Worlds Collide

by Shadowgirl502

There was no denying that the girl had made herself a soft spot in his heart, but there was so much fear of ever thinking that he can ever date her. He won't forgive himself for taking away anything more from what she has left. Lowering his eyes, he felt envy and conflicted. She was what he lost, yet he hasn't discovered the whole truth of her. Discontinued

13. Chapter 12

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except my OC. Everything else belongs to the original creator

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Chapter 12

3rd Pov

The pair walked through the streets from Anteiku, both talking about a few things in regards of the recent events and filling the silence with their own voices. Yuzuki raised a brow up at the boy as she listened carefully to him explaining the reasons behind his choice of major. Then Kaneki will pay attention to her when she spoke about how she ended up being an Investigator.

"I would read all the time when I was kid since I wasn't one to go out," Kaneki kept his sight ahead of him as he recalled a few old memories that resurfaced involving his childhood, "I would read every single book that my father left behind. Following each sentence in every book he had been reading and it made me..."

A smile appeared across his lips, "I... It made me feel like I was having a conversation with him and it was..." Chuckling under his breath, turning over to her, seeing how she placed her full attention on him as he finished his sentence, "It was strangely calming."

Yuzuki's allowed her expression to soften as she listened to how calm spoken the boy was in regards of the father he never met and surely it was the influence that made his love for literature grow, "Sometimes the books that we read... Allows us to see what kind of person we are." Lowering her eyes, curling her fingers, "Sen Takatsuki, her work exposes a piece of her and surely those who read it... They must feel something or even relate to it."

Sighing under her breath, Yuzuki already knew a few things about the green haired author and she looked over to him while commenting, "Each book reflects us and the author in a sense."

"I see..." He released a sigh under his breath, "I've thought that too when I was a child and it was the only form of having some connection with him. Now I'm passionate about the major that I chose, something that comforts me."

Leaning her head against his shoulder, settling him for a moment before relaxing again as she whispered, "Sometimes... Sometimes I feel like my father feels the same when he reads..." Furrowing her brows slightly, "At times, we just read to distract ourselves, to push reality away from us."

Kaneki lowered his eyes, considering the thought as he wondered if that's one of the reasons why he reads. Was he really trying to escape reality? Before his mind could wonder any further, his attention was brought back to the girl when she moved away.

"It's an escape route..." She muttered under her breath, but she shook her head to get rid of the thoughts.

He looked at her, frowning to himself as he debated in whether to ask the question that he was curious to know, "Yuzuki, what brought you into becoming a..."

Yuzuki raised a brow, nodding since she should've known that he'll ask that, but she answered back, "The only reason why I'm an Investigator was because my father."

His eye soften, looking at her before shifting his sight away, "You must care about him a lot do you?"

A smile appeared on her lips, "If it wasn't for him then I wouldn't be here and I try to be there and be what they need, to show that I'll do anything to help," Yuzuki sighed, shutting her eyes, "I joined CCG because it was the only thing I could do..."

"You don't have to be there if you really don't want to. I can tell you're not happy about it and your father will understand if you decide to leave," Offering her his own thoughts about her situation, but Kaneki only knew the tip of the iceberg and surely not everything is easier said than done.

Disagreeing with the boy, "You don't understand, I have no other choice."

"Sure you do."

Shutting her eyes, Yuzuki curled her fingers tightly around the handle of her case, "Kaneki, if you only knew the reasons then you'll see why I can't just simply walk away." Letting go, unlinking her arm from him, "Why I can't just turn my back on them and if they understood... It wouldn't even matter..."

"I can't put them in that position," Whispering under her breath, lowering her eyes as the thought crossed her mind, It'll only make things worse if I left...

Her brows furrowed the moment she felt something was wrong, frowning when she felt the boy beside her tense up and she turned her attention ahead of her. Yuzuki felt his hand brush hers, trying to pull her back as he backed away. They took a turn to head up a path that should guide them to her place, but someone seem to block their path.

Kaneki's eye widen the moment he saw those bright red eyes pierce through him, he pulled the girl back, but he noticed how she didn't step back. He stared at her then it hit him, she wasn't going to back down from the ghoul because she's an Investigator, but he couldn't just sit back and watch.

Moving in front of him, holding a hand to push him back while whispering, "Run."

Frowning, he clenched his hands while staring over to her as he stubbornly refused, "No"

Yuzuki frowned, moving her hands slightly over the handle of her case, but she quickly shoved the boy back the moment the ghoul attacked. Throwing her case open, swiftly grabbing hold of her quinques as she deflected the attack while shouting back at her friend, "Don't try-"

Kaneki looked up, his eye widen the moment the ghoul went straight for her, "Yuzuki!"

Blocking the attack, shoving the ghoul back to gain distance between them, narrowing her eyes slightly while adjusting the sword like weapons in her hands before darting forward. Moving in between each attack, dodging through the space of it's kagune and Yuzuki shouted over to the boy, "Get out of here!"

Yet the boy was hesitant, not wanting to leave her behind or run away, but what could he do. Kaneki began to debate on what he should do, try to use his own kagune to fight back or just try and distract the ghoul, so Yuzuki could take the ghoul down. However, he failed to notice that the ghoul managed to slip pass the girl as it attempted in harming him, but before he could move his attention shifted over to Yuzuki who appeared in front of him.

Trying to protect the boy from the ghoul's kagune, Yuzuki pushed him aside while bringing her quinque up to shield herself, but she failed to hold onto the two quinques tightly when she was tossed aside. The dove was slammed against the wall, falling onto the ground as she held her head when the pounding began to irritate the girl as she tried to shake it off. Brushing her hand around her, she discovered that her quinques weren't anywhere to be found as she winced again when the head ache grew.

His eyes landed on the sword like weapon that was in his reach, without thinking Kaneki grabbed it as he stood back on his feet with his whole attention on the ghoul who was busying focusing on Yuzuki, who hasn't recovered yet. His hands trembled, clenching the weapon within his hands, he shouted, "Hey! Leave her alone!"

Freezing up the moment he knew what his actions led him, he watched how the ghoul snapped its attention over to him and quickly left the girl alone for a moment. Kaneki swallowed, holding the blade as he tried to keep his voice from revealing how frighten he truly felt when he shouted again, "Leaver her alone!"

Yuzuki released a deep breath, touching her forehead as the pain began to spread over her, but she quickly moved her head to notice that Kaneki was drawing the ghoul away from her. Her fingers curled, getting to her feet and shutting her eyes while taking in a steady breath. Remembering that she shouldn't over do it, she needed to relay on her quinques only and keep a cool mind, not worrying about the boy too much or thinking about summoning her kagune. Bringing a hand up to her right eye, leaning against the ground as she tried to get back to her feet, but Yuzuki felt her whole body was weighing her down. If anything, she needed to protect him even if it means pushing herself once more.

"You? You really think a scrawny human like yourself can hurt me?"

Swiping its kagune at the boy, but Kaneki brought the quinque up to block it and he managed to do so, yet he still stumbled back. Trying to keep up with the ghoul's attacks, but Kaneki wasn't fast enough like Yuzuki nor did he have the strength to hold his ground once it's kagune clashed with the quinque. Falling back, he scrambled to get the weapon as his eye widen, but he at least managed to draw the attention onto him away from the girl.

Shutting his eye the moment the ghoul swiped it kagune at him, but Kaneki wrapped his fingers around the quinque bringing up to shield him again. He felt the weapon leave his hands and the boy brought a hand over his eye when he realized his eye patch was no longer on his face.

His eyes widen at how the ghoul paused, frowning down at the boy as he noticed that one kakugan rested on Kaneki's face. It agitated the ghoul at how strange the kid was and he quickly brought his kagune up, preparing to kill off the boy and finish the dove after, "A freak like yourself should die," Glaring its bright red eyes down at him, "You shouldn't have tried to be a hero."

Snapping her eyes open, Yuzuki stretched her hand out as she smacked the ghoul away from the boy while moving her other hand towards her fallen quinque. Glaring slightly, tightening her hold over her quinque that was placed in her hands by her kagune before bringing another hand over her kakugan that only made her head pound. Frowning over to the ghoul that got back to its feet, "You have to deal with me first!"

Kaneki froze, his hand curled around the sword as he sat there in shock to see a kagune appear from the girl. He watched how her right eye was a different color then the average red eyes, but he realized that she only had one. The boy shook, putting the pieces together as he discovered that the girl was a CCG Investigator, who's job is to hunt ghouls, but the twisted truth was that she was a ghoul herself. Bringing a hand over his own cursed eye, his fingers trembled when they touched his skin and his attention snapped over to her when her voice reached him.

Yuzuki held her quinque securely in her left hand while bringing her right hand out as her kagune followed, shielding the boy from the ghoul's view and she spared a glance over to him, "Are you okay?"

He watched how her kagune held a mixture of shades of blue and violet, yet the violet shades appeared to dominant over the blues. How it glowed, the way they follow to whenever Yuzuki moved her body as if knew what to do and it moved in sync with the dove along with her quinque.

"Y-yeah..." He managed to voice out and it was enough for the girl to put her whole attention on the ghoul. He stood up on his feet, watching how Yuzuki kept a calm expression as she fought back, how she appeared to kept control of herself.

Frowning, bringing the blade as it clashed with the ghoul's kagune and Yuzuki motioned her arm so her kagune can hit the ghoul. Cutting into it's arm while grazing its side as well which only angered the ghoul further and the two moved around each other. Before he could move another attack on the dove, he felt something cut across his back and he snapped his eyes over his shoulder to see that the boy was interfering again.

Kaneki quickly stepped away, holding onto the quinque since he wasn't expecting to actually gain the ghoul's attention so quickly, yet Yuzuki wrapped her kagune around the ghoul and slammed him against the wall. The girl quickly retracted her kagune, taking a deep breath while ignoring the head ache that kept bothering her as she turned over to Kaneki.

"Stay alert... Just listen to-" Her sentence was cut off as the ghoul growled, trying make sure that the two weren't the ones to make it out of this alive. Yuzuki pushed the boy away, moving around the kagune as she cut into the other kagune that got near her and the dove grabbed the ghoul by the arm.

Pushing into its muscle and she felt its arm go numb as it fell to the ghoul's side when he leaped away. Using it's kagune to carry him away while holding onto the motionless limb while he dug his kagune into the ground and managing to catch the dove. Yuzuki turned to block, but she felt her body get thrown aside and the ghoul narrowed his eyes over to the boy who threw something at his direction.

Jumping at how the ghoul glared at him, Kaneki stumble back when it's kagune cashed in front of him and the ground cracked causing the boy to fall back. His eyes glanced over to the quinque that fell out of his hands, darting his eyes in front of him and his eyes widen at how the ghoul leaped over to him.

"Die!"

Reaching over to the sword, Kaneki grabbed it, but his eyes widen the moment the ghoul stopped moving. Tightening his grip over the sword as he stared at the ghoul, his eyes shifted down to the blade the cut through its chest and he watched how it collapsed onto its knees.

Yuzuki shut her eyes as she stabbed the ghoul from the back, placing a hand onto it's shoulder as she guided it onto the ground while removing her quinque from it's chest. Dropping the quinque beside her, curling her fingers up as she brought a hand over her kakugan and she turned over to Kaneki.

"I..."

Curling her fingers, turning her attention to the ghoul that laid on the ground and she could feel her skin crawl when it tried to speak. It was all to familiar, she doesn't belong in any category and this only frustrates her. Shutting her eyes, listening to what the ghoul hissed at her, "A dove... A ghoul working with them? That's a sick joke-"

Stepping back, Yuzuki knew that it was all so twisted that a ghoul could act under the very organization that hunts them down, but it gets more wicked if you dig deep enough to know. Her head was pounding, she could feel her whole body dragging her down and Yuzuki couldn't think straight. She didn't know what to say after exposing herself in such manner, to kill in front of him and to just crumble.

The ghoul coughed again, it's eyes shutting before muttering, "You're a monster too..."

Kaneki stood up, glancing between the two, but his eyes widen at the words wheezed out of the ghoul and he curled his fingers up. Looking back to Yuzuki, he saw how the girl tried to walk over to him, holding her head as she tried to speak, "Kaneki... We got to-"

Her hands barely managed to brush him as she collapsed, Kaneki quickly reacted as he pulled the girl into his arms. Holding her up, his eyes widen when she muttered, "We have to leave..."

Yuzuki shut her eyes, leaning into his arms as she blacked out and left the boy alone to think of something, but Kaneki couldn't think straight either. Catching her, he lowered himself back onto the ground while keeping the girl in his arms. He didn't know what to do, but he needed to get out of there and take her somewhere and all he could think of in that moment was returning to Anteiku. Collecting the two sword like weapons, he placed them into the violin case before picking Yuzuki up while holding onto the case. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw how the ghoul laid there lifeless and he glanced over to his eye patch that was torn.

Shaking his head, he took in a deep breath before running off. Kaneki didn't want to risk the chance of something else happening if he took her home in this conditions and certainly Yoshimura will help them. He knew that his eye is exposed and it only made him more caution, losing his breath as he continued to run through the empty streets and he released a heavy tired sigh when he saw the shop.

To the boy's relief, he saw the manager outside the shop as he collected his store sign. Kaneki couldn't say anything to the man as he tried to catch his breath, but the manager took Yuzuki from his arms while motioning him to follow him up the stairs that led to the living space that was located above the shop. Nodding, he held onto her violin case tightly, keeping it with him and under his watch as he followed the manager.

Closing the door behind him, he stopped when he saw Touka staring at him with wide eyes before she went over to Yoshimura and the girl began to ask questions in regards to Yuzuki. Kaneki stood still since he didn't know what to do and he jumped slightly when Touka turned on her heels over to him, motioning him to follow her to a different room and that's what he did.

---

The two of them sat in silence in the room, Touka narrowed her eyes at the boy while he tried to stay calm, but he was getting a bit uncomfortable with the death glare that was being sent his way. Yet he couldn't help himself from worrying about Yuzuki since he hasn't heard from the manager and Touka hasn't brought up the topic. His eyes fell onto the violin case that rested beside him and he jumped the moment the girl spoke up.

"Do you know what's inside that case?" She frowned at the boy, asking him a question that she knew he won't know, "So you know that's she a dove, so you gotta know what's in that damn case."

Kaneki furrowed his brows slightly, shaking his head since he really didn't know much in regards of what's in the violin case besides the fact it doesn't hold an instrument, "Umm... No, not really..."

Sighing in annoyance, Touka pointed at the case, "First put that thing somewhere else, out of sight because it's bothering me."

"But it's Yuzuki's and I don't want to put it out of my-"

"I don't give a damn! At least she has some sense and leaves it somewhere out of sight because she's aware that it makes all of us uncomfortable," Touka cut him off while clearing up a few things in regards to the dove's quinque case, "Do you want to know what exactly is in that case?"

Swallowing, Kaneki glanced to the case as he removed it from her view, "I know it's something CCG Investigators use, but that's it..."

Touka looked away, "It's a quinque case, usually doves carry around a brief cases, but Yuzuki had a custom one made to look like a violin case." Frowning, she crossed her arms, "A quinque is made out of a ghoul's kagune."

Sparing a glance over to the boy, "A kagune is what we have, you know the scary thing that comes out of our bodies, if you didn't know that." Lowering her eyes off to the side, she curled her fingers into her arms, "Those doves hunt us down, use our kagunes to make their damn quinques. It makes us sick to see that even after death, those ghouls won't be in peace."

Kaneki stared down at the case that rested near his feet, he never thought about it like that, "So... quinques are basically from dead ghouls..."

"Yes," Looking over to him, she cleared a point, "Yuzuki hasn't gotten her own quinque made, she's basically using some that were passed down to her."

Looking up, Kaneki saw how the topic made the girl tense up and it's understandable. Raising a brow, "Why do you call them doves?"

Chuckling under her breath, "Some dress in white, but the real reason is because they dare carry the symbol of a dove and it's stupid that they picked that."

"Is Yuzuki going to be fine?"

Sighing, Touka uncrossed her arms as she turned away from him, "Don't know if she'll ever be 'fine' or if we'll be 'fine', but she's tough without a doubt, so yeah, she's fine."

Glancing over to the boy, finally taking note that he didn't have his eye patch on which she could assume that he lost it during their encounter with the ghoul, "I'm assuming you discovered that she isn't your average dove, huh?"

His eyes widen, staring at the indigo haired girl and he curled his fingers up while whispering, "She's... She's just like me, I saw that only one of her eyes changed and her.. her kagune looks similar to-"

Waving him off, Touka corrected him on a few things while clearing a few things, "First off, Yuzuki has a different back story to what she is. Second, you haven't seen her whole kagune if you only saw her Rinkaku, but I doubt she'll summon her dual any time soon since there's issues surrounding it."

Turning away as she muttered, "If anything, you haven't seen the ghoul in her yet," Sighing, leaning back as she crossed her arms again, "I won't say anything else revolving her since it's not my business to share."

Standing up, pointing down at Kaneki as she threaten, "But if you dare say a word about Yuzuki then I'll kill you, got it!? Don't say anything about her being a dove or even a ghoul," Narrowing her eyes at the boy, "Or else I'll make you regret it."

Holding up his hands in defense while shaking his head, "I won't say anything about her, I promise."

Raising a brow at Touka, watching how she sighed before sitting back down and Kaneki began to wonder the relationship Yuzuki and Touka had since it appears to be difficult to say. He saw how the ghoul would speak poorly about her at times, but she'll defend her without a doubt and Yuzuki will stand by her side no matter what.

Touka lowered her eyes before speaking up again, "Talk to her you moron, she told you her secret and basically revealed her other secret to save your ass," Narrowing her eyes over to him, "She knew about you from the beginning, but respected your wishes so she didn't say anything."

Frowning, Touka bluntly stated, "You're a real idiot for being blind enough to not figure it out."

Before either of them could say another word, they turned their attention towards the door that revealed Yoshimura entering the room. The manager closed the door, folding his arms behind his back before informing the two about the dove's status, "Yuzuki will be fine, she's merely resting for the moment and I believe she must have exhausted herself."

Turning over to Kaneki, "You can go see her, but do bring her case with you."

Nodding, picking up the quinque case as he walked over to the manager, "Thank you, Yoshimura-kun."

"No need, it's our job to help the ghouls in the 20th Ward after all," He offered a smile, "It was wise of you to bring her here."

Kaneki left the room as he went to go see the girl, but he couldn't shake off the words that Touka said since he knew that she was right. Lowering his eyes, he looked down at the case as he recalled how Yuzuki fought against that ghoul and how she kept an eye out for him which cost her some slip ups, but he managed to at least help.

Touka turned over to the manager once the boy left the room, "Everything fine with her?"

Nodding, the old ghoul reassured the teen, "She was awake for a brief moment and I spoke with her. I made sure she stabilized her RC levels since it must have drained her and certainly her diet is different from ours due to her involvement with CCG."

Frowning at the manager's words, Touka looked at the ground, "What the hell are they feeding her if she isn't fully replenishing her RC cells... ? Her body natural just heals regardless..."

"Which is why Yuzuki sometimes appears frail," Yoshimura sighed under his breath as he stated a fact about the dove.

Glancing up to her boss, "So you gave her a package then?"

"Of course," He sighed, walking over to the door, "I'll make sure she and the boy arrive safely to their homes."

---

Kaneki's Pov

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and I noticed that the lights were off then my eyes widen when I realized that Yuzuki was asleep. Closing the door behind me carefully so I wouldn't make much noise that could wake her up since she needed the time to rest up. Setting the violin case down beside the night stand that next to the bed before I finally took a sit on the floor against the bed.

I didn't care for a chair at the moment, all I wanted was to make sure she was alright and I'll sit next to her until she wakes up. However, I still don't know what I'll say to her and certainly she will explain everything to me once she wakes up. Bringing my knees up against me, lowering my eyes as I listened to her breathing and how it was a steady beat that made me close my eyes. Sighing under my breath, I could smell her scent again and I frowned to myself as I shook it aside.

I honestly don't know what to think about this whole thing. She's half ghoul, one kakugan, and her kagune looks similar to mine, but yet she has more self control than me. Frowning to myself, I began to notice all the small details that hinted at her being a ghoul, so yet again I was too blind to notice them before. The way she views everything is connected to what she is, she's a ghoul living in the human world, but a human according to other ghouls. Yuzuki wonders between the line, confused to what she could do and I saw how conflicted she was the moment she finished the ghoul off.

If she lived her whole life like this then why am I being so stubborn and selfish for barely understanding the life as a ghoul.

Then it begs the question, why is a ghoul working with CCG? Why would her adoptive father take her in if she was a ghoul? Are they like her? Or is there more to the story...?

Wrapping my arms around my knees, resting my head against them as I began to wonder what was going through her mind when she shielded me. Revealing herself for my sake. How she was willing to fight to protect me.

Clearly everyone in Anteiku cares for her, accepting her regardless if she's part of CCG, and protecting her from others. Touka made it clear that she'll defend Yuzuki regardless of their connections and Yoshimura took her into his care without needing me to say a word to him. The reason they took me in, welcoming me and trying to offer their assistances was because Yuzuki must have informed them about me. They trust her enough to have her around them so they trusted her word in regards of me.

Which only means one thing... She knew about me from the very start and never left my side like I thought she'll do until now. Keeping an eye out for me, trying to help me through this, teaching me to view the world differently. Wanting me to understand the world that ghouls live in and to have my human side accept it. Yet I still can't fully accept it into my heart. I'm not like her, she accepted me then and still accepts me now.

Frowning to myself the moment I recalled the words that I shouted to Touka, referring to them as monsters and now it's coming back to haunt my conscious because I was wrong. If anything... Yoshimura, Irimi, Koma, Touka, and Yuzuki are beyond monsters and it only took me until now to see how they live. How they're different from the other ghouls I've ran into, far different from Rize. How they help others, but yet they gotten their hands tainted regardless.

But there's more to it because I can't bring myself to call Yuzuki a monster simply because she's a ghoul. I won't deny that I'm childish, but with everything even if she deceived me from the beginning... She stayed silent out of respect for me to finally accept the truth myself. Yet I'm sitting here contemplating on what to say to her when she wakes up and the one thing that keeps nagging at me was to tell her that I'm a ghoul even if she knows it.

My eyes widen the moment a sound broke the silence, darting my attention over to the night stand and I saw a bright light emitting from the screen as the phone began to vibrate across the wooden surface. Glancing over to Yuzuki, I saw that she didn't stir at the sound, but I didn't know what to do. If anything whoever is on the other end of the call is probably someone from CCG and certainly I can't just reject the call or else I'll raise suspicion. Then again, I can't let it keep ringing until Yuzuki wakes up or the call will be left unanswered.

Swallowing, I hesitated before deciding to pick the phone up, reaching over to grab the cell, but my eyes widen the moment I felt someone's hand brush mine. Looking at the hand, trailing it to it's owner and I found out that it was Yuzuki who was stopping me from touching the phone.

Bringing my hand back to my side as she answered the call. I remain quiet, sitting there as she took the call, but I felt nosy for listening in. It was the only thing I could do at the moment or just leave the room and come back later.

I heard that she released a deep breath before answering the phone, "Hello?"

She sighed under her breath before responding, "Sorry, it seems I've fallen asleep. Is there something you need?"

Lowering my eyes, I wrapped my arms around my knees when she went silent for a brief moment before answering back, "I'll go over later tomorrow, early in the morning."

Glancing over, I saw how she covered her face with one hand as she took in a deep breath, "Yeah, I understand." She chuckled faintly and I saw a faint smile appear on her face, "I will. Goodnight father."

My eyes widen, I didn't know what to think if she didn't answer the call. I'm not aware what would've happened if she didn't wake up the moment she did. I saw how she placed the phone back onto the night stand before she released a heavy sigh while running a hand over her face.

Turning away, I kept quiet as I waited for her to speak up first, but I didn't expect her to get up and moved down to sit beside me. We didn't say anything as we just sat there in the dark room and I glanced over to see that she had her eyes closed.

"Yuzuki," Lowering my eyes, I tighten my arms around my legs, "I... I'm not human anymore... A ghoul, but not really..."

Sighing, I shut my eyes before whispering, "I... I found out you knew from the beginning..."

Frowning to myself, keeping my eyes on the ground as I muttered, "Looks like I was the one who wasn't being honest either."

My whole body stiffen the moment I felt a sudden weight against my shoulder, glancing over I saw that she leaned her head against me. Releasing a deep breath and I relaxed again before she began to speak up.

"I was just waiting for you to say it, but I wasn't expecting it to be like this. After you saw... You must already know that I'm not actually human either, but I'm not really a ghoul..." She sighed under her breath, "You must have some questions for me."

"You're not actually like me, I wasn't born like this, but I'm assuming you were," Looking over to her and I saw how she gave a small nod then I asked a question, "How are you an Investigator if you're 'ghoul'?"

Yuzuki opened her faded eyes, setting them on the ground, "Before I lived under the guardianship of my adoptive father, who you already know is involved with CCG. I used to live with my parents, my mother was a human and my father was a ghoul." She paused and I saw the way her expression sadden, "One night, we were attacked, they died protecting me, so I tried to get to Anteiku, but I never made it."

Her fingers curled, "I was caught by some ghouls which I spent at least a year under that condition before CCG managed to discover the location of where I was held," Then another pause came from her before revealing the finally part, "That was when my adoptive father found me, he took rights over me and I ended up under his care. One condition for the whole agreement was to work under CCG, so I did."

Shutting her eyes, whispering under her breath, "It's the reason why I can't just leave."

My eyes widen, I wouldn't expect it to be like that, but what finally came to my mind was that she must've lost her sight during her time with those ghouls. It's the only way since she mentioned that she wasn't always like this, "During that small gap, you lost your sight."

She chuckled dryly, bringing her hand touched the bottom of her eyes, "Yeah, yet it still healed, but not properly, so I'm stuck with what I got."

Looking away, I furrowed my brows the moment I recalled the night Yuzuki came to check on me and my eyes widen as realization sank in. Curling my fingers as I asked, "When you came to check on me, the day I was released. You brought me something to eat and I... I ate it, but it wasn't... it was human meat." Lowering my eyes, "Was it?"

Yuzuki didn't deny it as she nodded, "Yes, I asked Yoshimura for a package and I made it look 'normal', but I only did it because I couldn't let you go mad with hunger," Turning away from me as she muttered, "The worst thing a ghoul can experience is hunger, it will drive you crazy, removing all reasoning and logic."

Sighing under her breath, "I understand if you're mad about it."

"I remember blacking out then waking up to see you," I frowned to myself and I finally began to think of that day clearer, "What happened?"

Silence came from her end and I looked over to see that she was debating on saying something which only made me wonder what happened that night. My eyes widen at the possible factor that I could've done something. I'll hate myself if I actually did something.

"What did I do?" Sitting up, I completely turned to her and Yuzuki remain quiet. I needed to know, I needed to know between the gap when I blacked out to when she showed up, "Yuzuki, please tell me."

Shifting her eyes, I stared at her when she finally spoke up, "When I arrived, your door was unlock, so I entered and I found out that your place was a mess. I looked around for a bit until I noticed you were in the same room, so I called out to you, but you didn't really respond."

Shaking her head as she sighed under her breath, "By the way your voice trembled, something wasn't right and that was when I knew you weren't in your right mind. Driven by hunger," I stopped her and I shook my head, I couldn't hear it as my fear became a reality.

"I hurt you, didn't I?" Running a hand through my hair, shaking my head in disbelief as I moved away and I couldn't face her, "I... I couldn't-"

"Kaneki, you didn't hurt me," She reached out for me, but I moved away from her, "You didn't do anything that-"

Glaring, I frowned at how she was just brushing it aside as if it wasn't a big deal, "Yuzuki, I attacked you! I could've hurt you and then what?! God, if I did something before knowing you're an Investigator then..."

Covering my face, I felt my eyes watered up, but I tensed up when she wrapped her arms around me. I didn't move as she rested her head against my shoulder and I couldn't face her. Yet she still sat there with me, trying to reassure me, "In reality, I was afraid of hurting you. You didn't do anything, but I managed to knock you out which gave me enough time to clean up your place."

"Ken listen to me when I say, if you continue to starve yourself then you will hurt someone without the intention," Shutting my eyes tight, I knew she was right because Touka mentioned something like that the other night and I sighed out in frustration.

I felt her shift, my eyes opened the moment her fingers brushed over my hands that covered my face, removing them and she giggled lightly under her breath as she whispered, "I doubt you'll be able to lay a hand on me if you tried."

Uncovering my eyes, I saw that she offered me a smile before she wrapped her arms around me again and I felt my eyes water up. Leaning into her embrace and I felt her breath against my neck as she whispered, "If anything, I'll help you through this drastic change."

Then the door opened, I felt my body tensed up while my face redden once I realized the lights were turned on and I heard the manager's voice. Yuzuki pulled away from me as she acknowledged the man, "Yoshimura, thank you for your hospitality."

"No need, Yuzuki," I heard how he paused for a second and I glanced over to Yuzuki to see that she offered the ghoul a smile when he continued, "You know it's our job and surely an old friend such as yourself should know that by now."

He sighed, "I'm glad to know you're well," Then I glanced over to see that he turned away, closing the door behind him as he added, "I'll have Yomo take you two home."

"Tomorrow, you have to go back to school," I looked back to Yuzuki, "You can't keep skipping class and surely it'll bring a smile to Hide's face when he sees you."

I sighed, she was right that I couldn't continue to miss school and certainly Hide will be relieve when he sees me. I offered a smile to her, "I will, don't worry."

---

3rd Pov

The next day, leaving CCG after she finished doing paper work, along with listening through a meeting that she was asked to attend by Hirako then she went to check over a few reports that Arima asked her to run for him while he went to another meeting. Yuzuki left to visit an old friend since she was asked to deliver a letter to the man and the dove made sure that no one followed as she head over to where the man stayed.

Entering the structure that she managed to discover with the help of some sources which Yuzuki won't be able to fully pay back, but the dove knew that the green haired woman will be calling up that favor any time. Yuzuki doesn't mind, the two would always owe each other favors due to their entanglement and certainly the card will be drawn at a short notice which could cause trouble for the dove.

Yet the blind dove wasn't surprised to know that the ghoul was keeping tabs on some old connections that involved around their family ties, so it was only a matter of time. Yuzuki already spoken to the man many times, speaking about old times revolving her mother and he was the one to repair her mask whenever it malfunction. Still, the dove doesn't make many unannounced visits since the scientist wasn't one to socialize ever since everyone he worked with died or left.

Walking through the lab, she already knew where the man was and Yuzuki wasn't surprised to discover that he was sound asleep. His head resting over books and paperwork, her eyes drifted to notice that his desk was still a mess like the last time she came to check on him. She pitied the man, he fell apart and tried to remain sane after everything that occurred which led to many sleepless nights that only made it worse.

The dove startled the insomniac who jumped from his chair, his eyes widen when he looked around, but sighed in relief once he realized it was Yuzuki who managed to get into his lab. Rubbing his eyes, lifting his glasses in progress as he turned his chair around to face the girl while greeting her, "Yuzuki... I'm glad to see you again," Squinting slightly as he asked, "I wasn't expecting to see you or anyone drop by."

Yuzuki walked over to the troubled man, holding out the letter that she was asked to deliver to him, "A recluse like yourself won't be having many guests over besides my sudden drop ins," Sighing, "I came to give you a letter from an old friend."

Accepting the envelope from the dove, adjusting his glasses before frowning to himself, "An old friend? If I can recall, must of my friends are in a better place, away from here." Sighing, turning in his chair as his eyes landed on the frame that rested on his messy desk and he smiled sadly at the photo consisting of his old friends and colleagues.

Her expression soften, informing the man that worked with her mother during their youth, "Asaki Fueguchi also went into hiding just like you and I managed to find him some time ago," Pointing at the envelope, "But recently he asked me to give you that as a final farewell since he probably won't see you. I managed to make time to get it to you."

Osamu's eyes widen, opening the letter he skimmed it and a bittersweet smile appeared on his lips, chuckling as he placed the letter and photo that the ghoul sent to inform the man about his family. The insomniac wiped his eyes, smiling at how one of his friends survived and has his own family to look after, "I'm glad to hear that he's been doing well..."

"He managed to have the a chance that most of us didn't," Osamu lowered his head, covering his face as he recalled old memories that involved the girl's mother and how she also had a family before it was taken from her.

Yuzuki rested a hand on the man's shoulder, "Would you like to send something back to him?"

Thinking, he looked over to the photo that reminded him of the brighter days that the four had before everything took a turn for the worst. Removing the picture from the frame as he reached over for a piece of paper, so he could write a letter in return, "I'll send him a photo from when we all worked together, I doubt Asaki has one."

Yawning, he rubbing his face again before squinting his eyes at the paper as he continued to write his letter while telling the dove about a story regarding his youth, "I remember the day that we discovered he was a ghoul, but we accepted him without a problem since most of us were already involved with ghouls at that point."

Pointing the pen over to the girl, "That was around the time Yuri was seeing your father but then again we were already had another ghoul mixed in before." Shaking his head, chuckling, "Yet we all worked together on different fields while still having a common goal."

"To help ghouls," Yuzuki whispered, lowering her eyes, "To find a way to fix the broken world that divided us. To uncover the truth..."

Crossing her arms, the dove shifted her attention over to the other desk that appeared to be a mess as well. The man became a mess after her mother died, it was the last thing that drove the two men into hiding after their friends suffered the price for their goals.

"Here," He handed an envelope to the dove, "If you may, please give this to him."

Taking the letter from the man, Yuzuki placed it inside her small coat while trying to offer some advice to him, "You need to stop working yourself to death, Osamu. You couldn't have done anything prevent their deaths, so don't take the burden."

"You all knew the risks of what each one of you were doing," Sighing, she turned over to him, "Now look at you, barely sleeping or just having your mind scattered everywhere."

The man stood up, straightening his white lab coat as he walked over to the other desk across the room, "I can't abandon it, I've been trying to find a cure for ROS and I've been creating theories revolving it along with whatever work Yuri left behind." Cracking open a worn out journal from an old colleague, he adjusted his glasses slightly, "Yet I can't do much if there's a cage set over us, watching us, keeping everything running smoothly according to their plans."

He narrowed his brown eyes at the journal remembering how the woman was an enigma, one he never truly understood to the very end and yet her determination and courage was what fueled their research. It was the fire that ignited everyone's will, leading Yuri into pursuing her own work and family. It made him and Asaki work hard until they lost yet another friend and shattering everything that they hoped for, allowing fear to rule their lives.

Shutting the notebook, he went over to another one while skimming through it, "Then the possible way of creating something similar to a quinque without harming a ghoul which I'm assuming Asaki hasn't given up. Good weapons if I can so. But the man wasn't one to do such things, so I'm content that he's a doctor currently."

Chuckling, returning the notebook of his former colleague away as he turned over to Yuzuki, "Then there were miracles! You were the second one from you're species to successful survive from what we knew," Leaning against the desk, "I recall the first break through, how it was breathtaking to ever think that there was a possible chance of humans and ghouls being capable of producing a child..."

Bringing a hand over his mouth, "Of course so many factors, but at the price of it..." Frowning to himself, "Yuri ignored the destined fate that laid before her after what happened to-"

He cut himself off, not wanting to speak more of the subject as he quickly switched topics, "Yuzuki, are you doing well? Any issues with your eyes or your kagune?"

"I'm doing fine, my eyes haven't been an issue for some time now," The dove reassured the man that she was doing well, she sighed, "Of course, I still face some minor issues with my kagune, but it's all due to how I consume food since my involvement with CCG."

Frowning, he narrowed his eyes as he recalled what the organization was and he's been hiding from them and basically everyone since he hasn't bothered leaving in the chance of being caught. Sighing, he glanced back to the girl, "I'm glad to hear that you're doing fine." Chuckling, he walked over to his desk again while rubbing his face tiredly, "Your mother would be proud to see how much you've grown."

Her eyes widen slightly, chuckling dryly under her breath before responding, "I doubt she ever wanted me to become this."

"That is where you're wrong, Yuzuki," Osamu sitting in his chair, lifting a finger up before making his counter argument, "If anything, Yuri understood one thing about life. There will be sacrifices. There will be decisions that go against our morals, but as long as you're alive then certainly you could become the person you wished to be."

"She sacrificed a normal life the moment she decided to go against society. She sacrificed a peaceful life when she married your father and had you. She sacrificed her life for you," He turned over to her, "Because of those, she managed to discover things that none of us would have. She found love and fulfilled one of her dreams. She gave you the chance of life that many unfortunate souls didn't have the opportunity."

Removing his glasses, rubbing his eyes tiredly before yawning against the back of his hand, "If anything, Yuri would be happy to see that you've came this far. To see that you remain strong through all the sacrifices you made and hardship you overcame," Placing his glasses back, Osamu offered a smile, "She would understand the reasons behind your actions because your mother was always an open minded woman and certainly she wouldn't be disappointed in you."

He sighed, turning away as he resumed working with whatever he was doing before he fell asleep eariler, "Don't ever think otherwise."

Yuzuki sighed under her breath, walking over to the desk that the man returned to, "Thank you, I needed that right now."

Furrowing his brows, he looked up at the girl, "Oh, that reminds me. How's your friend doing?" Sitting up in his chair, the man gave the dove his full attention since he's quite interested in learning more about the boy who became a ghoul, "I still don't believe it that a human can be transformed into a ghoul."

The girl shook her head while reminding the recluse, "I'm not bringing him anywhere near you. I don't want him to be a subject to be tested on or studied." Releasing a deep breath, "But he's been doing better now, he's been getting help and I've done my best to help him adjust."

"Well, it's time for me to leave since I have other things to attend to," Taking her leave, she waved farewell to the man, "I'm glad to see that you're doing well."

Waving back, Osamu returned back to his work then he called back to the girl, glancing over his shoulder, "Thank you for stopping by, Yuzuki, it's always a pleasure to see you."

---

Yuzuki's Pov

Walking back, I need to head home and do a few things before heading out again. Sighing, I didn't get any news about the Investigators that should be assigned to the 20th Ward, but I'll find out sooner or later. Carrying my quinque case in front of me, wondering when I'll be able to visit the Fueguchi family and think of a few things that could help Kaneki out with the how ghoul transition. It's all just too much at times to think, but everything was just complicated the moment we were born into this fixed world.

Walking through the park as I head back home, but I stopped in my tracks the moment I felt something or someone was watching my every moment. Frowning to myself, I continued to walk through the quiet park since most children must be in school or parents don't feel safe having them out in fear that they'll be swiped away. Pausing in my tracks the moment I reached a tree, curling my fingers tightly around the handle of my case before shutting my eyes.

I felt that whoever was watching me must have noticed that I'm aware of their presence and I sighed under my breath the moment I realized the scent. Furrowing my brows slightly, but I didn't turn around as I called out, "Hide, what are you doing sneaking up on people like that?" Tilting my head as I heard the foot steps finally neared me, "I'll say it's a very bad habit for you to do so."

He chuckled, scratching his head as he reached my side, "Sorry about that, Yuzuki-chan!"

Raising a brow over to him, opening my eyes as I realized that the boy had his backpack, "So is there a reason why you're following me?"

Sighing under his breath, he gave me a sheepish smile before the two of us continued to walk and I kept an eye on the boy when he began to explain, "Didn't know it was you after all, so I kinda didn't want to run up to a stranger and face that awkward explanation."

Narrowing my eyes at him, not fully buying his excuse since he could clearly tell it was me based on my violin case, but I don't want to accuse him of anything. He kept talking to me about a few things that made me wonder how much the boy actually knew. I've heard his intuition was spot on, but surely there's more to him than the average human.

"Have you seen other people carrying brief cases around lately?" I paused for a moment, raising a brow at him before I continued to walk along side him, but what he was saying only made me feel uncomfortable, "I wonder if they go on lunch break from a nearby office. They're dressed in suits and all."

Furrowing my brows, curling my fingers around the handle and I kept a steady eye on him. He's doesn't seem too concern about it with the way he threw his arms behind his head, but I know he's more aware of the situation than he's letting on.

Turning my focus ahead of me, I couldn't help, but ponder on who he saw and where exactly they were, He saw CCG Investigators in the ward... I wonder who he saw and what they're up to...

"Hey can you play your violin any time soon, I want to see what you got," Raising a brow over to me, Hide turned the tables as he tried to pry something out of me, "You always carry it around, but yet I haven't seen you play it."

Now he's putting two and two together, but surely he can't just know...

"Hey, wanna grab something to eat later after I finish class? I'll get Kaneki since he texted me that he'll show up," He offered me a smile, trying to get me to join him and Kaneki, but certainly the other boy wouldn't accept the offer either. Furrowing his brows, bringing a hand to his mouth as he added, "I'll hold his word on that and keep an eye out for him around campus."

What is he pulling? Surely he can't-

"Oh! Maybe we can work on that duet that I mentioned, I got a few beats that would go well with some lyrics you can provide," Smiling over to me, he began to think of a few things that could work out but it was such a sudden change of topics. Frowning to himself, he tilted his head while muttering, "But I don't know when we can meet up."

Turning back to me, Hide raised a brow while suggesting an idea before asking another question, "What about in the morning before I head to class? Wait, when do you go to work?"

He's asking more questions

Declining, I began to answer back to his many questions while clearing a few things, "I work early in the morning so it won't do," Turning over to him, raising a brow as I suggested, "Maybe after you're done with class then we could meet up to work on it."

"As for my violin, well, you already know how I play piano, so let me keep some secrets from you," Lying through my teeth as usual, it has became a habit of mine to hardly ever tell the truth or the whole story to anyone. I won't be surprise if he's smart enough to look pass it, but I shrugged it off when I commented, "Don't want to show off everything."

Sighing, I turned away from him once I came across the idea of me 'eating' with the boy and certainly I can't allow that, "For your invite, I must decline since I'll be busy later today," Shifting my attention back at him, "I have to take care of a few errands today which is why I'm heading home now."

He only stared at me for a moment, but chuckling as he nodded, "Okay, but next time you can't pull a rain check," Turning a different corner, he stopped and gave me a salute before turning away, "See you around, Yuzuki!"

A enigma he is...

I paused in my tracks, looking over my shoulder to see that he called back to me and my eyes widen slightly, "Oh! Do be careful, I've heard about some ghoul activity lately around the ward and I don't want anything to happen to you." With that he ran off to school, but it only left me confused as he shouted over his shoulder, "Take care!"

Shaking it off, I continued down the sidewalk, but my mind wonder back to how he mentioned ghoul activities and certainly he must know something. I haven't heard much about ghoul activities within the ward, but what he says is true then it just adds to why he saw Investigators around.

Frowning to myself, pausing in my tracks as I looked over my shoulder, Activities? What activities could've he heard of?

---

3rd Pov

Yuzuki refilled the cat's bowl, petting the small creature as he began to enjoy his meal and the girl smiled to herself. Standing up, returning the box back to its rightful place, but she furrowed her brows slightly the moment she heard knocking from her front door.

Moving around the small kitchen, tilting her head as she whispered to herself, "Who can that be?" Reaching the door, wrapping her fingers over the knob as she began to think to herself, I don't recall anyone informing me that they'll be dropping by...

Her eyes widen, someone wrapped their arms around the girl, picking her up slightly and she relaxed the moment she registered who her visitor was. Smiling, wrapping her arms around the white haired boy who greeted her, "Nee-san~!"

Yet she furrowed her brows when she tried to make sense of his sudden visit. Tilting her head at the boy when he stepped back, blinking as she thought to herself, Juuzou?! What could've brought him here...?

"Juuzou?" Shifting her attention to the boy and the man that stood beside him, "Shinohara?"

She was happy to see the pair, but Yuzuki wasn't expecting anyone or was informed about that they'll drop by. Which meant that there must be a reason behind their unexpected visit to see her, Why are they here?

Moving aside, allowing them into her home as she closed the door behind them before asking, "What brings you two here?"

Juuzou smiled at the girl, electing himself to be the one to provide the news to her, "We'll be working together again, sis!"

Shinohara sighed, offering a smile to the girl as he explained in further detail, "We were assigned to 20th Ward along with two other pairs such as Mado and Amon, but I don't know the other two," Motioning over to Yuzuki, he continued to inform the girl more about the subject. "Since you already live within the ward, I believed it was only fair to properly inform you."

Turning away, walking further into her home until her hand brushed over the couch as she frowned to herself slightly while thinking to herself about the news, Mado and Amon too? It appears I have to work with that man wondering through the ward... How troublesome...

She blinked the moment an arm draped over her shoulders and Juuzou grinned at her as his red eyes lit up, "You're part of our squad!"

Lifting a hand up to her face, rubbing her temple slightly as she took in a deep breath, allowing the information to sink in while placing a hand on the Juuzou's arm. Yet she still felt so bothered by the news because it means she'll have to work along others and try to remain calm when things don't go her way. To face the possible factor of being backstabbed.

Sighing under her breath, Oh no... How could this happen?

Juuzou moved away, wondering through the girl's home as he left his mentor with his surrogate sister. The white haired boy wasn't one to be interested in conversations that don't call his attention. So he went over to the small spiral stair case as he wondered up to where Yuzuki kept her piano while the pair of Investigators continued to speak among themselves.

"I'm glad to hear that," Yuzuki leaned against the couch, raising a brow over to the gentle giant and she began ask a few questions, "But why the sudden update? There isn't much activity within the ward for there to be a squad here."

Shinohara walked over to the small round table, resting his hands on the chair as he began to answer her questions as best as he could, "Ever since you dealt with the Bringe Eater, Yoshitoki believed there should be a squad assigned to the ward to provide some support for you since you have gained responsibility of the ward the moment you moved here. However, there are leads suspecting a few wanted ghouls located within the ward as well."

Crossing her arms, narrowing her eyes at the reasonings behind the sudden shift of action and surely there was more than what meets the eye. Bringing a hand up to her mouth, her mind pondered about the subject, I swear that this is all a stupid set up...

Juuzou leaned over the railing of the small second floor as he studied the girl carefully before asking her, "Aren't you happy, Nee-san?" Laughing, he pushed himself back from the railing while keeping a grip on them as he leaned back, "We'll be seeing each other more and we'll show these ghouls who they're messing with! It'll be fun~!"

Her eyes widen at the sound of Juuzou's voice, turning her attention up to where the boy was. He was leaning over the railing, tilting his head at her before he leaped down back to the lower floor, but he kept a steady eye on the girl.

Yuzuki couldn't say anything, yet she was glad that she'll be spending more time with him and Shinohara, but she knew that her actions and calls won't settle well with Shinohara or Mado. Her expression soften, I can't... I can't do this... Unfolding her arms as she lowered her eyes slightly, I'll be disobeying so many orders that Mado will surely have my head on a plate

"Yeah..." Chuckling, she smiled over to Juuzou reassuring the boy that she's happy to be on the same squad as him. Turning her attention back to Shinohara, "Who will be Captain or in charge of this squad?"

"They haven't decided yet, but from what they were discussing," He shook his head, sighing under his breath since the man still isn't fully aware about the whole situation, but he provided his thoughts, "They have you, Mado, and me in mind, but we won't know until later. I'll inform you of their final decision."

Furrowing her brows, Yuzuki began to think of the possible outcomes regarding who ends up gaining the role of squad leader and she knew there was only one choice that won't end terribly.

Wrapping an arm cross her while bringing a hand to her mouth, If I'm Squad Leader then everything will be too much Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair as she began to pace around, But if Mado becomes Squad Leader then surely I'll end up dead soon under his commands

Pausing, Yuzuki finally relaxed as she finally come to a conclusion, Shinohara is the only one I can trust with the job, but still I won't comply with every order...

"Okay." Facing the man, she smiled at him "I welcome you two here to the 20th Ward then," Turning back to Juuzou, but he wasn't in the room anymore and she sighed under her breath while a faint smile appeared

"Juuzou?" Shinohara looked around the living room, glancing up at the small balcony, but the boy wasn't up there either and the man furrowed his brows, "Where did he go?"

Yuzuki reassured the man that Juuzou wasn't invading her home or causing any trouble since the boy most likely went to search for the girl's cat. Chuckling, she leaned back against the couch, "He must have found Shiro, he loves that cat so I only expect him to find the creature," Her smile soon faded when something began to feel strange for the girl, her intuition if you call it was telling her that something isn't right. Frowning to herself as she felt it again, Somethings wrong... I feel it...

"Nee! One these days I'll take him from you," Emerging from the hall, Juuzou held the black cat in his arms, cuddling the small creature as he laughed at how the feline made a few sounds as a sign of affection towards the boy.

Giggling, she couldn't help herself from smiling at how the boy adores the small animal and she joked around him, "Sure you will, but I'll miss him," Yet she found herself saying something that she shouldn't have said, "You should have your own cat, brother."

His eyes landed on the cat as he responded back, "I can't."

Yuzuki's eyes soften, looking away as she clearly recalled the issues that the boy went through during his stay at the Academy under CCG's guidance and she thought to herself, Of course... The rumors that he was blamed for...

Walking up to him, she brushed her hand through the felines smooth black hair while smiling at her brother, "Shiro missed you."

Juuzou returned his attention back to the cat in his arms, "I missed him too~!"

Shinohara stood back, watching how the boy adored the cat and how he seems to be enjoying his time with the girl. He smiled to himself, surely with them being assigned to the ward will be good for Juuzou since he'll be around her. The boy allowed the small animal to roam freely in the living room as he kept a watchful eye on how it leaped onto the couch.

Turning over to Yuzuki, he began to fill the girl in with everything she missed since the last time they spoke with each other. Then he began to ask questions such as, how she's been, what's she been up to, any stories to share, or anything in general. The two quickly caught up with each other's lives and Shinohara walked over to them as he told the girl about a few things about Juuzou like how he's improving on his work ethics.

Yet Yuzuki couldn't remain comfortable since the haunting feeling kept clawing at the back of her mind, but she didn't know what to do since she had guests over and she doesn't want to cut their time short due to an intuition she's having.

Still she couldn't shake it off, Something isn't right...

"Forgive me, but may you guys excuse me," Collecting her quinque case that rested near the book self while explaining herself to the pair, "I must cut our conservation short since I must handle a few things today before it gets late. Hope you understand."

Reaching over for a cardigan to cover herself up and the two Investigators began to collect their things as well while the girl checked that Shiro had everything he needs before leaving him alone. Turning over to her new squad members, "I'll see you two later."

"Understandable," Shinohara nodded, motioning the boy to follow as they took their leave, "Juuzou, lets get going."

"Okay!" Juuzou smiled, waving farewell to the cat, "Bye Shiro, be a good kitty for Nee~"

Running over to the girl, he gave a quick hug as he poked her cheek while reminding her that they'll be seeing each soon, "I'll see you later, sis."

Sighing, a smile rested on her lips as she waved the boy farewell, "Take care, Nii."

---

He wouldn't understand why he didn't try harder to keep Hide and himself away from Nishiki if he already knew the college student was a ghoul. Kaneki swore he needed to at least try and think, but it looks like he understood what Yuzuki went through when he ignored her own hints about Rize. Now he has to deal with the same situation with Hide, trying to protect him from Nishiki, but it failed so miserably.

Glaring, gritting his teeth while clenching his hands, "He's not food!" Narrowing his eyes, slowly getting up, he felt his whole body shake, "Get your foot off him!"

Lifting a hand over his ear, raising a brow at the boy while pressing down onto Hide's head, "What foot?"

Removing his bag, Kaneki ran to attack the ghoul, swinging his bag while shouting, "Stop it!"

Nishiki chuckled under his breath, moving out of the way while grabbing hold of Kaneki's arm, "Are you fucking serious? You're attacking like an old hag with that bag!" Narrowing his eyes, "What are you? A woman!"

Swiftly turning on his heel, kicking the boy across the plain, smirking to himself while watching how the boy flew. Tilting his head as he kept his eyes on the way Kaneki slammed onto the ground, skidding as he rolled until his body met the wall. Straightening himself as he tossed the boy's bag aside while commenting, "If I went all out with that kick then certainly Touka, Yomo, or even Phantom won't be able to beat me."

Sighing, shoving his hands into his pockets as he wondered over to Kaneki, "Yet it'll do to finish you off, but I must say." Tilting his head at the boy, "You make no sense from the beginning."

Standing there, he kept a bored expression while narrowing his eyes slightly, "Why pretend to be friends with some food? After all, humans are just food to us. Just like how pork or beef is food for them." Frowning, studying the boy carefully as he tried to get back to his feet, "Is it some kind of game to you? Is it fun for you to mess around with your meal before eating it?"

"No... It's not pretending... He's not food, and..." Breathing out, Kaneki leaned forward as he felt his whole body flinch at the pain.

Rolling his eyes behind the frames of his glasses, Nishiki shrugged before clearing a few things, "Okay, fine. If that's the case then lets say it's true. But why choose someone dangerous like Nagachika?"

Glaring, the older student glanced over to the fallen human, "His appearance, behavior, speech, anything exterior are all so idiotic..." Narrowing his eyes dangerously before turning back to Kaneki, "Yet he's very keen about his surroundings, knowing things when he shouldn't even if it's intuition, so certainly without a doubt he knew about my intentions from the very beginning."

Titling his head, frowning as he stated, "Trying to get you to leave many, many times because he knew what was going to happen." Moving closer, narrowing his eyes, "Without a doubt he knows about our little secrets."

Smirking, harshly removing the eye patch from the boy before grabbing Kaneki by the hair, "Even you wearing that eye patch, it means you can't control your eye, so without it your real form will be discovered," Glaring, pulling the boy onto his feet, "Nagachika probably already put the pieces together about you, so it's only a matter of time when it's out in the open."

Pulling him by the hair, he narrowed his eyes, "Now stand up, get to you feet and take this seriously. Or you rather want me to kill Nagachika?"

Before either one of them could do anything, Nishiki threw Kaneki aside when someone dropped from above them. Kaneki collapsed, releasing a deep breath before looking up to see Yuzuki stand there in between the two as she opened her case to reveal her quinques. Nishiki glared dangerously, his kagune quickly revealing itself the moment his eyes caught sight of the quinques.

Keeping a static expression, Yuzuki kicked her case aside while pointing one of the blades towards the ghoul, "Leave before you make me finish you here."

"Shit!" Growling to himself, he narrowed his eyes at the girl before stepping back to Hide and Kaneki's eyes widen at how he was nearing his friend.

Trying to get to his feet, trying to save his friend, "...Hide..."

Running forward, twirling around Nishiki as he tried to attack the dove, but the girl scraped her quinque against his kagune while turning the tables. She kept Hide out of harms way while leaving Kaneki on the other end as Nishiki remain in the middle of the two.

The boy curled his fingers, looking up he saw how Yuzuki came to their aid, stopping them before something serious happened. The way she activated her quinques, focusing on shielding Hide from Nishiki while trying not to actually kill the ghoul. Yuzuki brought her quinque up, it only made the ghoul glare at the item and he glanced between Kaneki who hasn't recovered from earlier to the dove.

Yuzuki held a defense position, blocking Hide from view while motioning Kaneki to get up to his feet, but Nishiki attacked back. Glaring at the dove, sneering, "Now I got to deal with a dove?" Narrowing his eyes dangerously at Kaneki, "What the fuck is your deal?!"

Clashing, shoving him back so they were away from Hide and Yuzuki quickly began to handle the situation. The dove frowned at the words that Nishiki sent towards Kaneki, "First have a human as a friend and now having a dove too? You're a real bastard!"

