A/N: So this is something that needed to be written. Tsukiyama with Fem!Kaneki - because there was surprisingly nothing of that written that we could find. This is something that we besties made in light of that and then some book talk was involved and fanart was looked at.
Just note that this is an AU - but some things is Kaneki, Hide, and Touka are all genderbended. (Don't like that then don't read) Kaneki is already half-ghoul and the events leading up to the fights between Mado and Toushi (Touka) and Amon and Kaneki Kendae have already taken place. All other events after that will probably be out of order... but this is going to be a love story, so yeah.
{DISCLAIMER} We do not own Tokyo Ghoul and it's characters~!
:Page 01: Book Nerds:
"I don't know, but I can tell he's a monster by the way he's lived his life up till now." The heroine spoke to her best friend. "Even so, I can't help but be drawn to him... Like he's in need of saving from himself, a chance to make something good out of himself."
"Yeah? And maybe you're just crazy, Meiko." Chided the best friend, causing the black-haired girl reading the novel to giggle slightly to herself.
She was really enjoying this piece; it was from a novelist that she's followed for a few years now. She always makes such engaging books, and they vary between genres every time.
Kaneki had decided to stop by the book store since her shift at Anteiku ended early and she had already finished studying for her college courses. She liked keeping up with her authors', and when she found out that the newest creation came out today, she couldn't wait to get her hands on it.
So now the half-ghoul sat at a wide table in a comfy seat as she relaxed and read on — now onto the sixth chapter. Her one gray eye that was visible scanned the page she was on, and she didn't bother to put her shoulder-length dark hair up or change out of her work uniform. She was content with being in her own world of fictional characters and mysterious romances...
Long, manicured fingers scanned the line of books before coming to a stop at one in particular and nimbly pulled the novel from the shelf. Purple eyes gazed the cover in interest then turned the novel over to read the summary. Interesting... He hadn't seen this one yet before, and he'd thought he'd read everything by this author.
Tsukiyama added the book to the small collection of works in the crook of his arm and left for the checkout line. He was curious for what this new novel entailed; this particular author had always been a favorite of his and never ceased to amaze with her ideas—
What was that smell?
The ghoul, known as the Gourmet to all in the ghoul community, sniffed the air and was nearly blown away by the potent scent. It was delectable, tantalizing, mouth watering...and coming from the girl a few feet away, reading a novel in the comfort of a plush chair. Tsukiyama couldn't tell what the title was from his position, but when he crept closer he could tell the girl's features and it took his breath away. She. Smelled. FINE. Better than anyone he'd ever had the pleasure of smelling. Add beauty to the mix and Tsukiyama simply had to have her.
The purple-haired ghoul brushed his bangs back and put on a winning smile. He would win her over, and then would he devour her.
The Gourmet strolled forward and, reaching the table, settled his free fingers on the dark grain. "Excuse me," he purred, gesturing to the chair across from hers, "Is this seat taken?"
"No, you can't mean that!" The heroine of the story, Meiko, shouted to the man in dark.
The way the chilling scene in the rain was described, Kaneki could feel goosebumps litter her skin as if she were the one being struck by the icy rain. She became so wrapped up in the story that painted in her mind so intricately that she failed to notice the older man approach and speak to her.
"This is what I am, Meiko! You can't change me!" The man with the red eyes of a dragon spoke to her, his angry pupils slitted and Kaneki bit her lip slightly. What would Meiko do now? She herself was at a loss on what the heroine might say or do...
Tsukiyama was taken aback by this. He'd never been ignored — unheard, even! — before. It was a good thing he was persistent, or else this would be a lower blow for him than it already was. He had to have a taste of this delightful creature.
The ghoul shifted his feet and pretended to bonk into the table, effectively shaking it and making the girl blink. "Oh pardon!" Tsukiyama gushed as he "caught" his bearings, smiling apologetically, "Je suis désolé (I'm sorry). I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."
Kaneki had been startled, but quickly covered it up with a somewhat awkward, polite smile. "Oh, it's no problem. Are you okay?" she asked, gazing at the tall man with her one gray visible eye — her left covered by a white eyepatch.
The man before her seemed so esteemed in the way he held himself, she could tell he was obviously rich, or at least had the 'richly taste.' He was wearing a purple collared shirt with dark purple dress pants and even nicer shoes! Not only that, but his shiny purple hair was combed to the side and his eyes matched as they gazed into hers. He was... really eye-catching. She honestly could compare him to some of her favorite male fictional characters that she's envisioned from her various reads.
And his smell... was like lilacs? Her nose wasn't as sensitive as most ghouls since she still had her human side, but he smelled a bit differently to her... Could he be a ghoul, too?
Now that he was close and had her attention, Tsukiyama really was sure of it: this girl was a ghoul. She smelled too differently...and yet smelled human. He wasn't entirely sure how that was possible but he wasn't complaining, if anything Tsukiyama was praising the higher beings above for his great luck.
And the girl...She was truly eye-grabbing, forgive the pun. Fair skin, supple legs, large gray eyes, it was an entire package. She looked delicious to eat. Tsukiyama couldn't help but wonder, however, about the eyepatch. How curious — and was that also the Anteiku coffeeshop uniform she wore?
"Oui, I am all right. Merci." Tsukiyama beamed at her then looked around. His sight caught on the book she held in her hand and he grinned to himself. How oddly coincidental. His game plan changed quickly to accommodate this new-found information. "Ah, forgive me to intrude, but I was wondering if I could sit here? I recently found a copy of a work I've been looking forward to reading for quite some time." Tsukiyama held up the novel that he'd grabbed last — a novel written by the exact same author.
Kaneki's eyes immediately turned brighter as she smiled, "No way! You like Mibuchi-san's works too?" She didn't have time to feel embarrassed by how her voice rose an octave higher — cue her inner nerdyness. "Yes, please sit." She gestured to the seat in front of her. She also wondered what language he spoke... Was it Italian, maybe? French? She wasn't as knowledgeable on foreign languages besides English...
"Merci," Tsukiyama chuckled, and plopped down in the chair across her. He set his other novels on the table and opened up his chosen one as he smiled sweetly at the girl and crossed his legs. "And oui, I do. I've always found Mibuchi-san's works quite engaging; her latest novel truly a treasure. I devoured it in one sitting."
Tsukiyama smiled inwardly at his own joke.
The young woman couldn't stop the wide smile on her face. It was so good to actually talk with someone about the same things she loved, she only had Hideko who she was the most comfortable with, but even she wouldn't read a novel to save her life. And Kaneki was always shy, and stuck to herself so she never spoke with someone before... Well, besides Rize.
"Yes, this one has been such a good read and I'm only in the beginning! It's her very first Fantasy/Romance and she's really brought the mythology surrounding the west dragon to life. It's a much better read than the recent vampire novels," Kaneki laughed lightly at some of the outrageous titles. It had been funny that humans chose to romanticize ghouls.
Tsukiyama joined in with a rich laugh. Some of Mibuchi-san's previous works had taken an...interesting take on ghoul-life. He actually found it laughable, yet enjoyable at the same time. "I'll take your word for it!" he agreed with an amused lilt in his voice, but then cocked his head in thought. "Although her novel Smoke and Mirrors was quite enjoyable, even as a vampire novel. Intrigue, mystery, romance...It was magnifique." Ah, now he was getting into this. Tsukiyama loved discussions about literature in general, especially when it came to his favorite books. "How do you think your novel is compared to it?"
Kaneki settled down, a hand reaching up to cup her chin as she thought. "It's true that I rather enjoyed that book, the plot was much more defined than other books I've read catering to the same focal point of vampires. I just had a problem with the main female protagonist setting aside her personal beliefs that she felt so strongly for throughout the beginning, what made her character so likeable in fact. It felt like she became a completely different person and decided to dump everything for Darius, who in the end couldn't swear a vow to her." Kaneki wore a troubled look,
"The Dragon's Whisper is actually refreshing since I believe Mibuchi-san has really learned how to flesh her characters out more. Even the friends of the main characters are well-developed. I'm only six chapters in, so forgive me that I can't do a good comparison test. But so far the female protagonist does seem stronger, but the dragon is also a very riling beast."
"Intriguing." Tsukiyama murmured loud enough for her to hear. He was impressed by her analysis. How many people had he come across that were like that? What a breath of fresh scent! Beautiful, delicious and intelligent, she'd be a treat indeed.
Tsukiyama chuckled and laced his fingers together atop the table. "Forgive me — I did not mean to imply a true comparison test, ma amie. However your depiction of the main character already makes her a quite refreshing take as a protagonist. I hope Mibuchi-san keeps her true to her character unlike how Katarina was handled...however I'm unable to fully find fault in her. People change, for good or worse, when they find they've met the love of their life."
The Gourmet leaned forward, closing and pushing his book to the side. "Ah, I am rambling again I suppose. I have always been more of a plot-driven individual than I have been a character development one." His purple eyes twinkled.
Kaneki found herself mimicking the stranger's actions, bookmarking her place carefully and setting her book to the side. It was rude to read while someone was talking to you, after all. She placed her delicate hands on top of each other on the table in front of her. "I find myself leaning toward loving character development more than plot-driven. There are so many works that have failed in capturing me simply because of poor character development as the plot was taking place — take Takanaki-san's books for example. Amazingly driven with the original plot ideas, but he never seems to make the characters shine in a way that their memorable. Sorry, I guess I ramble a lot too." She laughed at herself. She's never been able to just unleash her thoughts like this, if she even tried with Hideko, the other girl would completely pull a blank on her.
Tsukiyama saw his chance — he threw her a wry grin. "Do not apologize ma amie, coming from you it's very...dolce. Cute." He moved on before she could say anything. "What you say is fair though. The same — or, rather, the opposite — could be said for me with Gotokuji-san's works. She has such amazing character development in her novels, c'est magnifique... but little no plot to drop back on. Her characters are stuck in an endless loop of conversation. It is very dry. Songbird was perhaps the first book I've never been able to finish for that very reason."
Tsukiyama laughed and rubbed his face. "Ah mademoiselle, I do believe we've found ourselves at an impasse."
Kaneki found herself leaning a bit more in, "I do understand where you're coming from! Even though I value character development, it's true that to make an excellent book you can't forsake either major factors that serve as the story's fundamental building blocks. You need a great plot to help shape and mold the characters through the story, but with a great plot you also need well-rounded characters to carry it through or else it will fall flat."
Kaneki gazed upward as she remembered something from her high school days, something her drama teacher had told them. "Sort of like a play, in order to keep the crowd interested you need the actors on stage to act their part and deliver a winning performance for both the character they're portraying, and the story behind the play. Or else it won't deliver the right emotion to the people watching..."
"Oui, exactly!" What a clever girl! Tsukiyama leaned forward some more in his excitement. "If even a bit of that performance is lackluster the audience will pick up on it and the magic will be lost! Oh," he lamented, "if only many authors could understand this. It's just like when a character is killed off — if the readers are unable to feel for the character, then the character's death is meaningless and the author did not do as well with the development as they should have." The ghoul coughed out a book title where the exact thing he was talking about happened, then moved on. "I'm so thankful for Mibuchi-san for that very reason."
Kaneki nodded instantly, moving along further. "Right, I have a feeling Mibuchi-san will be the author of the year this time around since Takatsuki Sen has taken a break... And Takatsuki-san has to be my favorite writer of all time." She admitted sheepishly, feeling her cheeks warm a bit. "She gets everything right and isn't afraid of taking chances. I was so happy to find Mibuchi-san because I had a feeling she would be another good one in the making."
The dark-haired girl turned brighter with excitement. "You should definitely read her newest work, I do have a feeling she's going to hit the nail on the head with this one!" She felt so rejuvenated with letting out all of her deepest feels.
Tsukiyama smiled at the girl's enthusiasm. She was really making wanting to eat her a difficult decision. "I'll be sure to buy it the next chance I get, mademoiselle. You have convinced me." Then the ghoul paused and stared at her in disbelief. Tsukiyama was so surprised he was nearly left speechless. "I'm also a fan of Takatsuki Sen...What's your favorite novel?"
"No way! Really, you like Takatsuki-san's work?" Now Kaneki found herself brimming over with excitement, she really hoped she didn't scare off her new found book friend! "And that would be a tough one... I admire all of her work, but I would have to say that the one I enjoyed the most was Lunar Inquisition. It was her darkest piece, but somehow I found that the setting she made for the book really helped set the tone for plot and characters in general... It was a really riveting tale of mystery and dark deceit."
"Ah, Lunar Inquisition..." Tsukiyama thought back fondly to when he first read that novel. "Indeed it was. I liked the ending in particular, the way it just ended on a dark note of empty promises..." Tsukiyama trailed off as he remembered. It was such a peaceful time back then... He smiled genuinely and leaned further forward, pressing his chin into an upraised palm. "I think that was the first novel I was ever fully able to immerse myself into — I read it in one sitting believing the entire time I was the protagonist...then the ending happened." Tsukiyama blew a loose lock of purple hair out of his eyes.
"I was actually the same," Kaneki found herself giggling. "It had all of the elements I craved in a story and the main protagonist was just one of a kind," Kaneki almost swooned but kept her eyes locked on the man in front of her. "Really, the ending was such a surprise and even though I enjoy happier endings, that one I feel was best suited to the story I think."
"I couldn't agree more." Tsukiyama didn't take his eyes off the girl. She was proving to be far more interesting than he'd anticipated...far more. And he was growing all the more curious about her. "The anti-climatic end just brought everything all together."
Tsukiyama began to twirl a lock of his hair then he jerked upright, and said in a rush, "Remember the last chapter, and how Takatsuki-san had everyone move on? How bittersweet was that?"
Kaneki shot up more too, barely realizing she was half-standing now. "I know!" She nodded her head rapidly, hoping she wouldn't bite her tongue in the process of her excitement. "By then you loved each and every character so much that you had to keep reading to get a final reaction — and then the plot twist at the end with Shuiji being reborn again in the form of Hashi and Sairi's child! Wow that had the best chilling ending!"
"They never see it coming, ma dieu." Tsukiyama stood too, matching Kaneki height for height in his hype. "And before that when Ryoko predicted something like that would happen but no one listened — we as readers didn't even listen because she was portrayed as senile, not once had her predictions actually come true — and Shuiji was still a dark spirit?"
"Yeah! And it just leaves you in wonder and question with how it ends on Shuiji opening his eyes and they're of the blood red moon like depicted in the prophecy for the end of the world!" Kaneki gasped, talking too much at one time like how she always does when excited. But that moment stopped her, and with furiously blushing cheeks, she realized how close her and the man's faces were. She could clearly see into those beautiful purple hues... was there some blue mixed in there, too?
She caught herself, and with a small squeal, she pulled back at the same time the man did — his own face red and eyes wide.
"Ah, je suis désolé!" Tsukiyama blushed. "I'm sorry! I was not — I wasn't—" He'd been too caught up in the moment to notice just how close he'd been getting to the girl. Her scent was pungent now, coating the air like a delicious dream come true and it took everything in him to hold himself back and...okay he was flustered. But the girl was exquisite in mind, body and soul, who wouldn't be after that scene?
She was just so interesting. The girl shared his love for novels and they even shared a favorite author... What else would they share?
Kaneki waved him off, an awkward smile on her face as she continued blushing. She doesn't think she's ever been that close to a man before... Which left her even more flustered. "No, no, it's okay!" Oh how she hated that her voice cracked there. Yeah, really attractive Kendae... "I, uh, guess we got caught up in the moment...?" She laughed awkwardly and scratched at a burning cheek, giving the purple-haired man a shy gaze.
"Oui, oui. Yes I...think so." Tsukiyama caught her shy look and thought his heart shattered into trillions of tiny little pieces. With wide eyes the ghoul whispered out, "Dolce." And stared at her, taking her in. When did food become so precious?
Kaneki was just about to ask him what that meant when she suddenly heard a new voice calling out to them and coming closer.
"Onee-chan!" Came the voice of Hinami, and she saw the younger girl running up to her with a big smile on her face.
"Hinami-chan...?" Kaneki was confused that the younger ghoul was even here. "How did you—"
Hinami tapped her nose, looking proud. "I followed your scent! So is this the bookstore you come to often?" The brown-haired girl (wearing a disguise currently) looked around in wonder before bright brown eyes settled on the man sitting in front of her Big Sister.
