the other side of paradise | bsd x gn!reader

seventeen.

13 people died in the bomb attack, including Celestine Taylor, founder of Themis law firm, and her husband Jeremy Ramirez – Uriel's parents.

After the situation calmed down slightly, you now find yourself in the president's office. It is exactly the same as always, the only difference being the growing collection of photographs on the president's desk. Fukuzawa's expression is serious as he stares at you and Uriel, his brow furrowed slightly. The white-haired boy tugs at your sleeve, sitting as close to you as possible. His injuries were somehow minimal, with him receiving only a few small cuts and burns. The atmosphere is tense. The president just finished reading your report and information about the victims. Uriel has no other close relatives. If you don't do anything, there will be no other choice but to send him into an orphanage.

"So, Uriel," the presidents starts calmly, putting his hands on the desk. "Tell us about why you and your parents came to Yokohama. As far as I'm aware, you live quite far away."

Uriel shuffles in his seat, fiddling with your sleeve. He raises his head slightly, just enough so he can look into the president's eyes. "That's true. We came to Yokohama because mother was invited to a meeting. I remembered (Y/n) worked here, so I asked to come along and if we could go and visit them once they were done with any business. Yesterday... yesterday we went shopping. That's it. It was a completely normal day, and then it happened." His voice cracks as he ends the sentence, so you rub his arm comfortingly.

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," you offer, but Uriel shakes his head immediately. The boy takes a deep breath, calming himself down before continuing.

"I want to help so you can find out who did this. We were in a changing room when the shopping centre intercom made an awful noise. A deep voice said something about getting their revenge and how 'she' will burn in hell where she deserves to be. Someone started screaming and people ran out immediately, but there were so many we couldn't make it to the exits. That girl and I were shoved into a changing room stall and that was the last time I saw my parents. I heard my mom calling out my name and then," Uriel clenches his fists and looks at the floor. "And then something exploded. It must've been far enough, so the girl and I didn't get hurt, but it was very hot. It was so hot and there was a lot of smoke, I just wanted to close my eyes forever. The girl was calling for help as much as she could. That's when Mr. Chuuya came and saved us. I'd be dead if it weren't for him."

Fukuzawa finishes making notes about the information Uriel offered, places his pen down and gives the boy a kind look. "Thank you for information, I'm sure it will help. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss. If there's anything I can do, please let me know. I'll do my best to make it happen."

When those words come out of the president's mouth, Uriel perks up. There's a strange glint in his young grey eyes and you give him a strange look. What will he request of the president?

He lets out a cough, wipes any remaining tearstains from his face and leans forward, closer to the grey-haired man. "There is one thing, actually," he begins, voice now completely steady. "I know this might be sudden, but I lost both of my parents yesterday so I have to ask..." Uriel takes a dramatic deep breath. "The armed detective agency feels like a place I can belong. I don't have any close relatives that would take me in, so it's either this or I'll be sent to an orphanage. I've always wanted to be a detective. Please, Mr. Fukuzawa," the boy stands up unexpectedly and bows, eyes shut tightly. "Let me be a part of your family!" That is what he cries out, making both you and Fukuzawa speechless. Uriel looks up and stares directly into the president's eyes, not planning to stop until he gives an answer.

You've never seen Fukuzawa Yukichi this bewildered. His mouth is open slightly and his eyes are wide open. Completely frozen in place, even the tips of his ears are slightly red. Ah, this is a sight you will never forget. "M-my family?" He manages to splutter out in shock.