maskormenacelogs | [ Closed ]

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WHO: Kaneki + Reiner + Hide + Annie
WHERE: Around Florida, honestly this is a road trip
WHEN: Thursday
WHAT: Double ~~not~~ dates
WARNINGS: Canon spoilers, mentions of cannibalism

[ kaneki's life is never "amazing" or "great"; it's hard to when he lives the way he does, with what he is. But the hardest part was to hide it from people who are close to him and sometimes life takes a turn and makes things easier, smoother. Annie knows, Hide knows, Reiner knows; that made things smoother. Not amazing, but a bit better. Of course he still struggles a lot, to be looked at as "not human" and worries that they look at that inhuman part whenever they are with Ken. But in all honesty, after admitting to it, after he allowed them to know, it became easier not to think about that.

And Kaneki feels that it'll be alright, in a way; never completely, NOTHING of what he is is "alright", but with his friends, the people he cares for. Yeah. It'll be.

He has decided to do more. Enjoy that state of "alrightness". So he talked to Hide and then Reiner and Annie, and he decides why not hang out together? He never really left the cities with Annie before, and Hide wants to explore America and Reiner still has to meet and get to know Hide, so it's all good if they go together somewhere. Kaneki isn't sure where, but they will get to that.

They agreed to meet near the train station, but Kaneki decided that no, they won't be going by train. Because he does have a driver's license, and thanks to being an imPort, kaneki rented a car - not a hoover car, he doesn't know how to handle that - a black simple one that wouldn't be too expensive to rent for a day, and he drives off to the meeting point. On the luggage he has all sort of traveling utensils that might be necessary along with towels (in case someone goes skinny dipping again HI REINER) and, of course, he brought along his imunosuppressant drugs and those special "sugar" cubes. Another good thing? He isn't wearing the eyepatch. He can't drive with it. ]

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If all I could really drink was coffee, I guess I'd be into it, too. [A hand reaches up, and he scratches his cheek. A small chuckle escaping.] Yeah. I know they're ghouls. I mean, I never would have guessed on my own. But Nishio-senpai always gave me a bad feeling, and now I know why.

Wish I could kick his butt for what he did to us, but it's kind'a in the past, right? He works with you guys. [He pauses, now, thinking a little more on the other subject. Birthday... Kaneki's birthday.]

...Haa. I missed out on your birthday, that's right. [He was missing back home. He'd gotten him a book. A book that's still sitting on his desk, back home; with Takatsuki Sen's signature on it.] Pity I didn't bring your gift with me. I got Takasugi Zen to sign a book for you, yanno? [He flashes the other a small grin.]

...You went missing, back home, you know.

... Nishio-san... it's complicated. [ and Kaneki did sort of almost killed his ass. He can't tell Hide that, he doesn't want to. But all in all, the situation with Nishio was extremely complicated and difficult to admit to Hide. He'd have to tell him about Tsukiyama.

He doesn't want to.

But when Hide mentions the book as well as Takatsuki Sen-sensei, Kaneki's eye goes wide, bright ] Eh?! Really? You-

[ a pause. wait, what? ] But back in our world, my birthday was few months away, though... [ and Kaneki doesn't remember when Hide could have gotten Takatsuki's signature.... maybe that book signing he missed? But that was few months ago, he doesn't think Hide would get Ken his birthday present that far away from the actual date.

But when he says Kaneki went missing, he blinks ]

Eh?... But- I wasn't. [ WELL, he was kidnapped by the Aogiri tree, but that had just happened. ]

Edited 2015-02-14 20:39 (UTC)

[Nishio-senpai could wait. There were more important things to discuss, especially what with how Kaneki was reacting. He didn't know--he really didn't know. He knew full well by now that people could be picked and grabbed, placed into this... strange world at different 'timelines', so... perhaps Kaneki hadn't experienced it yet.

Maybe he'd been gone only a few days.

...Or maybe he came to this place without any idea. Either way...]

Yeah. A few months... a few months that have passed. I said it to you when I first got here, you know. I haven't seen you in a long time. You've been gone, for ages. [He laughs, and the sound is the furthest thing from mirthful.]

The last night I saw you... I'd followed a weird pair of guys out of Antieku. A really big blonde guy who gave me all sorts of awful vibes. I put a tracker on his shoe--Dangerous, I know, don't look at me like that, oi.

Turns out my intuition was right. And he... led me right back to this huge hideout that turned out to be Aoigiri Tree. That ghoul organization the police are always warning people about. They seemed to be the kind of people that caused even you and Touka-chan grief, so... I ended up reporting them to the CCG.

There was a huge raid about a week after I'd last contacted you. You stopped answering calls, texts, emails.... everything. And after the raid, you still didn't show up. Anywhere. Not your house, Antieku, School...

Nothing.

I started thinking the worst, you know. And that's... when I ended up here. And here you are.

[ he thought Hide was being dramatic, he didn't think he actually meant he hadn't laid his eyes in Kaneki for months.

And as he hears the explanation, Kaneki looks more and more horrified. What is Hide talking about? The Aogiri Tree hideout got raided?! No, Kaneki wasn't there, he had been knocked out, he didn't-

he knows about different timelines, and he now knows Hide is from the "future". A point that Kaneki hasn't lived yet, and considering what his friend was telling him, he was starting to think he knew why he hadn't lived it: he was dead. They were searching for the one that had a piece of Rize, did they want the piece of Rize back? Kaneki's mind was a mess, and after talking to Suzuya, he was more confused than ever.

But did he die? Months without texts, emails, calls- ]

... did... you talk to Touka-chan or anyone at Anteiku? About where I was?

...Not much. I mean. I was... busy. I didn't give up looking for you, not for a minute. I knew you were a ghoul; and I guess I figured if you'd been taken to that place with Aoigiri, it must have been for a reason.

She was worried too, you know. [He shakes his head, adjusting how he's standing a little easier. He can see the worry on Kaneki's face, and it's nearly instinctual, wanting to see the other relax.]

I don't think you died. I really don't. I think you're just... in a situation where you can't contact us. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part, but. ...It helps that there's rumours at the CCG about an 'Eyepatch' ghoul. That's what kept me going, all this time.

[ Hide was looking for him, after he had been kidnapped by an organization like the Aogiri Tree, even after he has been missing from months now. Hide is still looking.

And then he mentions Touka-chan too, and Kaneki feels just... so impotent. Unable to do anything like always.

Kaneki looks at his coffee, trying to think, trying to figure things out. But in the end, he can't there is just so much. ]

... Hide... it's dangerous. [ working with (for?) the CCG to search for Kaneki? To enter that world like that? No, Hide. Don't do that ] Hide, I don't even know what is going on - there is a lot. Suzuya-san said something about Dr. Kanou, and the Aogiri tree was looking for the one that had a piece of Rize inside - me. They took me and I don't even know what they're going to do with me. And apparently I'm missing-

Hide, this is dangerous, you can't get involved!

Edited 2015-02-14 21:31 (UTC)

[His expression hardly ever falters, not when it comes to real serious conversation. It wasn't often he went through this with Kaneki, but. Now that the other knew what he knew--there wasn't much holding back.

He wasn't about to roll over and just... accept everything as Kaneki gave it. Not after the months he spent looking. Not after all the worry he'd been through. He immediate shakes his head as the other tells him to back off, to not get involved. It's too late for that. Far too late.]

So, what. I should just sit pretty and watch you suffer? Watch as your life becomes a cavalcade of misery in front of my eyes and not lift a single finger to help you? Kaneki, I'm not that kind of guy!! I've NEVER been that kind of guy, why do you think--

Just because it's dangerous that I'll back out for fear of my own life? No. I'll be careful as I can, and I've avoided being hurt or killed more than you seem to realise but what I won't do--Ken--is stand idle and watch you struggle on your own.

I won't.

I refuse. What that cracked doctor did to you wasn't right. And you going missing--like hell I'm going to continue ordinary life while you could still be out there. [Not while there's still a chance his best friend--his closest companion was still alive.]

[ they have been over this, before. Kaneki worries about Hide, Hide worries about Kaneki. It goes back and forth like that, and Kaneki just keeps feeling more and more impotent, useless, unable to do anything, the more he sees Hide like this. Because Hide should never become involved with all of this no matter what; Kaneki has to protect him, his most important person.

And he can't. he can't because he is missing or maybe even dead, and Hide is still like this.

He looks down, closing his eyes and tries to replay everything in his mind ]

... I just... I want to protect you. [ and the more he tries, more he realizes he is just so weak. ]

What if I'm... not there? [ dead. ] You are getting into this and what if I'm already gone and I- [ kaneki takes his hand to his own forehead, touching it in a frustrated and helpless manner ] I'm sorry...

I want you safe. I want you safe, Hide. [ because he has seen so many bad things, done bad things too - and he can't live with the idea that Hide will be involved in those because of Kaneki ]

[It's a vicious cycle, and he somehow knew it always would be. But... he was tired of having to watch Kaneki suffer from the sidelines. Pretending he didn't know what the other had to go through--it wasn't necessary any longer. He shifts where he stands, so he's pressing an arm against the others', his food having long gone cold; his appetite not quite there, any longer.]

...I know you do, bud. And you have, for a long time. And you still do, here. Warning me about what people to avoid and showin' me around. You're always protectin' me, even if ya don't realise exactly how much. ...But you know, sometimes I want to return the favour.

Here, it's a bit easier. What with how I can't really stay hurt. But back home, all I've got is my brains and sheer will. If you're not there then... [He shifts. No, he's there, he knows it. What ifs aren't important, but for peace of mind...] Then shouldn't I do what I can so that what happened to you doesn't happen to anyone else?

I am safe.

I'm here, right next to you. At a nature park, eating awful food. Falling in the lake off a kayak with a beautiful blonde lady--

Gotta admit. ...This is pretty safe as it gets, Kaneki. ...Here, at least. You... shouldn't worry so much. You'll go grey. [Haha.]

[ Kaneki watches Hide for a moment, in silence. He is so glad Hide is there. And he doesn't know what to expect from the future, what will happen to him, but he is there with Hide and it has been hard being able to relax and have good day. It's true that he is worried about what will happen to himself, but he always has been since he WAS kidnapped by the Aogiri Tree (all sort of crazy ideas already crossed his mind; being dead was the first, actually).

Eventually Kaneki smiles, his hand reaching for Hide's arm to reassure him. it's alright.

He will still protect Hide, always. He will try his best, he will be the one that is hurting, instead of hurting others. Always. But it's good to see Hide, it's so good that he is there ]

Thank you. [ for always being there and not giving up on kaneki. Never. ]

... glad you had fun on your small date with Annie. [ BECAUSE YOU TWO LEFT yeah he is going to throw the date thing back at Hide ]

[He's going to tilt his head to the side, and quite purposefully bonk the top of his head against Kaneki's temple, and then leave it there. Maybe a bit of a weird position, an oddly affectionate gesture--but to hell with it. He was glad Kaneki was here too. He hadn't lost him after all; and even if they were in a dangerous place a hell of a far way from home--

He could deal with it. Things weren't all bad here, after all.]

Heh. Unnecessary to thank me, but I'll take it all the same, bud. [And he'll finally take a bite out of his (cold) hot dog, pausing a moment to chew as Kaneki directed that revenge-filled tease at him. ...Thing is, Kaneki, he's not going to get flustered like you.]

We didn't find any manatees, and I think she's still mad that I ended up throwing us into the water when I tried turning badly--but!! Hey, hey--do you think if I asked her out for a second date, she'd say yes??

