Freak ~Juuzou x Reader AU~

Chapter 1: Promise

"Miss L/N, the doctor would really like for you to eat something," the nurse says, her voice clipped and clear.

She stands, her eyes glued on me - I can feel them - though I lay on my side with my back to her, not caring. I'm not hungry. Not thirsty. Not anything. All I want is to be left alone.

She must notice this and sighs, "Dear...I know you've been through a great deal, but we still don't want to see you waste away to nothing." I can hear her fussing with a tray of something, then: "Oh, investigators. Good morning."

I freeze, sucking my lips in. They're here. Again.

"Good morning," Abara says, his soft tone ringing through my ears.

"How is she today?" Juuzou asks, cutting through the pleasantries.

She sighs, "Still not eating or drinking. Dr. Creech has already ordered for her to have her IV readministered, but if she keeps down this route...well, I'm afraid she might be moved to a different floor." (In the real world, I doubt medical professionals would relay any of this info like this to just anyone, but for the sake of the story, we're going with it.)

I can feel the three of them studying me, almost as if they're waiting for me to snap or interject, but I just don't feel like it. Aside from my throat killing me, I just don't feel up to talking, and I haven't for the last three days.

"If it's alright, we'd like to sit and stay for a while," Abara says, his words being spoken to the nurse, but most likely for me to hear as well.

"I'm not quite sure if she's up for visitors," the nurse huffs. "Miss L/N, is it okay if these two gentlemen stay?"

I say nor do anything. I just remain laying in my bed, my back to them all. I don't want to talk. I have nothing to say.

She breathes, "No reply. Okay. Alright, investigators, feel free to stay. Miss L/N, please press the button if you need anything."

I listen as she pads away, exiting the room, closing the door behind herself, then the scuffle of chairs being moved. Honestly, the noise is irritating, but I dare not move. Not now. Not with them here.

I still can't bring myself to look at them, as much as I want to. And I want to. I want to stop staring out this window, looking at that wide and bleak sky, imaging her out there...somewhere.

My breath catches, a lump of tears pricking my eyes.

I swallow them and tighten my blanket. My chest feels so hollow and empty that it hurts, this ache pulling and tugging, all the while I feel so heavy. I never knew that a human could feel these two contrasts so precisely at the same time, and yet, here I am. Feeling them. Hating them both.

"It's a beautiful day out," Abara says, the hint of a forced smile in his tone. "Though, it's a little muggy."

I say nothing.

"The breeze is nice," he continues. "Would you like to take a stroll?"

I say nothing.

He inhales, "Y/N, I...I know you're feeling so much right now. I can only imagine."

I bury my chin against my chest.

"We are doing everything in -"

"Hanbee," Juuzou interrupts. His tone is light and bored. "I'm thirsty. Could you go get me something from the cafeteria?"

"S-sir. Now?"

"Yeah. It hit me all of the sudden."

Abara pauses before swallowing, "O...okay, sir. Any preferences?"