Chapter 4: ‘The date’

Anteiku was far from empty at this point in the morning. Yet, despite the relatively crowded atmosphere, it still retained the feeling of comfort and homeliness that it was so renowned for, with all of its patrons, human or ghoul, silently enjoying the coffee. As it was Yoshimura’s shift, this was an unspoken truth of the mornings. Due to his coffee being so highly demanded, it seemed that he single-handedly funded all of Anteiku’s costs.

“Kaneki-sann!” Rize called out as she saw him approach her table. Attempting to force the blush that adorned his face down, he approached, and mustering his courage, uttered, “Hello Rize-san, you do look quite attractive today”. If anything the surprise on her face was evident, followed by a slight red hue mirroring his own. Sitting down, Kaneki noticed his orange-haired companion attempting to inconspicuously show a most exaggerated thumbs up.

“Your friend is quite nice, Kaneki-san,” Rize said jokingly, her fun loving nature seeping past her human façade. Too busy assuring Hide he had gotten his hint, he didn’t notice Rize’s remarks. Mentally huffing at him for being ignored, she tried once more. “So, shall we get going, Kaneki-san?”

“Ah yes!” he exclaimed. “But wouldn’t you want a cup of coffee? It is the manager making it right now.”

While Rize did mentally berate herself for making a foul of herself in front of her ‘date’, her unflappable composure remained steadfast. “Touka-chan,” Kaneki waved toward the purple haired beauty.

Her expression was one of annoyance, one that she immediately terminated as she slipped into her waitress’ persona. “What can I get you two?” she said, mentally scoffing at Rize’s peaceful expression. Though Touka realised that she was being hypocritical, at least she doesn’t lure unsuspecting men for food. A certain amount of pride for her abilities to fight as a ghoul welled within the waitress.

After taking the orders from the young man she immediately set out to find the manager, slightly angry at her warning for Kaneki not reaching its mark.

Rize however, was surprised by something else entirely. He had managed to remember what she drank each time at the café, granted she had never changed her drink. It was surprising, and most definitely unexpected; a sort of pleasant snippet of information a real date could probably put to use. Yet, she merely attempted to smile pleasantly, thanking him for the latte.

Rize’s first person perspective.

‘There is no harm in enjoying myself for now”. That particular thought kept floating at the front of my inner musings, while my mental debate on how much I enjoy Kaneki’s company was still raging quite fiercely within my head.

“Kaneki-san, what hobbies besides reading do you have?” I attempted to inquire casually, with a curiously soft tongue. This question wouldn’t work if he felt trapped. While I can guess that he is unlikely to have anything as a hobby due to his lack of balance and simplicity of his personality, I still feel that if he reveals anything that I may have missed before, feigning ignorance would not lose any traction.

“I uhm, enjoy, well… It does depend on the situation.” He nervously responded, almost as if tilted by the question. Another failure of mine, I seem to be losing my touch.

Deciding to go for a more playful route, I ask, “Am I your first date?” The tone was almost patronising. Yet, it held warmth and understanding, the loneliness being a shared property of ours.

Perhaps he was tired of being on the defensive, or the heat of the room was getting to him, as he stammered

“Rize-chan!”

That was perhaps a final blow, too much for his patient logical mind to endure. It was adorable and also quite appetising. Deciding not to push the issue, I merely waved and giggled, “Its ok Kaneki-san, you are just too cute when you are like this,” While it may not have been the most eloquent response, it seemed the most appropriate based on how flustered he was.

Instead I decided to ask about the reason for his love for Takatsuki Sen. As a ghoul, it is the creeping accuracy of the description of our hunger, the ever-lasting danger and lack of security that draws the few of us that do read toward this author. Yet as humans, besides the horror, what would they find lurking in those dark tales?

“The idea of corruption, of growth through negativity is a nice breath of fresh air among various authors,” was his response. Yet despite it, I never understood his reasoning, for the madness that was a part of those novels bred nothing but disdain for the weak characters unable to withstand its corrupting recesses. Perhaps his viewpoint is this somber due to his family background, I mused to no one in particular.

“Kaneki-san, you never seemed to talk about your family, why is that?” I asked with a particular effervescent tone of voice, almost trying to permeate the question with a carefree attitude. The sudden change of his demeanour, though surprising, was all kind of expected. “Well, my mother had died when I was quite young,” he whispered. “So did my father, though I did get some time together with mother when she was alive,” he followed. I felt no sympathy, truly, for I was an orphan myself, and it really didn’t matter. For appearances sake, I merely nodded sympathetically and took a grasp of his hand from across the table.

His solemn expression was replaced by a blush as he was unsure of how to react to my simplistic gesture of sympathy. “Rize-chan, thank you,” was all the he uttered. The awkwardness that settled was irritating, as despite his cute unabashed innocence (I openly shudder at how excited I am for my meal), there is a lack of direction for our conversations. Deciding to take a risk, one that may open up an entertaining direction to our little date, I gambled. “Kaneki-san, I know this may be a random question, but what do you think of ghouls?”

It only took him a second to reply, meaning he either had already considered his stance on the issue or he does not see it as complex enough to require much more thought…

“Ghouls and humans, we all struggle, yet do we have a way to change what we are?” I beckoned him to continue, as I often asked this question to my meals, gauging their reply and mentally basing their torture and my meal on how shallow they are. He continued, “yet if I were to guess, a ghoul has no choice in the matter. If I were to suddenly become a ghoul, I think I would be disgusted at the beginning.” Although annoyance hit me at the use of the word ‘disgusted’, I agreed that if I became a human I would probably feel a same sort of disgust and disdain.

“I never seemed to think of it that way, as ghouls and humans are born into their own groups an-” I spoke.

“They never realise the struggles and issues of their counterpart,” he finished, after which a sheepish grin and apologies for interrupting me started pouring out from his mouth.

Once again my control over my irritation was flawless, although I do wish that I could have a similar level of control over my hunger.

-Kaneki’s perspective

Rize-chan and I talked for quite some time about a large variety of topics ranging from books to friendship and ghouls. My excitability surprised her and myself included. Despite my repeated attempts at containing myself and controlling my frantic pace of discussion, I failed miserably. Still, Rize-chan took it in stride, mirroring all of my actions with replies that made her seem masterful at the art of interaction.

One measly little detail was quite odd, however – her question about ghouls. It was not unlikely, with the Binge Eater and his attacks on the 20th ward, but sudden indeed. I shrugged it off as we continued to explore and discuss the various aspects of our lives that were interesting and note worthy. She did, however, seem to space out on multiple occasions, before replying quickly and on point, almost as if planning her responses.

But then again, this is a date. What good would it be if both of us made fools of ourselves, not just me?

It was getting quite late by the time we had decided to get back, so I decided to offer to walk her home. To my surprise, she pecked me on the cheek and beat me to the chase. “Thank you so much for the date, Kaneki-san,” followed by “would it be alright if you walked me home? It is getting quite late after all.”

While her proximity to me was not surprising, as she had been physically close to me all day, increasingly so, the nature of her closeness seemed a bit strange. It was almost as if she was breathless, frantic and uncontrolled.

“Rize-chan! Rize-chan! Are you alright?” before the words managed to leave my mouth, I flew.

I uttered a scream, one of pain and shock, as I hit something incredibly hard. Frantically, I looked for the source of the impact, my ears ringing from the shattering of stone against my side. What I did manage to catch was:

“Tag, you’re it!” If I were any less damaged, I would have been shocked by the glee it was spoken with. I attempted to struggle and run; I was attacked by a ghoul! As I tilted my head upward, I realised the source of the attack.

The struggle from me was over. I merely looked at her with eyes that held sympathy. My understanding for her question finally culminated in this moment where both our masks were shed.

