Disclaimer: I do not own anything except my OC. Everything else belongs to the original creator
Chapter 6
3rd Pov
The black sheep of the CCG passed through the halls as she acknowledged a few other coworkers while still trying to think where the CCG's Reaper's current location was. There were files that were asked to be delivered to the man and she was given the task to make sure they reached him.
However, a simple task such as playing deliver girl has it's challenges like running into people who just hate your guts. No matter what there will always be someone within her own ranks that will happily allow the girl to die or even kill her themselves. Sadly, she's used to hearing such threats and it didn't faze her one bit because it wasn't nothing to her.
But she had to admit it gets annoying when it affects her work especially. Yuzuki held the documents tightly within her hands as she approached the office of the Reaper's, but before she could even reached it someone roughly nudged her shoulder. Her eyes widen a bit when she felt the papers slip from her fingers and all she could do was stand there as they hit the ground. Frowning to herself, she began to think of who in their right mind caused her to do this. To her own luck, she just happened to be in the same space of the one man that dreamed of killing her and any other ghoul.
Papers scattered across the floor and the young dove didn't have any time to collect the fallen documents when she sensed the other Investigator stepped on the piece of paper that she reached for. All she did was try to hold back any remark as she stood up to face the man.
Yuzuki frowned the moment she knew that a certain crazy obsessed man confronted her. It was none other than Mado, he never liked the girl when word of her being part ghoul spread through some ranks and he has always tried to tic her off in order to kill her. The moment she acts out as a ghoul, is the very moment that the CCG has the right to put her down like any other ghoul.
Narrowing her eyes, Yuzuki quickly realized that there was someone else beside Mado and she hasn't met the young man. His scent is new, so surely he must be new to CCG and he happen to have Mado as his mentor.
Sighing, the young Investigator tilting her head a bit at the two, "Mado, it appears you have a new partner. Try not to let this one get himself killed."
He chuckled, "I just simply telling him to be careful around you. No one can trust a ghoul."
"Sir, I best think that it was very-" The new Investigator took awhile before trying to defend the girl and hint to his mentor that his actions were uncalled for, but he didn't get the chance to finish his sentence.
Mado pushed the words aside as he looked over his shoulder to the young man, "Amon, don't let appearance fool you." Glancing back at the ghoul, he grinned a bit, "She's just like any other ghoul, they don't know anything-"
Yuzuki curled her fingers a bit as she cut the man off, "You don't know anything, Mado, so I'll ask you to leave me be. I have work to attend to and surely you already caused trouble."
Before either one could say another word, footsteps stopped not so far from Yuzuki and the girl released a sigh of relief when she knew it was none other than Arima. She stood back as his presence made the other Investigator turn his attention on him.
Raising a brow, he saw the floor covered with papers and he looked over to Mado before stating, "Leave her be, Mado, you're aware of the regulations."
"A ghoul will forever be a ghoul even if you managed to domesticate her." He smiled, eyeing the undefeated Investigator before chuckling to himself, "When she snaps, then I'll tell everyone I was right about her then moment."
Sighing, the white haired Investigator simply replied, "Certainly that won't happen."
Mado grinned, pointing at the man before looking back to the girl, "Not yet! But when it does then I'll gladly take care of the issue." The obsessed man smirked to himself before motioning his partner to follow as he began to take his leave, but he looked at Arima one last time, "Even with your status, you won't do what's necessary especially if you grown attached. If you're really what they say then it won't be a problem. But surely I would be one of the few to quickly eliminate her if asked to."
Arima narrowed his eyes slightly, "That will be my reasonability if that case would arise."
Shrugging his shoulders, Mado worked pass the two Investigator and he chuckled one more before replying, "Fine. I'll be waiting for the day when it does happen."
She stood still as the two investigators walked passed her, her eyes remain still along with her whole stance until she knew that they were gone. Frowning to herself, Yuzuki lowered her head towards the ground where all the papers rested. Her fingers twitched a bit before she knelt down to clean up the mess.
Yuzuki sighed, collecting the scattered documents in peace as she whispered under her breath, "I can't get a break, can't I...?" Lowering her faded eyes, "I didn't need any help from anyone, especially from you."
Standing, she straighten the papers within her grasp, "I should've just-"
"-Don't."
Her faded violet eyes stared up at him as she firmly stated a fact, "I know. I'm very aware what he wants and I'm not going to let him win by giving into his obsession of killing me." Raising a brow up at the man, "I'll be more cautious regarding him, so don't worry much of it."
Shrugging, she handed him the documents, "These are for you. Forgive me if they're out of order since I didn't have any control of the situation earlier." Sighing, "But... Thank you."
"It's fine, Yuzuki." Accepting the files, he looked over them and indeed they were out of order, but it can be easily fixed. Sighing, he glanced up at the young Investigator, "I'll work with what I got, so don't worry."
"Good day then," Nodding, she bid him farewell before taking her leave. She walked away, but she looked over her shoulder when she heard his voice once more. "We'll see each other later."
Blinking at his words, a smile appeared across her lips but it didn't last long as she walked away, "Okay father, until then."
Yuzuki reached the entrance of the building, she planned to leave CCG for the day so she can head back to the 20th Ward, but before she left there was a familiar scent that caught her attention. Smiling, she turned around to be greeted with a pair of arms and she knew it was only Juuzou.
