The Quinx of Change

Summary: The time between Christmas and April seem to be a relatively quiet and calm time for the Quinx Squad. But whereas one may enjoy the moment while it lasts, Hide knows he shouldn't let his guard down, and thus must plan his next motives, as he builds more closer ties with new friends we suddenly wants to keep close. Plus, how will Touka take Hinami being in Cochlea?

Whilst the rest of the Quinx Squad had seen fit for a break a month after the hectic Auction Raid, the investigators have decided to celebrate Christmas, or at least the Eve of the holiday.

Hide, himself had openly stated he would participate for the initial brunt but would leave shortly afterwards. While many gave him some questionable stares, Hide merely mentioned, as an excuse, that he needed to check on his foster dad. Of course, due to the lack of knowledge in Hide's personal life, the revelation was somewhat shocking.

Despite his relatively open personality, it was shocking for many to think that Hide had lacked a parent figure.

Even though they were previously told by Hide himself, he did keep it rather blurry and the overall details rather hidden. Due to coming from Cochlea, he was secretive on his personal life.

Regardless, they allowed Hide to go forward with what he stated he needed to do. As a sort of compromise, Hide had managed to buy presents for the rest of the Quinx Squad, as well as for Suzuya, Arima and Akira.

For Kaneki, he had bought him some books from his favourite author Sen Takatsuki, which he had hoped had given him some interest in form of his memories. It wasn't against his agreement with Arima, whom also bought his friend books. As for the others, Hide had bought some simpler objects, whether or not it was preferred. He did buy Saiko a new super smash bros videogame, and Mutsuki some cooking equipment due to his enjoyment to cooking.

He even got Arima and Akira a gift, which he wrapped up himself and quickly put under their makeshift Christmas tree, before he proceeded to go down, to get some of his extra clothing.

He had desired to get some warmer clothes for the colder weather, with the snow being light, but not too annoying to walk in. The weather was on the colder side; however, Hide did not mind if he had to go out in this weather. The only downside was in the case that he needed to change into his costumes, it would make him cold.

Going down to get some of his clothing, like a jacket, to the laundry room downstairs, he did not expect any sort of conversation with Akira and Arima. The three of them had a neutral relationship.

For Arima, he had to accept and respect his terms, involving Kaneki and the Quinx Squad, and while he was skeptical, he did appreciate the orange-haired boy's work within the Quinx Squad.

For Akira, it was a lot for back and forth, as the two clearly were skeptical of each other. Akira knew of Hide's closeness to Kaneki, and thus sees him still as a traitor. Regardless, she respects how he got out, and as much as she hates to admit it, sees Hide as a good member of the Quinx Squad.

Though, their relations have deteriorated, at least Hide's view on Akira, after Hinami had been imprisoned into Cochlea. Hide, who had been imprisoned in Cochlea for nine months, knew of the isolations and pure agony it felt for the poor girl. However, Akira had showed no sympathy for the young ghoul, but instead seemed to despise the ghoul below that of any typical one.

While Hide did not understand why Akira despised Hinami in particular, he did find out through some simple findings discovered she played a role in the death of Akira's father.

Hide sighed, another classic example of this cycle of violence, and the war between the two races/species. While he couldn't understand the true background of the dispute, he did also spot another document about two ghouls, the father and mother of Hinami, who were slaughtered by Akira's father, Mado, again showcasing the result of anger, personal ambition, and violence.

Justice was one thing, but the three previously mentioned were another thing.

To Hide's surprise, when he went down to the laundry room, he spotted the figure of Mutsuki standing nearby. Hide was rather confused as to why the boy was standing there, until he realized the boy was topless.

Hide's eyes widened in surprise, making a small squeak to notify Mutsuki he had accidentally peaked without knowing, causing Mutsuki to fasten his shirt on. What confused Hide more was the figure of Mutsuki, was not masculine to him.

It looked more feminine, strangely…

Hide had already seen enough. The damage was done. The bra, the strapless binder, and the feminine body, Hide had seen it. He merely sighed, knowing he had quiet the situation in his hands.

Right now, he had two options, one, either run out without his jacket and face the cold, acting as if nothing happened. Or two, confront the accident and move on. Logically, the answer was the second option.

Hide sighed, realizing his error. He cursed whatever gods possible that made him get involved in this situation. It could have been Saiko and the situation would've been better, he guaranteed.

"Hey Mutsuki, can I come out now?" Hide asked, a bit nervous, knowing the other person on the other side was probably mortified of what Hide had seen.

"Y-yeah, you c-can..." Mutsuki merely whispered, the fear evident in his voice.

Hide took a deep breathe, walking towards the now covered figure, the two looking at each other like neighbours simultaneously mowing their lawns. The tension was clearly there, and Hide knew he had some explaining to do.

"So..." Hide merely started, his hand scratching the back of his head, his confusion placed onto his facial expressions. "I'll let you explain what I saw."

Mutsuki merely sighed, "Yeah, what you saw is true."

Hide nodded, understanding more about his co-worker and fellow investigator. Perhaps the timing and situation could definitely have been better, but whatever.

"So, are you a boy or a girl? Sorry if I sound like every other person who probably asks you that." Hide replied, looking down not really knowing what else to say.

Mutsuki sighed, knowing that there was no way to get out of this situation, "I was born female, but I began living as a male afterwards."

Hide looked on in confusion. In truth, he was never good with these kinds of things, identity to determine what you were, and while not knowing can be a bad thing, sometimes, it can prevent biases.

Mutsuki continued, "I'm unsure about who I am myself, but I feel more comfortable under a male alias, so that's why everyone thinks I'm a boy."

Hide looked on in a more casual look, "Because you are a boy then?"

Mutsuki looked down, unsure of what to think.

Hide sighed, not wanting to overwhelm Mutsuki, "Hey, it's fine if you do not know what to define as, I can refer to you as Tooru regardless. Besides, it's not a big deal what kind of body you have. Saiko's a girl, yet we don't let that distract us."

Mutsuki smiled a bit at that comment, at least glad that Hide was not changing what he thought about him due to something.

"Thank you…" Mutuski mumbled.

"Though you are still unsure what you are?" Hide asked, and Mutsuki looked up, waiting for Hide to repeat what he asked.

Once realizing Mutsuki shook their head, "Not really. I'm more comfortable under a male."

Hide nodded, "Is there any reason?" He asked curiously, taking out the dryer, looking for his jacket.

Mutsuki looked at Hide, a bit unsure again, before answering, "Again, it's just that I feel uncomfortable as a female." Mutsuki replied. In truth, there was a reason, Hide could tell that the co-worker next to him was hiding something, but Hide understood.

In reality, it was not ideal to push someone to reveal their thoughts. Hide understood that, so he sighed, once getting the jacket in his hands, and putting it on.

"Alright, I'll let it go here, we are hitting a rather sensitive topic regarding this. I won't pry into this, however, if you need any assistance I don't mind helping." Hide stated, and Mutsuki nodded a thank you.

"So, are you going out now?" Mutsuki asked, and Hide nodded.

"Yeah, got to go check up on my foster father." Hide stated.

Mutsuki then asked, "What exactly happened to your parents? We didn't really know about your background until now."

Hide sighed, not really wanting to go in the details, "It's something I won't really mention unless we trade or something. There are some things that deserve to be left in the dark. Even then, I told you that they are no longer with me."

Mutsuki nodded, understanding, "I guess I can tell you, but I have lot at stake."

Hide sighed, "I wouldn't be so sure of that..." He mumbled, the darkness in his voice apparent and shocking. To see the usual energetic and outgoing Hide being somewhat sorrowful was surprising. To Mutsuki, Hide was always this rather happy individual who didn't let the pains of the world strike him down.

To see him like this, surprisingly solemn, with an expression that details a sense of hurt, loss, and grief. It was almost unnatural to come from Hide, and it made Mutsuki underestimate who Hide really was.

Mutsuki merely nodded, he did promise to tell Hide after all, "In short, my family was killed by ghouls, my parents and my brother. I was the only survivor, yet for a time, was thought I killed them."

Hide merely looked on in shock, "That's sad. So you were blamed for murdering people you didn't."

Mutsuki sighed, "I know, but my father was an asshole."

Hide looked on in surprise at Mutsuki's foul words, something not common. He merely watched as Mutsuki continued, "He hurt me. He tried to drown me, hurt me, even use me. It was actually kind of a blessing when he died."

Hide looked on in Mutsuki, in sorrow, feeling pity for the person right next to him.

He simply put a soft hand on Mutsuki's shoulders, "There's nothing you can change."

Mutsuki looked up at him, trying to understand where he was getting at, "I cannot understand the feeling of fear towards a parent unless I knew I was going to get a yelling, so I cannot speak that I understand. But regardless, there's no shame in that from you. It's shameful from your father's side."

"W-what?"

Hide looked on, "It's your father's fault for not being the right figure you needed. You cannot blame yourself for the tragedies you endured. Regardless of the scars you have, at least take solace in the fact that you are with better people now."

Mutsuki nodded, "I appreciate that, thank you, but you have yet to talk about yourself. Like, where did you come from Hide?"

Hide put his hand to rest on his leg, smiling sadly, "I know, I was getting to that."

Hide sighed, knowing that what he was about to tell Mutsuki was going to require quite the mental power. It was quite the amount to reveal.

"My mother died giving birth to me. I was told by my doctors that she suffered some internal damage and bleeding upon my birth. The doctors had to perform an emergency childbirth, and while I was born, my mother died a week later from her injuries and an infection."

Mutsuki gasped in shock upon hearing that, and Hide continued, "That already put me in a kind of enigma in my family. My father." He stopped, hesitating as he was beginning to talk another hurdle, "Didn't really like me because he blamed me for the death of his wife. They liked each other a lot, and having that happen must have done something to him."

Mutsuki asked, "Did he beat you?"

Hide sighed, unsure of whether to sugarcoat or just come clean, "Not all the time, physically at least… He still saw me as a legacy of the women he loved, so he did care for me. But the situation was still there. No matter how well we got along, all he saw on me, was the person who killed his wife. I was alone in terms of a parent figure, as my father worked in the CCG. He put up me with me was more of a better statement, but I knew behind my back he saw me as the scum of the earth, responsible for the biggest tragedy he had."

Mutsuki merely looked on in sympathy, to be blamed for something as soon as one was born, and living with that guilt growing up must have been difficult.

"What did he say about you?"

Hide shook his head, "Bad stuff, he would tell his coworker or friends how bad of a kid I was, and everything about that. He would paint the illusion I was a delinquent, always tying it back to how he and his wife made a mistake on giving birth to me. He even blamed his own wife for wanting to bring me into this world. Even at home when it was just the two of us, he'd just call me bad things. It was more of mental abuse I guess, but I tried never letting it get to me, as I would spent most of my time outside, so that I wouldn't have to see him."

Mutsuki then asked, "So how did your father die?"

Hide looked on in slight confusion.

"Didn't I already tell you? When I was seven, he was fighting some ghouls alone, and while he killed them, he bled to death shortly afterwards."

Mutsuki only looked on in pity, nodding in remembrance.. Another person with a tragic background regarding parents. The only one, probably was Saiko. "So, your foster parent?"

"My foster father is just a financial aid kind of guy. Let's me do my own thing."

"I see." Was all Mutsuki said, and Hide looked at his clock, realizing he was late.

Mutsuki sighed, "So just like me, you were burdened and raised under the assumption you killed someone…"

Hide nodded, "If you put it that way, then yes. There was a reason I always stayed out after school. I could only handle so much from his overall tormenting. The fact that he would always talk bad about me to anyone else he meets, really didn't help me make friends or anything, despite how hard I tried."

Mutuski remained quiet, taking it all in. He felt terrible for Hide, not just for what he went through, but also knowing of his experience in Cochlea.

"Why did you exactly end up in Cochlea?" Mutsuki asked, but before he could get an answer, Hide's watch buzzed.

"Oh crap I got to go, sorry Mutsuki but I need to dip." Hide quickly said before bolting out, a millisecond passing before he disappeared.

Mutsuki merely looked in confusion at how fast Hide left, before shrugging, silently thanking him for his kindness and sincerity, and going to talk to the rest of the group.

Hide motioned a goodbye to the group, who waved back, asking Hide to get back at a safe time. Hide shrugged, stating he was to leave around thirty minutes sooner than usual. As he left, feeling the cold air hit his face, he sighed, before putting on a small black mask.

It wasn't anything noteworthy, but to keep himself moderately warm, he made sure to dress up, considering the time he was going to spend out. Hide merely looked at the lack of cars on the road, probably due to all of them tucked away in their homes.

Even the ghouls weren't out, considering the cold weather, and the lack of food, it wouldn't be ideal to eat in this weather. Hide merely took his time, not wanting to slip on the wet floor, before making his way to a similar route. It was a route he had taken multiple times, once alongside most of the Quinx Squad, as shortly after became his designated route to take.

He spotted the same bridge as before, smiling knowing he was getting closer. But just then, his smile turned into a sigh, the cool air around him became tense, and he knew that he was to eventually be interviewed yet again. Hide looked at the coffee shop, the lights were still open, but they're probably being very little to no customers at all.

Hide tried to think of a joke regarding maybe a hot chocolate, but he digressed, knowing the atmosphere was quickly going to turn tense.

Eventually he made it to the café, :re, where Touka, Nishiki, Yomo and the others worked. The bell began to chime, notifying the staff of a newcomer. They looked to see the face of the orange-haired boy. Touka, Yomo and Nishiki all looked at Hide, while Hide himself noticed a strange person, who clearly was a fan of tattoos and piercings.

"Oh, hey Hide." Yomo called out, the orange-haired boy nodding in acknowledgement before sitting down next to the other person.

"So this is Hide?" The strange person asked, as he looked at Hide.

"Nice mask, though I feel I could get you a better one, this one doesn't cover your eyes." The strange person commented, which made Hide a bit confused.

"Oh, well thanks, uh-" Hide stated, asking for the person for his name.

"Uta." Uta replied, introducing himself, before smelling Hide, "You smell funny." Uta commented afterwards.

"Relax Uta, this is Hide, he's Kaneki's best friend. He's also our closest source to the whereabouts of Kaneki, as he is in the same squad as him."

Uta then looked at Hide, "Ah, the Quinx Squad, is it?" Hide nodded in response, "So he's a dove?"

Hide sighed, "Not necessarily, it's a long story."

Uta replied, "I'm listening."

Hide sighed, not wanting to repeat himself so he stated a quick story instead, "Made a deal with the reaper to let me out of Cochlea, and here I am." Was all Hide said, hoping that one sentence could make up for a whole story."

Uta them chuckled, "So you were the dove imprisoned for defending a ghoul then, huh?"

Hide smiled, "Yep, that's me." He chuckled silently afterwards.

"So, what exactly is this Quinx Squad?" Uta then asked.

Nishiki who had remained quiet until now, then began to talk. "There's essentially the doves' human weapons."

"They have a restricted kakuhou inside of them, which allows them to fight ghouls with their own weapon. I had to get one as a part of the deal to get out of Cochlea." Hide added, and Uta then nodded in understanding.

"So that's why you smell, a bit different." He merely replied, and Hide shrugged, somewhat enjoying the atmosphere around the area. It was refreshing. So, refreshing that sadly it had to be broken, as Hide had to tell Touka of the news.

"Hey Touka, I kind of need to inform you about something important." Hide stated with a serious voice, which made the ghouls inside look at Hide more strictly.

Touka who was relatively quiet until now looked at Hide in slight confusion and worry.

"What's going on?" Touka asked, noting the saddened look on Hide's face. "Does it have anything to do with Kaneki?"

Hide smiled ever so briefly at Touka's immediate worry for him, but sighed afterwards, "Not necessarily, it's more indirectly."

Touka sighed in relief, but it was only temporary.

Hide himself sighed in slight fear, hoping that Touka would take this relatively well. "Are you familiar with Hinami Fueguchi?"

That name, had immediately caused Touka to freeze, and Yomo, the usual strict Yomo, his eyes to widen slightly, at this individual knowing the name of someone close.

"Y-yeah." Touka stuttered, her eyes in disbelief before turning to anger, "Please do not tell me what I am thinking. Don't say she's d-"

Hide put his hand up, "She is not." He stated, getting ready for the kick. "While defending Kaneki from what appears to be another one-eyed ghoul, Hinami found herself exposed in CCG space. As a result, she was captured and sent to Cochlea, after Kaneki managed to gain ownership rights over her."

Touka's face went down, her hair now blocking both of her eyes, as Hide could hear the slight sounds of crying coming from her. Yomo looked on in disbelief, but sorrow, while Nishiki merely sighed.

"I'm sorry, but she is now in the CCG's possession." Hide concluded, with Uta clearly being the odd one out. Despite that, it was clear that he had an understanding of the severity of this situation.

For a moment, Touka's eyes turned up, filling with anger, and Hide could have sworn he had a beating coming his way. He had a feeling, that Touka would beat him up right here and now, and the thing was he would have let her.

"I'm sorry." Hide merely stated, but was shocked to see her on one knee.

"Why didn't you try?" Touka asked.

Hide sighed, "I tried, I really did, but I also had to protect Kaneki as well, he was injured badly. The ghoul had a kakuja, and beat Hinami and I before Kaneki pushed him away."

"A kakuja?" Uta asked all of a sudden, and Hide nodded.

"I was literally knocked out, and when I woke up, I saw Kaneki asking the reaper for Hinami's imprisonment rather than execution." Hide stated.

"So wait, you know we're ghouls?" Uta asked.

Hide nodded, "I knew for a while, and I refuse to say anything, because these ghouls are Kaneki's friends."

The ghouls looked on in shock, but gratitude, knowing they did owe Hide something for at least keeping them updated on these events. As sad as it was, it was at least relieving Hinami was still alive.

Yomo looked at Touka's angered face, and sighed, "You want to get her out, huh?" He asked, and Touka looked at him in shock.

"How did you-"

"Repeat." Yomo merely said, and Touka grunted, realizing what he was getting at.

Hide merely looked on the floor, his head full of disappointment at himself.

"I wish I could get her out." Hide mumbled, and Touka glared at him.

"Well then you should, you seem happy that she's in Cochlea." She grumbled, looking at Hide with a "piss off," glare.

But Hide retaliated back with his own statement, "You think I want her stuck in Cochlea? The guy who was in there for a year? Huh? I know better than all of you what it's like to be in there! Trust me, its hell, it ruins you because your isolated, the food is subpar at best, and you have nothing to do! So don't critique me Touka about Cochlea, because if there was a simple way to break her out I would gladly do so!"

Touka merely looked down in shame, understanding what Hide was getting at. "I'm sorry, I lost myself there for a bit."

Hide sighed, "It's cool, I mean I'm pretty upset at the events right now."

The ghouls in the room nodded, understanding.

"I really would like to get her out, but unless you have a drill to help you dig out of the underground, the only way up is to fight the CCG in their own headquarters, and pass through all the rc gateways."

Hide did not really know what to do. Should he risk it, and save Kaneki's friend, or should he stay safe, knowing the chances of her surviving there diminishing the longer she is kept there.

"Well, thanks for the update." Yomo merely stated, the two watching the posture of Touka, who literally looked defeated. To Hide's surprise, she brought to him a hot chocolate.

He looked at her in confusion, "What?" He asked.

Touka sighed, "It's a thank you for updating us on Kaneki and Hinami, even if it's not all good. Here, a free hot chocolate, considering how cold it is."

Hide gave a slight smile, "Thank you." He said, giving a small slurp, finding the taste to be just right, and the temperature nice and hot.

He then watched Uta get up, "Come by my Art Mask Studio, I can give you a mask once I measure you up."

Hide nodded, "I'll take that into consideration." and with that, watched as Uta left the coffee shop.

