From Distant Lands - Juro's Return

Chapter Ten

When I wake up in the morning, Katsuki is still sleeping, holding my body against him even when he's unconscious. I smile warmly, scooting closer to him and nudging his nose with my own.

"Mm?" he groans, eyes still shut.

"Good morning" I whisper, kissing his nose now. He opens his eyes slowly, red irises peeking out and making my chest tighten. God, I'm glad he's home.

"Why are we awake now?" he wonders, only a little grumpy. I kiss his lips and pull away to see new interest in his gaze.

"I have to work today" I tell him, but it doesn't seem like he's listening much.

"You don't have to" he disagrees, tightening his arms around me. I laugh, pressing my hands against his chest.

"I do, actually. This apartment doesn't pay for itself you know" I reply, earning a longing glance when I finally push away from him and get up out of the bed, stretching my limbs. Huh... I really do sleep better when he's here.

"Wanna do some patrols together? For old time sake?" he asks, leaning back in the bed. I look over at him, arching an eyebrow.

"Go home and unpack, Katsuki. You just got back. You should relax today" I tell him and he sighs, irritated.

"I don't need to relax" he informs me. I smirk, gathering my clothes together before starting for the shower and on my way, my phone starts buzzing on the dresser. I make a face, surprised it's still alive after not being charged all night, and answer it without a second thought.

"Hello?" I say and the voice on the other end immediately makes my pulse jump.

"Pulse? It's Detective Shimizu... listen... there's been another attack..." he begins, making my fists clench. This is it.

"Where? I'm on my way" I say, but he stops me short, cutting me off before I can say anything else.

"Kaida... it was your grandfather..." Shimizu's voice says. My entire body freezes, phone falling out of my hand and crashing to the floor as my heart slams against my rib cage. My... grandpa...? Years of memories flash through my mind at once, all of the stories he used to tell and the way he used to care for us whenever we'd visit him... all I can think about is eating lunches at his kitchen table and watching him slowly piece my father back together bit by bit... my entire body feels cold and still and my eyes prick with tears.

"Kaida? Kaida, what's wrong?" Katsuki demands, getting up from the bed, but I can't answer him. I can't even think straight.

There's been another attack... it was your grandfather...

Images of my mother's death play on a loop inside my head and I suddenly feel like my throat is closing. Adrenaline courses through my veins, anger and disbelief suddenly spurring me to action as I snatch my probably broken phone from the ground and rush to get dressed.

"Kaida, wait! What's going on?" Katsuki demands, shrugging on his own clothes to chase after me. I can't respond though, I don't have time. Right now, I need to get to my grandpa. I need to see him. Once I'm clothed, I throw open the door and storm out of the building, not even bothering to shut it behind me as I make a beeline for the police station. It can't be true. It can't be happening. Not again...

I don't speak the whole way to the station, not to Katsuki who follows me the entire time or to fans who try to stop me on the street. I don't even pick up my phone when it miraculously starts buzzing in my pocket. Instead, I make my way over there in complete and tormented silence. When I finally arrive, Shimizu meets me in the lobby, his expression wary.