The nightmare never ends.

Chapter 1 - It begins

Mai's POV

It's been 4 years since I met Naru and joined SPR. Since that time, I would like to think that I have grown not only in height but maturity as well. Well I sure hope so anyway, I wouldn't want to start Todai with an attitude that rivals a 4 year old child - well that's what Naru says. Speaking of Naru, he is still the same narcissistic, self involved, tea-loving jerk on the planet but I have to admit he has changed over the last few years. A very tiny change. He drinks 10 cups of Earl grey a day. Isn't that amazing!! He has cut down by like 50.

He has gotten a bit taller too, not like he wasn't tall enough already the God's just had to increase his narcissism by 10 fold as he can now  continuously makes fun of my height. He still wears dark clothes too - we even tried to get him to wear a navy shirt but he just plain refused and threatened our paychecks for the month - that instantly got us to back off. Who knew he was so touchy about it? Besides, he's not Naru without his Dark clothing, that to me is a perfect contrast to those stunning indigo eyes.

The gang hasn't changed much either. John is still the sweetest exorcist known to man kind, Ayako and Monk still haven't gotten together but they still fight like an old married couple. Masako still hates me and still has her eyes on Naru. Yasu is still the goofy college kid but the one who changed a lot was Lin. Over the years he has become a kind of father figure to me, he helped control my astral projection and clairvoyance, taught me English and even looked after me with Naru after I collapsed at work for working too hard during my final exams. It was a stressful time for me but I managed to pass with the highest grades of my class. When I got my acceptance letter, I was so shocked that I was late for work by exactly 4 hours and 27 minutes.

Naru was furious with me of course but as soon as he saw my smile as I bounded towards him with the letter it became furious to curious - like a puppy. I practically through my letter at him and as soon as he looked at it a new emotion filtered across his face. one I had never seen before. There was no mistaking it, he was proud of me. He even called for Lin who was just as proud but with him I got hug. From Naru I got one of those super rare smiles and a demand for tea. yup! TEA!

I was so happy that I didn't even complain and got straight to work.

I am a lost cause though as I am still hopelessly in love with that narcissistic ass. After the whole 'Me or Gene?' thing, Naru became a little cold toward me but it faded after a while and we became quite close. Really close. He became quite protective over me, the sweet kind, not possessive. About 2 years ago some robberies occurred in my neighborhood and because I didn't have an alarm, a dog or a roommate, Naru made me move in with him until he was caught.

After that, Naru always protected me whether it was from the spirits on cases or from that preppy bitch Sakura from high school, the one who bullied me for being a 'freak' and hanging around with 'mental people'. He got me through it.

However I have a feeling that it's all about to change.