He clings to his arm, sticking to his side like glue with every step that it almost makes it hard for them to walk. His lover smiles though, and he doesn't mind if they stumble from time to time; he only laughs and holds onto him just as tightly. Kaneki bites his lip when he looks up, staring at his lover again and admiring him like always. Hide's wearing one of his caps today and Kaneki can't help thinking how cute he looks in it. His hand clenches tighter on his lover's bicep and he doesn't want to leave his side.

Hide feels Kaneki's gaze and when he looks to him and smiles warmly, those brown eyes glittering, Kaneki's heart skips too fast and his face burns up with his emotions.

He wishes he didn't have to share him with anyone else.

The boys finally make it to the same place where Hide had met Ikuma the previous day. Kaneki is eager to meet this man and at the same time, he's afraid of that evil emotion inside of him rearing its ugly head. He can already feel it beginning to bubble and control his every move, keeping his senses on a higher level. All he can see and feel is Hide.

"Guess we're a little early…" Hide mumbles when he notices Ikuma is nowhere in sight.

Kaneki sighs softly and he leans his head on Hide's arm. "Can I skip class? I just want to stay with you all day…" he speaks his thoughts aloud.

Hide chuckles and he turns to place a soft kiss on Kaneki's head. "Hey, come on now. It's your turn to get to class and my turn to get that job. We can handle a few hours apart right, babe?"

"I guess…" Kaneki replies with a pout. Hide smiles and his fingers find his lover's cheek, stroking his soft skin.

Kaneki closes his eyes, reveling in his touch until an unfamiliar voice interrupts his peace. He feels Hide's fingers withdrawing from him as the blond waves at the man who exclaimed in their direction. Just as Hide had described, the man is wearing his usual beanie and carrying his guitar case like a backpack.

Kaneki watches his boyfriend exchange words with Ikuma and then soon enough, the attention is on him when Hide goes to make introductions.

"You probably guessed it, but this beautiful man beside me is the love of my life!" Hide says proudly with a grin so bright, it almost blinds Ikuma.

Those words snap Kaneki out of his daze and in an instant, he blushes with a mix of embarrassment and adoration for the man he clings to.

Ikuma smiles and he bows his head at Kaneki. "I'm pleased to meet you. You were one of the first topics Hide mentioned when we met here so I don't doubt his words one bit."

Kaneki gives a shy smile and he bows back, his hands still hanging on to Hide. "It's nice to meet you too."

Kaneki looks up at Hide, who's still smiling wide as he glances between the two men. Ikuma notices the way the half-ghoul gazes at the human and he holds his chin in thought.

So, he's the one I smelled on Hide after he left yesterday…

"We should get going, right? I don't want to make a bad first impression by being late!" Hide states, shaking Ikuma out of his thoughts.

Ikuma blinks a few times and then nods rapidly at his words. "Ah, yes, yes! We'll head there this instant!"

Ikuma begins to lead the way but pauses when he sees Hide turning to face Kaneki.

Hide's hand moves to caress his lover's face. "I'll see you back home, okay?"

Kaneki nods, his eyes shining as his hand touches Hide's. "Please be careful. I'll be waiting."

Hide hears the hidden sadness in Kaneki's tone and he bends down, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. When he moves back and sees Kaneki struggling to smile, he pulls him into his warm arms and smothers his lover in a strong embrace that melts the half-ghoul's heart to pieces.

Kaneki immediately buries his nose in the crook of Hide's neck, inhaling his scent as his hands grip hard under Hide's arms. He feels Hide's lips on the tender skin of his neck and he exhales softly. For some reason, his throat tightens, and when Hide separates from him, he feels cold right away.

Ikuma watches this entire display before him and he doesn't realize his mouth is hanging open. He is in awe at the genuine show of affection between a human and a ghoul. In all his years of living, the only human love he's known is the one given to him by his adoptive mother. Other than that, he's never seen a human and ghoul show love so freely like these two do. He feels a warmth stir inside him and he smiles.

If only more people can realize this…

Kaneki's unbreakable gaze at Hide strikes a chord in Ikuma. It's intense and unyielding. Once again, he's not seen a ghoul reveal such a strong emotion so openly before. It almost makes him shiver. It's almost scary.

Hide turns and walks towards Ikuma, and the ghoul notices the immediate change in Kaneki's eyes as those grey turn from bright to dark. Ikuma shakes his head ever so slightly.

Does Hide know? That look…

He remembers what his adoptive mother described to him many times of how his biological mother sacrificed herself for his sake.

"Lead the way, friend," Hide says with a grin.

Ikuma puts a smile on and nods, his eyes flickering to Kaneki for a split second before moving first. His hand grips the strap of his guitar case over his shoulder and he contemplates his thoughts a little more. As he hears Hide's footsteps following close behind, he thinks of his adoptive mother's words and the grey eyes of the half-ghoul that loves this human.

Those are the eyes of someone who'd lay down his life for another. No question. No hesitation. It's scary…

Ikuma glances back at Hide, who has his arms crossed behind his head as the blond looks out into the distance.

I need to be careful…

Ever since his boyfriend successfully got the job at the same department store as Ikuma, it is only natural that the two new found friends would be spending more time together. Kaneki is happy for Hide, of course, happy that he can make friends with another ghoul. But even more, the other side of him overshadows all those positive thoughts. Because of that, he's more sensitive to his surroundings, more alert, and way too on edge. He's irritated. But most of all…

Kaneki frowns, his chin resting in his right hand and the other drumming lightly against the counter as he stares through the glass windows of Anteiku. It's the slow afternoon again and at any chance he can get, he spends his time worrying about his lover. The ghoul side of him jabs at his brain and boils up his already seething thoughts. He feels he could snap at any minute.

Kaneki sighs deeply and places his head down on his arms. "Why am I like this? Damn it…"

"Down in the dumps again? What's with you?"

Kaneki's head snaps up, a glare set on his face. Right in front of him, Nishiki had taken a seat and he jolts back in surprise when he notices the hard look Kaneki wears.

"Holy shit. Chill! You look like you're going to murder someone," Nishiki glares back, his hands up in front of him.

Kaneki's expression softens immediately when he sees it is an old friend and he takes a breath. "Sorry. I might as well have killed someone, huh?" Kaneki mumbles to himself. His grey eyes wander and glaze over.

Nishiki rests his face against his palm and he shakes his head. "Did Nagachika do something stupid again? I always know the reason is him when you're lookin' sadder than a sack of potatoes."

Kaneki frowns again. "I'm not sad!"

"Yeah, you are!"

"No, I'm just…" Kaneki cuts himself off and he huffs in frustration.

Nishiki narrows his eyes, waiting for the half-ghoul to say something else, but when he doesn't, he scoffs. "Man, you love that man so much. Are you mad? Jealous?"

Kaneki freezes when Nishiki puts emphasis on the last word and the ghoul laughs in triumph. "I fuckin' knew it. Jealous of who? Who's taking your man away?"

"Don't be so dramatic, Nishiki. Hide is not getting taken away from me. I'm just being stupid that's all. I shouldn't…feel this way…" Kaneki says quietly. He tries to occupy himself by wiping down the already clean counter top.

Nishiki watches Kaneki trying to distract himself and he looks down in thought. "It's normal to feel that way. It's fine. It's not a bad thing."

"But doesn't that make it seem like I don't trust him?" Kaneki blurts out.

"No, not if you know you do. Jealousy and love go together, whether you like it or not," Nishiki shrugs.

"Gee, thanks counselor," Kaneki says with a small smile.

Nishiki moves forward, pushing Kaneki's arm in response and in turn, the half-ghoul tries to shove Nishiki back, but the ghoul dodges his hand and then spins in his seat. Kaneki chuckles and attempts to whip Nishiki with the towel he has while the ghoul spins.

"Did you want some coffee?" Kaneki asks once they settle down.

"Nah, I'm good. Just came here to relax…and I wanted to say something to you. Kinda wish Nagachika was here too."

Kaneki nods and waits while Nishiki rubs the back of his neck. He stares at his hands and then speaks.

"I wanted to say I'm sorry for what I said a long time ago, when I said you should split from Nagachika. I was angry. Nothing I said or did made any sense. And to be honest, I'm still trying to sort shit out."

Kaneki smiles and he shakes his head. "You don't have to apologize, Nishiki. I already knew you were going through rough times. I'm sorry about your sister."

Nishiki smiles softly and then he grasps his head, still not looking up at Kaneki. "You know…this is really stupid…but after all those fucking years…"

Kaneki leans forward when Nishiki stops suddenly.

"I…found someone…"

Kaneki pauses, replaying what Nishiki had barely uttered in his head before his face lights up and he places his hands together. "Really? You did? When?"

Nishiki finally lifts his head and Kaneki can see the slight blush on his face. "Uh…like two weeks ago? Her name is Kimi. She's…a really nice gal."

Kaneki claps his hands softly. "Aww-"

"Don't get all mushy on me!" Nishiki exclaims right away.

