Chapter 15
Author's Note:
We're back at it again with writing this fic! I ended up taking a bit of a break from it just due to being a bit busy with uni and a bit unmotivated due to what I consider slow scenes but hey, I have had the restaurant scene planned out in my head for ages so expect that to come up soon.
On another note Morie is now being used in another fanfiction titled Tokyo Ghoul Root QX. The story is written by President Haise and is an AU fic. A link to it is here so just copy and paste it into your browser - s/11821233/7/Tokyo-Ghoul-Root-QX
Onto the story~!
"Model Misono Karube was reported wandering throughout the streets of Tokyo last night before she succumbed to blood loss. Multiple eye witnesses stated that her eyes had been taken out. Currently, this is thought to be the work of the Gourmet ghoul based on criminal profile. We now have Doctor Hisashi Ogura here to bring us more information about the motives and reasoning behind this attack."
The workers Anteiku were casually listening to the television with interest. From the corner of her eye Morie saw Touka glance upwards from wiping down the bench with a slight frown plastered to her face but she paid it no heed. The droning voice of Ogura sprouting what Morie thought was idiotic assumptions mixed in with half-truths was growing dull in the room.
That all changed when the bell to the café rang open.
Although the television was still sounding all eyes were upon the newcomer who posed by the door with a hand carefully resting upon his blue fringe. The man deeply inhaled. "What a lovely aroma. Yet as I thought, this place has really calmed down. Such a shame." True to the man's words Anteiku at this time of day only had a single customer who was hidden behind a large potted plant situated near the door.
At the sight of the man Kaneki did his usual customer greeting in a chipper voice somewhat excited that he wouldn't be causally waiting around anymore due to lack of customers.
The man simply raised a hand in response but otherwise ignored the boy instead choosing to step closer to Touka who looked like she was quickly having her energy drained. "Greetings Kirishima."
"What do you want?" grumbled Touka.
Morie glanced up and watched the man with interest through narrow eyes. Kaneki just looked on with curiosity.
"Oh, non. Why can't I just come here to gaze upon your faces for a while? I see you are as cold as ever, Kirishima but I suppose that's what makes you appealing."
Touka just turned her face away, muttered something under her breath and returned to wiping down the bench.
As Morie watched she noticed the customer slowly get up from their chair, slide behind the man and swiftly slink out of the café trying to be as stealthy as possible. The bell by the door didn't aid in that though but everyone except Morie was busy staring at the man dressed in vibrant clothing. At this movement she too got up and stepped closer towards Kaneki, fingers deep in her pockets fingering the cold steel of her scalpel.
The man had the same idea as he noticed Kaneki's eyepatch. A grin appeared on his face as he flourished his arms. "Ah, the fabled Eyepatch. Such a pleasure! I don't assume- And I have been proven incorrect." He spun his body to face Morie who looked at him with tired eyes. Upon seeing Morie's state of dress and unkept hair he sighed and shook his head. "Such as shame someone like yourself doesn't look at the mirror… If you took the time you could look si magnifique."
Morie chose not to say anything in response.
The man turned back to Kaneki and began to zip around the boy standing as stiff as a statue. "On the other hand, you dear Kaneki was it; You look much more delicate than I expected." He leaned in closer before Morie grabbed one of Kaneki's arms and tugged him behind her.
Touka seeing these actions cried out from behind the counter as she rinsed the cloth in her hands. "You're in the way and you are creepy so just hurry up and go away."
The man glanced at the huffing Touka before placing a hand on Kaneki's shoulder as he walked back. "Perhaps we shall see each other again over coffee. We shall meet again, Kaneki." He paused and turned his head towards Morie. "You as well Masuda."
Morie clenched the scalpel harder as the man casually walked out of the store.
After the bell finished ringing Morie took her hands out of her pockets. "Who was that ghoul Touka?"
Throwing the cloth down into the sink Touka growled. "Someone you two need to stay away from. A nuisance to the 20th Ward. Shu Tsukiyama the Gourmet."
By this point the news had already finished the report a long time ago but the coverage was playing through Morie's mind. The man was clearly dangerous, needlessly so and she knew his face and knew his name so it wouldn't be hard to just turn him into the CCG but the name Tsukiyama danced around in her head. She had heard the name before for numerous things but remembered it the most from the labels on chemicals she saw around laboratories. Food, metals, chemicals and investments were all funded in some part by the Tsukiyama family. If something were to happen to the family there would be huge economic consequences.
Morie grit her teeth and walked up to the bench. "I need a coffee…"
Morie was just about to get ready for bed when her phone buzzed to life on the desk. It had been placed there when she got back from her university lectures in order to charge so when she lazily strode over to it, she had to fumble to unplug the cable. Before tapping to answer it, she glanced down at the name shining across the screen. She let out a "tch" before answering. "What do you want, Nishiki?"
The voice on the other end was breathing heavily and the words that he managed to say were shaky. "Please help. I need you to come to my apartment."
"Last time I saw you, you nearly killed me. Why should I help you now?"
"It's Kimi…"
Morie's eyes scanned the books on her floating bookshelf as she thought. Sure, she knew Kimi but after watching what happened with Nishiki she didn't know if she could trust the ghoul any more. It was only when she heard Nishiki whispering hushed words of comfort did Morie make up her mind. "Fine. I'll come. Do you need medical supplies?"
"Yes, and hurry."
Nishiki's voice was cut off as Morie hung up and sighed. She looked at a sleeping Shirozumi before snatching the bottle filled with a few RC tablets then took a few steps towards into her kitchen. After rummaging around in a few shelves, she located the white first aid box. She placed it on the bench before undoing the flip lock and looking inside. Moire usually made it a point of keeping medical supplies ready on hand in case something happened so it was stockpiled with numerous bandages, gauzes, disinfectants, an instant cold pack and medical tools like tweezers and scissors. Checking she had everything she needed, Morie grabbed the last item on her medical list, her dissection kit, and left the building with a quick step.
Navigating a few blocks away from her apartment Morie eventually made it to Nishiki's abode. Her knuckles tapped a few times on the door before she opened it with a creak. The first thing Morie noticed as she stepped inside was that the place reeked of blood. The metallic tang permeated the air so much that even the numerous cans of coffee could not stop her from smelling it.
"Nishiki," she called out as she stepped towards a door with a soft light coming out of it. "I'm here."
As soon as Moire turned the corner to enter Nishiki's bedroom she was greeted with two crying figures. Nishiki was covered in crimson but most of it was not his own and it was smeared across his mouth. The blood mostly came from the woman he was with. Positioned against the side of Nishiki's bed was Kimi face wrenched in pain as she tried to calmly breathe and stop the tears of pain from flowing. Pressed against her shoulder was a grey towel that was quickly turning red.
Morie rushed to their side and placed her medical equipment down. "What happened?" She then shoved the RC tablet bottle into one of Nishiki's hands and took over pressing the towel down. "Have two of these then tell me. Kimi don't talk."
The woman in pain just nodded her head as she continued to hold back her hisses whilst Nishiki unscrewed the lid of the bottle and tipped out all the contents. Only two of the tablets were held in his palm before he threw his head back and swallowed. Due to Morie's medalling he knew what they were after all she had used him in order to gain access to the equipment in order to compress the cells into tablets in the first place.
"Get me some warm water and extra towels if you have them, "instructed Morie seeing that Nishiki had taken the tablets. Following the woman's orders Nishiki silently got up and walked away to retrieve the requested items. Whilst he was gone Morie spoke again. "Assuming Nishiki bit you, where is the injury?"
"Trapezius muscle up near the neck," Kimi informed as she hissed through the pain.
Morie's eyebrows knitted together as she applied more pressure. Blood was creeping onto her hands and due to how close she was to it her eyes started to turn black and red. Kimi noticed and let out a silent gasp just as Nishiki wandered back in with the requested items. As he knelt down beside the women, he noticed Morie's eyes. "What the hell happened to you? You're human"
"Correction; I was born human. It's a long story and not something I want to explain now. Take over for me whilst I wash my hands."
Morie got up once the swap was complete and washed her hands in Nishiki's kitchen sink. She made sure to scrub in between the gaps of her fingers and underneath her uneven nails. The soap bubbled and frothed as she did so before all the suds were washed down the drain. The paper towel lying sideways on the windowsill was used to dry them before she headed back into the bedroom.
Kneeling next to Nishiki and Kimi again Morie dragged the medicine kit, extra towels and bowl of water closer. The first aid kit was opened and she pulled out the gauze, disinfectant cream and a needle and thread. "I need you to remove the towel from her shoulder."
"Are you crazy? The bleeding hasn't stopped yet though," said Nishiki
"I gathered but there isn't much else we can do unless we take her to a hospital but I may be able to stitch it up and dress it."
Nishiki looked at Kimi with concerned eyes. She gave him a nod and slowly he removed the towel he was holding to her shoulder. The area was caked in blood and more was seeping out as Morie examined the wound. Two curved lines were pierced into Kimi's neck and Morie was taken slightly aback. "You didn't actually eat her," she mumbled to herself but both of her companions picked up on it.
"Didn't need it," wheezed Nishiki as he clutched his stomach.
Morie glanced at him as he lent with his back against a wall as he sighed. A red patch was blooming from underneath his crossed arms. She turned focus back to Kimi as she began to use her hands to scoop water over the bite. Kimi tried her best not to squirm at the sensation and pain.
"I assume the injury Kaneki gave you is still healing, Nishiki? If so, I am surprised you are still alive," Morie said as she poured more water.
Nishiki just snorted in response.
Kimi's brown eyes met Morie's. "You knew what happened and you didn't tell me?" Kimi's words oozed with worry and stress.
"I was there," Morie replied. "I didn't inform you because it wouldn't have mattered either way." She finished washing the bite and began to dab it dry with the towel.
"I could have done something so Nishiki wouldn't have ended up like this!" Kimi's breathing began to get heavier and shallower. "I-I could have brought him food so his injuries would be able to heal."
Morie said nothing but her stare hardened. A hand drifted down to feel for the tweezers, needle and thread and once she had them in her hands, she fiddled to pass the clear thread through the eye of the needle. Once it was ready, she used both of her hands to steadily pull the skin closer together. A numbing ointment wasn't used so with every stitch Morie made Kimi had to bite her lip to try and distract herself. After she was done Morie used the scissors and cut the thread. The next thing to do was to apply the disinfectant cream and once it was thickly applied Morie cut a square of gauze, pressed it firmly against the wound then stuck it to Kimi's body with medial tape.
"You know what to do for the next few weeks," Morie said as she started to wash her hands and the needle in the bowl of water. "Take the spare bandage and gauze. I will buy new ones for myself." She shifted her body to face Nishiki. "Whilst I'm here I might as well look at you too."
The ghoul just looked at her grit teeth. "You left me to die already why do anything now?" he spat.
"It wasn't my fault you decided to be a dick that day. Now lift up your shirt so I can look. The tablets I gave you earlier should start helping."
"Fine." With a grunt he shifted his arms and took off his shirt revealing a bloodied mess in the centre of his abdomen. From what Morie could see most of the scarlet was due to blood that seeped from the wound whenever he accidentally reopened it. Any blood that did come from it was soon stopped due to the ghoul's above human clotting agents. For the most part though it was healing just very slowly.
"You'll live," Moire said as she picked up her belongings and stood up. "You just need to eat."
"And how do you think I can do that, huh?"
Morie looked at Kimi before looking Nishiki dead in the eyes. "Anteiku."
"I don't need sympathy from them!" growled Nishiki. "Figures that you'd be in contact with them now too."
Kimi shifted her weight. "Can I do anything?"
Morie sighed as her eyes narrowed. "If the CCG found you, they would most likely imprison you for life just for harbouring a ghoul." At this Nishiki scowled. "I wouldn't do anything drastic. Leave Nishiki to his own pride."
With a stretch and a yawn Morie exited leaving the couple and made her way home.
"So theoretically a white van just pulls up besides you and the window scrolls down. Inside is some shady guy offering you something, anything for you to get. What would he offer you?" Hide had just ambushed Morie as she stepped out of Kamii University's laboratory space and was escorting her through the halls until he had to run for his next lecture which was in the next ten minutes.
"No matter what the man would say I wouldn't enter," was Morie's unenthusiastic reply. "I would know that it would be a trap and thus wouldn't get in."
Hide shook his head. "You're no fun sometimes you know that right? Anyway, for me I think it would have to be an early access to a CD."
"You are saying you would risk your life for trashy rock?" Morie's shoulders sunk as she sighed. "Didn't your mum ever read Little Red Riding Hood to you?"
"Well about that…" Hide started nervously scratching his temple.
Morie froze as she looked out the window. As Hide began to ramble she ignored it all as just a muffled noise. Her eyes were fixated on a tall man strolling down the brick path lined with tables and trees providing shade. His perfectly combed hair framed his perfect face and he was walking up to the table she wished he wasn't venturing towards. It just so happened to be that Kaneki was there with a cup of coffee he ordered from the nearby university café and he was blissfully holding a book.
"Shit," Morie swore before biting the bottom of her lip. "He probably looks tasty or something…"
Hide turned and faced her, smile fading from his face due to the woman's actions.
"I'll be back. I need to stop a wolf."
With that she left Hide alone in the hallway as she marched towards the door that would take her into the courtyard. Pushing the glass doors open that snapped back with a bang, Morie felt the soft breeze and sun on her face. Her eyes scanned the environment until they locked onto the table Kaneki was sitting at. Shuu Tsukiyama had already taken a seat across from Kaneki. She inhaled and exhaled deeply before marching over.
