AN: okay, so I know I said I wouldn't be updating for a while but I was able to finish my essay on time :D and I had a huge wave of inspiration to finish this chapter and get it out. That and maybe the fact that it's 2 AM and I am pumped up on a lot of coffee. WOOO. ANYWAYS I would loveeeee to thank crayonx3, Ghoulish Guest, and Anon for your reviews they really filled me with joy, also a big thank you to to all the new followers. :D
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
warning: there is cursing in this chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo Ghoul nor am I claiming any rights to it. This is all the work of the beautiful mind that is Ishida Sui. I do however claim my three OCS: Ophelia, Crow and Aries
Chapter 4
Second Chances
Reaching her destination, Ophelia paid the cabbie her fee and swiftly exit the vehicle. She was absolutely thankful when she saw that Yoshimura was still inside. Going up to the large window she knocked to get his attention, a task in which she was successful in. Seeing the older ghoul look in her direction she graced him with a smile and a small wave then mouthing to him, "I need to talk to you."
Giving her a nod of agreement the manager went to let the young woman in. Giving Ophelia a warm smile upon opening the door for her. "What an unexpected visit, Ophelia. How can I help you?"
Entering the café, she noticed that he was the only one there. Good, she thought, it'll make things easier to explain without prying eyes.
Turning to the older ghoul she asked the pondering thought that had plagued her mind, "Is it possible for someone to make an artificial ghoul?"
Taken back by her question Yoshimura's widened enough to show the curiosity in his kakugans.
"And what makes you ask such a question?"
Ophelia took in a deep breath and began to explain everything to him. The day she laid eyes on the young man at Anteiku weeks earlier, Rize and her demise, the organ transplant and finally of the when she encountered the boy again only that this time he was sporting a single kakugan while his other eye remained completely normal. "I believe when they conducted the transplant they may have unknowingly made him into a half-ghoul. That's the only logical explanation I can think of... he just looked so frightened and... lost."
Throughout it all Yoshimura sat patiently, soaking in all the information the young woman was watering him with. There was a part of him who found this very hard to believe... but the other half knew full well that it is more than possible to achieve this. But what he feared was whether this had been intentional or not. But he chose to keep that to himself.
"What do you suggest we do, Ophelia?" he asked?
There was only one thing she could suggest they do, "Help him. He's most likely confused and in desperate need of support and guidance," pausing for a moment she thought carefully of her next words, "I... I have a feeling that he can grow to be something more... something great." Or become something terrible.
"hmm... I see. Well you, Ophelia, know better than anyone that here in Anteiku we give aid to any ghoul in need."
Giving him a wide smile she bowed in gratitude to the kind man before her, "Thank you, Yoshimura. As soon as I see him again I'll do my best to bring him to you."
"No need to thank me. I am more than happy to help and I will keep you informed if anything happens."
Feeling accomplished in this task, Ophelia bid her farewell to Yoshimura. Stepping out into the chilly October night she began her journey back home. The events from the night finally catching up to her and all she wanted to do was collapse face first into her bed.
It had been hours since she awoke from her deep slumber but Ophelia absolutely refused to get out of bed, her nerves bouncing off the walls. Peeking out from underneath the security of her thick blanket she saw the clock read 2:30 P.M. Groaning to herself she buried her head further into her pillow. The fact that the time to come and face her ex was nearing gave her the worst anxiety. Besides that she knew that Crow would barge into her room any minute and drag her out bed. Releasing a discontented sigh she threw the covers off her frame and began to lift herself off the comfort of her bed. Gathering her necessities she proceeded to the shower to begin her day.
After towel drying her ivory curls, the woman gazed at her appearance in the fogged up mirror. Scrunching up her face in contemplation she decided against any make-up. Changing into a pair of black skinny jeans and an oversized burgundy sweater she wandered back into her bedroom. Putting on her green boots and grabbing her bag she took one last look at the clock, 3:45. Perfect, she had more than enough time to stop by and get a cup of coffee at a Starbucks on the way.
