Declaimer: I don't own Ghost Hunt… just playing around with its characters (bows)

Note: this is my first Ghost Hunt FanFiction… so might as well try to make it a (LinxMai) pairing. Hope that you guys like it so please review.

'Thoughts'

"Mouths moving"

Flash backs or a dream

In the Night

By: CloudsLover

Chapter One

Homecoming

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.

-Chinese Proverb

SPR headquarters

3:00 p.m.

Mai Taniyama was nervous; for the last time she had stood in front of this particular door her heart had been broken. 'Stay strong' she silently told herself as she gathered courage to open the door leading into the place where she had learned that certain type of evils did truly exist 'for you are no longer that naïve child' working for Shibuya Psychic Research had taught her that. 'you are now a wise and somewhat beautiful woman' she slightly regretted her words once her grip tighten on the handle as she finally moved to step inside for they were of no comfort what-so-ever "Hello, anyone here… it's me, Mai" she tried to ignore the slight tension in her voice as she looked around what a few years ago had been her work place "Not much has changed… has it" which caused her to smile and for an unknown reason that was somewhat of a relief.

"I know what I said Ayako" Mai turned to the upcoming footsteps as the anxiety had returned full force "No I will not lower my voice down" Bou-san's voice was easily recognized seeing that she had just spoken to him that very morning not that he was aware of her arrival. "I told you… she didn't say" her giggles that had previously emerged promptly stopped at what Ayako was sure to tell her later had been the miko's attempt of a whisper.

"You can't be secretive to save your life, why start now Bou-san" the office door was swung open revealing two fuming couple and an anxious looking priest "Now tell me… what now?" Ayako asked a bit irritated for it seemed the monk before her wasn't going to give out the information she desperately wanted "You look as if you have just seen a ghost" the feisty red head finally turned to see what had startled the monk into submission and came face to face with the girl she came to see as a younger sister "Mai"

"Everyone…" she couldn't help but blush in embarrassment "I'm back" the last time she had seen them together had been when they had said their brief goodbyes; right after she had graduated high school. She didn't even have the guts to invite them to her graduation ceremony from the university a few months back.

"Welcome back Mai-san" John of course was the first to speak; with his sweet and understanding smile "was the journey here difficult?" this caused her to smile in return for John Brown had always been astute to others feelings.

"Just a bit…" she slightly hesitated before continuing not sure if she should be truthful or not; relying on the former she answered "there were times when I wanted to stop… but I'm here now…" her smile brightened "I missed you guys" this of course brought both Houshou and Ayako out of their shocked state.

"And we missed you" she was quickly embraced by both monk and miko "we are just happy you're back" Ayako offered with a shacking voice which rarely occurred as strong-willed as the red head was.

'Ayako… forgive me' came cross Mai's mind as she held for a moments longer knowing that she had not been fair in her decision 'everyone… please forgive me' for she alone had caused them unnecessary pain.

"That's enough of that Ayako…" Houshou said as he pushed the miko away and held Mai all to himself "Big brother has missed you… yes he has"

"Bou-san" even thou she viewed the older man as a brother, his embrace was still somewhat embarrassing "you can let go now… Bou-san" Mai afford shyly not wanting to hurt his feelings.

"Houshou you're scaring her" Ayako protested as she tried to take Mai away from the holy monk's tight embrace "Bou-san let go" he reluctantly did but not silently.

"I wouldn't be this way if she would have visited more often" which of Mai course felt guilty of, for it had been three years she had last seem them all together.

"Now, now I'm sure Mai-san did her best" John said to Mai's defense which caused her guilt to worsen "Isn't that right Taniyama-san"

"Yes… of course" she said weakly as she avoided any eye contact "I did… call" was her lame excuse; as she finally took a seat on one of the couches which Ayako was quick to sit by her side leaving both of the men to choose their own.

"Really Houshou are you forgetting that Mai did go to some of your main events" Ayako said after seeing the younger girl look somewhat lost for words "now why don't we have a welcome back party to celebrate" to this of course Mai shook her head in protest.

"That's not really necessary" but of course her attempt was quickly outnumbered by the rest "really you don't need to do that" her blush had returned full force along with her shame for she had purposely kept her distance from the people she came to think as family.

