SELFISH [Shirou x Reader]

17. The Beastkin Co-op

Author's Notes:

:)

[ph] = preferred honorific

[pn] = preferred noun

[ppr] = preferred pronoun

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You trailed behind Shirou, unsure of where you were going.

It has been forty-five minutes since the altercation between him and the receptionist. At first, she tried to prevent you from leaving the vicinity. She took your hand: which prompted Shirou transform into his wolf form. Snarling at the poor lady, Shirou threw out some choice words about the hospital and its ability to care for incoming patients. You could only watch in embarrassment as he listed how many violations the conglomerate has committed in the past few years. Some of which, included leaking out patient data to third party vendors for marketing purposes, producing false numbers in their annual reports, and electing more controversial members to head the hospital's operations.

'So if you know what's good, take _____ out of the system. I told you already, I am [ppr] caretaker.'

'Sir... [Ppr] really needs at least, another day in the hospital. I-I told you that [ppr] can't leave without the doctor's sign off!'

'Don't—'

'[Ppr] is unfit—'

'Fucking test me.'

You saw the color drain from her face as he glared at her. You shuddered; you couldn't imagine being at the receiving end of his wrath. But it was only then did she step back into the hospital. As a private investigator, Shirou sure knew how to dish out the facts.

"You know... you didn't have to do all of that, Shirou."

"She was in the way."

"I know... but, the poor lady..."

"Got what she deserved."

You passed by a few more stores along the street, taking in your surroundings during your newfound freedom. There was a bookshop display that featured a tree made out of maps and guides. 'Travel around the world', the sign above read. Strung along the tree was a garland of flamingo pink, yellow, and blue pom poms. In between them were crude cut outs of vintage commercial airplanes and companies. Pan-Am airlines: you remembered briefly learning about them in school. Overall, you really liked how eclectic it all looked.

You figured that there was a method to the madness of décor that adorned the setup; perhaps, you'll visit the place one day to find out more.

There were other shops that you two passed by: a stationary store, a delicatessen, and an artisanal soap shop. You tried to take a mental note of every place that caught your attention in lieu of snapping pictures with your dead phone. You even wanted to ask Shirou to stop so you could take a better look at the store displays, but you also knew better. You were beyond exhausted. The sooner you can get to your apartment and bed, the better.

But the feeling of awkwardness and unease lingered in the air. You were essentially following a stranger who was leading to you to... who knew where. You were going somewhere, away from the hospital. You were going to end up somewhere, away from the hospital. Maybe, the logical choice for you to take would be to break out the long-awaited question.

"Uhm... so... city hall right?"

"No."

You weren't really sure where to proceed with the conversation. No? So if you weren't going to city hall, then where were you going...? You looked towards the floor, where your eyes rested on the backs of his heels.