Facing Reality (Tokyo Ghoul Fanfic)

[16]

Touka stood by me as I stood in front of my house. "Touka, I... I don't think I wanna do this." I said. "Why? Your Dad will be so happy to see you." She said. "But... what if he won't recognize me? I mean, I have white hair now." I said.

"True, but at least you still have your green eyes." She joked. "Real funny, Touka." I said. I took a deep breath before opening my door. I found Dad sitting on the couch with photo albums all over the place and the living room was a complete mess.

"I don't remember you knocking. What do you want?" He said, staring down at one of my baby pictures.

"Hey... Dad." I greeted with a small wave. Dad looked at me and his eyes widened. "Kaori?" He stood up and quickly walked over to me. "Kaori... Is it... Is it really you?" He asked, his hands on my shoulders. "It's me, Dad." I confirmed.

Tears swelled up in my father's eyes before running over to me, hugging me tightly. "My baby girl... I'm so happy you're home. Oh, thank God." He said, hugging me tighter. I buried my face in his shoulder as I hugged him back.

"Touka... Thank you. Thank you for bringing my little girl home." Dad said, still hugging me. I broke the hug and looked at Touka as she smiled. "No problem, Mr. Rikuto." She said. I grabbed Touka's hand and tugged her forward so she was in the hug as well.

"Thanks for bringing me home, Sis." I said. "You've haven't called me that in a while." She mentioned with a smile. "And it still fits." I said with a chuckle. Ever since Rize's death, Touka's always acted like a big sister to make sure I was doing okay. 

I explained to Dad what happened to me and why I haven't been home for a while. "So, this group... Aogiri, was it? They forced you into joining them?" Dad asked. "Yeah, and they said if I didn't, they'd kill you. I couldn't let that happen. I wanted to protect you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Dad." I apologized.

"It's all right, sweetie I understand." Dad said, placing his hand on my cheek before kissing my forehead. "Yep, that's Kaori for ya. Always looking out for her family." Touka smiled. "I was looking out for you, too, y'know. And I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you." I said.

"Hey, quit apologizing. It's no big deal." Touka replied. I smiled at her and leaned back on the couch. "Man, it's good to be home." I said. Dad and Touka leaned back on the couch with me and sighed as well. We looked at each other and laughed, happily.

"Kaori, why is your hair white?" Dad asked. I was waiting for him to ask that question. "Well... It's kind of a long story involving me and my ghoul self." I said, sheepishly.