Hide then looked at them, "What's his deal?" He asked, clearly a bit taken off by his style.

Touka shrugged, "It's just Uta's style, you get used to it, though we had some more personal tasks to ask him about."

Hide nodded in understanding, "I see. Well, how's all of your Christmas going?" He asked after, and watched as they merely replied in their usual manner.

Nothing too jarring, or exciting, it was just a typical Christmas, though with some missing individuals that clearly had an effect on the rest of them. Hide could only sigh in a bit of shame, thinking of how he could have saved Hinami from her imprisonment.

Regardless, Hide knew he had to at least do something. He was aware of Kaneki's relation with Hinami, with the girl seeing his best friend as an older brother, always bringing her books. Perhaps he could get some from Touka.

"Hey Touka, I have something to ask you something?" Hide asked, and Touka looked at him in confusion.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Do you happen to have any books that Hinami used to read, or what she wants? Perhaps I could give her a Christmas present, or something." Hide stated, and Touka merely stood still.

"Sure, I'll get you some books, at least you can access Cochlea and pass through those gates." Touka stated, and Hide nodded in understanding.

"Okay, I'll wait here." Hide stated, watching Touka head out to probably get some books. Of course, some were destroyed in the raid of Anteiku, or the Owl Suppression Act, but they had managed to buy new copies of the books she lost in the event.

Hide watched as Touka returned with a bag full of books. "There should be around 5 of them in this bag, though with her being in Cochlea, I don't know how long it'll last."

Hide nodded, "It's fine Touka, at least she'll get a Christmas present, right?" He asked, and Touka nodded. Yomo and Nishiki in the background looking on in sorrow and worry for the young ghoul.

"How is your girlfriend?" Hide asked. Nishiki made a noise.

Touka looked on, "Are you ordering a coffee or something?"

Hide shook his head, "No, I came to hang out with you."

"Whatever." Was all he said, and Hide had the message of what Nishiki was getting at.

Once it got a bit later, Hide knew he had to leave. Bidding farewell, the group waved back, clearly enjoying Hide's company despite the awkwardness.

"Tell her we said hi." Nishiki stated, and Hide nodded as he began to walk out of the café. It was nice to talk to them again, considering everything that was happening.

Hide took a sigh of relief. It was something he had to tell them. Considering everything they were doing for him, it was the least Hide could do. Touka and Nishiki had quite the relationship and protective nature towards Hinami. For now, they had enjoyed each other's company, as Hide wanted to enjoy some time with them, even if Kaneki himself wasn't able to be there.

Once he was gone, he had his final stop. Cochlea, the very place he himself was stuck in for a year, he now found himself going down to give a ghoul a present from her "sister."

Hide really had no reason to be down here, but the fact that this girl cared and knew Kaneki was enough for him to try. He needed everyone to be alright when Kaneki eventually regained his memories, and even though on the surface it didn't appear, Hide could tell that Kaneki was having some questions that caused him to delve into his past.

While the improvement seemed insignificant, it was there. Kaneki was always a resistant person; the guy had done through enough drama than a person needed in their life. He already had the issue with his parents, and now this, being brought into the ghoul world through no fault of his own, it was tragic.

A tragedy, and while Hide's may not be as dark, at least he willingly took the step.

Reaching the building, he noticed that the lights were out, the lack of personnel, and the sheer emptiness of the room. In a way, it was almost teasing Hide of a more radical plan he had.

Of course, Hide wasn't stupid or reckless. He may have been energetic, but he was careful when the time required that. He looked around and quickly spotted some security cameras, which would easily point Hide out as the potential target and suspect. As a result, there was very little hope for escape. Hide may have managed, but he had to make a deal with the devil, so to speak.

As Hide took the elevator down into Cochlea, his heart rate began to rise, the one place he really did not want to be in, was exactly where he was right now. He looked around, hoping to find Hinami. In truth, Kaneki had never told Hide about the number Hinami was in, so he had to resort to the long and normal way anyone would.

Search and once found, bingo.

