I Won't Leave Again (Touken)

Chapter 28: Conflict

Back in Touka's room, Touka pulled a blanket over herself and Kaneki as the two snuggled on the couch flipping through TV channels. Kaneki was happy. Ayato seemed so genuine about wanting to repair the damage with his sister and he loved seeing Touka regain some potential faith in her brother. 

Touka burrowed herself deeper against Kaneki's chest letting out a sigh. 

"Things are finally coming together. You're back at Anteiku, Hinami's always happy, everybody else is at peace. This is the way I always wanted things to be" 

Kaneki pulled her tight in response. Seeing Ayato had brought something to Kaneki's attention and it was starting to bother him. 

When Kaneki originally came back to Anteiku, he never thought about how permanent it would be. He had to get his life in order, but had been in such bliss being around Touka he nearly forgot about his goals and why he had left in the first place. As much as he loved holding Touka, making her happy and being with her. 

Could he leave? Again? It would break her heart and she would likely kill him. She would want to come with him, but he didn't want her wrapped up in his dangerous world. Kaneki had also figured Touka wanted him to come back to Kamii, but never directly asked him about it. If he did that, his plans would have to wait a long time. 

Touka could feel his tenseness 

"Ken? What's wrong?" 

"Nothing" He would have rubbed his chin, but his arms were firmly planted around Touka's warm body. "I'm just a bit tired, it's been a long day" 

"Anything I can do?" 

"No no I'm fine" 

"It's getting late we should probably head to bed anyway" 

He let out a yawn. Touka unravelled herself from his grasp and stood up with a stretch. She headed towards her bedroom. 

"You coming?" 

"I'll be there in a bit" Kaneki spoke looking towards the window, a habit he had developed since returning from the clown kidnapping. 

Touka gave him a suspicious look with slight concern, but didn't press him. 

"OK..." She walked into the room leaving the door open a crack. He heard her climb into the bed before he sighed. 

Go back to Kamii? Let Touka join his band of rebels? He didn't know the answer. All he knew he didn't want to hurt his love again. 

Frustrated, he got up and went back to his room. 

Touka heard him leave and started to worry if she had done something to bother him, but before long he reentered her apartment and slid into her bedroom. 

He had simply changed into sleepwear. He climbed into the bed and slipped an arm around Touka's midsection. 

Naturally wanting to protect and help him, she hated seeing Kaneki with any sort of conflict and wanted him to open up to her. She considered turning around and demanding to know what was wrong, but decided to trust that he would talk to her when he was ready. 

Touka eventually fell asleep while Kaneki remained awake, breathing in her sweet scent; thoughts tearing apart his brain.

Work the Next Day

Kaneki, Touka and Roma were working in the shop through the typical busy time of day. Roma was far more competent at this point not breaking dishes nearly as often. She also got over her crush on Kaneki noticing the strong relationship between him and Touka.