Upon seeing Morie Kaneki smiled. "Have your classes finished? If so, why don't you join us?" Kaneki offered.
Without saying a word Morie took a seat beside Kaneki and started watching the man.
Tsukiyama put on a forced smile. "Bonne après-midi, Miss Masuda. I don't believe I have told you my name. I am Shuu Tsukiyama and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance once again."
Morie crossed her arms. "What are you doing here?"
Kaneki looked at Morie. "We were just talking about books. You don't need to be rude."
"Books…" Morie's eyes darted to the book Kaneki was reading. It was a simple book on the basics of martial arts. She asked if she could have a look inside, was granted permission and started flipping through the pages. Diagrams showcasing fighting stances along with step by step guides explaining how to do axe kicks and grapples met her eyes. She made a note to actually show him how to do some of these when they both had some free time.
Tsukiyama with elegance cleared his throat. "As I was saying when reading a book one can become deeply immersed into a new world and can help distract oneself from the pain of their real lives. I myself have experienced such a thing as novels supported me through times of strife. For example, take Takatsuki's books; although dark and bleak her spectacular wordsmithing crafts an environment one can't help but be sucked into."
Kaneki throughout all of this Kaneki remained silent but as the man in front of him continued to talk about his favourite author a soft smile appeared. Even Morie looked up out of curiosity. She had never really read books to escape from reality but she certainly found interest in the themes they explored. Hysteria from The Crucible was just one example along with power in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The themes just expanded the way she thought about the world. They challenged everything the world had to offer and the words of Franz Kafka came to her. "''If the book we're reading doesn't wake us up with a blow to the head, what are we reading for?''" she quoted gazing Tsukiyama in the eyes.
"But of course, people read for knowledge and confrontation too Masuda," exclaimed Tsukiyama with a slight flourish of his hands. "I happened to have heard that both of you like the work of Sen Takatsuki and by just having me talk about her I can see has intrigued both of you. A favourite place of mine in which I visit somewhat frequently is said to be a place where Tatatsuki is often sited."
At this comment Kaneki perked up with an excited gasp and a smile. Morie continued listening as her heart was slowly starting to beat faster.
Tsukiyama continued. "The owner has a collection of old books that he allows customers to read as they sip their coffee. Everything just blends together in harmony." He extended his arms and softened his eyes. "Surely if you are interested Kaneki, we could go there some time to recommend books. The proposal must also please you, Miss Masuda?"
Morie said nothing as Kaneki smiled in contemplation. Seeing this Tsukiyama let out a sad sigh and frowned. "I see from your looks that Kirishima said something about me. Whilst it's true that I am a gourmet it seems that my interests only serve to push others like yourselves away. I am afraid that the other people I interact with hold no interest in books or culture and the only one that I could find was Rize Kamishiro but she died just a few months ago. From you at least Kaneki I get a similar feeling I got from her. All I want is a friend and a quite space in which I can discuss the things I like in." With another sad sigh he lifted himself out of his seat. "My sincerest apologies for disturbing you two. I'll be taking my leave now."
Kaneki and Morie were left sitting at the table in silence. Kaneki was the first to move after looking down at his coffee and thinking. Morie on the other hand was hoping he wouldn't do what she thought he was about to do. Kaneki jolted up from his seat and ran up to Tsukiyama. Morie's jointed tensed up as she grit her teeth. All Kaneki needed now was a red hood to go along with his actions. She ended up reluctantly joining him in accepting Tsukiyama's offer.
Author's Note:
Trapezius: This is the name of the muscle that makes up most of the back of your neck and goes down between your shoulder blades. It is made up of three sections an upper, mid and lower part and in addition to that assists in posture and active muscle movement in the shoulders and neck.
The Crucible: A play written by Arthur Miller set during the Salem witch trials. It explores how greed and corruption can lead to irrationality and hysteria.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: Written by Ken Kesey this novel is set in a psychiatric hospital ruled by Nurse Ratched. The inmates are all under her command until a new patient by the name of McMurphy enters. He encourages the other inmates to break the rules and challenge Nurse Ratched. It explores themes of conformity, power, gender and insanity.
Kafka's quote: This expert is a quote written by Franz Kafka to Oskar Pollak, a Czech art historian and friend of Kafka. The full quote translated from German is the following:
"I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound and stab us. If the book we are reading doesn't wake us up with a blow on the head, what are we reading it for? ...we need the books that affect us like a disaster, that grieve us deeply, like the death of someone we loved more than ourselves, like being banished into forests far from everyone, like a suicide. A book must be the axe for the frozen sea inside us."