Descending into the living room, she was surprised to only see Aries sitting casually on the couch reading a book.
"Hey Aries... where's Crow?" she asked quizzically.
Looking up from his reading to make brief eye contact with his cousin just to return his attention the novel he was engrossed in. He simply replied with, "Out with Yomo."
"Very informative, thanks Aries. I'll be back later." Not bothering to wait for a reply, not that she'd really get one, Ophelia walked out the door.
Finding a vacant section in the metro cart, the young ghoul plopped herself comfortably down on one of the free seats and began to play a game of solitaire on her phone until she reached her destination in Shinjuku. She was enjoying the her own company until she felt an unwelcome presence situate themselves on either side of her. Of all the free spots in this damn cart these asses had to sit right next to me, this annoyed her to no end .
"What are you playing?" The one on her right asked.
Nothing.
She ignored them, hadn't even bothered to turn her head to look at them.
"Hey my friend asked you a question."
Yet, she continued to ignore them. This often happened to Ophelia when she traveled without one of her cousins. Her exotic appearance often brought her unwanted attention, and especially the attention she received from human admirers made her feel beyond awkward; though at times she appreciated the compliments they gave her. But, she was not too fond of being confined in one spot and pestered with useless questions.
"Maybe she doesn't understand us."
twitch.
"Yeah, probably for the better she looks like she wouldn't be able to hold much of an intellectual conversation anyway."
teeth grinding.
"She really is pretty, that hair is like snow." She felt a hand tug on her curls and that was the last straw.
Violently smacking the hand that held her curl she pushed herself up from her seat and glared at the two men, they looked no older than herself. She let them have it, "I can understand you both perfectly, I was born and raised in this country I just chose not to answer your question because I have no desire to speak to either of you especially after you so rudely sandwiched me in this corner, but I kindly chose to ignore that since my stop is coming up soon. Also, if you touch my hair again I will rip off your hand and eat it." Both men gave her astonished stares, as if not believing what they just heard and too scared to move. As she was walking away she quickly backtracked, "And one more thing I am fully capable of holding a 'intellectual' conversation. So fuck you very much."
At that she triumphantly walked away to a more crowded area of the cart and continued with her game of solitaire in peace. Shortly after she reached her destination and thanking the gods that she was not bothered for the rest of the journey. Looking down at her phone screen she noted she had about 20 minutes to reach HySy and she knew she'd be late. Damn she really hated being late but she really needed coffee especially after the ordeal she had to deal with on the train.
Walking out of the station she made her way to the nearest Starbucks in the area. Promptly ordering her coffee, she was surprised that it was not as busy as she thought it be. Maybe this was a sign that the day will get better and her talk with Uta will go smoothly. Taking a sip of the coffee she felt her body instantly heat up in a pleasant way. Feeling a little more confident she made her way towards the shop.
Finishing up the last final touches of his design, Uta carefully placed the wet mask on the stand to let dry over night. Looking to the clock he saw that it was already 5:15 and knowing Ophelia as well as he did she knew she was always on time. Sighing in defeat he began to pack away some of his essentials, he knew it too good to be true that she'd actually show up. Grabbing his sunglasses from his work station Uta slowly dragged his feet to the shop's door. As he opened the door he was shocked to see Ophelia standing in front of the now open threshold, a cup of coffee in one hand and the other up in the air as if she were ready to knock. He just stared at her dumbly.
Slowly putting her hand down, Ophelia scoffed.
"Well geeze, I see how bad you wanna talk to me. Ready to leave just because I was just a few minutes late."
"More like 15 minutes late." He stated bluntly, all she could do was give him a blank stare. Pushing him aside she wandered into the shop, walked straight to his work station and made herself comfortable on his chair.