“You don’t mind if I stir up your insides, do you?” she said with the same sadistic glee. Yet it held less of the madness compared to her initial outburst. Her breathing was laboured; the smirk she wore was still a constant on her ordinarily lovely face. Of course I know I should be angry, or at least upset for being tricked…

Yet I just couldn’t bring myself to a state of anger or disappointment for that matter. Instead I resigned myself. Not before the realisation that she was just toying with me, the question on ghouls used to gauge my reaction and play into her sadism, but the fact that my life was never something worth treasuring; I have only one friend, no ‘family’ besides my mother, and a relative in the form of my aunt.

Despite my belief that ghouls tend to finish their meals quickly, Rize-san merely continued throwing my unresponsive body like a doll into the various crèches of the construction site. Only because of my resignation did I notice the steel beams hanging above us, and faintly I caught a shadow working at them with the same appendages that Rize-san possesses. The pain was nigh unbearable, yet adrenaline had started to dull the initial shock, gifting me a throbbing presence instead of a stabbing pain…

Rize’s perspective:

Unbelievable, simply unbelievable! An entire day’s work, wasted! I understand that he may resign to his death, yet the peaceful serenity with which he had done so is simply daunting. The urge to prove him wrong, to show him that pain cannot always be endured was burning on the forefront of my mind. My rinkaku kagune kept tearing into his thighs and shoulders, trying to cause just enough pain to make him cry out and prove him wrong, yet enough to keep him alive.

Frantically, I kept taunting him with all manners of insults. “Kaneki-san, this pain, why is it you who is bearing it?” The same blank stare was his reply. Soon enough I merely tore into his shoulder, his flesh being as appetising as any other, yet between bites I kept hearing him say goodbye. Not that it mattered; he had already spoiled this meal for me. No amount of delectable flesh would change that.

In my hunger I failed to notice his other muttering of “look-out, Rize-san”, it was barely above a whisper. What was even more surprising was his attempt at pushing me, one that was so frantic and forced that a smirk adorned my face at the thought of my taunts and intimidation working.

Yet as I landed on the dirt, steel beams adorned the ground where I had previously been feasting…

1. N/a

Note: First time uploading any fanfiction onto this site, hence please be critical but constructively so when reviewing (if you decided to do so). If there is interest I might upload other things I have written.

Part 1: Set a week before Kaneki’s ‘date’ with Rize

Hide and Kaneki were once again at Anteiku, silently sipping coffee; well, at least Kaneki was doing so. Hide chattered about his growing attraction for the local waitress, one who’s purple bangs and seemingly innocent nature had, like many others, attracted him.

However, Kaneki’s attention was neither on the waitress nor the coffee that sat in front of his dazed and clueless expression. Instead he was fixated on a novel, the author being Takatsuki Sen, ‘The Black Goat’s Egg’. It was quite a peculiar novel, one about a serial killer mother, and the corruption it wrought onto the innocuous protagonist son. Despite the tragic and disturbing nature of the tale, Kaneki never paid heed to it. As though the grief that had already entered his life wasn’t enough for him.

“Kaneki”, “Kaneki!”, “Kaneki!” Hide continuously poked at his childhood friend. Rubbing the offended body part, Kaneki simply sheepishly responded, “Sorry, spaced out for a second”. What Kaneki did not notice immediately, however, was the grin that his friend was currently showcasing. It was a matter of the greatest importance, a grin that permeated mischief and chaos. “Look to your left,” Hide had whispered.

With a subtle turn of his head what Kaneki saw was quite unexpected. A young woman of a subtle complexion, her face and soft curved nose adorned by a pair of rimmed glasses. She looked like what you would expect a summer beauty to. Fresh, happy and quite innocent, the air suddenly took a lighter feel for Kaneki. Rize Kameshiro, a frequenter of the café, and in the same seat as well. “If I didn’t know any better, I would expect her to be a model,” Hide said pointedly.

