Freak ~Juuzou x Reader AU~

Chapter 19: Like an Angel

"That is so wonderful to hear!" Mrs. Warner beams, the sound of the smile on her face bright in her tone. "This is wonderful news, Y/N. Oh, I can't express how relieved and happy I am. Though, I'm sure the way I'm feeling pales in comparison to your own."

She's not wrong. Not completely. I don't doubt for a minute her feelings. After all, Mrs. Warner is more than just my landlord and Rui's babysitter. She is more of a grandmother to Rui than anyone else. From the time I moved into that apartment, she has been there. She has watched Rui grow. And given she doesn't get to see her own children and grandchildren often; I know Rui means just as much to her.

But she's still not wrong.

The way I'm feeling... Obviously, until Rui is physically in my arms, where I can feel her little heartbeat against me, a cloud of apprehension will still linger. Because until she is in my arms, she is not here. Not with me. Not yet. But when she is...God, when she is, then and only then will all be right again. Then and only then will I be able to be okay.

That all said, after my meeting with Juuzou and Abara, I can't help but feel this...lightness in the air again. One that makes the air breathable and my heart flutter. One that I was beginning to watch slip before.

So, yes. Mrs. Warner is relieved and happy, but she's right. Her feelings do pale compared to mine. Because at the end of the day, Rui is my child.

My world.

"Did they happen to say how long before they move forward with their plan?" she presses.

I relax a little bit more into the suite's sofa, sighing, "They said they hope to act by the end of next week."

"Next week? Why not now?"

"I asked the same thing. According to Abara, they want to make sure they have all the personnel and tools they need."

"That makes sense, I suppose," she says, then there is a moment of silence. Silence where I can feel the weight of a forming question. Then: "But, uh, who's Abara? That's a very unique name."

Oh, yeah. I forgot. Unlike me, Mrs. Warner isn't familiar with Juuzou and Abara. She's seen them and was interviewed after the attack, but she isn't on a first-name basis with them. In fact, I wouldn't find it surprising if she's forgotten their names altogether.

"Oh. He's the second in command of this case. He's also a member of the Juuzou Suzuya squad. Oh, and Juuzou is the highest-ranking officer of the TSC."

"Oh, my. And is this Juuzou fellow also helping?"

"Yes. He's leading it."

Which isn't a lie. He is leading the case. That is true. And having someone as experienced and high up in the TSC as him spearing the way is what's allowed me to remain as optimistic as I have been. Well, maybe optimistic isn't the right word. It's allowed me to function.

"Well, that's even better! A high-ranking member leading this case will surely bring her home. Not a doubt in my mind."

I smile, "Yeah. He's really reassured me. On more than one occasion."

Those words roll off my tongue and I realize, that's the truth. Ever since all this happened – even before it happened – he seemed to always be there. Always watching with observant eyes. Always, in some sense, keeping an eye on me. On Rui, too. And after the attack, he has continued to reassure me, promising me that they'll bring her home.

Over and over. That's what he's done.

Mrs. Warner continues. "Oh? On more than one occasion? Are you two...close?"

I jolt at this. "W-what? C-close?"

"I mean, I don't know him very well, but I have seen him around. In fact, when you first came home from the hospital, he came to talk to you. He seems like a nice fellow, and almost like he already knew you. Though, I didn't pry. That said, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious."

How did we get here? When did we get here? This is one hell of a leap. I just shake my head.

"We...met through a chance encounter, but in short, yes, we kind of know each other. Kind of."

"Wait, is he the man who rescued you from those ghouls when you were walking home?"

"Yes."

It's strange to revisit that now. I mean, it feels as if it happened so long ago. Almost as if it were a lifetime ago, but no. It hasn't been that long. Not really. In reality, it's been, what? Two months? Give or take?

That's not long. Not compared to a lifetime.

Still...two months. Has it really been two months? I met him in the early summer. Here soon, the seasons will be changing to fall. In the coming weeks. It doesn't feel real. Not completely.

"That happened a while ago," Mrs. Warner says, her voice pulling me back from my thoughts. "My. He's almost like a hero. No...wait. Maybe not a hero."

I roll my eyes. "Mrs. Warner, he was only doing his job."

"I've got it!" she erupts, not seeming to hear me. "An angel. That's what he is."

Almost immediately, my mouth clams shut, any response I could possibly give suddenly lodged in my throat. But it is a brief silence that I quickly swallow.

"T-that's...a big thing to call him," I stammer, still stupefied.

I can hear Mrs. Warner take my words and roll them around before responding. "Maybe, but it's not a lie. Not if he has saved you twice and is in the midst of saving Rui. As far as I'm concerned, he's an angel. Wouldn't you agree?"

I think about it. If I'm being honest, Juuzou saving me and preparing to save Rui is a part of his job. That's what he does. He goes after dangerous ghouls and saves people. So, if there was a title that fits that description, a hero would be it. That's what I would call him.

Then Juuzou's face flashes through my mind. Abruptly and fast. But it's there just long enough.

Messy, disheveled ebony locks that whisk in the breeze and deep ruby eyes that glimmer in the light. Brilliant red X's stitched under his bottom lip and skin fair as virgin snow. Delicate features that teeter between masculine and feminine, giving him an androgynous appearance that matches the unusual swing of his behavior, childish yet so serious.

My cheeks flush as I clear my throat. "Well, I mean...I guess, in a sense, he is a bit of an angel. A little."

"He is, and I just know he'll bring her home, Y/N. He will."

And she's right. He will. I know he will. But...

Why are my cheeks burning this much?

**Ello lovelies! So, a bit of a filler today, with a little chat between Y/N and Mrs. Warner. It seems both are hopeful that Juuzou will find Rui. Do you believe he will? Stay tuned to find out! Boy. Where I'm at right now to type, I can hear one of the puppies barking. They're playing, but wow. He is a barky boy. But at least they're in the other room lol. But, as always, thank you so much for joining for another chapter! Y'all are awesome sauce! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross