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

15. Chapter 14

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

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Chapter 14

3rd Pov

The two quickly attempted to flee the building, but they were stopped by the Investigator that is the one hunting down Hinami. Kaneki froze when he recognized the man that killed Ryouko, he didn't know what to do as he hopes to leave without interacting with the Investigator. However, he noticed that the dove bumped into Touka's injured arm which she flinched in pain and that was the moment the Investigator took a great interest in the pair. Frowning, Touka brushed the pain away when she finally faced the man that got in her way earlier, but she kept herself in line so she won't expose herself when she's on enemy grounds.

Mado studied the two students, taking notice about a few things while following his instincts. Questioning the two once recalling how he received new information about the ghoul child that he's been tracking down which only further his instincts to interrogate the two. But he noticed how the two were uncomfortable, how they tried to leave quickly, but he kept them back, "Let's talk in a private room inside, shall we?"

Motioning over to the RC scan gates, Mado waited to see what the two students would say as he invited them to follow so they could discuss more about the matter, but he smirked at how they flat out rejected the thought, "There's no need to worry, I won't take up much of your time."

Touka shook her head, declining while holding back the anger in her voice, but the girl narrowed her eyes slightly at the Investigator, "Sorry. This has already taken a lot longer than we thought it would. We have some business after this..."

"Just 5 minutes," Mado continued to see if the two would listen, holding up a hand as he reassured them that it'll only take a moment, but he smirked at how the two students weren't willingly to accept, "That will be sufficient."

From the corner in his eye, Kaneki saw the gates that divided the lobby from the rest of the building, If we are taken deeper into the building we'll have to pass through the RC Scan Gate... Glancing over to Touka, he could tell that she was holding back from breaking when they're surrounded by Investigators, If a ghoul goes through that then their true form is exposed...

Still he getting more uneasy with every second that passes especially after hearing what the woman said in regards to ghouls which only made him speechless to see how people view ghouls. Curling his fingers up, Kaneki could only imagine how things will turn out if they don't get out of CCG soon and mainly he didn't want to confront Yuzuki if she's around the area. Keeping his eyes on the Investigator that was holding them back and the man continued to question them as if he knew they're ghouls which is only making Kaneki more nervous while Touka was on the defense.

Leaning closer towards Touka who in return frowned at the man, but the Investigator raised a brow when he shifted his eyes over to the boy, "You also saw the girl, didn't you?"

"Then you'll do just fine," Mado grinned widen when he looked over to the boy who was a nervous reck and quickly decided to take him through the gates, "It'll only be for a brief time so please come along."

Without warning, Kaneki found himself being dragged away towards the RC Scan gates, Wha?! Hold on! Trying to escape from the man's hold, he needed to remain calm or else he might accidentally reveal himself, but Kaneki knew he needed to get away, Stop! I- Let go...!

If I go through the gate then the organ transplanted in me will respond! Digging his feet into the ground in hopes he could hold the man back, Kaneki glanced over his shoulder to see that Touka couldn't do anything to help him without exposing herself. His eyes widen when he realized how close he was getting to the gates, Stop...!

Shutting his eyes, expecting to hear a sound go off, but nothing. Nothing happened the second he crossed through the gate and Kaneki was shocked while this thoughts continued to storm through his mind, Nothing...? Nothing happened!? Looking back to Touka, he saw how she was also shocked to see that he managed to pass through the gates without setting them off again.

His eyes remained glue at the gate as he moved farther into the building, but Kaneki tensed up the second he caught a scent that he was hoping to avoid. Quickly turning, he tried to remove the Investigator's hold over his arm, Kaneki began to panic at the thought, Wait... That smell... I know- His eyes widen when he finally realized he was trapped, -Oh no!

"Leave the boy alone already, Mado."

Kaneki froze, but his eyes shifted over to the Investigator who also stopped in his tracks and the boy closed his eyes as he began to think the worse, This is bad! We're in trouble...!

They turned to find Yuzuki standing there with a blank expression, files in hand and she tilted her head before speaking up again, "I believe these two students have some other business to attend to, so allow them to run along," She crocked a brow before stating, "If we keep the youth out of school then they'll be just as troublesome as ghouls, which we don't want."

Yuzuki sighed, removing Kaneki from Mado's grasp while frowning at the boy as she scolded him harshly, "Next time, do keep in mind that we have important things to handle. So please have time to spare if you decide to drop by," Holding the files close to her while tilting her head at the boy, "We tend to hold you and anyone else longer when it involves current cases such as this."

Narrowing her eyes, Yuzuki sternly stated a cold fact before motioning over to Touka who stood on the other side of the RC gate, "Next time if you do decide to drop by then you and your friend will be staying longer in order to help our case, regardless if you have plans or not."

Turning around, she waved him away, "So run along before you're late."

"Ka- Moto-kun, come no, hurry up!" Touka grabbed hold of the railing that divided them, shouting over to Kaneki while remembering to keep their names secret. Frowning, he motioned the boy to hurry up so they can leave before anything else were to happen, "We'll be late!"

Stepping back, Kaneki nodded while excusing himself as he spared a glance to Yuzuki who kept a serious look, "Ah... T-thank you ma'am!" Rushing over to the gates as he apologized for the trouble in hopes that she won't be too harsh on him and Touka when she meets them later, "S-sorry again, I have to go!"

Handing a file to the other Investigator who was still pondering about a few other things, but he took the file from the ghoul. Yuzuki walked away while informing the man, "Shinohara asked us to meet in five."

Amon glanced over to the boy who past him, not minding him much as he walked over to his mentor who still held a confused expression. The black haired man furrowed his brows, "Is something wrong, Mado?"

Mado tilted his head, handing the file over to Amon while commenting, "I had a hunch, but it appears I was mistaken..." Blinking, turning over to the RC gate and his eyes landed over to the two teens that left the lobby, "But it seems my intuition has been dulling."

Raising a brow, Amon rarely seen his mentor look so confused, "It's usually bad, huh?"

Frowning at the thought, Mado looked over to the RC gates while muttering to himself, "No..."

Shrugging, motioning his subordinate to follow as he informed the young man, "We have a meeting to attend to and afterwards I have a few things to discuss with you once I finish reviewing the content of the information the two students provided."

"Aren't we attending Kusaba-san's funeral?" Amon was slightly taken back at how his mentor didn't mentioned anything about their colleague, "I heard it will be held in the hall..."

"...Yeah," Mado tapped his chin, shrugging before giving his honest response on the subject, "I would like to refrain myself from going. I'd rather be able to work even a minute more instead."

Walking away, he glanced over his shoulder before asking, "You're the same, aren't you?"

Following after his superior, Amon didn't know what to say, but he nodded as he replied back, "Ah... yes..."

Meanwhile, the two teens quickly left the lobby as soon as they could without drawing too much attention. Kaneki rushed through the gate and Touka quickly followed along side the boy as they existed the building. He glanced over his shoulder to see that Yuzuki has disappeared from his line of view, but he whispered over to Touka, "This is what CCG is about, huh?"

Frowning, Touka tugged the boy with her as they quickly moved through the streets, "Yeah that's where your girlfriend works at."

Trying to keep up with the girl, Kaneki didn't appreciate her tone as he tried to say something, "Hey-!"

Cutting him off, Touka narrowed her eyes as they continued to run, "Shut up and hurry up!"

"We... managed to slip away..." Finally taking a break, Kaneki leaned over as he tried to catch his breath while trying to get an understanding about what happened, "But..."

He was confused about how he managed to pass through the gates, I wonder why the gate didn't respond to me...? Is it because I still have some remaining human parts...? Looking up he saw that Touka was pacing around as if she was thinking about something, but Kaneki began to wonder for any explanation about the RC gates, Does it react to Yuzuki when she walks through it?

Holding his head, Kaneki froze when he realized that when the dove leaves CCG then without a doubt she's going to lecture them or something even more serious, I wonder what Yuzuki will say once she's out of work...

Touka ran a hand through her hair, frowning as she retorted back, "Nothing matters right now."

Glancing over to Touka, he wondered if she knew how much trouble they'll be in, "But what would Yuzuki say once she-"

Narrowing her eyes, not wanting to even think about what the dove will say to her the second they see each other. Touka crossed her arms as she motioned him to follow while harshly responding back, "I'll deal with it when it comes down to it."

Following her, Kaneki furrowed his brows as he decided to change the subject, "What about the gate and how-"

Shaking her head, placing her hands in her pockets, frowning at the thought as she muttered over to him, "You saved us... you half bastard," Releasing a deep breath, Touka raised a brow as she shrugged it off, "So we were lucky, that's all."

Lowering his eyes, still not fully progressing everything that happened, "Yeah..." Going through his pockets as he searched for his eye patch, but all he could do was stare at the material within his grasps as he thought, But I still have so many questions...

Curling his fingers over the soft material, thinking back to how he passed through the gates and not fully understanding it, Why didn't the gate react to me?Sighing, placing his eye patch on as he thought of the possible explanations, Or is it because of our human half that keeps it from responding...?

"Yuzuki is going to kill us..." Worrying about what the dove will do the moment she confront of them and without a doubt he's not prepared to know what she'll do, She's going to kill me and Touka for sure...

"Shut up, idiot," Glaring over to him as she coldly stated a fact, but Touka looked away as she frowned to herself as she began to think about the scolding she'll get from the dove, "If she wanted us dead, she would've done it already."

Raising a brow, not wanting to comment on the girl's responses but instead he asked about their plan, "But... But do you think it worked...?"

Sighing, shrugging her shoulder as she thought about about Hinami while whispering, "Hope so..."

---

Yuzuki's Pov

I honestly don't even understand what was going through their heads that got them to seriously enter CCG knowing that they could've gotten caught. Once I get to Anteiku I'm going to give those two a real talk which they'll think twice before doing something so stupid like that stunt again. Closing the door behind me, I noticed that Shiro was asleep on the couch which I left him alone while I went to drop my quinque case beside my desk.

Sighing in frustration, I still can't believe they went through the risk in throwing off the trail on Hinami, but I knew that Mado won't take this sudden information so lightly. But before I decided to leave again, I frowned when I remembered what Mado mentioned during our meeting and something wasn't right. Moving through my room, I couldn't shake off this strange feeling that something was wrong, but I didn't know if I should act on my instincts. Pulling out my Phantom gear, holding my mask as I ran my fingers over its smooth surface while trying to understand what Touka was trying to do, but I curled my fingers around my mask when I realized that Mado was a few steps ahead.

Frowning, I knew he used that information to his advantage and surely news must've spread, but I felt something twist within me the second I remembered how Touka always hands Hinami a newspaper, so the girl must know. If everything was falling into place then it only means, "Hinami's in trouble..."

Everything was just spiraling out of control, but I needed to do something despite the fact that I'll be going against people that I work alongside. Changing into my gear, I needed to get to the location before something happens, but I needed someone to help which only leaves Anteiku to lend me a help. Mainly I have one person who won't hesitate to answer the call once I mention a few key points and it'll only help handling the problem much easier. Grabbing my cell, I adjusted my hood and my ears twitched the second I heard someone answer from the other end, but I simply stated, "I need your help."

---

3rd Pov

Rain began fall over them, consuming them into it as the sound of the water smacking the ground soon blocked out most sounds. Yet they remain still, facing each other as the two stood across from one another. The Investigator accepted defeat, understanding how his own mistakes has gotten himself killed, but he was beyond surprised to hear the ghoul's words.

He already bought enough time for Touka to rescue Hinami and possibly escape the Investigator, but Kaneki couldn't keep distracting the dove in front of him any longer. Feeling that he was slowly slipping away, Kaneki needed to get away or have the dove leave before anything serve will occur. Lowering his head, building up the ability to speak as he whispered, "Please... run away..."

"Huh!?" Amon looked up with wide eyes, not believing the words that left the one eyed ghoul who was sparing him. Not understanding how someone could possible allow their enemy to live, to let them go without any form of catch, but mainly Amon simply couldn't trust the boy. Slowly getting up, gripping his arm as he stared at the ghoul in disbelief.

"Like this... I'll... I'll kill you," Hunching over, Kaneki felt himself losing control and he couldn't bring himself to move an inch without the fear of allowing himself to give into the monster that was inside him. Shaking his head, he tried to get the dove to leave, "I want to avoid that situation no matter what, so please go..."

Glaring, he couldn't believe that any ghoul held compassion, so it only left one explanation which only frustrated Amon at the thought of it all being a trick that the ghoul was pulling, "D-don't fuck with me! You think I'll turn my back on a ghoul!"

"GO!" Looking down at the dove, Kaneki felt his eye sting as tears were threatening to fall, but the boy held himself down pleading, "...I'm begging you..."

Tears began to fall down his cheeks, holding himself back while trying to get the dove to leave, "...Don't... Make me kill a person..." Kaneki clenched his hand, stepping back as he tried to keep himself in check before anything could possible happen that he'll regret.

Keeping his hand down, Kaneki shut his eye the second he felt himself slipping, but he managed to maintain some form of control, God I can't... I can't control it! Snapping, looking over to the dove who hasn't moved from his place, Kaneki desperately begged the human to leave, "Hurry up and go!"

"Huh!?" Within seconds, Kaneki felt the ground beneath him as if someone yanked him away, but he couldn't see who could've done that. Yet he watched how the Investigator's eyes widen, but Kaneki glanced over to only see a faint blue light pass him as his surroundings changed. His eyes widen the moment he finally realized who came to his aid, Kaneki could only assumed that it was one person who do such a thing, Phantom

Landing onto the ground, Phantom looked over her shoulder to where she tossed the boy, but she didn't worry too much since he'll be better off away from the Investigator. But the blue haired ghoul paused for a moment when she felt sudden movement from the dove who must be confused about everything. How a few ghouls managed to shake up the very image that the world set upon ghouls in general which must have the dove searching for some sort of explanation

Looking up, he saw a white figure stand where the boy once was, but Amon's eyes widen the second he recognized who it was. Narrowing his eyes, getting back to his feet while keeping an steady eye on the enigma, "You..." The Investigator clearly remembered the last he encountered the ghoul, but despite everything he still didn't plan to see the blue haired figure stand before him again, "Phantom."

Turning, Phantom lifted her face as she revealed her mask while cutting straight to the point, "Excuse the boy," Stepping away, not bothering to take part of any sort of fight as she allowed her cold stoic voice to carry across the rain that began to fall over them, "He's not one to fight, so this is new and more so, against his intention and desires."

Raising a brow, Amon eyed the ghoul since he was skeptical about the ghoul's intentions, "Why?" Amon didn't know what to think about the ghouls he has encountered, but it only made him questioned so much about it that it only irritated him, What the fuck is wrong with these ghouls!? They're out of character... Why...?

Narrowing his eyes dangerously, the dove clenched his hands as his voice sharpen, "Why should I trust you, a ghoul?"

He was beyond confuse to ever see such ghouls act differently, to see the different emotions and behaviors they've displayed towards him, Why do you interfere and protect these ghouls?

Lifting her head, Phantom didn't mind the Investigator as she bluntly stated, "I do not wish to engage in any form of violence with you nor do I want to waste any time," Tilting her head over to the dove's direction as she raised a brow behind her mask, bringing up a point that the man can't deny, "There is far greater things that need our attention, don't you think?"

Amon furrowed his brows, not fully wrapping his mind over what was happening, but he was confused to hear that the ghoul was saying, What the hell?

Watching how she was leaving like nothing, but Amon wanted answers of some sort to explain everything, "Stop! Why are you-" Stepping forward, he watched how the ghoul simply continued on as if he didn't mattered, as if he wasn't a threat, but his mind wondered back to the eye patched ghoul, Why are they sparing me...? A ghoul investigator, their enemy...?

"...I hate this..." Pausing in her tracks, lifting her head up towards the sky, allowing the rain to cover her mask as she spoke up towards the dove, "This ideal of how the world is locked in this social construct in which we must fight is very pointless in my opinion."

Shrugging, not sparing a look towards her comrade as she waved it off, "Don't take this personal, Investigator," Tilting her head slightly, exposing the side of her mask towards the dove when she shifted a bit to the side before coldly stating, "I may have helped you now but it doesn't mean we'll see eye to eye again."

"You-" He attempted to take a step forward, but the dove wince in response to the pain his body endure as he shut his eyes before reaching for his shoulder where the pervious ghoul attacked. Opening his eye, Amon noticed that Phantom disappeared, Again... Gone like a ghost... Looking around, checking his surroundings, Amon realized that the eye patched ghoul and Phantom were long gone, Why are these ghouls strange...?

Collecting himself, Amon began to head towards the location that his mentor was, but the young man couldn't get up the full set of stairs and the dove felt himself slowly weighing down until he was laying down against the steps. Shifting his eye over to the place where he was fighting against the ghoul who spared him, He was... crying? Furrowing his brows, not understanding anything as he thought back to Phantom She... spoke of...

Pushing himself off the ground as he began to push aside the pain, so he could meet up with his partner, but his thoughts wondered off, Wrong world...? Amon looked up to noticed that the rain was lightening up, but it still continued, I need to head over to Mado's location...

Yet he felt something wasn't right, a feeling he couldn't possibly describe but Amon pushed it aside as he tried to hurry over to regroup with his mentor, yet he couldn't shake off the unpleasant sensation, ...I have a bad feeling...

---

3rd Pov

Running down the tunnel, Yuzuki could feel the apprehension at the thought of not reaching them in time, but she was hoping that nothing serve occurred. However, it all went down the drain the moment she caught the scent of blood and her heart stopped when she recognized who's blood it was. Phantom picked up her pace, hearing the water underneath her splash as she ran faster towards the source, but her whole body tensed up when she realized what happened. She couldn't move once she discovered that the Investigator who resented her was dead, but it only made Yuzuki freeze at the thought of what could've happened that led to the aftermath involving the man's death.

Shaking her head, she heard faint cries along with some heavy breath and Yuzuki quickly moved again as she recognized the two figures that were curled up. She rushed over to the young ghoul's side, trying to calm the girl down, "Hinami!" Yuzuki removed her mask before checking the young girl in case she was harmed, "Are you hurt?"

Hinami shook her head, allowing tears to fall as she whispered, "No..."

Wiping away the tears, Yuzuki cupped her face as she tried to reassure her, "I'm going to get you out of here, okay," Nodding, she helped the girl up before wrapping her up with her white cloak, "We're going to run so we can meet up with Yomo and Kaneki."

Holding her hand, Hinami lowered her eyes as they went towards Touka who in shock as her eyes remain glued to the dead Investigator that was right in front of her. Yuzuki let go of the girl's hand before kneeling down beside the teen, she noticed that Touka didn't react which only made Yuzuki place a hand on the waitress' shoulder, "Touka. Touka snap out of it," Not wanting to look over towards the man that laid across the ground near them, Yuzuki helped the teen up while reassuring her, "We can talk later, okay, but for now we need to run."

Carefully pulling her up to her feet, Yuzuki frowned slightly at how Touka had some trouble that only made her worry about the teen's conditions, "Can you stand?"

"Yeah," Nodding, pushing the pain aside as she stood back, but her eyes kept finding their way back to Mado's corpse. Touka flinched at the pain, placing her hand against her wound as she watched Yuzuki tend to Hinami.

"Hinami get on my back," Kneeling down once she placed her mask back on, Yuzuki carefully held the young girl before motioning Touka to follow, "We can't waste any more time."

They hurried down the tunnel, but Yuzuki noticed how Touka couldn't keep up with her and the hybrid knew it was a matter of time until Amon would arrive. Stopping, Yuzuki offered to lend a hand to the teen in hopes that they'll reach the others, "Come on, let me help you."

Shaking her head, Touka didn't want anything to do with the girl since she wasn't in the best of terms with the dove, "No, I'm fine," Gritting her teeth together, curling her fingers at the pain that began to wash over her.

Frowning at how stubborn she was, Yuzuki insisted in helping the girl regardless, "You can barely keep up," Pausing, she knew that the teen couldn't possibly keep up with the injuries she recieved from their encounter with the Investigator.

Touka continued to refuse any form of help from the girl as she kept to herself, the teen clenched her side at the sudden sharp pain, "I don't-"

"Stop being stubborn for once Touka and let put everything aside. So let me help you," Setting Hinami down, so Touka could get on Yuzuki's back instead, but the teen soon gave in as she took account the pain she was in. Yuzuki made sure that the girl was comfortable before grabbing Hinami's hand as they hurried down the tunnel. Frowning, she knew that time was running short, but all she needed to do was get them out then later "I'll leave you two at the end of the tunnel."

The three of them continued down the tunnel, no one saying a word about what happened nor did they want to speak about the matter. Hinami kept her eyes on he ground, curling her fingers around the cloak that shielded her from view, but she'll glance up to see that Yuzuki's face was hidden behind the mask. Her eyes shifted over to see Touka look so distracted and Hinami looked away as they continued to move, but her eyes widen slightly the moment she felt her hand leave Yuzuki's grasps.

Yuzuki carefully helped Touka down while informing the two that she'll meet them soon, but she needed to leave before the others show up, "I'll meet you two at Anteiku, okay," Adjusting the cloak over Hinami, shielding her from the rain before turning back towards Touka. The dove's expression soften behind the mask as she nodded, "They'll be here soon to help you two."

Touka avoided any further contact with the dove, but she reached out to hold onto Hinami's hand before moving onward without Yuzuki. Stepping back, Yuzuki knew that they'll be fine since Yomo and Kaneki should be arriving soon so they all could return to Anteiku in peace. Feeling a bit comfortable allowing the two alone, Yuzuki ran off so she wouldn't cross paths with anyone else since she needs to change and head towards the cafe in order to talk to the two girls.