"If anything, you're a real piece of work, Nishiki," Leaning back, dodging the kagune as she stabbed her quinque into it, stopping him as she ran forward while stating, "A hypocrite that is, you from everyone have a human that is much more than-"

"Shut your mouth!" Nishiki snapped back, he recovered as he attacked the dove out of rage the moment she touched a subject that no one should know.

Her eyes widen, rolling out of the way, but she held her quinque up to shield her as he slammed his kagune against the weapon. Sending the dove away towards the fallen human, but before Nishiki could finish the girl off he turned around and kicked Kaneki across the place when the boy tried to assist the dove.

Frowning, the young man adjusted his glasses before glaring down at the boy, "Why would you defend a dove?! Save a human?" His nose crinkled up, walking up to him, but he clicked his tongue in annoyance as he looked away, "You just disgust me, a filthy piece of shit!"

Turning away, returning his attention back to see that the dove was tending to the human and he narrowed his eyes while raising his kagune up, "Did we play too rough, dove? Well, it was too easy the moment my kagune revealed itself, so lets end this quickly then..."

Yuzuki released a deep breath, shutting her eyes as she shielded her friend from harm, but she's gambling now. The dove was purposely waiting until the last second, waiting for Kaneki to jump into the fight before she could do anything. Yet she needed to push him into acting. Wrapping her arms around Hide, waiting for Nishiki to pierce her or wait for Kaneki to step in and turn the tables. Last option will be revealing her kagune, but she can't afford that this time, so she's only left with two possible outcomes.

Frowning at how the girl basically shielded the human, not putting up much of a fight nor acting against him. Instead, she left herself exposed while protecting the boy with her own body, "Huh? This is quite interesting, but truly pathetic."

"I'll be killing two birds with one stone," Tilting his head at how the dove didn't appear to actually fight back, or express any fear, he was expecting a fight from the girl or watch her beg for her life, but it appears he wasn't going to have either of those. Sighing in annoyance, he lifted his leg up, his kagune wrapped around his leg. Narrowing his eyes the moment he noticed how the boy's hand tugged on the bottom of his pants and Yuzuki furrowed her brows as she listened to Nishiki's comment, "His hand moved unconsciously? Or playing stupid? Well, it doesn't matter anymore."

Yuzuki allowed herself to take a deep breath before making sure she'll be the one to receive the attack, yet she sighed under her breath when she felt a sudden shift in the area, but she tensed up at Nishiki's cold tone, "See ya later, Nagachika," Glaring down, he stared at how the dove shielded the boy instead of moving, "I can't say the same for you dove," But before he could finish the job his attention snapped back to the boy that he thought was done for, but it appeared he still had some fight in him.

"STOP!" Kaneki glared at Nishiki, his eye glowing red while his kagune appeared behind him and he growled back, "Leave them alone!"

Drawing Nishiki away from the two, Kaneki began to put up a fight with his kagune and Nishiki wasn't pleased when he noticed the similarities between the boy's kagune and Rize's. Glaring he tried to keep a distance but the boy's kagune managed to claw him and Nishiki grit his teeth together, but he tried to fight back. His eyes widen at how the boy soon began to out match him and he saw the look in Kaneki's eyes as they clashed again. Frowning, Nishiki knew his chances were running low.

Yuzuki sighed in relief as she cleaned Hide's face, checking his pulse and skimming to see if there was any bleeding, but her eyes widen the moment he moved slightly again. Then he stopped again, narrowing her eyes, she moved to grab her quinque to help their friend, but her eyes widen again. She noticed how Kaneki appeared to slip into some trance or something that allowed him to quickly overpower Nishiki, but she knew the boy was losing self control.

"Kaneki stop!" Running, she interfered with the boy's next attack as she threw him away from Nishiki who had enough. Tightening her grip over her quinque, helping the ghoul against the wall as she quickly deflected the attack that came from her friend, muttering under her breath, "Dammit!"

Shielding Nishiki along side herself, Yuzuki held her ground against the boy's kagune while muttering over to the ghoul behind her, "If I were you I'll stay put." Ignoring the ghoul's harsh words as he sneered back, but she moved forward towards Kaneki.

The two clashing, narrowing her eyes while moving around the kagune while trying not to harm the boy, "Kaneki, snap out of it!"

Leaping over the boy, she landed in front of Hide, blocking the human out of sight while dropping her quinque, "I know what you need, so just do it."

Narrowing her eyes, she brought her arms up while her kagune quickly shielded her, cladding her skin while moving to keep Hide save from harm while staying out of Nishiki's view. Feeling how the other kagune scrape against hers, trying to cut through the layer that protected her and she dropped her arms the moment his kagune moved away from her.

Sighing, she allowed her kagune to disappear and stood still as she felt something pierce through her shoulder, but she held her ground for a moment before he threw her aside. Frowning, she kicked the boy harshly while grabbing onto his arm as she carefully hit the right pressure point then let go of him until she felt his arm go limp. Moving away from his kagune as she allowed herself to gain a distance from him and in the progress collected her first quinque.

Moving back to where Hide laid, she stood there when the sound of someone dropping down close behind her. Not removing her attention from Kaneki who wasn't in his right mind, she quickly stated, "I'll leave you with him while I take Hide back before I deal with Nishiki."

Narrowing her eyes slightly, collecting her second quinque, "Don't be too rough or too soft with him."

Touka glared dangerously at the boy who was beyond reason, "Seems like I'm here to tell you, I told you so, dumb ass." Lifting her head, she narrowed her eyes, "The pain and hunger drowns out all reason and it's so damn painful you'd rather die. Right?"

The dove placed her quinques away, carefully picking the boy up while shouting over to girl, "Touka don't you dare do anything rash with him when he's in that state!" Frowning to herself, she reminded the ghoul, "There's no point in talking to him so don't waste your breath."

"I know already, I know what he wants," Touka narrowed her eyes, walking past the dove and human as she grinned at Kaneki who only snarled back at her, "Lets release that built up anger and agony now, won't we?"

Glaring, she summoned her kagune while Kaneki quickly went on the defense, "This time I'll help you out."

Yuzuki lifted the boy up onto her back while collecting her quinque case before getting onto her feet. Carefully holding onto Hide as she turned away from the scene, she didn't turn back to the two as they went on a full fight and the dove left the scene. Leaving them alone, hoping that neither of them actually harm the other severely or get themselves in any trouble around the ward, but Yuzuki knew that Touka can manage on her own and probably get the boy to collapse after everything. Or get him to feed off some unfortunate soul to tame the ghoul within him, the ugly monster that is buried within them all if they so choose to ignore its desire, its hunger, and they'll pay the price for doing such foolish act.

---

Touka was covered with patches, she walked over to the dove as she commented, "I underestimated him for a bit, but I managed to get that idiot to exhaust himself."

Crossing her arms, her eyes landing on Hide before sighing in annoyance as she went to get the med kit while talking to the dove, "At least he didn't do something stupid that he'll regret."

Yuzuki sat there for a moment before standing up, leaving the human's side as she motioned over to the ghoul, "I'll leave you to finish checking him until Yoshimura is free." Bringing a hand over her mouth, frowning, "I'm going to check on Kaneki before I go and rest a bit."

Frowning, shaking her head as she opened the med kit before removing a few things to wrap the boy up. Touka glanced over her shoulder towards the dove before she left, "He even managed to get you too, huh?"

Placing her hand over the area that Kaneki pierced her with his kagune and the dove could feel that it was healed already, but she knew that her clothing was ruined with the newly made hole. Sighing, Yuzuki shook her head, "He had no control, so I allowed him to lash out for a moment," Turning over her shoulder towards Touka before leaving the girl behind, "But I knew I'll heal pretty quick, yet it seems you'll take some time."

Opening the door while informing the girl, she frowned to herself, "Nishiki will be taking a longer time frame to recover from what happened and surely with his current condition he'll die if he tries to go feeding."

Touka narrowed her eyes, wrapping the gauze around the boy's wrist before moving to cover his neck, "If anything that ass was asking for something to happen, so hope that teaches him a lesson."

"I just hope that nothing serious happens," Shutting the door, whispering under her breath as the dove moved to the other room, "I can't afford CCG getting suspicious now."

Walking across from the room that she exited from, opening the door that held Kaneki in and Yuzuki carefully shut the door before walking over to Yoshimura. The manager was folding a few things before placing them back into the closet, but he raised a brow the moment the dove entered the room.

The dove shifted her attention over to where the boy slept, "How is he?"

"Still sleeping, but I won't expect him to wake up any time soon," The manager turned to face the girl before stating the obvious, "He's exhausted and surely he won't remember a thing that happened."

"Of course," Yuzuki sighed, walking over to the troubled boy as she brushed her fingers over his cheek, "I wonder if he'll take everything into account now that he can no longer deny his ghoul self from feeding. It'll only make the whole matter worse."

Nodding, Yoshimura walked over to the other end of the room as he stared out the window, "He'll learn to understand."

Frowning to herself, stepping away from the boy as she lowered her head, "It seems Touka couldn't lay a hand on him," Moving her head to face the old ghoul, "She gained a few minor injuries, but she'll live."

"Rize's kagune is very strong and adding the factor of not being in the right state of mind," Sighing under his breath, Yoshimura shut his eyes when he allowed a few old memories resurface, but he shook his head before glancing over to the dove, "How's the boy doing?"

Lowering her eyes, taking in a steady breath, "Well, nothing serious happened, but he'll be resting," Running her fingers gently into his black hair and Yuzuki could hear the boy sighed under his breath, "Touka is handling him right now until you're available."

"Lets leave him to rest and I'll dismiss Touka so she could rest," Motioning for the dove to follow, opening the door he waited for a moment before leaving the girl so he could check on the human, but Yoshimura glanced over to her, "You should rest too, Yuzuki."

"I will," Whispering under her breath, Yuzuki brushed aside the boy's hair before she made sure that the blanket was properly covering him and she turned away. The dove had nothing else to do but wait until either one of them woke up and certainly she needed to rest as well.

Shutting the door behind her she noticed Touka left the other room before walking over to her. Sighing, Touka motioned the dove to follow as the two girls walked down the hall to the ghoul's room so they could relax and regain their energy.

Touka didn't say anything, opening her window before sitting down against her bed, "I swear this is just too much work..."

Yuzuki walked over to the girl who allowed her to sit on the bed, but the dove instead sat next to the girl. Both leaning against the bed, Touka brought a knee up so she could leaned an arm against it while Yuzuki shut her eyes before wrapping her arms around her legs.

The ghoul sighed tiredly before glancing over to the dove, "You think he'll come around from that naive mind set?"

"Time is all he needs, but when he wakes up I'll talk to him after Yoshimura speaks with him," Shaking her head, Yuzuki shifted her head to face the girl, "We'll talk about training him and probably other things."

"The manager said I'll be taking a day off pretty soon when exams get closer for me, so he'll let me study for them," Closing her eyes, leaning against the dove as she frowned slightly before muttering, "If anything, he'll send him with Yomo to pick up supplies when I'm off."

Agreeing with the girl's thoughts, Yuzuki rested her head against hers, "Most likely, Yomo will be a good influence on him and try to keep him out of trouble," Sighing, before whispering back as she changed the topic, "How's school?"

Shrugging, Touka didn't have much to say in regards to it, but she answered back, "Good, but I just want to pass those exams."

Chuckling, Yuzuki opened her eyes as they landed on the ground and the dove smiled over to the ghoul, "You will, you're a hard worker Touka, so don't stress too much," Shifting her eyes over to the girl, "Sorry about getting you into this position, but as usual you adapt easily to challenges."

Smirking at the doves words, Touka cracked one eye open before retorting back, "With you there will always be shit coming up, so I'm used to dealing with it."

"What about you?" Raising a brow, Touka brought up a question in hopes to hear an update on the subject, "Anything new going on with the doves or anything in general?"

Yuzuki sighed under her breath, the dove knew that question will be coming up, "Found out the group that will be assigned here and I'll be in the new squad."

Frowning to herself, she knew how the group will be difficult to manage since a few of them were unpredictable at times. Shutting her eyes as she added, "I'm not too comfortable with having them around, but I know who they are."

---

Yoshimura guided the boy into the room, opening the door to reveal that Yuzuki was inside and Kaneki's eyes widen at the hole that was torn in her clothes surrounding her shoulder. His eyes glanced back to the manager as he closed the door behind them and Kaneki realized how everyone ended up hurt. Lowering his eyes as he clearly remember how Hide's state was in the other room and to see Yuzuki heal from hers, but yet he hasn't seen Touka anywhere.

Not facing the boy as she spoke up from her seat, she faced the ground while acknowledging him, "You're awake."

"Yeah..." Avoiding to look at the dove as he curled his fingers, keeping a distance from the girl as he wondered over to the opposite side from her. Glancing over his shoulder to see that the manager also kept a distance and the three of them stood at different parts of the room.

"I brought Hide here while the others brought you back," Yuzuki stood from where she sat, finally facing her friend as she informed him about a few things before shifting her attention over to the manager, "Yoshimura must've already explained most if not everything to you."

"Yes... Recently my hunger has been dragging and I-" Shaking his head, lowering his eyes as he stood still while trying to hold back the feelings of despair, "I've sometimes catch myself feeling like I'm starving to death and I know what..."

"...The blood in my mouth isn't mine," Bringing a hand up to his lips, he hesitated before finally turning over to Yuzuki and Yoshimura as he asked a question, "So answer me honestly... What did I so when I was asleep?"

He saw how the girl gave him a sympathetic look, her eyes soften as she told him the truth that he already knew, but was hoping to hear some type of lie. Yuzuki sighed under her breath before stating the obvious, "You know the answer to that question, Kaneki," Turning away from him as she shut her eyes, "You just won't face reality."

Yoshimura looked over to the boy as he revealed his ghoul eyes as he stated a cold fact, "There's only one way to satisfy the hunger."

Shaking her head, Yuzuki stepped closer to the boy as she spoke to him softly, "Kaneki, I warned you and certainly Touka also has. We're trying to help you, but we can't force you..." Sighing, shutting her eyes as she brought up a cold fact, "If I wasn't there or even Touka then certainly Hide won't be here..."

"She's right, if you had stayed in that state you would've ripped your friend up with your own hands," Yoshimura sighed under his breath, folding his arms behind him as he continued to explain the dire of the circumstance and how lucky they were that everything turned out fine.

Yuzuki placed a hand on his shoulder, she felt how his whole body tensed up and she removed her hand from him, "If anything, I would've allowed you to feed off my own flesh since I'll regenerate from it," Folding her arms across her chest before sighing again, "But even that state you were in, it would've been too risky for you and me."

"So please realize the type of person you've become," The manager simply stated the truth as he reminded the boy that he can't continue to live the same way as a human.

The dove whispered back as she reminded him of something, "So thank Touka in helping you."

"I... I... Don't want to hurt my friend..." Clenching his hands, shutting his eyes as he muttered under his breath, "I don't want to hurt anyone..."

"I can't! I can't stay near Hide, I can't even live in the ghoul world..." Shouting, he felt tears building up within his eyes as he turned away from the two, "Yet I can't live among humans so... So what am I if I'm neither?"

"Dammit! Touka was right..." Covering his face, Kaneki felt like he was reaching the edge of everything and he couldn't bring himself to say it, "I'm..."

"No, you're not," Removing his hands from his face, Yuzuki reassured the boy, "You're not alone Kaneki."

"Yuzuki is right," Yoshimura offered a smile, "You're clearly mistaken if you believe to be neither."

"You are a ghoul and at the same time a human," The old ghoul began to explain to the troubled boy how wrong his statement was and Yoshimura motioned over to the dove, "Yuzuki has lived among two completely separate worlds which you also belong to. The two of you are ones that live two worlds where me and your friend only resign in one."

Sighing, letting go of his hands as she shut her eyes before revealing her kakugan, "I understand, Kaneki, I truly do. It's difficult, but it gets easier once you accept who you are. We're different, but yet the same." Shutting her eyes again before they return to their faded purple shade and the dove smiled at him, "We're humans living among ghouls, yet we're ghouls living among humans. Our lives are entangled between each world."

"There will be times were they collide with each, trying to destroy the other, but it's how we make it," Lowering her eyes, turning slightly but Yuzuki motioned over to Yoshimura, "We choose what world we live in and if we could balance them."

Returning her attention back to Kaneki, "You can still walk along side Hide, still laughing with the human and live as if nothing ever happen," Motioning over to the door, "Then you can walk along Touka, deal with ghoul side of you, yet still be you."

Bringing a hand out to him as she stated, "But don't forget, you can walk along side me," Her lips twitched upward as she grabbed his hand, "We can switch and understand each world and continue to live our lives the way we want to."

"You can always pick the more humanly way," Her expression soften, shaking her head as she reminded the boy of a important factor, "However, you can't ignore that you must feed in order to survive and prevent this to ever happening again."

"Or you can choose to live a more ghoul nature of life with zero control of your actions," Lowering her eyes, she frowned slightly at the possible factor, but the dove brushed it aside before whispering, "It's all up to you."

"We won't force you into either," Kaneki closed his eyes again, listening to the doves words and he knows that the girl must have been through some hardships. He sighed the moment she spoke up again, "But we... I hope your human self will someday understand ghouls, to understand your ghoul self. To see if ghouls are truly beasts driven by hunger and desire for power."

"We will help you as much as we can, Kaneki," Yoshimura neared the two as he informed the boy that there will be help available for if he wishes to accept it from them, "But we cannot help if you don't allow us."

"So don't cry anymore," Tilting her head, she placed a hand on his shoulder, "I promise to make this as painless as possible, long enough as you listen and learn with an open mind."

Holding her other hand out to him, "Do you trust me?"

Kaneki stayed at the girl's hand, hesitating before accepting it, but he couldn't stop himself from allowing the tears to fall down his face. His eyes widen the moment Yuzuki brought her other hand to his face and he turn to see her trying to comfort him.

"Hey," She wiped his tears away, offering a faint smile while trying to lighten the mood, "If it weren't for you then Hide and I would've been hurt severely, so keep that in mind."

Glaring to himself, curling up his fingers as he retorted, "I still couldn't control it, I hurt you after everything and I considered-"

Wrapping her arms around him, Yuzuki lowered her eyes as she finally came to a decision as she informed the boy, "Tomorrow, I'll help you with your kagune if you let me," Shutting her eyes the moment she felt an arm around her and the dove whispered back, "I'll help you to control yourself better, but it depends on a few factors that we'll discuss with you on another time."

Lowering his eyes, he curled his fingers into her back as he asked, "...Nishiki ...? What happened to him?"

