Chapter 12: The Talk

As Tsukiyama drove to the little café, his mind was awash with thoughts. He had received a message from his little flower the morning after their little soiree -he smirked at the memory- with the instruction to come as soon as he was able, that her father wanted to speak to him and wouldn't take no for an answer should he want to see her again.

The thought of not seeing his sadistic little human again had sent a wave of anger and possessiveness throughout his body and he had replied as politely as possible at the time, though now that he was closing in on Anteiku, the more nervous he found himself becoming.

There was no doubt that he would be scolded by the older ghoul for, defiling his little girl, but at the same time there was the small chance that he'd want to discuss the two's relationship in a more positive light.

'Very unlikely' he scoffed to himself as he pulled into a space outside the coffee shop.

He looked himself over once more in the rear view mirror, flicking off an invisible speck of dust on his fancy suit; he had chosen to dress as was typical of his nature -a smart but strikingly noticeable dark purple suit with black velvet tie over a white dress shirt with black dress shoes- so as to put him in higher standards with Nakos father and had his hair styled in its usual way but even so he still felt unnaturally unprepared.

"Be cool Shuu, be cool. Nothing more than a friendly chat." Smirking at himself, he removed his keys from the ignition and got out of the expensive car, locking it behind him with a loud beep.

'Lets get this over with'

Opening the door, bell ringing as he did so, he was greeted with the sweet smell of his lover and of the half ghoul Kaneki. He had to control his two hungers as he let out a sigh of appreciation.

"Ah, what glorious smells to grace my senses this fine morning."

He heard Touka groan from behind the counter as she put down a now dried porcelain cup.

"Mr Yoshimura said you'd be coming by this morning but I hoped he was joking."

He feigned a gasp and clutched at his chest as if insulted.

"Such harsh words Miss Kirishima. What could I have done to possibly cause such disdain?" he smirked as she glared at him, muscles tense and ready to pounce. "Don't pretend to be so naive you dirty scumbag. The only reason you're not in a bloody heap on the floor is because-" she was interrupted by a cough from the staff doorway and went silent as she looked over to the newcomers, Tsukiyama joining her gaze.

There stood the owner and his daughter and stern authoritative grey eyes met his scheming purple ones before they turned back to the young female ghoul.

"Touka my dear, the shop will be accepting customers soon. Please could you ensure all preparations are complete while I speak to our guest?"

Touka, though reluctant, nodded and went back to her task at hand, motioning for the others to do so as well though Kaneki remained glued to the spot until a wink from Tsukiyama forced him to turn away.

Tsukiyama chuckled at the half ghouls motions before making his way to his little human. "Mon cher, you look truly dashing this morning." Her eyes rolled at the compliment, and as he pulled her into his arms he whispered into her ear "Though I much prefer you desperate and breathless underneath me" this had her blushing and she hit him on the chest lightly.

"Dirty bastard. You're lucky there are others here else I'd show you desperate" she threatened. A shudder ran through him and he had to once again control himself. He simply tightened his hold on her and nipped at her ear "I'd love to see you try my sweet."

There was a cough once again and the two broke away reluctantly. Nako bowing to her father and apologizing for the two of them.

"Come with me if you would" he motioned the couple to the door and they followed the old man willingly.

Yoshimura led them to the small living area of the building and allowed the two to sit down on the pristine sofa across from him before seating himself.

"Mr Tsukiyama" he began opening his eyes to reveal the ghoulish black and red" What are your intentions with my daughter?"

'Straight to the point isn't he?' Shuu thought to himself as he pondered the question.

"I don't understand your meaning sir." He feigned ignorance, understanding the underlying threat that laced the elder ghouls question.

"Don't play the fool with my Gourmet. I'm more than wise enough to your tricks. Tell me what you intend to do with my daughter."

Nako tensed beside him and he instinctively pulled her closer to him.

"I assure you sir, I mean her no harm."

"You take her to that hideous restaurant and you try to tell me you meant her no harm?! Do you think me an idiot?"

"Father I told you I-"Nako tried to interject but Yoshimura cut her off. "Answer the question."

Shuu looked the elder ghoul in the eye. "I would be lying if I said I hadn't planned to take her there. She was the main reason behind last nights attraction of course."

"Ryu." he heard her mumble in remembrance. He looked to her then back at the older ghoul who had his eyebrow raised in question. "Ryu? Ah, the young man who I remember you seeing a few years ago. He came to the cafe the other day am I correct?" Nako nodded and looked up at Shuu.

"Shuu had um, procured him without my knowledge and when we were at his, restaurant, -which I'm still not a huge fan of by the way!- he was there. Shuu had done it for me. To prove his love and I suppose his, dedication to me. Although I can't lie and say I wasn't terrified" she rested her head on Tsukiyamas shoulder allowing him to run a hand through her hair. "But I realized in that moment that I'd never been so in love with a person, felt so safe within another's arms as I had with him. Granted I was surrounded by god knows how many hungry ghouls and he had just thrown a lot at me, but I never really felt in danger that night. Not from him."