"Nee-san~!" The white haired boy laughed, picking the girl up as they spin around a bit before he set her down. His red eyes were wide as he quickly and bluntly stated, but Yuzuki knew he was joking around while still holding it's truth behind the words, "It's been soooo boring without you, Nee-san! I was beginning to think you were dead~!"
Yuzuki only giggled at the boy's cheerful and childish demeanor before wrapping her own arms around the white haired Investigator. She smiled at him as they parted and she noticed that Shinohara wasn't far behind the boy.
"Suzuya, it's been too long since we saw each other," Her eyes were unblinking when the boy shook her a bit as he began to quickly fill in what she has missed since their last conservation. All she did was smile and laugh at how he described everything then she realized that she was missed being around the boy like old times.
"How's Shinohara?" She asked, wondering if the boy got used to his new partner, who is also the made that spoke up in his favor so Juuzou could have a second chance. Now those two were paired up and it was almost like fate.
He shrugged, rolling his eyes, "It nothing different."
Yuzuki shook her head at the boy, "He cares for you just like I care about you. So give him a chance like you gave me."
His red eyes merely studied the girl and he didn't say anything regarding what she said. Juuzou looked over his shoulder the moment his partner stood behind him and the boy raised a brow slightly as he pondered a few things. In truth, the boy doesn't really understand most emotions or humanly reactions since he forgotten about them, but there are still pieces within him that still can feel compassion.
"Good evening, Yuzuki-san," Shinohara acknowledged the girl as he quickly gave his regards about what occurred earlier. He offered a smile, "I've heard about what happened between you and Mado. I hope you weren't bothered too much with his actions."
Yuzuki felt Juuzou's eyes as they darted over to her direction and she knew that the boy would've stepped in if he was present in the situation. She returned a smile while realsing a tired sigh, "It's good to see you again, Shinohara, and no it wasn't too out of hand with what happened."
Juuzou frowned, "But he didn't hurt you right, Nee-san?"
A reassuring smile appeared on the girl's lips as she explained, "No. It'll be a violation of a few things and..." She paused a few a breif moment, "Fortunate Arima was near by to insure that Investigator Mado was in line."
Facing the older Investigator, "I've noticed that he has a new partner now."
"Yes, the young man's name is Koutarou Amon," Shinohara informed the girl, "He started a few days ago from what I heard, but he's a well mannered gentlemen. Maybe he'll slowly influence Mado while he guides Amon through the ropes of CCG."
"He's different," Yuzuki thought about the new dove as she recalled how he made an attempt to call out his mentor, "I sensed that he was taken back from what his mentor did, but hesitate to defend me."
Sighing, Yuzuki brushed aside as she turned over to Juuzou, "So what are you two up to?"
The boy's eyes lit up as he recalled what they were heading, "Oh! We were going to go eat!"
She smiled, but it was a sad smile to an extent and she knew that he was going to invite her with them. Yuzuki would accept it, but she had other things to attend to and surely Juuzou would understand.
The boy realized that the girl's reaction towards his words and he remembered a unfortunate fact regarding his sister's diet. He forgets at times that she can't have food like he does and he pities her since she missing out, but he recalls that she actually enjoys some treats. Like ice cream, he remembers that she like it and she describes it to have such a weird taste that surprisingly it's delicious .
Shinohara noticed how Juuzou expression changed the moment the words left his mouth. It's one of the rare moments that Shinohara has seen the boy actually show some form of compassion since he hardly shows any to anyone. Juuzou might be childish, but Shinohara has seen how violent the boy can be at times and lack of morals too. He's a problem child, but Shinohara see potential that Juuzou can improve his social skills and mature into a well balance young man.
However, the boy actually expressed a expression of guilt for what he said and Shinohara connected to Yuzuki's ghoul nature of not being able to eat the food that humans can. The man rested a hand on his young partner's shoulder while facing girl, "Yuzuki, it'll be an honor if you join us." He smiled at her, "It might do you some good to get out of here and spend time with us."
Juuzou glanced from his mentor to his sister and he smiled at the thought of it. He reached out to Yuzuki and tugged her hands a bit, trying to convince the girl to accept the offer, "Yes! Nee-san, you have to come~ We'll have lots of fun!"
Yuzuki only shook her head slightly before giving a small smile as she stepped back, "I must decline, but maybe another time."
"Alright then, take care Yuzuki." Shinohara nodded as he turned, but he waited for the young boy to bid his farewell.
The white haired boy chuckled as he wiggled his finger at girl, "Okay, but Thursday we must go out! Alright, Nee-san~!"
She giggled, agreeing as she knew he'll remind her that Thursdays were their day to hang out and surely he wanted to go do something. Yuzuki nodded at him, "We will, until then, Nii-san."
Juuzou quickly joined his partner who raised a brow at him and the boy answered the thought that his mentor might be thinking about. The red eyed Investigator shrugged, "Thursdays is the day when me and Nee-san get to spend together."
Shinohara chuckled softly to himself, smiling as he glanced over his shoulder to see Yuzuki take her leave in the opposite direction. He saw how close the two were and it provided that Juuzou is fully capable of changing if he wanted to.
