We’re assuming this is post-ghoulification and reunion for our friends. 

“He’s pretty bad,” Banjou says, eying the babbling Takizawa. Truth to be told, the injuries will heal. But this kid’s mental state makes Kaneki look normal. 

“He’s missing three limbs. Of course it’s bad,” Kurona shoots back. She points at Banjou. “You! Are not going to let our sibling die.”

Kaneki isn’t sure how he feels about her insistence on calling them siblings, but if it helps her, fine. 

“Move, Eyepatch King.” Mado Akira appears in the room, shoving the One-Eyed King aside so fast he crashes into the wall. She’s not really sorry.

Amon Koutarou rushes in behind her. “Seidou!”

“It’s Owl now, right?” Akira winks at Takizawa’s bloodied mouth. 

“No!” he wails. “I did it! I killed Mom and Dad! I drank their blood!”

Akira exchanges a glance with Amon.

“I’m impossible.” Seidou grins. 

Taste like home cooking, Seidou?

He feels like such an object. Even now. He can’t reclaim his personhood no matter how desperately he desires. 

“I mean, yes,” Amon says, perching on the bed next to Seidou. “But we love you for it.”

“My life is shit.” Tears stream down his face.

“We like your life. I nearly gave up mine for you!” Akira jabs her finger at him, and the delirious ghoul pauses for a moment. “And it was worth it, God dammit!”

“Dammit, like I’m damned.”

Amon clears his throat. “I was raised by a priest, remember. You’re not damned, Seidou.” 

“And if you were, we’d break down hell for you.” Akira kisses the top of Seidou’s head. “We love you.”

He pauses. “Really?”

“Please believe that.”

For a moment, looking at their compassionate faces, he feels like nothing happened. For a moment, he dares to believe them.