Tᴏᴋʏᴏ Gʜᴏᴜʟ Rᴇ:Cᴏᴅᴇᴅ

Grind

"I want you to stay here and work for me as my personal assistant. In exchange I shall not only help you save your dear friend but, you'll be safe here on the estate and with me, fed whenever you need it, and be taught how to use your new abilities. What do you say Kaneki?"

Kaneki couldn't believe what he'd just been offered. The chance to live in such a big place among those like him. Safe. It was all too good to be true which is why doubt was expressed on his innocent face.

Tsukiyama picked up on that and placed his hands on the young man's shoulders. "I know what you're thinking, that you don't deserve any of this and why would a total stranger be offering you this? Truth is I've had my eye on you for awhile now Kaneki. Ever since Ms.Kamishiro died it was like there was a void left within my heart. As a ghoul you know it's hard to really make friends but she was mine and I began to sink into depression. Then I heard about the boy who had her organs so I began watching you to see what was so special about you. And suddenly I didn't feel so bad anymore because you two are so similar, it's like she's come back to me through you. But that's not the only reason, you're like all of us full blooded ghouls, a victim of circumstance. We did not ask to be born this way nor did you ask to have ghoul parts transplanted into you. Us victims have to be there for one another and lighten the load of the bad deck of cards that life has given us. Your friend sounds amazing but as you are now, he can no longer help you. You need to take this opportunity and seize it because if you try to do any of this alone, you'll lose more than you ever thought you could."

Kaneki stared into Tsukiyama's eyes, really trying to understand everything he was saying and found that he was right. Hide couldn't help with his condition and if anything he'd be putting him in danger if he didn't get help. No, he wouldn't lose Hide. He was the last remaining piece of his old life and meant the world to him. "...Okay, I accept...Master Shuu.

"Oh come now, just continue calling me Tsukiyama. I wish the others would. Now as for your friend, it's really late now we'll have to handle this in the morning. I'll go see if Kanae can prepare a room for you while Matsumae takes you back to your apartment. Sound good?"

"Oh yes thank you, and sorry for being a bother."

"Think nothing of it. Now I'll be right back." He turned his back to Kaneki and headed out the doors of the library where Kanae was standing with a tray full of refreshments.

"How much did you hear?"

"All of it. Are you sure it's wise to let someone like him go home? We could take him now and together."

"No no that won't be necessary, slow and steady is the way to take this one. Besides, I've been looking for a reason to take out that pest Nishio."

Kanae smirked and walked past him. "You're terrible Master Shuu, I'll bring the little halfling his coffee."

"You're too kind Kanae."

By the end of the night, Matsumae had driven Kaneki back to his apartment and wished him a goodnight. He'd have to get used to her cold exterior but then again it wouldn't be the first time he had to.

As he walked into his apartment, he realized that this would be one of the last times he'd be here. He'd agreed to live with and work for Tsukiyama now all for the sake of himself and Hide.

Hideyoshi Nagachika was Kaneki's first and only friend; not counting newbie Tsukiyama; that had always been there for him even in the toughest of times. And now he was in danger because of something Kaneki had done.  He hadn't meant to do it but in his mind, it was all his fault.

No. He'd let no harm come to him and anyone who sought to try to, would meet a fate worse than death. He hadn't known where that level of malice came from but he didn't question as it was being used for the right purpose.

Next Day

Kaneki waited outside with a medical eye patch covering his left eye. Since he couldn't control its color changing ability, he decided that it was best to hide it.

Suddenly, a fancy sports car pulled up in front of him and rolled down its tinted windows. Inside was one Shuu Tsukiyama looking better than he did yesterday.

He smiled at his friend and waved for him to get in, which Kaneki did in a hurry. "Wow Tsukiyama, nice ride you got here."

"Oh this old thing? I've already pre ordered the new one so when it arrives, you can have this one. After all, as my assistant you'll need to run around for me time to time."

"R-right. So you remember where to go right?"

"Of course I do, Kami University right?"

"That's the one, I hope we're not too late."

"Not likely, Nishiki is the type to make you watch as he kills him. You know, to make sure he really gets to you. If anything he's probably just playing with his food until the right moment."

"...Do you see all humans as food?"

"Why of course not, in fact my best friend Chie is a human along with the majority of my father's business associates and longtime family friends. The only ones I see as food are the ones that look down upon us as if we're just scum. Like we don't deserve to live because of the way we were born."

"I see." Ken just opted to stay silent for the rest of the ride, thinking that he might end up offending his new friend.

They arrived at the university in a matter of minutes and were soon making their way to the dormitories where he knew Hide would be.

They arrived at his door but Kaneki didn't knock. His anxiety was at an all time high and he honestly felt that he'd have a heart attack. Beyond this door was one of two things, his smiling bestie or what remained of him.

As he began to shake, he felt a reassuring hand on his shoulder while the other reached over him and knocked. Seconds later they heard footsteps and a lock being undone.

He felt a lump rise up in chest as it seemed like it was taking forever for that door to open. Then it quickly disappeared when he saw his friend still in his pajamas yawning. "Huh, Kanek-"

He was cut off by Kaneki basically jumping into his arms. "I missed you so much!", he said in between sobs.

Hide just stood there and looked at Tsukiyama who gave him a small smile. Finally wrapped his arms around him and whispered, "You're always so helpless...I missed that."

After a few minutes of uninterrupted love, Hide invited them both in. "I must be really popular today. Three guests at the same time."

Kaneki was puzzled. "Three?" He didn't have to wonder for long because when they entered the living area, there was Nishiki sitting on the couch.

Kaneki's blood ran cold when he saw him just sitting there all causal; his kakugan becoming active behind his eye patch.

Tsukiyama picked up on the malice in the air so decided to speak first. "You have a lovely place here Nagachika. I just love the ambiance."

Hide was very perceptive but he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed so of course he looked confused. "Uh...thanks? And you are?"

"Pardon my rudeness, I am Shuu Tsukiyama. I met our dear Kaneki while we were both in the hospital and we immediately hit it off. He wouldn't stop talking about you so I insisted we come see you. Hope that was okay."

"It sure the hell is and I'm hurt Kaneki! I've been trying to see you for weeks now and it takes your new friend to push you to come see me?! You knucklehead I outta beat some sense into you."

"You're always so loud Nagachika, quiet down.", said Nishiki looking up from some magazine that was on the coffee table before him.

"Heh heh, sorry Nishio. Well this is embarrassing, here you all are in your best clothes and I'm still in my pajamas. I'll be right back so play nice you lot."

After he left, the mood changed once more. All three ghouls looked at one another with scowls apparent on their faces before Nishiki began speaking.

"So...you wanna die in front of your bestie Ken?"