Falling Into Your Arms [Tokyo Ghoul: Female!Kaneki x Tsukiyama Shuu] BOOK 3

20

The house was empty without Maria in it. Nobody brought him cool drinks while he was working in his study.

But he wasn't working in the study anymore, and he didn't miss the nice things she did for him because it hurt him more to have to fake his smiles when she did.

She had moved out already, having already signed the divorce papers. They'd come through quickly, as Shuu was a fairly important figure.

There was just one thing he had to do before he left France.

"I'm sorry, Mom."

She nodded. She was more frail than before. She had a year left, tops, or so the doctors had told Shuu. "Don't be. I pushed you into it too fast. But...darling? Were you happy at all? Ever?"

Shuu hesitated. "A little. For a while. But it faded." He paused. "But there's someone who can make it stick, I think."

She smiled. "Go at your own pace this time."

He nodded.

Then he said goodbye to his sickly mother and left his home.

***

"Hide, get out of the doorway," Ayato said, scowling.

Hide crossed his arms, shaking his head. "No."

"What are you playing at?" he asked.

"I'm breaking up with you on Ken's behalf," Hide said, tilting his head up.

"What?" Ayato asked, stunned. Then, "KEN. GET OUT HERE. YOUR IDIOT ROOMMATE IS MAKING AWFUL JOKES AGAIN."

"No, I'm seriously," Hide said, staring calmly at Ayato. "I saw her wrist, Ayato. You hurt Ken."

"I didn't mean to! It was an accident!"

Hide just stared. "Frankly, I don't care. Too many people have hurt Ken for me to let her go back to you and just wait to get hurt again."

Ayato just stared at the ground because he knew that he'd screwed up. "Can I say goodbye at least?"

"You can tell me goodbye and I'll tell it to Ken," Hide compromised.

Ayato sighed. "Then...tell Ken I'm sorry. And goodbye. And I'm sorry that her child will be fatherless because you're forcing me out."

"WHAT."

"I'm kidding, stupid." Ayato sighed, clearly distressed. "Just tell her sorry and bye. And that I won't bother her anymore, and..." He sighed again, turning around. "I'm sorry I let her down. And you."

Hide nodded. "I'll tell her."

And Ayato walked off. He knew it was his fault.

But in a way, he was glad that she had Hide to look out for her.

Even if it was just so he'd protect her from guys like himself.