• red child

There should be rules about this kind of thing. Laws of nature that should say this is impossible.But Touka’s gaze is steady. Her hands are on the cafe table, and one tightens its grip on the other. “I’m sure.” She’s pregnant.

• over my dead body

Kirishima Touka. On a date with Shirazu. Kirishima Touka’s smile, aimed at Shirazu. Kirishima Touka’s fingers interlinked, with Shirazu’s. Over my dead body, hisses the voice in Haise’s head.

• impalpable ash

"Rabbit". "Kaneki"

• pareidolia

Rabbits belong where there are…plants, right? Grass? That they eat? Yet…there it is. A little mud-colored shape, with red eyes. Huddled, beneath a soggy cardboard box.

• extraction

Arima is right. It hurts, a lot.But Touka holds his hand as he trembles, and runs her fingers through his hair, mutters comforting things: book quotes, memories, baby names.And the whole process involves a lot less pain than he had felt when he thought he’d lost her.

• the birth of venus

"My queen of ruin, you look your part too."

extra

• silhouette

Urie is getting tired of having their squad meetings at :re.