- Despite how uncommon it is for ghouls to carry around keepsake photos, Arata used to fill their house with them not only because he liked to stare at his lovely family while cleaning and working around the place but also because he thought it would provide a way to throw off suspicion whenever the neighbours would visit
- One time Uncle Renji tries but can't quite figure out how to work the camera so Arata ends up deciding to take a picture of him with Hikari and baby Touka and Ayato instead - the Yomo side of the family. (By the time he’s finally comfortable taking pictures, Touka and Ayato are already grown up, the former with children of her own)
- What if Hikari also had a birthday in July... imagine Arata being super busy planning how to surprise not only his children but also his wife and brother-in-law Renji on their birthdays too
- Uncle Yomo being really nervous around Ichika-chan who is very energetic and always super happy to see him. Over time though, Ichika’s continuous babbling at uncle Yomo leads to the latter beginning to slowly start to talk and talk until he's suddenly speaking without reserve
-Uncle Yomo bringing Hetare with him once everything settles down and Ichika loving to gurgle at them whenever the family comes over to visit. Meanwhile, Touka muses at how fearless her child is.
- Uncle Yomo buys or, with Shuu's help, gets someone to create a little Anteiku/:re uniform for Ichika-chan with a little bunny stitch on the apron. Ayato following up with a little rabbit mask for the little one (though she won't be able to wear it for a few years yet). (Ichika ends up sharing the mask with her younger brother later on)
- Arata allowing his children to mess up his hair before their bedtime and then using it as an excuse to get Hikari to brush her fingers through it. Maybe Touka remembers the silly way her father acted and the soft glance of her mother as she would work on untangling his strands, and when a similar scenario happens with her and Kaneki after Ichika and her little brother are born, has this thought of "so that's how they felt during those times"
anyway, i’ve been playing around with the idea of a hikarata reincarnation fic on twitter so i decided to start it. here’s a sneak peek :D
“No, it’s just… unfair” Her voice is weak as she speaks and Arata wonders if he’s ever heard her sound this defeated— not now, not in their previous life. She continues to stare at the photograph, lightly stroking it. “I’m so sorry.”
“Hey,” he says, holding onto her shoulders lightly to pull her up to her feet. He takes the photograph and puts it aside. “There’s nothing that you have to apologise for.”
Hikari shakes her head almost immediately. “No. I have to. We both have to, Kirishima. We both have to.”
“We don’t—”
“We do!” she screeches, trying to pull her hands away from him. Arata tightens his hold, trying to keep her still as she struggles to break free. “We left them alone! We left them all alone! That’s why all that happened! That’s why they fell apart and lost each other and… and…” She’s sobbing now, tears streaming down her face. She’s looking up at him, so much anger, hurt and confusion marring her normally bright features.
“Yomo-san, listen to me. We didn’t know—”
“We should have! They were our kids and we just left them behind. How can you be so calm?”
The truth is, he’s not. He’s never been calm ever since he found out the truth, or rather, ever since he decided to accept the truth. The Kirishima Touka and Kirishima Ayato in the legends they’ve grown up with had indeed been his and Hikari’s children in their previous life. He is indeed the ghoul that had been harvested under the Arata Project. Hikari is indeed the weapon used by the strongest ghoul investigator to slaughter most of their kind. Their life together had been happy but it lasted for less than half a decade. Hikari is right. They had left the kids behind. Because they hadn’t been there, Touka and Ayato fell apart and Ayato joined that organization. It was because of that, Ayato had hurt Touka and had ended up getting hurt himself as well. The two of them had suffered so much and it’s all because their parents weren’t there to guide and protect them. Hikari is right about that.
But she is wrong about something else. It isn’t her fault. Hikari died trying to protect them after all. Because Arata was too weak, he had left with the children as she bought time for them to escape. It was Arata who then made the choice to seek out revenge for her death. He had tried to get stronger to protect his children, but he was also too lost in his revenge. It was him who got his priorities wrong. It was him who left them alone.
“Listen to me, Yomo-san—”
“No! I won’t! You’re too calm! It’s like you don’t care!” She continues to struggle.
