Warning for references to child abuse.
“Hey.” Touka hesitates at the foot of the bridge. Why didn’t you wait for me? Are you avoiding me? What is wrong with me?
“Hey.” Kaneki’s heart sinks. He’s afraid of her.
Because he cares.
“Why did you run off?” Touka bursts out. “Why? It’s like you didn’t care at all.”
“Of course I cared! I just…wanted to protect you all,” Kaneki whispered.
“I thought I was the one who protected you.” Touka swallowed. “Remember Kimi? Remember Mado? We were a team.” Her voice rose. “You say you’re doing this for us, but you’re not. You’re acting like my dad! You’re selfish; it’s all about you. You can’t stand to see us hurt, so you keep us at a distance. You’re hurting us and saying it’s for our own good.”
Kaneki sees his mother’s hand coming down on him. He starts and stumbles back.
“Why?” Touka sniffles. “Why can’t you let us love you?”
Kaneki feels frozen. Mommy, stop.
Touka frowns. His eyes aren’t focused. “Kaneki?”
She grabs him and pleads. “Please come back to Anteiku with me.”
Kaneki can barely move in his flashback, but somehow he finds the strength to nod.
Touka tugs him along, and though he’s still half-dazed, he feels like he’s being led someplace safe.
Mercy and Magic 