All is fair in love and war.

I don't own ghost hunt

'So he's gone' Mai was thinking, she was in her room, alone. It had been a year exactly since the confession, the rejection and leaving forever. Mai had started to throw herself into her school work and her new job, at the restaurant. She was not sleeping well, or eating well. She hadn't seen everyone from SPR since Naru left. Every night when she was trying to sleep was the time she would spend thinking about Naru. She was throwing herself in her work so she wouldn't have time to think such things. Mai had been getting better slowly but the hole in her heart would never truly heal.

'I had always hoped he was, I don't know, I hoped he at least cared for me. I wanted him to love me like I loved him but... I guess it was stupid me thinking that someone like him could... love a girl like me' she told herself, even though everyone around her knew otherwise and even told her many times she was worth more than just his time but his love as well.

Mai felt a silent tear roll down her cheek. She couldn't stop herself from crying but who could blame her, it was exactly a year ago.

'Me or gene' that was the question that, as simple as it seems, broke her heart in two. She buried her head in her pillow and wept. This is how she got to sleep at night, she cried herself to sleep, all because of her old boss who was to concerned of what people think of him to even tell her what she was too him.

Naru was in his office back at home. He hadn't even got a case remotely interesting and he was easily upset with it. He remembered how he and his old co-workers would work together on cases. No, that didn't seem right, they are more than just 'co-workers' they are friends of his. They may not know this but they wormed their way into Naru's life. The people Naru use to work with had pushed their way though Naru's many barriers and had earned his respect. The only one who didn't push was the one dearest to him, Mai. She didn't force her way into Naru's life-like everyone else but never the less she played a big part.

Naru was looking at a case what yet again was not worth his time. He sipped his tea. 'This... it's not right... it's not Mai's tea' he was upset to say the least, tea is tea right. No, Mai always put love and care in everything she did. Oh no, he is thinking about her again, he hasn't got time for her now, he had work to do.

Mai had gotten up and was getting ready for school. She always felt better after crying all night but she hadn't slept properly since Naru turned her down. She had a shower and got into her school clothes. She didn't want to go to school, she had tried her best to put up with it but she was failing and it was clear to everyone around her. Two of Mai's best friends had also noticed something was off and they knew she loved Naru already, they had confronted her and now knew everything.

Mai hadn't been eating properly and she knew she had to at least try to eat something, so had started eating breakfast again but she had very little. She had lost a bit of weight and wasn't looking healthy and it was clear for all to see.

Mai then left for school and then met up with one of her friends. Mai didn't want to talk but her friend Michiru was concerned so Mai decided to reassure her.

"Hey Mai" greeted the cheery girl "Are you going on the trip?" She asked.

"Oh, if I get the money in time" Mai replied with a fake smile.

"Didn't they say you didn't have to pay, because of your situation?" Michiru questioned noticing her fake smile but she left it knowing Mai didn't want to talk about it.

"Yes, but I'm not useless so I can at least help pay" Mai said not liking being pitied or liking people's charity.

"Fine but don't over work yourself, I wouldn't like to see you getting hurt" Michiru hugged Mai and ran off, waving as she did. Mai waved back and carried on with her long walk to school.

After Mai arrived she kept to herself. She didn't want to have anyone's company since she didn't want to lose anyone else. It may sound silly but Mai had the feeling that everyone she ever cares for ends up leaving her. She decided if she didn't get close to anyone it didn't matter if they left.

"Miss Taniyama, can I talk to you for a second?" Asked Mai's English teacher. Mai walked to the teacher's desk having no clue about why she was needed.

"Yes sir?" Mai answered politely, knowing it's not smart to argue with a teacher.

"There is extra money left for the trip and we would like to pay for you to go. After your exams in my class went through the roof it would be a shame if you couldn't make it" The teacher informed, knowing that Mai didn't want any charity.

"I don't know. I would like to pay myself but I can't get the money in time. Could I pay the rest after the trip please, I want to go but it's not fair if the school pays" Mai suggested. She got people telling her that her getting special treatment wasn't fair, and she didn't like it one bit.

"How about we pay and you can put money towards it if you so wish" The teacher was a very kind and knew about Mai's situation.

"O-ok" Mai said hesitantly knowing it was the best way and she could still pay.

Mai went though the school day not once talking to anyone unless being spoken to. She did all her work and in her free time. Mai sat under the old tree in the field to read. Mai's grades where growing fast but she didn't care.

After school Mai went home for the holiday, feeling empty inside. Mai never met up with any of SPR or anyone else. She just studied or went to work. Mai's new job was at a restaurant and her hours were five till nine on school days and two till nine in the holidays. Mai left for work at half four to make it for five.

"Mai, it's good to see you, can you start with setting the tables?" Mai's boss Aoi asked when she saw Mai enter. (On time)

"Sure, let me just put my bag away and get changed" Mai left the room to the locker she had. She pulled out her waitress outfit and placed her bag on the shelf. She then left for the bosses office so she could get changed. Her outfit was a knee-length, short sleeves, black frilly dress with an apron. After Mai was changed she started to reset the tables. It doesn't open till half past so Mai was just preparing the tables for now.

Mai ran around the room setting the tables in minutes. She was lightning compared to the other workers. She then folded the napkins for tables into fan shapes. After she had finished all that tables and did a quick clean of the kitchen. The restaurant was open and the first few customers flocked in.

Mai and another girl were taking orders. Mai not once making a mistake, but the other girl had already messed up an order in he first half an hour. Mai, of course, fixed it by sorting the order and giving the poor out-raged customer a 30% discount.

"Hey, can we get some service?" A man yelled from one of the tables by the window. Mai ran to the table, not even looking at the man. She didn't notice how familiar it was.

"I'm very sorry sir" Mai apologised, with her head bowed "May I take your or-" Mai stopped dead in her tracks. The man looked at her and his eye's widened. "Monk?" Mai then looked at the other side of the table and noticed "Ayako?"

"Mai? You- is that you?" Monk asked in a hushed tone, as if he didn't know the words he wanted to say. Mai just nodded and Monk bolted out his seat and hugged her tightly. Ayako wacked him round the head.

"Save some Mai hugs for me" Ayako scolded, taking Mai, and hugging her. This time she could breathe.

"Ayako, Monk... its been... so long. I don't know what to say" Mai hugged them both tightly, and tears fell from her eyes.

"Mai, when does your shift end?" Ayako asked, spoiling the moment.

"Now if you like? You work too hard and haven't had a break, also we have the new girl" Aoi encouraged. She was a little worried about Mai. She always worked too much, keeping a professional distance from everyone.

"New girl has a name" The new girl yelled.

"Go on Mai, have fun" Aoi said giving Mai her pay. "And it's pay-day"

"But I need the hours to pay my rent" Mai argued, but hating saying it. It was like asking for money.

"Well you are my best employee, so we are giving you a raise, that should tie you over" Aoi informed, somewhat nonchalantly, giving her a motherly smile but nothing like Ayako's. Mai didn't know what to say.

"Mai, you get changed and we will all go out for coffee" Ayako suggested. Mai smiled, nodded and bolted out the room to get changed. She came out minuets later in a floral white top and a frilly black skirt. She took down her hair and brushed it to one side, with a side fringe. Mai walked out remembering the last time she saw them. She smiled at them warmly and shoved the old memory out of her head.

"Wow Mai, you look all grown up" Monk whispered, as if he was about to cry about it.

"And the smile compleat the look Mai, I missed your smile" Ayako added, hugging her again. She looked slightly overwhelmed. They said goodbye and thank you to the manager and then left.

"So where are we going?" Mai asked knowing they could have stopped at the last three coffee shops.

"I have a friend who works at a café, so we are going there" Ayako lied. They where walking arm in arm with each other like teenage girls, but it didn't bother them.

"Ayako why were you and Monk in the restaurant?" Mai asked with a sly smile. Both Monk and Ayako blushed slightly. "Oh, you two are dating!" Mai yelled excitedly.

"What's it to yah, noisy" Monk joked messing up Mai's hair. Mai stepped back and gave him a warning glare.

"MONK, YOU DO NOT TOUCH THE HAIR!" Mai seethed calmly, that only made her look more scary. Monk jumped and hid behind Ayako.

"My hero" Ayako muttered, helping Mai fix her hair. "We're here!" Ayako cheered, pointing across the road to the coffee shop. The three crossed the road and went into the shop. Mai didn't notice them across the road, but as soon as she saw them nearly started crying. There was Masako, John and Yasu. They were all just sitting there untill Mai, Ayako and Monk approached. Yasu stood up and walked up to Mai, not recognizing her. She had grown her hair and wore it to the side and now looked different. More grown up.

"Now who is this Monk?" Yasu asked. Yasu didn't notice Masako's and John's eyes widen. Mai was now speechless. Yasu lent down to inspect Mai, and as he did he noticed the brilliant brown eyes, that could be recognised a mile of. "Mai? Is that you?" Yasu asked. His eyes as wide as Masako's and John's.

"Yasu!" Mai yelled and hugged him, after a second or two Yasu hugged back. "I missed you, all of you, so much" Mai said as a tear rolled down her cheek. Mai let him go and hugged John.

