, Kana, and Devin.

Soon after the group broke apart and went their separate ways in order to prepare for the party that would start within the hour. Yun and Kana having agreed to hold the party at their house were also dragged into making the snacks for said party as well. Hence the ruckus in the kitchen the two older ladies where currently making in order to prepare. Devin and Mai on the other hand had taken the time for a more private chat between them.

"Mai I know something is bothering you," Devin blurted out as Mai glanced up at her bodyguard in shock. "You can tell me what it is Mai," Devin reassured comfortingly as he could nearly see the gears in Mai's head working overtime.

"I think Lin may know," Mai stated bluntly as she leaned against the wall watching Devin as the news sunk in. "Well he might not know everything but I mean this is Lin after all so who knows," Mai sighed out waving a hand in the air worriedly.

"You want to tell him don't you?" Devin asked deep in thought.

"It's not just that I want to tell him or even the fact that I fell I can trust him," Mai began softly placing her hands across her chest with a sigh. "It's more of needing to tell him. If that makes any sense at all," Mai stated confusedly. "I know If told, Lin would keep my secret even from Naru and if needed he would jump in to save me," Mai continued sure of her statement. "It's just that I have this feeling deep down that tells me Lin has some part to play in all of this and that he needs to be told everything," Mai finished her eyes now closed and her hands placed over her heart.

"Just so were on the same page here Mai. You don't have feelings for Lin, Do you?" Devin asked out of the blue causing Mai's eyes open and her mouth to gape wide.

"No! It's not like that at all," Mai comely reassured her bodyguard. "It's just my guts telling me that he needs to know," Mai added softly. "I don't know how to explain it," Mai sighed angrily as Devin put a reassuring hand on her slumped shoulder.

"Having another know besides those two," Devin paused with a sigh while motioning in Kana and Yun's general direction before continuing. "Well having another set of eyes watching over you and being in on the secret is probably for the best. The fact that it's your gut telling you that it wants to tell Lin is even better. He'll be able to not only keep the secret and keep it well, but he'll also be able to pacify Oliver when the time comes," Devin concluded nodded his approval of the plan to Mai.

"Now I just have to find the right time to tell him I guess," Mai sighed as Devin pulled her into a comforting hug before they were interrupted.

"I'm not interrupting anything am I?" Kana wondered teasingly as Devin and Mai both groaned before separating.

'What is with everyone and thinking that something going on with me and every Tom Dick or Harry?' Mai cried out in her head. "No Kana you're not interrupting anything because there's nothing going on," Mai retorted as Kana just smiled waving Mai off with a flick of her hand before turning her attention to Devin.

"Devin you should probably be heading out now if you don't want to be seen. The others should be arriving soon," Kana informed the older man as he glanced down at his watch for conformation of the time.

"Yes indeed. Thank you Kana," Devin replied saying his farewells before making a quick exit.

Shortly after Devin's departure from the house the guests began to arrive. The party was in full swing in no time after that. Kana and Yun were complimented on several occasions throughout the night on a job well done. Monk had even gotten Mai up once or twice to sing whilst he played a tone on his bass guitar.

Several games (apples to apples, poker, and twister) were played during the night as well. All thanks to Monk and Yasu, who in turn thought it, would be funny to harass Naru and Lin into playing twister. To everyone's shock Naru participated without a problem. Lin on the other hand gave in after being told privately by Mai of a bet the Monk and Yasu had between them. Of course Lin joined in at once and once again Mai was on the winning end of the bet sharing her winning again with a smirking Lin.

"Sometimes it's just creepy the way you two gang up on us like that," Yasu pointed out as Mai laughed softly while Lin just shrugged it off.

"What can I say we learn from the best," Mai announced with a wink in Yasu's general direction.

"Oh that's just great Yasu you've converted her," Monk whined as the others joined in Yasu's laughter.

"It's nice at times to let loose and have some fun," Mai stated a wicked smile plastered on her face.

"Indeed it is Mai," Naru agreed as he wrapped his arms around said girl's waist before kissing her cheek.

"You should try it sometime Monk," Lin added causing everyone except Naru and Mai to look on in shock. Several open and closing mouths could be seen but no one spoke.

"How the mighty have fallen," Gene announced finally breaking the silence as Mai, Lin, and Naru burst out laughing.

"Well played," John stated with a grin finally regaining his voice as well rewarding him with nods from Lin and Naru and a bright smile from Mai.