However, Yuzuki could feel everything twist within her as she recalled what became of Mado and the hybrid felt her breath disappear as she tried to imagine what Amon will do the second he discovers the man's body. But she began to wonder what will become of Touka and Hinami since the two are involved with the man's death, yet Yuzuki couldn't ignore that Kaneki also managed to gain attention from CCG due to his interaction with Amon.

Her mind continued to wonder until it finally reached the thought revolving around Akira since the girl will soon learn about the news surrounding her father's death. Yuzuki knew there will more issues arise shortly afterwards everything spreads through CCG, but she needed to do something since she's trapped in the middle of everything. Shaking her head, pushing all those thoughts to the back of her mind and worry about everything later, so she could focus on getting out of the rain and meet up with everyone at Anteiku.

---

3rd Pov

Yoshimura turned the moment bell went off to only reveal the dove standing within the cafe, but he knew she'll be arriving soon since the others returned not so long ago. The manager went over to Yuzuki as he spared a few words with the girl as they head up the stairs to meet with everyone else. He reassured her that things will be fine, they'll work through everything and make sure that Hinami will be housed safely and keep an eye for Touka since she's still a bit shaken up about the whole despite her constantly brushing it aside. Yet Yuzuki knew that it'll take Touka some time to adjust herself after everything that has been said and done. Still the dove knew that everyone will pull through if they have the right support.

The manager open the door for Yuzuki while he stood back as he watched the dove rush over to the others, but Yoshimura closed the door before returning back to the shop while allowing the young ghouls to comfort each other.

"Hinami! Touka!" Wrapping her arms around the two girls, Yuzuki curled her fingers as she whispered to the pair, "Thank goodness you two are safe..."

Pulling away, she smiled faintly while reassuring that things will be better here on out, "Everything will be fine from now on, I swear..." Yuzuki brushed her fingers across Touka's face, moving her hair aside, but the dove knew that the girl didn't want to say anything. Sighing, the dove pulled back from the teen, "I'll think of something to cover whatever tracks that were left."

"Hinami... I'm going to allow you to live life," Resting her hand over the girl's hand, Yuzuki promised that she'll keep any more Investigators from going after her or anyone near them, "I'll do my best to make sure this chance won't be taken away from CCG. Not again"

She wrapped her arms around the dove, closing her eyes as she tried to speak without crying "I... Mother she-" Hiding her face as she curled her fingers into Yuzuki's back while whispering, "I don't want to run anymore, Yuzuki..."

Taking in a deep breath as she told the dove she's isn't going to remain confine in the room like before, instead she wants to live just like her mother wanted her to do, "I want to live!"

Leaning her head against the girl's, Yuzuki ran her hand through Hinami's hair as she calmly responded, "And that is what you're going to do," Closing her eyes, she whispered softly to her, "I'll protect that chance of life with everything I got so you can live."

"It's all right now..." Calming the girl down from all the horrific things she must've been through while confronting Mado, but everything is over and it's time to live once again instead of hiding in fear.

Kaneki stood back as he watched them, he smiled at how the dove comforted the young girl, but he glanced over to see that Touka kept her distance from the dove and everyone. He didn't managed to get any information from her when they found them, but he's assuming something happened with the other Investigator based on the injuries she recieved along with Hinami activating her kagune. But he knew there was something deeply troubling her regardless if she hid it in order to keep herself from looking weak. However, his attention turned back to the dove the moment he heard his name, but he knew that Yuzuki was going to get Touka alone so they could speak openly if the waitress allows it.

"Kaneki can you please take Hinami with you?" Pulling out of the girl's arms, Yuzuki caressed the girl's cheek before moving aside, but the dove still kept a distance from the teen who remain quiet, "Hinami, I'm going to talk to Touka alone okay, so go with Kaneki for now."

Nodding, she stood up while rubbing her face tiredly before glancing over to Touka, "Okay..."

Offering a smile as he held his hand out for her, Kaneki motioned her to come along so they could leave the two alone, "Come on, Hinami."

"Yes, Big Brother," Accepting his hand as the two left the room, but Hinami spared one more glance towards Touka before Kaneki closed the door behind them as they went to a different room.

The two didn't say anything once Kaneki left with Hinami, but the dove wasn't going to push any sort of questions especially since Yuzuki knew that whatever the girl was feeling revolved around the dead Investigator. Taking a moment before sitting down beside the ghoul, Yuzuki lifted her head slightly when she finally heard Touka speak up.

"I'm a murderer..." Curling her fingers, Touka refused to look over to the dove as she spoke about what happened not so long ago, "I let Hinami... I was wrong about the whole thing!"

Covering her face, recalling the ring that rested on the Investigator's hand and Touka couldn't ignore what her actions means, "He had a family, married and probably had kids himself and I-" Releasing a deep breath, trying to collect her thoughts about the matter, but she still didn't know how to properly react, "I destroyed that... How can I..."

Guilt soon transformed to anger as Touka clenched her hands before glaring at the ground as she coldly stated a fact which only made her blood boil, "But that bastard planted Ryouko's hand there for Hinami to find," Running a hand through her hair as she harshly added on, "God! He even had Ryouko as his quinque, but he also had Hinami's father too!"

Yet all her anger soon disappeared, but there wasn't any guilt either instead she felt empty for a moment as her words soon began to fade away as a mere whisper, "Why... Why is the world so fucking cruel? So wrong?" Shutting her eyes as she felt tears building up, but she refused to allow any to fall as she continued on, "Why did it had to be Hinami? Why did I..."

Yuzuki lowered her eyes, closing her eyes as she allowed the girl to vent openly about her issues. The dove reached out for the teen, placing a hand over hers as she finally spoke up in hopes to ease the girl from her troubles, "Touka... You did the best for Hinami, you saved her and protected her from harm," Turning over to her, Yuzuki took a moment to face her completely and she added, "Don't feel as tho everything was wrong... Ryouko would be happy to know that Hinami is alive and after what Kaneki said about her final words..."

"It finally pulled Hinami out of the darkness," Offering a smile even if it held a sense of sadness, but Yuzuki tried to shed some form of light on the situation in hopes to get the girl to understand a bit more about everything surrounding them, "But I won't let you slip into it now or ever."

"That Investigator lost his wife years ago already to a ghoul, it's the day where his lust for revenge and pure hatred was born," Pulling away, Yuzuki placed her hands on her lap as she explained a few things about the Investigator that died because of Touka and Hinami, "But.. But he did have a daughter who will suffer the lost of her father, her last parent..."

Closing her eyes, taking in a deep breath before allowing her thoughts to run off to what will happen once she steps foot in CCG, "But everything will be my issue and I'll handle the aftermath so don't worry."

"You idiot," Touka chuckled dryly as she muttered coldly, "Stop doing this shit, protecting us as if asked for it. Running off, leaving us behind, as if it'll protect us."

Her lips twitched, but Yuzuki explained herself, "I'm not doing it just to do it, but you must know that whatever occurs within this ward will be held over me no matte what," Opening her eyes, Yuzuki didn't spare a look towards the girl beside her as she revealed, "I'm a ghoul to them and people died within my squad, people gotten hurt as well, so of course I'll be blamed."

Chuckling, Yuzuki shook her head as she stated, "So technically I'm responsible for all this occurring to them, so that's why I'm telling you to not worry because I'll be held temporarily accountable for the time being until they finally look towards those who caused it," Finally she tilted her head over to the girl, "Then eyes will be placed on you and Hinami after everything goes through me."

Touka glanced over to the dove and it took a moment before muttering over to the girl, "...Sorry..."

Blinking, Yuzuki turned over to the girl before reassuring her that there's no point in apologizing for anything especially since it won't change anything, but mainly she knew that the ghoul genuinely felt guilty for what happened. But Yuzuki smiled faintly before placing a hand on Touka's shoulder, "Life is complicated, there will be times that good people do wrong things probably against our inner wishes. But it doesn't make them truly bad people because we all make mistakes, yet like I said life is very complicated in a world like this."

Lowering her eyes, Yuzuki took a deep breath as her thoughts wondered off, Especially when there's two sides blinded by a false reality...

Touka looked away, holding her side carefully snorting back, "Just shut up with your talk already."

Smiling at the girl's words, Yuzuki sighed before changing the subject, "Now we need to help Hinami," Placing a hand on her shoulder as she began to talk about Hinami future, "She'll learn about the human world, studying and we'll teach her the basics in order for her to defend herself in case of anything like this happens again."

"I'll risk everything in order to threw them off your trails, so CCG won't get near you or anyone like this again," Looking away, Yuzuki felt this burden hang over her as she recalled a few things, but the dove didn't go into further detail, "And I know you hate me for saying that, but I have my reasons for doing things like this..."

"Touka, please just don't fight against them again," Lowering her head, Yuzuki knew things aren't simply said and done, "It'll only hurt you and I can't bear to see this."

Frowning at her words, moving away from the dove as she harshly responded, "I... I can't let them keep killing us!" Her eyes looked away, not fully knowing where to go or what decisions to makes, but her words disappeared the moment Touka had no words to say, "I also don't want to be a-!"

"You won't have to be..." Her expression soften, listening to Touka as she watched how the ghoul was torn, but the dove closed her eyes as she turned away, "Just... just break away from the cycle of revenge... It's your only hope to live in peace, trust me Touka."

"I... I'm so sorry Yuzuki," Leaning over her knees, she held her head while allowing herself to be vulnerable and it was clearly visible by the way her words left her lips, "I failed again..."

Wrapping her arms around her, Yuzuki already knew from everything she learned that Touka has always been left behind by the people she truly cared about who wished to protect her. Yet the dove didn't want to hear her hold burden for what happened in the past. Leaning her head against hers as she whispered, "No you didn't, Touka, so don't think that."

"We'll get through this together," Leaning her head against hers, Yuzuki comforted the girl and the dove knew she was wrong for putting a distance between them, but in the end she needed to be there when they needed her, I'm sorry for leaving you all alone...

Closing her eyes the moment she felt the girl wrap her arms around her, but the two didn't share anymore words as they allowed the silence to settle in and just work through everything that has happened recently, to put old things aside and let them go in order to move forward without anymore burdens restraining them. Yuzuki listened how the girl's breathing soon calmed down and the dove didn't move as she allowed Touka to just recollect herself without disturbing her.

However, Yuzuki couldn't help herself from thinking about what she did and how closed off she was with everyone. She knew it must've hurt the teen even if she won't ever admit it, but the dove knew that Touka has constantly been abandoned and Yuzuki understood what she did was basically abandoning everyone in Anteiku. So without a doubt, she knew why Touka wasn't too open with her because of her actions and Yuzuki thought to herself, I promise not to abandon you ever again

---

3rd Pov

He turned around at the sound of the door, but he knew it was Yuzuki once he recognized her scent and went over to her. Offering a smile before telling her about Hinami, "Hinami showered and changed, she finally fell asleep in peace after I read a small passage for her," He paused once noticing how the dove appeared to lost in thought to notice his words, Kaneki tilted his head as he called her, "Yuzuki...?"

Stepping forward, he noticed how distraught she was, but before he could see if there was anything for her to talk about he paused the second Yuzuki asked him. How she asked if he was okay with everything that happened, "Are you okay?"

He didn't know what to say, but Kaneki knew he wasn't actually fine especially after what happened when he was fighting against the Investigator, "...I... I lost control and..." Bringing a hand over his covered eye, recalling the sensation that he couldn't fight back, but he couldn't bring himself to look at the dove at the thought of following through with the act of killing someone, "I didn't want- I couldn't-"

Looking up when he felt her hand brush across his cheek while whispering, "You're suppressing it and it will be more difficult to control it," Sighing, she merely told him the truth if he continues down the path of denying his ghoul half, "You won't win against it..."

"I hurt Yomo and..." Turning away from her, revealing what he did and how he didn't even realized what he did until afterwards. Shaking his head, he looked back over to her while placing his hand over hers as he whispered, afraid of the possibility, "What if I hurt more people, the people I care about."

"If you continue to suppress this then the only way is for you to do is take it out on something before you lose control," Curling her fingers over his hand, telling him the truth that he has yet to accept, "Or you will harm someone if you continue to do this."

Closing her eyes, her expression soften as she attempted in broadening his view, "It's best if you accept it and allow it into your life instead of caging it away," She felt her body move forward when his arms wrapped around her, Yuzuki leaned her hand against his shoulder while running her hand over his back, "It's the best thing for you to do."

Closing his eye, curling his fingers into her back, Kaneki held her close as he muttered, "...I'm afraid..."

Stepping back, she offered a smile before lifting his face, "You're fine now."

Furrowing his brows, recalling how someone interfered between his fight with the Investigator, but Kaneki still didn't understand their intentions, "Someone saved me or helped me... Phantom, she saved me from doing something I'll regret greatly..." Looking down, his fingers tighten over hers as he whispered, "But I still hurt Yomo..."

"But you didn't kill anyone, so that's all what matters," Moving away, Yuzuki walked over to take a seat while the boy remain standing for a moment as he thought about a few things.

"She even saved Touka before..." He began to put the pieces together, coming to a possibility that Phantom must've done more than interfere, "She probably went to help Hinami and Touka from the Investigator that went their direction."

Raising a brow, he looked over to the dove while asking a question in hopes that she'll have an answer, "How could someone like Phantom save us...?"

Yuzuki sat down, sighing before responding back, but she didn't provide much information surrounding the ghoul like person, "Phantom is a complete enigma within CCG," Closing her eyes as she simply stated, "No true signs that the person behind the mask is a ghoul or human."

Kaneki sat beside her, listening to her talk about the mysterious person behind the mask, but she didn't have say a lot about the subject. The dove lifted her head as she added on, "She aids ghouls and humans alike whenever they're in trouble."

Blinking, looking off to the distance as he began to think about the purpose behind Phantom's actions, but Kaneki couldn't stop himself from thinking, "...We should have more people like her then..."

Shaking her head, but Yuzuki couldn't help herself from chuckling at his words. Leaning against his shoulder as she whispered, "No one's crazy enough to do that... But I like the thought of it..." Taking in a deep breath, Yuzuki closed her eyes, "Thank you."

Confused to why she would say something like that, "For what?"

"For risking so much for Touka and Hinami," Sitting up, she explained herself, "For telling Hinami the final words of Ryouko." She smiled over to him, rephasing herself, "Thank you for stepping in and saving them."

He stared at her, Kaneki was glad that he managed to do something unlike the other times, but this time he did something even if it only bought time for Touka and Hinami. His expression soften, pulling her hand into his when she said, "To know you're safe."

But there was something bothering still and this time he asked if she was alright, Kaneki was aware that she must've feel conflicted between her colleagues from work and her friends in Anteiku. Lowering his eye, noticing how her fingers tighten around his, but he glanced back to her, "Are you okay, Yuzuki?"

"...I'll be facing the aftermath tomorrow," Shaking her head, she wasn't fine no matter what, Yuzuki knows she'll always end up losing someone from either side, "How I'll listen to yet another speech and see another empty chair..."

Closing her eyes, she pulled away from him in order to cover her face, "I can't help but feel terrible for what Touka and Hinami went through..." Leaning back into him when he decided to pull her into his arms in hopes that he could comfort her, but he listened to her words, "Please keep them out of any trouble and just refine yourself from engaging into any more ghoul activities..."

Looking away, Kaneki rested his head over hers before responding back, "I'll... I'll do my best, I promise."

It was quiet between them, but their minds were filled with so many thoughts. Looking down at the dove once she moved, he removed himself from her while Yuzuki released a deep breath, "It's getting late and I need to try to catch some sleep," Getting to her feet, Yuzuki wrapped an arm around herself before whispering, "Tomorrow will be a long day..."

Standing up, Kaneki carefully watched her as she began to speak more about the issue, "...There surely will be people accusing me for having a hand in this because they're part of my squad..." Yuzuki chuckled dryly to herself before tilting her head up towards the ceiling, muttering to herself, "Because I'm a ghoul... and all this happened within a short time frame..."

Touching her forehead, she note down a few things that have occurred within the 20th Squad she's part of and Yuzuki already knew it sounded bad, Two deaths... Two injured... One removal from the squad... Frowning, she didn't even know what to think about the situation or how things will be tomorrow, "God, I can't even imagine the issues-"

Placing his hands on her shoulders, reassuring her that things won't be too bad for her, "Then don't, things will get better... I hope..."

"But how can I simply forget about-" Her eyes widen once realizing what Touka and Kaneki did earlier that day, how they both were in CCG and it only made her wonder if anyone could've possible seen them. If Amon saw the two ghouls in CCG and if the man did then he could possible recognize them later on.

Yuzuki turned sharply, frowning as she faced him before scolding the boy, "It doesn't make what you and Touka pulled earlier excused either," Bringing her hands over her face, shaking her head as she just vented a bit, "What the hell were you two thinking?!"

Running her fingers through her hair at the thought that people could possibly connect Mado's death to the two 'students' that provided information revolving around Hinami's case, "I swear, no one listens to me when I warn you guys to stay back," She frowned over to him before telling how he was lucky to be the one to be dragged away instead of Touka, "Do you understand how lucky you were, especially you for passing through the RC gates without setting them off. For me to be in the area to save you from getting questioned any further."

"That only made me stress out knowing that you two were so reckless," Taking a deep breath, Yuzuki crossed her arms before sparing a few more words about their action and how she felt about their reckless behavior, "Knowing that you two were right there and I can't do anything if something were to happen. To be on enemy grounds and knowing you two could've gotten killed if they found out."

"...We thought that maybe..." Kaneki explained why they went straight to CCG, but even after saying it he knew it sounded crazy for ghouls to do, "'To throw off the Investigators from getting closer to Hinami, so they could leave the 20th Ward and Hinami alone."

Scratching the back of his head, remembering how the Investigator dragged him through the gates and Kaneki could clearly recall the feelings that rushed through him when it happened, "I wasn't expecting to be pulled away and I really wasn't prepared to go through the gates."

"But I couldn't face you when you showed up," His face flushed in embarrassment as he remembered how Yuzuki confronted him at CCG, but he clearly knew that she was not pleased to know he and Touka were there, "I'm sorry to put you in that situation, but I..."

"I'm sorry for doing that," Lowering his eye, but he looked up the moment the dove touched his face before taking a step closer to him.

Yuzuki shook her head, forgiving him for going something so rash. Resting her forehead against him, whispering, "Ken, just think before going through such an absurd plan like that again," Looking up, she sighed before allowing a smile to appear, "I'm just relieved that you and Touka weren't harmed."

Her eyes widen when she was pulled into an embrace, Yuzuki returned it, but she closed her eyes when he spoke up, "Yuzuki I..."

"It's okay," The dove hid her face into his shoulder, trying to drop the topic since there wasn't anything else to be said or done about. Shifting, Yuzuki brushed nose against his cheek and he moved to look at her, she muttered under her breath, "I just need to go home and just prepare myself for tomorrow."

Taking a step back, Yuzuki rubbed her eyes tiredly since the day took so much energy out of her, "I need catch some sleep if I can. Since tomorrow is going to be a long day that I can't imagine how I'm going to make it through the day."

He chuckled, Kaneki removed her hands while placing them into his, smiling at how her facial expression changed as he watched the way she was confused for a moment, "I'll walk you home," Offering to accompany her home, his fingers caressed her skin but their attention was pulled away the second the door opened.

Quickly stepping away from the dove, Kaneki could feel his face heat up slightly, but he remained calm when he noticed it was only Yomo. However, the boy could only recalled their little incident in when he lost control and took it out on the man. Yet Yomo didn't seem bothered at all, maintaining his stoic expression as he glanced between the two before stating, "I'll be taking you two home," Turning away while adding on a few things, "It's late and this weather isn't suited for you two to walk through."

Yuzuki nodded, offering a smile towards the man, "Thank you, Yomo," The dove turned over to Kaneki before accepting his hand into hers as she whispered over to him to reassure him that whatever happened when he wasn't in his right state won't be held against him, "Don't hold it against yourself."

---

3rd Pov

Stirring in her sleep, Yuzuki couldn't managed to settle down enough to allow herself to sleep since so much happened. She kept thinking about the death of Mado and how Amon will be once everything is settled within CCG. But she couldn't sleep as the guilt continued to make her feel so uneasy about everything, how she's torn in between favoring one side over the other. Sitting up with her hands covering her face and the dove felt like she couldn't breath for a moment. Yuzuki shut her eyes, taking a second to try to collect herself, but the dove couldn't shake off her thoughts and personal ties to everything.

Something brushed against her arm causing the dove to smile, she knew that her cat came to comfort her, but even with the company of her beloved pet she couldn't shake off the feeling. Taking a deep breath, laying back down while the black feline nuzzle beside the dove, resting it's small head against her arm and Yuzuki ran her fingers over the soft fur. Closing her eyes, slowly calming down her nerves as she tried to ease her worries for the time being. Even if she tries, she couldn't sleep with the constant worrying along with the haunting feeling of isolation that might come out as a consequence.

Sighing, Yuzuki focused solely on her little feline's heart beat, allowing herself to only listen to the creature's breathing patterns as he nuzzle against her. It soon became comfortable for her to let her mind slip away. Recalling her conservation with Yoshimura as the two spoke about what occurred and afterwards a small talk with Shinohara who called her about the death of Mado. The two Investigators spared a few words in regards to their colleague's tragic end, but she was informed about a few things that they'll do tomorrow and Yuzuki spoke with Arima about the situation as well which they'll properly discuss later. Which she needs to sleep so she could head down to CCG and handle whatever could come out of this ordeal.

---

3rd Pov

Carefully listening to her mentor, but Yuzuki already knew what he was saying since it wasn't anything too surprising and she calmly stated, "I'm aware that people will be trying to pin all this on me," Folding her arms, Yuzuki began to list a few possible explanations for what others would think about the recent events,"Even if you look at it, the only Investigator who's a ghoul residing within the ward where most of our recent loses took place. Well I look like the one possibly responsible."

"But it all started with one violent ghoul then all this happened," Narrowing her eyes, she turned over to the white haired Investigator while giving some of her thoughts on the matter, "The 20th Ward isn't like the other wards like the 13th or the 21th, but it isn't like the 1st Ward either."

His expression didn't change much after listening to her, but he merely reminded her, "Yet this only further proves why they placed a squad and reactivated the 20th Ward Branch."

Sighing, already knowing that CCG doesn't mourn long as they continued to move forward regardless who they lose or how many casualties they receive in this endless battle, "I'm assuming they're going to add another pair into the 20th Ward and provide Amon a new partner."

Returning his attention over to her, his voice didn't waver from it's static tone as he made one point clear, "Which they'll be working along with you and the others within your assigned squad," Seeing if she'll do anything about the fact that she's required to work alongside others especially since majority of the Investigators are new to her.

"I'll be fine with the bad reputation ," Brushing it aside, not going to allow it to bother her since it's something she be used to by now, "It's nothing new, but I'll deal with it."

Tilting his head, Arima studied how she continued to ignore the consequences she'll get into, "You're aware that if your colleagues don't trust you then there's a high chance that-"

"That they'll leave me for dead? Yes, I understand," Raising a brow, finishing his sentence before nodding as she chuckled at the thought, "I'm fully aware of the risk, which is the very reason why I denied a partner to begin with and refused to be part of any squad aside those who I've grown to trust."

Shrugging her shoulders, she already knew that her life was merely on a clock, ticking away until time completely runs out, "I know there are people here that won't hesitate to let me die on the field," Yet she was serious about making sure to make the most of it despite a few restrictions that were placed on her.

"That is why I asked Shinohara if he'll take up the position in working within the 20th Ward," Sighing, explaining a few things in how he managed to offer a hand towards the girl with some of the recent events involving her, "I've worked with him before so I know he won't go against you unless you break regulation. Along with his subordinate, Suzuya, who won't hesitate to lend you a hand if you need it."

Advising her about a few things, Arima moved away before coldly stating a fact that she shouldn't forget, "So you have some allies with you until you do something to destroy that trust."

"I understand," Frowning slightly, but Yuzuki closed her eyes for a moment before sighing as she looked over to him, "I'm grateful for it and I'm sorry for the trouble."

Her expression soften, shaking her head before offering a smile as she thanked him, "Thank you."

Not saying much in return, he only ruffled her hair a bit and it was enough for her to know what he possibly means since the man wasn't one for words. She chuckled at his strange acts, but it's something she's grown used to through the years she spent with him. A faint smile appeared across his face, but it soon faded once he took notice of the door opening which also gained the girl's attention. The two saw Shinohara who paused for a moment, realizing that he didn't knock before entering, but the man didn't expect to see anyone else beside Yuzuki in her workplace, yet he shouldn't be surprised either.

"Forgive me for interrupting," Shinohara glanced between the two, not knowing if he stepped in on anything important or possibly disturbed them from whatever they were discussing.

Reassuring him that he didn't interrupt anything important, she turned towards his direction, "You're fine, Shinohara, there wasn't anything you intruded on."

Moving away, Arima was straightforward as he glanced over to the young Investigator, "We finished our discussion."

Nodding, Shinohara sighed under his breath before maintaining the purpose he showed up, "I'm here so we can pay our respects for Mado," He came to collect Yuzuki so they could head down to the room that was holding the service, but he wasn't expecting to run into Arima in the progress of doing so.

Shifting her eyes away from the man, Yuzuki knew that Mado's funeral service was being held today, "Yes..." Sighing, she went over towards Shinohara so they could head down to the place, but she glanced over when Arima spoke up.

"I'll join you," Deciding to go along with them since they're on their way, but he also wanted to show his respect since Mado was among the handful of Investigators he worked with many times before.

The three of them didn't say anything else as they continued down the hall, but they managed to run into Marude who was also on his way to Mado's funeral service. But unlike the other three Investigators, Marude didn't appear to show any remorse for the death of their colleague. Yet everyone kept to themselves until some things were brought up that sparked a conservation, much to most of their dislike.

Shinohara still couldn't believe someone like Mado, a man he worked alongside many times, an Investigator that he wouldn't expect to die in such a way. Lowering his eyes, he began to wonder about the fallen Investigator as he whispered to himself, "...To think even Mado would..."

Marude shrugged his shoulder, a smug look fell across his lips as he spoke merciless about the man's death. "Well, if you were to ask me I'd say it was the most natural result."

Narrowing her eyes, following behind the Investigators as she listened to Marude speak poorly about the dead even if she wasn't in the best of terms with Mado, but she still respected the man nonetheless. Yet she kept her words to herself, ...They say ghouls have no remorse...? How cruel of you, Marude...

Chuckling, glancing over to Shinohara before adding onto his comment, "This all happened because he was too busy collecting weapons in a daze to improve his skills."

"Marude-san," Frowning at the man's words, Arima scolded him before parting ways from Marude, "Please keep your scornful words towards the dead to yourself."

Yuzuki stopped in front of the door while the others continued on ahead of her, but she noticed that Shinohara and Arima paused to see if she'll follow along. Shaking her head, folding her arms before motioning them to go on without her, "I'll stay out here," Turning away the moment she knew that they have gone into the room, Yuzuki lowered her head, I know I'm not wanted in there... More importantly I know Mado wouldn't want me there to begin with...

She turned slightly when a pair of Investigators passed her, but Yuzuki knew the sad truth and she seen it too many times with people dying on the field. But it's only reality, lowering her eyes as she listened to one of the men say, "We don't even have enough time for mourning,"

They quickly left the area so they could return to their duties as Investigators while Yuzuki continued to walk down towards the nearby table that Amon was sitting at. She noticed how the man was alone, starring off into space, probably remembering a few things about his deceased mentor. Yuzuki stopped across from him before speaking up, "May I sit here?"

Blinking, Amon looked up to see the dove and he was surprised to see her, "Yuzuki-san?"

"Forgive me," Looking away, Yuzuki offered her apologizes as she stood beside the empty chair, "I don't wish to appear rude or cruel for not properly attending Mado's funeral."

"...I understand..." He shook his head, looking away as he stared at the room that held his deceased partner while reassuring his colleague that he wouldn't hold it against her, "There's no need to apologize, Yuzuki-san."

Glancing back, he saw how she took a sit across from him, but Amon only wondered why Yuzuki decided to show up, "I'm merely surprised to even see you here despite everything."

Yuzuki stared off, furrowing her brows before speaking up, "If you don't mind me sparing a few words."

"Not at all," He shook his head, allowing her to say what she had in mind since he had nothing else to do besides mourn over Mado's death.

"I respect him, despite most of the cruel things he has said or done towards me. I never hated him nor did I ever wish death upon him like he does to me," Lacing her fingers together, Yuzuki told him about her thoughts on Mado, "In truth, it's quite sad... Mado... I honestly never pictured him dying before I did."

Amon was taken back at her words, not fully understanding how someone like her could possible think that. He knew she was considered an Investigator, but in the end they can't ignore the fact that she was a ghoul nonetheless. It only made him question things even further especially with his encounter with the eye patch ghoul and Phantom, he didn't understand how ghouls could display such emotions, ...A ghoul... mourning an Investigator...

"He had his achievements within CCG," Nodding, she recognized some things that Mado has done while placing her opinion on the man, "But I may not be his favorite person or ghoul, yet I... I still respected him. I might not agree with him, but I still respect his wishes such as not wanting me to attend his funeral if he ever died."

"A ghoul attending his funeral won't do..." She chuckled dryly, shaking her head before lowering it slightly, releasing a deep breath as the thought crossed her mind, ...It won't make sense...

Yuzuki looked up before continuing on, "So I rather sit out here and gain disapproving looks from everyone then to disturb Mado's rest," Her expression sadden, closing her eyes as she whispered, "...It's a real shame how his life ended like this..."

Even tho his life ended the moment his wife died... Still she knew that Mado didn't truly live life instead he was merely existing in a sense and Yuzuki was thinking to herself, ...A life filled with regrets...

Lightening the mood, Yuzuki offered a smile towards the man, "Amon, you were a good partner for Mado," Turning away, she brought up a few points in hopes that he'll consider so he could get by with Mado's passing, "So don't hold onto such feelings of regret because in a world so wrong like ours, there will always be things we cannot change nor do we know the future of our actions."

"But I do believe you were a prefect fit for Mado and without a doubt I can tell he truly was honored to be your mentor," Standing back to her feet, sighing under her breath before saying a few more things to him, "So I hope you'll overcome this tragedy, Amon, and surely Mado would want that of you as well."

Starring at her, Amon didn't have anything to say to what she said, but it left him speechless to hear such things from someone who's a ghoul. But before he could say anything, someone interrupted him, "Thank yo-"

"Crybaby Amon!"

Sitting up, he finally noticed Shinohara walking over to him with a smile, but Amon didn't appreciate the name he recieved, "Shinohara-san!?"

Shinohara laughed, standing beside Yuzuki as he continued to tease the man since Amon held an expression that made him look like he was about to shed a few tears, "Yo, you about to burst into tears again?"

Yuzuki couldn't stop herself from giggling at how Shinohara still maintained his sense of humor despite everything, "Shinohara, I don't believe teasing Amon is a good idea at the moment."

Chuckling, Shinohara crossed his arms before smiling over to her before glancing back to Amon, "How about I scold him instead?"

Sighing, he took a moment before lowering his eyes as he whispered, "...What happened to Mado is unfortunate..." Closing his eyes, recalling a few old memories revolving around the man and Shinohara looked over to Amon, "I also lost an old friend and that makes me sad..."

Lowering her eyes, Yuzuki listened to the sadness in his voice, but her eyes widen the moment another Investigator called for Shinohara who said, "Shinohara-san! Juuzou has..."

Quickly responding back, Shinohara turned over to the man as he asked about his subordinate while hoping that the boy didn't get himself in trouble, "What did he do this time!?"

Excusing herself, Yuzuki decided to be the one to check if Juuzou gotten himself into any form of trouble so Shinohara could speak with Amon a bit longer, "Shinohara, I'll handle Juuzou."

"Thank you, Yuzuki-san," Smiling, he watched Yuzuki go handle his subordinate, but Shinohara released a heavy sigh before glancing over to Amon, "Just a little while ago I was teamed up with a super disastrous kid..." Nodding, he didn't want to leave Juuzou with Yuzuki too long since it's mainly his responsibility to watch him, "I better get going soon, seriously, and I don't wish to leave Yuzuki with the burden on watching my subordinate. Even tho I know she can handle him, but I am responsible for his actions."

But before he left, Shinohara paused before remembering something, "Oh, Amon!"

Looking up, he raised a brow at the man, "Yes?"

"I think that guy was proud of you," Smiling, he placed a bag in front of the man before excusing himself so he could meet up with Juuzou before the boy does anything troublesome.

His eyes widen when he saw the gloves within the clear plastic bag that once belonged to his mentor. Amon smiled at the sight of them, but he couldn't find the words to thank the man, "Mado Kureo was-" Stopping himself, Amon simply nodded his head as he watched Shinohara leave to tend to his subordinate, ...Thank you...

---

Yuzuki's Pov

Lately I've heard about some ghoul activity and from what was reported, I already knew who was the one up to trouble, but there's one main issue. Coming to a halt, finally reaching the gate that separate the estate from the rest of society, but I couldn't help from feeling a bit nostalgic when my fingers gazed the metal.

I wonder how long it has been since I've been here... Curling my fingers around the bars, I remembered the few times that I came here with my father before everything happened, It's far too long because I was merely a child when I first took foot on these grounds

Lifting my head, I noticed someone stood behind the other side but from the tone of her voice, she didn't appear to be welcoming, "Who are you and what is your business of being here?"

Moving away from the gate, properly introducing myself along with my forgotten surname in hopes that it'll enough, "My name is Yuzuki Bellerose, my father was a friend of the Tsukiyama family and I wish to speak to Mirumo Tsukiyama."

I was not surprised, I remembered how serious Matsumae was about her duties from the times I've seen her around and now it's no difference when she firmly denied me entrance, "I cannot let you in if you haven't informed us before hand, so I'll ask you to-"

"Matsumae, please allow our guest in," My eyes widen at the familiar voice, but I was surprised that he was out here to begin with since he tends to be further inside the estate. I could only imagine that he hasn't changed from the last time I've seen him. Motioning Matsumae to open the gate while offering an apologize for her actions, "Forgive her. Matsumae has always been a caution servant and surely she wouldn't want to allow any unwanted guests into the Tsukiyama home."

But I could tell he wouldn't have thought of seeing me again since it's been so long that my family has been gone, so I was barely the last person he expected to see at his gate, "However, I have yet to hear the Bellerose family name for almost a decade," He began to guide me further inside, folding his arms behind him as he mentioned, "Last I heard was when news about their dismay, but it appears-"

"-It appears you are the last one standing, isn't it?" Mirumo paused, glancing over to me as he compared her young self to her current self, "Yuzuki-san, you've grown over the years since I last saw you as a child."

Continuing on as he brought up a few old times that I haven't even thought about as if I forgot, "I remember you and my dear Shuu would always bicker over the musical notes, but still it was shocking to hear that your family is no longer here."

Folding my arms back, I continued to follow behind him as the thought crossed my mind after hearing his words, Who wouldn't...? My family tends to be very memorable, but it appears not anymore...

"I would've loved for Shuu to see you again, but I cannot say the same for you from what I can gather," He was only buying time until shifting to the main point of the conservation revolving around me, "You've lost your sight."

"Don't underestimate me," Chuckling, it was bound to happen until he'll touch onto that subject, "I might appear at a disadvantage, but looks can be deceiving. I'm fully aware of my surroundings, so I can see where you stand, but I cannot see you like before."

But the fact he brought up his son only reminded me about the current case building around his late night activities, yet I didn't mention it, "Maybe another time I'll meet Shuu and see how time groomed him, surely he must've grown to be a well manner gentlemen with an appearance that would match yours from the last I've seen you," I could only imagine what he and Shuu must look now as I jokingly comment, "Always fashionable that he must've adopted from you."

Sighing, I decided to cut to the chase for why I showed up unexpectedly "However, I'm not truly here to speak of things such as catching up on old times," I knew I needed to clear a few things up before anything comes up that could possible harm what my father did during his time, "I'm merely here as the head of the Bellerose household and renew the alliance my father made with the Tsukiyama family."

Stopping in my tracks causing him to turn over to me while I brought up something that needed to be address, "As a friend, I wish to inform you one important detail revolving my new life."

"Of course, but there is no need for it since the business affairs your father and I had were well established," Turning around, not minding my words, but I can't agree to his words in regards to my father, "A man I respected so I trust his daughter would live up to the family name."

Shifting my eyes away, I felt this feeling of guilt when he spoke about my biological father and a part of me was sadden at the thought, A family name I've abandoned...

"Yet I do wonder what became of you over the decade that you were presumed dead," Raising a brow as he took a moment to obverse me, pondering about what I've done during the time frame that I've disappeared.

Setting my arms down beside me, lifting my head as I bluntly stated the truth, "I've lived as a CCG Investigator."

"Sir-" Matsumae quickly stepped in the second I mentioned CCG, but before she could anything that lead us into a fight Mirumo dismissed her.

"Stand down," Mirumo didn't spare a look towards Matsumae, but he didn't say anything instead he paused as if he thinking about how I ended up like this, "I wouldn't have expected such a thing from you."

Holding my hands up in defense, explaining myself but I knew that there must be some conflict due to my ties with the organization that have been a threat to all ghouls alike yet I wanted to clear up any misunderstanding, "Do not think of me as an enemy nor do I intend to ever harm your family," Pausing, I knew it was difficult to by pass the fact I'm a dove, but I also needed to reassure him that I'm an alley, not an enemy, "You've done so much for my father and I don't wish to soil the name he left behind."

...I have a responsibility in maintaining the legacy he left behind...

"So I wish to only inform you that I've been working as a Investigator and if there were to ever be trouble then know I'll lend you a hand," Lowering my hands, I further spoke about my intentions without revealing the main purpose that I've decided to expose myself, "Just like you lend a hand to my father when he moved to Japan."

I was serious about a few things such as maintaining whatever ties my father had and I didn't want to destroy it, "After all I will carry out the loyalty my father placed into the Tsukiyama family," Bringing up a fact that neither of could deny, I couldn't possible allow someone so important get far wrapped up in CCG because it'll only mean the downfall of so many, "Also what would society be without your family, especially for the ghoul communities that you've helped."

Matsumae kept close, not removing her eyes from me in case I were to pull something to endanger Mirumo or anyone within the Tsukiyama household. Mirumo walked away as he stated a few things before taking a seat underneath the shade, "You were always a strange child, always looking at the world differently and now you gotten yourself entangled with CCG," I studied his movements, noticing how he crossed his legs before resting his hands on his knee while bringing up my father's name, "I wonder how Armand would think of this, but surely you always protected your family name then and now you wish to revive it."

I didn't say anything, listening to him as I stood still, I would never know, would I...?

"I remember how your father asked me one day, a bit before the tragedy that fell onto your family," My eyes widen at the information, but I brushed it aside without dwelling on it any longer when he continued to speak, "He asked me to lend a helping hand to you if you managed to survive."

There's a part of me that actually wants to seat down with him and listen to what he knew about my father especially when Yoshimura doesn't say much about my family, but I knew Mirumo was familiar with my family due to business affairs they had. Then there's a part of me that honestly didn't want to know what my family was all about besides whatever knowledge I knew already and leave everything else alone.

"But it appears you're stable even if it meant you're part of CCG," He grew serious, contemplating on what course of action to take and I didn't blame him for doing so.

Folding my arms behind me as I decided to bringing up a few key points to reassure him that I don't mean any harm, "Mirumo, if you would like then how about I make a proposal," This is where I began to shed some light by bringing up a clearer reason that could erase any misunderstanding, "If anything ever transpired with CCG that made your family a target then I'll provide a head notice before anything were to happen."

Curling my fingers around my wrist, recalling the recent reports surrounding about a ghoul and I firmly stated, "I'll even protect your son, Shuu, if he were to ever leave something behind that could possible cause an issue later on," I knew one thing about Mirumo and that is he deeply cares for his son, so he will do anything to keep him safe from harm.

"A Ghoul Investigator watching over a ghoul?" Leaning back into his chair, Mirumo raised a brow before commenting, "I do believe you're capable of it, but yet I don't fully see how you can handle it."

I knew he might still be caution about the whole ordeal surrounding my situation, "I might have forgotten to mention that I'm not merely an Investigator," Sighing, I stared him while adding another detail about my life, "But I am the one that goes by Phantom. I've protected ghouls and humans alike from harm, so I'll watch him as Phantom if things were to lead him astray."

Chuckling, commenting on a familiar note that was related to what the Tsukiyama family have done for so long themselves, "I have also gotten connections within the ghoul communities along with some human allies."

This only stirred a faint reaction from the ghoul before speaking up, "For someone who cannot see properly, you surely have your hands in areas that allow you to see everything."

"Like yourself," Gesturing over to him, I smiled faintly as I recalled a few old memories, "Our families have always maintain a strong root within the world regardless if we're ghouls."

Standing from his seat, giving his final response towards my offer, "I accept your proposal and do hope our alliance will continue like your father once did," I don't know if it's what I said or merely because of the history behind my family's involvement with his that became his deciding factor into agreeing, "Hearing the Bellerose name brought old memories but I do hope you won't disappoint that name."

Taking a deep breath, "I'm alive because of my parents, I'm alive because of my father and I will keep his memory alive until my last breath," I took a moment for myself to recollect my thoughts, closing my eyes, "I've might have stopped using my surname, but it doesn't mean I'll forget the meaning behind it and the history laced around it."

Excusing myself, I couldn't help myself from smiling as I bid my farewell, "Thank you for your time and understanding."

"Matsumae, please escort her," Gesturing over to one of his main servant before excusing himself, but he paused for a moment then I heard his tone changed slightly as he said, "It's an honor to have spoken to a Bellerose again, Yuzuki-san."

Following close behind Matsumae who still didn't welcome my presents like Mirumo, but I didn't say anything else in the matter as we walked down the path towards the gates that secured the Tsukiyama estate. However, I wonder what will become of this, what will I think of Shuu Tsukiyama the moment we cross paths again after so long, but from what I've learned he's just a strange man and a deceiving ghoul. But I'll set that issue aside whenever it comes to it for now I needed to go meet up with Kaneki since we agreed to meet with each other after work.

---

3rd Pov

The dove offered her apologizes once she reached him since she didn't know how long he was waiting for her, "Sorry for being a little late, but I had a few things to handle first."

"It's alright, Yuzuki-chan, I understand," Holding his arm out for her, he smiled at the dove as the two began to walk together, "I'm glad you're fine."

Furrowing her brows, Yuzuki tilted her head as she took notice that his voice held some form of worry as if something wasn't right, "What's wrong?"

"Huh?"

Nudging him, she faced him as she tried to figure out what was going through his mind, "I can sense it, so don't lie to me Ken."

Looking away, he thought back to earlier in the day when he was working at Anteiku and he obverse how Touka was a bit different after what happened with the Investigators, "Lately... I've noticed that Touka has been worked up ever since the whole..."

"She snapped at me a bit more than usual, but I won't say anything about it, so I let her be," Frowning, Kaneki hasn't really seen the girl actually allow such behaviors to interfere with her work that it caught his attention, "But this time it's getting to the point that it's written across her face and it's effecting her work."

Yuzuki began to think of any possible explanation that could help understand Touka's behavior, but it's been two days since she last spoke to her about the whole ordeal, "Has she said anything that's obvious?"

Shaking his head, but he only revealed something that gave him some insight about Touka's view on the whole thing, "The manager told us about some recent ghoul activity going on in the 20th Ward which has attracted from Investigators."

"Hmmm..."

This pulled his attention over to see how the dove appeared to be aware of it so he asked, "You know about it?"

"Yes, I've noticed that Investigators who aren't assigned to the 20th Ward have been wondering around, but it's only because Mado, the man that was killed," Yuzuki whispered over to him, informing him about a few things as they continued to walk together, "He had his reputation within CCG, so of course some people will take action regardless of the formal layout of our placements throughout the wards."

He didn't know how layout of CCG or how they're organized, but from what Yuzuki said only made it sound bad in sense, "That's bad isn't it?"

"It's only for a short time," Closing her eyes, giving a small nod as she continued to speak about the matter, "However, this will stir up some ghoul activity."

"Go on," Motioning him to further explain more about what he experience that made him caution about Touka's behavior, "What else happened once Yoshimura mentioned this?"

"Well... I said I better tell Hide not to come to Anteiku and then Touka mentioned something," Scratching the side of his head, recalling the exact details as he properly explained to her, "But from the way she said it... Something wasn't right..."

Furrowing his brows, coming to a conclusion that could be the reason behind it all, "She has a friend right? A human friend from school."

"Yes."

"I've seen her once before," Tilting his head as he stared at the sky for a moment while remembering seeing a orange haired girl visit Touka before which he's assuming must be her friend.

"I met her once as well, but that was some time ago," Nodding, Yuzuki didn't know much about the human girl, but she still left a good impression, "A sweet girl and I'm glad Touka managed to make a friend that's like her."

Lowering his eye, whispering over to her "I believe something happened between them."

"So they're having a quarrel then?" Frowning at his words, Yuzuki looked over to him as she wondered what could've happened, but the dove was hopeful that Touka won't allow such a strain to effect her friendship with the human, "It's a matter of time til they make up."

Tapping his cheek, Kaneki looked up before recalling one of the books he read as he brought up something from the novel to compare it to the situation, "It's like a book I'm reading right now, there's a line: 'The best part about quarreling is making up.'"

Giggling, leaning her head against his should before calling him out for referencing a book, "You have a book for everything, don't you."

"Yeah..." Smiling sheepish once he released what he did, Kaneki looked away before wondering what will happen, "But I think she should fix it before it's too late. Surely after they make up then everything will be better for the both of them."

"If anything, Touka won't lose Yoriko because I can see the same relationship you and Hide have," Sighing, the dove reassured him that everything will be fine since Yuzuki can't see Touka parting ways from one of her closest friends. Smiling over to Kaneki as she stated, "It's quite healthy, you know."

Her expression soften, looking off to the distance as she spoke more about it, "A human and a ghoul, friends, but more importantly," Shutting her eyes, trying to find the proper words to explain what she's trying to say, "They act like a life line, a anchor, and without one of them then the world becomes quite dull."

"I'm... I'm assuming you have a friend that's like that," Kaneki stared at her, but his mind wondered over to something that caught his attention as he remembered what Uta said to him about his neck tattoo along with his thoughts about human interaction. Frowning, trying to see how it actually connects with other ghouls, ...I cannot live with you... nor without you...

But it seems like there's no easier way to explain since Yuzuki also appears to have some trouble putting it to words similar to how Uta couldn't explain it. Lowering his eye as he recalled the exact words the mask maker said, "I can't explain it, but it's enjoyable..."

"Yes, but it's quite complex and our fates have been decided already," Chuckling, she curled her fingers while a small smile caressed her lips, but the dove felt sad at the thought, We'll part ways soon

"Never mind that," Shaking her head as she changed the subject while asking for a favor, "May you do something for me?"

Tilting his head, wondering what she could ask, "What are you planning?"

"Help Touka, give her some insight, especially if she's dealing with her little conflict with Yoriko," Looking over to him as she simply told him about a few things, "You've been on the human end, so you have more power in handling any situation revolving around the human world."

Shrugging her shoulder while stating, "While Touka holds a higher ground than you involving the ghoul world."

"So you're saying that I help Touka," Not completely sure if it'll work since from his past experience, but Kaneki wasn't against the idea, "I'm not against it, don't get me wrong, but she isn't one to really allow me to help her with anything unless she asks me."

"She won't have any other choice, but to ask you," Chuckling, she looked over to him before making it clear that Touka won't have much of a choice but seek some form of advice from him.

Glancing over to her, trying to see if the dove could do it appears to be an easier option, "Why can't you just-"

"I can't," Denying his suggestion, Yuzuki sighed before telling him why she wasn't the one to take up the task, "Last time I've spoken with her, we shared a few things and I know she needs space before seeing me again after what happened. So I'll do that, give her some personal space since it's the least I could do for her at the moment."

"Plus, I believe you're more suited for it," Shrugging, pulling away from him while lacing their fingers together as she whispered to him, "I honestly don't understand the whole friend thing. I never been to a normal school, the only humans I've interacted with are from CCG and they're not exactly the typical human walking down the street nor are many around my age."

Kaneki stared at their linked hands before his eyes trailed up to see that she held a sad look when she chuckled softly to herself, "I can't relate to her issue even if I try," Setting that aside, smiling over to him while encouraging the boy to at least try, "But you must've gotten into some little arguments with Hide once and awhile."

"Yeah, it'll be awkward between the two of us for a bit, but once we make up," Kaneki looked down, remembering a few times he and Hide would argue, but every time they'll make up and move on yet it sadden him by thinking about the past, "Everything is better and our friendship just gets more... we just have this strong bond."

"Touka isn't the best person to express herself properly without any strong language or physical reactions," Worrying over the teen, Yuzuki was familiar with how Touka socializes, but it's mainly due to how she was brought up through her hardship, "So this is really difficult, but she's trying."

Thinking more about it, Kaneki agreed as he thought about how he could be helpful without irritating the girl or over stepping any type of boundaries, "So I'll help Touka and try to see what I can do for her."

Lifting her hand with his, she smiled before telling him her part of the plan, "While I try to get some information out of Yoriko and see the other half of the missing piece of this misunderstanding."

He was taken back from it, not expecting to hear that she'll be the one to speak to the human which only made him worry on how she'll do it, "How are you going to do that?"

"Touka introduced me as her cousin," Yuzuki revealed that she accidental managed to meet the girl while giving him her thoughts about the whole thing, "I believe Yoriko is concern about Touka as much as Touka is concern about her. So there will be a possibility that Yoriko will ask me about Touka which is when I'll dig up some information by asking settle questions."

"Won't that be difficult?"

"You have no idea who you're talking to," Giggling, she couldn't stop herself from finding his question to be funny, but Yuzuki only smiled at him, "I'm one who can get any kind of information with ease."

Kaneki stopped in his tracks while letting go of the dove's hand which gotten Yuzuki's full attention as she turned over to him, "Why did you stop?"

Blinking, snapping himself out of his train of thought before catching up with her as he remembered the last time he walked her home, "Last time I was here, I..."

"You first saw my father, I remember clearly," Yuzuki could recall the memory, but she sighed before motioning him to follow, "But come on."

"Huh?"

Chuckling at how flustered he was, Yuzuki grabbed his hand, "I'm inviting you in."

Before he could say anything else, he was pulled along with her, "B-but-"

"We can talk more inside," The two walked through the lobby room, but Yuzuki tried to ease his nerves as the head over towards the staircase. Taking a deep breath, following alongside the dove as he looked around before returning his attention back to Yuzuki when she mentioned, "I don't take elevator just to let you know," Pausing midway on the staircase until Kaneki caught up before she revealed something about herself, "I tend to get panic attack at times when I do use them."

He was taken back from her, not understanding how she said it so nonchalant and Yuzuki made sure that it wasn't something to worry about, "I'm fine, so don't worry."

Opening the door to her apartment, Yuzuki entered the room while inviting him in, "This is my home," Removing her shoes near the door as Kaneki soon followed her lead after closing the door behind him.

Looking around, he noticed that the dove left the living room, but she called over to him, "Oh, don't mind Shiro," Furrowing his brows, assuming she must be referring to a pet that was around, "He's must be roaming around, surprisingly he wasn't waiting for me at the door by now."

Moving further inside the room, Kaneki looked over his shoulder before responding back, "You have a pet?"

"A cat," Answering his question, Yuzuki giggled before telling him how she managed to get a pet, "My uncle managed to get my father into agreeing, which I don't how he did, but he did."

Smiling as she went to tend to her pet's needs, making sure there was a proper amount of food and water while telling Kaneki how she felt about her cat, "Shiro is the one to keep me company, to calm me when I'm troubled, and nonetheless," Sighing, moving over to him as she added, "He's main job is to run off to get help whenever I'm in trouble."

"A service animal then," He awkwardly stood beside the couch while looking around the place for a brief moment before looking over to the food bowl that belongs to the cat, I wouldn't have thought...

"Somewhat," Shrugging, Yuzuki went over to her desk as she continued to talk to him, "I don't know how I long I've had him, but I can't imagine life without him."

"However, I haven't taken him with me when I'm out in the wards," Setting some things into her bag so she could keep everything tucked away, "I leave him here when I go to CCG since obvious reasons."

"Huh?" Something caught his attention from the corner of his eye, turning as he finally saw the black feline pass by him and Kaneki chuckled before looking over to the dove, "Found him," Watching how the cat didn't mind him much attention as it leaped onto the desk before moving towards her which caused him to smile, He went straight for her

Petting the small creature, Yuzuki smiled at the sound that erupted from him, "He tends to not associate himself with strangers at first, so he'll warm up to you in time."

His expression soften, watching how the cat nuzzled against her neck as it rested around her shoulders, "He really likes you, doesn't he," Taking a step away from where he stood, Kaneki moved around the living space, "Your home is nice," Stopping in front of the bookcase, he looked over his shoulder as he commented while chuckling, "I can't imagine you read most of these."

"I feel insulted," Allowing Shiro to leave her so he could roam the place once again, but Yuzuki walked over to the boy while brushing her fingers across the books, "I've listened to audiobook or someone read them with me. But I haven't had the time to start a new one or search for one due to the whole mess."

Looking up, he was taken back the second a piano caught his eye and he smiled before facing the dove, "I would've been surprised if you didn't have a piano in your home."

Yuzuki nodded, not sparing any words as she allowed him to wonder the place while she took a seat on her couch. The dove was a bit worn out with everything that has been going on and she just wanted to rest for a moment.

Meanwhile, Kaneki paused when he realized there was a picture frame and his eyes widen once he got a clear look, This must be her uncle and her father when they were younger... Something struck him, frowning once he noticed how her father didn't have the white hair which made him wonder how old the man must be or what could've happened to cause the color to disappear, ...Her father had blue hair back then...

Without thinking, he picked up the frame as he stared at the photo and he smiled softly once he saw how Yuzuki looked slightly different back then, She looked so...

Leaning over his shoulder, she chuckled before commenting, "I was adorable back then, wasn't I?"

"You don't have to answer," She didn't expect any response and the girl couldn't even tell since the photo didn't appear to be much through her eyes, but she knew it was special, "I can't tell anyways."

His face heated up, setting the photo back to its rightful place while whispering over to her, "You looked cute," But he couldn't face her, covering his face once he realized how he must've sounded to her by saying such a thing.

Her hand rested on his shoulder, yet she poked his cheek and Yuzuki smiled at how warm his skin was which she only assumed that he was blushing, "You must've been an adorable child yourself," Pulling away the moment she felt her cat nudging her leg, trying to gain her attention which made her giggle, "I know you're there, Shiro," Picking up the feline, Yuzuki excused herself before walking down the hall towards her room, "Give me a second."

"Okay," Releasing a deep breath, calming his nerves as he looked around, but Kaneki finally realized one detail about the place, She doesn't have many photos... Frowning once the thought crossed his mind when he began to notice, None date back to when she lived with her biologic parents...

Running his hand over the couch, his eye skimmed the place and he smiled before leaning back on the object, But her home feels cozy... Blinking, looking over to the corner of the living room, he took account that there was a desk which he assumed was used for work then his attention shifted over to her quinque case that leaned against the wall.

But something stood out the most for him, tilting his head once he saw something set aside on one of the bookshelves, Wait... What's...? Walking over, he picked up the strange object before realizing it was a walking stick compacted together and he couldn't help himself from chuckling to himself, This isn't something I would've expected

"What are you laughing at now?"

"No, it's nothing, sorry," Quickly setting it back before holding his hands up in defense, "Yuzuki-chan, I don't think that-"

Yuzuki raised a brow before laughing at how he reacted to her sudden appearance, "I wouldn't have thought of you to laugh at someone who's blind."

His eyes widen, trying to clear up any misunderstanding but his sentence was cut short when the dove picked the object up, "Yuzuki-chan, I wasn't-"

Picking up the compacted walking stick, Yuzuki activated it as she set down in front of her before bluntly stating, "It may only be a simple object, but do you know I can use this as a weapon?"

"Y-yeah..."

"I'm joking, partially," Chuckling, folding the walking stick back into itself before setting back as she explained, "I merely wanted to say is that, this is a tool I use to blend in as a normal human whenever I decide to just roam around."

The thought made him worry, not sure how to feel about the idea as he tried to bring up a possible issue, "But don't you think ghouls will... you know take advantage of that."

"Well, they're not lucky, aren't they?" Raising a brow, Yuzuki smiled faintly before responding back, "And no, I don't kill them if that's your thoughts."

"I d-didn't, Yuzuki-chan!"

"However, after meeting the cold ground by someone who's 'blind' and is spared mercy," Shrugging her shoulders, moving away from the boy as she informed him about a few things, "Well, they tend not to bother anyone afterwards."

Looking over her shoulder as she offered, "Coffee?"

Kaneki only stared, but he accepted the request before walking over to the couch as he finally took a sit. Looking up once the dove set the two mugs down on the coffee table, Yuzuki sat down beside him before asking, "When this is all cleared up, do you want to try that idea I mentioned before," Reaching over, collecting her mug into her hands as she took in the scent while waiting for his response.

Lowering his eye, he thought about some other things within the time frame that she brought up the idea, "If it's possible, but if not then..." Still he couldn't say it out loud so instead he picked up the coffee mug.

"First, Touka needs to clear up her ordeal which shouldn't take long," Setting the mug back down before leaning back against the couch as she wondered about a few things.

"Yuzuki?"

"Hmm?"

"If we managed to go through with the plan then maybe... Afterwards, on another day..." Placing the mug down, keeping his head low for a moment before facing her as he suggested, "Maybe we can go somewhere else, together."

Sitting up, Yuzuki stared at him before asking, "Ourselves?"

"Yes," Kaneki nodded and this time he was the one to say the word unlike Yuzuki did when they went out when he was still human, "So we can go on a date."

For a moment she was taken back that he didn't hesitate like many other times whenever he wanted to say something, but this time he didn't stutter. Smiling at the thought, she leaned against him before closing her eyes, whispering, "I'll like that."

"Me too," Kaneki smiled, closing his eye for a moment until he felt her fingers brush over his eye patch and he tensed up. Opening his eyes, realizing how she was removing the material that covered his kakugan, but closed his eyes once Yuzuki spoke up.

"Relax," The dove carefully removed the eye patch, she understood why he wore it. However, Yuzuki was trying to get him more comfortable without wearing it majority of the time and the dove moved back with the soft material in between her fingers. Blinking, she felt something against her shoulder and Kaneki rested his head against her as they sat there in silence until they needed to part ways once it gets late.

---

3rd Pov

Some time passed and the group decided to go out together after everything calmed down for everyone. The dove was helping make sure that Hinami was well disguise to lower the chances of anyone recognizing her while the others waited and sorted themselves downstairs in the cafe. Adjusting the black wig on her before allowing Hinami to move it around until she was comfortable with it then Yuzuki stepped back to ask, "Do you feel comfortable?"

"Yes," Nodding, Hinami was excited to get out of the cafe with everyone instead of staying within Anteiku, "So no one is going tell it's me?"

"Even with your hair cut, it's best to wear this for now," Giggling, Yuzuki remembered that the girl decided to cut her hair short and the dove thought it cute. Running her fingers through the long locks that belong to the wig as she commented, "You'll blend in and nonetheless, you'll look like Irimi's niece or even Kaneki's little sister with this hair color."

Tilting her head, Hinami was slightly confused by the dove's words, "I thought you can't see?"

Sitting back, she chuckled before properly informing her of how she managed to pick the wig out, "I can't, which is why I had Kaneki go with me to get this wig for you," Smiling, she remembered their little trip to get things to disguise the girl, "I needed him to actually see for me, so he was my eyes for a moment."

Hinami smiled at the mention of Kaneki's name which reminded her, "Big brother gave me a few new books and I can't wait to read them."

"I'm happy to hear that," Reaching over to the table, Yuzuki handed a pair of fake glasses to the girl, "Here, put these on."

Observing the glasses within her hands, she looked through the frames before whispering, "I don't need glasses."

"They're not real, so they shouldn't bother you," The dove placed the glasses over the girl's eye as she reassured her that it won't effect her sight.

"Oh..."

Making sure that the girl was comfortable with the disguise and seeing that she was prepared to go, "Is everything fine?"

"Yup!"

"Good," Standing up, Yuzuki flatten out her dress before adjusting her cardigan around her, "Come on, the others are waiting for us."

"Yuzuki-chan?" Looking up towards the dove, Hinami still wasn't fully comfortable since she's fine with everyone within Anteiku, but she wasn't sure about strangers, "Who... Who's going with us?"

Opening the door, Yuzuki answered her question about who will be joining them, "The two of us along with Touka and Kaneki, which they have their friends tag alone."

"But-?"

"They won't hurt you and more importantly, I'll make sure you're fine," Reassuring that nothing will happen for having a few humans around them for the day, "Touka, Kaneki and me will protect you if anything happens."

Holding her hand out to the young girl, Yuzuki smiled softly to her as she curled her fingers around Hinami's hand the moment the girl grabbed her, "I promise."

Hinami nodded, trusting the dove as she remain close to her, "Okay."

"Lets go," Closing the door behind her, Yuzuki hoped that the girl will enjoy her time out, "I think you'll like the zoo. Maybe the bird sanctuary might be your favorite or the aquarium."

Looking away, she wasn't sure what to expect since she hardly went out to explore the world around her, "I never went to the zoo before."

"Then it's your lucky day," The two went down the stairs, Yuzuki kept her hand near the railing as they went to meet up with the others in the shop. Midway through the staircase, Yuzuki miscalculated her footing but she grabbed onto the railing to keep herself from tripping.

Quickly reacting, Hinami held onto the dove as she helped her regain her balance since the dove misplaced her footing on the stairs. Hinami looked up to see that Yuzuki also noticed that she mistaken her steps and the young girl tightened her grip on the dove's hand, "I got you Yuzuki-chan!"

"Thank you, Hinami," Yuzuki made sure that Hinami was aware that her name shouldn't be used in public, "Remember we can't use your real name, okay."

"I know," Nodding, remembering her talk with Touka about the subject and understanding to use an alias, "Touka-chan told me earlier today."

Once reaching the front of the shop they were greeted by three faces, but the dove was taken back at the sudden mention of her name which only meant that Hide was waiting with Kaneki and Touka, "Yuzuki!"

"You took forever," Touka hoped off the stole as she muttered to herself once seeing the two emerge from hall.

"Sorry about it," Letting go of Hinami's hand before chuckling as she mentioned, "Had trouble with the stairs."

Kaneki smiled over to Hinami before motioning over to his friend as he introduced the two, "Sora, this is Hide, a good friend of mine."

Stepping in, Touka stood beside Hinami as they continued to build the fake alias that Hinami will be using for the time being, "She's our coworkers' niece, so we decided to take her out with us."

"Nice to meet ya, little lady~" Hide waved at the young girl before nudging his friend when he commented, "Aww~! She looks like you. Kaneki!"

Sighing, Kaneki also wasn't completely at ease with the thought of having his friend and Touka's be around them since majority of the group consist of ghouls, "Hide, don't start now, please."

Yuzuki noticed that they were missing someone, furrowing her brows before turning over to indigo haired girl, "Touka where's-"

"I'm going to meet up with her, so I'll see you three over there," Cutting her off, Touka agreed to meet up with Yoriko somewhere else aside the cafe and she motioned Hinami to come along so the two could head off, "Come on Sora."

Hinami went over to Touka while looking over her shoulder as she smiled at her friends, "I'll see you later big brother, you too Yuzuki-chan!"

Kaneki returned a smile as he waved back at the two, "I'll see you soon."

"Alright lets get going," Yuzuki smiled as she reached over to him, lacing their fingers together while Kaneki opened the door so they could head out.

Hide grinned over to Kaneki before wrapping an arm over his friend as he chuckled, "Already holding hands, aren't we~" Looking over to the dove, Hide joked around with the two, "Don't mind me stealing him randomly later on, Yuzuki."

"Go right ahead," Giggling, she turned over to him while granting him permission but her attention shifted over to Kaneki turned over to her, trying to get her to say something instead she only didn't seem too bothered by it.

Looking over to him, Kaneki frowned slightly, "You're the worst wingman ever."