“It’s years ago. They’re dead already so please calm down and let’s think about—”
“There is nothing to think! We left them behind!”
“Yomo-san—”
“They were so young.”
“Yomo-san! Please—”
“Touka had to take care of her brother, even though she was a kid herself.”
“Yomo—”
“Do you even remember how small Ayato was? Before I died I was carrying him in my hands. I remember. He wanted to play and I said no. That was the last thing I said to him—”
“Hikari!”
She freezes at her name, eyes wide as she looks up at him. He hadn’t called her that in their present life. Somehow, it feels like he crossed a line. He’d been able to keep their marriage and kids at a distance, like someone overlooking a story in the eyes of one of the characters— like reading a book written in first-person perspective. But calling her the way he had used to back then felt like he’s admitting it. He’s acknowledging everything. Yes, this woman in front of me was once my wife. Yes, this is the woman I’ve loved.
He pulls her close, hugging her tightly. She stiffens in his hold. It takes a moment and then, she relaxes. Her hands moving to wind around him, her face burying itself into his chest. “Arata…”
Just like that, they both cross the line. They’ve been acting like strangers all these while. Even as they talk about their married life, they hadn’t truly accepted it.
“Will you listen to me now?” he asks softly. He’s still hugging her. He doesn’t want to let go. She doesn’t say anything but he feels her nod. “Listen to me, Hikari. You didn’t do anything wrong. You tried to protect them and you didn’t leave them alone. You left them with me. I was the one who left them alone. I acted selfishly. They suffered because of me. Ayato was right in that article. He has all the right to say those things about me.”
“They suffered, Arata. They suffered so much.”
“I know, but, not always,” he continues. He holds her tighter, cradling her and stroking her head. She’s never been this weak in front of him before. She’s always been his strong and confident wife. It comes with no surprise to him that all these while, there’s really only one thing that could break her— her children. “You read what I did. They found happiness, didn’t they? They both got married and settled down. Their children went to school. They had normal jobs. They changed the world and they got to enjoy it. Hikari, this world we live in right now was built by our children.”
When I saw the part with Kaneki slowly being consumed by his desire to move forward to protect Touka and his child, there was a moment when I thought of Arata.
It had me wondering if Arata had been the same as the current Kaneki... yelling for Hikari in his mind while he rampaged against humans and ghouls alike.
And then struggling to regain his sanity for his children in the hopes that they could live bright, fulfilling lives unlike himself.
Touka expressed how she thought he was an idiot and how she had felt helpless at being unable to save her father’s soul. Maybe she felt that, since it was directly related to her mother, and his anguish at her death then only Hikari would have been able to pull him out of his mindset at the time (whether that was the truth or not remains unrevealed).
If so, then maybe with her own husband Kaneki, who currently seems focused on doing anything and everything he can to see her again even at the possible cost of losing sight of himself, she might be able to play an active role (along with others who care about him) in affecting a change.
In way way or another, he just knew inside him about his daughter, the changes -- her expression and he know it’s not from someone who you called friend.
There are times he heard, and it’s not his intention to eavesdrop, he never interfere with his children life -- just like how he know Ayato was close with the Fueguchi only daughter, even when he denying them for being more than friends -- or when his voices soften, the side Ayato never dare to show in front of his family, except for his mother, whenever he received a certain call from someone who lived few blocks away from their house.
Okay, maybe he did eavesdrop, or spying or just happened to pass by when the event took place -- or in some occasions where he stood behind hidden wall and hesitate whether he should walk into the room or not.
He never told Hikari about it, but she somehow can read his mind whenever he had that kind of thought inside his head. She always said it with a giggle, her usual tone when she’s teasing him, “Don’t worry about them.”, and she never pursue any questions afterwards, just clinging herself underneath his arms, and fall asleep with his warmth around her body.
He can’t help it and sometimes it’s annoy him how relaxed Hikari seems with everything going on around them. She seems to be more carefree about it, “They can always need more friends, right ? Let them be.”
--and he sulk for a week, even he, himself doesn’t understand why.