Once everyone had composed themselves and after the game of twister had been all but forgotten Ayako turned the stereo on for a much needed distraction. Dancing soon commenced and the shock from earlier forgotten as Naru and Lin reverted back to their old selves. Mai smiled happily from the center of the make shift dance floor as she watched just about everyone having fun. Off in the corner of the room Mai could see that Lin was deep in thought and not really paying attention to his surroundings.

'I have a feeling I know what going on in that head of his. He's trying to piece the puzzle together. Not going to well without all the pieces from the looks of it,' Mai thought to herself with a sigh. With that thought Mai excused herself from the make shift dance floor and over to where Naru had positioned himself against the far wall.

"Enjoying yourself Mai?" Naru wondered sweetly as he pulled Mai into his arms before kissing her on the lips.

"Yes I am actually," Mai replied just as sweetly after breaking away for air. Her gaze slowly drifting off to Lin's prone form still standing silently in the corner deep in thought.

"Everything alright, Mai?" Naru asked catching her wondering gaze at Lin.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Mai replied waving it of as such before leaning her head on Naru's shoulder.

"Mai I know you and Lin have formed some sort of connection since…." Naru began but was interrupted by one of Mai's finger being placed over his lips.

"It's not what you think. I love you Oliver! What I feel for Lin is… it's…," Mai paused to find the right wording but it was her turn to be interrupted in the form of a passionate kiss from Naru.

"I know Mai. The two of you have been through a lot together the past year. I'm not worried in that regard. I was merely going to state that you possible see Lin as a mentor figure," Naru reassured giving Mai another kiss. "Now get over there and see what you can do to break him out of that shell," Naru ordered playfully pushing Mai in Lin's general direction.

"Lin?" Mai called out softly to the Chinese man standing before her. 'Hmm should I grab Ayako and have her hit him upside the head or maybe Yun so she can enjoy snapping him out of his thoughts,' Mai wondered to herself evilly. 'Nah that would be to mean on both counts, hmmm what to do what to do. Ah Ha!' Mai thought with a snap of her fingers before looking around Lin's still form. "Hello boys," Mai greeted Lin's shiki upon spotting their flying orbs. "Mind snapping him out of his current thoughts and bring him outside when he's finally back?" Mai asked sweetly rewarding herself with several chirps from the shiki in response before heading outside for some fresh air.

Several minutes later Lin joined Mai outside. The two stood silently next to each other for some time neither wanting to break the silence as they gazed at the stars.

"Mai," Lin spoke finally addressing the younger female beside him.

"Took you long enough Lin. You're getting rusty in your old age," Mai teased as Lin grunted crossing his arms in reply. Letting out a long winded sigh Mai faced the once again silent Chinese man. "Penny for your thoughts?" Mai asked sweetly knowing Lin had things on his mind.

"There are a lot of thoughts running through my mind at the moment Mai. Many of which are centered around you," Lin admitted with a sigh a he raked his hand through his hair allowing Mai to glance at both of his eyes.

"Oh?" Mai pushed on in hopes of Lin sharing his thoughts but let out a sigh when the tall Chinese man remained silent. "You know Lin," Mai paused for dramatic effect which she was rewarded with when Lin glanced down at her sharply his one visible eye wide open in near shock as if she was confirming to him his own thoughts. "I consider you one of my closest friends and mentor," Mai continued quickly as Lin visible sighed. 'Well he either thought I was going to confess something to him or I upset him somehow. Maybe he thought I was going to spill everything right then ha as if,' Mai thought evilly. "If you ever need to talk to someone I'm your gal," Mai concluded with a huge smile.

"Many thanks Mai. I will be sure to take you up on that offer one day," Lin replied with a laugh.

"Hey now what's so funny I was being serious?" Mai asked a little taken back that Lin would joke around at a time like this. 'Was it something I said?' Mai wondered to herself before an idea popped into her mind. "Unless you would rather open up to Yun, which probably isn't a good idea considering she'd blab to everyone," Mai smirked knowingly.

"Oh god no, Mai for one I do realize you are being completely serious with your first offer, but talking to Yun well that's completely out of the question," Lin informed a slight smile gracing his lips. "As for the laughing I do apologize it's just someone else said the same thing to me once a long time ago," Lin stated with a longing smile. "Not in so many words thought," Lin added with a grin now plastered on his face.

