Author's Notes

Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed this story so far. This is the last chapter, so I wanted to thank everyone who read and reviewed the story. Also, I want to explain some things a little bit.

Throughout the story, there have been small things put around. I believe in "Chekov's Gun" idea, so they weren't there meaninglessly. I want to remind you of them, in case I wasn't clear enough.

At first we met Shirazu riding a motorcycle next to a construction and he sees a man with a clown mask (The beginning of Kaneki's journey). Then we met Mutsuki going to a bookstore and asking a person the way (Hide getting a book signed for Kaneki). With Saiko I put two references; one with Shirazu (the broken bottles) and the other with Yoshimura (the old man at the pharmacy). Last one was Urie and he sees references for all of his future colleagues and possibly walked just next to Kaneki at the lights.

When I read it for a second time after posting it, I realized I could've done better with the references; that's why I felt the need to put them in a list.

In this final chapter, it's Sasaki's turn to show his connection to Kaneki's life. I know they basically share the same body, but I can't call Sasaki the-Kaneki-without-memories. Sasaki became a separate person in three years. His connection is something to do with distant memories.

I hope you like this chapter as well. I am very much thankful for your reviews.

V

Sasaki entered the house, putting his jacket on the holder. He took off his shoes as he announced that he's arrived home. Mutsuki called from the kitchen, welcoming him home cheerfully. Urie walked past the hall, glancing at him and giving him a short nod. Shirazu looked at him from the back of the couch.

"Hi, Sassan! How was the lesson?"

Sasaki smiled at him. "They are really talented. They got the hang of it pretty quickly." He went beside Mutsuki who was struggling with the coffee machine. "Is it broken again?"

"I guess so," Mutsuki said, looking apologetically at Sasaki. "I don't know what I did wrong."

"Don't worry, I look at it tomorrow," Sasaki put his hand on Mutsuki's shoulder, squeezing. "For tonight, let's make coffee in the old style."

Mutsuki nodded, a small smile appearing on his face. "Can I watch?" he asked, leaning over the counter. Sasaki smiled as he washed his hands at the sink and mentioned at the coffee beans in the drawer. Mutsuki got them out and handed them to Sasaki.

"Watch closely," Sasaki said. He put the beans in the lid and started heating the water. "You need to take the bad ones out." He took a few beans in his hand and showed Mutsuki. He took one bean and put it away. "If you don't do it, it'll make the coffee sour and it'll taste bad. You need to pay attention to every bean before you put them in the coffee."

Mutsuki nodded, watching closely. Sasaki made sure he could see everything he did, happy that he could interact with his kids like this.

"Where's Saiko?" Sasaki asked as he poured water carefully over each cup.

"Playing video games probably," said Shirazu, coming to the kitchen. "Oh, you're making coffee?"

"Yes," Mutsuki said as he took his cup and smelled it. "You want some?"

"Why not," said Shirazu, taking a deep breath. "It smells nice."

Sasaki pushed his cup towards Shirazu. "You can drink mine," he said, taking another cup. "I'll make another one. And can you ask Urie if he wants to join?" Shirazu got the cup and took a sip, making a noise to show how much he liked it before going towards Urie's room, yelling on the way.

"He's in a good mood," said Sasaki, pouring water for himself. Mutsuki looked at his mentor, holding the cup in both of his hands.

"You too," he said in a small voice. Sasaki raised his eyebrow. "You looked like you were pretty tired last night, but you seem okay right now." Their mentor just shrugged, mimicking Mutsuki's pose and sipping his coffee. A nostalgic look passed his face before he spoke.

"Making coffee makes me feel calm," Sasaki said, swirling the coffee in his cup. "It's… A good feeling. Relaxing. It's kind of like meditating." He raised his head and looked at Mutsuki, giving him a gentle smile. "Also, I like this. It feels like a family here."

Mutsuki looked at Sasaki for a second. Then looked down and nodded. "It does… Even though we only recently became part of each other's lives…"

"Who knows," said Sasaki and winked at Mutsuki when the younger one raised his head to look at him. "Maybe we met before."

In a different life.