Chapter 3
A.N. I'm still experimenting with my style of writing and working my way to understanding how this website works. If you enjoy this story please leave your thoughts on what I could fix and what I should/shouldn't do, etc. I'm new to this so some help will be appreciated :) Also, totally unrelated but school be biting my butt LOL.
Quickly, he found an empty space to slot the book in and froze.
He saw him through the shelves, but he was frozen not of fear, but of utter shock.
His husband sat under the moonlight, wearing it like a veil. He was intensely focused on reading to the point of being unaware of Hide's presence. While he read, his lashes fluttered, looking dainty, and his lips quivered as though tempted to read aloud the book in his hands. Hide's breath caught.
He was enchanting.
For a moment, Hide forgot about the beast behind this lovely illustration. Only seeing the boy under the moon drop. How his forehead twitched and his brows furrowed slightly-
A loud BAM! caught both prince's attention; Hide had accidentally dropped the book from his trance.
"Who's there?" His husband asked, seemingly still surprised at the sound.
Hide panicked but moved quickly.
A wonderful thing with Anteiku's sleeping robes was that they came in twos: a bottom thicker wife beater, and an outer, thinner robe that reached one's toes with long sleeves.
With that in mind, Hide slipped off his arms from their sleeves and used them to tie the robe around his forehead, covering his face and a bit of his frame, with only a bit of his hair poking through.
"I asked who's there." This now was no longer a question, the Ghoul Prince's tone more stern and demanding.
Still panicked, Hide unintentionally answered, "Yes?" With a high pitched voice.
From the thin fabric, Hide saw the surprise come to the Ghoul Prince's face.
A face Hide never came across.
He shook his head and said, "Come into the light."
As Hide stepped forward he could see, once more, the prince become more puzzled than before. His face screwing and his brows furrowing and twitching.
He would've almost laughed had he not found it all so fascinating. Never before had he seen the Ghoul Prince's face go through so many phases. He was amused to say the least.
However, unable to bear the prolonging silence Hide said, still using the falsetto, "Hi." With a small wave.
Unconsciously, his husband returned the gesture but said nothing more, returning the quiet.
The silence stretched and Hide dearly wished to find something to say but couldn't think of anything. Indeed it was awkward, but terror was more prominent. If he was found out and was told on Touka, who knows what she'll do? He paled at the thought.
In the end he blurted out, "What's your name?" (Still using the same pitch).
This pulled the ghoul out of his stupor and he blinked. It was an expression Hide recognized. One that wondered who on Earth didn't know him, the Prince of Anteiku, the Eyepatch, the Ghoul Prince? Though, notably not an expression Hide recognized on him, the said prince.
"I-I'm Kan-" as though the ridiculousness of the whole situation slapped him on the face, the Ghoul Prince frowned. An expression Hide hasn't encountered as well.
Today seemed to be the day of expressing for the ghoul prince.
"Well, who are you?" He challenged with a scoff and crossed arms, apparently, though disliking, unwilling to leave the moment of madness.
This caught Hide by surprise, not expecting the rather stern ghoul to go with the flow. If anything, it was a rather adorable response but instead of gushing, he continued the act. "Hmm... Excellent question!" He said.
His husband's brow raised- another new expression for Hide's list- as though interested to see how far this stranger's tale will go.
An idea popped into Hide's head, "I am your guardian angel!"
"Oh?" The ghoul's eyes crinkled, a twinkle in his eyes. This caused Hide's heart to soar.
He didn't know why he trudged on. Was it because he feared discovery or because of the reactions he was getting from his husband? A bit of both he'd say.
"Yes! Your guardian angel sent from heaven above!"
"You look too odd to be an angel," the ghoul said.
"Have you seen an angel before?"
"No."
"Then you can't say I don't." It was his turn to cross his arms.
A childish glint became present in the ghoul's eyes, clearly enjoying the entire affair, "Actually, there are books with depictions of them."
"And how do they look?" Hide asked, genuinely curious.
The ghoul thought for a bit, "Odd."
Hide grinned, "And what did you say I looked like?"
Hide was sure the corners of his lips twitched, "Odd."
