Full ~Kaneki x Reader AU~

Chapter 7: Confirmation

"So...this is the place you and your buddy frequented, eh?" I snicker, reading the sign above.

"Yeah..." he replies in a small voice - one where I can practically hear him blushing.

I just continue to snicker, "Big Girl, eh?"

"It's...a western burger place."

I just stand, arms crossed over my chest, smirking. Honestly, when he said western-style, I did not imagine it would be a place like this. This restaurant presented as most certainly a western look, stares back at me, the waitresses inside dressed in...interesting outfits. Revealing, really. And the food I can catch glimpses of definitely looks western.

"I see," I chuckle.

"You know, if you want to go somewhere else, we can," he says quickly - embarrassed - and ready to turn away.

"No, no. This is fine. I'm...interested," I say, trying to reassure him while holding back any laughter. I gingerly wrap my arms around one of his, tugging. "Come on! Let's go in!"

I give him no time to reply and pull him along, making our way into the restaurant. We go in and get seated pretty quickly, him awkwardly avoiding eye contact as I chat away, making comments about the interior - nothing rude or offensive. I just acknowledge the western look and appeal, sneaking peeks at him.

It's funny. Earlier, he was so quick to pick this place, but now, it's almost as if he regrets his choice. Almost as if he is embarrassed. Maybe forgetting this place is...seemingly marketed toward men. Still, I just smile and do my best to ease him.

"Hey. It's okay. This place is nice. Different, but nice."

He hesitates, but eventually looks at me, eyes full of a mixture of emotions. "Yeah...I didn't think before bringing you here. I'm sorry."

I just shrug. "It's okay. It's something new...to a degree. Reminds me a little bit of home (if by chance you're not from a western country, just pretend or feel free to replace the restaurant altogether)." I lean into the table, resting my elbows on the tabletop, glancing around. "Smells a lot like this one place I used to go to when I was younger."

He lifts a brow. "Does it really?"

"Yeah. I mean, most western restaurants are pretty much just little carbon copies of each other. Still, it reminds me of home."

It's at this moment that his eyes soften, the embarrassment melting away as the corners of his lips ever so slightly draw up. "Homesick?"

"I guess you could say that."

Not a lie. It's been almost two months. I miss H/P. I miss my apartment. I miss my bed. I miss Grandma and Gracie. I miss it all. But at the same time...

Kaneki just smiles, "You'll be going home in a few weeks, right?"

A knot forms in my throat, though I swallow it down. "Yeah. Two, actually."

"Two weeks? Wow. You'll be home before you know it."

His expression is difficult to read. He looks surprised, but those other emotions...I can't quite read them. Maybe conflicted?

"Yeah," I say, running my thumbs along my arms. "Crazy how fast time has gone."

"I agree."

He's quiet, his eyes averting. To be honest, the atmosphere suddenly feels weighed with some strange force. Awkwardness. That's the best way to describe it. Something I haven't really experienced with him, so this is very new.

So, as to shoo away the tension - and without thought - I ask, "So...Anteiku. Have you been there before?"

My gut already knows the answer. It knows. He's been there. I'm almost certain he has links there. I'm ninety-nine point nine precent sure that the staff there is comprised entirely of ghouls. I can feel it in my bones. But I'm almost afraid to come straight out and ask him.

"Well?" I press, sucking my lips in. Anxiety consumes me. "Have you?"

Slowly, his eyes return to me, his expression a slate I cannot fully decode. Then: "Yes, I have."

That much I knew. "Did you...go there often?"

"...yes."

Thump, thump. Thump, thump. Thump, thump.

"Were you close to any of the employees there?"

"Yes."

I swallow, "Did you ever...work there?" This is more of a leap - a hunch, really.

He licks his lips. "Yes...I did."

This is something I was less likely to see coming at me, but at the same time, I can see that. Quiet Kaneki...dressed in the same uniform as Nishiki, serving customers with a shy smile. I can see that. I can picture that.

However, as cute as that is to imagine, what I really want to ask I need to word quietly and carefully. So, I glimpse over my shoulder, searching around to make sure our waitress isn't about to appear. Most people are busy chatting, none paying any mind to us, so I turn and lean in, bringing my eyes directly to his. He must pick up onto what I'm doing and also leans in, a brow raised.

I whisper, "The café...is it staffed by...ghouls?"

I almost expect his eyes to widen, however, they don't. If anything, he looks more disappointed. Which only confuses me. Why would he be disappointed? Or am I reading him wrong? It's a possibility. It's not as if I know everything about him. Still...

"Well?" I press, swallowing. My nails are digging into my flesh, sharp pains darting up my arms. His answer will either confirm or dismiss my theory.

He sits, staring at me for a moment before quietly sighing, "You already know the answer. I know you do."

A muscle in my face twitches. "I want to hear you say it."

"But you already know."

I brace my posture. "I need to hear you say it, Kaneki."

I do. I need confirmation, one way or the other. I need to know. All these thoughts and questions looping through my brain are becoming far too much. I just need to know, and he must see that, breathing.

"Yes. It is...yes, they are."

And just like that, our worlds become so much closer than I ever imagined.

**Bello lovelies! Oof. It looks like there might be some kind of conversation held soon, especially now that Y/N's theory has been confirmed. Are y'all ready? I hope so! Y'all, I can't believe this is the final full week of October. That means spooky season will be over soon. Anyone else sad about that? I am. I love spooky season. However, all good things must come to a close. Well, I think that'll do for today. Thank you all so freakin' much for everything! Y'all are the absolute bestest! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross