I Won't Leave Again (Touken)

Chapter 12: Starlight (Date)

*Warning Immense amount of fluff ahead

They sat together happily as the train ventured down the tracks. They looked at the views as the city disappeared and country land opened up. 

"How long is the trip?" Touka questioned. "You know I have to work tomorrow and don't want to be back too late"

"Only half an hour, it's a fast train. I promise I'll have you back at a reasonable time" 

"Good or it may be our last date" 

Kaneki playfully stuck his tongue out at her. 

"I have to work tomorrow too; Yoshimura gave me my job back today" 

"Really? That's great" 

As the train continued down the track they caught up with each other lives, chatting and laughing like best friends, Touka told him all about Kamii and whats changed since he's been there and also about work and how annoying Nishiki and Roma are. Kaneki told her about his adventures, but he noticed the worried look in her eyes as he mentioned the fights he's been in. 

"I was always safe don't worry" 

"You know I can't help it. I'm so used to you being weak and fragile. Apparently I'm a caring person you said so yourself" 

"Real funny"

"Haha"

The train bumped as they arrived at their destination. Touka eyes lit up as she looked at the water and sand in the distance. He had brought her to a beach. They got off the train and noticed there weren't many people around as it was getting dark. 

"Our train leaves at 9 so we have a little over 2 hours I thought it might be fun to walk on the shoreline" He had a backpack with him as well. 

Leaving the station, they came upon the beach. Stars were starting to shine in the sky. Touka removed her shoes going barefoot and she started to run. She had dreamed about running on the beach, the cool wind in her hair and sand between her toes, but never found the time or company to come. She looked back at Kaneki who stood there unsure of what to do. 

"Catch me if you can!" She took off running near the water.

"That's not fair you're an Ukaku ghoul!" He ran and eventually caught up to her as she fatigued. 

"Damn my stamina haha" she joked while catching her breath.

After she did, they walked together with the waves near their feet. Kaneki spoke. 

"I love the beach, it's just such a peaceful atmosphere and I love the smell, even now" 

"I've actually wanted to come here for so long, how did you know?"

"Intuition?" 

"Yeah sure" She laughed. 

What happened next surprised Kaneki, she grabbed his hand and entwined her fingers into his. They smiled at each other; the darkness hiding the blushing. Together, they walked for half an hour, hand in hand, with Touka stopping periodically to look at shells on the beach. Eventually, they stopped walking. It was dark now, but the bright moon and stars lit up the area well. 

"Let's have a rest" Kaneki ordered as he pulled off his backpack. He brought out two beach towels and laid them out beside each other. 

"May I?" Touka asked sarcastically. 

"You may" Kaneki responded while bowing. So together they lay on the beach staring up at the sky. Kaneki started pointing. 

"Hey you see that shape in the stars?"