"I went back once I left Hide here. You and Touka were gone when I got back, but Nishiki struggled," Explaining how she handled the college student and she reassured him that the ghoul was alive, "I helped him back to his place, but he'll do fine... I just hope he'll heal soon."

Yoshimura suggested the boy to take some time alone, "Kaneki, you can rest if you wish in the other room."

"I'll... I'll go do that," Kaneki blinked, nodding his head slowly as he stepped away from the dove before turning over to the manager, "Thank you..."

Yuzuki moved away, nodding at him as she motioned the boy to go, "We'll talk later, okay?"

Glancing back at her, he gave a faint smile to her before lowering his eyes again as he walked for to the door, "Yeah... I'll see you later, Yuzuki."

They waited until Kaneki left the room, leaving the two alone so they could discuss a few important things that need to be brought to their attentions. Yuzuki kept a blank expression when the manager finally spoke about the subject that she's been dealing with recently.

Yoshimura kept his arms folded behind him, walking over to the window , "Touka mentioned a few issues with CCG."

The dove shut her eyes, nodding as she explained to the manager what was going on, "Yes, they have placed a squad here and I'm among one of the members. A group consisting of five or possibly seven and I'm fully aware of who each person is expect for two." Yuzuki turned towards the ghoul as she brought up another problem, "Also the issue that revolves around the Fueguchi family."

"I've heard about the Fueguchi issue, they came by recently and will be returning later," Sighing, the manager kept his eyes out the window as he informed the dove, "But for the new Investigators getting involved, we'll try to keep the ward under control."

Crossing her arms, frowning to herself as she tried to think of what she could do and the dove sighed, "I'll do my best to keep the squad from causing too much trouble."

Shaking his head, Yoshimura didn't face the girl as he firmly stated, "No, you do your job, so you won't bring any suspicion to yourself."

"I... I understand," Yuzuki curled her fingers, nodding and the dove clearly understood what she needed to do.

Shutting her eyes, Yuzuki was already used to the whole ordeal of just going through with the role even if she hates it. It's the reason why she follows CCG, why she listens to Arima's decisions and the reason why she takes it out sometimes on Eto. In truth, it gets tired some of doing what's wrong for the right thing. It all just becomes too much at times.

Sighing, she walked over to the couch and sat down as the thought crossed her mind, There's no point, I can't change anything unless I'm willing to discard a part of myself to do so. Leaning back, she uncurled her fingers and her eyes soften, I'll never be as strong as them... To give up their humanity to save this world...

"Yoshimura," The dove spoke up again, turning over to the manager, "Thank you for all your work."

The old ghoul shook his head, walking away so he could leave the dove alone, but he looked over his shoulder, "There's no need to thank me, Yuzuki."

---

The next day was going smoothly as Yuzuki walked through the office as she straighten the files in her hands. She went to drop the papers off to Fura who should be in his office and the dove reached the door. Knocking on the office door, she opened it the moment she was granted permission and Yuzuki closed the door behind her as she smiled over to the black haired Investigator.

Walking over to him as she handed him a few files, "Good morning Fura. These are for you to view over."

Accepting the files, skimming through them before setting them on his desk, "Thank you Yuzuki," Chuckling, he moved around his desk, "I'm assuming you were informed of the news then?"

The girl smiled, nodding as she giggled, "Yes, Aki spoke about it with me the day I visited. Congratulations."

Resting a hand on her head, he ruffled the girl's hair slightly, "Of course you'll know," Smiling at the blind Investigator, he sighed, "Aki was already coming up with names."

Wrapping her arms around the man, she chuckled before commenting, "If anything, I know you'll be a great father, Fura. If you could handle me then without a doubt you'll be ready to take care of your own child."

"You were like a daughter to me, Yuzuki, so I expect you to be a good influence in nine months from now," He wrapped an arm around the girl as he informed her about his expectations from her and he pulled away, "I think you'll be a good older sister for them to look up to."

Smirking at him, placing her hands on her hips, "If that's the case then without a doubt they'll know how to play the piano with me being around."

Fura raised a brow before shaking his head as he smiled, "I could imagine that and certainly Aki will be fine with that since it'll keep them out of trouble."

"Smoking is a no, so stop the bad habit now," Pointing at the man, Yuzuki raised a brow while bringing up the subject that should be fixed sooner than later.

Chuckling, he held a hand up in defense, "Aki already gave me a lecture and I'll try to cut back on it so it won't be a habit."

Before either one could continue to spare another word they were interrupted by someone knocking on the door. Fura turned over to his office door before calling out, "Come in."

Arima appeared around the door, raising a brow when he realized that the girl was with Fura. The white haired man closed the door behind him before greeting the two, "Yuzuki. Fura."

Fura raised a brow slightly, he wasn't expecting anyone to drop by and none of the less that Arima would be the one to suddenly stop by. So it made him wonder what brought the man to visit without any notice, "Arima, what brings you here?"

Keeping a static expression as he simply stated his reasonings, "I actually have a few things to discuss with you Fura."

Yuzuki stepped back as she excused herself from the room since the two had to handle some business. Also the girl was about to leave as well and head home, "I'll leave you two alone then," She smiled over to Fura, "I'm glad to have the time to talk to you Fura."

Turning over to Arima, she informed him that she'll be leaving and she offered him a smile before exiting the room, "I'll be heading home, so I won't see you until a later time father."

Arima placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, offering her a faint smile before letting the young Investigator go on with her own business, "Enjoy the rest of your day, Yuzuki, but I'll call you later."

Giving a quick nod, opening the door as she responded back to him, "I'll keep that in mind."

"Take care Yuzuki," Fura smiled back to the girl as she closed the door to his office.

They remained silent after the young Investigator left the room and Arima was the one to break the silence between them. His expression soften slightly as he offered his praise to his old friend, "I've heard of the news. Congratulations."

Fura chuckled, placing a hand in his pocket as he smiled back, "Thank you," Sighing, he went back to business since he knew that the two couldn't afford to speak about personal ties and the man raised a brow before asking, "What is it that you wish to discuss?"

---

Stepping outside, Yuzuki leaned against the railing as she released a deep breath. Crossing her arms against the railing, shutting her eyes as she began to wonder how later will turn out when she trains Kaneki with Yomo's help. Propping her arm up so she could lean her head against it and she furrowed her brows slightly.

"Surprise to see you out here Yuzuki-san," The girl blinked, chuckling under her breath before turning to face Ui who probably came out for a smoke break which of course the young man lit a cigarette in between his fingers.

Raising a brow over to the man before chuckling, "I don't believe that suits the image for a hero of justice," Leaning against the railing, crossing her arms as she greeted the Investigators, "I also didn't plan to run into anyone out here, but I'm glad to see you're fine."

Walking over to the railing, blowing a puff of smoke between his lips before glancing over to her, "I've heard about the squad you're placed in," Smirking, he took another smoke before leaning against the railing, "Thought a lone wolf like yourself won't ever be on a squad any time soon."

Yuzuki crossed her arms, raising a brow over to the Investigator who seeks only justice as his motivation and she sighed, "I wouldn't have thought that either, but I've had my fair share of experience in working with a squad."

Frowning to herself, she could remember the last time she was on a squad and it's been a little bit over a year since she decided to remain solo. Yuzuki only took cases when someone asked her to join, but other than that she handled her own cases alone without any support.

Pushing herself off the railing, she walked away, "I'll be leaving now," Looking over her shoulder, "I'm glad to see you're doing pretty well."

Raising a brow, Ui folded an arm across his chest while blowing another smoke, "See you around then, Yuzuki-san."

Before she could open the door, someone already opened it so they could enter the same outdoor space and Yuzuki's eyes widen when she realized it was Hirako who join them. Stepping aside, she acknowledged the man, "Hirako, I was just taking my leave."

He raised a brow, moving aside as he held the door open for the young Investigator, "Then maybe another day we could spare a moment to talk."

"Until then," Nodding, Yuzuki left the two Investigators alone as she began to head down the hall.

Stopping by Arima's office, she collected her quinque case that rested near the door and she noticed that he wasn't back, so he must still be with Fura or even gone off to tend to other duties. Yuzuki closed the door as she went over to the stair case and the girl quickly went down the steps since she needed to tend to things before meeting up with Yomo.

Sighing, finally reaching the first level and Yuzuki went through the halls quietly while hoping she won't run into anyone that could cause her any trouble. However, the dove paused in her tracks the moment she heard someone called out her name and Yuzuki furrowed her brows before turning towards the source.

"Yuzuki-san," Tilting her head, she noticed the large silhouette and she recognized the voice to belong to one of the Investigators that will be taking part of the 20th Ward squad.

Turning to face the young man, holding her quinque in front of her as she acknowledged him, "Amon."

Straightening himself, he properly greeted the young Investigator as he bowed his head slightly before revealing how he feels about the change, "I wished to let you know that I'm honored to work along side you," He offered a smile to the girl as he informed her about his expectation, "I'll be expecting to see you in action and according to what I've been told, you're an excellent Investigator."

"Thank you, Amon, but you're too kind," Chuckling, shaking her head at how there are few Investigators that rarely say such things to her, but she was flattered. Yuzuki nodded her head before turning away, "I'm also looking forward in working with you in later cases."

---

Kaneki's Pov

Scrolling through the text messages, I sighing in relief when I read that Hide was doing fine and he was resting at home now. So he took the day off from school to recover after I told him to just relax and I'll give him the notes for him to catch up on. He woke up earlier today and I found him enjoying some coffee in the shop while talking to Touka. I asked him why he came to Anteiku and he explained how he wanted to see me and thank Touka since she helped us through the 'car accident' which left Nishiki 'hospitalized' unlike us. Then he talked to me about a few things about the 'accident' that he couldn't remember any from and how he really want to take Touka out to eat or something to repay her for the trouble of dealing with us, but the girl denied his offers.

Then afterwards, Touka threaten me later after he left the shop after explaining how the manager was insane enough to take care of a human in Anteiku and she sent me a death glare as she warned me. I could clearly remember how she threaten to kill Hide if he ever finds out about Anteiku. Yet I somewhat doubt her words since Yuzuki would step in to prevent it if anything were to happen, but I can't risk it.

Putting my phone away, I took a deep breath as I prepared myself mental since today I'll be training. After leaving work this afternoon, I went home to catch up on some sleep and to just ease my nerves since Yuzuki and Yomo will be taking charge of the training session. Then I know that Touka will be there too, she might even help or just be there to watch the session. I just can't help myself from feeling so nervous and even afraid that I'll just won't be able to control myself.

Curling my fingers to my sides, lowering my eye as I thought to myself, I don't want to be a monster...

---

Yomo didn't really talk much during our small walk and I looked around to see that we were in an underground area. Glancing over my shoulder, feeling so uneasy and I was already on my toes since the overwhelming feeling just washed over me. Turning back around, I saw that Yuzuki and Touka were talking among themselves while Yomo stopped in his tracks as he glanced over to me. I haven't seen him remove his coat before until now and he motioned me to follow him towards the others.

Touka crossed her arms before raising a brow at me, "You ready?"

I smiled sheepish, scratching the back of my head as I responded, "Uhh... I have no other choice."

Yuzuki kept a static expression when she basically cut to the chase of the objective of today's session, "Kaneki, we're going to just go through the basics," She motioned over to the man who held a neutral expression who spared me a glance, "Yomo will help you with hand to hand combat."

She sighed, smiling over to me, but I noticed how she appeared uncomfortable when mentioning, "I'll help you with your kagune," Turning over to Touka, she cleared up something before I actually got started, "Touka and I will provide you an example of just hand to hand."

The two of them walked away from each other, providing a space between them before preparing themselves for their spare. Touka stretched her arms while Yuzuki simply flexed her fingers as she tilted her head slightly over my direction, "You just need to be comfortable with your strengths and weakness along with a few other key points."

Yomo crossed his arms, leaning against one of the pillars as he placed his attention on the two. I stood back, near Yomo, but I still kept a distance from him as I finally shifted my whole attention over to them. Watching how Touka motioned over to Yuzuki as if she was prepared and she simply nodded back. Within seconds I saw how Touka was in front of Yuzuki, throwing a punch, but it was easily caught and in exchanged Yuzuki swiped her foot underneath the waitress.

Touka swiftly landed on her hand, leaping away as she moved closer to the Investigator who hasn't really moved much from the start. Raising a brow, I wonder how much experience she has with fighting and I know she already mentioned how this was almost her whole life. But I still can't help myself from wondering what she must have been through just to be fully aware of her surroundings in her state.

I couldn't help but feel so uneasy as the two fought, Touka wasn't really holding back, but Yuzuki kept a calm expression when she marked the waitress a few times which only frustrated Touka since the ghoul couldn't completely touch the girl. A few times she'll brush her skin, but never enough to actually mark her and I was just amazed at how fast the two were. However, I furrowed my brows once I started to actually study how they moved and then I realized that Yuzuki still isn't giving it her all.

"God dammit!" Touka muttered under her breath when the girl kept deflecting the attacks since Yuzuki was on the defense.

She shook her head back at Touka while advising her, "Touka, you gotta remain calm or else-"

Touka frowned back as she made another move against her, "I am!"

Yuzuki dodged, finally taking action as she threw a punch which Touka blocked, but the Investigator moved again in a blink of an eye as she placed a leg around the waitress while grabbing hold of her arm as well. Within seconds I saw how Yuzuki got Touka onto the ground and the match was over the moment Yuzuki placed her foot on the ghoul's back.

Placing her foot against Touka's back, holding her arm back and Yuzuki simply sighed under her breath while advising the girl, "One slip up then you're dead, it only takes one second for the tables to turn."

I jumped slightly when Yuzuki turned over to me while stating, "Remember that, one simply mistake can and will kill you."

Holding a hand down to the waitress, pulling Touka back onto her feet while whispering, "You're fully capable of handling other ghouls."

Brushing the defeat aside, Touka frowned to herself while retorting, "I know, but not good enough if a dove beat me."

It was me and Yomo, I didn't know what to do or expect from him. Holding a stance, but my eyes widen at how quick he was, moving swiftly as he threw one punch after the other while keeping a calm and collect expression. All I thought was just dodging his attacks and I kept my footing or else I'll trip.

All I could do was just dodge, he's too fast, Moving back, away from him, but he continued to pursue forward and I frowned to myself as I recalled the fight between Touka and Yuzuki, How can Yuzuki block attacks if they're too fast and strong

Jumping back when I realized he flipped, throwing a kick down at me, but I moved out of the way, Touka didn't just dodge, she fought back

I could feel my breathing, I was already getting tired and Yomo isn't even breaking a sweat yet, And I'm here just dodging Flinching, bringing my arms up to cover my face as I moved away from him, Running basically

Quickly moving around him when I saw that he brought his leg up to kick me and I got out of the way, I can't be strong like them

My eyes widen, stumbling back and I found myself on the ground. Panting, I frowned to myself as I stared at the ground, Dammit!

Glancing up to see that Yomo collected his coat, throwing it over his shoulder as he stared down to me. Raising a brow, getting up to my feet before glancing over to see that Touka wasn't amused and Yuzuki tilted her head as if she was studying my fight carefully.

Turning over to Yomo, who sighed under his breath as he walked over to me, It's over?

"Dodging seems to be your strongest suit, but that's all you can do right now," He stared at me, nodding before walking over to Touka, but he glanced over his shoulder, "Meet me here everyday after work. I'll train you."

"I'll also cover for Yuzuki-san when she's busy," I stood there, watching how he motioned over to Yuzuki who agreed with him before he turned back to me, "We'll test you kagune after I help improve your offense and sharpen your defense."

"Okay," Nodding, I felt tired already of just dodging his moves, but I knew that I'll have to move onto the next part which Yuzuki will be helping me. Sighing under my breath as I lowered my eyes, Of course Yuzuki will be busy... But I don't know if I can practice with my kagune without her

Before we turned over into using my kagune or just trying to, Touka sharply turned over to me while Yuzuki paused for a moment. My eyes widen at how serious Touka was when she crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at me before shifting her attention over to the other girl.

Touka frowned at Yuzuki before glancing over to me, "She isn't gonna use her kagune so don't think about it," Pointing a finger over to Yuzuki again as she narrowed her eyes at the girl, "You better not consider it either."

Yuzuki shook her head, smiling at how she was just lectured by the girl before walking away, "Touka, I do appreciate your concern over the issue, but I'll decide what to do," Turning over to me, she folded her arms before raising a brow, "You ready to try to summon your kagune and control it?"

Lowering my eyes, I honestly don't know if I'm ready to go through with it, I'm afraid...

Taking a deep breath, nodding as I answered back, "I'll try."

Yuzuki stood in front of me, raising a brow as she rested a hand on her hip while cutting to the chase, "Alright, summon it."

Furrowing my brows, I wasn't really expecting to just 'summon' it without any advice, but I don't know what to say. I'm not sure if she was just testing me and surely Yuzuki was without a doubt. Shaking my head, "What?"

"You can't, can you?" Tilting her head to the side, raising a brow at how I questioned her instead of doing anything, "Or you simply don't want to?"

"I don't know, I have no control when I-"

Touka cut me off, frowning at me as she bluntly stated, "You don't have any control over anything, moron," Sighing in annoyance as she began to list a few other issues, "First, your eye and now your kagune. That's pathetic."

Yomo didn't spare the girl a glance as he reminded her to keep her patience, "Touka."

She quickly glanced over to the man before looking away, frowning at the ground and keeping any further comments to herself. I turned over to see that Yuzuki crossed her arms before clearing a few points, "It's all up to you, Kaneki, so try and summon it," Shaking her head slightly before reassuring, "You don't have to use it, but I'll like to see if you're capable of drawing it on your own free will."

Frowning to myself, I tried to do what I'm being asked to and I couldn't find it in myself to just draw it out like nothing. Shaking my head as I muttered, "I... Can't..."

"You won't be able to defend yourself," I noticed how her voice became a bit stern, lecturing me for a bit as she pointed out the truth that I can't ignore, "You can't dodge everything forever and surely you'll be killed."

"I don't understand how," Curling my fingers up, lowering my eyes as I tried to find out the secret that I might be missing, but at the same time it could be because I don't understand.

"It's easy," Touka's eyes flashed to their ghoul like eyes as she summoned her kagune with ease and she smirked over to me, "Maybe you just need a little push."

Yuzuki frowned over to the girl, walking over to me as she firmly stated, "No, we won't be pressuring himself into it in such manner," Standing beside me, she offered a smile before turning away, "I'll talk you through it."

Resting a hand on my shoulder, trying to show her support as she whispered, "Just try and we'll figure it out together. Okay?"

"Yeah..." Sighing, nodding as I listened carefully to her words, but still felt so unsure of what will happen if I do.