Her smile faded as she sensed the boy's presences disappear, she felt bad for declining but she knew they'll hang out later in the week. After her encounter with Mado, all she's been thinking is to leave the building and head over to 20th Ward. Today she agreed with meet up with Kaneki and enjoy their evening together.
Releasing a deep breath, she smile as she thought about other things. Yuzuki planned to maybe see Touka later and talk to her before heading home for the night. Last time she spoke with her was when Touka ranted about Hide and how Yuzuki suggested the idea of her joining them. Not surprised by the answer, Touka flat out refused the thought, but Yuzuki still would like for the ghoul to try.
She understands that maybe Touka might be afraid of humans, ironic , since humans are terrified by ghouls. Yuzuki is aware of the history that Touka has with humans, but the dove only want to help the girl see what's she missing.
Yuzuki smiled, she remembered that Touka goes to high school, the girl must have made at least one friend. Even if it's one human friend, it's enough and maybe Touka might understand.
The weather was nice, a slight breeze, and the grass smelled fresh while the sound of laughter filled the air. Yuzuki sat on the bench under the tree, she could hear some children play and how they tried to gain their parents' full attention. Children tend to crave attention from their parents and Yuzuki won't deny that she did the same with hers too, along with Arima and Fura.
The cheerful atmosphere only brought up sweet memories of her youth, before it all went wrong, but she didn't ponder farther in memory lane when she felt something. Shifting her head to the side, she notice someone was rushing towards her direction and then she smiled at his scent.
"Y...Yuzuki... Sorry that I'm late..." The boy finally reached the girl as he tried to catch his breath. He smiled sheepish, scratching the back of his head before chuckling, "I... I hope you weren't waiting too long."
The girl giggled at the boy's quick response, "No, you're on time." Shrugging, she stood up from the bench, "I was here early."
He stood back for a moment while glancing towards the direction of their destination before smiling back to her, "Oh... Okay, should we go?"
The two stood beside each other, Yuzuki smiled at the human before nodding, "Lets go."
It wasn't too many people around, but it was enough to fill atmosphere with their laughter and conservations. How the children were amazed by the large animals that lived within their own surroundings provided by the cage that held them. Then there were moments that it went silent as the two teens wondered through different areas. However, the silence didn't last until they entered the area where the birds were located then their little cries filled the air.
Yuzuki couldn't help herself from smiling, she felt like a child for a moment as she quickly turned towards each sound. While Kaneki followed behind the girl for a moment, he smiled as he realized the amazement Yuzuki is experiencing.
Then suddenly, he felt sad for a moment when he thought about how Yuzuki couldn't see like the others. He never bothered asking about it unlike Hide. Blinking, he found himself standing alone while Yuzuki continued to walk, but he noticed that she paused in her tracks when his presence became faint. She glanced behind her and Kaneki shook his head as he smiled sheepish to her once he reached her side.
"It nice out today," Catching up to her, Kaneki chuckled lightly as he looked over his surrounding, "I'm glad you thought about this."
Her expression soften, smiling to herself before placing her hands behind her as she faced the boy, "I'm just happy to be out and hanging out with you."
"S-same..." Kaneki smiled back before he noticed something, pausing for a moment as he read a sign, "Woo... They added an aquarium" Glancing over to Yuzuki, he quickly suggested something, "Do you-"
She tugged his arm towards the direction before he had the chance to finish his sentence, "-Come on." The girl allowed the human to led her to the aquarium, still maintaining a hold over the boy's arm and he didn't seem to mind it as he walked her through the entrance of the new area.
The two strolled through the large cool area, silence filled the space as they took in their surroundings. Kaneki realized that there wasn't much of a coward than he thought there would be, but he also kept glancing over to Yuzuki who had an expression of amazement written across her face. The girl might gain the same experience as her friend, but she still felt excited and thrilled to be surrounded by such scenery.
Suddenly, Kaneki felt terrible as he studied how her eyes didn't show much emotion in them. He found himself standing still beside as they stood in front of the large glass that divided them from the aquatic life. Staring into the aquarium, he noticed a few sting rays glad by gracefully while a school of small fish sharply turned around before they disappeared from his line of sight.
Thinking, he curled his fingers up, nervously the boy turned away from the girl as he took in a breath. Taking a step back before he glanced over to her, "Does it ever bother you that you can't see?"
She didn't say anything and the silence only made Kaneki tense up. He quickly began to think of the mistake he just did and tried to think of an apology for asking such things. In truth, he was just curious, but he didn't want to bring up anything that Yuzuki might want to discuss about. His eyes widen slightly at her movements, but the silence didn't help.
Her hands slowly slid down the cold glass of the aquarium until only her finger tips caress it's surface as she finally answered Kaneki's question. She shook her head, "No." Looking over her shoulder as she smiled faintly at him, "I accepted the fact that I won't see like before."
Shrugging, she faced the large aquarium, continuing to explain while keeping her back towards him, "But I can still see.'" Looking over her shoulder once more, she tilted her head, "All I can pick up are the contour lines, so I can basically see the outlines of you and from what I can tell... you seem troubled by asking me this." Her lips twitched a bit before shaking her head, "But I can't see things like values, shades, or color. So I don't know what color your hair is or the texture of your skin or clothing. Almost like a flat drawing with nothing."