"It wasn't Gene again was it?" Mai asked in a pout as Lin shook his head no in response allowing Mai to visibly cheer up. "Good it's almost freaky how we respond the same sometimes," Mai indicated as Lin just nodded.

"You actually remind me a lot of her though," Lin remarked as Mai just stared back confused.

"It was a female huh? Hmmm," Mai whispered putting a finger to her chin in thought as Lin continued.

"I'm referring to Yoko Davis, Richard Davis' late wife," Lin stated as he glanced up at the stars missing Mai tense up at the women's name completely.

"Oh Lin I'm sorry," Mai replied after covering up her own grief at the mention of her mother's name.

"It's fine Mai," Lin reassured. "Back then Yoko was always a constant presence in our lives. Not only in the twins lives but to others like Myself, Yun, Kana, and Madoka as well. She cared a great deal about others much like yourself," Lin informed a small sad smile appearing on his face as he spoke of Yoko.

"I know she would be proud of the way we all turned out," Mai quickly reassured giving Lin a bright smile.

'We?' Lin thought confused. 'Mai never met Yoko. She must be referring to everyone in general it's so like the two of them thinking of others before themselves,' Lin thought again smiling back at Mai. "Yes she would be," Lin replied something in the back of his mind wanted to tell Mai that 'Yoko would be proud of her' too but kept those thought to himself for the time being to figure out what they could mean exactly.

"Hey are you two going to just stand out her the whole night or are you coming back in to join the party sometime this year?" Yun's hyper active voice sounded from the now open back door.

"Well I don't know Yun it's so peaceful and quiet out here. What do you think Lin?" Mai teased glancing up at Lin who tried to cover up his laugh with a cough.

"You know I can just get everyone to come outside then," Yun bluntly stated with a smirk.

"That will not be necessary Yun. Mai and I were just about finished here," Lin informed after composing himself and with a small smile directed at Mai the two women ventured back inside to rejoin the party. 'I have some things to piece together before I can speak about this in full to Mai,' Lin added in his mind as more questions arose from their short conversation.

"You do realize Lin's taken right?" Yun asked jokingly to Mai.

"Yun!" Mai cried out glancing at the younger of her guardians in shock who was nearly doubled over in hysterics.

"Joke I- it w-was a-a j-joke," Yun gasped out between laughs and catching her breath.

"HaHaHa, it was so very funny I forgot to laugh," Mai replied coolly as the two entered the living room followed shortly by Lin who lucky didn't hear Yun's attempt at a joke.

Almost an hour later the party came to an end with the remaining people being those who lived there and Naru. Naru having been left behind by Lin upon Mai's request of course. The four began to clean up the mess left over from the party. Kana and Yun where the first to call it a night after finishing cleaning up the kitchen and the dining area. Mai and Naru after finishing in cleaning the living room and putting the furniture back in place headed to Mai's room. Naru and Mai had their fun (aka this is rated T and I'd like to keep it as such, so yeah back to the story ) and after several hour the two finally slept soundly.

Before anyone noticed several weeks had passed since the party and the time for the groups much needed vacation was at hand.

"I'm so excited to see Emme and the Davis' again," Kana announced from her seat next to Gene in the waiting area of the airport.

"Notice how she doesn't even mention her sister," Yun whispered to Mai who let out a soft snort before taking her seat next to Naru.

"Emme, yes you would have to be excited to see her again," Naru sighed coolly as Mai giggled before wrapping her arms around Naru's waist.

"Oh come now Noll cheer up," Gene teased knowingly as Mai glanced between the twins in worry.

"Naru? You seem oh I don't know worried maybe," Mai stated curiously as Naru's arm wrapped tighter around the back of her shoulders.

"He has every right to be so," Yun commented cheerfully as Mai could see Gene visible flinch along with feel Naru do the same thing.

"You will all understand soon enough upon our arrival," Lin reassured with a smirk plastered across his face.

"I don't know about you Mai but this new side of Lin is pretty scary," Monk whispered to Mai as he leaned sideways so that only she could hear.

"Not sure if I would use the word scary though," Mai countered back in a whisper leaning as close to Monk as Naru's now relaxed arm would allow. "Sneaky would be more like it," Mai mumbled to herself catching the mischievous glint in Lin's visible eye.

"Come on now let them have their fun. IT's not every day Naru and Gene return home I'm sure it's just a surprise," John announced from behind Mai and Monk.

"If you think about it though their reactions thus far have been pretty amusing if you ask me," Yasu chimed in as John Monk and Mai couldn't help but nod in agreement before the four burst into fits of laughter.