"Take a deep breath, relax, and focus on summoning your kagune," Her voice was calm and surely she was patient about all this. I closed my eyes as I tried again and I heard her again, I know she moved from her spot, "You can do it."

I didn't understand how Touka and everyone could just do it so easily as if it was second nature for them and of course it was. That they didn't have to train to understand, but I needed to pull my weight or else I won't be anything but I burden for them. I needed to fight, protect them and show that I can help them instead of me always getting saved.

Still I couldn't do it and I can tell that Touka was just getting irritated as well, but I shook my head before explaining to Yuzuki, "I can't, I don't know how."

I felt her arms around me as she slowly guided how I could take better control of myself, her face beside me as she whispered, "Pretend as if your hands are linked to their actions, how you move they follow, so take in a deep breath and allow yourself to accept it." Swallowing, I felt my fingers tremble a bit at the thought of revealing the thing that ghouls have, but I relaxed again when I heard her voice again, "It's okay to be afraid, but remember you are in control..."

"I understand it's appears difficult, but it's part of a ghoul instinct and surely you're repressing it because you're not accepting that side of you," Her fingers skimmed over my arms as she pulled away from me, I watched how she put a distance between us and I saw how she released a deep breath before speaking up, "I'll show you what I'm recommending you to do."

She held a hand out to her side and within seconds I saw a bright faint light emit around her as she summoned her kagune, it followed the motion of her arm and when she dropped her hand. I watched how she pushed herself off the ground with her kagune when she moved her hand down, "It gives you a more sense of control if you doubt yourself."

"It's all in the mind, more creative you are then the more you can do," Just like that, I saw how her kagune disappeared from behind her and Yuzuki began to explain a few things before providing some advice, "However, I do recommend that you read a few books on martial arts since you're more of a fast learner when you read. It'll be useful for hand to hand combat."

"Now try once more," Folding her arms in front of her, standing across from me as she waited for me to give it another shot.

I just stared at her, it amazes at how she could just do that without even trying so hard. Glancing over to Touka who also summoned hers without any issue, but I just didn't understand how Yuzuki could do it despite being a Ghoul Investigator.

How could it look so easy? Lowering my eyes towards the ground, I took a deep breath before shutting my eyes, Relax... I'm in control...

Curling my fingers, biting my bottom lip as I concentrated on just summoning it. If I could reveal it when they were in danger then it should be easy, I just need to show it and that's it

Come on...

Frowning, I could feel that they were probably belittling me for not doing a simple task. How can I fit in if I can't summon my kagune or control my eye, I can't

"I..." I give up already, if I couldn't do it now then I can't and I don't want to waste their time any longer.

Touka snorted to herself as she commented, "At least he did something right."

My eyes flew open, glancing over to Touka who raised a brow at me when I questioned her, "What?"

Yuzuki chuckled at my expression since I didn't noticed that I managed to actually do it. My eyes widen when I saw the bright red kagune sway behind me and I could clearly remember them as the ones that Rize had. I looked over to Yuzuki when she unfolded her arms, "You did the first step."

Furrowing my brows, looking my shoulder as I tried to completely understand how it happened and why I didn't noticed, How did I...?

"Now follow my movements, simple things, but I want to see how much control you have," Yuzuki released a tired sigh, she smiled over to me as she motioned me to follow, "Baby steps."

I watched how she calmly moved her arm, instructing me to do the same, but the goal was to control the movement of my kagune. Even if she doesn't have hers currently, I carefully watched how each movement she made and I can imagine her kagune following her commands.

But I still couldn't command my kagune to follow my will, trying to move it beside me and even try to do the example that Yuzuki provided earlier. Still I got a few down, but still couldn't fully get the hang of it just like the others did.

Dammit

Frowning to myself, setting my arms down beside me while I watched how my kagune merely swayed around me, but my attention turned over to Yuzuki who walked away. Tilting my head, I wonder what was going through her mind sometimes, How can she be so calm?

My eyes widen again the moment she called out to me, standing across from me, "Run at me, try to hit me."

Frowning a bit, shaking my head as I tried to make sure I heard her correctly, "What?

"You have to move and control your kagune," I watched how her right eye changed colors while her kagune appeared from behind her as she waited for me to make a move.

I couldn't bring myself from attacking, I clearly remembered that I was the one to actually hurt her and I don't know if I can do it again even if I was in control. Shaking my head as I protested, "But I-"

Touka frowned, snapping over to me as she stated, "Just do it idiot! It's not like you'll hurt her."

I stared over to Yuzuki, she was just waiting to see if I'll actually go through with it and I couldn't even if it was for training. I can't fight her, I don't want to accidentally hurt her again like before, but I can't ignore the fact that she's fully capable of defeating me with ease.

Sighing, I took a moment before curling my fingers up, Touka is right... Yuzuki will block or even counter it, but it doesn't make it any easier

Nodding, I took a moment to prepare myself before I made my move. Running forward, I brought my kagune up to swipe her away, but I saw how fast she reacted within seconds and I stumbled back at how her own kagune deflected my attempt. I stared at her, she merely motioned her fingers upward and it was enough for her kagune to shield her before she made her own move.

My eyes widen, bringing my hands up to cover me and I felt my whole body get pushed back, but when I looked up I saw that my kagune shielded me from her attack. Yuzuki stepped back, raising a brow at my defense and she chuckled under her breath as a faint smile appeared, but she waved it off.

Yuzuki sighed, running a hand through her hair as she made a comment after her kagune disappeared, "Not too strong like before, but I assume it's due because you had no limits last time," Walking over to me as she dismissed the whole session, "That's all, it's okay for you to stop now."

I was relieved that it was over already, I'm tired from everything and especially the whole feeling of having so much on my shoulders was really weighing me down. Releasing a deep breath, Finally...

Yuzuki patted my shoulder before walking off towards the others as she called it a day, "That's enough for today."

Sighing, I relaxed and I glanced over my shoulder to see that my kagune already disappeared and I went through my pocket to grab my eye patch. Placing it over my left eye before looking over to them, "Thank you," Scratching my head as I tried to offer my apologizes for the hassle, "Everyone I just-"

Touka glanced over to me, raising a brow at me before wondering over to Yuzuki, "Don't get too comfortable now. You barely began so don't get carried away."

Yomo nodded, putting on his coat as he reminded me again, "We'll try again once you're off work."

I nodded at him before sighing tiredly, "Okay."

"Touka, I'll take you back," Yomo turned over to her, informing that he'll be responsible with returning her back to Anteiku.

The indigo nodded, walking over to him, "Thank you Yomo."

Yuzuki paused in her tracks and I turned over to Yomo when he called us, he probably was also going to offer to take us back to our homes, "Yuzuki? Kaneki?"

"I'm fine, but thank you for the offer Yomo," Yuzuki decline the offer, picking up her quinque case from behind one of the pillars, "I'll walk home."

I walked over to her, offering her company on the way back to her home, "I'll walk you home."

She looked over to me, laughing before she smiled back to me, "Thank you."

---

3rd Pov

Kaneki offers to walk Yuzuki home since she was a bit worn out from the training session since he soon learned that activating her kagune leaves her feeling weak, so he wanted to make sure she was perfectly fine arriving home. They walked along side each other, he offered to carry her violin case and she linked her arm with his. The two talked all the way, both laughing as they walked to her place.

Yuzuki smiled over to him, "You'll get the hang of it, so don't worry," Sighing, "You need to at least know how to defend yourself."

He smiled sheepish, looking over to her, "I-I know, but it's just that I don't know how to feel about it..." Lowering his eyes, Kaneki couldn't deny that he wasn't comfortable with it, but he knew that if he couldn't protect Hide on his own against Nishiki or help Yuzuki then what kind of friend is he.

Frowning to himself, he felt something that began to trouble him the moment they turned a corner. Looking up, he saw a tall man with white hair, glasses, and he was in a gray suit with a brief case in his hand.

Kaneki still felt that the man isn't an average person, it felt like if he was in the presence of a god or someone with great strength. Glancing over to Yuzuki, who seem to notice the man's presences as well. The boy whispered over to the girl, "Who's that?"

He saw that the stranger noticed them as well, stopping his tracks before he entered the building in front of him as he waited for them. Kaneki curled his fingers while thinking to himself, Why do I feel so uneasy?

"Oh!" Yuzuki's eyes widen, taking her quinque case from the boy's hands as they neared the unexpected guest, but she began to think to herself as she neared, What do I do?

"Yuzuki," The man held his attention on the girl, raising a brow over to the boy that accompanied her, "Who's this?"

Stepping away from Kaneki, Yuzuki motioned over to the white haired man while informing the boy, "This is my father," Turning over to Arima, she motioned over to Kaneki as she introduced the boy to him, "Father, this is a friend of mine that I made a while back. He was walking me home."

Kaneki held a hand out to him, nervously smiling as he tried to keep a calm voice, "It's nice to meet you, sir."

Raising a brow at the boy, accepting his hand, firmly shaking the boy's hand before glancing over to Yuzuki for a moment, "I'm glad to know that my daughter has made a friend during her stay."

Yuzuki offered a smile over to Kaneki, motioning him to go since she really couldn't afford to have the two speak any longer at the moment, "I'll see you around, okay."

"Huh, yeah, I'll see you later Yuzuki," Stepping back, returning a faint smile to her before bowing slightly over to the man before waving at the two as he took his leave, "Umm... bye sir, it was nice meeting you."

"I hope we'll see each other again," Arima watched the boy hurry down the sidewalk, raising a brow as he wonder how Yuzuki managed to meet the boy and his attention turned over to Yuzuki who was waiting for him.

The two walked over to the entrance, Arima held the door open for the girl as the two entered the lobby of the complex. Yuzuki waited for him before they could walk up the stair case to reach her floor. Raising a brow up at the man as she chuckled under her breath, "You surely frighten him."

Blinking, he glanced down to her as they began to head up the stairs and he responded back, "I'm assuming you haven't told me because you didn't want me to scare them off."

Shaking her head, a faint smile appeared before replying, "He's a bit closed off and lets face it, you somehow manage to intimidate others without doing anything," Sighing under her breath as she added, "I didn't want to scare him or anything."

"He seems to be a fine boy, but it appears you two are closer than you're revealing," Raising a brow at the girl, standing beside the door that belongs to her as he informed her about his own thoughts.

Yuzuki unlocked the door, "Don't go off assuming things now, but I'll say that he was being a gentlemen for walking me home," Closing the door the moment the two entered her home, "I'll let you know if anything else transpires."

Sighing, she removed her shoes before walking over to leave her quinque case beside her desk. The girl greeted her cat once the little creature jumped onto the desk beside her, running her hand through it's soft fur while calling out to the white haired man, "If anything, I'll introduce him formally later on, so don't go around prying for information on him."

Setting his own brief case beside the kitchen table as he turned over to the girl, "You can't blame me for wanting to know who you associate yourself with."

Raising a brow, Yuzuki turning over to him as she folded her arms, "Yes, but I don't believe entangling someone any further into our type of lives is a smart idea. Especially for a college student, I doubt it'll be wise for me to bring him around the others." Sighing, walking into the kitchen as she began to make some coffee, "Maybe I'll bring him to one of our small gatherings, but it's only a idea."

"I'll keep that in mind," He raised a brow at the black cat that came over to him, sighing, he patted the creature, "But I'm here to discuss a few things about the squad you'll be taking part of. Along with a few important notes that I believe you should be aware of."

Setting her cup down on the counter, frowning slightly at the subject, "I see."

---

Kaneki's Pov

Touka and I were busy setting up for the shop, placing the chairs down from the tables while preparing a few other things before opening up the shop. I glanced over to Touka as I spoke up, "I met Yuzuki's adoptive father yesterday, seems to be a serious man."

Her reaction wasn't something I expected, Touka glared over to me for a second before turning away as she chuckled under her breath, "Not surprise you finally met him, after all you're dating his daughter. It was bond to happen eventually," Frowning deeply to herself, she collected her apron as she bit back, "That Reaper will kill you if you dare do anything stupid."

My eyes widen, I could tell that my face flushed at her comment, but I brushed it aside when I heard how she referred to Yuzuki's father as the Reaper, "First off we're not that," Frowning to myself before walking over to grab my apron, "What do you mean 'Reaper'?"

Sharply turning on her heels, Touka crossed her arms as she narrowed her eyes, "You know how she works with her dad, right? Well, he's one of the most dangerous doves out there! No one survives when they cross paths with him," Glaring, clenching her hands as she turned away, "It's why he's called CCG's Reaper. Basically death itself."

"I... I didn't know," I was taken back from the new information revolving the man that took Yuzuki in, but I wouldn't believe that he'll have such a well known reputation among ghouls, "Yuzuki mentioned that he was Special Class Investigator, but I wouldn't have thought-"

Touka snapped, shoving a finger into my chest and I saw the anger in her eyes, "Because you haven't had to run from them! From him! From any dove!" Stepping back, narrowing her eyes dangerously at me as she continued, "You don't understand how many of us that he has killed. How many he fucking slaughtered!"

She shook her head at me, chuckling dryly and I saw how worked up she was about the subject, "You don't fucking get it, do you? The quinques in Yuzuki's case belonged to-"

"Touka!"

I turned around to see that the manager gave Touka a stern look, not allowing her to finish her statement and he motioned her to head off to work. He sighed under his breath before facing me, "Don't mind her too much."

Lowering my eyes, curling my fingers around my notepad as I whispered, "...What she said, it's true. Isn't it?"

"Yes," He didn't deny it, but he didn't clear anything as well since it wasn't his business to say, "But out of my respect for Yuzuki, I won't say much in regards of the man."

Turning away from me, he folded his arms behind his back, "It's best to leave some things alone."

Furrowing my brows, placing the notepad in one of my pockets along with a pencil, Was that the reason why I felt so unease around him?

"Kaneki, today after you're done I want to teach you a few lessons on blending in properly with humans," My eyes widen, facing him as he sighed under his breath before wondering down the hall, "An example would be 'eating' food."

Nodding, I felt nervous about it, "Okay," Returning back to work once Touka opened up the shop, but she refused to even look at me or talk to me. I've noticed her strong dislike or even hatred if that's the correct term to describe her feelings about Ghoul Investigators.

Lowering my eyes again as I wondered why I didn't know any of it, but at the same time Yuzuki probably doesn't want any information mixing in with Anteiku or anything. Yet, it only makes our whole relationship even more complicated and surely if her father finds out about Anteiku or me then he'll definitely kill us.

Walking over towards the counter again, I couldn't take my mind off from wondering back to whole topic and how Touka reacted so violently about it. My eye landed on the surface of the counter while my fingers curled up, Why didn't Yuzuki mentioned that?

Sighing, shaking my head before walking over to one of the customers that arrived, There's so much more that I don't know...

---

3rd Pov

Walking up towards the unexpected guest, Tatara didn't bother wasting much time as he cut to the chase, "Eto's unavailable to see you now," Keeping an eye on white cloaked figure who stood still and the ghoul wondered what purpose she had for roaming around their base.

"Certainly, she's a busy woman after all, but I know she'll come around," Phantom sighed, folding her arms and the dove changed subjects, "You've played chess before Tatara?"

He wasn't expecting the change of conservation, but he responded, "I'm familiar with the game."

Turning towards him, Yuzuki began to example a few things as she walked over to him, "A rook is involved in 'castling': the one way a King can be moved along with the rook simultaneously."

"Yes, I've heard that each player is allowed to use such move once per game," The ghoul was not amused if the girl was merely wasting time, "However, I do not see any use in speaking about a game. Is that the only reason you're here? To waste time."

Frowning slightly, "If so, Eto will not be bothered," Tatara narrowed his eyes over to her, "Regardless of who you are."

Agreeing with him, she finally began to clear up her intention of appearing on their soil, "You're right. I'm not here to speak about a game," Folding her arms behind her while shrugging slightly, "But I was merely using an analogy."

Before either of them could continue on their conservation they turned the moment the familiar tattered maroon cloak appeared when the ghoul leaped onto the platform that they stood. Phantom unfolded her arms while Tatara acknowledged his superior who walked over to him.

"Phantom!" Eto greeted the girl, resting a hand on the ghoul's shoulder as she dismissed him, "Tatara, please do leave me alone with our guest."

Not arguing with her, he nodded before leaving the two alone, "Yes."

"Eto."

"Yuzuki."

The shorter woman smirked behind the gauze that wrapped ground her whole body, folding her arms behind her as she tilted her head, "What brings you around our base?" Chuckling, Eto stated the obvious towards the girl, "Some don't take kindly to your presences."

Sighing, Phantom shook her head as she walked over to the ghoul, "I merely wish to know what business did Yamori had a while back," Frowning slightly, "I'm aware he's among your ranks, so you must know the meaning behind his actions."

"Oh, that? I wasn't aware of his personal actions outside of Aogiri's plans, but I've been informed of it," Leaning back, lifting her head up a bit as she tapped her fingers against her chin before pointing over to the girl, "But I'll place my bet that he simply wanted revenge on what happened so long ago."

Eto waved it off, not having much interest in the topic, "He and Lantern were supposed to get rid of two humans back then," Smirking, turning back to Phantom as she cleared up a main detail, "You know, the Reaper and the other man you associate yourself with."

Frowning behind the mask, Yuzuki was aware of the past revolving Arima's and Fura's youth surrounding their encounter, but she still didn't understand why the ghoul would still hold onto such silly things as revenge, "So it merely to get back at them for something in the past? If anything, he didn't get along with Lantern and he survived from it, so I see no true value for it."

Shrugging, Eto brushed it all aside as something less deserving of her attention, "Don't know what to tell you then."

Walking away from Eto, the white cloaked ghoul changed the subject, "I'm also aware that you're hiding Dr Kano who is an ally of yours," Narrowing her eyes as she brought up a detail, "The one responsible about a certain incident."

A smile appeared across the ghoul's lips, "I've heard of it and it's quite interesting if you think about it," Eto giggled as she wondered around the girl while prying off some information from her, "However, I'm fully aware of your ties with the situations and certainly you're not content with the outcome."

Yuzuki frowned, standing still as she firmly stated her thoughts, "It's just wrong to just flip someone's whole world upside down for a mere experiment."

Eto laced her fingers together as she leaned forward, "Yet you can't deny that you somewhat approve. Humans into half ghouls, surely they'll understand or even help-"

Looking over her shoulder, Yuzuki disagreed, "It's still wrong," Turning as she faced the ghoul while her voice turned cold, "Don't dare think about-"

"Don't threaten me, sister," Eto kept a calm tone, a grin spread across her lips as she brought her laced fingers up against her lips while reminding the girl, "You know I don't take kindly to threats because surely I'll return the favor."

