Stars and Counting [Kaneki X Reader]

☆13☆

Quick A/N: Just a warning that later this chapter will mention a few things related to sucide. Readers are to read at their own risk. Thank you.

I was rushed to the hospital after Kaneki scooped me up and flee away. I couldn't remember anything after that since I fell unconscious in his arms. The only thing I remember was that I woke up to the beeping sound of the machine nearby, tubes running through my arms and nose...

And Kaneki unconscious at my bedside.

"K-Kaneki...?" I muttered, realizing he was human again and was passed out in another bed at least arms length from mine. I sighed when I noticed he was also being taken care of by a nurse nearby, the machine, oxygen tubes running through him, and the gauze pads and bandages that wrapped his face and body.

I slowly turned my head to find my forearm casted in gauze and the memory floods through my mind. From my weak perpendicular view, the room was filled with two nurses (one helping Kaneki, and one for me as she tucks a blanket over my waist) and the doctor writing something on a clipboard nearby.

"WHERE'S MY GRANDDAUGHTER?!" screamed a familar voice, slamming the door wide open.

"Ma'am, we ask you to please be quiet," said the doctor. "The patients are sleeping."

"Out of the way, young man!" she exclaimed, shoving the doctor aside. I watch the old woman rush to my beside, shooing off the nurse.

"Grandma...?" I muttered through happy tears, holding her frail hand.

"Yes, Dear. Grandma's here," she smiled. "I heard about the incident from the news, about the ghouls, and the hospital called me earlier to see you. I was at my bingo game so it took a while for Grandma to get here. I'm sorry."

"That's alright, Grandma.... Kaneki," I gestured to Kaneki sleeping and Grandma finally lowers her voice.

"Did Kaneki get hurt saving you?" she asked, and I nodded. She cries out tears, and the doctor warns her again after the two nurses left the room. "I didn't have time to pack my clothes, Y/N, so I can't stay overnight. But, tomorrow morning I'll be here. I'm making you (the) F/D. You like that?"

"Yeah... Thanks, Grandma..." I really did like (the) F/D. The thought of it made me a bit hungry despite the pain and numbness I felt from my limbs and torso.

"You're welcome, Dear," she kissed my forehead. "Take care. I love you."

"I love you too, Grandma," and the doctor escorted her out of the room. Finally, peace and quiet. I turned and my eyes caught something from the bedside table nearby.

My charm bracelet with the star and giftbox charm, and a folded note with the word Ben.

~***~

An hour of spoon-feeding by Grandma as she nurses my cravings for F/D at lunchtime the next day and Kaneki still unconscious in a deep slumber, meant an hour of reflecting of what happened last night.

Despite the pounding headache and pain I had, I read Ben's short note:

Hey,

This belongs to you, right? I notice you were wearing it when you were with Kaneki the other day and I found it lying around in Janine's apartment today. So was the giftbox charm.

Anyways, I'm coming to the hospital tommorow @ 3pm. I think we need to talk.

I already showed Grandma the note, and she agreed to leave before then. I bet she didn't want to see Ben anyway.