Freak ~Juuzou x Reader AU~

Chapter 29: Let Me Follow

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Y/N. I know you were so hopeful," says Mrs. Warner as she passes me a cup of tea (or whatever you like). "I still can't believe that happened. Do the officials have any idea who leaked the details about the mission?"

I take a sip of the tea and shake my head. "No. At least, none that I know of. They only think that –"

Wait. Should I be talking about this? Should I really be telling anyone about this? But...this is Mrs. Warner. Sweet, sweet Mrs. Warner. Someone I have come to know very well over the last three years. Someone who I wholeheartedly trust to watch my child. Surely, I needn't worry about telling her anything.

I tap my nails along the ceramic mug. "They think that...whoever's behind all this...might know me. Or, at least know of me."

Mrs. Warner's face twists with a certain disbelief. One that whitens her features and fills her eyes with fear.

"They believe that?" she asks.

I waver. "They suspect it."

"Oh, my." She sits across from me. "That is... Are you okay? I mean, I understand you're still worried about Rui – rightfully so. But... How are taking all this? I mean...a stalker?"

Stalker.

I never thought of it that way, but it makes sense. I mean, how else would this person be able to cause all the mayhem they have been? If Juuzou's theory is on course, then they have eyes on me. They've been watching me. They killed Janelle and Sterling for Christ's sake.

So they know.

They know I've been meeting with the TSC.

And they sent a message through what they did.

We see you, but you don't see us.

I shift. "Honestly...I don't know how to feel or what to think these days."

She scans me, her big eyes soaking me in. "Understandable, and fair." She reaches over, taking one of my hands into hers. Her palms are so warm and soft. "It's sickening. All of it. What you're going through... The uncertainty. None of it is right."

"I can't disagree with you." I try to smile, but it is weak and halfhearted. But I'm stronger than this. "But I'm still trying to stay hopeful. Juuzou knows what he's doing. He's a professional."

"The investigator?"

I nod. "Yes."

She studies me, then gently smiles. "You really trust him, don't you?"

"Completely."

And it's not a lie. I do. I do trust him completely. Without a doubt. Even if things do seem bleak, I know he'll live up to his words. I know he will. He promised.

He promised.

"I know he'll find her. I know they will bring her home," I say. "I believe they will. I know they will."

Her eyes are soft and warm like the earthy soil in summer. A warmth that wraps around me, swaddling me. Then: "If you have faith in them, then so will I."

***

Mrs. Warner leaves my suite just shy of nine o'clock, but I am only alone briefly before a knock comes upon the door. Curious, I go to it and peek through the peephole before opening the door.

"Clay? This is a surprise. I wasn't expecting you."

He stands in the hall, hair loose in styled curls and dressed in a pressed top and gray slacks. His eyes – like icy steel – are already locked on mine.

"Apologies," he says softly. "I was just on my way back to my apartment and I felt the sudden urge to see how you're doing. Between your daughter being missing and those new victims turning up..."

Clay.

When I first met this man, never once did I imagine he would become this...involved in my life. Not as much as he has. From a simple client to someone I confide in. Never once did I expect this.

"Thank you...for worrying. Really," I say, "but I'm fine. Well, as fine as someone can be in this situation."

I am. But I'm also not.

He scans me. "I understand." He shifts. "Is there anything I can do? Anything at all?"

I shake my head. "No. Thank you, but there's nothing you can do that the authorities can't. Though, I appreciate your offer."

He stands, gazing down at me. In the golden light of my suite, his eyes appear so soft. So gentle. And his expression is filled with such concern, but I speak the truth. There is nothing he can do that Juuzou and Abara can't or haven't already done. But simply having him here does bring forth this certain comfort.

I fidget. "That said...I could use some company. Would you like to stay and talk for a while?"

A gentle smile bows his lips. "I'd love for that."

And he comes in.

**Ello, ello lovelies! Bit of an eh chapter today. Kinda struggled with it. Honestly, I know where I want this story to go next but I'm struggling with how to get there. Don't worry. I'll figure it out. Eventually. Anyway...my eyebrow piercing managed to get torn out while I slept last night. Don't worry. I didn't feel it and I'm in no pain. I'm just bummed. I love that piercing and have a fondness for it. I guess after it heals up and once, I save up, I'll get another eyebrow piercing. After all, I did have it for a while before this happened. In fact, I didn't start having issues with it until the last few months. Before that, it was fine. So, yeah...sorry Mom, but it'll be coming back lol. But yeah. Thank y'all so much for all the love and support! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross