Trade Mistakes

Chapter 2

Thankfully, it had been easy to get her to let him call a few people. Unfortunately, they had to wait around for someone like Yoshitoki to get here. Houji had made sure to be as vague as possible when calling Akira – he didn't want to risk her driving dangerously if he told her what had happened. Take, and Kishou by accidental extension, had been free game to inform to his relief.

He still hadn't had an outward breakdown over Takizawa being alive. Maybe it was the alcohol.

Takizawa groaned. "How long is this gonna take?"
"Don't be so impatient." Amon scolded.
"We just have to wait for a few people to get here so we can sort this out. Take's bringing some clothes for us both so you'll be able to clean up." Houji told him.
"Is there a coffee machine around here?" The half-Ghoul asked.
The receptionist swallowed. "N-No."

Houji was surprised to hear a long, drawn out curse come out of Takizawa's mouth. Sure, he'd sworn earlier but the brunet seemed rather lucid now.

Houji stared. "Takizawa, what are you doing?"
Takizawa barely paused in his finger chewing. "My stomach is making the rumblies –"
"Seidou." Amon interrupted.
"- that only hands will satisfy." Takizawa finished, already down a few fingers.

Amon face palmed.

"Are they Ghouls?" The receptionist asked.
"Yes and no." Houji answered. "Takizawa, stop eating your fingers."
"Who else am I supposed to eat?" Takizawa asked. "You? The receptionist who smells absolutely delicious?"

Houji sighed as the receptionist got up and left.

"You know, I really didn't believe you when you said you were nearly naked." A familiar voice said.

Turning, he felt relieved upon seeing Take and Kishou.

"I am full of surprises." Houji replied. "I'm drunk."
Kishou swatted him on the head. "Stop drinking. It's bad for your liver."
Take handed him his clothes. "Put some clothes on."
"Yes sir." He said sarcastically.

He started separating the clothes and tossed Takizawa the second set.

"Go take a shower and change." He said.

The half-Ghoul shrugged and walked off.

"This is an interesting development." Kishou remarked suddenly.
"So, who else is coming?" Take asked.
"Yoshitoki probably." Houji answered. "Akira."
"You called Akira?" Amon questioned, alarmed.
"I didn't tell her what was up." He started to dress. "Just that she needed to get here quickly."
"It's five in the morning." Take told him.
"Your point?" He asked.
"She would've been sleeping." Kishou said.
"And what do you think I was trying to do before some Ghoul broke into my apartment and kidnapped me so she could feed me to Takizawa?" Houji questioned.

His friend didn't respond. It was far too early to argue anyway.

"Where's the receptionist?" Take asked.
"Oh, uh, Seidou scared her." Amon answered.

Akira walked in suddenly, looking tired and displeased.

"Houji, why the fuck...?" The woman trailed off, noticing Amon. "You... You're alive?"
"Surprise?" Amon said weakly.
"Where did you find him?" She demanded.
"I don't know." Houji answered. "I didn't really find him either."
"What do you mean you don't know?!" She exclaimed. "You found somebody who should be dead!"
"I mean I literally don't know." He said.
"What's wrong with his arm?" Take asked suddenly.
"Oh, uh, it's refused to regenerate properly." Amon answered. "I'm not exactly a roaring success."
"Regenerate?" Akira questioned.
"Kanou." He said simply.
Understanding dawned on her face. "Oh. Is there anyone else?"
"I... There was a bit more than sixty of us." He told her. "Most of them are dead now. Only myself and –"
"Houji-san, why do you smell so good?" Takizawa interrupted.