Sighing, Yuzuki shrugged once more before returning her attention to the wildlife in front of her, "It's pretty dull, but it's something I guess so I can't complain."
Chuckling, she turned as she leaned against the glass, "However, I use my hearing to pick up on my surrounding and I'm capable of recognizing a scent so it lets me know who's around."
Kaneki laughed lightly to himself as he stood beside her, attempting to lighten the mood a bit or make himself more comfortable, "I guess Hide can't sneak up on you if he tries then."
Giggling, Yuzuki shook her head while smiling up at the boy, "Yeah, he can't win, so it's best for him to drop it."
He sighed, a smile still resting on his lips as he pointed out the truth, "Knowing Hide, he probably won't let it go."
Turning away for a moment, she sighed under her breath, "But there are times were I can't see anything at all and it's random," Yuzuki tilted her head up as she added on to the topic, "So I accept not really using whatever sight I have since one day it might disappear too."
"I... I feel bad..." Kaneki lowered his eyes for a moment before glancing towards Yuzuki, who raised a brow at him.
She shook her head, offering a smile to the boy as she tried to lighten the mood, "Don't be, there's nothing that can change it or fix it." Chuckling, Yuzuki leaned her head against her shoulder, "So why worry over it?"
"It's just unfair," Sighing, he turned over towards the aquarium and watched all the aquatic life before his eyes. It was a beautiful sight, so many colors that it made the room glow with it. Facing the blind girl, Kaneki watched how she pressed her hands against the glass as she stared through the glass. Glancing back to the scene, he whispered, "You can't actually see the colors and-"
She cut him off, "Then describe it to me."
Stepping back, he stared at her with a confuse expression while she only smiled at him. Raising a brow at her, "What?"
Yuzuki stepped back as well, standing across from her friend, she giggled at his confusion, "I know the colors, I used to see once before and I read a lot of books of many things, so I'll know what kind of aquatic animal you're talking about." Nodding her head over to the glass as she smile, "So explain it to me, describe it with every detail and it'll be like... Like I'm actually seeing it."
"Uhh... Well, where do I begin?" He nervously laughed, stretching his head as he stared into the large aquarium, there was so much to say, but he didn't know where to start. Suddenly, he felt a hand rest on his shoulder and he glanced down to see Yuzuki point over to the coral reef .
"Start there, tell me about the surroundings like the background then describe everything else in between," Leaning against him, "I'll be listening to every word."
She chuckled, "You're majoring in Lit, so pretend to be an author who's trying to create the setting. I'll be like the reader and you need to describe to me what you see so I can understand what you saw."
Kaneki smile faintly, quickly taking in the large aquarium that they stood in front of, he focused on the background. Not wanting to leave out any important details as he tried to recreate the scene for the girl. Smiling, he soon became lost in his own words as he spoke about the coral reef , the illuminating colors that the small creatures lived in. The way the aquatic plants that rested on the reef swayed with each shift the current or even the simplest movements that any of the fish made sent the plants dancing in their habitat.
Yuzuki smiled, leaning against the human that took his time to recreate their surroundings so she wouldn't be left out. She giggled as she pictured how he became lost in moment and she found herself too losing herself to his words. Before they knew it, they moved to a different spot with whole new scene and Yuzuki only heard his voice.
They were walking out until they passed the giraffe's captivity, Kaneki watched the animal mind it's own business even if there were a few people standing, watching the peaceful creatures. He glanced over to Yuzuki, who had her attention on the two animals as if there was more behind the reason to why it has captured her full attention.
"Then there's the giraffes," Kaneki pointed out the large animal that peaceful munched on some leaves before it moved back to the center of it's captivity.
Yuzuki only giggled at the mention of the animal, recalling old memories that Juuzou had informed her about. However, she knew the history behind it all and the life her brother lived before he placed under CCG. Her smile was sad as she remembered what Juuzou has shared with her, "My brother adores giraffes, always drawing them when he's free, he would say something like they're the most freckly, living thing in the world."
"Well they are, so he does have a point." Chuckling, he gave a final glance towards the giraffe before they moved past it and he turned over to Yuzuki, "I didn't know you have a brother?"
Sighing, Yuzuki placed her hands in front of her as she revealed some information, "Well... I don't actually have a brother or any family to be the matter of fact."
"But your father," Raising a brow at his new friend, Kaneki was confuse since he recalled a couple moments that she mentioned family members before. An example would be her father that she brought up a few times already.
"Adoptive father, he took me in when I was about six years old." Tilting her head up a bit, she held a faint smile as she recalled memories of her youth when she first met her new family, "My brother is a close friend that I made during my youth. We might not be blood related, but he'll always be like a brother to me."
"Oh... I wasn't aware..."
"Blood isn't the only thing that makes someone family. There are other things that create a stronger bond that blood can't compare."
"I see," Nodding, Kaneki casted his eyes to the ground for a moment before returning his attention to Yuzuki, "How old is he?"
"He's 19, a bit older than me," She giggled, "But he has such a childish attitude that makes him appear younger."
Tilting her head a bit to right, she studied the boy as she asked, "What about you? Do you have any siblings?"
He shook his head, Kaneki looked away, "Umm... No. I was an only child."