"So I am an?"
The Prince of Anteiku broke into a chuckle that sounded so delicious to Hide's ears.
"An angel?"
"Precisely!"
The childlike glint was more evident now, somehow making the ghoul look more younger and refreshed. "Alright, my guardian angel, why were you sent here?"
Hide didn't expect the ghoul to continue their charade and ask such a question.
After some internal debate, he said, "I was sent here for the sole purpose of protecting you!"
It was as if a switch was flipped. "I'm not-" he sighed, "I don't deserve to be protected."
Hide paused, not knowing what to say. The sheer phrase was astonishing to hear from the ghoul.
And just like that the child in front of Hide was gone. His eyes darkened, the innocent gleam no longer present. He snapped his head toward Hide and walked towards him, hand outstretched for the robe.
"Wait!"
He paused, surprisingly.
Hide gulped, "You may not approach me, snowy one." Hide didn't know where the nickname came from but it fit the ghoul's soft locks.
"Why not?" The ghoul raised a brow.
"Ah! Your eyes laying upon me is already against the wishes of the spirits above! If you touch me, POOF! I vanish. No longer with you." Hide didn't know where all this bullshit he spouted stemmed from. All that boredom? Or was reading that one book what sparked his hidden talent? More likely than not, he was pulling it from his ass.
To Hide's surprise, the ghoul took a few steps backward. The prince of Anteiku himself was aware of his absurd behavior if his sigh and darting eyes were anything to go by. He was hesitant, Hide can tell. Of what, that he was unsure. The situation? Their bickering discussion? The overall meeting?
A passing cloud covered the moon, casting the room in shadow and startling Hide.
But then an idea started forming in his mind.
"It is time," Hide said.
"...For what?"
"For me to leave." Hide prayed to God this will work.
When the ghoul said nothing, he carried on, "To be in your presence, and to be in your gaze, is a grave offense to the orders from the skies beyond. Being discovered by you was most unfortunate, though that was mere carelessness on my part. I take full responsibility as you reacted only as you should. However, if I want to continue to be your guardian then I must make haste before it's too late."
"I suppose I must do something?"
"Rather, there are things you mustn't do."
"Go on."
At this point, Hide didn't question the others' seeming interest in this entire sitch. All he hoped for was to not get killed.
"You mustn't watch as I leave or else you'll break another order from the sky. You mustn't listen where I go for it will go against the first. And finally, you mustn't search for me; your efforts will be in vain for you will not find me. Do you understand, snowy one?"
"So, essentially, you want me to act like this never occurred?"
Hide stayed quiet.
"Very well."
Hide's heart skipped a beat. Yes! "Close your eyes," he said.
Hide wasn't entirely sure if the eyes of the other were indeed closed, but he took a leap of faith and trusted the ghoul to keep his word. Slowly, he exited the library and swiftly returned to his room. He took off the robe and slipped it beneath the bed. He lay, panting and sweating despite having done no physical tasks at all.
The cloud passed and the moon finally returned, shining on Hide as he fell asleep.
...
As Hide went to the gazebo he was half-surprised and half-not-quite-so when he saw Queen Rize and his husband there along with Yoriko who always waited for Hide. Their attendants beside her.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Hide greeted as he arrived.
The queen simply wrinkled her nose and nodded. To his husband, as before, they nodded in acknowledgement. Memories of the night before came to Hide's mind and he blushed, embarrassed at what he had done and definitely more so if the other recognized him.
The queen and his husband joined him for breakfast at the gazebo. A similar occurrence a day after they got married. Hide wouldn't be surprised if this will be their only meal together as that's what happened before. Now, he usually didn't mind such new changes but this time was different. He knew it would only be boring because not only will the queen and her son ignore Hide's existence, but he also wouldn't be allowed to talk with Yoriko. He frowned at the impending ordeal.
Certainly, Hide was ignored and he enjoyed nothing, although as the meal wore on Hide realized two things. One, the Eyepatch didn't recognize him. Good. And two, something was on his mind, what with his glazed eyes and faraway face. Queen Rize also noticed the latter.