“Why are we looking?” Kaneki uttered while hurriedly turning away from the beauty. Almost expecting said question, his friend interrupted him by pulling a hand to his face whilst simply shaking his head.

Not taking that as a useful hint for any information, Kaneki questioned once more, only stuttering ever so slightly “Why were we looking?”

“Haven’t you noticed?” Hide remarked silently.

This made Kaneki pause, as it was within his pedantic nature to attempt to notice some forms of irregularities. Yet he drew a blank in this instance, and at the same time he knew that his friend was a sharp one. More so than any of the other people he had associated himself with (that number not being significant).

“What was I supposed to notice?” was the response of the black haired teen, almost in semi formed exasperation, while the cheerful Hide simply chuckled. “Gotcha” was almost shouted with a smug grin. Despite the lack of response from Kaneki, Hide maintained the amused expression, somehow not noticing the lack of attention he was getting while the other teen simply indulged in the novel at hand due to his lack of success at the previous matter.

The vivid description of the taste of human flesh was almost surrealistic. As instead of describing some form of taste, a flavour perhaps, maybe even seasoning of some sort, it described the emotions associated with said hunger, that of anguish, sorrow and sadness. Then it even elaborated on the beauty of said colours of hunger and how they each represent a different loss – the colour purple for its radiance and ambiguity, the colour red for its anger and passion; finally, the colour blue for its sadness and compassion.

The morbid curiosity that attracted readers was amplified tenfold due to Kaneki’s intense fascination with Takatsuki Sen. The author who’s books had carried him and liberated him from loneliness, those and the goofball beside him. This train of thought was however interrupted by a jolt from the reinvigorated Hide.

His expression was one that was exaggeratedly excited, almost mimicking a child who was mischievously planning how to eat his candy.

“Nerd! Nerd! Hello? Earth to Kaneki!” he kept repeating toward the distracted young man, all the while trying to keep the waitress from leaving due to his friend’s non-responsive state.

“What would you like to order?” the patientwaitress tried once more while the sheepish looking Hide shrugged.

“Two lattes please, and if you don’t mind could you make them?” He tried sounding diplomatic and calm. Despite his attempt, however, it came out as curt and demanding, yet cute to some degree, the waitress had thought.

Just at that moment Kaneki raised his head to see the waitress departing and realised his blunder. Not a moment too soon as his friend merely laughed at his expense.

Hoping to combat the awkwardness of his failure, the black haired teen merely stated, “You did lose me, when you, you know, tried to make me guess the issue behind Rize-san’s mystery.” He grumbled good-naturedly.

Reflexively, Kaneki turned to watch the young woman leave as he thought of her, just barely catching her holding the exact same novel as him. “Oh,” he muttered, as the bells rang and her soft purple hair flowed out following her natural and almost practiced movements out.

Hurriedly, almost too much so, the boy peered out of the window, as if trying to catch a glimpse of the beauty or the novels she was holding. Instead what he got was a dazzling smile.

A caring smile, one that denoted the feelings warmth and affection; it was enough to make his innocent heart sing with ecstasy. When he was about to turn away hoping that the smile was not directed toward him, she waved.

Clearly and certainly she had waved towards him. It seemed that she had noticed his earlier blunders and attempts to observe her. Was she rewarding him? For his blunder? Silently he gulped and tried to look as relaxed as possible as he waved back, silently hoping that she would remember him next time they met, as it seems that they do have some things in common, don’t they?

“Thanks for the coffee, Touka chan!” Hide said, snapping Kaneki out of his daze for the last time that day. What stood in front of them were two cups of well-brewed latte. The latte art, however, was quite different; Hide’s was simply a tree.

Kaneki’s, however, was a stop sign.

1. N/a

Chapter 3: The fateful morning!