Yuzuki raised a brow at the new information, "Oh, so it was you and your parents then."
"No, it was only me and my mother. Never knew my dad," He whispered, his eyes remain on the ground as he told Yuzuki about his family, "My mother passed away when I young, so I ended up with my aunt until I moved out."
He held his chin for a brief moment and Yuzuki took note of his action as he gave her a sad smile, "I missed her, she was always doing things for others, always so kind."
Moving her face away from his direction, Yuzuki stared forward as she responded, "I'm assuming you don't like your aunt."
"It's... just..." He didn't say anything, allowing a silences to build between them and the boy didn't finish whatever he was about to share.
"You don't have to talk about it. I understand." Yuzuki felt a sudden shift of energy that came off Kaneki, a different vibe and she knew it was best to drop the subject. Glancing over to him, she offered a small smile as she pointed something out, "I see that Hide is like a brother to you."
"You can put it like that," Laughing a bit at the new thought, he can understand where Yuzuki might have came from to think that. Kaneki can recall that he and Hide were friends almost their whole lives, basically growing up with one another almost like they were family. He smiled over to her, "He's my best friend since I was just a little kid. We grew up together, so we're kinda like brothers."
They were heading towards the park that they met up earlier before they decided to go to a book store. Yuzuki promised Kaneki that he'll pick the book store, so he can be the bookworm that he is, talking about the next novels and suggestions that Yuzuki should pick up. He was excited and she can only imagine since it'll be in his comfort zone.
On their way to the park, someone was dashing through the coward, not paying much attention to the people that were shoved aside by his impulsive action. Yuzuki was walking beside the black haired boy, the two were having their own conservation and the girl wasn't expecting the sudden pressure on her shoulder. The next thing she knew was her lost of balance, but she felt a pair of arms that caught her.
"Hey-!" Catching the girl, Kaneki frowned as he called out to the rude strange, but they were gone. Sighing, he helped her back to her feet while asking, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Shrugging the boy away, she frowned to herself as she thought bitterly to herself, I swear today is the day that everyone needs to push me around. Raising a brow the moment she felt a hand on her arm, she faced the boy beside her.
"H.. Here..." Offering her his support, he extended his arm so she can accept it, but the girl only shook her head at him.
Yuzuki never was the one to feel dependent on someone or want anyone to belittle her because she was different. So she denied his offer, "You don't need to, Kaneki."
He frowned again, his cheek heating up as he realized how he must've sounded, "I don't want someone to knock you over again."
"Fine if you insist."
She linked arms with the boy since he insisted after what happened not so long ago even when Yuzuki reassured him that she was fine. Yet he didn't want to let the chance rise again, so he decided to link his arm with hers and act like a guide along with making sure no one would push her again.
His cheeks were a red tint, but he found himself laughing as the girl continued on speaking about her life such as her surrogate brother. Smiling, he glanced over to the girl and he was struck to see how beautiful she was especially when she was smiling. The way her facial features all moved when she laughed or how her eyes appeared bright with a light that he cannot explain. Most of the time her eyes shield everything that no one could possibly tell what's going through her mind, but this time they look different. Kaneki didn't really understand any of it, but he felt happy and it became more frequent when he met Yuzuki.
Leaning against the boy, Yuzuki giggled while they passed through the park and she mentioned the flowers, "Roses, I remember their scent and it can be intoxicating sometimes."
Kaneki was impressed that she was able to pick out a certain type of flower from such distance, "I can't even see them and you could smell them a mile away."
She gave a slight nod while shrugging, "You know the whole thing about losing one of my senses can enhances the others."
She pulled him towards the flowers, "I used to pick flowers when I was younger and make flower crowns."
"Uhh..."
Letting go of him, she sat down beside the area where all the flowers rested. Yuzuki faced the boy, "You and Hide are going to have flower crowns."
He shook his head as he tried to protest the thought of wearing such things, "But-"
Stopping him, she crossed her arms for a brief moment as she raised a brow at him, "No 'buts', if my Ojisan wore one then you can too." Giggling, she recalled the memories with Fura, "He wasn't one to have flowers, imagine a rebellious teenager who can intimidate you easily wearing a crown made of flowers."
Taking a sit beside light haired girl, Kaneki chuckled nervously, "Really?"
Smiling, she tilted her head up towards the sky while a grin rested upon her lips, "Yup, my father wore one once when he was younger too and from what my Ojisan decribed, it was a sight to see."
Plucking a few flowers, she turned over to face the boy, "What color are these?"
Kaneki glanced down at her hands, "They're red and blue."
"And these?"
"Light yellow and some are pink too."
Grabbing his hands, she placed a few flowers into his hands, "Okay, I'm going to teach you how to make a flower crown."
"I-"
"You'll be making one for Hide and I'll make yours."
"B-but, what about you?"
"After, if you want then-" Looking up at him, Yuzuki only stared unblinking as she smiled at the boy. Her eyes closed as she twirled the flowers within her fingers, "You can make a crown for me."
Yuzuki removed some leaves before she carefully bend some of the stems so she could set the crown up, "Did you know flowers have different meanings also based their colors then the meaning can change."
