Epilogue

"Oni-chan, why are we always late because of you?" Hinami complained as the young Anteiku members walked to the shrine during New Year's day. It was another calm and snowy day, where everyone in Tokyo was heading to say their prayers for the coming year.

"Give me a break," Kaneki said. "I had to do all the work nobody else wanted to do because it was a holiday!"

Ayato chuckled. "At least it wasn't like last year, when we were late because Hide almost set the place on fire with fireworks."

A chorus of complaints and laughs erupted, as they reminisced how last year's party had turned out. Despite that incident, it had still been an enjoyable time for everybody, and Hide now knew not to play with fireworks without instructions.

"I miss Uncle Hide being here," Ichika, the five year-old, said, as she held Kaneki's hand and tried to keep up with everyone's pace. "Right, Daddy?" She looked up at the half-ghoul with big eyes.

"Of course," Kaneki smiled at his daughter. He, too, missed Hide going to the shrine with them as he had every year, but he and his own family had taken off for a vacation in Osaka.

"Well, I think I know what I'll pray for this time, then," Touka said, carrying the two year-old Kazumi. "For Uncle Hide to stop with his antics some day. Right, Kazumi?" The toddler giggled as she bounced him lightly up and down.

"That is very unlikely," Kaneki laughed. "But you can try."

Hinami shook her head. "I know what's unlikely. Praying for my grades to stay up this year."

"I'm confident you'll do well, Hinami," Kaneki said warmly, thinking back to when he was struggling with classes as a junior.

"And you learned to read so quickly as a teen," Touka said, still in awe at that fact. "You should be proud of just being in college, especially with the grades you've earned."

"I want to read too!" Ichika exclaimed. The adults all laughed again. Kaneki was sure he was going to end up becoming his children's tutor at home if they ever needed help with homework, just as he had helped Hinami.

They reached the shrine after a few more conversations and quickly got in line to say their prayers. It was still morning, so the crowds weren't as huge as they were in the afternoon, but numerous families were already in line and eager to give their year the right start.

Ichika and Kazumi played in the snow as they waited, the five year-old showing her little brother how to make snowballs. Like Kaneki, they were both half-ghouls and had their kakugan in their left eye, but unlike him, they were able to eat human food. Ichika also had Kaneki's dark hair and Touka's blue eyes, while Kazumi had Kaneki's dark hair along with his dark eyes.

"They're growing up so quickly," Hinami let out a sigh as she watched them roll around in the snow. "I remember when Ichika was just a baby."

"But hey, that means we don't have to change diapers anymore when we babysit," Ayato said, making the brunette roll her eyes. "Wait, nevermind. Kazumi still needs diapers."

"I got used to it," Hinami said with a shrug.

Touka and Kaneki shared a smile. Time had flown and neither of them had really noticed it. The Anteiku members were all part of their family now, and had become their children's aunts and uncles. They were watching Ichika and Kazumi grow up a little bit every single day, and for the kids, the coffee shop was one of their favorite places to be in.

Hide was now married and had a three-year old son; Nishiki, Koma, and Irimi were still their regular selves and were working at the shop; Yoshimura had become like a great-grandpa to the children, Yomo's more affectionate side had awoken and he was now one of the children's favorite uncles, Uta gave the children a new mask every year for their birthdays, Tsukiyama still dropped by occasionally, and Yoriko would always make snacks for the kids during her visits, which they always looked forward to. Life overall had not changed in the recent years, but it was so much fuller than it had been a long time ago.

The line advanced, and after a long wait the ghouls finally reached the shrine. Hinami and Ayato went first with two other people, since only four could kneel at a time. When they finished, Kaneki, Touka, Ichika, and Kazumi all took a spot. Ichika helped Kazumi try to kneel and kept showing him how to place his hands in a prayerful position, even though the toddler didn't understand what was going on, while Touka secretly supervised that they weren't going to cause trouble. It made Kaneki smile to see that despite all of them being ghouls, his family was still very normal.

Kaneki closed his eyes in prayer. Well, what else was he going to pray for? He had everything he wanted and could ever dream of: Touka, a family, and a home. He couldn't ask for more. So he knew exactly what to say.

Please protect my children, the half-ghoul prayed. May they never run into danger or harm the way Touka and I did, and may they grow with peace and happiness. May Touka and I live happily with our family and friends for many, many years, may all of our loved ones be safe, and may we always have a home to return to. There is nothing else I could possibly want.

The family finished their prayers and continued with the rest of the festivities, until their time at the shrine was over and they were ready to head back. Kaneki and Touka held hands as they walked, Ichika sitting on Kaneki's shoulders and Kazumi napping on Touka as she held him with her other arm. Ayato and Hinami walked ahead of them, chatting about random things and laughing every once in a while.

"Mommy, can we go to the shop with Aunt Hinami and Uncle Ayato?" Ichika looked at Touka.

"Maybe tonight," Touka said. "We spent all day with them yesterday, so they need to rest too, Ichika."

"We need to go home first and have nap time, like Kazumi," Kaneki added.

"But I'm not tired," Ichika complained. "I want to play with Uncle Yomo."

"Uncle Yomo needs to sleep too," Touka said. "You can play with him later."

They hadn't even reached their house when Ichika was already asleep in Kaneki's arms, he and Touka sharing a knowing look. Hinami and Ayato had parted ways with them and gone to the shop, while Touka and Kaneki walked a little further to where they now lived.

"Can we just plop on the couch and not do any chores when we get back?" Touka said.

"Of course," Kaneki assented quickly. "We can wash that pile of laundry tomorrow."

"And go human grocery shopping," Touka said. "Something I never thought I'd have to do..."

"And we have to change that lightbulb in the living room."

"And clean Kazumi's stained shoes from last night."

"And we can't forget about the clogged sink."

Touka groaned loudly, almost waking Kazumi up. Kaneki let out a chuckle.

"Tomorrow, Touka-chan," Kaneki used his free hand to squeeze Touka's own hand. "Today, let's just rest."

"Agreed," Touka nodded, returning the squeeze and giving him a smile. "Let's just enjoy this day as a family."

Kaneki smiled back, pulled her gently towards him, and gave her a kiss on the forehead. They stopped walking, since they were almost at the door, and just stood there closely for a little bit.

"I love you, Touka-chan," Kaneki said.

"I love you too, Kaneki," Touka replied. "Let's get some rest."

The family went inside their home safely and soundly, ready to enjoy their peace. Kaneki closed the door behind him, knowing in his heart his prayers would be answered for the years to come.

A/N: Happy holidays and a happy new year to everyone! The story is officially over and Kaneki and Touka finally have their happily ever after! Yay!

Also, side note, I chose to keep the name Ichika for Kaneki's daughter simply because it was canon in the manga and the anime, so I thought it'd be best not to change it.

Anywho, THANK YOU FOR READING and I hope you all have an amazing year!