Hazily, as I rose from the bed in my modest apartment, fondly I touched the book that had kept me company for the night. The cover of ‘Blood Meridian’ gave me the familiar chill that all horror novels had. Yet it was definitely pleasant in its own way, one of the few small pleasures of my colourless life. Looking up to the room devoid of light, the dust and the scattered novels did give the room a certain appeal, almost conveying the loneliness and lack of human contact, contrasted with the rich content on the white pages.

“Each tells a different story,” I muttered, yet mine is just mine. The brutality I read is certainly too far removed from my life. While I do enjoy watching the corruption of the heart and mind depicted through a series of tragic events, I silently continue to hope that it stays that way…

Stretching my hands and legs, I wrap the blanket around the top of my head, reflecting on how I had managed to get a date with such a beautiful woman.

“It is hard to find someone who appreciates literature and a rich cup of coffee,” her words echoed bringing a warm sheepish smile to my face. Of course Hide tries quite hard to follow and discuss my hobby, harder than I ever do for his interests. Yet Rize-san possesses a certain affinity for the subject, ripping the words I meant to say out of my mouth, though her gentle guidance seems like a soft path, attempting to drive me toward her opinion through well thought out statements and curt observations. Perhaps I am hopeless, as it is her beauty and soft features that make her language that much more powerful.

I spent one too many nights trying to understand why she had approached and noticed me on our first meeting; Hide’s hasn’t been letting me off on any occasion, attempting to pry every single detail about our first conversation and probe it with his deft mental capacity. Of course I resist, but eventually I give in. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t?

The ringing of the phone companied by the playing of ‘requiem for a dream’ meant the arrival of a call. At this hour, only one person would and could call me; I chuckle as I pick up the device listening to the first sounds of the call.

“Kaneki! I do realise both of you love books, but a library truly is the lamest place, ever. For a first date.” he said with a flat tone, before proceeding to whine some more. “Wouldn’t the movies do, perhaps some horror would be quite the highlight? Don’t both of you adore it?”

Flustered and slightly on the defensive, I merely reply “Hello- to you too!” I say stressing the latter.

“Yes Hide, I am definitely sure I want to go to a book store,” and despite my irritation and aggravation there is still a playful edge to my voice, one that he catches without failure. “It sounds you almost enjoy being scolded. Perhaps Rize-chan is just as into that kind of thing.” Almost falling over from the shock of his comment, I attempt to recuperate and retort, yet nothing except for simple denial comes to mind. Ironic that I would read so much, just to find myself lost for words.

“Hello? Kaneki?… While I realise that I have completely caught and annihilated you verbally…” I could almost imagine him smirking. “I do still have to remind you that your ‘date’ is in one hour!” verbally berating myself for such a lack of foresight, I quickly dropped the blanket from my head, its warmth leaving my presence being a most unpleasant feeling, the safety and security it offered serving as a constant of the morning. “Yes Hide! Fully ready to run” I jokingly remarked.

“Going to go get ready now… I’ll talk to you when I get to Anteiku” I stated rather quickly, too quickly almost.

“Jerk” he muttered while laughing as he hung up. Despite my cold reply and overall demeanour, I simply attribute the whole situation to our mutual understanding. He is practically the only person I do talk to, not that I would admit it, especially to him. Sometimes he is the only one who keeps me rooted in this bland reality. Once again I mentally berate myself for such an outlook. For I always promised myself to keep going despite any challenges this life throws at me.

Perhaps he is the only one who gets to see this cynical side of me, not for too long however. I hate to bring him down with it, especially considering how much he had helped me over the years. Not that he’d ever mention it. He’s just too nice of a person, and too perceptive if need be. His joyous gaze becoming solemn over the duration of a relative time period, instantly dissecting your worries. Making them his…

Of course accusing him of selfishness would be wrong, as he merely adopted the problem. Still his wholehearted commitment inspires me to try and do the same for someone. Secretly I hope that once I do get to know Rize-san better she is of the same opinion. I seem to physically glow at that possibility, as if she does seem like a companion and someone I would like to get to know better.

