Zero was in the middle of eating a bowl of cereal - they were some sort of flakes. They weren't his, they were Jude's but Zero was out of cereal so he figured he own Jude some more 'Bran Flakes' later.
Since Jude had left fifteen minutes ago, he'd had a shower and gotten dressed. He went to the living room and flicked the TV on. He realised that he'd left his coffee in the kitchen. He put his cereal down and put the news channel on as he stood up to get his coffee.
But he stopped mid-stride.
On the TV was a breaking news story. "Today, along the Santa Monica Boulevard, an SUV crashed into a black Porsche. Witnesses state that the four-by-four ran a red light, and crashed into the passenger side of the 911 Convertible, causing the Porsche to flip and roll, landing on the closed roof. We have no news from the emergency services if the driver or any unbeknownst passengers are injured or worse. Traffic is backed up through West Hollywood and along into Beverly Hills." The reporter stopped talking and raised a hand to her ear.
Zero recognised the car, he knew who was in the car, but he was frozen with fear to the spot he stood. It couldn't be him, Zero thought. Jude's always careful, this wouldn't happen to him.
"We've just received word that the car belongs to a Mr. Jude Kinkade, the EVP to the Los Angeles Devils." All else of what she said faded away. Zero's heart began thumping in his chest, like it was trying to escape. White noise filled his ears, and tears began stinging his eyes. It was Jude, it was his Jude. He had to get there, but the reporter said that traffic was backed up all the way to Beverly Hills, there was no way he would make it in the car.
The reporter's voice broke through to him again. "It is unknown how bad Mr. Kinkade's injuries are, but it is believed they are extensive."
That was all Zero needed to hear. Before his brain caught up to him, he had left the apartment (he had locked it), and was running at full speed down the road. Nothing was stopping him from getting to Jude. Nothing.
It looked like he was going to be late for practise after all.
Ж Ж Ж
Every cell in Zero's body burned with exhaustion. He didn't know how long he'd been running, but his leg felt like they were jelly on fire and his chest as if someone was pouring acid into his lungs. He didn't stop. Adrenaline, fear and love can do that to a man. He needed to get to Jude. He just had to.
Car horns blared around him and he saw ahead a congregation of onlookers. He was there, at the crash. Zero pushed his way through the crowd, muttering in numerous "sorry's" as he went. With a complete disregard for the police barricade, Zero walked right into the scene. He saw the car; it was upside down, with Jude inside. He'd seen it on TV, but he didn't really believe it if he was being honest. But standing here and now, looking at the devastation that was in front of him, it all became too real.
Without thinking Zero shouted. "Jude!" He got no response. He began walking towards the car. "Jude! Jude!"
Two police officers secured him whilst a third blocked his view of the car. "Sir," the head honcho it appeared said. "You can't be here. Please, go back behind the barricade."
"No please, I have to see Jude." Zero almost didn't believe his own voice as he sounded so weak and desperate.
"And who are you?" The cop asked again.
The officer on Zero's right scoffed. "Seriously Boss? You have got to watch some sport."
"This is Zero, plays for the LA Devils." The officer on his left piped up.
"And the man trapped in that car is the love of my life, Jude Kinkade. Please, you have to let me see him."
The officer looked reserved but he didn't move. "Wait here. I'll check with the paramedics and the fire brigade to check if you can."
All Zero could do was nod his head. His whole body was trembling. The two officers let him go but they didn't leave his side, opting for silence rather than pressuring him for any answers to burning questions they may have.
A lurching noise burst through the atmosphere and the car crushed further into a small heap. Zero heard Jude cry out in pain. "Jude!"