Yoshimura let out a noise of thought as he took the strange couple in.

"It's quite true sir. I will admit in the beginning I thought of her differently, but she turned into quite a different person the more I got to know her. I'd never been rejected or, forced to put such effort into another human being before. The very thought enthralled me and I felt the need to chase her, keep her, to protect her. I very much fell in love with her, though I was scarce to admit she had effected me that way in the beginning." He looked down at her and took her hands in his.

"I thought that perhaps she was wary of me from the beginning and although I'm certain she was unaware of my secret at that point, she was more than aware of my, how should I say, eccentric and sinister nature. So getting her to reciprocate my feelings was challenging to say the least." He smirked at her as she feigned a glare.

"It's true. You're still a creep though. That much hasn't changed. You're just more tolerable now." Nako chimed in, stealing a kiss from the ghoul who returned it full fire.

Yoshimura sighed across from them.

"I won't lie to you and say that I approve of your choice in men my dear, but if he makes you happy and keeps you safe, I shall allow the relationship to continue. However!" he shot a warning look at the ghoul across from him, Kakugan flashing. "If you harm her or lead her to danger, there will be nowhere you will be able to hide from my rage Tsukiyama. Am I clear?"

The A-class ghoul felt a shiver of fear as he let the Owls threat sink in. Not that he had any intention of causing those things in the first place but still, the incentive to keep Nako safe was all the more prevalent now.

'Not that that will save her in the bedroom though' he snickered to himself tightening his hold on his lover.

"Crystal sir. You have my word that no harm will come to her. I swear on my very life and on my honour as a gentleman." He relinquished his hold on her momentarily to bow humbly from his seat, lowering his head in a rare act of submission.

"Very well then. Nako dear, I am aware that you have a shift today but please, take today off to compose yourself and attend to your companion." He made to stand and Nako stood with him, allowing him to embrace her in a caring hug.

"Thank you so much father, you're too kind."

He nodded and kissed the top of her head before looking over to the gourmet who now stood before him and reaching out a hand for him.

Tsukiyama took it and winced slightly as Yoshimura gripped it tightly, warning evident. "Take care of my daughter Tsukiyama. Don't make me regret my kindness" he stated, a slight growl in his tone.

Tsukiyama bowed his head in respect. "I would never sir" he vowed as they all walked over towards the door. Nako hugged her father once more and, giving her a quick peck on the head, he finally let the two leave.

Yomo came in following their departure, looking over to his leader who had taken to standing over by the window and watching the humans and ghouls alike go about their day.

"Sir?"

"Maintain constant surveillance Yomo. I am still wary of the Gourmets intention with my daughter."

"Yes sir. And the plan?"

Yoshimura was silent for a moment before looking at the younger Male; black and red meeting blueish grey.

"I shouldn't need to remind you that the plan remains unchanged. My daughters relationship changes nothing Yomo, do I make myself clear? We've come too far to give up now."

Yomo nodded before pulling out a manilla folder from his grey jacket and handing it to The Owl.

Yoshimura took the folder and opened it without a second thought, giving the many papers within a brief look over before turning back up to the blonde ghoul, smile on his lips.

"Thank you Yomo. I trust you to bring me more good news in the future?"

Yomo nodded once more, face remaining emotionless as always.

"Thank you my friend. I am glad to see that all is progressing well. It gives me hope for the future."

He turned back to the window and gazed at the falling cherry blossoms.

"You may leave now." he dismissed the ghoul and began to read the mysterious papers he'd been handed, looking up slightly as he heard the door to the small living area close quietly behind, finally leaving the elder ghoul alone.

"I hope you can forgive me my child. One day you will understand."

Nako and Tsukiyama climbed down the stairs and back into the small cafe, smirks on their faces and hand in hand. Neither had been entirely sure how the meeting would play out and were more than relieved that the elder had approved of their relationship. As Nako continued to allow her partner to lead her, she caught the sight of both Kaneki and Touka looking at the two in complete shock.

'Probably didn't expect this as an actual outcome.' she surmised. Touka let out a snort, causing Tsukiyama and Nako to stop just as they reached the door. "Ah Miss Kirishima, I'd almost forgotten you were there." There was a slight smirk gracing his lips and he pulled her closer. 'Prideful bastard' she smirked mentally, knowing that the ghoul before her was revelling in the fact that the blue haired girl was practically boiling over with rage at the sight of the two.

"No need to say anything my dear, we were just on our way. Isn't that right my love?" He looked down at Nako, passion filled eyes locking with her tempting ones.

"Don't be an ass Shuu." Nako turned towards her two co-workers and gave a friendly smile. "My Dad has given me the day off so I'm afraid you two will have to manage on your own. You think you can do that?" She joked, trying to get the two to smile in return. All she got in return was a very weak smile from Kaneki-who's wide eyes were focused on the male behind her-and an even more irritated look by the younger female.