"Just humor us Mai…" Mai of course was going to continue to try and change their minds but was interrupted by Ayako who was already prepared with the final blow "we'll have to celebrate you're graduation from the university while we're at it" Ayako Matsuzaki was a woman who knew when to play dirty even if she was a self proclaimed miko and Mai knew she was fighting a losing battle once a smirk passed the older woman's face.

"I still don't think it necessary… but if we are going to celebrate lets go somewhere else" she send them a please do what I asked smile but it was all for nothing as the older woman continued as if she had not spoken.

"That's settled then, Houshou go get us some refreshments" Ayako pointed a well manicured finger towards the monk to do her bidding "for we celebrate"

"That won't be necessary" a deep voice came from the doorway causing the small group to jump at its sudden appearance; for Kazuya Shibuya wasn't one to be ignored lightly and beside him stood Lin Koujo his still very much loyal assistant who had not changed over the years at Mai's first glance "How many times do I have to remind you this isn't your private lounge…" his lecture was interrupted by a cough of giggles; everyone turned to stare at an amused Mai.

"Some things… never… change" Mai let out from in between fits of laughter "still… very much… a…" Lin promptly cleared his throat.

"Tea anyone" not waiting for a response the still tall and mysterious Chinese man left to do just that not before adding "Noll, welcome our guest" Mai of course to this pretended that he had said Naru; for Noll would always remind her of Gene.

'I can't do this' she hoped that no one noticed her reaction for she had yet to fully heal of that heartbreak 'I shouldn't be here' her throat was becoming stiff as her sorrow began to surface.

"Naru sit down and lets all catch up" Bou-san tried to coax their boss to join them but his attempt had been to no avail.

"This place is to conduct business… not social gatherings" without even looking at him Mai was well aware that he was very much displeased with her unexpected arrival.

"Wow there Naru… lighten up man…" Bou-san looked towards younger man and the sister he had unofficially adopted as his own "It's not like we are busy at the moment"

"I have to agree with Takigawa-san here, Shibuya-san…" John looked sadly towards Mai who once more looked deeply hurt at the current situation "Taniyama-san is one of our dearest friends… who we should welcome home without question"

"Have I questioned her" Naru who had always been self controlled of all emotions was having a little bit of trouble holding back his irritation "Or have you all decided to forget" to this she meet his heated gaze as the room fell into silence; after a moment unable to bare to stare into eyes that would always remind her of another she sighed "She's the one…"

"That's enough…" if Lin hadn't been standing beside her she might not have heard him say "welcome back" for her ears only causing her to send him a sad smile as he handed her a warm cup of tea; both knowing that her return to the company had yet to be finalized for Naru had the final say in the matter and by the look of things she highly doubted that he was even willing to reassign her now or ever.

"Thank you" she hoped that he was aware that it wasn't for the tea but for his well-timed return; Lin gave a simple nod very much aware of her current discomfort and hoped that the tea would calm her nerves "But I think I have over stayed my welcome" she stood as Lin distributed the rest of the cups to those who were currently seated a job that once had been hers.

"But…" both the monk and miko looked at her in alarm "you just got here" Ayako was of course the one to finish while Bou-san looked on in confusion.

The door to the office opened once more "Excuse me… forgive the intrusion" causing Mai to sigh in defeat for it seemed she wasn't able to escape "I desperately need of your assistance" for there before her stood the women Gene had urgently sent her to help.

Mai was first to speak "Hiro-san" obtaining the attention of the whole SPR team and that of their newcomer "Welcome to SPR" it was very much apparent that Mai's return was not accidental.

"How… How do you know my name" was a question everyone in the room seemed to want to know "Have we met before" Mai just smiled as she shook her head.

"Please forgive me Hiro-san it was not my intention to have startled you" Mai smile seemed to ease the startled woman's nerves "Naru… aren't you going to welcome our new guest" Mai's smile widen at Naru's stone expression.

"Mai…" Naru's deep voice held a hint of regret or perhaps uncertainty "tea" a single word as insignificant as it might be to others to those who were currently present it meant that the SPR group was coming together once more.

To Be Continue!

Author's Note: Slow start I know but I hope it's at least a good start CloudsLover

P.S. don't be shy and review (bows)