Silence filled the space between the two for a moment before Yuzuki walked pass the ghoul while bidding her farewell, "Next time, Eto."

Sharply turning around, waving at the girl while reminding the dove, "Oh! I'm going to be in the 20th Ward quite soon for a book signing," Smirking, Eto brought a finger up to her lips as she tapped against her skin before pointing over to the girl, "I'll be happy to see you there with your new friend."

Not sparing another moment, Phantom disappeared and wondered back home while Eto remain lingering at the spot that they met up. The ghoul chuckled under her breath before wondering over to the ledge when Tatara reappeared and walked over to her side.

Tatara looked over to Eto as he whispered, "It appears she's fully entangled with the boy."

Eto laced her fingers together behind her back as she looked up at the taller ghoul, "Of course my dear sister has and without a doubt it'll make everything more interesting."

Turning his gaze away from the woman as he stared off to the distance before raising a question, "Do you believe she'll prevent us from catching the boy?"

"She'll try, but if everything runs accordingly to plan then she won't be able to do anything," Narrowing her eyes slightly before landing onto the grounds that she claimed for Aogiri, "This could be what we're looking for."

---

The following day, Yoshimura sent Touka to take Kaneki to HySy ArtMask Studio so he can have a mask. Touka wasn't happy when she discovered that she'll be spending her day off helping the boy get a mask. Yuzuki met up with the two in the 4th Ward instead of meeting them at the train station, so they found the dove standing near the location of the shop.

Touka raised a brow, noticing that the dove didn't have her quinque case on her this time and she sighed under her breath before knocking on the door. Kaneki looked around them as he returned his attention back to the place in front of him. He glanced over to Yuzuki who motioned Touka to open the door. The three of them entered the quiet shop as they disbanded to different directions.

Yuzuki walked over towards the glass case that held many different masks in display while Touka raised a brow as she searched for the owner of the shop. Kaneki stood still, feeling a bit uncomfortable but he proceed into the mask shop as he looked around the place.

"Uta, are you here?" Touka placed her hands into her pockets, standing beside the dove who moved her hands across the glass surface.

The blind girl raised a brow over to the ghoul, Yuzuki chuckled under her breath when Touka muttered, "He probably went home," Walking away from the dove as she wondered over to the desk that belonged to the shop owner, but Touka frowned over to Yuzuki who only smiled over to her, "What's so funny?"

Before receiving an answer from the dove, Touka quickly turned towards the scream that came from the boy and she narrowed her eyes once she realized that he was on the ground. Glancing over to Yuzuki who was leaning against a wall and Touka frowned back to the boy. Sighing under her breath when she noticed it was Uta who scared the boy.

Tilting her head before crossing her arms as she watched the ghoul stare down at the boy, "Uta what are you doing?"

The black haired man didn't seem bothered by the tone from the girl as he stood up before replying nonchalantly, "I thought I'd try to scare him," He glanced over to the dove, waving at the girl who acknowledged the ghoul, "I tried before with Yuzuki, but didn't get the same reaction."

Kaneki stared at the man, getting up to his feet the moment the shop owner went over to his desk as he sat down on his stool. The boy glanced over to see that Touka shrugged her shoulders before explaining, "Uta is the person who makes the ghoul masks."

Uta leaned back in his seat before introducing himself to his new guest, "I'm Uta."

The eye patched boy studied the man carefully, feeling nervous and even a bit terrified when he saw how the man was covered in tattoos and piercings. Kaneki walked over towards them as he properly introduced himself, "I'm Kaneki, n-nice to meet you."

Tilting his head, Uta leaned forward towards the strange boy that he heard about recently from the manager of Anteiku, "You're the one Yoshimura mentioned?" Moving swiftly as he took a good look around the kid, studying him before he sniffed the boy which caused Kaneki to jump back a bit and Uta commented, "Your scent is quite unusual..."

Yuzuki walked over to them, folding her arms behind her as she gave the boy a emphatic look before turning over to ghoul, "Uta, you're scaring him."

Blinking, he turned over to the dove before moving away from Kaneki, "Oh, sorry about that," Standing up he went over to his other desk, preparing a few materials before he could get to work, but he waved his hand lazily around as he asked to confirm his guess, "This guy needs a mask, doesn't he?"

Nodding, Touka sighed as she left the two alone, "Yeah, we all have to be cautious for now, so I'll let you to do your work." Leaning against the wall beside Yuzuki who found a seat, the two girls listened to Uta who spoke up again.

Uta sat down again, organizing his tools while clearing up a few things that were bothering the ghouls lately, "It seems that Ghoul Investigators have been loitering around lately, I even heard that they found Yomo." He shrugged his shoulders when adding, "However, they usually tend to leave the 20th Ward alone since it's a docile..."

Yuzuki frowned to herself, the dove already knew about the whole incident that transpired within the ward, but it began when Rize entered the ward. Still the dove knew that there was more to the story, it wasn't just that woman who was causing major trouble during that time frame.

Raising a brow over to Touka who snorted before commenting, "As expected, it was all because Rize's influence and what she did that got those damn doves appearing..."

Uta paused the moment he heard Kaneki speak up, glancing over to the boy from the corner of his eye as he listened to what was said. Kaneki furrowed his brows before commenting, "Um.. You guys mean that the 20th Ward is a... a peaceful area?" Shaking his head as he added, "B-but, I don't really think it's that calm, you know?"

Kaneki glanced over to Yuzuki who tilted her head, shaking her head at his naive statement while Touka raised a brow at him which left him confused to why they reacted that way. Turning over to Uta who finally faced him, sitting on his stool as he explained the whole picture that Kaneki has yet to fully see.

"You'll understand once you try living in another place," He kept a blank expression before stating a few facts in regards of the other wards, "Wards 1 through 4 are uninhabitable due to reasons such as CCG main base is located in the 1st Ward."

His eyes widen the moment Uta began to get into the far more gruesome facts about the wards, "There are often disputes over places to eat due to the fact there's a lot of us. On some lucky nights one can see a show of 'cannibalism', so there's never a dull moment."

Yuzuki sighed as she added onto the ghoul's explanation, "And the 13th Ward has so much bloodshed that it's terrifying."

The ghoul jokingly turned over to Kaneki as he nonchalantly offered, "If you want, I could gobble you up all in one bite."

Kaneki held his hands up in defense, his eye widen before shaking his head, "N-no, I think I'll pass..."

Uta nodded as he commented, "The 20th Ward is nice though and quite peaceful. It has "Anteiku" and it's huge, so that's that." Patting the stood beside him, inviting the boy to sit down, "Sit down, I'm going to measure you."

Yuzuki reassured the boy that he was going to be fine while explaining, "Uta will be asking a few questions for you in order to make the best mask for you," Shutting her eyes as she added on, "A mask will help keep your identity hidden from Ghoul Investigators because the moment they connect your ghoul and real identity then you'll never be able to live in peace."

Touka bluntly stated, "It's over the moment they see you're face, you'll be dead. No matter how you think about it, it ends up bad."

"A troublesome affair it'll be if that were to occur," Sighing, the dove already dealt with issues regarding the subject and surely it'll be quite terrible if he were to be among those who failed to keep their real faces hidden from CCG.

Uta stood up, he soon invaded the boy's personal space as he grabbed hold of Kaneki's face, tilting it while examining it as he began to get a few ideas for the boy's mask. The ghoul tilted his head as he began to question the kid, "Anything you're allergic to? Any type of materials?"

Kaneki shook his head, "Don't think so."

Moving around the boy, measuring the circumference of Kaneki's head and noting it down while asking, "Full mask or half?"

He wasn't really sure about it so he left it up to the mask maker to figure out what's best, "I'll leave that up to you."

Uta raised a brow slightly, taking note that the boy had an eye patch around his eye and the ghoul made a comment, "Hmm, that eye patch looks cute on you."

Removing his eye patch from his eye, Kaneki slipped his fingers underneath the material as he revealed his normal eye while explaining, "Uhh... whenever I get hungry my eye turns red against my will, so I wear it when I go out."

"It's fine whenever you're full then?" Observing how the boy's eye appeared to be normal at the moment and Uta grabbed an eye ball from a near by jar as he offered it to the kid, "Want this as a snack?"

Tensing up at the sight, Kaneki shook his head while declining the offer, "N-no thanks."

"But I get it... an eye patch... okay then," Grabbing his pencil, dotting it down on his notepad along with a few other ideas while talking to himself, "Got it, now then, what should I ask next...?"

Tilting his head to the side, looking down at the boy as he lifted his pencil up while asking another question, "Kaneki, do you have any lovers?"

"Wha!?" This completely caught him off guard, his eyes widen as he looked at the man as if he was insane for asking such question out of the blue. Looking away from him, curling his fingers around the rim of the stool as he responded back while sparing a glance over to Yuzuki, "No, I've never had one..."

Uta narrowed his eyes at the reaction he gained, but he also took noticed at the look he sent over to the blind dove and the ghoul tilted his head, "Hmm, I see..."

---

Touka wondered around the shop, trying on a few masks that were left out for display and she didn't pay much attention to Uta or Kaneki since she left them to handle their business. While Yuzuki also began to wonder through the shop, her fingers brushing over the display case as she took noticed at the outburst that erupted from Kaneki and she knew that Uta must've asked a strange question. Not minding much since she knew that the ghoul tends to do that in order to help create the mask for his customers. The dove stood in front of a small table beside one of the many display cases. She shut her eyes before wondering back to what she went off to deal with earlier.

Flashback:

Arriving early, the dove knocked on the door and she was quickly greeted by the young girl who smiled as she wrapped her arms around the older girl, "Yuzuki!"

Returning a smile, Yuzuki closed the door while wrapping an arm around the ghoul, "Hinami, I'm glad to see you're doing well," Raising a brow as she asked, "Where's your father?"

Yuzuki turned to see Ryouko appear who quickly scolded her daughter for opening the door in such manner since they didn't know who it could be. Sighing, the woman faced the dove, "I wasn't expecting to see you today, Yuzuki-san," Motioning over towards the other room as she revealed, "My husband is over here."

"I only came to drop something off for him," Yuzuki opened the book that was in her hands, pulling out an envelop that she was asked to deliver, but she handed the book over to the girl, "I do have something for you too, Hinami."

Hinami skimmed through the pages as she whispered, "I can't read..."

Ruffling her hair, smiling at the girl before walking over to meet the man, "I have a friend who can teach you. I'll introduce you to him later or you might see him sooner."

Yuzuki paused, not sparing a glance towards the woman as she whispered, "Ryouko, do you plan to visit Anteiku soon?"

Ryouko nodded, lowering her eyes as she replied, "Yes."

Walking through the door, she found the ghoul sitting at a desk and he quickly turned to greet the girl, "Yuzuki.."

The dove sighed under her breath, handing out the envelop towards the ghoul as she informed him, "Asaki, I have a letter for you from Osamu."

Adjusting his glasses, accepting the envelop from the dove and once he opened it, the ghoul froze when his eyes landed on the photo within the envelop. A faint smile appeared on his face, a sad one, but he chuckled before setting it on his desk, "I'm not surprised that he'll send me a picture of the old days, but I almost forgot how they all looked back then," Folding the letter as he placed it in his coat, "I'll read his letter later."

Yuzuki gave the man a serious look, reminding him that CCG isn't too far from discovering their location and they're running out of options, "You do know of the current situation and the options are deceasing by the second."

He turned away, frowning to himself as he whispered back, "They're catching on and I know that I should've listen or been more careful, but..."

"I.. I understand. Yoshimura has been informed about the situation and will offer a helping a hand to Ryouko and Hinami, so don't worry," The dove released a deep breath, nodding her head as she reassured the man that she'll keep the two out of harms way, but Yuzuki knew her limits, "I'll do my best to watch over them."

Touka removed the mask from her face before walking over to Yuzuki, "Can you even see out of one of these?" Placing it over the dove's face as she raised a brow, waiting for a responses from the girl.

Yuzuki crossed her arms, chuckling to herself before answering back, "It removes whatever sight I have," She smiled over to the girl when she removed the mask away from her and Touka set it aside before grabbing another one.

Placing the mask across her face, Touka raised a brow as she lowered the half mask, "I can imagine how different your mask is since it should be fixed to help you."

She brought up a finget to her lips, smirking as she grabbed another mask to cover her eyes, "That's my secret, but I might let you see it up close one day," Tilting her head before handing the mask in her hands over to the girl.

Touka glanced over to the girl while bringing a different mask to cover her face, "What kind of mask should I go for?"

"Any will look well on you," The dove shrugged her shoulders and she smiled at the moment Touka realized the small mistake for asking.

Chuckling, she retorted back, "Why am I even asking you, you can't even see."

Yuzuki walked away before commenting, "But I'm flattered that you value my opinion."

"Yeah, right," Rolling her eyes, she stared at the many different types of masks and the ghoul frowned she remembered how her old one got damaged, "I feel like a full mask will do and I'll replace my old one with something that suits me better."

Folding her arms again, raising a brow as she turned over to Touka, "Already worn it out?"

"Got into some argument and now it has a crack," Touka frowned again, releasing a deep breath before shifting her attention over to Uta and Kaneki.

Sighing, Yuzuki advised the girl to be more caution when roaming the ward at night, "Should be more careful out in the wards."

"Wonder what Uta will do for him," Tilting her head, Touka began to think of the possible routes that the ghoul would go with for making the mask for the boy.

"Maybe a half or an eye patch kind of mask," Yuzuki shut her eyes as she gave her own thoughts on the subject, "He only has one kakugan, so it only matters to cover his human eye when he's out with the mask."

"Understandable," Crossing her arms, Touka kept an eye on the boy for a moment before turning over to Yuzuki when she spoke up.

They turned back the moment Kaneki moved again suddenly and Yuzuki held back her laughter before whispering over to Touka, "I feel like Uta began to ask his strange questions out of the blue to get some inspiration."

Touka smirked to herself as she watched how the boy got uncomfortable with the man, "That idiot doesn't seem comfortable about it by the looks of it."

Nodding, the dove shrugged her shoulders, "Uta has his strange tactics of doing his job."

---

Furrowing his brows, trying to understand if the questions serves any purpose of creating a mask, but Kaneki didn't really want to be rude or anything and certainly there must be a reason behind it. Looking at the man while bringing up the question, "Uhh... is there a connection to these questions and making the mask...?"

"Very," Uta cleared up the confusion that the boy must have in regards to his sudden questions, "The more I know about you the greater my motivation will be."

He began to take a few other measurements while furthering his questions, "What do you think about Touka-san? Think she's cute?" Tilting his head, he continued on the subject, "Oh, what about Yuzuki-san? What's your taste?"

"Huh!? Touka?" His eye widen, shaking his head while casting a glance over to the girl who was busy looking at masks with the dove. He could only go based on what he's seen from her and most of the time she's threaten him, "No... I think she's a little scary..."

Uta kept that in mind for a later topic that he'll go through, but he wanted to hear about the boy's thoughts on the dove, "What about Yuzuki-san?"

Kaneki lowered his eye, frowning to himself as he tried to explain his feelings or whatever he felt about their relationship, but he sighed, "Yuzuki... She's been helping me and..."

"Touka...scary?" The ghoul glanced over to the indigo haired girl who was speaking with the dove and Uta tilted his head before giving his own opinion, "I wonder if she really is... But I think she's more like a hard worker..."

"But for Yuzuki," He noted down a few other things on paper as he continued to speak about the two girls and informing the boy about a few things, "She's pushing her limits and certainly she'll help someone like you out because that's the type of person she is. A hard worker as well..."

Kaneki stared at the man, wondering what he actually meant by the term, "...A hard worker?"

"If you can... life as a ghoul is like walking a tight rope for us to blend into the human world..." His eyes remain on the paper as he quickly made different types of sketches while explaining himself, "Every passing second is spent wondering 'can I continue or will I fall?'..."

Lifting his pencil, pointing it over to the boy, "If you get your feet tangled up along the way, you'll end up at the bottom of hell... it's that simple..." Returning his attention back to his work, "And if you don't cross the whole distance. In that instant everything will disappear..."

"Which is why I say Touka is a hard worker," Setting the pencil down before reaching for another snack to crew on while going into further detail, "Yuzuki is proof that it's quite possible and surely Touka wants to make it across the tight rope and blend in..."

"So they must be able to adapt to changes and challenges along the way because the rope's condition changes depending on your own choices," His expression didn't reveal anything to the boy, Uta leaned back a bit while pondering about a few things, "It's durability becomes difficult the moment decisions of 'attending school' or even 'making human acquaintances' becomes a factor..."

Narrowing his eyes slightly, placing his hands into his pockets, "However, the rope becomes thin every second it deeply gets involved in the human world, so not getting involved is the best thing to do."

"So that's why I mean that Touka is a hard worker. She's crossing an incredible tight rope," Glancing over towards Touka who stood beside a table that held a chess board out and Uta looked back to Kaneki, "Her job at Anteiku, but mainly she must be extremely carefully at school and around her human friends too."

Shrugging, he even pointed out another possible factor that could harm the young teen, "Even around Yuzuki, Touka has to be careful or else she'll lose her footing and end up in a world of hell," Walking around the boy as he leaned over him while stating, "So, do understand that Touka might seem 'scary', but she's simply a hard worker..."

Moving away, the ghoul returned back to creating a few more designs as he dived into explaining the second part, "As for Yuzuki, she managed to get a great understanding of her incredible thin tight rope, but surely one of these days she'll fall into the gates of hell," His tone remain calm and he spared a glance from the corner of his eye to see the dove standing beside Touka, "...But I've noticed how strong, caution and thoughtful she is about her surroundings, so she'll do fine... for now..."

"She even took the risk of interacting with you, Kaneki," Facing the boy, he sat down on his stool while looking between the dove and kid beside him, "I've seen the way you look at Yuzuki-san, she's something different than the average ghoul or even dove... "

"A hard worker as well..." Uta completely faced the boy as he added on, "But be warned she's a hazard..."

Shrugging again, Uta leaned back in his stool while casting a glance over to Kaneki, "But don't take Touka's words or actions too harsh... you haven't dealt with the hardships that we ghouls have been through..." Turning towards his desk, he pulled out a few different sheets of paper before starting another sketch as he whispered, "Each decision could be our last..."

"I wonder if that's the reason why Touka would choose to associate with humans... even if it means exposing herself to such dangers," Kaneki lowered his eyes, listening carefully to Uta's words and he began to try to understand Touka a bit clearer. Whispering to himself before looking over to the two across the shop, "All to blend in..."

He watched how the two girls appear to be normal to the average eye, no one could ever pick out that they were ghouls or an Investigator, but he wondered if that's how they felt. To just blend in and cross that tight rope regardless of all the dangers that they'll face for taking that risk.

