Chapter 10

Kaneki and Touka had decided that their wedding would be half-Japanese, half-Western, since this style was becoming a more predominant tradition in Tokyo. The ghouls of Anteiku had nothing in mind but the wedding as soon as news of the engagement became known among them. Since their community was small, they decided to keep everything within the Anteiku members and attract as little attention as possible. Nevertheless, the excitement was enormous.

In the small shrine were all the Anteiku members with beaming faces. Hinami, as always, could not contain her excitement and her eyes eagerly waited for Touka to walk past her. Ayato smiled at his sister, with that bittersweet feeling of realization that her big sister now had another superhero in her life. Hide grinned from ear to ear, Nishiki smiled proudly at the ghouls he once viewed as children, and even Yomo and Uta looked happy despite their seriousness. Irimi and Koma were joyful witnesses, and Yoshimura looked deeply moved by the moment. The only non-ghoul present was the Shinto priest who was marrying Kaneki and Touka, who did not question why the wedding was so small and private since that was the common practice.

When Kaneki saw his bride enter the aisle, his eyes filled with light. Touka wore a beautiful pale kimono, not too elaborate but very elegant, and flowers with varying shades of red and pink decorated her hair and outfit. Touka was not girly at all, but Kaneki couldn't help but think she looked ethereal. He, too, wore traditional attire to match hers. His heart raced as she paced through the aisle, all eyes on her, and he blushed lightly when their eyes met. When Touka was finally at his side, it was impossible for them not to radiate how elated they felt.

The ceremony began. The audience watched as the couple drank the sake (which they would get rid of later) and spoke their vows, each enjoying the moment as much as they could. Ghouls seldom had weddings given their dangerous lifestyle, constantly running from doves and hiding from the world. Having a happy moment for a change was just what they needed. Kaneki's arrival at Anteiku may have brought trouble in the beginning, but there was no doubt that it was coming to a happy resolution.

When the priest announced that they were officially married, the Anteiku members rejoiced and the newly weds embraced each other tightly. Neither of them were comfortable with a kiss in front of their entire family, given their reserved personalities. Still, the love in that hug was undeniable.

"I love you, Touka-chan," Kaneki said softly so only his wife would hear.

"I love you too, Kaneki-kun," Touka replied, burying her face in his neck.

The ceremony was over, followed by a short photo session run by Hinami and a reception at the cafe. Of course, no food was served, but they treated it as any other celebration. The ghouls were thrilled about the festivities after having prepared everything for Kaneki and Touka.

"Congrats, you two!" Nishiki wrapped both of his arms around the newly weds' necks, startling them both.

"Oi, Kaneki!" Hide joined in, the grin still plastered on his face as he punched his friend lightly on the arm. "Didn't I tell you Touka would be the one? And that you would have a long and romantic future with little baby ghouls? I saw this coming from miles away!"

Nishiki chuckled, "Obviously." Het let go off the couple and ruffled Kaneki's hair, who was now flushed red, then left the three friends chatting. Hinami quickly ran to them with her regards.

"I'm so happy for you, onii-chan and onee-chan!" she exclaimed. "The wedding was so beautiful, and we worked so hard to decorate this whole place. I hope you like it!"

Indeed, the Anteiku members had gone above and beyond with the reception. The place almost looked professionally decorated, with satin curtains, flower arrangements, pastel tablecloths, a fake wedding cake they managed to come by, and more.

"I love it," Touka said after admiring their effort. "How in the world did you do all this?"

"Oh, it took a while," Hide said. "But for you guys, it was worth it!"

"Thanks, guys," Kaneki smiled at the two, clasping Touka's hand lightly. "This truly means a lot."

Touka sighed inwardly as she scanned the crowd briefly, wishing Yoriko would've been there with them. Inviting her would have been too weird, however, since she would've begun to question why their parties had no food, or why their gatherings were so secretive. The most she did was tell her friend about her engagement with Kaneki and that they would marry in secret. Yoriko was shocked at first, but later acknowledged the idea was romantic and wished her all the happiness in the world. She even dropped off a wedding gift at her house, luckily with no pastries or treats this time.

As the conversation continued, Ayato reached them as well. "Omedetoo, big sister," he gave his sister the hug he'd been waiting to give her for a long time. "I'm glad I was able to be a part of your wedding."

"Me too, Ayato," Touka sighed. "Me too." She pulled back with a smile, which her brother returned.

Ayato then looked over at the half-ghoul and gave him a nod. "And I'm glad it was you, Kaneki. I don't think I would want anyone else for Touka."

Kaneki nodded back, happy he and Ayato were on good terms. "Thanks, Ayato. I promise I will be good to her."

"I know you will," Touka said without hesitation. The couple shared a quick loving look, one that only they understood.

Irimi appeared suddenly with a tray that held enough wine glasses for the group, except they were filled with...coffee?

Touka let out a laugh and took a glass. "You guys really got creative for this." The rest of her friends immediately followed, Kaneki with an equally amused look on his face.

"Of course!" Irimi said. "What's a proper celebration without a toast?"

Once they all had their glass Yoshimura called for everyone's attention, raising his own glass in the air. "To Ken Kaneki and Kirishima Touka! For strengthening the bond between ghouls and humans once again." He looked directly at the couple with soft eyes. "I cannot say how proud I am of you and the trials you have overcome through the years. No matter what came your way, you never failed to restore the peace not only in your lives, but in ours. May you lives face easier days, free of the troubles from the past. I wish you all the best today and always. And remember, Anteiku will always be your home."

"For Kaneki and Touka!" cheered the others with raised glasses. The couple followed the motion, smiling at their compatriots and clinking glasses with everybody in the cafe. Kaneki could not think of a better way of celebrating than sharing his joy with the Anteiku members. Yoshimura's speech filled him with hope that his life with Touka would be a clean and new beginning, just as he had always longed for.

The party went on until the evening and filled the cafe with laughter and bliss. After opening all of their presents, the couple decided it was time to head home. They said goodbye to the rest of the Anteiku members and walked to Touka's house, where they would stay temporarily before moving to a different place. Being close to Anteiku was nice, so they had decided they would later move to a slightly bigger place that was near the same distance.

Tired from the festivities, the two plopped down on the couch without bothering to change from the wedding clothes. Touka rested her head on Kaneki's shoulder and snuggled close to him, and Kaneki reflexively wrapped his arm around her, something that had become more than familiar now.

"I almost can't believe it," the blue-haired girl said. "A few years ago, I thought the only life that awaited me was fighting doves and hiding from humans. I saw nothing but danger in my future. In my head, life would be a daily struggle to survive, without ever having a different purpose. And yet, here I am."

Kaneki wrapped his other arm around her as well. "I can say the same. I thought my life was over when I became a ghoul, especially when I was captured. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you, Touka-chan."

Touka gazed up so she could look at him. "Give yourself some credit too, Kaneki. I've changed a lot because of you. You've given me hope."

Kaneki smiled, and she leaned in and kissed him. The half-ghoul returned the kiss just as willingly. Now, he knew she has his forever. And he would make every moment of it count.

"I'm not scared anymore," Kaneki said softly after they pulled back a little bit. "I know danger will always be out there. Problems aren't going to disappear and we'll still have things to face. But now I know we won't be alone throughout it. I feel stronger with you."

"We'll be ready for whatever comes, Kaneki," Touka said. "I have no doubts."

Touka and Kaneki had shared so much over the years. From that night in the alley when Kaneki saw Touka's true form, to his first time in Anteiku, to when they fought doves together, to when Touka rescued him from Jason, to all the times she comforted him when his memories tormented him, and to the bliss that came after when he was healing. They had been there for each other in every moment, and they would continue to do so.

Kaneki took her face in his hands and pressed his face against hers. Touka did the same, both closing their eyes, both peacefully enjoying their beginning of forever. There was nothing they couldn't do if they were together. They were a team.

There was no more pain, no more Jason, and no more fear. There was only joy, love, and hope now. Time brought Kaneki the healing he needed, along with loving people who were willing to help him through it. In Anteiku, he found a family. And in Touka, he found a home forever.

THE END

A/N: So that was it, guys! Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for sticking around and reading this story! I enjoyed writing it and I hope I was able to give you all a happier ending after finishing that first season. I do plan on writing an epilogue to finish it completely, so that'll come a little after!

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!