"Dear, are you alright? You seem dazed," She said, brows creasing.
"Huh?" The ghoul asked.
"I asked if something was wrong."
"Not at all." He replied quietly.
Hide shared looks with Yoriko, both shrugging at the odd behavior of the prince.
The queen frowned, "Are you sure? Might you be ill?"
"No. I'm alright."
"Most definitely not. You wore a queer expression and you've hardly touched your food. If there isn't anything bothering you, what's with that?"
"Just… Woke up on the wrong side of the bed."
"But-"
"I'm alright." He repeated.
The queen dropped it but wouldn't tear her eyes away from her son. The meal was quite bland after that.
...
Days passed and Hide had stopped going to the library for many reasons. Mainly, he didn't want to find out when he'll encounter Touka, but also because the book he borrowed- stole- had been returned. There was no more reason to go back. Plus, he had made a promise with Yoshimura and he now understood why the warning had been made.
Life became exhausting for Hide. Although he behaved it seemed the ghouls weren't as generous as Yoshimura made them out to be. That or they are still bitter with all the trouble Hide gave them. Either way, life was on repeat and even he and Yoriko were losing topics to speak about, meals becoming more quiet. Even Yoshimura couldn't help little Hide. After the arrival of the queen, his visits have become less frequent to the point of not showing up at all on most days.
It was all the same cycle.
Except for one thing which kept Hide preoccupied (and sane on most days): His husband and that night.
For a moment, he had seen a moon drop boy. Not a man-eating ghoul, not a heartless monster, not a blank faced robot. A human... A child.
Unlike him, other than the gazebo, the Ghoul Prince seemed to have forgotten about their little encounter. He was as stern and mysterious as ever.
At least, as mysterious as he made himself to be. Hide couldn't remove that moment from his mind to the extent that he became frustrated with it and wanted to drop it. But that meant looking forward to bland days and so he used that memory to keep himself busy. Asking questions that hurt his head and answering some on his own. The answers ranged from logical and slowly strayed to abnormal as his boredom grew like a blossoming flower.
That much was enough to tell Hide how worn out he was. So much so that he never noticed the going-ons around him, forgetting about the ball the queen was hosting the day after. This was no surprise; Queen Rize was eminent for hosting parties left and right.
He was surprised to find himself in Anteiku's formal attire, glass in hand, and standing in the midst of ghouls chattering away. When had he changed? He vaguely remembered Yoriko helping him out. Damn, he's been in and out of it lately.
He took in the scene once more. Knives were pierced on the walls and teddy bears were on tables. There was a huge cake designed to look like a butcher's knife and a teddy bear mascot with a pink bow walked around with a big knife on its back and one it held.
The theme was clear. He didn't know whose idea it was but he knew he wouldn't want to meet them.
Suddenly feeling tight with all the bodies, he moved away to a corner. He noticed a hall, unguarded, one that led to the South wing, and his mischievous streak returned. It was anticipated after all the boredom he went through.
He knew he'd get in trouble if he was caught, yet who was he to care? The worst they can do is send him back to his room. Which they've done plenty. Maybe they'd punish him physically though he doubted it since they just had a peace treaty. The hall was dim in comparison to the dance floor. Hide knew to be wary, so he moved slowly. So many things screamed at Hide that this wasn't his wing. Unlike his, there were golden ornaments, expensive vases, lavish paintings, priceless curtains, and other accessories that showed off the wealth of the citadel.
He heard voices and stopped in his tracks. He peeked around a corner and saw a group talking. They were admiring a painting of a woman and a parasol. Hide recognized, among the group, Tsukiyama, Touka, a man he recognized as Renji Yomo, and his husband.
Renji Yomo, from what he's heard and seen, was responsible for collecting bodies. Hide shuddered. He had silver hair and a stubble, sporting a trench coat which was Anteiku's fashion.
There were more others Hide didn't know and they looked to be having a heated debate. Except the ghoul prince, who looked like he was smiling out of hospitality.
