Freak ~Juuzou x Reader AU~

Chapter 24: Turn On the TV

It's cool.

The late summer, while smothering hot during the day, is crisp and cool in the evening, the scent of potential rain teetering on each breeze. It feels nice, each gust like a sweet kiss peppering my face as a fresh scent fills my nose.

Above, the sky is fading to a deep blue as tints of fleeting pink dust over the clouds. A long streak of gold is nearly under the horizon, the streetlamps flickering to life. Night is among the air.

"Here you go," Clay says, passing me a cup of something steaming. "Be careful, though. It's a tad hot."

I flash a small smile, taking the cup. Its heat feels so nice and comforting against my skin, even though I'm nowhere near cold. Still, with everything going on, this is nice.

"Thank you," I say, taking a gulp of the steaming beverage. Tea (or whatever hot drink you like). It's tea. Bitter, yet sweet. "I appreciate this...though, you didn't need to do this."

He steps closer to the railing, leaning against it as he presses the rim of his cup to his lips, then shrugs. "I know. I don't really need to do anything." He glances at me, the corner of his lips slightly drawn up. "But I wanted to."

A red tint of warmth brushes my cheeks as my heart flutters. This man... He causes my body to react in the strangest of ways. And it's nice. Really, it is. On any regular evening, I'd relish it. However, not tonight. Not wholly.

Tonight, my thoughts are too distracted. Too fixated elsewhere. Too busy racing right back to Rui. Waiting. Anticipating how everything will go. And I'm sure Clay can sense that.

He stands, loose hairs whisking in the breeze, studying me. Then: "Everything will be alright. You know that, right? They're professionals. They know what they're doing. They have all this under control. It'll be okay. She'll be home soon."

Such sweet and kind words. Hearing them eases my mind, allowing me to take a breath. My muscles relax and I smile.

"I know. It's just..."

My words fade as I formulate what to say next, but he is already ahead of me. His voice hums through the empty space. "I understand. It is a frightening time for you. I can't even begin to imagine what it is you're feeling." He shifts. "I suppose that's partly why I came."

I tilt my head. "You came...because of this?"

"More or less. I'd be lying if I said I'm not worried about you. I understand this whole situation has been taking a toll on you."

I nod. There's no arguing or denying that. He is right, after all. Ever since that night, nothing has been right. From the moment I realized Rui was gone, it has felt as if I've been...not walking. No. Nothing about this feels like walking. If I was to describe it...I'd say...

"I know," I say. "Honestly, it still feels so unreal. Almost...almost as if I'm drifting. Or floating. Tonight... Well, I'm hoping that I'll get to be grounded again. That I'll get to breathe and feel something other than numb." I inhale deeply, licking my lips. "Sorry. I'm sure this isn't what you were wanting to talk about."

He turns, facing me as he leans against the railing, shaking his head. "No, it's fine. As I've already said, I understand. The emotions and stress you're going through...it's unimaginable."

It is. Even I can't deny that. Stuff like this...well, I've only ever seen it happen on TV. In movies. Stuff like this...it doesn't just happen. It doesn't happen to normal people like me. Stuff like this...it only ever happens in fiction. Not in real life.

But here I am. In the real world, going through this very real situation. Really waiting and anticipating what will happen next. Just...trying to breathe.

Clay steps closer to me, the wind driving the scent of his cologne to my nose. Sweet yet earthy.

"I stand by what I said before," he says. "I'm here for you should you need anything. Anything at all."

I smile, "Thank you. Really...I appreciate that."

We both inch a tad closer. Not much. Not enough for me to feel him against me. Not enough for anything to transpire. Not that I want anything to transpire. Not right now. Not at this moment. Not with everything the way it is.

But I'd be lying if I said I didn't want him closer because I do. I do want him to be closer. So much closer. To be in his arms, breathing in his scent. Feeling his warmth engulf me. But nothing sexual. Just held. That's all I want. To be held by him.

He takes another sidestep closer as the breeze blows. Slowly, we are nearing the other, our fingers so close to intertwining.

And then my phone chimes.

Startled and annoyed, I apologize before shuffling to my phone and retrieving it, scanning the caller ID before answering.

"Mrs. Warner?" I say, holding the phone to my ear. "Mrs. Warner, is there anything wrong?"

"Y/N?" she says, her voice muffled over the phone.

"I'm here." I glance up at Clay as he lifts a brow. "Mrs. Warner, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

"No, no, dear. Nothing like that. Nothing here." Her tone... There's something in it. Something...urgent. "Have you by chance checked the news?"

"No. Why?"

"You might want to. Channel 13. Though...do brace yourself."

I exchange glances with Clay before hurrying into the suite. Clay follows, watching as I grab the remote and flick on the TV, flipping it to channel 13. Then I see it.

A news reporter standing, their back towards an old building, caution tape preventing them from moving any closer. In the background, I see multiple people dressed in matching black and gray uniforms, weapons in tow. None of the uniformed personnel even glance at the camera. They are lazor-focused, brows furrowed as they all walk.

And I don't need to read or hear what is being said. Not fully. I already know this is one of the locations being raided. I already know that. However, my eyes still wander to the breaking news headline, my heart immediately falling into the pit of my stomach.

BREAKING NEWS: TSC Personnel Raid Linkin (made up name) Airport – Remains of a young woman found.

**Ello, ello lovelies! That chapter ending, eh? Any theories for what'll happen next? Feel free to take a gander! Yay! Another new crystal came today! It's a beautiful chunk of spirit amethyst angel aura. I have a TON of amethyst, but none quite like this. Best part? I stumbled across it online and two or three other people had it in their carts, and it was the last piece. Well, I swooped in and snatched that beach right on up. And it arrived today. I absolutely love it. I have another crystal that'll be here in a few weeks. Sorry. I know I rambled lol. Anyway, thank you all so, so much for everything! Y'all are awesome sauce! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross