A/N: but I mean everything about Kanae contains spoilers sO

The reader refers to Karren as male bc once again she's clUELESS but the narrative uses female pronouns because I respect my sweet baby girl.

••••

11

"Ah, Kanae, there you are!" The young girl rose her head at her new name only to be met by her older cousin, Shuu. Giving him a questioning look, the teen continued to speak.

"This is (Y/N)! She's the only other ghoul who goes to the same school as me!" He aimed both of his arms at someone beside him, smiling. It was obvious the poor boy was trying to cheer her up. The attempt nearly made her smile. Nearly.

"Hey." You calmly said, waving. "It's a good thing Shuu introduced us, because you'll see me a lot more in the near future." You gave her a smirk and extended your hand.

"Schön dich zu treffen." You spoke, practically fluently.

Taken aback, Karren gave your hand a loose grip, stuttering. "E-es ist schön, dich a-auch zu treffen..."

You smiled brightly when she let go of your hand. She could feel that you were a good person, and maybe with both you and Shuu around, she could try to be happy again.

"Now come along, (Y/N)! I'll help you with your homework!" Shuu said, taking your hand and dragging you away from his cousin. You let out an angelic laugh.

"You're the one who's having trouble in chemistry, Shuu!"

Watching the two of you leave, Karren couldn't help but wonder what kind of family you had, to be allowed to be around Shuu so casually.

••••

12

"What do you want to be when you grow up, Kanae?" You asked, settling down near a bush of roses, inspecting them carefully.

The young girl froze. This was the first time you had been around her without Shuu being here. Was she allowed to... Certainly, you just asked her a question! She had to answer, no?

"I want to serve Master Shuu." She said, watering another bush of roses near the one you were looking at.

Frowning, you looked up at her. "I'm sorry?"

Oh no. Did she offend you? Did she do something wrong? The only thing she said was that she wanted to serve the Tsukiyama family! Did that offend you..?

"I apologize! I didn't mean to offend you in any way." Karren bowed.

"You did nothing wrong, Kanae. I just... Are you a servant?" You asked, bewildered.

"Of course I am." She replied. "I owe the Tsukiyama family my life, so I serve them to repay my debt."

"But... You're so young! Shouldn't you be going to school, making friends, and having fun? Don't you have a dream future?" You asked. "This could be considered child abuse in human society!"

How were you so upset over something like this? Sure, it flattered Karren that you cared so much, but this seemed so obvious to her.

"I'm sorry for overreacting. Maybe it's normal in rich families... But I thought maybe you'd just... Be a part of the Tsukiyama family, seeing as you're related by blood..." You explained. "See, I'm from the middle class, so... I don't know a lot about stuff like this... Sorry."

"T-there's nothing to feel sorry about. I should have been clearer in my answers." Karren couldn't stand seeing you upset, for some reason.

Nodding, you turned your attention back to the plants the young girl loved oh so much. After a while, she took a deep breath and gathered her courage. Maybe you wouldn't be so upset if she spoke to you...

"What... What do you want to be when you grow up, miss?" She hesitantly asked.

"Please, call me (Y/N)! We're friends!" You smiled. Your smile made her feel all warm inside. "And to answer your question, I'm not sure yet. I was hoping to get into psychology, and try to understand humans a bit better. It'd probably help me blend in, too. In the end, I just want to make sure that I'm happy."

Karren frowned. Happiness wasn't an easy thing to achieve, she knew it firsthand now, but she hoped you'd get it. And lots of it.

"I... I want to be happy too." She muttered.

You chuckled and gave her a smile. "You deserve it, Kanae. If you want, I'll help you become happy! No matter what. I'll be here for you, because that's what friends do!"

She smiled at the thought of having a friend. Even if she was only 12 and you were 16, she wouldn't mind being by your side once in a while...

"I'd like to be your friend too."

••••

14

Karren settled on the corner of the doorway, attentively listening. She knew it was bad to eavesdrop, and especially on Master Shuu, but she couldn't help herself, seeing as you were both there.

"How many confessions this year, lover boy?" You asked as you hung upside down on a chair in his room. Valentine's Day wasn't your favourite, but you always enjoyed hearing about Shuu's adventures on the damned day. What a ladies man indeed.

"Six..." He rubbed his temples, laying down on his bed.

"Six?!" You shouted. "That's a high score! What a way to finish high school!" You laughed, eyeing the garbage can that was filled to the brim with sweets. Too bad they didn't know he was a ghoul.

"What about you?" He asked, smirking. "Anyone confessing on your side of the story?"

"Does Chie telling me 'I must have the patience of an angel to hang out with Shuu' count?" You asked, smirking when he groaned.

"No."

"Then zero." You smugly said, holding your chin up high from your weird position from the chair. Soon, you sat back up right to make the blood flow out of your head and back into your body. "What can I say? I guess I'm not what people are looking for. Especially when I'm around someone like you." You accused, pointing a finger at your best friend.

Karren highly disagreed with you. You were everything someone could ask for and even more! You were the most caring, loving friend she ever had! Surely you would be even better as a lover...

She didn't understand humans before, but now she was just confused at how odd their standards in society were. Taking in your appearance, she subconsciously made a list of everything that was perfect about you until her cousin spoke again.

"What does that mean?" He asked, faking a gasp.

"I'm just saying that you're incredibly pretty, and that you've got money, too. I'm just a middle class girl who got into the high school because of a mere scholarship. I don't have anything compared to you."

"First, I'm not pretty." He huffed.

"Handsome, whatever, same difference." You corrected.

"And second, you're beyond intelligent! Isn't that something humans look for in a partner too?" He sat up, looking at you. "And you're not far behind me when it comes to looks, either." He smirked and winked.

"Well, I never perfectly understood humans and their ideals in the first place." You confessed. Karren was glad you were both on the same page. Maybe you could have a conversation about it later! "And shush, you kinky creep. I don't need to know how attractive you find me."

"Kinky?!" Shuu complained. "I'm not kinky!"

"Mmhm, sure. 'Oh miss Chie!'" You started, perfectly imitating Shuu. Karren could barely suppress a giggle. As mean as it was, she loved it when you imitated her cousin like that. "'My little mouse, I have a present for you! It's a collar'." At the word collar, you regained your normal voice. "That was pretty kinky of you, Shuu."

"I didn't mean it like that! She's a pet, (Y/N)."

"That's even kinkier." You teased. "I mean, maybe she's into it, who knows?"

There was a pause, and your eyes quickly glanced at the ajar door, causing Karren to quickly dodge your glance.

"What do you look for in someone?" Shuu randomly asked.

"Eh? Those confessions really got to you this year." You chuckled. "Are you in a lovey dovey mood now?"

"I'm curious, you never told me."

"Oh, and you told me everything about your standards."

"I've told you about what I wanted it to be like, so you should too."

"Pretty sure I got what your dad wanted for you, Shuu."

"We both want me to have a passionate and loving marriage." He shrugged.

"Good for you." You answered, desperately attempting to avoid the subject.

"Alors? Crache le morceau!" He pushed.

Sighing, you leaned back on the arm of the chair, legs dangling and your neck craned back, moaning in annoyance.

Karren, being the young teenager she was, blushed at the position and sound. It wasn't even supposed to be an attractive pose, yet you just made it work so well, especially with what you just did.

"I don't know what I'm looking for. My parents won't marry me off since I'm not stuck in the 19th century like you, hell they'd be fine if I didn't have a relationship at all! My brother can do the whole 'carry on the family name' thing." You explained. "But if I were to look for someone..." You paused, trying to find words fitting the feelings you had. "I don't know how to explain my standards to you. It's... I mean, I want someone intelligent, and maybe a ghoul, you know? I'm not picky, so gender doesn't matter..."

Shuu nodded, closely listening.

"Like who?"

'Mister match maker's waking up, huh?' You thought.

"Well- okay, don't go off arranging marriages and stuff if I tell you, okay? They're just examples."

"I promise."

"Someone like Matsumae would be nice. Heck, even Kanae seems like such a nice soul..."

Karren froze, clinging to your every word. Had she missed a few? What was going on? She had to be imagining this, right? Gosh, she was sure that she didn't deserve something like this.

"If you end up with Kanae, we'd be family!" Shuu cheered.

"As nice as he is, I don't think I could deal with being related to you by marriage, Shuu. I have trouble enough with being your best friend." You teased, making the purple head pout.

"I'm kidding, you sad excuse of a kicked puppy. I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything else."

••••

15

Locking your elbow with Karren's, you dragged her away from the literally perfect rose garden. "You've done more than enough work, young man. You deserve a break."

"But the roses..!"

"They're in mint condition! If you perfect them any more, they'll start acting like your cousin." You said, earning a choked laugh from Karren. Once she noticed how far you were taking her, she frowned.

"Where are we going..?"

"I'm taking you out! We'll have some quality time, get some coffee, go sight seeing... All the good stuff! This girl's done with studies, trust me. I want to do something fun for a change! Think of it as a date."

Karen blushed. A date? She wasn't worthy, oh god...

"But I have duties to attend! And Master Shuu-"

"I made the arrangements with both Shuu and his father. You have time off, and you'll be spending it with your favourite mid-class ghoul! We can spar or something afterwards too, if you want! I'm curious about your kagune!"

Sighing, Karren let you drag her away from work and into the crowded streets of Tokyo.

"Relax and unwind! I want to get to know you better, 'kay?" You asked, smirking down at her.

"Sure..." She mumbled as you dragged her into a coffee place called 'Anteiku'.

Saying Karren had the time of her life with you was such an understatement.

••••

16

"You can't possibly... Kanae! C'mere!" You called out, waving at your friend, who walked over as soon as her alias name left your lips.

"How can I be of service?" She asked, glancing between you and Shuu.

"Yeah, no. Don't give me that servant stuff, it makes me shiver. Sit down! I need your opinion on something." You said, patting the space left on the right side of the couch, in front of Shuu who was sitting on a chair.

She hesitantly complied, tensing up. What if Master Shuu wasn't okay with this? She couldn't defy him... Could she?

After noticing her distress, you looked at Shuu. "Could you please tell him it's alright?"

You hated this whole servant thing. They were all your friends, why couldn't they just be treated as equals?

"It's okay, Kanae." Shuu reassured. "You can relax, when (Y/N)'s around, I promised that you wouldn't be treated as servants."

She gave you a questioning look, biting her tongue to not ask why.

"Which means speaking out of turn isn't a thing." You clarified.

"But... Why?" The teen finally asked.

"Because, I hate the whole 'you're a servant so you're lower than us' kind of crap. You, Matsumae, Aliza, Yuuma, Mairo... You're all my friends, and ordering my friends around isn't exactly fun. Except if you're him." You pointed at Shuu, who frowned.

"Now," you clapped your hands. "Don't say anything, Shuu. It could affect his answer. Do you find human toddlers gross?"

Karren was taken aback by the question. "Could you... Clarify that..?" She mumbled.

"I mean, would you eat a toddler and say 'that was a good meal.', or would you refrain eating them because they're gross?" You explained.

"I've never... Eaten a toddler before, and I rather keep it that way." She answered. She knew you liked having debates with Master Shuu, she could listen to the two people she loved bicker on and on for hours, but eating a toddler..? What had gotten into you?

"Yes, okay, but hypothetically?" You pushed, leaning forward a bit, waiting for her answer.

As you leaned, she felt your thigh come in contact with hers, and the electric shock she felt nearly made her jolt. ...did you not feel that..?

Blushing, she avoided your gaze. "I... Would rather not. Toddlers aren't exactly hygienic." She finally said.

"See? Two against one, Shuu! They're gross and they put their hands everywhere! I have never seen a toddler and thought 'huh, its flesh must taste good.' You're just a screwed up man!" You said, laughing.

"Many people would agree with me!" Shuu countered.

Karren looked between the two, fascinated by the sudden mood swing.

"I bet if you brought one to your ghoul restaurant thingy, no one would eat it! Besides, Kanae's a smart man!" You swung an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "His opinion matters more than your little fan club, Shuu!"

Tsukiyama seemed to have finally given up and rolled his eyes. "If you appreciate him so much, can I finally arrange that wedding?" He teased.

