Confession ~Juuzou x Reader AU~

Chapter 30: Rubies

~3 Days Later~

By that afternoon, they allow us to leave. The other children and victims are all transported back to the hospital for further medical treatment. But as for Rui and me, we are taken back to our hotel. I'm instructed to stay there until further notice but still relax.

Or at least, attempt to relax.

In the end, I was still feeling too many emotions. I was jittery, pacing back and forth as Rui looked at me with curiosity. Mrs. Warner called. We talked. She was relieved to hear the news. We all were. I broke the news down for Rui, putting it in simple terms for her – that Juuzou caught the bad guy.

Her face lit up. For the first time since we were reunited, the light returned to her eyes. She was so happy she even cried. Then again, we both cried. I held her close as we did so. A celebratory cry.

Then the next day, it was announced that Clay had confessed to everything immediately. He pleaded guilty and even agreed to give the names of any other victims and the locations of which their remains were dumped. But he couldn't give the locations for any other missing children – only hints. In the eyes of everyone, it was still a major win.

Two days after the mission, more reports come out that the CCG and TSC are working on arresting anyone else involved with Clay's underground business. They end up arresting three CEOs of various companies and almost a hundred ghouls – all of which worked under Clay. It is another victory.

And today... Well, today is day three. I still haven't heard from Juuzou or Abara, but Rui and I have been given the okay to come and go from the hotel as we please, which we do. We're both so giddy and buzzing with energy that I do something we haven't done for a while.

I take Rui to the park.

At first, she's apprehensive about it and clings to my side. However, after fifteen minutes of warming up to the environment and after being approached by a little girl, she runs off and plays.

Honestly, I almost don't let go. Almost, but I tell myself she needs to heal. She needs to know that the world isn't as horrible as it has acted. She needs to know she can still play and be a kid. And she needs to know that there are good things still present in this world. If I hold on too tightly, she'll never readjust or learn that.

So, I stand – holding my breath – and watch her play.

If someone didn't know what she's been through, they'd just think she's just an average little girl. One who loves the jungle gym and having tea parties. They'd hear her laughing and see her smile and be completely oblivious to any of the dark things that she's been through. They'd never know. And though I know, and she knows, maybe it's better if she isn't reminded of it every day.

Maybe letting her reacclimate to life and letting her readjust is what she needs. I'll still take her to therapy. I'll still take her to any doctor she needs. But maybe instead of swaddling and trying to hide her away from the world as if she's some fragile little thing isn't the right move.

Because she's not fragile. She's not breakable. She is strong and resilient and fierce. She can and will overcome this. I know she will. We both will. And we'll all be okay.

I exhale a breath I've been holding and take a seat on a bench, still watching as she plays. Seeing her smile and hearing her laugh is like music to my ears and soul. It's the song I've missed hearing, and now, it's playing right before me. She's here. She's really here.

"Thought I'd find you here."

I turn, looking up. Standing at the side of the bench with his hair whisking in the breeze is Juuzou. He is standing tall with his shoulders held back and his gaze fixated on the playset. That is until he redirects his focus to me.