"Oh! This is..." Come to think of it, Kaneki never even got his name!
Tsukiyama came out of his stupor right in the nick of time and he covered his chin with his hand to get back some semblance of control over his emotions. "Ah, my name is Tsukiyama Shuu. And who might you be, une petit?"
Hinami's head tilted to the side. "Un... petet?" She tried to pronounce the foreign language. "Oh, and I'm Hinami!" She suddenly remembered her manners and bowed. "It's very nice to meet you," she raised back up and stared curiously at him and the pile of books next to him. "Were you reading with Onee-chan?"
"You...could say that." Tsukiyama looked at the first girl with a half-raised eyebrow and a slight half smile-half grin on his face...with a blush barely glowing on his skin. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Hinami-chan." He added, returning to fully smile at the younger girl.
Kaneki smiled too as Hinami seemed delighted. The girl always wanted to meet and get to know new people since she wasn't allowed out as much... Speaking of which. "Hinami-chan, are you out alone?" she asked, worried slightly. From what she heard about the doves...
Hinami looked at her and shook her head, smiling like all was well. "Nope, Yomo-san is right next door. He let me come see you when I smelled you nearby." The younger girl giggled then, "I'll be safe with Onee-chan!"
Kaneki smiled at that, though even with Yomo-san's recent training she didn't feel like she was strong enough yet...
When Hinami saw the ghoul escorting her standing outside, she had to leave. "Well, I have to go now... See you soon Onee-chan, and Tsukiyama-san!" She waved, and ran off.
Tsukiyama watched her go with a curious, humored raise of his eyebrow then shifted his purple gaze to the still smiling girl across from him. "Your sister is truly an adorable thing." Realizing something, Tsukiyama smirked at the girl and looked at her right in the eyes. "You know, I never did get your name, mademoiselle~"
Kaneki hunched her shoulders slightly as she realized the same thing, and was once again blushing. "I'm sorry, I completely forgot! How rude of me..." She laughed slightly. "I'm Kaneki Kendae, and it was really nice talking with you today... Tsukiyama-san." She tried his name on her tongue, finding the characters in his name enchanting...
Kaneki Kendae... Tsukiyama tried it on his tongue and decided he liked the way it sounded. He repeated it a few times in his head to store it for future use. "It truly was a pleasure, Kaneki-san." He looked to his watch and saw with distaste the time. It had escaped him.
Tsukiyama sighed sadly and straightened his shoulders. "Although I am afraid I must buy my books and be going, mademoiselle." Tsukiyama's lips quirked into a smile as he continued, "I truly did enjoy our conversation, Kaneki-san. It was refreshing to meet someone who loves Takatsuki as much as I do. Would you like to exchange numbers?"
Not giving it too much thought, Kaneki nodded as she stood up along with Tsukiyama — and she realized their height difference. "Sure thing," She handed him her phone once she opened it up to a new contact and he did the same. "I would, um, really like to talk more with you Tsukiyama-san." She suddenly grew shy then as her hands laced together in front of her and she blushed slightly.
If it were even possible Tsukiyama melted even more inside at the sight. "I would like the same with you, Kaneki-san." Tsukiyama used his fingers to lift her chin so he could look at her in the eyes...eye, and grew a larger smile at her exploding blush. "Dolce..." he said again, and let her go, giving Kaneki her phone and getting his in return. "Au revoire, mademoiselle."
"U-Uh, yes! Goodbye then!" Kaneki blinked at the strange language Tsukiyama spoke before waving to him as he left. As soon as he was gone from sight, she sunk back into the comfy chair.
And then it all sunk in.
She talked to a boy. She just talked with a guy without scaring them off with her nerdy book talk! She felt herself blushing as she remembered the purple-haired... ghoul. That's right, he was a ghoul... But it shouldn't matter, right?
Her phone suddenly buzzed and she unlocked the screen to see that it was a message from her best friend. Oh gosh, Hideko would be hounding her for details!
Destiny: And there it is. These loveable book nerds.
Shattered: Could be considered a one-shot maybe, but we'll be continuing this in a multi-chap fic!
Destiny: We hope to see your reviews on this~!
Shattered: Because as they say... Comments = faster updates. ;)