"He's still a minor! Hell, even I just turned 20! This poor boy wouldn't even have finished high school! You're just trying to get back at us because we're right!"

Karren blushed at the thought. She wouldn't really mind marrying you... Shaking her head, she dismissed the thoughts. She shouldn't think of her master's best friend like that.

"Besides, I think I'm leaning more towards girls..." You said nonchalantly.

"Oh, is this a case of bisexuality? Pansexuality? Homosexuality?" Shuu leaned forwards, smirking.

"Dunno yet, but I'm sure as hell not straight." You answered, smirking.

Your arm never left Karren's shoulders. Not that she minded. She enjoyed the close contact, and she caught herself nearly leaning into you a few times.

Throughout the conversation, she remained mostly silent until you asked for her opinion, obviously wanting to include her. She appreciated the gesture, but she enjoyed silently listening to you speak as well. Your voice was alluring, calming, yet energetic and loud at the same time. It truly was a confusing thing, but a good one nonetheless.

••••

17

"What's a thing you'd love to do in life, Kanae? Like, no matter how crazy it is?" You asked, looking up at the stars.

"What's the limit?" Just hearing her speak without hesitating made you smile. You surely had come a long way from the shy eleven year old Kanae Von Rosewald.

"There isn't one." You replied, tracing invisible patterns through the sky.

"I'd love to see my family again." Her tone broke your heart. "And I would like for you to meet them as well."

You sighed, sorrow flowing through your veins. "I'm so sorry about your family, Kanae. I wish there was something I could do."

"There is, and you're doing it wonderfully." She replied, giving you a shy smile. "You promised to try and make me happy, and you kept that promise. Thank you."

"I'm making you happy?" As easy as it sounded, it seemed a bit incredible.

"Yes." Turning your head to look into her eyes, you glanced down at your hand, which was barely touching hers. After a few moments debating wether it was a good idea or not, you slowly pressed your palm against hers and interlaced your fingers.

"I'm glad." You answered, shifting your attention to the night sky.

"What would be the thing you'd love to do?" Your friend asked, gently squeezing your hand. Was this a sign? Did you love her too? She knew the gesture wasn't big, but it meant so much to her.

"I can't tell you now! It sounds so... Stupid after what you've said!" You exclaimed.

"I'd like to know."

"Well... You ever heard of Sarabande by Handel?"

"Master Shuu and I play it sometimes." She nodded, smiling.

"Well, I want to direct an orchestra and make them play it so well that the audience cries. Like, for hours."

"That's... Rather odd." Karren left out a breathy laugh. It's not like she should be expecting anything serious from you... Speaking of that... Her glance fell to your intertwined hands. Should that gesture be taken seriously? What if you've only done it for her?

Wether you did it out of platonic or romantic love, Karren would cherish that gesture for her entire life.

"Eh, I just like the sound of it. I want that song to play for every event in my life."

"I'll make a note of that."

You giggled and smiled up at the stars. The way your eyes shone in the moon light made the teenager's heart beat increase tenfold, sending adoration through her veins, warming her body up.

"It's beautiful, right?" You asked, gaze never leaving the sky.

"It's breath taking."

••••

19

"Kanae?"

Quickly wiping off her tears, Karren's head snapped back to meet your worried gaze.

"Are you alright? You're taking this pretty badly, if you ask me..." Before you stepped into her room, you glanced at the floor and back to her. "May I?"

"Yes. Of course." She answered, words completely unfiltered.

Finally crossing the doorway, you made your way through her room and sat next to her on the bed. "Don't be so hard on yourself. It's not your fault. I was supposed to keep him happy, too." You placed a hand on her back, thumb gently rubbing the material of her shirt and by extension, her.

Karren lowered her head.

"He'll pull through this, I'm sure. We'll find something to replace that hybrid." You whispered.

"But what if that doesn't happen?" She whimpered. Sobs and cries were attempting to claw out of her throat, making her windpipe clench and unclench, something that you immediately caught onto.

Putting your other hand on the back of her neck, you pulled Karren into a comforting embrace. "Don't bottle those feelings up. Let them loose, Kanae." You spoke.