Freak ~Juuzou x Reader AU~

Chapter 31: Out

When I wake, my eyes flutter open to the sunlight pooling on the floor. Just golden streams gliding along the carpet. A clear azure sky stretches outside the window.

I yawn and stretch, climbing from my bed, and rub my eyes before padding into the hall. Once there, I take a breath and smell it. Something...sweet and savory. Something oh, so familiar, yet so foreign. Then it clicks. Food. I smell food.

And then I remember.

I remember what happened after Mrs. Warner left. I remember who showed up. I remember the conversations. I remember what was said. And I remember who stayed the night. Clay.

Jolted, I am about to turn and go grab the robe provided by the hotel when a silky voice speaks, each letter rolling through my ears like butter.

"Good morning."

I glance up as he makes his way over to me, his feet covered by socks, his clothes from yesterday hanging from him, each article disheveled from the night. And yet, even with his hair unkempt and his face stubbled, there is still this elegance about him. And my heart leaps. And I remember I am wearing nothing but a simple nightgown.

"Good morning," I say hurriedly, almost wanting to shield myself, though I know how that'd look. Pathetic. And childish. Still, I fidget. "How did you sleep?"

"I slept well," he answers. I can feel his eyes on me. "How did you sleep?"

"Well." God, this is strange. Why am I reacting this way? I've –

Well, it's been a long time since I've woken up to another adult in my – well, not my apartment, per se, but the same general gist. In fact, I haven't shared a similar space like this with anyone since Lucas.

I swallow. "Sorry..." I look at him. He knits his brows.

"For what?"

"For last night. I'm pretty sure you were hoping things...went a different way."

He looks at me for a moment, his eyes soft. So soft. Then: "Y/N, you needn't apologize for that. Though I promise you, I came with no intentions of any sort. You're going through a difficult time. I wouldn't think it right to ask that of you." He takes a step closer, a small smile bending his lips. "I will only ever be willing to do that if you are truly comfortable and ready. So, please, don't worry. I'm fine."

He is genuine in his words. I can tell. Still, though he speaks these kind things, I can't help but remember last night. How he showed up. How his eyes looked at me. How concern twisted his features. And then how we spoke. For hours on the sofa. Him pouring us each a glass of wine.

I practically unloaded myself onto this man, word vomiting my worries and dread. My woes. And he sat there, listening. Speaking calming words. Never once invalidating my feelings and stresses. And after all that, he stayed, sleeping on the couch.

He didn't try to coerce me into letting him in my bed. He didn't even glance that way. And when I did head in that direction to turn in for the night, he didn't push or pry to see into that room. He merely told me goodnight and as he was about to leave, I asked him to stay. Partly because I enjoy his company, though mostly because I didn't want to be alone. And though he hesitated, he agreed, but only if he could stay on the couch.

At first, I thought he suggested this out of distaste. However, as my heart fell, he explained that we had both been drinking. Maybe not much, but he didn't want anything to arise without sober minds. Especially with everything that was...is happening.

And he's right. My mind is too fragile right now. This is partly why I believe and trust him so much.

"Okay."

"Okay," he repeats, still smiling warmly. "Now, I hope you don't mind, but I ordered breakfast for us. Room service. Don't worry. It's on me."

I snort, "Clay, you could at least let me pay for that. You've been covering everything else as it is."

"I wouldn't dream of it. Especially in such dire times."

I just snort and roll my eyes, then follow him to the table, where our breakfast is waiting. And waiting it is. We are greeted by an assortment of dishes. Freshly baked golden bread, crispy bacon, savory sausage, freshly squeezed orange juice, cheerfully yellow scrambled eggs, fluffy muffins, and beautifully bright fruit salad (if there's anything you don't like/can't have, feel free to replace it).

"Wow. This all looks delicious," I say. "Thank you so much."

"You are very welcome."

He pushes my seat in for me and is about to slide into his own chair when a sudden chime breaks the quietness of the suite.

Curious, we exchange glances before he stands and takes strides towards the coffee table where his phone is. With one smooth move, he reaches down and grabs it, then answers it.

He stands for a moment, listening to whatever the other person is saying before excusing himself to the balcony. All the while, I sit, patiently waiting when the grumbling of my stomach taunts me. I pop a small piece of fruit in my mouth and chew it, swallowing it just as he reappears.

"Apologies, Y/N," he says, collecting his things. "Something has come up, and I need to go."

"Without eating?"

"I'll grab something on my way to the office." He looks at me, his eyes so soft, yet so... I don't know. Full of worry. "I'm sorry to be running out like this."

I shake my head. "No, I understand. I hope everything is alright."

"It will be. I just need to get to my office." He finishes collecting himself, then heads for the door. "I'll try to call or text you once everything has been situated. For now, just try to remember to remain calm. Goodbye for now, Y/N."

And before I can utter a single word, he is gone, leaving me alone. And with all this food.

**Hello, lovelies! Well, I honestly feel as though we are nearing the end of this book. I'm not quite sure how many chapters remain, but I think we're getting close. That said, there will be a third book. The author's note at the end of the epilogue will give more info about that. So, keep an eye out for that! And as always, thank you so, so much for everything! Y'all are the bestest! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross