Tsukiyama Shuu was used to having things go his way.
So, seeing the restaurant being built before him was only natural to his budding, young man self. Of course his parents worried and flitted about him to make sure their son would have no problems; i.e having meetings with professional architects and financial consultants. It was almost overbearing at times. Tsukiyama wanted to feel like he did something for himself, without feeling like he was riding on his parents' coattails. Regrettably, Tsukiyama realized things would move a lot faster if he'd just accept the help, so he conceded.
Younger Tsukiyama still felt a bit petulant about that, but he was content enough to finally be a part of something bigger.
The day of the opening, Tsukiyama made his great entrance as the ever-so-elegant MM. He liked to believe he made a grand impression, and hoped to use that to his advantage. Yes, he thought as two female ghouls draped themselves over him, malicious eyes hidden behind half-masks and sickly sweet smiles plastered onto porcelain skin, I will own this place.
Kanae was starting to see less and less of the young master. It was to be expected that as he grew older, the older male would find little reason to go back to the manor if it weren't for business. Kanae felt his chest puff out slightly, feeling vaguely proud to see the eccentric man getting things done and simply being out there.
Meanwhile, Kanae lurked behind the flashy curtains, tending to the mundane activities of every day life. The teen wasn't going to lie, it stung a bit. Nonetheless, Kanae would have to bear with it. He felt lucky enough to have spent various years with his beloved Tsukiyama.
Still. That little sting of betrayal was ever constant whenever Tsukiyama walked out the manor doors.
The look of betrayal was one of Tsukiyama's favorite expressions. His current target was one with luscious curls and chocolate eyes that reflected utter bewilderment, a vast contrast to the sweet and enamored look they usually had.
This particular one had taken quite some time. Money, too, but Tsukiyama had no qualms on spending an extra bill or two for young ladies. Megumi-chan was the name of this one, all introverted and innocent. It had taken five dates, eight gifts, and two rides home to chip away her defenses, but as Tsukiyama ripped slender digits off a manicured hand, watched doe eyes morph into something frightened and painful, he concluded that it was well worth it.
Tsukiyama had been taking a stroll, not really searching for his next target, but rather enjoying the cool night air ruffle his hair and the subdued (subdued because the large crowds of bustling humans were no longer out, and to Tsukiyama's delight, no longer overwhelming him) scents waft past him. He hadn't expected much, just planned to walk around for a bit before a small visit to the manor; check to see how everyone was doing and then retire to his home. A cup of coffee and a book seemed like a nice way to end the day.
But then he smelled the blood. He paused to sniff the air, realizing the source was just up ahead, and that he was going to have to go past it. Rosy lips settled into a grimace. Tsukuyama knew it was only proper etiquette to leave a ghoul alone to their feeding- at least he presumed that's what it was- so he began to take longer strides forward and just walk past it. This definitely wasn't the first time this had happened to him, and it was neither the last, so he treated the situation with nonchalance.
Just as the suited ghoul made it past the alleyway, a scream erupted behind him, followed by a loud crash and a string of curses. Tsukiyama turned to see a middle-aged man, plain clothes now tattered and bloody, pinned to the ground by fiery red tendrils. A small spark of hope lit up in grey eyes, followed by a gurgling sound as the victim tried to call out for help and raised a hand.
There was a crimson blur, surprise and pain registering on the man's face as he watched that same hand get cleaved off by another tendril.
This was the first time Tsukiyama saw her.
Rize click clacked her way into view, blood staining her dress and clinging to her hair, turning it a burgundy color of sorts. She wore a manic smile, mandibles marred with red.
By now, the man had started to scream again. Rize seemed to be solely focused on her meal; the minute her victim opened his mouth, she forced her kagune in and out through the back of his neck. That shut him up, for the most part. If you didn't count the squishing, wet noises still coming out.
It was then that Rize seemed to realize she had company. Unwanted company. She cast a sideway glance towards the other ghoul. "Do you mind?"
Tsukiyama was a bit taken aback at the honey-like voice. Then, a bit irritated. He regarded her form with poorly-concealed disgust. Barbarian, he thought as he observed the other crouch and begin to rip at the flesh, almost as if starved. Not wanting to pick a fight, Tsukiyama muttered a small, "Excuse me, miss," and went on his way.
At the restaurant, MM sat at a table with one pinstriped leg over the other. He smiled among his fellow ghouls, raising his glass at appropriate times. He heard the yelling and tearing of flesh as the Dismantling Show went on below him, but paid little attention. Even though the atmosphere was consistently hyped up and extravagant, this particular ghoul was beginning to get bored.
He took a sip of his blood wine and examined the clients over the brim of his glass. Perhaps Tsukiyama just needed some distraction.
He noticed a blonde man over by the bar, finely tailored suit clothing his slightly smaller physique. The mask he donned was a three-quarter bird-style one, with small, blue and gold feathers tufting out to the side. It wasn't overly decorated, giving off a look of minimalistic elegance. One of his buddies nudged him, seeming to notice Tsukiyama's attention on him. The blonde swiveled around on his stool, scanning the layout before settling his eyes on Tsukiyama's form and proceeding to give a dazzling smile and wave. The violet-haired ghoul waved right back. He was about to stand up and go introduce himself (not like he needed to anyways- everyone knew the Gourmet around here- but it was a pleasantry that needed to be done) when a familiar smell assaulted his nose.
A refined, young lady appeared before him, not bothering to ask if the seat was taken as she made herself comfortable. Tsukiyama took in the lilac strands hidden behind a crudely made mask and recognition changed his features. She extended a manicured hand and proclaimed herself to be the Binge Eater. Tsukiyama took it and tried to hide his surprise at that, but must've not hid it well enough, (or she was exceptionally well at reading people; he hoped it was the former) because Rize laughed as she explained, "Yes, I know I don't look like much," then tucked some stray hair behind her ear.
"Non, I don't mean it like that! I just didn't expect you to be here. Since when have you been a member?" Tsukiyama had heard the rumors circulating around the Binge Eater, and how ruthless and terrifying they could be. If he had known he'd bumped into the Binge Eater earlier, he might've been more hurried to leave.
"Oh, I'm not a member. I'd just heard things about this place and wanted to check it out."
"I hope they were not unpleasant things," He took another sip of his wine, but then seemed to remember something and chastise himself, "Ah, how rude of me. I forgot to introduce myself. I am-"
"MM, yes I know. Many of the clients here like talking about you," She cut him off. At his silence, she continued, "I might've happened to overhear some things..."
"Eavesdropping is not a very lady-like thing to do," He commented.
Rize sounded like she was grinning under her mask as she gleefully corrected, "And I am not a lady."
If it were anyone else, Tsukiyama would've been extremely offended at the lack of manners. But this one? This one interested him. He decided he wanted to stick around to see where this would lead him.
And so, Tsukiyama had forgotten about the blonde by the bar (much to the blonde's annoyance) and continued to make pleasant conversation with Rize that night.
"Did something good happen?" Kanae asked one day, as he poured coffee into an engraved cup for the young master. Tsukiyama's small smile betrayed him, something he couldn't stop whether he wanted to or not. Pleasantly surprised, Tsukiyama replied with another question.
"How did you know?"
Kanae made small gestures with his hands, trying to communicate how he thought of Tsukiyama. "You just have this... ah... heiter... air about you.. Very cheerful."
"Do you mean to say I am gloomy the rest of the time?"
Kanae gulped visibly as he hurried to clarify, "No, no! I mean, you're always very happy, but it's always been a bit suppressed and just- now it's as if you've become more ah... radiant and-"
Tsukiyama threw his head back and laughed openly, a rare sight; hidden from the public, something that made Kanae smile sheepishly regardless of his embarrassment. "My, my, relax. I'm only teasing," He gave a bright smile once his laughter died down. "But to answer your question, yes. I've found a fellow ghoul companion."
Kanae made a noise of interest. Tsukiyama continued.
"She didn't seem to be too interested in the family, and she didn't seem to want to be by my side for appearances. She didn't seem to want anything much from me at all, actually," the taller one mused.
Kanae simply narrowed his eyes, unbelieving to the mysterious ghouls' intentions. At that, Tsukiyama grinned. "I know not to get my hopes up. She was pleasant enough, though, and I hope to see her again soon. Anyways, enough of that. Kanae, my dear, come here and tell me what I've missed," he pat the seat next to him on the couch. Kanae decided to let the matter go in favor of re-counting events to the other.
