Kaneki read the text from Touka. She sent an address and a time, which was later that evening. Kaneki assumed she wanted to limit Amon's options as much as possible. Giving him so little time, he couldn't hope to get a proper squad together, seeing as it was already after noon.

Kaneki sent a quick text to Hide, explaining who they left to go meet. He responded almost immediately.

Hide: are u sure this is a good idea? i doubt theyll be fond of amon

Kaneki: Yeah, but they're reasonable. Mostly.

Hide: mostly? that doesnt sound too sure

Kaneki: They'll listen if I explain things. As long as Amon doesn't provoke them, we should be fine.

Hide: just be careful man

Kaneki: I will. I promise.

Kaneki watched the buildings as Amon drove to the address Touka sent. After looking it up, Kaneki found it to be an abandoned building at the edge of the ward. At least it would be private.

Amon looked over at Kaneki, obviously concerned about the meeting. "These ghouls... they won't just kill me on sight, right?"

"They shouldn't."

"Needless to say, I don't like this. Especially without my quinque."

"I know, Amon. But trust is a two-way street. If you really want coexistence to work, you'll have to learn to trust ghouls."

Amon sighed, and didn't speak until they arrived at the building. Rather, lack thereof. It appeared to be an abandoned construction project. They had the shell of a concrete structure, but nothing on the interior. The walls and floors were all solid, but that was all there was.

"One hell of a meeting place," Amon said as he took in the sight. He jumped as he saw Touka emerge from the 'doorway.' She motioned for them to follow her, then disappeared inside.

Amon went to follow but was stopped by Kaneki. "Amon, the mask. If they see it, you're a dead man."

Amon nodded and pressed the pad of his thumb against the locking mechanism on the back of Kaneki's head. After a few clicks, Kaneki felt the metal being lifted as Amon removed the mask. He tossed it through the open window of his car. Kaneki rubbed the indentations from his face, then led the way into the building.

"Wait here a bit," Kaneki said. "It'll be better if I explain things first." Amon nodded again and leaned against the wall of the building while Kaneki went inside alone.

Inside, he found Touka waiting along with the rest of his Anteiku family. Nishiki, Irimi, Koma, Yomo, and even Hinami were waiting for him.

As soon as she saw him walk in, Hinami rushed towards him. "Onii-chan!" She shouted as he tackled him.

Kaneki laughed as he fell to the ground, Hinami still clinging to his middle. "Hey Hinami, long time no see," he said. "Did you learn any new words while I was away? I hope Touka didn't let you slack off."

"Of course I did. It was harder without you though," Hinami sobbed. "I missed you onii-chan! How could you leave us like that?"

"I know, Hinami. I'm sorry."

She started hitting his chest in frustration. "You left! You disappeared and I wasn't... I didn't... I thought they killed you!"

"It's okay," Kaneki said softly as he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm here now, and I'm okay, I promise."

Kaneki stayed on the ground while Hinami sobbed into his shirt. "Where's he at?" Touka asked.

"I told him to wait outside. I thought you might want to talk to me first."

"He didn't threaten you, did he?"

"No, he didn't. He's been putting an honest effort towards understanding us. I think he's one of the good guys."

"W- who are you talking about?" Hinami asked.

"Hinami, I want you to listen very closely," Kaneki said. "The reason I couldn't come back... I was with the Doves."

She looked at Kaneki in utter shock.

"I had to go with them," he explained. "If I did, they would save someone very important to me. Since then, I've been talking with one of them, and he thinks that we might be able to end this whole war."

"Stupid Kaneki! If you didn't come back-" Hinami shouted.

Kaneki hugged her closer. "I'm sorry I worried you, but I did come back. I'm not leaving you any time soon."

Nishiki regarded Kaneki with a cold stare. "I'm glad you're alive and all," he said. "But what does this Dove need to meet us for?"

"Listen, he'll explain everything, just don't attack him, alright?" Kaneki pleaded. "He has no weapons, and he's come alone, as requested."

"As long as he doesn't try anything, I'll trust you."

"Thank you," Kaneki said with a sigh of relief. He called out to the man patiently waiting outside. "Amon, you can come in now."

Amon slowly walked into the room, not knowing what to expect. Hinami clung tighter to Kaneki, who stayed seated on the floor. He watched as Amon announced what must have been the most painfully awkward introduction in history.

The ghouls all had different reactions to his explanation. Irimi and Yomo remained passive, Nishiki and Touka were skeptical, and Hinami and Komo were hopeful. Amon continued to explain what he planned on doing with Kaneki and Hide- how he planned on making them the public speakers.

"You just need a recording of us saying that we want to live alongside humans?" Touka asked once Amon was done.

"Yes. That's all we need for the director to let me get started."

"I can't say I'm all for this," Nishiki said. "You are a Dove after all. But Kimi would tell me to hope for the best and to stop being such a pessimist, so I guess I can give you a chance."

"Thank you. All of you. I think this is a real step in the right direction," Kaneki said.

Amon pulled his recorder from his pocket and pressed the button.

Hide was getting tired of waiting. He read Kaneki's text while he was on his way to a cafe to get more recordings. Since reading his friend's message, he'd sent numerous texts in return, none of which were answered. Kaneki had probably turned his phone off, as usual.

Hide: hey man. good news! some guys from kamii gave me some pretty solid statements

Hide: did u guys get there yet?

Hide: they didnt try to eat amon right? that would not be ideal for us

Hide: at least tell me u got a taste. i gotta know- was he salty or savory? amon doesnt seem like the sweet type

Hide gave up after that, figuring spamming Kaneki's phone wouldn't magically make their meeting over any faster. He was just walking in his apartment after returning home, as it was getting dark outside and most of the students had retreated to their dorms to study. Finally, after nearly two hours since his first text, Hide heard his phone chime.

Kaneki: Everything went well, Hide. Why did you think they'd try and eat him? And even if they did, why would I want to taste? Anyway, we're on our way back now. Try not to trash the place. Again.

Hide chuckled at his friend's message. He always did use proper grammar when texting. It was kind of like texting your grandma. He tried to toss his empty soda bottle into the trash can as he walked toward the sofa, but he heard it hit the ground as it missed the mark.

Whoops. Whatever, I'll go pick it up later.

A/N:

I just finished watching Zankyou no Terror and I have to say, it's pretty good. To be honest, I'm thinking about writing a fic for that show too. Soooo, updates here might slow down a bit in the near future. Sorry!