(Part 2 to the dream request Bonds deepen when the nightmares return and this time, they witness Kaneki’s torture by Jason and all that it entailed, ending with Kaneki’s utter destruction and first act of Ghoul cannibalism. Since Ayato was so bitter about it, he gets to join the suffering this time.

Ayato thanks you. 😉

Touka screeches herself awake. 

“What’s wrong?” Kaneki shakes her. 

Oh, right. He sees Hinami and Ayato curled up at their feet. Shuu is on the floor, oddly cuddled with Aura and Higemaru. Hsaio and Saiko lie half under the bed, and Mutsuki lays his head on Urie’s chest.

Please tell me they didn’t find out more.

“He put centipedes – centipedes in your ear!” Touka claps her hands over her ears.

Ayato lets out a shrill scream, and Hinami bolts upright. Soon everyone is yelling.

“Kill me instead!” Saiko wails.

“I can’t choose!” Mutsuki shrieks.

“Nine-hundred ninety three,” sobs Hsaio. “It’s nine-hundred nintey three.” 

“Is it all right if I eat you?” Ayato pins Hinami beneath him, only to gasp into consciousness. “Hina, I’m sorry!”

“It’s all right.” She scrambles towards Kaneki. “Big brother.”

“I hate bugs.” Aura trembles.

“I like them, but not in me.” Higemaru shudders. 

“It’s terrible,” Urie mumbles.

“Hey, Ayato had the dream,” Touka points at him.

“I…it was a nightmare.” Ayato swallows. “I let that happen to you, Kaneki.”

“I know. I forgive you.” 

“I should have done something.” Ayato clenches his fist. 

“It’s okay, really.” Kaneki gulps. “I’m so sorry I upset you all.”

“Sorry?” Saiko asks incredulously.

“Kaneki, ma chere, we’re sorry,” says Tsukiyama. “You have suffered terribly. And we all – we don’t think it’s a burden to know. We don’t think it’s a weakness of yours. We love you and call you friend.”

“We want to know,” Mutsuki says, reaching for Kaneki’s hand. 

“It’s what families do, right?” Saiko holds up a high five to Touka. “About time you prepared for that, anyhow.” 

Kaneki laughs. 

“Tell us the rest, if you’re ready,” Mutsuki says.

“We’ll listen. We’re all here.” Touka smiles and rubs Kaneki’s shoulders.

“I don’t even know where to begin.” Kaneki surveys their beautiful faces.

“How about the beginning,” Aura mutters, and everyone laughs.