Some time during the stories, Tsukiyama had fallen asleep on the couch. Kanae only realized this when he asked Tsukiyama a question and only got a soft snore in reply. The servant shook his head, muttering something in German though he wore a slight smile on his face. He didn't think he was strong enough to carry the young master upstairs to his bedroom, at least not without much strain and bustling that would surely wake the ghoul up.
So, Kanae retrieved a satin cover and some plush pillows and proceeded to make Tsukiyama more comfortable on the couch. It was here that Kanae took the chance to openly observe Tsukiyama's sleeping features. Long eyelashes rested over high cheekbones, full lips slightly open to let out some drool. It was nice to see Tsukiyama unguarded, the younger smiled at his own thoughts. Without really thinking about it, Kanae leaned over and brushed the hair away from his eyes. The servant noted that his hair was silky smooth.
Then, seemingly embarrassed by his own actions, he quickly tucked the sleeping Gourmet in and left the room, a dusty pink painted over his cheeks.
A few days had passed when Tsukiyama felt the need to go out again. Wanting something a bit more peaceful than the cheering crowd of ghouls in the restaurant, he opted to go to a bookstore. He already had some at home, but he figured he might as well browse and see if anything catches his eye.
He was walking past a shelf when he caught sight of a lavender blur in between the gaps of book spines. Intrigued, Tsukiyama rounded the shelf and saw what seemed to be a reserved female reading the back of a book through red-rimmed lenses. She must've heard him, because she turned towards him and smiled demurely.
"Hello there, MM," She waved him over. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Bonjour, miss..."
"Ah, right! I never told you my name, did I? I'm Rize."
"Rize," Tsukiyama let the name roll off his tongue. "What a coincidence! And what do you have there?" He nodded at the book in Rize's hand.
"Oh this? It's just some romance novel. I don't really like them, but it's by one of my favorite authors so I figured I could give it a try," She offhandedly replied.
Tsukiyama made a noncommittal noise as he sized her up. This 'Rize' was a whole another person from the Binge Eater. This young lady before him looked to be a pure, if a bit shy, person. He shivered to think of the inner layer of viciousness hidden behind the lacy dresses and sweet smiles.
Done with his once-over of Rize, he offered her a seat at the back of the store where people could read in peace. It was a rather small space, but there weren't more than five people there so it wasn't horribly crowded. He worried about making conversation with Rize when the customers likely wanted silence, but the bespectacled ghoul seemed content enough to read her book. Tsukiyama had already chosen an interesting looking one, and so he began to read alongside her.
He was still a bit shocked that another ghoul happened to like literature as much as he did, judging by the small pile Rize had set beside her, but it was a good kind of surprise. Fortunately, the atmosphere around them didn't turn and change into something awkward, but something more companionable and comfortable.
Before he knew it, Tsukiyama had finished ten lengthy chapters when Rize stood up. "It was nice reading with you, Tsukiyama. It's getting kind of late, so I should be getting home. You can never be too safe with all those terrifying ghouls out there," Here, Rize shot him a wink.
"Of course! Will I be seeing you again at the show?" He inquired earnestly.
"Oh, no, those sorts of things aren't really my style. My apologies. But maybe you'll see me here again..." She trailed off meaningfully.
"Maybe," Tsukiyama smiled.
It wasn't until Rize was long gone and Tsukiyama was at the register that he realized he had never told Rize his name. Goosebumps raised on his smooth skin as he tried not to worry too much. Her intentions didn't seem malicious, but after seeing how easily she could hide things, he wasn't too sure if he should follow up on the assumed meeting.
Despite being wary of Rize, Tsukiyama continued to meet with her. Sometimes it was bookshops like the first one they went to, other times it was cafés or parks. They mostly talked about books, authors, philosophy and such. Tsukiyama didn't remember growing to like another person as much as he did right now ever since Chie stepped into his life. His parents always worried that he had too little friends (real ones, that is. Not the pretend-friends made from business) so maybe this would appease them.
Currently, they were discussing hunting skills, now that they were in a bit of a more intimate location. They had been strolling on the outskirts of town, not caring if these parts were sketchier because they did not consider themselves to be anything close to weak. Other people steered clear, though, so now they could talk a bit more freely.
Rize found a bench to sit upon, sighing in relief as she freed her feet from the horrid cages called heels. "Yeah, but it doesn't really matter much since you're going to cut it up anyways. A quick stab to the heart should shut them up, right?" She argued.
"While that may be true, wouldn't you agree the heart is a delicacy that is not to be wasted if possible?" Tsukiyama sat next to her, crossing his arms over his polka-dotted chest.
"Heart's pretty good. I guess. But it's just food in the end. I'll just find some runaway kid or something if I want a midnight snack," She waved him off. The male ghoul tried not to let his disgust show on his face, but as usual, Rize saw through him and laughed. "You're such a baby, Tsukiyama. Specifically picking out which human you want, cutting them up and serving them on plates. Aren't you acting a lot like a human?"
Tsukiyama opened his mouth to object, rage suddenly flashing through his eyes, but was cut off.
"It's a bit pitiful, if you ask me. Still, you're fun to talk to. If you want to learn how to hunt like a real ghoul, you know where to find me," Then Rize laughed as she took her heels in hand, not caring of the hot concrete underneath. She then jumped onto a nearby roof using her kagune to propel her.
In the back of Tsukiyama's mind, he dully noted that at least Rize knew how to leave in style. The comment, however, was drowned out by the following waves of anger washing out all reason in the ghoul's head.
That night, Tsukiyama had stormed his way home. Or, at least he thought so, but when he looked up, he saw gigantic iron gates. Seems like Tsukiyama had been so blind with rage that he hadn't even noticed he'd walked all the way to the manor. Seeing as he was already there, he figured he might as well go in. Maybe a conversation with his younger servant would help calm him down.
He stormed past the gates, down the smooth driveway and past the neatly kept garden surrounding imposing wooden double doors. He only barely refrained from slamming them closed so as to not disturb anyone. The troubled ghoul looked around warily, and upon finding no one in the near vicinity, made his way towards the kitchen. He began the process of brewing coffee- needing to do something- but couldn't seem to pour the water in without splashing it everywhere. He was about to give up when a petite hand placed itself over his own, the gentle but firm grip steadying him.
Tsukiyama looked to his side to see Kanae's smiling face, eyes a bit worried. "Shuu-sama. I didn't know you were going to visit," Kanae spoke softly, completely avoiding the bigger issue. "Should I prepare your rooms?"
The Gourmet exhaled and stepped away, letting the smaller take over and shooting him a grateful smile. "I didn't know myself either, actually. It was an impulsive thing. It doesn't inconvenience you, does it?"
"Nonsense! Now come, take a seat. The coffee should be ready in a few minutes," he waved over to burgundy stools at the kitchen island. Tsukiyama conceded and sat, hunching over in his seat. The silence that followed was a bit strained, but Kanae tried to pay it no mind. Once he brought a cup over, he asked politely, "Is something the matter, Shuu-sama?"
Tsukiyama sighed heavily. It was strange how Kanae's presence could easily calm him down like that, but it was something he'd stopped questioning a long time ago. He just came to get a clearer mind, not to think about matters that enraged him.
Ah well, Kanae was always sharp, sharper than he let on. Sometimes he forgot about that.
Maybe he'd indulge a bit.
"It's that woman, the one I told you about."
"Ah, Kamishiro-san, was it?"
"That's the one," The young master nodded. "Go ahead and say it now. Say 'I told you so'. You were right."
"Shuu-sama-" Kanae began with a slight pout.
"I thought we were fine acquaintances, dare I say good friends? No, it seemed she was simply mocking me. 'Behaving like a human' she said. The nerve!" Tsukiyama tightened his grip on his cup, becoming irritated once more.
The other noticed his knuckles turning white and uttered a small, "Careful now," as he silently urged Tsukiyama to continue.
He re-stated what Rize had said, to which Kanae frowned and asked whether Tsukiyama would continue to see her. The latter only grunted, and Kanae didn't push the matter because it was not in his place to do so. The only thing Kanae could do was offer more coffee.
And so the two sat under the dim lighting of the kitchen, brewing in their own thoughts.
Tsukiyama had ended up staying overnight and now stood in the middle of their garden. He took a moment to inhale the variety of different flowers, feel the gust of wind ruffle violet strands. He heard familiar footsteps travel across the tastefully placed, cobbled path, but stayed facing forward to await the other's arrival.
"I hope you are well-rested," Kanae appeared by Tsukiyama's side, discreetly trying to see whatever the young master had been gazing at.
"Mn, not as much as I'd like to be," He had turned towards Kanae, suddenly scrutinizing him. The younger refrained from fidgeting- like he was taught not to do- but alarm still made itself clear in his expression. Tsukiyama chuckled, glad to see progress in the servant. He simply turned back to stare at... whatever he had been staring at before, then leaned sideways into Kanae.
"You've grown. If I tried to pull this on you when you first came here, I would've toppled you over!" Tsukiyama laughed musically above the short servant's head.
Kanae huffed; trying not to sound too indignant even while his face felt like it was on fire. "I'm not a child anymore, Shuu-sama!"
"No, no, of course not. I thought that's what I was proving," He teased.
The servant bit his lip, not trusting his voice any longer. He subtly leaned back into Tsukiyama. They stayed like that for who knows how long. To Kanae, it felt all too short when Tsukiyama spoke up again. "I think I'll go visit a special little café today, see how the antipathique missus is doing."
Kanae felt like his master shouldn't lower his standards by going to such a place- because he knew exactly what Tsukiyama was talking about- but didn't voice his opinions. He knew once Tsukiyama had his mind set on something, you couldn't convince him otherwise. Sometimes it was endearing. Sometimes, not so much; like right now.
Still, Kanae dutifully nodded, felt Tsukiyama's chin bump into his scalp and tried not to jolt too high.
Once Tsukiyama had left, Kanae began attending to the unfinished inventory of meat. He let his mind wander while he jotted down numbers, numbly putting different body parts into categories. He thought back to when he saw Tsukiyama standing there in the garden, looking so peaceful. He remembered observing him for a few minutes, imprinting the image into his brain. All of a sudden, he felt all mellow and warm inside, if that made sense.
It didn't, not to him, not really, but that's the only way he could describe it. He tried to be as smooth as Tsukiyama could be with the spoken word, but he wasn't sure if he could ever get to that level. Still, if he could get closer to the young master like that, he'd try it.
Ah, is it wrong of me to hope things don't go smoothly so that he may come to the manor sooner? Kanae guiltily wondered.
Perhaps the gods had heard Kanaes' thoughts, because Tsukiyama came back a few days later.
"Ah, Shuu-sama! I did not expect you back this quick, but you are just in time for dinner-"
"No need for that," the bustling ghoul interrupted, manila folder in hand. "Would you hand me a pen, dear Kanae?" He held a palm upwards as he distractedly sat in a plush couch and began spreading forms out on a coffee table.
Kanae spluttered, unused to the nickname but decided not to comment on it as he did what was asked of him. Putting off his embarrassment for the time-being, he let curiosity get the better of him and asked what all this was about.
Tsukiyama laughed. "I'm enrolling in Kamii University."
Kanae gave him a blank stare. Surely he must be joking.
"I know that look, but just trust me on this one. I happened to meet the most magnifique dish out there, someone who goes by the name of... Kaneki-san! No, Kaneki-kun!" The taller placed a slender hand over a royal purple fringe. He began sifting through the sheets and signing them in elegant handwriting. Then he noticed Kanae's doubtful look and continued offhandedly, "It is very much worth the effort, believe me."
"With all due respect, I find it a bit worrisome that you seem to trust a person so easily, Shuu-sama. Just the other day..."
"Yes, yes I know. But this is different. Kaneki-kun is a lovely meal, the other one was a ghoul. I don't befriend my food," Tsukiyama reasoned, thought it over and then corrected, "At least not for long, anyways. I appreciate the concern, Kanae. But truly, I'll be fine," He directed a bright smile towards his servant and continued to complete the paperwork.
Kanae worried his lip, but only gave out an obligatory, "Yes, Shuu-sama," and excused himself from the room.
AN: This is a reprint from AO3. I'll be updating sooner there, and I have other works so check it out if you'd like! Same username and all. Anyways, I really hope you like this one, I finally got a lovely beta reader! Thanks a bunch, hun.