AMON

One question would not leave the investigator's head. For three months, he had toiled over one issue, one loose thread, one unexplained occurrence. He still lost sleep over it, and he feared he may never find the answer. Sitting in the head office of the CCG's 20th Ward Division building, the four grey walls holding him together, he fought with conflicting ideas and theories swimming around his head.

"Why am I not dead?" he whispered.

Akira, his partner, heard his near-silent question. She sighed and slapped her papers down on her desk. "Amon, you need to let go of your petty conflictions. You're alive. That's fine."

"But why me? So many others would be much more vital than me in current events. Plenty of good men and women would probably still be alive if I wasn't." He stared blankly at the wooden crucifix above his doorway. "The Centipede probably wouldn't still be at large if I had died."

"Amon, stop it." She snapped him out of his trance. "Stop right now. With that kind of attitude, you won't do any good alive or dead." She stood from her chair and walked around Amon's desk, placing her arms around his neck. "You are alive for a reason. Look for whatever that is."

Amon fought back his negative thoughts, making room for his partner's positive ones. He knew it wasn't like him to dwell on unfavourable circumstances. He would make up for his weakness later. "You're right." At that moment, he steeled himself, making a resolution to find the Eyepatch Ghoul, and figure out why he allowed an investigator live. Maybe he'd also learn why Amon himself allowed the ghoul to live.

"Amon," Akira ran a hand down Amon's arm, "we're going to dinner, then you're taking me home."

Amon was still getting used to the idea of dating Akira, dating his mentor's daughter. So he tentatively stood from his chair, taking her waist and pulling her into a hug. He simply said one word. "Okay." Both investigators knew he wasn't only agreeing with the plan. He was also saying 'thank you.'

Both grabbed their coats on the way out of the office, saying goodnight to everyone present without another word. Everyone knew the two were seeing each other, but they let Amon and Akira themselves think they were the only ones to know. Fraternization was highly frowned upon in the CCG, but only the superiors really cared. Amon was the highest superior in the ward, so by default he was fine.

The evening streets of Tokyo were bustling with post-work crowds of people and cars. Akira, with Amon's hand in hers, guided herself and Amon through the crowds. Amon would've lost track of Akira had their hands not been locked together.

"Do we even know where we're going?" Amon fought to keep up.

Akira laughed loudly enough she could hear herself over the crowds. "No idea! We'll find somewhere, this is Tokyo!" They passed many fast food chains and a couple expensive restaurants, moving further and further away from the relative safety of the CCG building. They were both high ranking officers, but neither of them had any apparent protection if things went sour.

Very quickly, the bustling crowds turned into small groups as the city shifted into more residential areas. The streets became less lit with neon colour and more with traditional street lamps. The pair were losing opportunities for dinner.

"It doesn't look like we'll find anywhere to eat at this rate," Amon commented.

Akira stopped walking, looking around the block. "I think you might be right." She frowned. "Now what?"

"I could prepare something, back at my apartment." Smiling lightly, Amon gripped Akira's hand tighter.

Akira smiled back. "I'd like that."

Now it was Amon's turn to lead. He escorted Akira back a few blocks, then wove through back streets and alleys before emerging across the street from the 25th ward CCG headquarters.

"This is where you live?" Akira had an eyebrow raised at Amon. This seemed like something he would do.

"I'm nearby in case they need help," he replied. He knew they wouldn't. This was the 25th ward, after all. "It never hurts to be around, at least."

"I won't argue. I'm starving."

"Me too. Come with me. I'm sure I can make something decent for us."

A few steps down the lamp lit block and a short elevator ride found the pair in front of Amon's apartment. He grabbed a key from the inside of his suit pocket and opened the door.

Amon's apartment was modest. Similar in size to a student's apartment, with a blend of eastern and western furnishings. When Akira walked in, she took a spin and noticed a wooden cross above the doorway. It was homely in here. She liked it. Amon took her coat, hanging it and his own coat in the small closet to their right. They both took off their shoes and stepped further into the room.

"I'll begin on dinner," Amon said. He stepped into the kitchen, or what passed as a kitchen, and pulled some vegetables, a chicken breast, rice, and sauces from his fridge and cupboards. "Please, have a seat." Amon gestured to his living room. Akira had accidentally been staring at Amon again. It was difficult not to sometimes. She shook herself back to awareness and took a seat in a small easy chair.

Some time later, Amon came to serve Akira their dinner: a teriyaki chicken dish with mixed vegetables. "It looks delicious," she said.

"Thank you," Amon replied. "It's nothing special, but I enjoy it." He handed her chopsticks, and she began eating. Amon took a moment to bring his hands together. "Itadakimasu," he spoke. A brief show of appreciation to his god for the meal. Simple, yet elegant and beautiful. Akira smiled. Amon picked up his chopsticks and began eating. They both gazed at the city skyline through the window.

"It's beautiful," Akira commented. She felt Amon's gaze rest on her. She couldn't help but blush.

"Yes, it is." He was not only talking about the city, but her as well.

Akira grinned, knowing what Amon meant. "It's an honour to protect all of this. I hope we're doing it well."

"So do I," Amon admitted. For a moment, he looked deep in thought. "We have a shared burden to keep the peace, but what if the peace we are striving for isn't possible?"

Akira frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, what if we can't eradicate or detain the ghouls? What if we're not supposed to?" Amon fought back the urge to hit himself. That sounded ridiculous.

Akira thought for a moment, staring at her food. "I don't know, Amon. I don't have an answer for that. I guess we'll see what happens if the time comes."

After the meal, Akira helped Amon clean up before she would leave for home. "Thank you for the food tonight, Amon," she said as she washed one of the bowls they had used.

"You're welcome." Amon smiled. "It was good to have you over."

Akira hummed and nodded. Part of her didn't want to leave. She thought that may not be appropriate, however. So instead, she stopped washing dishes and gave Amon a tight hug, pulling his face down for a kiss. Amon gently wrapped his arms around Akira and returned the kiss briefly. It was soft and tender, full of compassion rather than desire. This is how love should be, the pair thought.

They released each other, Akira grinning and Amon returning a somewhat sheepish half smile. They locked eyes for a moment. Finally, Akira spoke up. "I should head home."

"I suppose so." Amon frowned. He wouldn't mind spending the night with her, but they would both need energy for work tomorrow. So, he saw Akira out the door, said goodbye, and returned to his living room after shutting the door. He looked back out across Tokyo, thinking about the future, and the words and actions of the Centipede. "I will find out why you didn't kill me," he promised.