"I can't believe he let that freak near you."
Nako chuckled. "'Fraid so kiddo. So could you please try and contain your hatred for him? At least when I'm around?"
Touka huffed and turned back towards the sink she'd been washing up in. "Whatever" she retorted and went back to her previous task.

"Thanks." Nako turned back to her lover and was about to reach for the door when Tsukiyama cupped her hand in his. "Ah ah ah mon cher. Allow me." He grasped the door handle and opened the door for her. As she walked through, she stopped suddenly and turned towards Kaneki. "I almost forgot! Kaneki, we have a lesson tomorrow night right? Are you still Ok to attend?" She spoke to her 'student', curious expression on her face. Tsukiyama also turned towards the young half ghoul, placing a small kiss on the top of Nako's dark red locks as if daring the younger male to try and make a move on her.

Kaneki snapped out of his light daze and looked fearfully from Tsukiyama back towards Nako who looked at him, waiting for his answer. "Oh, yeah of course. I-uh, actually have a few questions that I'd like to ask you tomorrow if that's ok?" he stumbled, Nako nodded. "Make a list for me with some examples Ok?" Kaneki nodded, smile now gracing his face as he momentarily forgot about the ghoul who'd tried to eat him staring at him from across the room. "Great. Well, I'll see you at my apartment 7pm sharpish. Until then, take care guys." She addressed it to the two of them and turned back towards the door, waving over her shoulder as she made her way out. Tsukiyama watched after her for a few moments before turning towards the two with a smirk on his face and hand in the air. "Au revoir mon ami." He teased, delighting in the small growl and shudder that escaped each ghoul respectively.

As he exited the small coffee shop, he felt himself come to a halt, the sight before him forcing his heart to skip a beat. His lover stood in front of his over priced car, rouge hair blowing gently in the wind and cherry blossoms appearing to simply float around her. She looked like 'An angel. She looks like an angel.' He thought to himself, allowing his signature smirk to fall upon his face once more.

"Mon ange."

She turned towards him, surprise lighting up her eyes. "What?"
He walked up to her, placing one hand on her cheek and another in her hair. "You look like an angel, mon petit humain."
Her cheeks grew warm as she blushed under his gaze. "Shut up you devil." He chuckled and kissed the top of her head.
"A devil am I? Such harsh words my mistress. Surely I can do something to improve your opinion of me." He ran his right hand down from her hair to her behind, giving it a rough squeeze. She bit her bottom lip to stifle a moan and lifted her face to look at him.
"Don't start you horny bastard. It's too early for those sorts of games." Shuu pouted at her in a playful manner and ceased his actions, though kept his hand in place. "If you say so my dear. Though it begs the question, what shall we do with our free time?"

Nako looked down in thought, struggling to come up with a response. "That's a great question actually. I had pretty much intended to spend the day working. Now with work out of the way, I find myself without and plan and with too much free time" she looked up at him once more. "Any ideas?" she asked.

Tsukiyama thought for a moment, running through a list of activities that he perceived to be appropriate for his human lover. He snapped his fingers as a thought came to mind.

"I know! There's a wonderful shopping centre about an hour away with a number of unique little shops and cafes that I just know you'll love. Not to mention that there's a gorgeous park just next door. It's perfect for a picnic."
Nako hummed her interest, smiling at him lovingly. "A picnic? Sounds gory. And sweet you charmer." He smirked down at her and nipped at her lips. "Only for you my sweet." Nako kissed him deeply for a few moments before pulling away.

"It's a date then."

Shuu smiled in response and pulled his car keys from his pocket, unlocking the car with a beep and opening the door for her. "Let us be off then my sweet."

And with that, the two were off.

A:N I'm finally back! Sorry it took so long to write this. Had a bit of writers block on top of the whole being busy thing :( I wanted to thank all of those who favourited, reviewed and followed this work, you guys are absolutely amazing! I wouldn't be abe to do this if it weren't for your love. I will try not to take so long to post the next one next time, I promise! May even have another lemon in it ~w~

Translations:
1: Mon cher - my dear
2: Ma jolie dame - my beautiful lady
3: Aurevoir mademoiselle - goodbye young lady
4: Mi amore - my love
5: Petit fille - Little girl
6: Fille - Girl
7: Femme seduisante - Tempting woman
8: Charmant - Lovely
9: Magnifique - Gorgeous
10: Séductrice - Seductress
11: Delicieux - Delicious
12: Mon cheri - My darling
13: Mon amie - My friend
14: ce une formidable journée - What a tremendous day
15: tentatrice - temptress
16: tellement bon - so good
17: salope - slut
18: une telle cochonne - such a slut
19: ma putain - my whore
20: mon amour esclave - my love slave
21: Mon petit humain – My little human
22: Mon ange – My angel