Kaneki carefully paid attention to the girl's actions as he followed her lead, lifting his head over to her as he listened, "I've heard about it, but I never searched into them," Glancing to the flowers that he was handling which were yellow and pink and the boy raised a brow at Yuzuki, "Then what does these flowers mean?"
She smirked to herself, already having the base set up and she began to add more to her crown, "You tell me, look them up and gain some new knowledge." Yuzuki lifted her head a bit, acknowledging the boy, chuckling "I already know, so it's up to you if you really want to know."
The black haired boy looked down at his crown and he was glad to see it coming along quiet fine. He sighed to himself before a smile settled down upon his lips, "Okay..." His eyes trailed back to Yuzuki who finished her crown and had it set aside.
Returning his attention back his, he was startled when he felt something brush his hair. He saw that is was the crown that Yuzuki had just finished, he didn't know what to say, but one thing that he was positive is that his cheeks were barely red.
He was glad that Yuzuki couldn't see him blushing or anything that she can tease him about like Hide would do.
Walking side by side, the two held their flower crowns as they began to head down to a small book store that Kaneki wanted to go to. He was explaining the place to Yuzuki since she hasn't been there and from what he knew she only been to the book stores in the 1st Ward with her father. So he wanted to show her a few nice places around the 20th Ward, but unfortunate he couldn't.
Yuzuki's ears perked up at the sounds and she quickly recognized a scent that she paused in her tracks. This caused Kaneki to stop to, turning around he saw his friend running down the sidewalk towards them as he waved at the two. Kaneki sighed to himself, he was disappointed for a moment since he knew that Hide was going to drag him somewhere or protest about going to a book store.
The girl smiled once their friend reached them, but she didn't expect him to pull the boy beside her away so quick. Yuzuki watched how Kaneki was taken back for a moment. But before Hide left, she handed him his flower crown and the boy accepted with a huge smile while chuckling, "Thanks Yuzuki!"
Glancing over to his black haired friend, "Sorry, Yuzuki-san! But I gotta steal my boy, Kaneki, from ya!" Hide grabbed the boy's arm, quickly dashing off as he dragged his friend along, but still calling out to Yuzuki. The loud energic boy smiled over his shoulder as he waved his crown around a bit before setting it on his head, "Thanks for the crown tho! It's awesome~!"
"Hide wait-" Kaneki's eyes widen when he felt his whole body suddenly move and he didn't have time to say goodbye to Yuzuki. He stumbled a bit, but he managed to shout over to the girl before Hide completely dragged him away, "-Bye Yuzuki!"
Hide tugged the boy a bit more, "Let's go!"
She waved at the two as Hide ran while dragging Kaneki close behind. Yuzuki giggled to herself, she turned and began to head over to Anteiku so she can visit Touka for a moment. Then afterwards, she'll head home and call it a day. The dove smiled, her thumb brushed over the flowers on her crown as she held it in her hands. Remembering the troubles the poor boy faced as he tried to make a second crown, but he managed to correctly build it before giving it to her.
Anteiku
Entering the shop, it was quiet and Yuzuki assumed it was because it was already closing hours, but she noticed that Yoshimura and Koma were still busy. Koma was cleaning the tables before he went to clean the cups, making sure that everything would sparkle as a sign that they were spotless. Meanwhile, the manager was setting everything in order such as trays and menus.
Yoshimura didn't look up from where he stood, continuing his duties as manager, but he quickly informed the dove, "Touka is up in her room."
Koma looked over to the dove, smiling at her before returning to his work, "Good evening, Yuzuki-san!"
Yuzuki returned a smile at the two, "It's a pleasure to see you, Koma. You weren't here last time I came."
The ghoul chuckled, wiping down another table, "I know! It's been awhile since we chatted, but I'm glad that you're doing well with everything." Glancing over to his boss, he added, "The manager gave me a day off, so you didn't see me."
The dove walked over to the manager, "How have you been, Yoshimura?"
He smiled at the young lady, the old ghoul finished his duty before going off to check on other things, but he answered her, "I've been doing pretty well, Yuzuki, thank you for asking. I'm assuming you've been well since you look extremely happy."
Giggling, she nodded as she stepped towards the stairs that lead to Touka's room, "I went out today with a friend and I enjoyed my time. Knowing you, you'll pick up with the slightest change there is."
The old manager turned over to her, "I'll assume you went with one of your new human friends."
"Yes."
Nodding, "I'm glad to hear that you had a pleasant day. I'll let you go see Touka then."
Yoshimura entered the back of the shop, leaving Koma to clean the front while Yuzuki head up the stairs. Yuzuki reached the door, knocking on it, she waited for a brief second before Touka opened the door. The ghoul raised a brow for a moment before allowing the dove into her room.
Closing the door behind the older girl, Touka crossed her arms, "So what brings you here?"
The light haired dove walked towards the counter as she replied, "I wanted to see you and probably speak with before heading home."
Touka walked over to her desk, cleaning a few things while glancing over to dove, "What do you want to know?"
Yuzuki leaned against the counter, "How's school? Got any friends?"
"What are you, my mother?" Touka snorted back, cleaning her small place up, but she spared a glance towards the girl, "And no. I don't have any friends."
The dove sighed, "You can't possibly think that you can avoid-"
There was a knock on the door causing the two girls to tilt their heads at each since neither of them were expecting anyone. Touka raised a brow, but she went to answer the door and she was surprised to see a girl from her school standing behind the door.