Maybe either parents have different approach on how they treat their children. How different it could be from a mother and a father point of view about their son and daughter -- but in the end, they aim for the same outcome, to protect their children and to have them grow up happily and healthy throughout their lives.
Maybe he’s just being overprotective, especially seeing how fast they have grow. It almost feel like yesterday when little Touka still clingy on his arm and never want to stand on her own feet. It makes him feel all nostalgic and sad, not being able rewind time and go through it all over again.
He’s not playing favorite but he worried less on Ayato being close with someone than his older sister. He know the sweet girl, Hinami as bright as the flower blooming out in the sun, and he even know the Fueguchi’s. It’s not strange for them to be close -- but for Touka, it takes every cell in his body not to pry on her personal life. He know she never did anything bad, comparing to Ayato, he had seen worse.
Hikari said he’s just being childish because he doesn’t want to see his favourite daughter growing up.
Maybe he is -- maybe he just doesn’t want to let go.
Arata’s not going to lie, he saw what he saw and he heard what he heard. It’s not explicit or something beyond her age,-or he would have burst right then --it’s nothing of that sort. It’s just a sweet high school love if you would say.
Half an hour before dinner one day, and after Hikari shooed the children away to wait in front, and he just two steps into the living room --
“What are you smiling for, Aneki ?”
--and her smile disappear in an instant, glaring at the boy, “None of your business. I can smile whenever I want and for whatever reason.”
“It must be Shitty Kaneki.”, he snort and quickly avoid the small pillow being thrown at him.
“Kaneki ?” he was thinking about the possibilities that the name belong to a boy and end up blurt it out loud without realizing it. He saw the changes on her face, a sense of panic painted on her face before she scoffs it away, “It’s nothing. He’s just a friend.”
“Yeah, right. Just friends.” Ayato teased, and Touka widen her eyes, signaling him to shut up as seeing both of their parents were present at the moment, and Ayato took the opportunity to tease her like siblings always do with each other, as she hissed at him and throwing another pillow.
“Was it your classmates ?” he testing the water, trying not to sound like he’s being pushy.
“No. He’s an employee in Anteiku, just another part-timer.”
“Ah -- I see. Are you two close ?”
At that time, Touka knew -- she knew what Arata after, and she feel like being interrogate by her own father for no particular reason.
“We’re -- friends.”
“Just friends ?” Ayato interfere, enjoying seeing his big sister riled up. Touka clicked her tongue, “Shut up, you!”
Their argument stop the moment Hikari call everyone for dinner, and Arata have so many questions to ask, and Hikari just shoot him down with a stare.
‘Let them be’ her eyes said, and with a deep sigh, Arata nodded.
:::
Another time, he have seen how Touka mood changes very quickly now and then, and he had heard more than he should be, for the god sake, he’s not spying on his daughter just like Hikari claim.
Touka was in the living room, with her phone against her ear, and her voice almost sound like a whisper but loud enough for him to catch every words. “Stop whining. I have exam to focus on. It’s not like you’re working alone.”, it sound like as if she was scolding at the person on the other side, but there was a gentle smile hanging on her lips.
“Stop it, you’re not making it easier for me. Idiot.”, and this time, her tone was softer, and she chuckled, “It’s only for two weeks. We can go out afterwards.”
--and Arata couldn’t stand listening for the rest as he feel like he had interfere more than he should, and quickly leave Touka by herself.
While on another occasion, her mood changes far worse than he expected, a side of her he rarely seen, although he know how vocal she can be --
“It’s not like I care about it. Just go and read your fucking book, stupid Kaneki!”, her loud voice startled him and the rest of the family, and he heard something crash on the floor, more like being thrown.
“Touka-chan, what’s wrong ? Everything’s okay ?”
She looked troubled, and almost at the brink of tears, “No -- I just dropped my phone. I’m sorry, dad for being so loud. I’m going up to my room now.” Touka picked up her phone that almost turning into pieces, and she left just like that, and later on, she skipped her dinner with an excuse she’s not feeling well.
