(Shizuo x Reader) Crossed Paths

Chapter 7: Answers

"Thanks for understanding. She means the world." He adds.

You finished your interview with Shinra. Quick and entertaining to learn about Shizuo and what he did for you. Sad to say you felt there was more to it. You didn't want to take up his time. A couple does need their privacy and night time in Ikebukero wasn't so safe to walk home. That is noted. Luckily you have Shizuo to be your knight.

"Thanks for helping me out Shinra. I think we made some progress today. I do remember some stuff so I suppose that's a plus." You chime.

"Not a problem. It's nice to have you around. Gives me more inspiration to continue perusing my Celty~" You chuckle at the dork.

"I feel the same. I hope you get your girl. Whelp I better get mine." You wave to him heading towards the door. You reach for the handle, but you are stopped by the doctor.

"Wait!" You turn to him. "There is...something else I should tell you, but can't exactly clarify." You tilt your head.

"What do you mean?" He sighs.

"Before you left Ikebukero, you told me something. Something important which you made me swear not to tell Shizuo or anybody. Your main reason for leaving wasn't because you were heart broken."

Heart broken? Did Shizuo cheat on you or something? No, he couldn't have. He was nothing like that. Blunt, honest and straight to the point. Although he did bloom into a total hottie so you wouldn't doubt there are others who are attracted. Nah, you shook your head not wanting to over think and lead to assumptions or mistrust. You trust him with all your heart. That is certain. You snap back to the conversation.

"The real reason involves a deal you made with Izaya and your family. You didn't want me to tell Shizuo to avoid hurting him further." Your eyes widen. Your curiosity piqued. You walk up to him slowly as if he were a rabbit about to scurry away if you made any sudden movements.

"A deal? Izaya mentioned it to me when he ambushed me with his goons. It sounded important. A reason for leaving Ikebukero." Shinra nods confirming your suspicions. "What exactly was the deal Shinra?"

"Isn't it obvious? To stay away from Shizuo and Ikebukero forever or your family pays the price." You gape in disbelief completely paralyzed in shock. "You took up his offer. You chose family over him. You were heartbroken over it, for abandoning Shizuo." You hold your head remembering an image of you shaking hands with a young Izaya. His Cheshire grin still devious as ever. "You should have never came back. Life would be better without you living in fear everyday. Even better that you have no memory of it. You always were a curious creature." He spoke darkly. Only the reflection of the light onto his glasses hid his eyes. You weren't sure whether or not to argue back and defend yourself, but the information given to you still processes into your mind. You are left speechless. You didn't know what to make of it. All you knew is your heart hurt like hell. You grasp your chest attempting to stop the suffering. Tears dared to spill but gave no satisfaction of letting any drop. You take a deep breath, holding it in and letting everything out clearing your mind.

"Wow, that's pretty fucked up of me. Thanks for telling me." You said. "I wouldn't blame you if you treat me like a bitch. I probably deserve it." Shinra shakes his head.

"Thing is I am a little mad that you came back out of no where bringing hope back into Shizuo, but I can't blame you. It seems like you two have a strong bond even if you lost your memories. You can't help it. You two love each other." You blush at the word. Love. Are you in love? "I understand. As much as it ticked me off, you're both my friends. If you make a choice. Make a right one and don't screw it up. Shizuo deserves better." With that he disappears into his office leaving you alone to walk yourself out. You do just that taking in everything into consideration. Your mind aches having so much to think about it nearly fried your brains out. Just as you walk out, Celty comes into view. You step back.

"Sorry." You mumble.

"You're fine. Shizuo is waiting outside for you." You thank her taking your leave.

You reach the entrance of the building. Your boyfriend leaning against the wall staring at the night sky after consuming his menthol. You stare at him dazed unsure what to believe. Thoughts swirled in your mind.

"Hey." You greet.

"Hey." He says back. "Did you get what you needed?" He points to your journal. You peer in the direction.

"Huh? Oh! Yes. I did. More than I was expecting." The brute raises a brow. Your tone off noticing something is bugging you. You hear his footfalls close in. His shoes come into views as you stare at the ground. His large hand gently slips into your hair reaching to the back of your head. They brush against your skin making the hairs rise giving you goosebumps.

"What's wrong?" He asks kindly. No hint of anger in his voice. It's usually held due to annoyance or frustration.

"Nothing just tired. Can we please go to your place?" You press your face against his chest childishly. You feel him rumble. A small laugh emits from him.

"Don't try to change the subject. Tell me what's really going on." He tips your head up to look at him. When he did, he never expected to see you crying. Instantly he becomes worried. You sniffle trying to stop the tears. "What's wrong?" He holds your head searching for answers. This man cares for you. The way he switched from playful to fearful said everything you needed to know about how he felt about you. Such a good man yet you felt there is more you wanted. You turn away pulling his hands away from you.

"I don't want to talk about it right now. Please. I'll tell you as soon as I can, but for now I don't want to say anything." You squeeze his hands. Your shoulders quiver holding in your emotions. You refused to totally break down in front of him. You don't deserve his kindness or so you thought. All you felt is confliction. You just wanted this day to end to think clearly. Despite his question unanswered, he accommodates your wishes taking you home with him. An arm wraps around you keeping you at his side. You gratefully take up his gesture as you head home. You didn't realize how upset it made him to see you distraught. All he could do is soothe you to your liking.