"I'm the best wingman ever," Holding his arms behind his head, Hide laughed at his words before moving over so he could walk alongside Kaneki, "And I got no shame about it!"

"That's why I'm worried..." Sighing in defeat, Kaneki knew how his friend can be and surely he's expecting something to come out of this.

"Next time you should go somewhere else," Hide placed arm over Kaneki's shoulder as he tried to give him some advise, "And no, no bookstore. I know you, Kaneki, and I won't let you have a boring date."

Leaning over, Yuzuki couldn't stop herself from smiling as she revealed, "Actually, I'm planning to take him with me to see Sen Takatsuki when she has her book signing."

"Yuzuki, you're not helping!"

"What about..." Tapping the side of his head, Hide had one idea for the them to try out and he nudged him as he smirked, "Kaneki you should take her swimming, if you know what I mean~"

His eye widen while his face flushed, Kaneki stared at his friend in disbelief for suggesting such a thing to him, "W-what, no!"

Trying to convince him into agreeing or suggesting something else, "Come on-"

Finally cutting into their conservation, Yuzuki decided to save the trouble as she simply stated, "Sorry to burst your bubble, but I don't like swimming."

Raising a brow, Hide wanted to know if there was any reason behind it, "Can't swim? Even a better reason?"

"No, I don't like it," Not wanting to speak any further about the topic, Yuzuki didn't want to bring up any old memories surrounding the issue due to some horrific experiences she had with it.

"Why?"

Frowning to herself, recalling faint memories but quickly setting them aside so it won't ruin the mood, "Reasons."

"Hmm..." Hide eyed her for a moment, observing her enough to know that there was a story behind it, but instead it let it go before anything were to transpire, "Okay."

Kaneki watched the dove, he too noticed by the tone of her voice that she wasn't fond of the topic. Shifting his attention back to his friend, Kaneki sighed to himself, "Hide, I really appreciate you helping, but you're not helping."

Without much thought, the human quickly changed the subject as he moved over towards the dove, "Yuzuki, did I tell you how Kaneki tried to ask you out and how-"

"Hide!"

Furrowing her brows, Yuzuki tilted her head before looking over to Kaneki while recalling the story he shared with her, but she was a bit confused once facing Hide, "Wait, is this also the moment you tried to talk about... poop?"

He didn't deny it one bit, nodding his head as he laughed to himself while recalling how flustered his friend was about the whole conservation that led to the topic, "Oh, yeah, when Kaneki was just dodging questions, so I decided to change the topic and-"

Closing his eye, he groan at how awkward he was about the whole thing and he didn't want to relive it again, "And it only got me to answer his questions because I didn't want to listen to a conversation about..."

"So you told her about that, but now how you tried to ask her," Sending the eye patched boy a look, Hide shook his head, "Buddy, you really need to know what to say and what not to say."

Hide smiled over to his best friend as he recalled how they went through some ideas for later activities that the pair could consider, "Actually, Kaneki had a few ideas and it's thanks to me for helping him out."

Raising a brow, Yuzuki looked over to Kaneki, "Is that so?"

"...Yeah, but I'm not going to tell you," Chuckling, he smiled sheepish while scratching the back of his head.

"I think you two would have fun," Patting the two on the back, encouraging them, but Hide quickly changed topics as he grabbed onto Kaneki, "Oh! Kaneki you gotta come with us when we try out that duet we were working on."

Blinking, he watched how his friend was excited to show off what he's been up to with the dove, "You finished it?"

Sighing, Yuzuki closed her eyes as she leaned her head against his shoulder while explaining why they took more time on it than she originally planned, "It took a bit longer due to some minor issues that didn't settle well, but we managed to figure it out and fix it."

Kaneki nodded his head, agreeing that he'll support them, "I'll be there then," Of course he'll watch them, without a doubt Hide was happy to entangle himself with the progress of making music since it caught his interest and surely the dove must've work hard to help the human out.

"Good!"

---

3rd Pov

The three girls waited for the others to arrive, Touka frowned to herself as she wondered what could be taking them so long as stood close to her human friend, but her attention shifted over to Hinami when the girl spoke out, "Touka, they're here!"

"Finally," Muttering herself as she finally caught sight of the three walking towards their direction.

Yoriko furrowed her brows slightly, looking over to Touka as she asked, "Wait, are these the friends your cousin asked you to help her?" Glancing back towards the small group, her eyes widen once realizing that two of them were holding hands, "Wait! Is she-"

"Yes, one of them is her boyfriend who works with me," Nodding, Touka didn't want to discuss much about the matter as she simply laid out some facts, "The other one is his friend."

"I see," Looking back to her friend, Yoriko whispered over to the ghoul, "They're cute~"

"Yoriko!"

Hinami rushed over to meet up with Kaneki and the others while calling over to the indigo haired girl, "Come on, Touka-chan!"

Yuzuki smiled once reaching where Touka and the others were, "Glad you guys are here."

Crossing her arms, Touka raised a brow before glancing between the group as she asked, "Where to first?"

"Sora? Where do you want to go?" Kaneki looked over to Hinami since he wanted to make sure that the girl enjoys her experience out with everyone.

Looking up at him through the frames that rested over her eyes, Hinami didn't know how to answer since it was her first time going to something like this, "I.. I never been to a zoo or this place before... So I don't know."

Unfolding the map to the place, Yoriko already knew how the place was since she and Touka came recently, but she wanted to make sure that everyone was properly informed about the place, "They opened up the aquarium recently, then we have the bird sanctuary, and zoo itself."

Hinami looked over to Touka, asking the teen if it was okay, "Can we go to the aquarium first?"

"Anything for ya~" Hide was the one to respond back to the girl's request before allowing his eyes to wonder over to his surrounding.

Kaneki looked between everyone checking if everyone agreed, "What do you guys think?"

"Sure, lets go," Touka walked alongside Yoriko while holding Hinami's hand as they went ahead towards the aquarium with Hide following behind meanwhile the two half ghouls lingered a bit behind the others as they talked among themselves.

Walking behind the others, Yuzuki smiled to herself as she lifted her head up to face Kaneki before bringing up an old memory that they shared, "Looks like we're officially going on a date."

"Well... More like a group activity, but yeah..." He paused for a moment, but he smiled at the thought that brought up some mixed feelings as he whispered back to her, "It reminds me before when..."

Running her thumb over his, she smiled faintly while whispering back, "It's the same, you know, despite the only change is that you know what I am and now you're not completely human," Leaning against him as she sighed, "But it still feels the same."

"Yeah..." He smiled once his eye landed on their theirs hands, whispering over to the dove as he vividly remembered the day they came to the place together, "At least you know how the aquarium is since last time."

Giggling, she remembered how he took his time making sure that he covered almost every inch of the place before they moved onto different areas. Yuzuki could clearly picture how the aquarium should look and now she hopes that they'll go somewhere new, "Maybe we can check out the bird sanctuary since we didn't go last time."

"I think that'll be nice," His whole facial expression soften, enjoying the thought of exploring a different area and being able to spend some time with the dove as they carefully obverse their surrounding.

"Hey you two~!" Hide turned around, calling the two out for lingering behind them, "Come on, you two can't be wondering behind us."

"Hide-"

Without much thought, Hide quickly decided to take the dove away for a moment, "I'm gonna take Yuzuki from ya, Kaneki~"

His eye widen, frowning at how his friend acted on impulse while ignoring his protest, "Wait-"

Pulling the dove with him without giving his friend enough time to protest, Hide dropped an arm around her as he began to ask a few questions about the pair, "Yuzuki, so you and Kaneki went on a date together here, huh? How did that go?"

"Big brother, you look a bit sad," Hinami looked up to see Kaneki sigh to himself and the girl glanced back to watch the human boy talk to the dove, "Is it because your friend took Yuzuki-chan away?"

Watching how Yuzuki laughed at something Hide said and without a doubt the boy must have mentioned something about Kaneki, but the eye patch boy decided to let it be, "My friend is a bit strange and he's messing around with me," Chuckling, reassuring that there wasn't any ill will about it, "But it's no harm."

Offering a hand out for Hinami, he smiled at the young ghoul, "Come on, you have to see this."

They walked into the aquarium where the atmosphere felt refreshing and Hinami's eyes widen once she saw how the place looked. Her eyes followed some of the small little creatures swim freely behind the glass that divided them, she beamed once catching sight of a turtle and she quickly turned over towards Touka, "Touka-chan! Look!"

Pausing, Touka smiled to herself as she watched how happy Hinami looked as the girl explored the place with Kaneki. Snapping back to reality, she looked over to her side expecting to see her friend, but the girl wasn't there and the ghoul felt a bit paranoid as she called out, "Yoriko"

"I'm over here, Touka-chan!"

Turning towards the sound of her voice, Touka sighed once seeing Yoriko further inside the aquarium and the teen knew she should've expected her friend to head over to her favorite area within the aquarium. Walking down the path to meet up with the girl meanwhile Yoriko looked over to find the dove staring through the glass that held the stingrays and the human decided to speak up, "Yuzuki, right?"

Yuzuki nodded, smiled back at the girl as she formerly greeted her, "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Yoriko, and I'm glad that you and Touka made up."

"Yes... I'm happy to see her enjoying herself," Glancing over her shoulder, Yoriko watched how her friend smiled at Hinami and it only made Yoriko smile at the sight, "Touka-chan... changed a bit, hasn't she?"

She was taken back slightly at the girl's assumption, but in the end Yuzuki's eyes soften at how the human appeared to care deeply about Touka. Nodding, taking a deep breath as she responded, "I think it's for the better."

The two turned once Hide arrived to their area, he held his hand out to the girl since they didn't properly introduce themselves earlier, "I'm Hide."

Shaking his head, Yoriko was a bit timid, but she introduced herself as well before stepping back, "Y-yoriko."

Raising a brow, Hide glanced over towards Touka to see that the girl was busy bickering with Kaneki for a moment and the human chuckled to himself before asking, "You're Touka's friend?"

"Yup~!"

Meanwhile, Touka still felt uneasy about the whole thing as she constantly felt the need to look over her shoulder or something. She had this feeling ever since what happened with the Investigator, to the point that it was affecting her everyday life where people caught on with her change in behavior. But she managed to take it easy and let go of some of the feelings surrounding the whole ordeal.

However, it was somewhat clear to rest tied with Anteiku and Kaneki looked over to her, "Just relax Touka."

"Why should I?" Retorting back, not understanding how he could be calm when they're among the humans and out in the open, but she knew it was overreacting, "We're-"

"Big brother is right, Touka-chan," Hinami wanted to see the older girl to have fun, but something caught her attention from the corner of her eye, "Look!"

Looking over to the young girl, Touka sighed as she stood beside Hinami, "Those are sting rays."

"Touka-chan!" Yoriko called over to her friend so they could head over to a different area, "Lets go to the petting area, Touka-chan!"

Looking over to Hinami seeing if the girl will join her, but the girl didn't want to go along which left Touka to head over to where Yoriko was. While Kaneki asked the young ghoul, "Do you want to go?"

Her eyes remained glued ahead of her, watching the stingrays glide through the place and Hinami didn't know what to do next, "I'm not sure."

The dove smiled over to Hinami, encouraging her to go, "I think you'll like it."

Hinami turned around, recognizing the voice and she smiled to see the dove, "Yuzuki-chan!"

Chuckling, she accepted Kaneki's hand and the dove ruffled her hair, around with the two, "Miss me?"

He was expecting to see Hide accompany the dove since he was the one to take her away with him earlier, but instead Yuzuki didn't have the human with her, "Where did Hide go?"

Motioning over to the direction that she came, "He's with Touka and Yoriko."

Furrowing his brows, not knowing how to feel that since Touka has threaten him a few times about Hide, so he's kinda unsure about the idea, "Hmm... Okay," He took some time to obverse the three especially knowing that his friend is more sociable than Touka, "I wonder how those two will interact since the last time wasn't..."

"I've heard from Touka and I also heard it from Hide," Sighing, remembering how the two have interacted before and the outcomes of each one, "Two different stories which is quite funny."

Hinami looked up at the two before asking, "After this can we go to the bird sanctuary?"

The three of them began to head over to the others so they could discuss where to go together. Yuzuki hasn't gone through much of the place besides the aquarium, so she didn't know what to expect from the other areas, "I haven't gone there," Lifting her head over to Kaneki if he has been there, "Have you?"

"Once, but I think they probably changed it from the last time I went," Kaneki thought back to when he was a bit younger where he and Hide would wonder through the place at times when they're not the library or at the park.

Hide was the one the speak up once everyone was together, "We're going to a different area?"

Hinami left Kaneki's side as she looked over to Touka, hoping that they'll see go see the birds in their habit, "We're going to the bird sanctuary!"

"I remember going before, right Kaneki?" Tapping the side of his cheek, Hide snapped his fingers before pointing over to his friend while recalling old times. Nodding, Kaneki smiled at the old memories, but he didn't want to linger too much about it, "Yeah,"

Once hearing that they're going somewhere that involves birds, Touka quickly rejected the idea, "I'm not going."

Yoriko tilted her head, noticing how her friend deeply disliked the idea and she wondered the reason behind it, "Why Touka-chan?"

"Come on Oneesan!" Clasping her hands together, Hinami pleaded in hopes to get her to agree, "Please!"

Kaneki tried to persuade her since he didn't want the girl to isolate herself while the others went on without her, "Touka come on, you can't possibly-"

"I'm afraid of birds alright!" Crossing her arms, Touka looked away from the group after little outburst and she didn't want to hear anything from them about her fear.

Hinami smiled softly, she wouldn't have thought something like that didn't settle well with Touka, "Oneesan... But they can't do anything to you."

Her eyes soften, never expecting that something like bird terrified Touka, her friend that always appeared fearless most of the time, "That's cute, I wouldn't have thought that from you, Touka-chan."

Leaning over to the dove, Kaneki was surprised to find out that Touka was scared of birds. Whispering over to Yuzuki, wondering if she was aware of it, "Did you know?"

"No," Shaking her head, Yuzuki didn't know about the girl's fear and it made her ponder if there was any explanation for it.

Refusing to say another word about the subject, Touka already decided to stay out of the place and aware from the creatures so she could wait for them, "Don't want to talk about, so I'm not going in there."

"But Touka you-"

"No."

Volunteering to keep the girl company while the others went ahead of them, "I'll stay with Touka-chan,"

Kaneki attempted to get his friend from changing his decision, but he didn't get to finish his sentence when Hide waved it off, "Hide you shouldn't-"

Not minding to sit out while the others enter that place, Hide reassured them that he was fine with it, "It's okay."

"I'm fine," She frowned slightly, Touka tried to decline his offer without sounding too rude so she could avoid another scene.

Raising a brow once Yoriko came over to her, the girl gave her the thumbs up as she encouraged the indigo haired girl into socializing, "Come on, Touka-chan, you can talk to him and-"

Her eyes widen, Touka frowned to herself, but before she could say something back to her friend Yoriko ran off with Hinami, "Yoriko, stop it-!"

Just like that Touka watched the others leave her with the human boy which got Yuzuki and Kaneki to keep an eye on the two. The dove whispered over to Kaneki, both following behind Hinami and Yoriko as they entered the bird habitat, "How long do you think they'll last before something happens?"

"Knowing Hide... Well... Depending on what he says," Scratching the side of his face, Kaneki glanced over his shoulder to see that Hide was trying to get Touka to talk about whatever topic he decided on.

Reassuring that Touka will be fine since it should be good for her to socialize with other people, "Touka has to open up to people and he's an extrovert, so I think she'll do fine."

"Maybe," He gave a nod, hoping that it'll be the case instead of something bad. His attention went over to Hinami who called out to him and the dove let go of his hand, so he go over towards Hinami.

Yuzuki folded her arms behind her, strolling through place and all she could hear was the mixed sounds that surrounded her. The dove could only imagine the different types of bird species there were, but Yuzuki couldn't pin point any clear label on what sound belonged to what bird.

Her attention was pulled away once she realized that Yoriko was near and the dove started up a conservation with the girl, "I never asked, how long have you and Touka been friends?"

Yoriko didn't expect to hear that question and the human girl took a moment before answering back, "I... I remember seeing her alone most of the time, not really talking to anyone, but I-" She smiled at the thought, "I somehow managed to build the courage to talk to her and.. Then we became good friends!"

"I'll make lunch for us and whenever she's sick then I'll bring something over for her too!" Pausing, her eyes soften, Yoriko held her hands together as she revealed her feelings about her friend, "I like Touka-chan, she's strong and everything I can't be, but I'm really happy to see her have fun even if it's not too noticeable."

"I'm glad you're her friend, Yoriko," Yuzuki closed her eyes, she felt relieved that Touka managed to find someone like Yoriko and surely their friendship won't falter, "You're an amazing person that Touka must be lucky to have."

Yoriko stared at the dove, "You think so?"

"Yes," Giving a nod, she smiled over to the girl, "You care about her a lot and she does too."

Looking over her shoulder, Yoriko smiled when she saw how Touka actually was socializing instead of giving the cold shoulder, "Look at them~!"

Furrowing her brows, shrugging it aside, "I can't really tell."

"Oh! Sorry!" Quickly covering her mouth, she felt bad when she remembered what Touka once said to her about the dove, "Touka-chan mentioned that you're.. Uh..."

Chuckling, reassuring her that it's fine while explaining, "It's okay, I just can't see from all the way back here."

"From what I can tell, looks like they're probably talking about music since he gave her his headphones, so she's probably listening to something," Taking the time to give a layout of what was going on so the dove could get an understanding, "I really want to know what they're saying, but from her expression she looks kinda annoyed and confused."

"Well, that's Hide for you," The dove chuckled before guessing what he could be saying and also revealing a detail, "He probably talking about something strange, but interesting for him. His taste in music is lately english which if I can remember-"

Yoriko looked over to her, she was aware that her friend "Touka-chan doesn't know english."

Before the dove could respond back someone called out to her and it was Hinami rushing over towards the two with Kaneki following close behind, "Yuzuki-chan, this is so fun!" Hinami took another look around the place before facing the dove, "Look at all the birds, so many with all different colors!"

Regardless if she could see what the others can, Yuzuki was happy to hear that Hinami enjoyed her time. She felt someone reach out for her hand, but Yuzuki knew it was Kaneki who whispered to her, "I'll explain later if you want."

"It's fine, Ken, so don't worry," Yuzuki turned over to him, making sure that there wasn't anything to apologize about and she offered, "Maybe next time if we come back together."

He felt guilty for not being with her which got him worried about what she'll say, "I left you alone and without-"

"It's fine," It wasn't a big deal for the dove, but she didn't want him to worry over something like that. Yuzuki wrapped her arms around him, whispering back to him, "You were with Hinami so it's okay."

Giggling, she watched to the pair interact with one another and Yoriko couldn't help herself from saying something, "You two are so cute together."

The two of them turned after hearing Yoriko's comment which caused the boy to flush at the sudden comment regarding his relationship with the dove, "Uhh... T-thanks..."

"Lets meet up with Touka and Hide," Yuzuki tugged his hand, motioning them to head over towards the area that their friends were waiting for them and the dove is only expecting to hear something from either of them about their time.

Hinami walked alongside Kaneki as she stared over to where Touka was waiting for them, "Maybe next time when Oneesan isn't scared then she could come in here with us."

He smiled down at her, releasing a deep breath as he looked up to see Hide waving at them, "I hope so."

Yoriko went to her friend's side who looked at everyone before checking the time, "Time to head back."

As they began to take their leave they passed through the area that held the giraffes and Hinami was amazed at large animals that she couldn't take her eyes off them. Blinking, she turned when she saw Hide offer to give her lift, "I got you Sora, so you can see the giraffes."

Glancing over to the others, she saw that Kaneki gave her a nod and Hinami took the offer as she sat on the human boy's shoulders. She saw how they were large in size especially with their long necks, seeing they had a coat patterned with brown patches over the yellow color, "They're so tall..."

"Be careful, they like to lick you if you get too close~" Chuckling, making sure to keep a distance from the fence, Hide glanced down at the habitat to see that giraffes minding their own business, but he continued to move along with the rest of the group, "Feels weird when they do."

Leaving the zoo, the group split into two groups like before and Touka followed behind the others while Yoriko walked alongside her. The human girl clasped her hands together, joking around with her friend as she asked, "So how was your little date~?"

Flicking the side of her arm, Touka muttered back as she frowned to herself, "It wasn't a date, dummy."

Yoriko was curious about how her friend handled being with Hide, mainly since they know how Touka was about socializing with others, "But what happen? Please, tell me!"

"He started off with what music I listen to then he let me hear some of his recent bands he's listening to," Shrugging her shoulders, Touka furrowed her brows as she mentioned, "Which I couldn't understand since it was in a different language, english to be exact."

Tilting her head, she wondered what Touka thought about the foreign music, "Did you like it?"

Frowning to herself as she recalled how the music sounded, Touka didn't know how she felt about it, but she didn't hate it nor did she love it. Yet she won't deny that it was enjoyable to an extent, "...I like the beat to it and how it sounds, but I didn't know what it was saying."

Suggesting a thought for her friend, but she didn't finish her sentence since Touka shot it down without giving it much thought, "Maybe he can teach you and then-"

Quickly rejecting the idea, Touka crossed her arms as she looked over to the others ahead of them, "Nope, not gonna happen."

The two were ahead of the others, but not too much yet enough for them to talk among another. Most of the time they were the others but now they have time to themselves even if it's brief. Linking her arm with his, Yuzuki closed her eyes as she sighed tiredly, "I had fun."

"Me too," Sparing a glance over to her, he smiled, "Next time we can go somewhere together."

"I'll like that," A smile caressed her lips at the thought, but the dove was content to know that the others enjoyed their time, "I'm just glad to see how Hinami happy and to see that even Touka is enjoying herself."

Kaneki looked over his shoulder to see the others having a good time with each and he chuckled before whispering to himself, "I think we should do stuff like this again..." It made him feel normal by spending the day with some of his friends without worrying about anything.

Resting her head against his shoulder, agreeing with him that they should try out more group activities, "We should."

"Tired?" Raising a brow, he took notice that the dove was appeared to be tired out.

Shaking her head, Yuzuki moved back a bit, "A little bit, but I'm fine."

The two soon felt someone wrap their arms around them, Hide laughed before rested his chin against Kaneki's shoulder as he glanced between the two, "Am I interrupting something~?"

Chuckling, she tilted her head over to him, "Not all, Hide."

Kaneki could feel his cheeks heat up at the sudden appearance that his friend did and he gave him a look before muttering under his breath, "You're having too much fun doing that, aren't you?"

Smirking, Hide kept his arm around his friend a bit longer before providing some space again, "I got to tease you~!"

Hinami walked up beside the dove, but she looked up to see Kaneki and the girl furrowed her brows, "Big brother your face is getting-"

Yuzuki giggled as she made her own comment, "Cute as ever."

Covering his face, he didn't even want to know how much his redden, "Stop, please stop the embarrassment."

Laughing, Hide offered a high five to the dove as they teased the boy, but the human boy patted his friend on the back, "Aww, my dear Kaneki is all flustered~"

Touka raised a brow, she saw how the eye patched boy looked and she only chuckled to herself, "You look like an idiot."

"This was fun!" Yoriko clasped her hands together, beaming over to Touka as she tried to get her friend to agree on doing more activities, "We should do it again, right Touka-chan?"

She stared at her for a moment before looking away, "...Yeah..."

Grabbing her hand, Hinami giggled as she felt exhilarated after spending the day doing something so new to her, "Oneesan this was so much fun!"

Touka smiled down at her, accepting her hand as they continued to walk, "I'm glad to hear that you had fun."

Searching through her bag, Yoriko pulled out a box of pocky as she offered to the others, "Do you guys want some pocky?"

"Yes please~" Hide accepted the offer, taking a pocky stick which was covered with chocolate and the boy held it between his lips for a moment before smiling over to Kaneki, but the orange haired boy chuckled at the response he received. Then he simply enjoyed the chocolate covered treat before taking another piece.

Yoriko looked over to Hinami as she offered the small girl the treat, "Sora?"

Hinami stared at the human food, but she shook her head while declining the offer since she can't have it, "I don't like pocky."

Turning over to the pair, Yoriko also offered them some of the pocky sticks, "Yuzuki? Kaneki?"

Declining the offer, Kaneki didn't want to experience any awful taste for attempting to have any human food in his mouth, "No thank you, Yoriko-san."

Yuzuki also decline the girl's offer while allowing a faint smile to appear across her lips, "Another time."

Finally turning over to her friend, Yoriko smiled at the indigo haired girl as she held the box out to her, "Touka-chan?"

"Sure," The ghoul eyed the snack carefully before taking a bite into it, Touka made sure to keep herself from revealing any hints of that was disgusted by the food from reaching the surface, so she played along as she eat the pocky stick normally, "Thank you Yoriko."

This caught Kaneki's attention, confused with why the girl would take up the offer despite knowing she can't have human food, Why would you... Glancing over to the dove, his eyes widen when he realized how her eyes were different, they were watery as if she was about to cry, Tears...? Tilting his head, asking if there was something bothering her, "You okay?"

"Yeah... I'm just..." Blinking them away, Yuzuki giggled to herself before bringing a hand over her eyes, "I never had so much fun and feel normal..."

He stared at her for a moment, progressing before realizing, Oh... those aren't tears of sadness... His expression soften, glad to hear that she wasn't feeling sad or anything bad, Those tears of joy Smiling, he whispered to her, "Me too..." Kaneki was glad to see that she was smiling again before everything took a turn, "I missed you smiling like this."

Reaching the pair, Hide got in between them as he glanced between the two before hurry them up, "Come on love birds, lets get going."

Tilting her head back, Yuzuki furrowed her brows as she looked over to the boy, "For a third wheel, I believe the term is, you don't seem bothered at all, Hide,"

Sighing, Kaneki turned over to him, "He has no shame."

Pulling away while pointing over to Kaneki, the human didn't bother denying it instead he embraced it, "Exactly~"

Noticing Touka's presence, walking up next to the dove who turned to ask, "Taking a breath of fresh air once in awhile with friends is nice, don't you think Touka?"

"Yeah..."

"Next time lets try ice skating or something," Hide suggested an idea, throwing his arms behind his head as he glanced over to the others, "What do you think?"

Touka frowned at the thought, not knowing what to expect from the activity since she hasn't tried it out before, "I never went ice skating."

Grabbing onto her arm, Yoriko beamed at her friend once hearing about the idea and now she couldn't help herself from planning a day so they could go together, "Then we should go, it'll be lots of fun!"

"Me and Kaneki went ice skating," Putting an arm around Kaneki, he looked over to the dove to see if she had experience with ice skating, "Hey Yuzuki have you gone ice skating before?"

Shaking her head, Yuzuki also hasn't experienced it nor did she ever expect to due to her lifestyle getting in the way of things, "Unfortunately no I haven't."

Nudging his friend, Hide grinned before stepping back again, "Then my dear Kaneki here will teach you~!"

Lifting her head, she smiled faintly the eye patched boy, "I'll look forward to that."

Turning his attention over to the young girl, Hide asked her the same question, "What about you Sora? Have you gone ice skating before?"

Hinami shook her head, she wasn't familiar with it, but it got her curious in knowing what is it, "No."

"Then you have to come along and I'll teach you," Hide even offered to help Hinami get the basics of ice skating if she decides to come along if they agree to do so, "It's really fun once you get the hang of it."

This gained her complete attention, seeing how Hide made the topic sound like something fun to take part of, "Really?"

He gave a nod before beaming over to the girl as he encouraged her into accepting the idea, "Yup!"

"It's a bit difficult at first, but maybe you'll catch on quick," Adding a few other points regarding the activity, Kaneki knew it wasn't that simple but it's quite fun after knowing the ropes of it, "But it's a lot of fun."

"Okay Big Brother!" Her eyes lit up, Hinami looked around to Touka seeing if she'll take part of the idea of another group activity, "Oneesan lets go!"

"Okay," He couldn't refuse once seeing how Hinami was so excited on going that he's fine with the idea of going ice skating.

"Yoriko? Touka?"

"Come on, Touka-chan," Yoriko enjoyed the thought of going and she hopes that Touka will also take the chance of accepting the suggestion, "It'll be fun! To skate and then we can eat together afterwards and-"

Crossing her arms, Touka sighed to herself before stating, "I don't know how to skate, Yoriko."

Waving it off, Yoriko smiled as she offered to help her friend settle that small issue, "I'll teach you myself, Touka-chan, so don't worry!"

Thinking about it for a moment, Touka finally agreed and she knew that Hinami and Yoriko will be happy if they all go ice skating together, so she's willing to try it out, "Fine, lets do it."

The six of them continued to talk among themselves, all agreeing that ice skating sounds like a fun group activity to go with and now they all need to plan a day that works best for them. It's something that they'll enjoy together despite the mixed group they have, humans, ghouls, and half ghouls, which didn't matter at that moment as they simply enjoyed life in that moment without worrying about anything else. It was like a break from reality as they spend time with one another, getting to now each other better and have them be more familiar with one another so it won't be too bad next time when they're all together.

---

3rd Pov

The two quietly moved within the shadows while observing the group below them, but their main focus was to check on the young ghoul and what he's up to. Phantom tilted her head before speaking up to her companion, "It appears he's an underling," Narrowing her eyes behind the mask once she realized there was a ghoul who appeared to be the one in command, "Can't imagine him taking orders too kindly."

Yomo bluntly stated as he kept his eyes on the group of ghouls, "Cheshire is his name."

"Hmm... I've heard some things revolving the name within CCG, but I have yet to see him in action," Frowning, Yuzuki didn't know much about the ghoul that goes by the name as she thought to herself, But from what I recall, he's a dangerous ghoul with a half kakuja, but information states he hasn't really interacted with CCG much...

Standing back, Phantom moved away from the ledge as she continued to ponder about the ghoul, But he's a real enigma to the CCG since he possesses a weapon similar to a sword like quinque...

"However, Cheshire isn't one to wonder through the wards so they must be ordered by Agoiri," He stood back, sparing a glance over to the white cloaked dove as he provided whatever information he knew about the ghoul.

Returning back to her spot, Yuzuki watched how Ayato managed to stir up some trouble within the 11th ward, but she couldn't think of any reason why the boy needed to do such a thing, "Then lets watch to see what they're up to."

Yomo leaned against the pillar, keeping his eyes on the young ghoul while reminding the dove, "We can't let them see us."

"How troublesome..." Kneeling down, resting her head against her hand as she watched how Ayato appeared to be arguing with Cheshire but she didn't have a clear idea why the boy was causing trouble.

However, something caught her attention when she obverse the way the older ghoul handled the boy, her eyes widen slightly at how he didn't resort to force or violence in order to control Ayato. Yet the boy continued to argue back which only earned him a smack upside the head by the older ghoul who scolded Ayato harshly, but the boy still put up a fight yet she noticed how Ayato held himself back as he listened to his mentor for a bit. Then she watched how Cheshire simply left without Ayato, moving onward without him and the boy didn't seem too please by it.

Tapping her fingers against the edge of her mask, she whispered over to Yomo while coming to a conclusion, "If anything... His mentor won't allow Ayato to get hurt any time soon and I believe he'll even put his life on the line to save him."

Raising a brow at her words, Yomo wondered what could've made the dove think such a thing, "Why do you think that?"

"The way they interacted," Standing back up, Yuzuki stepped back from the edge while providing an explanation, "How Cheshire scolded him, lecturing him, but still maintaining some form of personal tie with Ayato besides simply being a mentor or a superior."

Folding her arms, she began to wonder about a few other things before stating, "Meaning Cheshire is only training Ayato to defend himself, grooming him into serving the Agoiri more efficient," Sighing, she turned over to Yomo while rephrasing herself, "What I'm trying to say is, he'll protect the boy no matter what."

"While Ayato listens because Cheshire has power and what does Ayato want to do," Furrowing her brows, Yuzuki was aware that many people seek power and without a doubt the boy was trying to attain it, "He simply wants to protect those close to him in his own terms which means he needs to get strong."

Pondering further into the situation, Yuzuki began to walk around the space they were in, "Which is why I believe they placed him under someone like Cheshire," Frowning, the dove paused the second her words left her mouth as she began to think more into Eto's intentions since the green haired ghoul must've planned ahead of time.

"I have yet to find much about Cheshire since he tends to hid in the shadows and remain close to Agoiri's inner circle," Turning around, Yomo held his static look while mentioning a few things since he didn't know much about the ghoul and it appears the dove didn't either.

"Which explains Ayato's sudden lack of activity then," Lowering head, she put the pieces together, but it didn't make much sense for him to be causing trouble within the ward, "They pulled him off the streets, but it seems he's out and about because his mentor is with him."

"It appears he noticed us," Moving away, the white haired ghoul began to take his leave while suggesting the dove to follow, "I believe it's time to go."

"Actually," She didn't follow behind him, but instead Yuzuki decided to confront the boy, "Cover me, Yomo."

She kept an eye out for the boy as she wondered the area until the sound of foot steps gained her attention. Yuzuki turned around to face Ayato who frowned at her, "I'm not surprise to know you're a fucking creep," Narrowing his eyes over to Phantom as he threaten, "What the hell do you want?"

"I'm surprised to see that you have a mentor," Not minding his words, Yuzuki kept a distance while questioning him, "Where did he go?"

Retorting back, Ayato frowned at how Phantom didn't seem bothered by the information, "You're fucking lucky that I ditched the bastard or else you'll be dead."

"That's quite funny of you to joke around," Chuckling, Yuzuki folded her arms behind her as she turned away from him, but she knew it must've agitated him. Which it did by the sound of his eye as he shouted over to her, his eyes shifted to their black and scarlet color, "I'm serious dammit!"

Sighing, she turned around while tilting her head as she calmly replied, "If anything he left you behind to cool off, but he's probably watching you as we speak," Lifting her head, she stared off before furrowing her brows before whispering to herself, "So why hasn't he interfered?"

"Tck- I hate you," Clenching his hands before allowing his eyes to return to their natural color before muttering to himself, "I don't understand why they haven't asked us to kill you yet." Narrowing his eyes, he didn't fully understand why someone like Phantom managed to keep on breathing, "A fucking fly on the wall that should be crashed."

"Not everything is what it seems, Ayato," Yuzuki decided to take her leave since she had other things tend to, but she looked over her shoulder towards the young boy, "Tell your mentor I said hi."

"I'm not done talking to you!" Ayato watched how Phantom simply walked away, but he wasn't through with her as he went to cut her off so he could get some answers out her, "Don't you fucking walk away from me-!"

Within seconds, Phantom sharply turned once she sensed the boy attempted to inflict harm upon her, but she quickly countered his attack, "A tempered teen aren't you?" Flipping him onto his back but he continued to put up a fight against her which only resulted with her paralyzing him. Yuzuki sighed behind her mask as she left the boy, "I have other business to attend to, so excuse me."

"Watch who you're messing with," Looking over her shoulder, listening to the young ghoul swear under his breath as he struggled to get back up to his feet, but Yuzuki left the area,"I'll go before your mentor comes to help you."

"You bastard!"

Yuzuki quickly left the scene before anyone else could cross her path, but the dove went to regroup with Yomo who appeared out of no where as he frowned at her actions, "Cheshire was watching and he moved the moment you reacted to Ayato's attack."

"Which is why I left immediately," Adjusting the hood over her, Yuzuki turned off the voice modifier so her voice could return to its normal state as she spoke to Yomo, "I don't intend on fighting any one at the moment."

The two moved through the wards without saying anything else, but the dove knew the reason why they went to find Ayato. Turning over to Yomo as she brought up the choice that he needed to make in regards to their night activities of spying on the boy, "Yomo it's your decision in what you tell Touka about Ayato."

He didn't bother glancing over to the dove as he responded back, "She's been worried about him lately even if she refuses to admit it."

"Of course," Nodding, Yuzuki knew how Touka cares about her brother despite how many times she stubbornly refuses to say anything in regards to him or anything else, but Yomo, the manager and the dove were fully aware of it, "I've spoken with her about Ayato before and it took her some time until she began to ask more about him."

---

3rd Pov

The dove was training the boy on her own, sparring with each other, but Kaneki still couldn't get the girl into breaking her calm composer while fighting which only meant that what he's doing isn't tiring her out. Moving in again, but he quickly met with the ground along with the end of the quinque hovering over him, but he looked up to see that Yuzuki held stoic expression. Not moving from the ground despite the dove removing the quinque from him, Kaneki laid there as he tried to think of what he could do in order to turn the table.

"You need to do the basic," Offering a hand down to him, Yuzuki felt her expression soften before pointing out some positive notes, "From what I've heard about your encounter with the Investigator, you have some dominance, but yet you can't lose control like you did with Nishiki."

She pulled him onto his feet, keeping a hand on his shoulder until he reassured her he was fine. The dove sighed before putting some distance between the two as she went towards her quinque case while calling out to him,"Do a few workouts to cool down."

Another defeat and he hasn't managed to get the dove to break a sweat or even push her back. Frowning to himself, he needed to prove to her that he's fully capable of handling himself, but how could he possible beat her. Kaneki sighed under his breath, listening to her words, "Okay..."

Twirling the quinques within her grasps, Yuzuki kept her eyes closed before calling the boy out, "Don't get distracted now."

His eyes widen at how she managed to know that he was staring and his cheeks heated up. Quickly looking away, he continued to do what was asked from him while apologizing over to the dove, "Ah... Sorry..."

Setting her quinques back into their case, Yuzuki continued to lecture the boy about his progress status, "Still haven't improved much, but you're getting there," Shutting her quinque case before standing up again, but the dove tilted her head the moment she heard his voice again.

Kaneki frowned to himself once getting back to his feet, muttering under his breath, "Not enough to beat you..."

Sensing the disappointment in his tone, Yuzuki shook her head before running over to him and she ran her hand through his hair which gotten his attention. Chuckling to herself as she took his eye patch away from his hand, "Nope~"

Keeping the material away from him until they call it a day since she's trying to get him to be a bit more comfortable without it. Yuzuki noticed how he didn't seem to be pleased by her actions, but he didn't say anything.

"Okay, lets do something different," The dove folded her arms across her chest, raising a brow over his direction before suggesting, "We're going for a run."

"Run?" Surprised to hear a sudden change in their routine, but he didn't question her about. Instead, Kaneki walked up to her while asking, "Where?"

Tilting her head over to him, Yuzuki smiled at his question, "In the tunnels, where else?"

Nodding, but Kaneki wasn't fully sure about the idea as he looked over to her again. Staring at her for a moment, keeping his attention on her faded eyes as he tried to voice out his concern about the idea, "Ah... Do you know..."

Raising a brow, she smiled over to him as she reassured him, "I know my way around the place," Yuzuki folded her arms behind her, closing her eyes as she simply stated, "So don't worry about me not knowing where I'm going."

Chuckling, she tilted her head to the side before opening her eyes while only informing him about one thing, "All you need to do is just keep up with me or try to."

Nodding, it sounded simple enough, but yet he should expect some sort of twist that'll only make things a bit difficult for him. None of the less, Kaneki took in a deep breath before accepting, "Okay."

Yuzuki turned over to him, asking if the boy was prepared, "Ready?"

Staring down at the tunnel, Kaneki couldn't really see a clear ending, but he released a deep breath before replying back, "Yeah."

Nodding, she gave the word the two of them moved, "Go."

The two went off, running down the path as they kept together for a moment before Kaneki noticed that the dove was steadily moving ahead of him. He wasn't surprised since he was fully aware that Touka, Yomo, Nishiki and Yuzuki were fast, but all at different levels. Still he tried to keep up with her despite everything, Kaneki watched how she moved swiftly through the tunnel ahead of him, but he wasn't giving up yet.

Putting his all, he ran to catch up to her and Kaneki already knew he won't catch up to her, but at least he wasn't too far behind, She's so fast... How can I keep up with her...?

Coming to a stop the moment he realized that Yuzuki wasn't around anymore, frowning to himself Kaneki couldn't believe that he managed to lose sight of her. Turning around, he checked to see if the dove could be around, but he found nothing. The boy began to panic slightly at the thought of her getting lost, Where did she- I lost her? How?

Searching for the dove, he began to panic, but he still managed to keep her scent which only meant that she was around. Kaneki skimmed his surroundings while calling out, "Yuzuki?"

Furrowing his brows, not being able to see the dove anywhere, but her scent suddenly became strong as if she was right beside him. Kaneki jumped the moment someone dropped down beside him, his eyes widen as he tumbled down, but he stared up to see that it was only Yuzuki who scared him.

Blinking, Yuzuki knelt down beside him before placing a hand on his shoulder, but the girl couldn't help herself from laughing at how the boy was spooked, "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help myself," Her expression soften, she gave him a sincere smile before checking to see if he was fine, "You okay?"

Kaneki stared at her in disbelief, feeling his heart pounding against his chest, but he soon began to chuckle nervously to himself as he tried to laugh it off. Laying down, covering his face as he collected himself from the little stunt she pulled on him, "Yeah, yeah, you just got the drop on me."

Leaning over him, giggling to herself, "That's the point," Removing his hands from his face, Yuzuki gave him a smile while brushing her fingers across his cheek, "Hey, with some more practice then you'll get better and maybe you can find me without a problem."

His eyes were glued on her, looking up to see how she was just trying lift his spirits with her little childish acts, but still it didn't stop him from wondering about a few things. Furrowing his brows, he sat up while asking, "Are other Investigators like this?"

Helping him onto his feet, Yuzuki held his hand a bit longer before letting go as she questioned, "Like me?"

"Yeah..." Kaneki scratched the back of his head, his eyes drifted away as he explained himself, "The Investigator I faced, well, he was a bit stronger than I expected for a human, but still in the end he was human."

Yuzuki realized what he meant, sighing to herself as the two walked back to the main area that they held their training sessions, "Some Investigators aren't your average human, which is why ghouls shouldn't underestimate them," Her fingers skimmed his before lacing them together while explaining, "Some are faster, some are stronger, and others might have something that your every day human wouldn't."

Frowning to herself, she curled her fingers against his, whispering, "Sometimes... you might mistake them as something else than a human."

Kaneki squeezed her hand, revealing his own thoughts and recent issues, "Hide has been getting an interest with the whole Investigators and the case surrounding Hinami."

Closing her eyes, Yuzuki gave her honest opinion about the human since she too noticed a few odd things about the boy, "In truth, Hide can be very dangerous and I honestly don't understand how someone like him can ever connect things together so easily."

"He concluded that Rabbit and the ghoul child were two completely different people, he even had a prefect explanation to support this conclusion," Kaneki shook his head, recalling how Hide was so invested with the case and how he managed to pull together a solid theory which only made him worry, "He even went to the point of saying that he'll go out there to find out the truth himself and putting himself in danger."

A sigh escaped from between her lips, knowing very well that the human boy would be an issue, "I thought so..."

This caught Kaneki's attention, looking over to the dove in hopes that she'll explain in further detail, "Why?"

"One time he ran into me and we talked, but more importantly he said a few things that caught my attention," Revealing some information that she hasn't thought much of, but Yuzuki knew it was best to share it, "He isn't too naive, so without a doubt he probably already knows about me being a CCG Investigator."

