Pain (Suzuya Juuzou x Reader)

    To a very special friend of mine..

---
    (Name) could always say she had a specific type. Now, this type was different from most of the other technical, common types such as Sporty, Funny, or the well-known Player. No, this type was in a category all on its own: psychotically cute. Yes, she loved those with a troubled past that frenzied their brains. Hauntingly terrifying nightmares that with the single triggering action can cause a complete shift in mood and have horrifying results. However, the way they smiled when they were happy made it all worth it. Caused her heart to melt with the very sight of that infectious grin. In her eyes, this was all adorable.

    Not once did I say (Name)'s type was normal.

    Hence when she first laid eyes on the nineteen-year-old male investigator her heart stopped in her chest. He was perfect: from those soft blonde locks, piercing red, playful eyes, to his childish attitude mixed with hints of blatant cruelty was simply irresistable.

    Now, getting to know this male proved to be a chore. Upon asking Shinohara about his partner, his response was an unusual one. "He's odd, I'll say that much." He pauses, his left hand reaching up to rest on his chin as he pondered what to say next. The thought soon comes to mind and he looks down to (Name), smiling. "But, he's a great partner. The kind I want to protect. I'd be sad if he wasn't around anymore. After all, he makes this place a bit less dreary."

    It seemed true enough, Shinohara's words. The male, whom she had now learned was called Juuzou Suzuya, had a rather child-like demeanor. Often he'd prance around the CCG, goofy smile ever present and a giggle spilling from his lips all the while. Upon further examination, he had small red stitches lining his body, forming small x's along his pale skin. What caused them was unknown, perhaps he did them himself, but that'd be one hell of a fashion statement.

    "You like him, don't you?" Shinohara states, obviously following her gaze to the boy. She squeals, practically jumping out of skin as she shoots her gaze back to Juuzou's partner. Flustered, her cheeks grow to be an unbearably red color and her left hand trails up, ruffling the back of her (H/C) locks. "W-Well, I-I-I have no idea wh-where you'd get that f-from, Shinohara! Of c-course I don't, I-I mean, why w-would I?"

    Quickly taking back her words, she blanches, trying to make up for what she said. Now both of her hands were in front of her body, trying to wave away the thought. "I mean, I'm not saying he isn't cute or anythi-" Gasping, both of her hands fly up to cover her mouth.

    Cursing herself, she slowly removes her hands as Shinohara begins to laugh. Due to her embarrassment, her (E/C) orbs flick down to rest on her feet as she sways back and forth, rocking on her heels. It wasn't until Shinohara ruffles her hair did she look up once again, unsure about his actions, to see a kind smile on his features. "I'll tell you what, (Name). There's an amusement park grand opening on the other side of the city tomorrow. Meet Juuzou and I there at 10 AM."

    Shocked and overwhelmingly excited, all she could muster was a soft squeak and a nod. Shinohara releases his hold on her hair, turning his back to her and beginning to stride away, directly towards his partner. Fearing he'd bring her name up and point in her direction, drawing attention to her crush, she gasps and quickly darts off.

    There will be plenty of time to confess tomorrow anyway.

---

    To say (Name) was so nervous she could puke was a huge understatement. Each movement from her body as she trudged towards the park entrance was shaky and sluggish, her limbs not wanting to move for the moment. The brief thought of running away flitted across her mind, but she swallowed it down and continued on, intent on going through with Shinohara's plans. After all, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Thank you, Newton, for your wise words in her time of need. In other words, if she bailed now, there would be no possible way Juuzou would ever feel a thing for her.

    "R-Right.. So I gotta keep going." She ushered herself, managing to pick one foot up then the next as she continued strolling on. The butterflies in her stomach swarmed, and she wished the pests would die down already.

    Until, she saw them. Standing at the park entrance was Shinohara and the blonde himself. Upon seeing her arrive, Shinohara waved which caused Juuzou to look over in the direction his gaze followed. His face broke out into a wide, goofy grin and he rushes over to her, causing (Name) to freeze in her tracks as the boy bolts in her direction. However, before he could barrel into her body, he stops directly in front of her.

    "So you're (Name) (L. Name), eh? So cute!" He circles her, twirling, a childish laugh spilling from his lips. "You sure took your time, (Name).~" A deep blush rises to her cheeks, even going so far as to trail to her ears. Juuzou notices this, ceasing his movements.

    "U-Uh.." His soft lower lip pokes out in a pout, and he was now sheepishly putting his hands in his pockets, rocking back and forth on his heels. "Your cheeks are really red, (Name).. Did I say something wrong?"

    Although (Name) was about to respond, Shinohara placed his hand on the boy's shoulder, forcing him to look away from her. "I've bought the tickets. You two have a fun time." (Name)'s lips slack open in shock as he says this, holding her hand up and pointing at him with her index finger frantically.

    "Just what do you mean 'you two have a fun time', old man?!" Her voice was loud, and although she had begun to draw attention to the group, she didn't care. He could not be planning to leave the two of them here by themselves, could he?

    "The CCG needs me for the day. I managed to convince them to let you two have the day to yourselves, however." He smiled kindly, though it falters as he feels the people's stares boring into the group. "C-Can you refrain from drawing this much attention, by the way?" (Name) huffs, crossing her arms over her chest, while Juuzou accepts the tickets from his partner. Shinohara bids his farewell, heading off towards CCG, leaving (Name) and Juuzou there alone.

    Although (Name) was sure this encounter would be awkward, Juuzou didn't say a word, merely grabbed her by her wrist and began dragging her towards the park entrance. He laughs loudly, his fast pace almost too much for the female to keep up with, despite him dragging her along. 'J-Juuzou! Hold on a minute!"

   He neither slows nor turns to look in her direction. Instead, he merely shouts: "No way, (Name)! This is going to be fun! Especially with someone like you around!"

    (Name)'s lips slack open again as his words render shock throughout her form. She numbly followed his running, listening to his childish giggle while allowing her eyes to bore into the back of his head, admiring his blonde locks. Cautiously, she allows her hand to slip through his grasp only to intertwine her fingers with his. A wolfish grin pulls at her plump lips and she darts in front of him, now pulling him along, much to his surprise.

    "Try to keep up, cutie!" Looking back at him, she meets his wide smile, gazing into his deep eyes that glittered in pure happiness.

    It was one of the only times she had seen his eyes not have an ounce of pain.