[ Hide, that would have hurt if kaneki was human. instead he just smiles awkwardly, but doesn't really push his friend away. As Hide resumes to eat his hot dog, Kaneki is back to taking a sip of his fairly cold coffee.

He smiles, amused ] Annie is serious, but she is the kind of person who doesn't like it when people beat around the bush. Ask her directly, she'll give you a honest answer.

[ a pause ] Sometimes, too honest, but-

[He takes a moment to think about it, but then he NODS.]

She's serious, straightforward, quiet--

But when she smiles--man, her entire face changes for just a second, you know?

[His usual girl talk, you've been through this a thousand times.]

I'll do my best. If I get rejected, it's just another notch on my axe. I'll always have you to hang out with, anyway. [Suggesting that Kaneki's company is something better in that way.]

...Ah. My food went cold.

Are you falling for her? [ kaneki has to smile. Well, he never thought much about Annie in that angle, to be perfectly honest. She IS very pretty, kaneki couldn't agree more, but he never gave much a thought about it ] Well! Good luck.

[ Kaneki hums ] I don't know if you can warm it up- you can probably ask, though. [ his coffee is cold too, but he doesn't think it tastes good enough to keep drinking it, anyway. ]

Won't know unless I spend a little more time with her, right? I mean, sure, she's beautiful. But I'm not smitten or anything--

[He pauses, his head tipping towards the other. A grin a slow bleed across his face. His arm immediately looping around the others's shoulders.]

--Haa? Are you jealous? If you're jealous, just say so, yanno. [His voice is clearly teasing, at least.]

[ Kaneki blinks ] Eh? [ jealous? Why woul- oh.

Look at him turning red ]

It's nothing like that! I'm giving you my support, you know?

We've been friends our whole lives, you don't have to hide anything like that from me, yanno.

[Reaching out, pinching one of those reddening cheeks--!]

Support's always nice, though. Even if certain girls are way out of league for guys like us.

I don't like her like that...! [ and face turns red like a tomato HONESTLY HIDE

well. he just. never thought about it. He doesn't think it matters too.

The way kaneki is, he doesn't think he should bring anyone into that, to be perfectly honest. Not that he thinks Annie would have interest, but he doesn't pursue any romantic venue exactly because of what he is ]

I'm fine like this. [ taking a sip of his horrid coffee so they can just change the subject ok ]

You sure? You're absolutely sure? [He nudges his elbow into the others' ribs, but he'll leave it lie, after that. He doesn't want to bug his friend more than necessary--but it's not like he's the sort of person to move in on a girl who his best friend was interested in first.

He had loyalty up to his ears.]

So long as you're fine, then, I'm just fine too. [And he proves so by flashing the other a wide, amicable grin.]

I'm sure. I just find her pretty, but I don't see her like that.

[ honestly, Kaneki wouldn't mind if Hide went on dates with Annie. Hey, Kaneki went on ~~totally not~~ dates with Annie's friend too, so it balances out. ]

Don't worry too much. Enjoy your time with her.

Just remember she can kick your ass.

....

She did once already. Did I tell you that? [He shoots his best friend a grin.]

When I first got here, she totally wiped the floor with me in a single move.

....

It was kind'a cool.

Oh, yeah - her move is pretty cool.

[ Kaneki blinks for a second there, before he starts laughing ]

Are you a masochist now?!?

[HANDS UP, NO, NO DON'T THINK THAT BADLY OF ME, THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT AT ALL--!]

I'm not--! I'm not!!

I'm just saying--!!! I've never seen anyone move that fast before, you know?!!

[ you never saw a ghoul moving before, Hide. Good thing, in a way.

Kaneki chuckles ]

Yeah. She's a soldier, so she has a lot of training.

[He's seen a ghoul moving before. Maybe not at full speed; but... He was once followed out of Antieku by a starving one before. If it wasn't for his bike--

...Ah, no point in telling Kaneki that.]

See? Tough and pretty. She's pretty amazing. --Hey, how did you guys meet, anyway?

[ Closed ]

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