Letting go of his hand, Yuzuki wrapped an arm around her while bringing a hand over her mouth while stating her own suspicion, "In truth, I believe he knows about me," Narrowing her eyes, trying to understand what their friend could possibly do with the information, "But yet he hasn't said anything about the matter, so I don't know what his intentions are..."

"He... He probably knows about me already too..." Staring at the ground, Kaneki recalled the words that Nishiki once told him regarding his best friend and now he's understanding why, "Even Nishiki said that Hide is a very dangerous person to have around."

"I... I doubt he'll do something to harm you," Placing a hand on his shoulder, Yuzuki tried to reassure him that things won't end up horribly, "After all, you two grew up together and more importantly you were human before, so he'll probably understand you."

Releasing a heavy sigh, "...I... I hope so, but I don't want to... To say anything..." He wasn't sure what he should do or what will actually happen the moment Hide were to say something about his new life as a ghoul, "What if... I don't want him getting into trouble or any kind of danger because... because of me..."

Sitting down, she opened the little cooler she brought while simply responding back, "That's your decision to make," Sensing how Kaneki still seems to be torn about the subject, but she felt the boy sit close to her without saying another word about the matter.

The dove pulled out a frozen treat from the cooler and she offered it to him, "Here."

Confused to see that she offered such a thing to him, knowing that he can't have any types of food anymore. Furrowing his brows at her, not understanding what she was trying to do, "What's this?"

"An ice bar," Tilting her head back to him, she smiled before offering him the snack, "Thought you'll like one."

Shaking his head, not wanting to suffer any stomach pain at the moment, "I... I don't know if I-"

Giggling, she took a bite out of the frozen treat while clearing up any misunderstandings, "It's only frozen water," Leaning back into him, she moved the popsicle within her figures while informing him, "So it's basically ice as the shape of a bar."

Blinking, he watched how she didn't react to the item as if it didn't effect her and he felt a bit embarrassed, "Oh..."

"Would be a cool treat to help relax," Taking yet another chunk out of the frozen snack, Yuzuki shrugged to herself before resting her head against his chest, "I usually have one or two whenever I'm done training. It's quite refreshing, you know."

Lifting the remaining of the ice bar, Yuzuki stared at him to see if he'll accept or deny her offer, "Want to try it?"

"Sure," Kaneki was hesitate at first, but he took it from her hand and stared at it for a moment before biting into it, he took a chuck out of it like the dove did. He felt his whole body shiver at the sudden rush of the coldness that quickly spread throughout his body and he couldn't help himself commenting, "H-how can you eat this, it's so cold..."

Staring at the remaining piece of it, Kaneki decided to take another bite and this time he didn't react too badly like the first since he took a smaller piece this time. He frowned to himself, "But... but it feels weird..." Glancing over to the dove who gotten another one out for herself and Kaneki whispered to her, "I haven't ate something like this for some time now..."

His eyes returned back to the popsicle that was left, twirling the little wooden stick in his fingers before setting it aside, "...It's strange..."

Yuzuki continued to snack on the ice bar while revealing a few things, "My father thought of the idea when I was young since my uncle usually had some snacks on him which he shares with my dad," A faint smile appeared across her lips, remembering the first time she was introduced to the frozen treat, "So I was usually left out and one day my father handed me one of these, so I can be incorporated in a way."

Closing her eyes, she whispered to herself, "It takes someone who's alone to understand someone who's abandon..."

Kaneki's eyes widen, not wanting to touch the topic, so he decided to leave it alone despite his curiosity surrounding the subject. Curling his fingers beside him, he remain still so he wouldn't bother the dove, but Kaneki looked down at her when she mentioned.

"It's something that my brother would give me whenever he manages to make one," Biting another large chuck of ice with ease, "So I thought about sharing the idea with you."

"...A simple but well thought idea," Kaneki stared at her, his expression soften at how her life appeared to be supported by her close family who tried to incorporate her into human activities. Chuckling, he leaned over to her before giving her his thoughts, "Doesn't make me want to puke, but I like the thought of actually biting into it as if it was a real popsicle that has a flavor."

"Well now you can make these on your own too," Setting down the wooden popsicle stick aside and Yuzuki turned her head to face him, but instead she gave a quick little peck which was enough to shake up the boy.

His eyes widen at the sudden rush of coldness that came from the dove, but he felt his face heat up when she pulled away while leaving him to shudder for a bit, "Now you're c-cold!"

Leaning back into him, she laughed at how he responded, but he soon began to laugh with her. An arm wrapped around her and she felt the warmth of his fingers skim over hers. Shifting her head, she giggled to herself before asking, "Sent shivers down your spine?"

Kaneki shook his head, resting it on top of hers before countering her with his own question, "Who wouldn't while eating something cold like this?"

However, he felt himself getting lost into her scent that has captured him the night she came to check on him, but he's been trying to fight off an urge of just acting. Every time he's near her, every time he catches her intoxicating scent, it makes him curl up as he refuses to listen to why his body reacts. Closing his eyes, he tried to remain calm and hope whatever sensation he's feeling will simply go away quick.

Furrowing his brows the moment he took notice that the dove shifted within his grasp and when he opened his eyes, he saw Yuzuki handing him a book, "Huh?"

Yuzuki held the book at to him, waiting for him to take it from her hands before revealing what it is, "A book with some techniques that could help you."

Moving out of his arms, she sat across from him, allowing him to skim through the pages as she explained herself, "If you practice on your own time then you'll do quite fine," Chuckling, the dove also mentioned that she gotten the thought from their friend, "From what Hide told me, well, you really learn best when you read."

Her eyes widen the moment she was pulled into a embrace which she gladly returned it, but Yuzuki furrowed her brows slightly as she sense something a bit off. Curling her fingers into his back as she allowed him to hold her, but the dove blinked the second she realized a movement that looked familiar.

Blinking, she was surprised to noticed that Kaneki summoned his kagune, but she didn't know if he was fully aware of his actions when she whispered into his ear, "This is new... your kagune appeared," Moving back slightly, Yuzuki felt her fingers brush against the scale like surface that was wrapped around them like some type of shield to hide them from the world.

"Huh?" His eyes widen, covering his left eye as he finally took noticed that he somehow wrapped them in his kagune, but Kaneki quickly began to apologize, "I'm sor-"

She giggled, wrapping her arms around him, not allowing him to finish his attempt to apologize for his action. Instead, the dove leaned her head against his shoulder and sighed the moment she felt his body relax once again. Yuzuki closed her eyes before bringing a hand up to his face, removing his hand from his eye so his kakugan was exposed. The dove felt his arm wrap around her while his kagune moved slightly, keeping them encaged in a little bubble that held the two of them.

"It's okay," Opening her eyes, Yuzuki pulled back slightly, offering him a smile as she caressed his cheek, "I hope you'll allow yourself to fully accept your ghoul side one day, but I understand if you don't want to..."

Covering his face, Kaneki felt tears build up in his eyes since he's growing tired of the constant sensation that has been eating him, "Yuzuki... I don't know..." Shutting his eyes, he took in a deep breath before revealing his worries, "I feel so torn and I can't, the feeling when I-"

"When I fought against the Investigator, afterwards when Phantom threw me aside," Setting his arms down, Kaneki couldn't face her as he stared at the ground, but he curled his fingers up at the thought, "I felt this hunger for- for something that I can't suppress. I wanted to just give in and lose myself, but I couldn't."

Yuzuki kept quiet, leaving him to vent out his issues since she was aware that he had no one else to talk to openly about the situation, "The thoughts that went through my mind," Kaneki closed his eyes again, shaking his head as he remembered what happened and how terrified he was, "I feel so troubled and confused..."

Looking up to see that she held a blank expression, but he knew all too well that she was listening to him very carefully, listening to every single word, noting his swift in tones, and how he acts. But it didn't stop him from feeling like he was messing everything up, allowing himself to be so weak in front of her, exposing his fears as if anyone could understand him.

Hesitating, he couldn't bringing himself to reach his hand out to her, "I'm afraid I'll hurt you, you're so close and-" He found himself wrapping his arms around her, closing his eyes as he hid his face into her shoulder while his words soon fell to a mere whisper, "Your scent... your smell sometimes makes me..."

"I always feel like I'm on the edge of my nerves," Curling his fingers, shutting his eyes tight as he felt so uneasy, but he didn't want to let go, "I don't want to feel like that."

"I'm sorry," Brushing his hair, Yuzuki leaned her head against his as she whispered, "That you're suffering... I wish I could fix it, but I can't..."

Lifting his head, calming him as she reassured him that there is still hope, "However, you are the only one capable of fixing it."

"You are the only one who could decide the path your wish to walk down," Holding his face, she whispered to him while further explaining herself, "But as long as you suppress it then the more it'll fight against you, once accepting it as part of you then you'll grow to understand each side."

"You'll find an equal ground in which you'll be comfortable with," The two of them closed their eyes, the dove leaned her forehead against as she whispered, "It doesn't matter if you're half and half; neither a ghoul nor a human, but you're still you regardless of anything."

Yuzuki sensed how troubled he was about the whole thing and she wants to reassure him that things will get better, "However, you cannot possibly believe that you can divide yourself into two separate pieces of yourself because in the end all them put together makes you."

"It's not what we are, but who we are," Whispering under her breath as she repeated herself once again, "Which we create the person we wish to be."

"Our actions might not represent us properly, but that's how this world works," Pulling away, Yuzuki tighten her eyes shut as she remembered a few things and it bothered her when she muttered, "Sometimes... we must be a marder in order to reach our destined fate..."

"In the end, we'll always end in our rightful place in life in how we wished to be viewed as," Sighing, offering a smile once opening her eyes, "I hope you see that too."

They didn't move as they thought about what was said for a moment. Kaneki kept his eyes locked onto the ground, but he his eyes glanced over when he saw Yuzuki move her hands back to her while whispering to herself, "I'm half ghoul and half human, but in the end, I'm merely a girl who wishes to find peace and revolution that this world has failed to see because of the ideals of how we should live"

The dove curled her fingers onto her lap, her thoughts drifted to old memories and current ones causing her to feel guilty when she revealed, "I've hurt people in my past, but I still managed to hold a gentle touch in this cruel world."

Releasing a deep breath, shutting her eyes once again, "...It's difficult..."

"Do you believe that ghouls kill humans in order to survive while humans kill ghouls because they're evil. Is this what life is?" She wasn't speaking to anyone in particular anymore instead Yuzuki simply spoke what was going through her mind at the moment, "No, so I merely what to be among those who want to take a step forward, ghoul and human together in order to finally understand."

Things were all that simply, there wasn't a clear definition in what's right or what's wrong and sometimes it's difficult to say someone's a good person since everyone makes wrong decisions. Taking in a deep breath before releasing it slowly, "But my actions might go against it...out of my character... it's only nature..." Yuzuki lowered her head as she spoke to him, "There will be times that it'll contradict each other, such as your human and ghoul nature."

"That's life..." Her words soon fell to a mere whisper as she quoted, "But I know... I know that peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding..."

His eyes widen at those words, finally looking up as he stared at the dove who sat there in silence, I've heard that somewhere before...

"One day people will understand," She didn't notice that she was holding in her breath, taking a minute to release a deep breath, "Just like you'll understand yourself as well. You denying a part of yourself is only going to destroy you from the inside out," Facing him, she felt something curl over her fingers and Yuzuki could sense that the boy shifted around, but the dove held a worried look, "I don't want to see you head down that path in which you'll suffer greatly."

"...Yet I understand that you're afraid..." Leaning forward, keeping her head low as her mind wondered across old dark memories that she wished to erase, but Yuzuki took in a deep breath before revealing, "Because I too, once was afraid of my ghoul side, I didn't understand back then. Afraid of it unraveling to the point that I can't go back."

"We all have our inner demons..." Resting her hand against her chest, curling her fingers as she vividly recalled old imagines that go far back, "But our inner ghoul is something that isn't in our control once you unbound it from everything that once held reason."

Not fully believing it, he couldn't imagine her ever losing control as he stared at her in disbelief, "You... You lost control before...?"

"...Yes... I have long ago," Unfortunately, Yuzuki nodded her head while shedding some information about herself to him, "I lost myself because I couldn't handle it anymore and my inner ghoul woke up, revealing itself in order to protect me. For me to survive and I... I'll never want to be in that state ever again."

Staring at the ground in between them, Kaneki began to put some of the pieces together that he knew about the dove and it lead to the only explanation besides her involvement in CCG where he assumes she uses a quinque, but to act out as a ghoul. It was only one time in her life, he could possible assume and his thoughts couldn't wrap around it, This is where she... She killed others...

It didn't make any of it better, a guilt still wavered around those memories, but Yuzuki knew not to allow it to happen again, "But that is so long ago, yet I remember how I felt..."

"You cannot ignore it nor suppress it, unless you wish for it to consume you once you are weaken enough for it to take over," This time she was speaking from experience, warning him that if he doesn't change or watch himself then surely it's bound to happen again, "We've seen how you can get, but that's only a small amount... In the end we're all dangerous..."

"Regardless if we're human or ghoul," Leaning back onto her hands, Yuzuki stared off as she muttered, "In the end, we're all dangerous... It's only nature..." She smiled over him, still having hope that things will somehow get better in time, "I have hope you can overcome this."

Pulling his knees up, Kaneki kept his eyes on the ground as he muttered, "I want to have hope."

Reaching out to him, resting her hand over his arm, "Regardless of how you turn out, I'll always be there," Yuzuki felt how tense he was about the whole thing since his encounter with the doves, but the girl has noticed faint signs of him excluding himself from the others, yet he still maintain some connection, "You're not alone unless you decide to cast everyone aside."

"I just... I just want to understand..." Covering his face, frustrated with himself and how the world came to be like this. Frowning as he whispered to himself in desperation, "To be like you, but I can't." Curling his fingers up as he leaned forward, recalling the many conservation he had with the manager and previous ones with the dove, but he still couldn't find it in himself to properly understand them, To understand... How Yoshimura has this belief very similar to yours...

"It takes time," It pained her to see the people close to her suffer, Yuzuki sighed before unwrapping himself as she held his hands, "But you'll find your center when the time comes."

"I don't know how..." Tears threatening to fall, Kaneki stared at her before looking away, "The idea of peace... I can't find it..." All he wanted was to be able to obtain it, so he could live without being afraid of the chance of breaking to the point where he'll hurt someone. Leaning into her, he only had one question going through his mind, How can I achieve it...?

"You have yet to gain a mutually understanding..." Accepting him into her arms, lowering her eyes, whispering softly, "Once you do, I promise you'll find it when the time comes."

Leaning her head against his, holding him as she tried to comfort the troubled boy, reassuring him that it's not impossible, "It's possible..."

Burying his face into her shoulder, Kaneki pulled her close as they sat there in silence, but he couldn't bring himself from pulling away or saying anything. Releasing a deep steady breath, trying to just calm his nerves, but he felt relief for at least speaking his troubles loudly. However, he couldn't shake off the haunting feeling that has been bothering him lately and he knew being around the dove has only made him feel distress, but he didn't want to pull away.

Curling his fingers around her hand, Kaneki kept his eyes closed as he thought, I want to sit down without fear... He felt her fingers lace with his, still she didn't say a word, but the silence only reminded him of the times when he felt at peace, Just like the other day... together...

---

3rd Pov

It was another day for the dove as she awaited for Shinohara and Juuzou to pick her up so they could head to CCG together since they offered to take her with them. Standing outside her building, Yuzuki held her quinque case within her hands as she waited for her colleagues to arrive. Closing her eyes while listening carefully to her surrounding then something caught her full attention once she realized who was walking over to her.

"Yuzuki-chan~!"

She was surprised to hear the human since she hardly runs into him within the area near her place. Tilting her head, she turned over to him, "Hide?"

Hide chuckled before stopping in front of her, looking around as he asked, "Why are you standing out here?"

Not expecting to meet him at a time like this, Yuzuki shook her head before responding back to his question, "Oh, I'm waiting for my brother and his mentor."

Glancing down at the violin case in her hands for a moment until shifting his attention back to her, "Going to work?"

Yuzuki didn't know how to answer the question, but she decided to simply state the truth, "Yes," Nodding, raising a brow as she tried to get the boy to leave before her colleagues arrived, "Are you going to school?"

"Yup~!"

Yuzuki usually found herself confused by his behavior at times, not knowing what's going through his head, but she really needed him to go, "But you should get going or else you'll be late."

He didn't seem too concern about the possibility of arriving to school late instead Hide decided to hang out with her a bit longer before heading out, "It's fine, I'll wait with ya."

"No, it's fine," Declining his offer, Yuzuki didn't want to risk the chance of him meeting her colleagues from CCG because she knows it'll bring up suspicion on her. But from what she gathered and discuss with Kaneki, she knows that Hide will easily piece everything together quite soon if he hasn't already.

"Nee-san~!"

Her eyes widen the second someone ran into from the back, but the dove quickly recognized the person once she heard his voice. Straightening herself, Yuzuki tilted her head over as the white haired Investigator who began to ask questions in regards to the stranger that stood in front of him, "Who's this? What do you want?"

Yuzuki offered a smile towards the boy before gesturing over to Hide, "Juuzou, this is a friend of mine."

Blinking, Juuzou stared at him before whispering the foreign word to himself, "Friend?"

"Yeah," Nodding, the dove chuckled before properly introducing the two to one another, "Hide, this is my brother."

He wasn't expecting to ever meet her surrogate brother, but Hide was a bit taken away as he took another look on the white haired boy that remained by her side. Red stitches caught his eye, "Your stitches are cool!" It sparked his interest in how the boy managed to do that, but yet he curious in the reason behind it, "How did you do that?"

Furrowing his brows, confused by the way the stranger smiled at him and was interested about his stitches, "Huh?"

"Oh, I forgot!" Chuckling, Hide held his hand out to the Investigator, "Nice meeting you Juuzou."

Someone nudged the white haired dove and he looked over to find that Yuzuki was motioning him to socialize a bit, "Onii-san?"

Glancing back at the hand that was held out for him as he stared at it for moment before smiling as he shook his hand, "Yeah!"

"Alright, I gotta go before I'm late," Looking down at his watch finally taking time into account, Hide waved farewell before running off again, "See you later, Yuzuki!"

Waving back, Yuzuki sighed to herself before calling back to him, "Talk to you later."

Taking a moment to catch his breath, Shinohara chuckled to himself before meeting up to the young Investigators but he put more attention on his subordinate, "Juuzou, please stop running off without notifying me," However, he noticed that someone ran off before he managed to get a look of who it was, Shinohara looked over to Yuzuki before asking, "Who was that?"

Cutting in, Juuzou didn't think much into it as he stared at his partner, "Yuzuki's friend."

He wasn't expecting that as answer, Shinohara looked over to Yuzuki who brushed it aside without saying anything about the subject, "Friend?"

Not addressing it, Yuzuki pushed it aside while putting her focus on their job instead, "Lets get going before we're late," Walking over to the tall man as Juuzou ran over to the other side of Shinohara so he could walk alongside the man.

Shinohara looked over to the ghoul before filling her in with what he knew, "I've been informed that we're having a few new colleagues joining our branch."

"Hmm..." Yuzuki was curious in who she'll be working alongside with so she tried to see if Shinohara will reveal any names, "Do you know who?"

"We'll find out once we get there," Opening the door to his car, Shinohara was familiar with who they'll be working alongside with, but they have yet to confirm it.

Hoping into the passengers seat, Juuzou looked out of the window before calling out for the two Investigators to hurry up, "Come on, Yuzuki!"

---

3rd Pov

Fura walked along with Yuzuki, he began to share a few things revolving around the case he was asked to collect for Associate Special Class Houji, but he was well aware of the situation about the ghoul that the case was built around. Yuzuki raised a brow once she noticed the file within his hands, "New case?"

"I'm not handling the case, but I was asked to bring to Associate Special Class Houji," Clearing any misunderstanding, Fura already read through the case especially since one of the recent attacks has spread around once word came out on the news.

Yuzuki narrowed her eyes, keeping her focus set ahead of her, "What's the status?"

"Recently, a young woman was found wondering the streets calling for help," Frowning, stating the key points involving the ghoul that they're looking for and Fura didn't spare a glance as he mentioned, "Her eyes were gone."

"What?" Something struck a nerve at the information, Yuzuki frowned at the thought as she questioned, "She was wondering the street blind?"

"Yes," Sighing, he knew it was unfortunate for the woman to go through such a thing, but Fura continued to discuss the case with the girl, "She was saying that a ghoul attacked her and only took her eyes, but she has yet to say anything else."

His eyes fell onto the file in his hands before mentioning, "However, we managed to make connections and we're concluding that it's a ghoul that goes by the Gourmet Eater."

"Victim's name?"

"Misono Karube," Glancing over to her, Fura informed her that woman hasn't provided anything else since she refuses to meet with anything which he completely understands, "Who's hospitalized, but currently she refuses to have anyone speak with her, so we're not going to gain any information that could further help the case."

Nodding, agreeing with the conclusion that was made about the possible ghoul relation and Yuzuki shook her head as she coldly stated, "Without a doubt, it's the Gourmet Eater. Only taking one part of the body, Misono Karube, poor woman must've had a pair of eyes that attracted the ghoul's attention."

"If anything, it's best to leave Karube-san alone, she won't be much help regardless if CCG plans to question her," Lowering her eyes, Yuzuki could relate to the woman and it was quite sad to hear such things, "Due to her traumatic experience, she won't speak no matter what."