Arata had been holding himself back, not wanting to interfere, letting his children decided on their own, giving them freedom -- but it’s getting harder every single day and his curiosity keep on rising up high. It was until Hikari bring it up, sounding like it’s not the most obvious thing in the world.
“It’s a boy.”
--and Arata blink. He turn his head twice towards her, looking more confuse than he already did.
“W--what ?”
“It’s must be a boy.”
--and he swallow hard, almost choking -- “W--what are you talking about ? Are you --”
Hikari paused for a while, just staring at his face before realizing what he meant, “No, silly! I wasn’t talking about me.” --and suddenly his face grew hotter, he feel embarrassed. Where did that idea came from anyway ?
Hikari giggled, patting his arms, “Do you have something in mind, Arata ?”
“N--no -- I thought you were -- you suddenly said it was boy --”
“It’s nothing like that, but I wouldn’t mind though.” Arata feel suffocate, doesn’t know where to hide his obvious bright red blush. She chuckled, “I was talking about Touka-chan. It must’ve been a boy that make her all rile up like that.”
‘Isn’t it obvious enough ?” he roll his eyes.
“Why don’t you ask Touka-chan about it ?”
“M--me ?”
:::
Although he’s the one who wanted to know more about Touka’s friend, he think it would be better if Hikari was the one who ask Touka about it and Hikari answered him with a wide grin, “Don’t you want to meet him, Arata ?”
--and he gave up the moment he saw his wife grin. Like it or not, he collect all the courage he could find, and walk over to his daughter who comfortably sitting on the couch watching movies. She turn her head before he could say anything, and smile.
“That looks like a good movie.”
“It is. Ayato is busy with his homework although he’s the one who choose this movie the other day.” he noticed sulkiness in her tone, and chuckled. Ayato and Touka always been close ever since they were a kid, even up until today, he can’t never really pull them apart from each other.
“I know this sounds like a really weird questions -- I was hoping your mother would be the one asking but -- I want to ask about your friend.”
“My friend ?”
“The one who’s working with you in Anteiku -- err-- Kaneki, isn’t it ?”
Her face flush slightly, and Touka adjust her position, sitting up straight to look at him, “What about it ?”
“I was wondering -- I mean your mother and I was wondering if -- he would like to come over to our house this weekend.”
“Why ?” she blurt out, but quickly adjust her tones. Arata gives her a smile, assuring her that she’s not in some sort of trouble for befriended the boy.
“You two are close, isn’t it ? I’m not implying anything -- but let’s say, why not having him over ?”
There was a long pause on her side, and she nodded, “I don’t mind, really -- but he’s a bit -- of an idiot -- no, I mean -- he’s kinda shy around people -- Y--you know what I mean.”
“I do. I still remembered the first time I met your uncle, I thought he’s going to kill me.” he chuckled, remembering one of his precious memories, that even now he still laughing thinking about it.
“But Uncle Renji is really nice.”
“Well -- to both you. Not really to me, during that time.”
“Because you steal mom from him.”
Arata pat her head, “I guess I did.”
“--and someone bound to take you from me.” he continue but this time, it only sound underneath his breath.
“I’ll ask him later.”
:::
“Calm down!”
“S--sorry. I can’t help it.” Kaneki squeeze her hands, he feel like he’s already sweating buckets but it doesn’t seems enough to calm his nerve down. Touka sighed.
“I know. I know.”
“It’s just my parents. It’s not like you going to bow your head and ask them permission to marry me or something.”
It slips out from her mouth without thinking, and it feels like someone just splash hot water on her face, “T--that’s not -- I mean --”
Kaneki couldn’t help himself from laughing, “It’s too early for that, don’t you think ? I doubt your dad will let me.”
Touka punch his arm, telling him off while she tried to hide her embarrassment.
:::
Hikari had told him to behave himself, and he roll his eyes hearing her laughter knowing what she’s trying to implied and on that particular day, Arata met him.
A kind-hearted boy who never lack of smile, and he was very polite, and his manner was excellence, Arata feel relief. The more he know about Kaneki, the more he realize his personality was more likely opposite of Touka’s -- but he’s never the one to argue as he saw what lies in his eyes.