A more doubtful side of me however kept saying that her smile was too perfect. Her movements too practiced and her dialogue too natural. Of course that would be too crazy, I’m definitely not special enough for such special effort on her part.

The passing time made me quite aware of my surroundings for once, the fact that 15 minutes had passed was surprising but not abnormal. After all, Anteiku was not far away at all…

Rize’s perspective:

My date with Kaneki-kun was supposed to be today wasn’t it, such a shame. I truly did enjoy his company while it lasted. His idea for the date at the bookstore truly does fit us if we were an ordinary human couple. Silently I smirk while contemplating the idea. If I were born human, would I be less cynical? Or violent? Perhaps. It is funny contemplating the endless possibilities and I would have done so if I hadn’t had my meal planned for tonight.

Wiggling my toes I got up from my satin bed, the sunlight illuminated the through the half-drawn curtains. While the shade of the light entering the room was certainly exquisite. Falling directly on the striped carnations in the vase on the table next to the window. I would find out what they represent, but in this bind for time I don’t feel the necessity. Especially considering the faster I get this date over with, the faster I can sate the thirst. My kakugan materialising as I temporarily lose control of the hunger.

“I thought I had gotten pretty good at controlling it, despite my voraciousness…” I sighed and pouted in disappointment at my loss of control, generally one of those in public could lead to my demise. Despite the pathetic lower ranked CCG members, there are always special class investigators, those can pose an issue. Unlike normal humans or other ghouls, they know what to look for and where if they are trying to kill me, not that I would ever mess up that badly… I’m not a weakling.

Remembering tales of the CCG’s s reaper does making me slightly uncomfortable, like any self-respecting creature. I fear death, especially if it comes in the package of an investigator who hadn’t been scratched by a ghoul’s kagune in years… perhaps I should cannibalise, acquire myself a kakuja. Immediately reflecting on how I might eventually be able to combat him on equal terms. Perhaps that’s getting too far ahead of myself I muse. I am stronger than most of the ghouls in Tokyo, this allows me to roam the wards uninhibited.

Perhaps that is the reason Jason is on my trail. Is it my haughtiness? A lady does have her needs, even if those take the form of a massive amount of sustenance. A smirk adorning my face, I recall the innumerable times I had caused issues for the various ghoul communities across Tokyo. Leaving the positive memories momentarily, I had reached into my closet and observed the assortment of clothing sitting and gathering dust. Considering my meal later today, perhaps I should wear something more disposable. Yet a feeling within me says that white and red would go pretty well together. Especially if I were to get rid of the purple…

1. N/a

Part 2: Before Rize’s raid on the Aqua centre 20th ward

Silently I had left the café after waving at the poor thing by the window, his smile serving as a reminder of a meal for the future. However contrary to what other ghouls believe about me, I genuinely do enjoy reading. Be it reading classical novels, horror or even something more light hearted, reading is as much a part of me as my gluttonous nature. Perhaps that is what makes me so attractive to that boy?

Spotting his novel and it being the same one as mine was surprising, I do admit, for it seemed odd that someone who looks so innocent would enjoy the nature and atmosphere provided by Takatsuki Sen. I would explain my fascination with the works of that woman being caused by the so called depravity I experience in my own daily life. Despite the jovial tone of voice and the sarcastic nature my ‘real’ persona adopts, I do genuinely wonder what I am going to do next. For my world is that of survival, as I had, in my life, step on a decent amount of toes…

Yet in the 20th ward, a place of safety, security and sustenance, I chuckle out loud, oblivious to my surroundings due to the pointless nature of my laughter. I’ve always had a soft voice, and while it’s intimidating factor was close to none, I do have quite the reputation to back up my lack of physically imposing qualities.