The group was soon boarded onto the plane and within the hour the plane was in the air. Mai as always passed out her head leaning comfortably on Naru's shoulder. Surprisingly the only ones to stay awake where Gene and Kana. The two with camera's loaded took this time to sneak snap shots of everyone while they slept.

"Gene you do realized Emme and your mom will see these, right," Kana announced evilly upon returning to her seat.

"Oh yea," Gene replied just as evilly before passionately kissing Kana. A snap and click noise was heard before a flash appeared breaking the couple from there kiss.

"Gene!" Kana cried out in shock as the flight attendant appeared in the isle with a smirk.

"Kana keep it down would you people are trying to sleep," Yun mumbled before chucking a pillow at the older guardian sitting before her.

"Here you are sir," the flight attendant stated handing a grinning Gene a camera.

"Thank you, Miss!" Gene replied before glance over at a still shocked. "Yup mum and Emme will love these for sure," Gene commented with a laugh as Kana punched his arm playfully.

"You sure you got a picture of Yun and Yasu?" Kana quickly asked as Gene nodded his head before the two laughed.

"Someone remind me not to take another plane trip with those two again," Monk moaned from across the aisle next to Ayako.

"They're acting like children who just left a candy story," Masako informed her voice slightly muffled due to her kimono sleeve being in her face.

"SHHH!" Several passengers moaned as the plane went silent once again and remained that way for the rest of the flight.

London, Airport:

"I guess we have nothing to worry about," Gene commented with a sigh as they exited the plane and headed for baggage claim.

"Gene sweetie that would be too easy," Kana informed with a laugh as she wrapped her arm around his waist.

"Yea your right," Gene sighed yet again as he joined his brother by baggage claim.

Mai soon joined in the other's excitement of being in a new place while Gene and Naru continued to mope by baggage claim. The group's attention (excluding Naru and Gene) was brought to the far window by the exit where they could see the commotion beginning in the parking lot. The sound of fireworks and a trumpet could be heard loud and clear through the baggage claim area as Naru and Gene groaned softly before noticing the others eagerly glancing out the windows.

"Wow look that one heck of a big welcoming sign," Monk pointed out with a whistle causing Gene and Naru to flinch.

"Didn't think anyone still used fireworks in their welcoming anymore. I pleased to see some people still take part in their culture activities," Ayako spoke in awe yet another reason for the twins to flinch.

"Hey Naru who do you think their waiting for?" Mai piped in without a glance back to make sure Naru was even paying attention.

"The woman looks very familiar but I can't seem to remember where I've seen her before," Masako informed a second later all eyes turned to her in shock and realization.

"Naru could that possible be…Naru?" Mai began but upon turning around to the man in question said man and his twin brother were seen walking further down going in the opposite direction.

"Trying to run boys?" A familiar voice sounded snapping the twins out of their stupor.

"Madoka," Mai and Kana called out happily in greeting rewarding the two with a quick wave and bright smile from said women.

"Now let's go face the music shall we," Madoka announced a little to cheerfully before grabbing an arm on both of the twins and dragging them back towards the others.

"So this is what you where referring too before we left eh Lin," Yasu stated as Lin laughed softly along with the other's

"I never thought I'd see the day Naru would walk away in embarrassment," Monk teased rewarded with more laughter from the group

With everyone now equipped with their own bags the group ventured into the parking lot to face the music that was known as Luella Davis.

TBC...

OMG! i actually updated. i know i know bad me for taking so long to update. I got into reading others fic, other idea's popped into my head along with my muse flying out the window. yea i know enough with the excuses already right. Well i'd just like to say that im sorry it's takin me this long to post. I can't make any promises that the next chapter will be out soon cause i just don't know yet, but i can tell you that the next chapter will be the final chapter in this story. Then it's off to the third installment of the 'Price' series. Which im affraid will probably be put on the back burner in order for me to clear my head of ideas. No worries though cause in the meantime I will be posting another Ghost Hunt story :) I would like to thank everyone who has R&R my story. Your reviews not only put a smile on my voice but they are the reason i continue to write this story :) I'd also like to thank everyone who has put my story on their alert list and their fav's list :) HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER!

I would now like to take this time to send out my thoughts and prayers for those people who have lost someone dear to them during Friday's shooting. I would also like to send out my prayers and thoughts for those who survived, and to those first responders as well. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!