It wasn't easy, the CCG had a surprising number of ghouls stuck in Cochlea, before he eventually found Hinami, in a black room with overall poorer conditions than the cell he was in. Perhaps being human in this case was a blessing, as it gave you a better room in Cochlea.

Hide shook his head, smiling sadly at the poor girl, who was clearly teary at the events that had played out.

Hide, struggling first, eventually got his voice, "Hey Hinami?" He asked, and watched as the girls' face turned to Hide's, her eyes widening in shock.

"You! Are you the guy I fought that ghoul with?" Hinami asked, her eyes widening.

Hide nodded, "That would be me, I also am Kaneki's best friend." He said, watching the hope in Hinami's eyes shine, it made Hide a bit happy.

"You're onii-chan's friend? How is he?" She asked.

Hide smiled, "He's doing good, he's actually looking into himself, I feel that someday he may actually get his memories back."

Hinami smiled, there was really nothing else she could say, "Thank you."

Hide shrugged, "It was nothing, oh-" He replied, showing Hinami the bag of books Touka had given him, Hinami's eyes showing confusion.

"I visited Touka at her coffee shop, and asked if she wanted to give you something for Christmas. She told me how you loved books after Kaneki helped you, I thought that was nice, so I told her I'd give you to books when I left." Hide explained, bringing out the books one by one, eventually managing to fit five books through the cell gate.

Hinami clearly looked happy, "Thank you so much." Was all she could say.

Hide shrugged, "It's the least I could do, Touka wanted to get these to you, and with the gates and all, it was impossible, so I took the step, because I could pass."

Hinami still had her smile, "Still, you decided to do this for me, I couldn't be any happier for this. I remember Touka telling me how these books were destroyed in the fire." She stated, recognizing the books from before, "But I see she bought some new ones, maybe if I hadn't joined Aogiri Tree things would have been alright."

Hide sighed, "It's not your fault, Hinami. I should've been stronger to protect Kaneki from that ghoul, but I failed him, as I have for the past months and years."

Hinami looked on, a bit saddened to see Hide sad, "Don't say that, you're always next to him, so you're looking out for him, that's the best you could do to be there for him."

"That may be so, but he doesn't recognize me. With his whole new name and everything. I can't even look at his face without wanting to cry his name, but if I do, he may go into shock, plus I am forbidden to from the reaper."

Hinami's eyes widened at the mention of the reaper, "CCG's reaper?"

Hide nodded, "Yeah I have a complicated history with him."

Hinami shook her head, "He was so close to killing me if it wasn't for onii-chan."

Hide smiled, "Well the fact that he sees something in you is a start for his memories. Perhaps he recognizes you from somewhere. At least that's better than with me. He doesn't even recognize my face or anything."

Hinami looked on, "I'm pretty sure he does recognize you, it's just that he can't confront you."

"I cannot do the same, or else the reaper might send me down here as well."

Hinami's face dropped, clearly feeling hopeless. "I just wish I had him back."

"I do too." Hide sadly admitted, before getting up, "Anyways, I'll make sure to come back to give you more books or something."

"Thank you so much again, it means a lot!" Hinami replied, and Hide could not smile at the somewhat child-like attitude Hinami gave him. It kind of reminded Hide of himself in a way.

With a smile, Hinami watching back at Hide, he told Hinami some words that would definitely make her day.

"Merry Christmas, Hinami, the others wish you the same."

And with that he left, leaving Hinami in tears of joy and delight, knowing she was still cared for, by her family, even if she did not have her real one.

A.N / I told you this would be more a lighter chapter. This one takes off around chapter 31.5 and I guess 32. The problem is the time skip, from Christmas to April, so it's a bit complicated where this chapter ends in comparison to the manga. Anyways though, I feel this chapter is a nice calm interlude towards the other part of the story. I do not know what I want to do, as I have both a safe and a reckless idea, with the latter being implemented later. Regardless hope this chapter felt lighter than the others in terms of events. See you later.

Also... Ummm... Sorry for keeping you all waiting for 3 months...

Flame Body.

Shapeshift.

X Flames.

Flaming Pellets.

Fiery Drift.