Tsukiyama was plainly flirting with the prince and Touka didn't appear pleased though she said nothing. Choosing to glare at Tsukiyama instead as she drank her coffee. The Eyepatch also had a cup in his hand. Others looked like they wanted to touch him as well, but when one came close, even just a brush, Tsukiyama sent them a deadly glare. They backed off save for one brave soul. The prince, on his part, barely batted a lash.
Finally the group left, but his husband stayed behind.
He saw the mask fall as his husband sighed and rubbed his eyes. Hide saw the look he had. It was of tire and of disquiet. Hide let out a breath of thought when an idea sparked.
He soundly yet swiftly went back to the ballroom and scanned the area, his eyes landing on what he wanted.
"Yo," he greeted.
The bear mascot was sitting seemingly tired. They removed the head part of the bear costume, revealing Yoriko.
"Yo, what's up?" She grinned. She was sweating a ton, no doubt from the outfit.
"I need a favor."
It took some convincing but he succeeded. He ran back, peeked from the same hall (this time with more difficulty), and sure enough the prince hadn't moved from his spot. In fact, he was now leaning against the wall, rubbing his nape.
Hide walked towards the prince and said with a deep voice, "Greetings!"
The prince went wide-eyed and Hide was compelled, once more, to laugh aloud. But he didn't; a smile being as much as he could muster.
The prince continued to stare, speechless.
"Frog in your throat or don't you recognize me?" Hide said, still using the gruff tone.
Hide huffed when the prince said nothing and said, "Do I need to reintroduce myself? I am the bear king of the land of Knife! Where knives are a delicacy and bears jump on clouds and glitter and sparkles!" Hide almost cackled at his own ramble, "Do you remember now, snowy one?" Hide struck a pose in the scruffy, humid bear suit.
As soon as he mentioned the nickname, recognition sparked in the ghoul's eyes.
The ghoul cocked his head and with that and the painting and the backlight, Hide's breath was taken away. "Guardian angel..?"
"No, no, no!" Hide wagged a finger. "I am the bear king! See?" He pointed to the outfit, "I have now re-reintroduced myself." Hide placed his hands on his hips.
"What are you doing here?" The ghoul looked away, that sad look placing itself back on his face. He pinched the bridge of his nose, "And why are you now a bear king?"
Despite the impending doom, Hide kept up the act, "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just a bear king, always have, always will."
"Not the other night, you weren't."
"Other night? What night?"
"The night we 'met'." The prince made air quotes.
Oh, right, Hide thought. Despite being the one to make up the stories, he himself couldn't catch up with them. Go figure. "Ehem, but we didn't meet at night." Hide stuttered.
The prince looked down, "Then, when did we meet?"
"In your dreams!" Hide decided to say.
The prince scoffed, "I've never dreamt of a bear before."
"Ah," Hide sighed with exaggeration. "You have forgotten me, it seems. Do you not remember me showing you the gallant land of Knife? Its waters and structures? Its people?" This, he had gotten from a friend back in Kamii who was an avid fan of theatre and often said this particular line to any tourist that visited Kamii.
The Prince shook his head, "No."
"Well-"
"What is it do you want? I'm tired of this game."
His voice sounded genuinely tired that Hide was almost tempted to back down. Almost. "I want payback," Hide said and regretted it as soon as it left his mouth. The Prince on his part looked terribly confused.
"That came out wrong."
"Indeed, it did."
"Cheeky, aren't you?"
"I could be worse."
Hide gulped, not one to miss the threat. He cleared his throat and, his deep voice almost wavering, said, "I took you on quite the expedition when you were in Knife-"
"So?"
Hide already planned this. He knew what he wanted. With an exaggerated gesture to the hall, he asked, "Mind returning the favor?"
Hide was prepared for a "no" but wouldn't have been surprised for a "yes" either. After all, the Ghoul Prince has shown to be quite unpredictable.
The prince stared at him for awhile longer. Then he sighed, "Follow me."
Yes!
I would like to thank Mermaid Monster for your review! It means alot. I'm still learning how to continue this story (I have a rough outline but writer's block is a female dog) and how I want it to flow, the style of writing, etc. I understand the want for more interactions with Hide and Kaneki but I never realized how hard I'd find it to make these two interact LOL.