"Best thing to do is narrow down the ghoul's location," Yuzuki looked over to him before advising what should be done in order to prevent any similar attacks from happening again.

Glaring, Fura didn't understand any of the ghouls associated with the Gourmets nor does he care to since he already decided that they're despicable for doing something so evil like many other ghouls have done, "If we managed to narrow down the location of the ghoul then we might find the Gourmet Restaurant, so we can get rid of the source."

"Let me remind you that there are more than one restaurant, yet if CCG manages to damage one then surely the others will make a mistake that could possible reveal themselves," Narrowing her eyes, she knew it wasn't as simple said than done and without a doubt they need to do a lot of work if they wish to break the organization apart, "Or the Gourmet Society will simply disband once CCG raids one of them."

One thing that Yuzuki was positive about and it's to stop something like this to happen again, she doesn't want to hear a similar case like this unfold later on, "We need to eliminate this ghoul before someone else becomes another victim."

"Surely, Associate Special Class Houji will handle the case just fine," Sighing, Yuzuki knew that Houji was fully capable of handling the case, but she knew that it's not easy in her part, "But I do hope we can stop another tragedy."

"Yes," Agreeing with her as he came to a stop as he excused himself while maintaining a faint smile, "I need to get going, I'll see you around Yuzuki."

She smiled over to him, wishing him well before heading off to handle some business, "Take care, Fura."

"You too," Bidding his farewell, Fura spared a glance over his shoulder as he smiled at the young Investigator before breaking off to complete his small task so he could tend to other duties.

Walking down the hall, she began to think about herself which only lead her thoughts to wonder back to the other day. Yuzuki still couldn't believe how someone could suffer such lost in a horrific way which brought up some bitter memories, ...Gourmet Eater... Frowning at the name that CCG tagged the ghoul as, Yuzuki knew how things will be complicated once they continue to investigate the case, but the dove shook her head in disapproval, ...So careless and cruel...

---

3rd Pov

After reviewing a few important things while being assigned a couple tasks to take care of before heading out. Unfortunately, Yuzuki ended up being asked to attend a meeting in place for her mentor who decided not to take part for reasons unknown, but she agreed anyways since she nothing else to do at the moment. However, she went to meet up with Shinohara to discuss about a few things and ask if he'll accompany her to the meeting, Yuzuki was aware that he'll be among those to attend it.

Yuzuki turned once she heard the door close, furrowing her brows at the realization that the white haired boy wasn't standing beside his mentor, "Where's Juuzou?"

The two went down the hall, Shinohara reassured that his subordinate was fine, but the man sighed to himself before chuckling, "I left him in my office, so I hope he won't do anything while I'm gone."

"Did you at least leave some type of snack around for him," Raising a brow, she began to wonder if Juuzou won't do something rash while they're gone, "It's one way to keep him busy. The boy likes to snack on things, it's distracts his attention slightly and he has a sweet tooth, so less likely he'll cause any trouble."

"I'll keep that in mind," Shinohara laughed, smiling over to her before turning his attention to the files in his hands, "But I'll be heading over to him once I run these papers down to the board."

"Understandable," Nodding, Yuzuki looked up at the tall man, "Have you discovered who'll be joining us?"

"You already met Associate Special Class Houji, but I don't believe you haven't met his new subordinate," Finally confirming the names that'll be taking part of their squad for the time being, Shinohara also brought up a few other things, "New batch of Investigators that arrived a few days ago."

She was familiar with Houji, but Yuzuki hasn't gotten the chance to meet his new subordinate nor any of the recent recruits that have been added or moved up in position, "I'm assuming they're the ones joining us then."

Glancing over to her, he added another piece of information surrounding their group, "Along with Amon's new subordinate."

"So this is it?" Still not fully sure of what the possible outcomes will be surrounding the 20th Ward, but Yuzuki frowned to herself, "We're reviving the 20th Ward Branch."

He grew serious about the topic, aware that there has been a rise in ghoul activity that resulted with a few Investigator's death, one being Mado's, "Due to our oversight of the ward and our decision of leaving it unattended."

There was not denying that the ward attracted the unwanted attention and in the progress people have suffered because of it. Yuzuki took a deep breath, "I understand."

Stopping in his tracks, Shinohara gestured towards the paperwork within his hands, "I better get going."

Excusing herself, Yuzuki offered a smile as she began to take her leave, "I'll see you later, Shinohara."

Reminding her not to forget that they need to a meeting later on, "Don't forget the meeting."

Shinohara watched Yuzuki stop in her tracks before turning back to him, she laughed faintly to herself before reassuring him that she won't let it slip her mind, "Of course, I won't want to show up late."

Chuckling, recalling the many times that he has seen the empty chair that belongs to Arima, who shows up to meetings whenever he feels the need to attend, but lately he's seen Yuzuki appear from time to time, "Something your mentor tends to do."

"Or simply skips them without a second thought. Which is why he asked me to go in his place," Chuckling, she still couldn't get over how one of CCG's top Investigators acts unprofessional at times, but Yuzuki was fine especially if he's out socializing, "Since I always fill him in with what happens whenever he decides to run off with First Class Hirako."

"Until then."

Bidding her colleague a farewell, Yuzuki went down a different hall as she went to complete a few other tasks before attending the meeting. She went towards her office to review some reports before having them sent down which will give her time to head over to meet with Shinohara so they could attend the meeting then she'll be free to go.

It didn't take too long for the dove to handle her work since she's already in routine of getting things done due to the handful of years. Walking down the halls, Yuzuki wasn't expecting to run into any of her colleagues or anyone who would stop her so they could talk, "First Class Yuzuki."

Pausing in her tracks, she turned around at the sound of her name and Yuzuki discovered that it was Houji who was walking over to her as he motioned to the Investigator at his side, "I believe we'll be working together, so I thought you should meet my new subordinate."

The brown haired Investigator didn't know what to think about the ghoul once he finally got to meet her, but he kept a professional appearance as he held out his hand before introducing himself, "Seidou Takizawa."

Shaking his hand, Yuzuki introduced herself as she usually did with others without using any surname, "Yuzuki," Taking a step back, she looked over to Houji before mentioning, "I've heard you taken the case of the Gourmet Eater."

"Correct," He spoke briefly about the case that is now under his authority, "I've ran down some information and went to the area that Karube was when the ghoul attacked. So I hope to close the case quickly."

"Don't we all," Sighing, she hoped that the woman affected would get the proper help after everything that happened to her, "What happened to Karube is terrible beyond belief, but we'll try to prevent another person from getting hurt."

"I'll leave my subordinate with you then, I need to attend a meeting," Without giving his subordinate a head warning, Houji took his leave while informing him, "It's best to get familiar with your new colleague since we'll be working together."

"But-" Takizawa's eyes widen as he watched his mentor walk away and he honestly didn't know what to do once he was left alone with the Ghoul Investigator, "Uh..."

It was awkward as silence settled in between the two Investigators until Yuzuki spoke up as she joked around with the young man, but her tone remain static, "I'm not going to bite."

Stepping back, trying not get on the bad side of Yuzuki as he offered his apologizes for keeping a distance from her, "Oh! Sorry, I was just..."

"I understand," Yuzuki was already expecting him to react like that, reassuring him that it was no hard feelings for acting like that, "No need to apologize."

She was aware of the rumors and stories surrounding her, Yuzuki knew she was harsh while working especially during her more youthful times as a Investigator and there were times that she showed a more ghoul side of her while on the field. So it was bound to get some Investigators to be caution about her which she understands why they'll act like that towards her.

Sighing, she shrugged her shoulders, "I'm used to it..."

Flashback:

"Fall into formation!"

It was one her earlier days as an Investigator, Yuzuki could hear Ui commanding their subordinates to maintain formation as they confront the ghoul that was blocking their path. Yuzuki was aware that the squad was fully capable of handling themselves, despite their age they still can inflict great damage, but at time some do end up dead by one mistake or some external force.

"Stop, you're too-!"

Yuzuki quickly moved, shifting her quinques into one hand as she wrapped an arm around her fallen subordinate. Kneeling down, her expression soften as she whispered, "I got you."

One thing was for sure, she'll never get used to the feeling of watching the people close to her die. Listening to the way their voice trembled, "I- I can't-"

Shouting over her shoulder, commanding back up in order to tend the young Investigator, "Cover me!"

One of the other young Investigators quickly responded, supporting Yuzuki as the half ghoul tended to their comrade, "I got you, Yuzuki-san!"

She was aware that there their operation was more important, but she couldn't let her comrade alone until she knew they were fine to be left on their own. However, Yuzuki already knew that the young Investigator was wounded severely, still she tried to reassure the young teen, "I'll make sure you-"

Her eyes widen the moment she heard how his voice trembled in fear, but yet again her heart ached at how she listened to how the young boy was disappointed, "I f-failed didn't I, Ms. Y-Yuzuki?"

"No, no, you haven't," She shook her head, curling her fingers tightly around his trembling hand that was growing cold by the minute, "Just rest, okay?"

"I- I don't want to.." His eyes stared up at one his mentors, tears washing over his dull blue eyes as he tried to form his sentence, "...Please... I wanted... I'm s-sorry..."

She understood him, she understands how they worked so hard in order to live up to the expectations, to live up to the level that they were expected to achieve. She understands how they tried so desperately to gain some form of praise, compliment from the their idol, but it seems they'll never get it.

His eyes soon began to fade along with his words, tightening his grip over her hand while his voice slowly fell to a mere whisper, "Tell Mr. Kishou that I..."

"You're going to be okay," Tears building up in her faded eyes as she realized how the boy held regret, in his final moments that he felt sorry and how he simply wished to live up a standard that was set upon them. Shaking her head, she tried to keep smiling while calming the young Investigator, but her words failed to leave her lips when she noticed it was too late, "I'll..."

Her eyes widen the moment she felt her subordinate's body fall limp in her arms, not being able to hear their full request, but it was enough for Yuzuki to know what the young boy was trying to say. Lowering the young Investigator onto the ground, she carefully folded his arms before sparing one final moment with her subordinate as she caressed his cheek.

Shifting her attention over to Ui who shouted over to her, ordering her to move according to the formation, but she felt cold. A sadness, a never ending tragedy that she's grown far to familiar with consume her yet again. Picking her quinques up, tightening her grip as she left the Investigator to forever rest, but Yuzuki felt the need to act.

Ignoring the orders, she twirled the quinque within her fingers and she sensed how the other subordinated moved back as they went to their fallen colleague while she handled the ghouls.

Meanwhile, Ui frowned to see how she wasn't following his instructions and he quickly scolded her as he stepped into action, "Yuzuki you need to-!" However, his eyes widen the moment he noticed the change within the half ghoul as she attacked with a fury that he hasn't seen, but then he recognized familiar techniques that were shared between their superior.

Sparing a glance, he finally took noticed that they lost one of their members who the other three Investigators went to the young boy's side to mourn for a moment. Still, Ui refused to stand back as he went to fight along Yuzuki, but he kept an eye on her, watching how her whole composer became cold. Yet she only needed one of their subordinates to die in order for her to finally kick back into her previous gears, back to her youthful days when she first began where she coldly eliminated ghouls without hesitation. It was clear that this version of her wasn't the same that was fighting moments ago and within seconds she became a force to be reckoned with.

"We're ordered to move and assist those covering the front side," Looking over to her, Ui kept his focus on their assigned duty as he informed her about their next set of actions, "Then we'll meet up with Special Class Arima."

Yuzuki lowered her quinque, lifting her head up to the ceiling above them while her fingers tighten around the handles of her weapons as she recalled her fallen subordinate. She fought along side most of them, she grew up with most of them, and they were her family and it pains her to see them die countless times.

Over and over again when they haven't lived life yet...

Still she felt this dreadful feeling consume her as she took account to what she's done. How she killed in cold blood like before, but she knew it was bound to happened once she suppresses her morals. To act out in anger.

Releasing a deep breath, brushing it aside as she followed the others as they left the area, leaving behind their fallen subordinate as they continued to move forward to head over to assist their comrades and then regroup with their Squad Leader afterwards. Still she felt the burden hang over her as she remembered the young boy's final moments which she'll forever carry with her along with the many others.

Takizawa could recall a few more stories revolving around the ghoul, but it also had a sting of negative comments. Neither one of them said anything since the new recruit still felt uncomfortable with the girl due to her reputation revolving around her. How cruel she can be on the field, so unpredictable, yet a dishonor to CCG and without a doubt he can't forget that she's a ghoul nonetheless. Then there are rumors of her failing to complete the task at hand, expressing empathy towards ghouls which only creates more issues for her due to her being a ghoul herself. However, from what his mentor mentioned and how Yuzuki presents herself, she doesn't seem all too evil or cold like many have written her off, but he still couldn't get too comfortable with her.

"Forgive me, but I need to go handle a few things," Yuzuki offered a smile to young man, bidding her farewell before heading down the hall, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Takizawa."

Snapping out of his thoughts, he nodded back, "Huh, oh! Yes," He hesitated to say anything else as he watched Yuzuki take her leave, but it left him surprised since he wasn't expecting her to act like that, "...She isn't like I thought she would..." Furrowing his brows, he was expecting something else from the strange ghoul, "A ghoul..?"

"If you're really believing that display then surely you're sense of judgement isn't right."

Frowning, he could recognize that voice anywhere as he turned to find the blonde woman stand there which only irritated him slightly by her presents, "What are you doing here?"

"Doing my job," She raised a brow at his question, responding back bluntly before glancing over to find the half ghoul moving further away from them.

Before they could argue, the two turned around to find Amon walking over to them as he glanced between the two, "You two know each other?"

Not removing his eyes from his former classmate, Takizawa still held some bitterness towards his now colleague, "We graduated from the same class."

Amon wasn't expecting that, but he should've figured since the two were recruits. His attention shifted over to find the one of his colleagues down the hall which he recognized to be the strange Investigator, "Yuzuki."

Pausing, she turned and noticed that the tall man managed to catch up to her along with the other two Investigators. She raised a brow at Amon as she acknowledged him, "Amon."

After the day that she sat down and spoke to him about Mado, he thought about getting familiar with Yuzuki so he could get an understanding on the way she behaves and thinks, "Glad to run into you, I thought you might like to join us in-"

Bringing a hand up, declining his offer as she cut him off, but Yuzuki tried to make sure she wasn't being rude, "Forgive me, Amon, but I must decline. I've been called to meet with someone and I can't be late," Nodding her head, her expression soften before assuring him, "Another time."

With that being said, Yuzuki continued down the hall as she went to meet up with Shinohara in order to discuss a few things before heading down to a meeting where she'll be filling in Arima's place since the man tends not to attend or simply arrives late. From what she knew, he and Hirako have both went off to a nearby cafe which only gotten her to laugh at how her mentor appeared to have friends, but Yuzuki only found it funny how he disregarded his duties as a CCG Investigator. However, he managed to get her to represent him and to inform him of what occurs within the meeting which she accepted. Still, she wasn't fond of attending meetings due to many reasons, but mainly she simply detested the thought of sitting at the same table of the higher ups, the Washuus. Still she accepted regardless and the dove understands his actions for not showing up, so she managed to meet up with Shinohara so they could attend the meeting together.

Akira crossed her arms, looking over to her partner before frowning at the thought, "Why are you trying to get a ghoul to-"

"Yuzuki is a fellow Investigator and our colleague, who we'll be working with," Stopping her from finishing her sentence, Amon explained the reasoning for them to get familiar with the rest of their comrades that they'll be working along, "So it's best to be friends with her and I recommend you to get familiar with her as well, Akira."

She heard about her through what her father has mentioned and Akira didn't intend to actually interact with the ghoul, "I'm fully aware of First Class Yuzuki and I would rather avoid working with her."

"Then it seems you'll have to be professional enough to put your personal feelings aside," Firmly stating that he wasn't going to allow his partner to discriminate against their colleague. Looking over to the young man that he hasn't properly introduced himself, Amon held his hand out to him, "First Class Amon Koutarou."

Accepting his hand, revealing his name as well before stepping back, "Rank 2 Seidou Takizawa."

Brushing it aside, Akira began to walk away from the two as she cut to the chase, "We have work to do."

---

3rd Pov

Flashback:

"Shinohara mentioned that you were with a group of friends the other day."

"Yes," So she didn't deny it, but Yuzuki didn't think much about it as if it wasn't a issue, "They decided to have a group activity which involved going to the zoo."

"However, I wouldn't have expected that Shinohara would be there," Yuzuki looked over to him, she wasn't surprised since Juuzou tends to go to the zoo from time to time, so it's understandable for Shinohara to be there as well. "Yet I should've known since Juuzou tends to be there in his free time."

"I'm comfortable knowing you're among others your age and have... friends," Arima raised a brow, bringing up something that gained his attention when Shinohara informed him about it, "However, there was a small detail that Shinohara mentioned that you were too close with one of your friends."

Narrowing his eyes, he had his suspicions but it was only a matter of time until she confirms it or explains herself, "I'm assuming it's the boy I've seen with you before."

Yuzuki listened carefully until he brought up something that caught her full attention which she didn't know how to respond to, "Something transpired and well, we're an item now if that's the correct term."

"I'm not surprised, but yet I'm slightly concern that this will open up risks for you," He had his thoughts about her relationship with the boy, but his main concern is how it'll work due to her being a ghoul and a Investigator,"Nonetheless, I have my doubts that you haven't thought much of the future of this."

"Like him knowing I'm not exactly human?" Completely facing him, Yuzuki laughed at the thought as she joked about the issue surrounding her, "Oh, what will I do when CCG is called about a ghoul within the 20th Ward? I'll be one of the first to respond and well, it shouldn't be difficult since I'll be searching for myself."

"Do you understand the seriousness of the situation?" He wasn't amused by her sense of humor, "It's no laughing matter, Yuzuki."

"I know what you meant," Sighing, Yuzuki set aside any jokes on the matter instead she answered back with a more serious tone,"You don't want people outside of CCG to know that there is a 'ghoul' working among them. I'm fairly aware of it, but I'll handle it if something were to occur surrounding the topic."

"I'm trying to live a life that isn't only filled with just being an Investigator," Facing him, she knew what might happen due to her decision to pursue such a thing, but Yuzuki wasn't going to stop herself from living, "Even if I know things won't ever be normal for me, but I'm not going to give up actually living..."

Not fully approving her choice of action, but there wasn't much he could do about it as he frowned at her in disapproval, "This is a reckless move, Yuzuki."

Sighing, it was something she's heard many times before that it bothers her at times, "So I've been told."

Raising a brow, he asked the girl a question so he could get to know who's she is involving herself with, "Care to formally introduce me to your friend then?"

Yuzuki didn't know when that they'll be a thing, but she knew it can't be put off for too long, so it's only a matter of time until they formally meet one another, "When we're free then I'll properly introduce you two."

Walking through the park, Yuzuki curled her fingers around the handle of her quinque case as she began to wonder about how she'll fit in with the newer members of her squad especially having Mado's daughter on the squad. Releasing a deep breath, she knew that things will only get more complicated as time goes by, but it didn't reassure her at all. Closing her eyes, continuing down the path but something caught her attention which caused the dove to come to a stop. Frowning slightly, Yuzuki opened her eyes and she noticed a figure moving closer to her, but she recognized the scent yet Yuzuki didn't say anything.

"Bonjour mon cher ami," Throwing his hands up, he made an entrance which gained the dove's full attentions before continuing to speak to her as he neared Yuzuki, "Vous connaissez bien trop longtemps que nous avons vu l'autre."

Walking around the girl, Shuu noticed how she appeared to have gone through some hardships since the last time he saw her. Coming to a stop, he stood across from the dove before raising a brow, "Ne l'a pas, Yuzuki?"

"Oh, please forgive me for dropping by without notice," Chuckling, he excused his actions when he noticed that the dove didn't appear to respond to his words, but he couldn't help himself from smirking, "Also forgive my french, I recall you not knowing it when we were children."

Yuzuki tilted her head at how he appeared to mock her in some form, but the dove raised a brow before replying back, "Bonjour Shuu," Placing a hand on her hip, lifting her head as she faced the tall man while responding back, "Ne vous occupez pas mon français aussi bien, cher ami, mais je l'ai appris quand j'étais loin."

"However, I feel like you didn't come here to catch up for old times shake," Blinking, she bluntly cut to the chase since she heard about his latest actions, but she wondered what his reason to find her were, "So why are you here?"

"So cold, aren't you, Yuzuki~?" Tsukiyama chuckled at how the dove appeared to have changed greatly since the last time he spoke to her while placing his hand against his heart as he gave a sincere smile, "I simply wish to see an old family friend."

"I've been told about you," Moving closer to the dove, finally taking the time to note down what changed with the dove, "Which I needed to see for myself and it appears it's all true that you're alive after all."

Leaning his cheek against his hand, the tall man eyed her before mentioning the name that died off so long ago, "Bellerose."

Yuzuki remain still as she responded back to the ghoul, but deep down she knew he was up to no good especially since his late night activities. Still she kept to herself, yet the dove couldn't help but feel a bit bothered by the tone he said her surname. Raising a brow, she passed him while returning the gesture, "Tsukiyama."

---

A/N: Thank you for reading and I really appreciate and enjoy your reviews, they always make my day when I hear your thoughts/opinions on the chapters :) If I'm lucky, I might be able to upload another chap this month since I'll have more free time to work on Chap 15 due to my classes are almost over. I'll leave this A/N short since I don't know what else to say without repeating myself. I've decided to do one-shots for each of my fics revolving around Christmas since the holiday season is coming along, so I'll have that up around the time comes but I'll have more information when I upload those explaining the connections or resolving any questions about the placements within the main fics.

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