His eye shifted over to the Investigator for a moment before glancing over to Uta as he mentioned, "Yuzuki explained to me that she merely wishes for each world to understand the other... even if it means entangling herself into a web filled of lies, dangers and ..."

Uta looked over his shoulder before commenting, "Hmm... Indeed, they have certainly chosen a dangerous path full of risks," Glancing over to the others for a moment before he leaned back as he lowered his eyes on the ground, "...Certainly you can confine yourself and live safely... but what life will it be?"

"Even I occasionally have human customers come into my shop and at that time I get excited," A faint smile appeared on the ghoul face, turning to the boy and he tilted his head while shifting his red ghoul like eyes away as he tried to properly describe it, "I can't explain it, but it's enjoyable..."

"Well... I'm finished taking your measurements," Standing up, he began to put away his tools while informing the boy, "Once I'm finished the mask I'll send it to Anteiku."

Kaneki stared at him, tilting his head as he asked "What does your tattoo say? The one around your neck."

Uta brushed his fingers over his neck, lowering his eyes as he answered back, "I can live neither with you nor without you..." He turned over to the indigo haired girl while asking, "Touka is your mask doing fine or do you wish for a different one?"

He glanced through his notepad until his eyes landed on the design he had in mind, "I have other ideas that might suit you quite well..."

Touka walked over to them, placing her hands in her pockets as she replied, "If it isn't any trouble."

Kaneki raised a brow, standing up as he looked over to Touka while asking, "You have a mask already?"

"All ghouls have a mask or something to cover their faces..." Uta tilted his head over to Yuzuki who held a finger up to her lips, silencing him from revealing that she also has a mask and Uta did just that. He looked over to his own mask, staring at it as he spoke up, "It's what we can do in this world, we need to have a mask that we never take off..."

Yuzuki joined the group as she motioned her head, "It's time for us to head back," Bidding her farewell while offering a smile, "Thank you for your time, Uta."

The boy walked over to Touka who waved farewell to the ghoul and he smiled at him, "Thank you for everything Uta."

Uta sat back on his stool, he pulled out his headphones while nodding his head as he waved farewell to the group , "It was interesting meeting you, Kaneki. I'll send the mask when it's done."

The three of them left the shop as they went back to the 20th Ward, but each have their own plans on how they'll spend the remaining time that was left for the day. Touka will be meeting up with a classmate from school while Kaneki will head back to Anteiku and learn how to pretend to eat human food so he won't be too suspicious when going out with Hide or anyone else who's human. Then Yuzuki will be meeting up Hide since the boy wanted to work on some music and she learned how he was interested in making some English influenced music.

---

It was another day early in the shop, everyone was just prepping before opening up the cafe and Kaneki was upstairs with Yuzuki who was already at Anteiku before he arrived. The dove was talking to the manager earlier before she sat down with Kaneki as the two talked for a bit before the boy went to work.

After his little talk with Uta, he began to actually think more when he was questioned by the mask maker and Kaneki tried to understand his feelings. To have a better understanding about the world surrounding them and how the others are risking everything for a wish to blend in normally. However, he also took the time to think about a few things as well revolving his relationship with the dove. He won't deny that he happy to see the girl was in the cafe and they managed to spend some time before the two went their separate ways.

Sitting down on the couch, Kaneki looked over to see the Yuzuki closed the door behind her after whispering something back to the manager and afterwards she walked over to him. Taking a sit one the couch arm rest before asking, "I've heard Yoshimura was helping you try and imitate how to eat around other humans."

Scratching his head, chuckling as he replied back, "I still can't get the whole fake 'eating' but I managed to actually make coffee correctly without any problem," Looking over to her, he wondered if she was capable of faking it like Nishiki, Yoshimura and almost everyone else, but him.

"I'm glad to hear it," She smiled, but the dove reassured him that it'll take some practice to get the hang of it, "But don't worry, it's something that takes some time to learn."

It was quiet again, Kaneki lowered his eye as he curled up his fingers the moment something came up in his mind. He wasn't sure if it was something to ask since he knew that it could be taken badly, but he just wants to know a few things. Glancing over to her and he took a moment to collect his thoughts before asking, "Yuzuki, do you hunt too or how do you..."

Leaning back, she shut her eyes and allowed herself to explain how she handles her life, "I live on a different diet due to my ties to CCG," Sighing, Yuzuki opened her eyes, "However, lately, I've been feeding like the rest of the ghouls here in Anteiku and it's been improving my own health."

Her expression soften, placing her hands on top of her lap before bringing up, "You'll learn how Anteiku is different on how they feed, but that will be a different topic for another day that Yoshimura will decide on."

There wasn't any words for him to say since he wasn't familiar with how CCG functions or how they work with having someone like Yuzuki among their ranks, "...Okay..." Furrowing his brows, he didn't understand what she meant that Anteiku is different from how they feed, but the manager will explain to him at a different time.

Curling his fingers up on his lap, he frowned to himself while bringing up, "Uta mentioned a few things the other day..."

Giggling, Yuzuki scooted onto the couch beside him from where she sat and the dove commented, "He's strange at times, but he's a calm and collected man, yet you shouldn't let your guard down."

"He's aware of you, isn't he?" Raising a brow at the girl since he clearly recalls how Uta mentioned her connections to CCG, but it only made me wonder how much the two actually know about each other.

Tilting her head at him, she nodded while responding vaguely, "Of course, I've met him a year ago and I'll go speak with him randomly when given the chance."

Hesitating, he could feel his face flushed at the question that managed to escape, "Have you been in a relationship before?"

His eyes widen, looking over to her who didn't seem to give much reaction to the question. She only smiled before laughing to herself as she leaned back against the couch before looking over to him. Kaneki swore he really just wanted to hide his face even if she wouldn't see how red he was, but it didn't help how flustered he was at the moment.

"No, I haven't," Yuzuki shook her head, chuckling at how the boy was asked similar questions that she went through as well when visiting the shop for the first time, "I'm assuming Uta asked you that since he tends to ask personal questions to gain some inspiration so the mask can represent the customer."

"He asked me that once before when I first met him," Lacing her fingers together, smiling at the old memory that came up when she went to get her mask made.

Kaneki tilted his head, he was a bit confused for a moment since the girl was an Investigator so she shouldn't have a mask so why did she visit the shop, "You gotten a mask?"

"No, I went to just meet him and talk to him," Shaking her head, the dove not bothering to reveal the truth so instead she went with a different reason, "Yomo took me and Uta already knew about me since Yoshimura mentioned me to him before hand."

He chuckled nervously, "...Oh... You just seem like a person to have been in one..."

Laughing, she smiled to herself while joking around, "Who wants to deal with a blind dove who's actually a half ghoul?" Shaking her head before sighing, "If that isn't enough to warn off others because lets face it, it's too much baggage."

"I guess... But you seem normal and certainly you'll-" Scratching his head, smiling sheepish before his expression soften when he faced her, "I just want to see you happy and..."

"What about you?" Raising a brow, she already knew that the boy has been single, but she still wants to know the reason why, "A nice guy like yourself should've gotten himself a nice girl."

She began to list off his qualities that any person would look for and certainly she would've liked if she was normal without any trouble, "A college student, pretty smart, kind, and you do have the appearance."

A type of person any parent would be glad to hear their children dating, but the dove wasn't going to drag him further into her messed up life. Far too complicated for the two of them to even consider forming a romantic relationship when their friendship is already complicated.

Kaneki shook his head, laughing since she was just flattering him and he joked around, "You can't even tell how I look."

Lifting a finger up, countering him as she brought up, "I don't need to see to know you're a good person and certainly I've heard much from Hide," Giggling, she tried to cover up her laughter while adding on, "He'll try to see his ship set sail, so he brags a bit about you when you're not around."

Shaking her head before clearing up, "Actually, he brags a lot..."

His flushed, covering his face as he imagined the things that Hide could've shared without him knowing, "Oh god, I need-"

"I find it cute how he looks out for you," Resting a hand on his shoulder, she smiled at him while trying to cheer him up, "He kept going on about a few things and surely I wouldn't have thought."

Frowning at the possible things that the girl could've learned and he began to rumble, "I'm so embarrassed, he probably told you something so-"

"He didn't, so don't worry," Sighing, she reassured him that nothing examine was shared about him, "If he did then I'll share some of my own embarrassing stories to make you feel better."

Chuckling, he smiled back at her, "You're too kind, Yuzuki."

Shutting her eyes, the dove tilted her head as she suggested something that could provide a breath of fresh air, "Maybe we should go to the aquarium together with Hide, maybe see if Touka would tag along with us."

Looking away, the boy was doubting that the waitress would actually take the offer since she isn't one to hang around him or Hide on her free will. Glancing back to the dove, "I don't know if she'll go..."

Shrugging, Yuzuki waved it off as she simply stated, "I'll talk to her, but I understand if she declines."

"I like the thought of us going as a group," Kaneki laughed, nodding as he gave his thoughts about the plan that she suggested and he tilted his head a bit.

Yuzuki lifted her head, furrowing her brows slightly as she debated for a while before revealing something important to the boy, "I've also heard that Sen Takatsuki will be having a book signing soon and I think we should go."

Kaneki lit up with joy at the news, quickly jumping into the topic as he grabbed her hand without it progressing it in his mind, "Really!? I need to remember to take my book with me," Chuckling, he already knew which book he'll take with him when he does go.

Giggling, she leaned against his shoulder as she smiled at how the boy appeared to light up, "You're such a bookworm."

"Honestly don't know what I'll do when I..." He stopped himself the moment he realized that the two of them have gotten closer with every word that left their mouths. Kaneki stared at his hand that still held hers, his fingers curled up as he leaned in a bit closer to the girl and he glanced down between her lips and eyes, "When I..."

Yuzuki muttered under her breath, tilting her head at him as they neared each other, a faint laugh escaped her lips as she moved closer, "Tu es trop mignon..."

He furrowed his brows slightly at her, he wasn't aware of her being able to speak a different language, but it made him wonder where she could've learned it. Yet he wants to know a bit more about her family ties, maybe they weren't from here, but he found himself drawing near her.

The two were close, inching closer and Kaneki could feel his face heating up when he felt her warm breath brush against his skin. He didn't know what to do or anything, but he brought something up that quickly killed the mood, "I've found out that the Reaper is your f-"

Yuzuki's eyes widen at the name, frowning at him as she stood up, "Don't call him that! You don't even know who he is, so you have no right in referring to him with that name," Turning away, crossing her arms as the thoughts rushed over her that the boy would quickly judge according to all the terrible stories, "You haven't seen anything, so don't bring it up again or dare talk about him with any ghoul."

Shutting her eyes, sighing as she whispered, "You'll only hear the terrible things... No one hasn't seen the other side and none ever do." Bringing her hands up to her face, she murmured under her breath, "He has an actual name..."

The dove shook her head, removing her hands from her face as she collected herself while muttering back, "I'm sorry about snapping...It just something I don't take too kindly due to reasons that I'll not say at the moment..."

Kaneki hesitated as he walked up to her, he wouldn't have imagine her to react like that and he lowered his eye, "I didn't know, Yuzuki. I'm sorry," Placing a hand on her shoulder, he felt how she tensed up and his sentences was cut off, "I wasn't aware-"

Brushing it aside, Yuzuki brought a hand over her face as she tried to get away from the topic, "Kaneki, just don't talk about him or even mention him around anyone," Curling her fingers up while trying not to act so harsh towards him, so she merely warned him, "Whatever you do, just don't. It's best if you just stay away."

"I promise not to bring it up again," He whispered, feeling guilty for striking a nerve, but he should've known that bringing it up might have brought up some issues. His eye widen the moment she turned around and wrapped an arm around him. Kaneki sighed, apologizing again, "Sorry."

Yuzuki frowned to herself, shaking her head as she muttered, "It's best for you to go down stairs and help the others..."

Sighing, he didn't say another word to her since he knew it was best to leave her alone since the tension was already high. He'll try to make it up to her later for bringing it up. Closing the door behind him, he walked down the hall towards the indoor stairs that led down to the shop.

Leaving the room, walking down the stairs as he grabbed his apron while passing through the hall. Kaneki sighed under his breath, unfolding the apron as he entered the front of the shop and he spotted Koma and Irimi already tending to a few things before any customers begin to arrive.

Standing beside Koma, the boy tied his apron while muttering, "I never actually seen Yuzuki really snap before..."

This caught the ghoul's attention, raising a brow before asking, "She isn't one to lash out much, but certainly there are touchy subjects that do strike a nerve at times with her."

Irimi agreed, preparing everything so when the customers arrive, they could start making their orders quicker, but she added on, "Over time, she's grown to not allow many things to bother, but everyone has their moments. Some more than others, but surely Yuzuki wasn't comfortable with what you said."

She glanced over to the boy, her expression remain blank as she simply stated, "Don't let it bother you too much," Sighing under her breath, "She won't hold it against you."

Wiping one of the glass cups in his hands, Koma smiled faintly before glancing over to Irimi, "She's been through so much, but I'm glad she managed to pick herself up before it was too late."

Kaneki looked between the two ghouls, listening carefully as they spoke about the girl and he couldn't help himself from wondering how much they know about her. Turning his attention over to Irimi who spoke up, "She'll still help you with the whole adjustment."

"Yuzuki reminds me a lot of her parents even if I hardly knew them," Koma stared at the crystal clear glass as he finished it, setting it down while his eyes lowered, "Good people."

Koma chuckled, resting a hand on the boy's shoulder as he reassured him, "Yuzuki won't be mad with you," The ghoul returned his attention back to the work at hand, cleaning the counter, "She isn't one to hold onto such silly funds for long."

Irimi walked behind the two as she commented, "Just take her out somewhere if you feel the need to make it up to her," The black haired waitress smirked as she collected her apron before heading towards the back, "Forget about the whole ghouls and doves for once and go have fun. Life is short."

The brown haired ghoul agreed, leaving Kaneki alone as he added, "She's been dealing with a lot lately just like you, so a break might be good for you two."

He watched the the man leave, Kaneki looked back to the counter as his eye landed on the glass that Koma set aside. Lowering his eye, he began to think of what to do since lately they were busy with helping him and surely after bringing up the name that only stretched out the stress between them. Yet he knew that he had to do something to make it up to her, repay her and everyone else for going through the trouble of helping out a human.

Kaneki attention quickly went to the door as he heard the shop bells ring, alerting them that there was a customer and he went to greet them. He never seen them around so they probably weren't one of the usual customers that regularly stop by. Offering a smile at the woman and her daughter, "Welcome."

Furrowing his brows the moment the woman smiled back at him as she spoke up, "Oh, a new worker?" Her daughter hid behind her, sparing a glance towards the boy before lowering her eyes and surely she was shy.

Kaneki nodded his head while introducing himself, "Ah, yes, I'm Kaneki." Tilting his head slightly as he thought, They must be a regular then...

"I'm Fueguchi," The woman introduced herself before moving aside as she made her daughter introduce herself as well. But the girl's eyes widen before avoiding eye contact which only made her mother giggle, "Come now, Hinami, say hello to the young man."

He couldn't help himself from smiling at how the woman tried to get her daughter to open up and his eye soften, What a loving mother...

The girl went back behind her mother, who shook her head as she explained, "Well, she's still shy around strangers."

Kaneki smiled over to the girl as he greeted her, "Hello."

He noticed that the girl must be in middle school at least based on her appearance and he smiled the moment she looked over to him and finally spoke up, "..Hello"

The boy turned around to see Touka pop around the corner, a huge smile appearing on her face as she saw the two customers. He was taken back at how the waitress appeared to actually smile since he hasn't seen it for a while now. Walking over as she greeted them, "Ryouko-san, Hinami," She looked down at the girl who smiled back at the waitress, "I'm so glad to see you two are fine."

The mother smiled at the familiar face, "Hello Touka-chan."

Motioning the two towards the back as she informed them, "The manager is waiting for you upstairs, so you can go ahead."

Kaneki watched them disappear through the hall as they walked up the stairs to meet up with the manager and the boy whispered, "They're ghouls?"

Touka looked over to him, "Yeah."

He furrowed his brows, They look like a normal mother and daughter... Glancing around the empty shop before looking over to Touka as he asked, "They're not going to talk within the shop? I mean, there's no one here..."

The girl walked away as she cleared up the purpose, "They only came to pick up a package, so they don't intend on stay long."

His eyes widen, looking over to Touka as she wondered around the counter and he asked another question, "Package?"

She narrowed her eyes at him, feeling annoyed already by his questions, but the girl none of the less answered him, "Meat."

Staring at her in disbelief and he already knew what she meant by that, so he wasn't going to ask anymore questions in regards of it. Touka looked away before stating, "They're the same as you," Lowering her eyes as she muttered, "They can't hunt for themselves."

Tilting his head, Kaneki wondered how ghouls can't hunt for themselves since he never actually thought it was even possible. Then he frowned slightly at how Touka basically referred that he couldn't either, so it only made him wonder how Anteiku function in regards of packages.

"Wait, so is that something that can be decided on? I suppose it seems logically for older people such as elders or child, but-" His eyes widen, stepping back when Touka snapped back at him which caught him off guard yet again from her sudden change of behavior.

Narrowing her eyes, walking away through the hall as she yelled over her shoulder, "Your constant questioning shit is annoying! If you really want to know then go ask them or something!"

She disappeared, leaving him in the front of the shop and Kaneki lowered his eyes, muttering under his breath as he finally took a moment to reflect, "Was I constantly questioning things?" Frowning to himself, he sighed, "Of course, I was..."

That's all I've been doing... Walking over behind the counter as he waited for a customer to enter the shop so he could do something. He knew that Touka won't be back for a while since she was already tired of him. Kaneki leaned against his hand as he wondered, There are ghouls who can't hunt humans...? How so?

Sighing he stared over at the window, waiting for someone to come in or have someone tell him to do something to keep him busy. Lowering his eye once again, he remembered how Yuzuki reacted when he brought up a touchy subject revolving her father and certainly it goes deeper than that. The man is an Investigator that all ghouls are fairly familiar with and surely if he wanted, he could find out a lot of stories revolving around him, but he promised her that he won't mentioned him anywhere.

Hope she isn't still mad with me...

---

A/N: Thank you for those who constantly take some of your time to leave a review. I really appreciate it! I know this chapter was pretty long, but I only did that since I won't know when I'll update again due to school coming up the following week, so I won't update until maybe late Sept. I'll let you know now it'll be longer updates due to spend time on other things such as school, so bear with me when it occurs. I don't have anything to provide a sneak peak about what's the next chap will be about since I haven't cleared an outline for it to share anything at the moment.

Until then, hope you have a good day wherever you are :)