Suddenly I bump into someone, mainly because of my lack of attention directed at the path in front of me. My attempt to keep my façade and apologise was, however, curtly decapitated and bisected by the identity of the one whom I crashed into.

“Yoshimura san,” I stated quietly.

“Rize san” he replied curtly as if on queue, “What brings you here at such an early hour?” he questioned with a curious expression.

Personally I had always thought his power and wisdom were top notch, if not held back by his compassionate nature. “I was simply getting a snack after a cup of coffee,” I remarked innocently, trying to end the conversation that was most likely going to make me waste time.

“Need I remind you of the rules we have in the 20th ward, Rize-san?” Yoshimura pressed, attempting to make me reconsider my current plans. I however had every intention of following through with my arrangements, and I hate it when someone tries to interrupt my food and me.

However, despite my smug and superior mental attitude, I realise that in a fight, I stand no chance against the old man. Instead I merely nodded and promised that I would prevent investigators from linking any of this to the 20th ward ghoul community, trying to sound as pleasant as possible, perhaps to appease. To be perfectly honest, I had every intention of honouring the agreement, for even I admit that I am given some leeway. Especially when I took feeding grounds from some of the bottom feeders of the ward…

Yoshimura simply bowed and left curtly, mirroring his own arrival.

He is strong. Stronger than any ghoul I have ever seen, yet for some reason even when I break their rules, I am merely given a slap on the wrist, a warning of sorts, perhaps? I smile slightly at the thought, as moving from ward to ward for most of my life had made me realise that the strong devour the weak, yet here in the 20th the tables are flipped.

As I kept walking toward my destination, I spotted another frequenter of the 20th feeding grounds. “Hello, Nishiki-san,” I said to the passing young man, the expression of disdain on his face the most exquisite I’ve seen from a simple minded man like him. He merely kept walking pretending my remark and I didn’t exist.

A pang of annoyance did strike me at his rudeness, for even when robbing him of the feeding grounds I did have a pleasant smile adorning my features. Especially when considering his pitiful attempt at fighting me is considered. For all the talk he talks, he really does have to try harder to back it up in front of others.

My kagune twitched in excitement at my memory of its use, and while I never considered myself un-killable, I am no push over, especially in a ward like the 20th. The only ones who could beat me, I am quite pleasant to, if I would say so myself.

The sky becoming darker was a calming sign for me, as soon I wouldn’t have to hide my hunger for that much longer. As everything around does smell exquisite, almost taking on an aroma with a sentience, goading me closer and drifting away as if to temper with my patience, I pout to no one, trying to masquerade my hunger as annoyance and frustration for the humans around me.

One thing I did learn about those we eat is: they are perceptive, well a lot of them anyway. The amount of times I had to silence a witness or move from a ward is a testament to that. A ghoul’s hunger can divulge their identity, and my voracious appetite could potentially be that much more dangerous. I mentally breathe, as my kakugan was a sliver away from being activated in the middle of a crowd.

“How are you going to spend your weekend?” said a young blonde teen, certainly quite ditzy in appearance.

“Yes, honey, yes I’m coming home tonight. It’s been a busy day. Yes I know, goodbye,” another one of the noises one usually drowns out.

Resolving to eavesdrop for an opportunity to eat, as I had foolishly not made any plans in the area for the time being. I adopt a friendly smile, to misdirect those paying closer attention to their surroundings. A sort of airiness, which you would expect of a movie love interest, yet I mentally berate myself for such a silly comparison as it seemed unrealistic. As if I could find the person or time for love, I scoff.

While I am physically attractive, a feminine air that has been practiced for the attraction of the simpler romantic urges and physical urges, I have always been curious of ghoul love and attraction. Having witnessed human love and attraction with young couples roaming the streets, even now, as I turn my head and observe a passionate hug coupled with a charming and erotic smile from the woman in question in front of a bus stop bound for the 11th.