"We missed you too Mai" John whispered next to her ear in a comforting tone. Mai then hesitantly hugged Masako. Masako excepted the hug and hugged Mai back. They no longer had a reason to fight because there no longer love rivals.

"Mai sit down, we will order something and then you can tell us what we have missed in your life" Monk suggested and they did exactly that. They got tea or coffee and a slice of cake each.

After they ordered and everyone one was seated, they started talking about what they have missed over the year.

"So Mai, anything new in school?" Monk started, being Mai doesn't tell them anything unless they ask.

"Not really, but there is a school trip coming up" Mai told them, shrugging her shoulders as if it was no big deal.

"Oh cool, where too? The museum of something?" Ayako asked, thinking about her school credibility before hand.

"Yeah. Well we will go to some of them. In England" Mai answered as if it was nothing to fuss over.

"What!" Monk, Ayako, Yasu and Masako yelled. John was surprised but didn't feel the need to shout about it.

"The trip is next week" Mai informed smiling warmly at everyone.

"Can I come? I haven't ever been to England but I have always wanted to" Yasu asked as if there was even a chance Mai could invite him.

"Well you can't come with us and we would be in class a lot. Apart from that, if you have the money, there is nothing stopping you" Mai teased, knowing that Yasu most likely didn't have the money to spend.

"Can't I just hide in your luggage?" Yasu asked, pouting like a child.

"Oh so Mai does have friends, or do they just feel sorry for her" A girl commented, as if she was ment to whisper it loudly for all the table to hear. She was walking with (Or more like dragging) a guy Mai use to date. Takagawa stood up as if he was about to brack someone.

"How dare you insult Mai-Ch-!" Monk started when Masako stood up and put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

"Noreo! Masako Hara! Why are you two hanging out with that loser" The girl questioned bitterly and practically spat at 'loser'.

"First of all Mai is OUR friend. Secondly we have worked with her for a long time and know what kind of person she is. Thirdly she is twice the person you will EVER be and lastly WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO SAID WHO WE CAN AND CAN'T TALK TO. I SUGGEST YOU WALK AWAY AND YOU WALK AWAY NOW!" Masako spat the word at them and raised her voice, and stayed calm which made her sound scary.

The girl, boy she was dragging and the whole table just looked shocked at her. John took her hand in his in an attempt to calm her down. John looked at her with pleading eyes because he didn't like fights of any kind.

"Whatever, get over yourself you fake medium. I never liked your show anyway" The girl snapped back as if determined not to lose because she just can't live if she did. Somewhere in that, Mai snapped as she stood up.

"I can deal with you insulting me!" Mai informed in such a way that said don't mess with me. "BUT DON'T YOU EVER INSULT MY FRIENDS!" Mai yelled, not noticing how the table started shaking violently as well as the cups and plates. Everyone looked at her in compleat shock.

"Mai, stop you need to calm down or you might hurt yourself!" Monk told her with a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"She a freak!" The girl yelled running out the café before she made matters worse. Everything stopped shaking. Mai had to sit down because she felt drained of any energy.

"Mai? Are you ok?" Ayako asked concern lacing her words. Mai looked down and nodded.

"Yeah Mai, when did your power get so strong?" Monk asked, looking into her big caramel eyes that were now empty.

"About a year ago" Mai said in an almost silent whisper.

"When he left?" Masako asked in the same calming whisper.

"I need to go pack" Mai said, placing down money and picking up her bag.

"Mai at least let us give you a lift, you look drained and I'm afraid I wouldn't sleep well at night if I didn't" Ayako asked with pleading eyes. Mai tried to get up but when she struggled she knew she wouldn't be able to walk home.

"Thank you Ayako" Mai thanked, observing how Ayako's face lit up. Ayako got up and so did Monk. They said there goodbyes and then they were on their way.

"So it's been a year today. I'm sorry Mai, I know he ment a lot to you" Monk decided to brack the silence that loom over the car for the last 5 minuets or so.

"It not your fault Monk. Thank you for sticking up for me early" Mai looking down at her hands.

"Don't be silly Mai, we got your back" Monk smiled, looking at Mai through the mirror. He notice the silent tear roll down Mai's cheek.

"Thank you" Mai muttered.

Once Mai got home she had a shower and got into her night-clothes. She packed her bags for England and went to bed. She didn't let her mind wander to Naru and instead had a full night sleep.

Mai did very little over the week. She went to work, over time as well. (She did it every holiday) When she got home she studied or she would read a book. She got loads of calls from her old SPR family including Masako once and John once or twice because they were worried. Each time she would reassure them that she was ok and then turn down any offers they make to go somewhere or for them to go to see her.

The next day was the day of the trip and because it was sunday she didn't have work. She had decided to check her stuff that she had packed and then if she needed anything she was going to get it from town as some last-minute shopping. There was a knock on the door as Mai came out of the bathroom after her shower. She raced to the door and met with a familiar red-head. She was holding a large bag.

"Ayako? What are you doing here?" Mai asked with a sad smile. She was happy to see Ayako but she didn't want to get close to them again because she knew she would only be dragged away.

"Your leaving tomorrow and I need to make sure you have everything you need" Ayako said with a smile.

"I think I have everything. Do you want to come in?" Mai asked out of politeness.

"Yes, thank you" Ayako thanked as she followed Mai inside and sat on the bed next to Mai's open bag. "Do you have a winter coat because I don't see one? It can get very cold in England" Ayako asked in a motherly fashion.

"No, I'll have to go to town and get one then. Thank you for reminding me" Mai thanked.

"Well let me come with you. I have to get a few things and I would love the company" Ayako asked with pleading eyes.

"Oh, ok if you like" Mai said happy Ayako offered.

"Oh and Mai I brought some old clothes that should fit you. Most of them I only wore once" Ayako said opening the bag and showing Mai some of the contents. They are all brand new but if Mai found out she wouldn't accept them.

One of the tops stood out for Mai because it said London on it and had an image of the London Eye and Big Ben on it. Mai grow cures but knowing Ayako she went to England and got it there. There was also a some hoodies that are Mai's style and genes and legends. (Ayako didn't get Mai any skirts because it is cold in England and because she once noticed a guy look too long at Mai legs)

"Are you sure Ayako? They look new, is it really ok if I have these?" Mai asked not comfortable with this.

"Yes I'm sure. Please take them Mai because

you're the reason I haven't thrown them away" Ayako used her weakness. Making her think that not taking the clothes will burden her more.

"Thank you Ayako" Mai fell for it "I'll get my coat and we can go" Mai said leaving to go to her room. Ayako took and envelope and stuffed it into one of her bag pockets. She lent away from the bag and Mai returned.

"Lets go" Ayako said with a smaller hand bag.

Earlier that week

"So what are we going to do, Mai doesn't want out help" Monk asked Ayako, Masako, John and Yasu.

"Well we could just pretend we have old stuff that she just so happens to need" Ayako suggested.

"No, if they looked new she would still turn them down" Masako interjected.

"Well she needs some kind of push. Tell her you saved them just for her and make it sound like they have burdened you having them in your care. She will except it, if she believes it will burden you more if she didn't" Yasu intelligently suggested much to no one's surprise.

"That makes sence and would work. Have you been stoking Mai-Chan or something?" Monk asked with fake suspicion as if there was a real chance it was true.

"Why would I do that? If I did that I wouldn't have any time to spend with you" Yasu said pushing up his glasses and making them, as well as his teeth, gleam.

"That's creepy so SHUT UP!" Monk yelled. They were in the café they met Mai in and at Monks sudden out burst everyone looked at them as if they were all crazy.

"I'm not the one shouting" Yasu noted and everyone glared at Monk.

Present day

Mai was dragged into store after store but hardly drought anything or let Ayako buy her anything. She didn't always win because Ayako brought her a new coat, new shoes, a new dress and a new bag. Ayako said this was her birthday and christmas presents that she missed. Mai had brought them all birthday and christmas presents just in case she saw them again but forgot about them till now. She was going to give them, them once she returned home. She might have to wait till she returned for England. Mai and Ayako were now in a café (that Mai recommended) with a coffee and a snack.

"Ayako, you said you needed to go to town but you haven't brought anything for yourself" Mai finally noted. She would go with Ayako to the places she needed as well.

Ayako wasn't lying when she said she needed to go to town. Well she didn't need to really. By need she ment wanted and by 'get a few things' she ment get Mai a few things.

"Have you got everything you need?" Ayako invaded her point. She fought if it worked with Naru, then she should give it a try.

"Oh, yes I think" Mai said thumbing through her bag. It worked. But Ayako know as soon as Mai worked out she was tricked, she would demand an answer. Ayako rattled her brain for something that would satisfy Mai. "Yes I have everything but you still haven't answered my question" Mai re-noted sooner than expected.

"Well I was going to return a pair of shoes. They broke before I even put them on. I left them at home so I will return them when I go town tomorrow. You know, after I have taken you to the airport so you can meet up with your school meet your school" Ayako informed nonchalantly. Maybe Mai wouldn't notice. Mai sipped her tea while processing what was just said.

"Oh... Wait, I'm taking a taxi to the airport" Mai raise her voice a brow as she spoke.

"Oh no you're not! Me and Bon-san are driving you and that is final" Ayako said in a warning tone that left no room for argument.