If we get anything less than an entire chapter of feels, I will rebel.
“Sasaki! Or should I say Kaneki?” Marude Itsuki, Washuu Matsuri, and Urie Kuki march into the 24th ward, alongside a ghoul Kaneki recognizes as Scarecrow.
After returning to find GOAT in chaos while Ayato and strange 24th ward inhabitants held his former colleagues hostage, Kaneki is not in the mood for more familiar faces. Or any, really, except Touka.
Because he almost lost her and their baby today.
“Is this your negotiation?” Tsukiyama looks amused. Hirako crosses his arms and glares at them.
Urie looks desperate, like a little kid reaching for his father. “No, I’m the one who insisted. Kaneki – you have no reason to believe us – but we’re on your side.”
Scarecrow shuffles forward.
“You know him as Hide,” Urie says.
Kaneki’s face pales, and Touka inhales sharply behind him.
“Why should we believe you? Can’t he speak for himself?” Tsukiyama steps in front of Kaneki. He does not want anyone upsetting his friend any more today.
“No,” Urie says. But Scarecrow is scribbling on a notepad and handing it forward.
Tsukiyama takes it and shows it to Kaneki.
Hi Kaneki
He recognizes this handwriting. Kaneki lets out a cry.
Touka grips her husband and guides him forward. “I swear if this is a trap, I’ll eat all of you.”
Marude likes her fire.
“I’ll help,” says Tsukiyama.
Urie swallows as his former leader’s eyes meet his.He remembers their last conversation. Now Mutsuki is held captive, and he failed to save him again.
Scarecrow squeezes Kaneki’s hand too hard, just like Hide used to.
He coughs and begins to untie his mask. Urie reaches over to help.
Kaneki can’t breathe. He still has his orange hair and one eye, but his nose is just nostrils, his mouth and jaw are consumed by scars, and he’s missing half an ear.
Still, he’s trying to smile.
Kaneki’s eyes fill with tears. “What happened?”
He remembers Touka behind him, and the child she carries. He needs to face the past to savers future.
“Did I do this?”
Hide scribbles on the paper. I told you to.
Kaneki shakes his head. “Hide, this – this is why -”
I’m so proud of you.
It may not be stylish, but live. Remember? Hide winks at Touka and writes more.
You made it stylish.
Kaneki cries harder. He’s too afraid to hug him, to afraid to ask for forgiveness, but no, he needs to face his fear. He reaches out.
Hide holds him tight. The Kaneki Ken he knew wouldn’t have reached out.
His friend is back, and they can survive together. Stylishly.
Mercy and Magic 