I merely continued pacing past the relatively astute buildings of the area, temporarily shutting out my thoughts as I searched for the tower that was my destination. Perhaps it’s my feel for aesthetics, or my love for the colours that I chose this place for tonight; the vivid colours and bright lights match the temperament of my hunger.

I pause as I approach the elevator leading to the upper floors, following a woman whose bland appearance almost drives me crazy. It is as if she does not realise how utterly normal she is, this fact driving my disdain for this human even further. A more practical side of mine urged me to take the next elevator, or even the stairs; a single stray camera would perhaps be my undoing. Yet the hunger dictated that I follow her into the elevator.

The excitement and lack of control is so exquisite, it’s what ghouls experience and yet to me, each time it feels different. The world smells fresher, the blood gains a certain aroma. The muscles and their twitches serve to excite, however what many enjoy the most is: the anguish. The first bite is always the best, for they are always alive for it, the struggle for life as they attempt to break free. I then realised that in my daze, I had already navigated toward the stairs.

“My practical nature gaining victory over my hunger for once,” I playfully stated for no one specific, as I set out to climb the seemingly endless path. By the end of it, my exhilaration and exaltation being the only thing driving me forward, almost haughtily I straighten my ruffled clothes.

Swinging the door open, I observed as the woman was just standing there. Perhaps I would think about her purposeless visit after I had finished devouring her. Always nice to reflect on your meal, silently I approached her from behind. Once directly behind her I whispered, “Thank you for the meal”.

My kagune instantly materialised as that particular excitement spread from the base of my spine and outwards. Her first scream had never left her mouth, I could feel it muffle and die out as I bit into her trachea; quite the delicious feeling. Instantly the appendages of mine tore into her limbs and pulled, instantly dismembering her dying body.

I was careful, however, to keep the aorta undamaged, for the warm blood spilling out from that massive artery was far too exquisite to pass up on. However my impatience soon got the better of me as I tore it open and let the contents flow into my open mouth. My smile grew and grew as I managed to sneak in grins in between bites.

“I guess they weren’t exaggerating when they called you a binge eater,” said a familiar voice as I heard a crack.

My annoyance had gotten the better of me as I stopped. “You know, I hate it when people interrupt me during a meal.” My annoyance perhaps wasn’t at the interruption; instead it was at the lack of possibility to continue my meal.

Jason, a ghoul I had met before in my time roaming the 13th. A distasteful ghoul, never taught not to play with his food; for often it is so broken that it ends up being inedible.

That particular train of thought was interrupted by a soft whirling sound, almost too faint to hear in the presence of the repugnant brute, while he rambled on incessantly about his mission being to take me in alive. Alive? I wonder why?

That being besides the point as he merely dashed toward me skipping all of the previous formalities, while muttering something which I no longer deemed attention worthy.

“Help myself to… even a leg.”

He was fast, too fast for a beast his size. Yet I had the positional preparation, reflexively I stabbed at the aquarium just as he had reached me, before instantly elevating myself onto the platform above. But not before I grabbed the giant tweezers he was grasping with the excitement of a child.

He did, of course, have to pay for interrupting my meal…

Note: yes I know in the anime and manga she ate multiple people in the Aqua centre, and I admit she is slightly OOC. However this is how I attempt to characterise her and display her as more than 1 dimensional, I will try to incorporate all of the traits we have established about her, but I will attempt to explore her further. For the intimacy gained from eating one person seems to be a better way of showing her madness and gluttony. Especially when contrasting it with her soft-spoken nature, even when she is being snarky and hurtful in the anime toward Kaneki (in his mind). I’d like to think that those are Ishida Sui’s hints to us about her personality, as despite her amazing ambiguity and we only get about 20 minutes of her in the whole series…

PS: Thank you to those people who followed or added this to favorites. I honestly feel that much more motivated thanks to the encouraging comments. Like I said before, constructive criticism is really good way of helping me improve my writing and making it more fun for you guys to read.

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