"Well, let's talk. I didn't come all this way and deal with insufferable people on the ride over here just so you can gawk at me from the doorway." she attempted to joke lightheartedly.
Nodding his head and still in slight awe he walked towards her, pulling along one of the many chair he had laying about for his clients. Settling in front of his desk next to her, he removed his glasses from his face and rested his elbow on the table. They were both silent for a while, he observing her face and soaking in every detail and she noticing all the new ink she just noticed that adorned his visage.
"I'm sorry," he started, "I'm sorry for all the things I did to you and for what I had so carelessly allowed others to do. I was cruel and inconsiderate to you..."
To say she was a bit astonished that he would immediately start off their talk that way was an understatement and she couldn't help but feel her heart twist in her chest as he apologized to her. Shutting her eyes tightly, and biting her quivering lip she replied,
"I was always so good to you... I did everything you asked of me, all those sick things and massacres you had me be a part of and I stayed by your side even after all the times you belittled and ridiculed me. Tell me why I should forgive you, Uta."
He paused for a second, mulling over his words. "Because I am more than certain that I am still in love with you and after returning home that morning and noticing that you removed all your belongings from the apartment, that and the fact that you wouldn't return any of my phone calls or texts was enough to send me into a fit of rage at first. Then after I just felt empty, I learned to cope with it but it never really went away. I know we haven't been together or even friends for the matter the past two years... but I would really like to start over if given the opportunity."
"Well Uta, it seems that you sure have matured a lot but do you really expect me to believe that you actually changed?"
"I have." His response was almost immediate, keeping eye contact with her.
"How do I know you're not lying? You are quite notorious for being a smooth talker."
"I'm telling the truth, Ophelia. I'd have no reason to lie to you, not now."
Pondering over everything he told her, confessing that he still loved her deeply shook the young woman. But she still didn't know if she could trust him, but he had sounded so sincere. Burying her face in her hands and kicking her legs out like an impatient child, Ophelia let out a long frustrated groan. Looking back up at Uta's amused face, she made up her mind. Only time could tell if this was the right choice.
"I'll give you a second chance BUT only as friends, I will be your friend and also to make Crow stop pestering me about this."
Smiling at her softly, he nodded his head in acknowledgment, "I was expecting a lot worse, but friends is a good start. Thank you."
"Yeah, well don't get too sentimental on me just yet. It's going to take a lot for you to make up for all those times you were terrible to me. Which is a lot need I remind you."
"No, you don't and I'd do anything to make up for it."
Smiling at him, she was about to open her mouth to say something when she heard her phone go off alerting her of a new message.
Your weird little obsession is here
-Touka
Eyes widening she quickly responded back and nearly knocked the chair she was sitting on over by how fast she got up. Startling Uta during the process where he stood up himself on alert. Ophelia silently cursed at herself for getting too excited. Grabbing her purse the motioned for him to follow as she walked towards the door.
"I am so sorry but I have to go, but maybe you can start making things up to me later on this week by buying me a cup of coffee?"
Feeling elated at her suggestion but remaining stoic he nodded as he accompanied her outside, "Just let me know when and where."
Flashing him a brilliant smile she held her hand out in front of him in a motion for a high-five a gesture in which he quizzically raised his brow at but still took it nonetheless. Retracting her hand, embarrassed, she turned away to start her descend back to the station. Last minute something occurred to her and she turned around and yelled out to Uta,
"Oh and by the way, I like your hair that way." The last thing she saw was a small smile on his face as he waved goodbye.
Walking away she berated herself, A high-five? I like your hair? Ugh , I am so stupid of all things I could have totally walked away without saying anything else. Whatever. No time to dwell on this now. I need to make it to Anteiku before I miss him.
AN: Okay so it may have seemed she forgave Uta quite too soon, especially since they had a really rough past (more of their relationship will be revealed in later chapters :3 ) but Ophelia is a very forgiving person.
Anyways. Reviews are always welcome, they keep me going. Let me know what you think :).