Hikari commented that they were similar, Kaneki and him. Arata seems displeased, but it’s probably his childish side that doesn’t want to admit that he have turn to like Kaneki as he is.
He left them for a while to help Hikari with the dishes, and Hikari turn to him with a meaningful smile.
“What ?” he asked.
“It wasn’t so bad, isn’t it ? He’s a nice boy. I’m not worried.”
For a few seconds there, Arata seems like he was lost in his thought as his hands also stop from washing the plate, and afterwards, he smile.
Her ear caught even the smallest sound and she turned her head with eyes glowing red, aiming at the dark figure walking towards her direction. She cursed underneath her breath -- one thing she hate the most is being interrupted.
Especially during her feeding time.
She hide behind the shadow of the building, gritting her teeth as she wipe the side of her stained mouth. Her nose manage to identify his scent, and hissed.
So annoying.
Hikari notice his head turning in every direction, taking small steps as he walked. It was odd, his scent doesn’t match with what he’s doing. He’s a ghoul, isn’t it ?
Why does he look so timid -- and nervous ?
Hikari purposely step on the pile of trash, it clattered and his head shoot up -- alert but doesn’t do anything except looking back behind him, and continue walking.
What a weird man.
Then again -- it’s an easy prey.
Hikari didn’t wait, she jumped at him, wings beautiful spread as she rain down her crystal shards. She heard gasp and he jumped back. She have to admit that his reflexes were pretty good. He manage to dodge her attack with a just a small scratch on his cheek.
“Impressive.” she said. He didn’t move, much less fight back but his eyes was fixed on her. She saw a glint of sparkles in his eyes and find it irritating.
“What are you looking at ?”
He fidget, quickly scrambling his thoughts, “Err -- I --”
“You’re annoying.”
She stabbed him.
--and pull away her kagune, letting it disappear as she watch him fall down on his knee. Hikari roll her eyes, pathetic. He should’ve fight back -- he should’ve fight her. She hates weaklings like him.
“Are you done moaning into the ground ?”
He lift his head, looking up at her and he managed a small chuckled. Hikari grit her teeth, “What’s so funny, bastard ?”
“I--I’m sorry for disturbing you -- but -- I was just passing by.” He give her a gentle smile and she stared down at him in shocked -- passing by ? Her eyes darted on his side, a small package that was ripped and a book peaking through it.
Oh.
“Uhh -- Can you please -- help me ?” he asked and something inside her, shaken.
Why are you so nice to me ?
Such person -- doesn’t exist anymore.
:::
She patched him up in his house -- not finding it odd that he was living alone. His house were pretty small, comfy for one or two people at least but it have those calm and peaceful atmosphere around it.
Maybe he’s a peaceful person.
“I’m sorry -- for troubling you.”, he said as she wrap the bandage around his stomach. He have a soft blush on his cheek while Hikari is too immersed on treating his wound -- not realizing that his upper body was left exposed.
“Why are you apologizing ? It’s not your fault.”
“Ha--ha -- I guess so.”
“Look, I’m sorry about earlier. I just react out of wimp.”
“That’s fine. Anyone would do that -- especially -- us.”
Hikari finishes with the bandages, and her eyes rolls up on his shoulder -- and down to his arms and abs.
He have a bit of muscles -- not much -- but --
It’s pleasant to see.
“Err-- Are you done ?”
Hikari clears her throat, and quickly back away from him, “Yeah, it’s done.”
“Thank you.”
There were some weird air floating around them, she feel suffocated as if something slowly dragging and tighten around her neck. He put on his shirt, and Hikari watch him as he twisted those buttons.
“I think I should go. You’re okay now, right ?”
“Yeah -- let me send you to the --”
“It’s fine.”
“You know -- I didn’t get your name.” he nervously scratch his cheek, letting out a small chuckle. Hikari didn’t answer him, staring at his face and he fidgeted. She turn her heel, walking towards the door.
“Hikari Yomo.”
--and she left as his heart fluttered hearing her name.