Kaneki pouts but complies. "Well, I'm happy for you! Did you meet her in school?"

"Yeah, it's kinda weird how fast she and I clicked. Is that how it feels? I ain't used to that."

Kaneki nods his head. "Yeah, it's weird at first. But you'll get used to it. And then you'll grow to like the feeling."

Nishiki wrinkles his nose. "Ugh…I don't wanna think about that."

Kaneki rolls his eyes. "Wow, for once I know more about something than you do."

"Shut up! Why don't you go back to groveling over your man and leave me alone!"

"What the-you're the one who came to me! And I'll gladly grovel over Hide any day, thank you."

Nishiki laughs and Kaneki feels his face heat up when he realizes what he just said out loud. He stares at Kaneki for a moment while the half-ghoul scratches his hot cheek in embarrassment.

Nishiki stands up from his seat and shoves his hands in his pockets. "I don't know if I'll ever care for someone the way you care for that idiot. It's rare, what you two have, you know?"

When he sees Kaneki's eyes shine in happiness at his words, he can't help but feel the sting of jealousy attacking him this time. He'd never admit that he yearns to have what the half-ghoul had and continues to have for most of his life with Hide.

"Did I mention how much I hate you and Nagachika today?" Nishiki says with a smirk.

Kaneki scoffs. "No, I think you missed that detail."

"Well, my mistake. I hate you guys. See ya!"

Kaneki chuckles again while he watches Nishiki ditch him, the door bell ringing as he takes his leave. "Hide would have definitely punched him if he were here," Kaneki mutters to himself and soon enough, his mind wanders back to his lover once more.

"I'm a ghoul."

Ikuma's abrupt words float in the air and immediately, Ikuma shrinks into himself, his shoulder tense and his body closed off. He doesn't dare look up at the blond sitting beside him as they cool off outside after their shift.

"Yeah, I knew that already."

Ikuma's eyes widen and he slowly lifts his head to look at his friend. Hide smiles warmly at him, his brown eyes calm and honest. Ikuma gives a nervous laugh and he scratches his head.

"Y-Yeah…I just figured I should get that out of the way so…"

"Did you seriously think that would bother me? You do know I'm in love with one of your kind, right?" Hide states with a laugh. He slaps Ikuma on the back and the ghoul jumps in his seat from the contact.

Ikuma shakes his head vigorously. "No! I didn't think of it that way! I just didn't want that aspect of me kept secret between us. It's me after all."

Hide nods firmly. "Yup, that's right. You're you. That's all there is to it."

Ikuma smiles at his words and he breathes out his trapped exhale. The boys each have a drink in their hand, soda for Hide and black coffee for Ikuma, and the two stare up at the evening sky.

"So, you said your real mom died and your adoptive mother is a surgeon? That's amazing. I can tell she's a kind and giving woman," Hide says as he sips his drink.

Ikuma leans back on his hand. "You have no idea. I would be dead with my mother if it weren't for her. It's because of her that I'm so fond of humans and wish that both sides could see that we can get along. I know it's hard…but…"

Hide smiles and he watches Ikuma's forlorn expression. "I'm with you on that, dude. No doubt about it."

Hide sighs and clasps both hands around the soda can. "You and your mom still keep in touch?"

"Yeah, at least a few times a week. She's a bit of a worrywart."

"Lucky. Kaneki and I lost our moms when we were young too. I hardly even know what it's like to have a mom," Hide says quietly.

Ikuma gives a look of sympathy until Hide adds another thought. "I do have a dad still. But he's in America now."

"You and Kaneki have really gone through a lot together, huh?" Ikuma states.

Hide nods, his brown eyes distant. "I want to keep him safe. I want to protect him. He's been hurt too many times in the past…"

"Hey, don't forget to look after yourself too, sir. Kaneki would be devastated if something happened to you."

Hide's ears turn red when he hears what Ikuma said and he laughs. "Yeah, you make a good point."

Hide then turns, his face close to Ikuma's. The ghoul yelps in surprise and he backs up a bit. In this proximity, he can see how bright the blond's eyes are and it makes him flustered.

He truly is beautiful up close like this. He makes me so nervous…

"So, you're a ghoul. And that means you've got a kagune, right? What type do you have? Wanna show me?" Hide teases with a grin.

Ikuma's words jumble in his mouth and he stammers. "I-I-I don't think that's a good idea. Besides, it's not as brilliant as you may think. I'm pretty weak in ghoul standards, you know."

