Countdown [Natsu x Reader x Gray]

🎓 Chapter 20 🎓

Hands were handcuffed to a metal ring that was attached to the side of small desk that was being used for the shrine.

Of course, he had to uncuff on hand and recuff you. He also had the sense to hold your uncuffed hand while he continued to secure the cuffs.

Next, your feet. Your ankles were tied together with a jump rope.

Lastly, your mouth. He ducktaped your mouth shut, so you wouldn't make any noise.

After taking your phone away, he closed the closet door, promising to return after he cleaned the living room.

You've lost track of how long you've been in the closet.

The confusion and adrenaline has subsided and all that remains is fear.

Will you ever see your parents again? Zuko?

Will you ever see Gray and Natsu again?

Are you going to die here?

Your only hope is that your loved ones will start looking for you sooner rather than later.

CURRENT TIME: 8:45pm

"Hello?"

"Gray? This is Mrs. (L/N). I'm just calling to see if you've heard from (Y/N)."

"Um, not since earlier at school. Is she okay?"

"Well . . . I don't want to worry you, but -- It's just that she was supposed to be home roughly 45 minutes ago and we haven't heard from her. I've called her phone several times and it goes straight to voicemail. Maybe I'm just a paranoid mother, but I want to cover my bases. This has never happened before."

Gray's gut was telling him that something was wrong.

"Please, if you hear something, let me know."

"Will do, Mrs. (L/N)."

*CLICK*

*DIALING*

"What do you want?"

"NATSU!"

"WHAT?"

"Have you heard from (Y/N)?"

"Not since school. Mrs. (L/N) called me too. Asked me the same thing."

"Yeah, I just got off the phone with her. Something's wrong, Natsu."

"Yeah, I know. I'm already on it."

"Wait, what? What do you mean you're already on it?"

"I'm outside that new kid's house."

"Natsu . . . don't do anything stupid, I'm on my way."

*CLICK*

Five Minutes Later . . .

"Really? This is what you're doing? Hiding in the bushes?"

"SHHHHH!" Natsu pulled Gray down by the arm. "Try to be quiet, will you?"

"Your old man know you're out?"

"No . . . I locked my door and jumped out the window. You?"

"Same."

"Glad we're on the same page. Now can I continue watching from a distance?"

"Be my guest."

Natsu put his binoculars up to his eyes and resumed looking through the living room window, which was recently opened.

Inside, you could see Zero and his parents talking, but no (Y/N).

"So Gray," Natsu began, "if (Y/N) said she was spending Valentine's Day with this guy, then where is she?"

Gray opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off by a bright light shining from behind.

"What are you two kids doing here?" An officer asked, pointing his flashlight at the teens.

They slowly turned around and saw an adult man with an annoyed expression.

"Sightseeing?" Natsu shrugged.

The cop scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Nice going, genius." Gray growled.

"Alright, c'mon. Time to go home." The officer gestured for them to step away from the bushes.

"We can't do that." Natsu stated, "Our friend has been kidnapped!"

"Kidnapped? What makes you think your friend has been kidnapped?"

"She said she'd be here after school." Natsu said proudly. "Problem is she hasn't returned home. Even her parents are looking for her."

"You do know it's Valentine's Day, right? She probably hooked up with her boyfriend."

"Over my dead body." Natsu made a disgusted face.

"Look officer," Gray spoke, "(Y/N)'s single. No boyfriend."

"For now." Natsu mumbled.

"Anyway," Gray ignored the comment, but was clearly annoyed. "Natsu's right. She told us that she would spend a couple of hours here after school, but her mom called both of us asking if we've heard from her. They've been looking for her for almost an hour. And (Y/N) wasn't interested in this guy. She was helping him because he's new in town."

"But I've never liked him!" Natsu added.

"Despite what you've told me, this still doesn't mean your friend is missing." The officer said, "Maybe she's hanging out with the family and lost track of time."

"Then where is she?" Natsu challenged, "The whole time I've been watching the place I've only seen three people. Two adults. One male teenager."

The officer groaned. As much as he didn't want to admit it, it did sound suspicious. Still, there wasn't enough evidence to suggest that this girl had been kidnapped.

But there's no harm in checking, right?

"Follow me. Stay behind me. And don't talk."

The officer led the boys to the front door and knocked on the door.

A man answered.

"Good evening, sir." The officer grerted, "Sorry to bother you, but I'm looking for a young lady who is classmates with your son. She's gone missing and I was wondering if you knew anything."

"Um, no." The man shook his head, "I'm sorry, I don't."

"Can I speak to your son, please?"

"Zero," He called, "Can you come here?"

A moment later the teenage boy was standing in the doorway with his father.

"Zero, right?" The officer asked. Zero nodded in response. "These boys tell me that your classmate (Y/N) was here earlier and now she's missing. Have you seen her since she's been here?" The officer briefly gestured to Natsu and Gray before staring at Zero, studying him.

"No, sir." Zero shrugged his shoulders, "She left an hour ago."

"LIAR!" Natsu shouted.

"Hush." The officer commanded in a low growl. He glared at Natsu before returning his attention to Zero and his father. "Just as a standard procedure, can I check the house?"

"Yes, of course." Zero's father nodded.

"But-" Zero began, but was silenced by his father.

They moved to the side, allowing the three guest to enter. The officer allowed the boys to tag along on the search as long as they didn't touch anything.

When the living room was clear, Zero's parents gave him a stern look.

"You've got some explaining to do, young man."