Yuzuki moved away from the counter as she noted that there was someone at the door that she haven't met. The dove studied how Touka reacted towards her visitor and from what Yuzuki can guess, the girl must be from school.
Touka glanced over her shoulder to Yuzuki before returning her full attention to her classmate, "Um.. Hey Yoriko-san. What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see that you were fine. I notice that you didn't look well at school and you didn't eat anything, so I decided to bring a little meal for you!" Yoriko smiled, offering her classmate the small containers, but she realized that there was someone else in the room.
Her eyes widen, feeling embarrassed as she looked over to Touka, "I didn't know you had someone over."
Yuzuki felt herself freeze when she noticed that the girl was indeed human. Her faded eyes widen at the thought of a human visiting Touka, but the dove shook her head as she held her hands up in defense. Chuckling nervously, "Sorry, I was just visiting, but I was leaving soon."
Touka snorted over to the dove as she casted a glance towards the human while she placed the containers on the counter, "We're cousins."
Yoriko looked between the two as she stepped back, "Oh!"
The young waitress shrugged, walking over to her classmate that stopped by while explaining for Yuzuki's presences, "Yeah, she's just dropping by since we haven't seen each other for awhile."
"Then I'll be going now so you two can catch up!" The girl bowed, quickly excusing herself, but she still beamed over to Yuzuki as she clasped her hands over the girls, "It's nice meeting you!"
Yoriko waved over to her classmate with a bright smile before she left, "Bye Touka, I'll see you at school!"
Touka returned a faint smile, bidding her farewell to the girl before she closed the door behind the human, "Bye, Yoriko and thank you."
The young ghoul sighed, leaning against the door once she felt that the human school girl was long gone, but Touka felt something different. Looking over to the dove, Touka notice that Yuzuki had her arms crossed with a smirk and this only made Touka frown in return.
Sending a glare, Touka walk pass the dove, "Not a word."
Yuzuki raised her hands up in defense, but she couldn't help herself from smiling. She was glad to see that Touka was opening up and especially to a human around her age and Yuzuki believes it'll do the girl some good.
Yuzuki's Pov
Dreaming:
The pain wouldn't stop, I could feel every inch of my body screaming out in agony and it continued on until it all eventually went numb. My back ached, still I felt my Ukaku regenerated, but only for them to be ripped out once more.
Still I continued to disobey, I still kept reaching out to help the other poor souls trapped with me and sadness thing about it... I never knew their names. They never lasted a day for me to know about their life before being trapped down in this hell hole.
Yet all their faces were burned into my mind, how they pleaded for me to help them or even put them out of their misery. How I saw the hopelessness within their eyes when they gave up on everything, how they didn't struggle anymore against the chains. How they accepted death.
How I faced them in the arena, but even I couldn't finish the job. Not even their pleads convinced me to take their life. But their wishes were granted when he decided to discard them because they were too boring to have around. Every single one of them were thrown away as some used up toy, every one of them, except me. From everyone, I lasted the longest and I never understood why.
Why was I the one to live?
Maybe it was because he found my suffering very amusing to no end. And all this was simply to entrainment others. All to entrain the others watching us fight like monsters.
Lifting my head, I strangled against the cold steel chains that held me down, but I remembered not being able to open my eyes. Releasing a heavy despite breath as I dug my fingers into the dirt in order to drag myself to the cage bars.
I heard his voice, but before I had the chance to act his foot dug into my back while he laughter so sinister. Clenching my jaw as he jabbed the heel of his boot against my scarred shoulder blades that my Ukaku were located.
"Hello there, Baby Bird~" His voice only sent chills down my spine, but it also made my blood boil. He continued on with a wick cheerful tone, "Still being rebellious, I see. Well... that won't do, you see, baby bird, we kinda need ya to behave~"
He shook his head as he pressed harder down against my back and I could feel his heel digging into my skin, "You were always a hassle, baby bird~ I'll just have to clip ya wings again until you get the lesson here!"
My teeth clenched, curling my fingers as I felt the numbing sensation spread across my back once more, but what he said next only made me what to scream for the rest of my life.
Screaming out, opening my eyes I saw nothing and it only made everything worse because it felt like the world abandoned me. Everyone leaving me behind, leaving me in this unforgiving darkness, leaving me in this forsaken cage.
"You'll always be my baby bird~ I'll be the thing that haunt your dreams," He grabbed me by the hair as he chuckled, "Without ya wings then you can't escape this cage!"
I shot up from my bed, tossing the blankets aside as I tried to erase everything. Holding my head, I felt the sweat against my forehead and I released that my cheeks were stained with tears. Catching my breath, I crawled out of my bed and grabbed a thin rob as I leaned against my door.
Shutting my eyes, I curled my fingers around the door knob, but I couldn't find it in me to move anymore.
Suddenly I felt something rub against my leg, facing down I realized it was only Shiro trying to comfort me, but even my cat can't do the job. I know he's trying to soothe me, but this time my cat can't help me.
It's been far too long since I had a nightmare regarding my past, involving my time in the arena with the devil.
