Disclaimer: I don't own Ghost hunt, the Anime nor the Manga

Bon Appetit!

Chapter 1: Case 1

"Well then, your recovery seems to be coming along very well, just make sure you stay off it for two more weeks, and you should be able to get that cast off next time we meet." The doctor voiced with a smile.

"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you so much for taking care of me." Mai said bowing as much as her crutches would allow. With that, the doctor smiled endearingly and made her exit.

'Only two more weeks, thank God. Seems like these past few weeks have been hell! Why are these spirits always attaching me? Naru's been so uptight about my injury, he hasn't even taken any cases since I was hurt on the last one.' Mai sighed to herself as she did her best to get dressed with the boot on her leg. Once Mai was finally dressed she quickly checked her appearance in the mirror.

Her hair had grown since Naru had arrived back from England, and she could now put it into a high ponytail that reached the bottom of her neck. She was no longer the small girl she was upon his departure from Japan, both mentally and physically. She had grown from her place at Monk's chest to his shoulder, and according to her friends had filled out well. She'd also studied hard enough to become the top of her class, and was hoping for some scholarships for her entry into college. Not that she had much choice. It would be the only way she could dream to afford it.

'I wonder if Oliver-san has even noticed.' Was Mai's last thought before hobbling out of the doctor's office, down the hall, and into the lobby where two stoic men lay and wait. Upon seeing her struggling to exit the hall, Lin rose to hold the door open for her.

"Thanks, Lin. Ha! You'd think after two months of having these things I'd actually learn some coordination." Mai said watching Naru sigh at the sight of her. Ever since the last case everyone, including Masako, insisted that she move in with Lin and young professor because of her newly acquired handicap. Of course, Mai utterly refused because she'd already been a burden to the group since they refused to even let her pay her own medical bills! Mai was thankful but knew she'd have to find a way to pay them all back. After two weeks of badgering her, Yasuhara and Monk had taken drastic action.

She could still remember her complete surprise at finding her entire apartment packed into boxes after coming home from work one night, and her landlord wishing her a tearful goodbye. Not long after a group of movers took all her things into a van and the stoic duo had taken her into their home by force. Not that this event was totally out of the blue since only a week before she'd fallen into oncoming traffic and had her watch stolen too.

'I have no doubt that as soon as the word sneaky was included Yasu was totally down for a sneak attack, that rat!' Mai clenched her fist and a vein popped out of her forehead.

"Mai!"

"Wha- Sorry Naru, what were you saying?" Mai replied entirely too wrapped in reminiscing to hear her boss's words.

"I asked you how did you English test go?" He repeated, annoyance underlying his tone.

"I got a perfect score of course! It's hardly fair to the other students that I have two of the best English tutors." Mai said with pride to the two men.

"Why thank you Mai, your compliments are appreciated. Although, you're a very good student, so it's a pleasure to help out." Lin replied as he pulled infront of their downtown apartment.

"Hey Naru." The boy sighed as if he already knew the topic she'd be bringing up.

'I wouldn't be surprised if he could read minds.' Mai pondering as a passing thought.

"Yes Mai." He replied reluctantly.

"Are you going to take John's case?" Mai asked as he opened the van door and put his hand out to help her down.

"I'm not sure Mai." He replied as he didn't dare meet her gaze.

Mai rolled her eyes. " And why is that Mr. Davis?"

Naru looked at her and narrowed his eyes at the use of his true identity, Mai hobbled just behind him and Lin. Lin held the elevator for her to enter; patient and silent as always.

"It may be too hazardous for the team to investigate this one, seeing as others have tried and failed with near fatal wounds."

'Oh please, as if that has ever stopped you.' Lin thought to himself.

"Too hazardous for the team or too hazardous for me? You don't have too coddle me you know Naru! I know you've been turning down cases left and right just because I'm injured. John has always been there for us when we needed him to most. We can't just leave him high and dry when he needs our help!" Mai voiced her face reddening with anger.

Lin smirked as the elevator opened on he pulled out the keys.

'Don't worry Mai, now that you're asking he'll definitely cave for sure.' The omniyoji smirked doing his best to stay out of the argument.

Noll pinched his nose bridge feeling a headache coming on. "Don't you think I know that Mai, but you weren't the only one wounded on the last case. You were definitely not the only one who needed time to recuperate, and besides the circumstances of the case would put you specifically in danger before we even arrived. What kind of employer would I be if I went in knowing this?" Naru asserted.

As soon as Lin opened the door, rested his things on the couch and started making dinner for bickering bunch. Naru headed towards his room, but Mai grabbed his wrist before he could escape. At this the scientist stopped suddenly and turned around, and noticed the girl dropped a crutch in her efforts to stop him.

"Naru, think about why you're in this line of work. You always try to chock it up to being super smart and liking detective work, but don't think that four years of being your assistant hasn't made me wise to who you really are. You're very kind at heart and you love to help people in need. You love your job and you always protect your friends so fiercely that we all have faith in you. Right now one of those friends is pleading for your help, can you honestly look at John and refuse him?" Mai asked so earnestly Naru couldn't help but turn and look at her.

There was a silence between the two that only lasted ten seconds, but it felt more like five minutes. Even Lin looked up from his preparations to see what would transpire amid the two.

"There will be several conditions."

"HOORAY!" A jumped up on one leg and hugged him before quickly realizing the situation and backing away and forgetting her missing crutch and nearly falling to the floor. Naru quickly grabbed her waist and steadied her.

"Calm down Mai before your hurt yourself. Besides you haven't even heard the conditions yet." Naru said finding it nearly impossible to understand someone who needed so little reasoning.

"I don't care, you accepted! I can't wait to call John and let him know! He'll be so relieved and I know this will be stress off of his shoulders." Mai said happily as she graciously accepted her crutches from Naru and sat on the couch to call the priest immediately.

'This girl is going to be the end of me.' Naru thought to himself as he smiled at the girl and continued on his path to his room mentally prepping for the case to come.