Releasing another deep breath, I opened the door as I wondered into the living room. Walking in, I wondered over to my couch since I really didn't want to anything else at the moment and mainly it's just out of habit. I'll always end up going to the living room after having a nightmare and I think it's more comfortable for me because I'm not alone in a small room, but I'm out in the open a bit.
I released another deep breath, settling down against the material as I wondered over the things that occurred, but I stopped myself from thinking too much about it. Closing my eyes, I lean my head against the couch and I felt my cat settle down beside me. He was my only company this time unlike the other times when I had someone around, but now I'm alone.
It's not as bad as before when I wouldn't dare fall back to sleep from fear of seeing everything again. This time, I just need a moment to collect myself before I head back to my room. Petting my beloved cat, I recalled old times when I was a kid that had these same nightmares, but they appeared to be three times as terrified.
I remembered that Arima would comfort me when I was just a child by staying up with me until I feel asleep or even reading me a book to distract my mind and at rare times he laid beside me so I wouldn't feel scared.
Just simple acts managed to ease me back to sleep.
But those were the days when I was merely a child, a child that he took under his wing and he didn't know what to do. Yet he still managed to fit the role well even if it was all new territory for the young man.
Then when I grew up he'll still check up on me when he noticed that I wasn't in my room, but I'll be on the living room couch. He'll just sit in the same space then maybe read a book until I felt ready to go back to sleep, but he still comfort me. He must've been tired of the all the sleepless nights I gave him throughout my younger days.
Then there were the nights that he'll be off doing work and Fura would stay with me. He also suffered the sleepless nights with me, but he always managed to comfort me by talking to about things that'll brighten the mood. He'll lay next to me, reassuring me that nothing will hurt me and that those awful nightmares will never come back and I believed him.
I'll soon comfort my own brother through his sleepless nights just like Arima and Fura had done for me. I remember that I'll have my arms wrapped around him as we both just spoke about anything that came to mind until his eyes felt heavy. Then he'll sleep for hours that I couldn't wake him up sometimes and I thought the best was to leave him be.
He and I share painful memories that both regard some form of torture which we managed to escape from. Maybe that was one of the things that drew us close.
Juuzou would sooth my troubles as well whenever we decided to have sleepovers, but now we're grown. Far too old to have such dreams, fears that can longer scare us because we grown stronger since then. I've became strong enough that I can fight back unlike my young self.
Yet those memories still haunt me.
But now, I'm alone and I can't find the peace that I've been craving for since the moment I met Arima. All I wanted was to stop these unforgettable nightmares, but they still managed to slip through from time to time. It's rare now, but they still haunt me like a curse that I can't seem to break.
Maybe I just haven't let go and I need to search for the peace that my soul has been yearning for.
Now I sat alone on the couch, but I didn't feel scared like I used to feel when I had these nightmares. I felt more... I don't know used to it that it wasn't as painful like before.
I felt some pressure that crawled over me and I knew it was Shiro trying to move to a more comfortable spot. I laid down so he can curl up beside my stomach and he settled down, leaving me alone with my thoughts again. Sighing, I rested my head against the arm of the couch as I closed my eyes.
It was quiet for god knows how long, but then I found myself recalling everything that I did today. With what happened with Mado, then my time with my brother, and almost my whole day with Kaneki. Finishing the day off with seeing Anteiku and discovering that Touka got a new friend that cared enough to keep on her, even going out of her way to make food, but sadly I know Touka won't touch it. Yet the thought of it was sweet. Even tho my day had it's downs, but as a whole it was fun and I enjoyed it. I wouldn't want to trade it in for anything.
Then I remembered how me and Kaneki made flower crowns with each other. How he linked arms with me, the way we stood close to one another and I can recall his scent. The way his skin was soft every time our skin made contact. The way he was very passionate about describing the whole world to me, the way he was just lost in the words as he guided me through the aquarium.
I felt happy, but I don't know if happy is the best term to describe how I felt. I just had a new strange feeling that I never felt before, but whatever it is... it felt nice.
All I heard was his voice, his soft gentle voice that brought a sense of tranquil that I so desperately craved. Curling up against the couch, I felt my whole body relax as I remember how his arm felt linked with mine as if we perfectly fit. My lips twitched slightly upward as I imagine how he laughed, his smile, and the way he worried over me. I smiled when I remembered how Hide swooped in and grabbed him, I heard how he protested at first before Hide won and dragged him away.
He was something that I never thought I'll have in my life. A light that cleared the darkness that clouded my life and with Hide, those two might be the guide that I need to move on. They had things that I could never have or the things, but I don't feel any envy or bitterness towards them because of it.
A breath of fresh air and sense of unexplainable happiness filled me every time I dared to spend the day with them. To the point that I feel more free than ever when I'm with them.
A/N: I'm sorry about the delay, I know I said I'll update in two weeks and I probably took longer than that. Well, I got this chapter done and I hope you enjoyed it. To make up for my tardiness, I'll update another chapter in a few days once I noticed the amount of views for this chapter or if there's a new review. Other than that, I might have Chap 7 out probably on Monday, but it depends on life.
Next Chap, we're gonna get to see Rize and see how everything unfolds from there. Won't say much about since many should see the hint of what might occur next chap or the following. Everything is going to flipped around soon. But until then, we wait.
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As always I hope you have a good day wherever you are :)