Hide returns to his space. "You can't be that bad. I wonder what type of kagune I would have if I were a ghoul…" he says in thought, his finger tapping his lower lip.

Ikuma shakes his head fast again. "Don't even entertain the idea! You don't want to be one of us!"

Hide smirks. "Chill out, dude. It's just a harmless thought. There's no way I can be one anyway. Unless you guys are like vampires and can like, what, transform someone with a bite? Is that how it works?"

Ikuma is both amused and horrified by Hide's endless curiosity with his kind. "I won't let you become a ghoul. Being a human is so much safer and peaceful. Ask your boyfriend."

"Hah! Kaneki wouldn't allow that to happen either. Hell would have to freeze over. And even then…"

Ikuma stares at Hide's expression turning serious until a grin breaks out and he suddenly stands to his feet. The sky had changed to a dark purple, and more people around them hustle on their way home from work. Hide stretches his arms, groaning loudly as he does.

Crushing the soda can in his hand, he aims for the trash bin a few feet away from them like a basketball hoop but misses the target.

"Dang it!" Hide shouts and he scrambles to pick up the can.

Ikuma still has his half-finished coffee in his grasp and he continues watching Hide fooling around as his friend steps back and attempts to make the bin once again. He laughs when he misses a second time, amused at his friend's frustration.

While Hide continues to play around, Ikuma remembers the last phone call he had with his mother one night.

"Still doing okay over there in Tokyo, son? Are you having a tough time finding food?" She often asks him every time.

Ikuma doesn't want her to worry her so much. So, he makes it seem like things aren't so bad. He can make it on his own.

"No, I'm managing fine, mom. I love it here in the city. I feel like I can do so much with my music. I feel so free."

He hears his mother humming in response.

"I miss you so much. But as long as you're happy, then I'm happy. Just please look after yourself."

"I know, mom."

"Anyway, have you made any friends? Are people being nice to you?"

Immediately, he thinks of Hide's cheerful face and a spark of happiness runs through him.

Ikuma smiles as Hide finally makes his shot into the trash can. The blond cheers in victory and he spins in circles. The street lights around them seem to brighten with Hide's energy, his blond hair shimmering and making his smile more vibrant than ever.

"Yeah, actually…I met this guy. He's so kind to me…"

"Yo, are you done with your drink yet, Ikuma?" Hide exclaims.

When he notices the human charging for him, Ikuma feels himself growing nervous again and he tightens his grip on his coffee.

"N-No, not yet!"

Hide grabs his shoulders once he's close enough. "Hurry up, dude! I need something else to throw so I know for sure that wasn't just a lucky shot!"

Hide's strength knocks the breath out of Ikuma like the first time and he can't help but laugh. While Hide continues to whine and plead, Ikuma quickly chugs the rest of his drink down. As soon as it's empty, Hide snatches the can out of his hands just as Ikuma was tipping it upwards. With his tongue partly out as Hide had left him at an odd angle, Ikuma can't help but grin at Hide's endless shenanigans.

He's so crazy…

He thinks of his mother's words again.

"Oh? Is that so? I'm so glad to hear that. Are you sure you can trust him though? Do you feel safe?"

"Woo hoo!" Hide roars too loudly as he makes the shot in one go.

Ikuma claps while the blond takes a dramatic bow towards his one-man audience. Ikuma notices some people passing curious glances their way and he feels himself blushing in embarrassment. But when he sees that Hide has no care in the world, that bashfulness disappears into the night.

Ikuma smiles as he speaks his next few words. "Yes, mother. I know I can trust him. I'm happy. I'm safe."

If only things could stay easy.

When Ikuma begins to miss a week's worth of shifts at the department store, Hide inevitably worries. Kaneki notices this distress in an instant when his lover comes home at night.

The half-ghoul always waits for him, spending his time reading on their couch as he does. He runs into Hide's arms as soon as his lover enters the apartment.

"He missed work again?" Kaneki asks. His brows furrow at Hide's sadness on his face. His hands resting on Hide's chest move upwards to hold his cheeks.

Hide smiles, but Kaneki knows it's a forced one.

The half-ghoul can feel himself boiling inside. To think there is someone else that can affect his love like this, making him upset and marring the smile he adores so much. His chest aches seeing and knowing this. He doesn't want to share him. He doesn't want to at all.

"I don't know, it's so strange. He was fine last week and now he just disappears off the face of the earth. I don't even see him playing his music anymore…" Hide says. His eyes are downcast, and they don't meet Kaneki's concerned gaze.

Suddenly, Kaneki feels hate. He feels selfish and mean, but he can't help it. He wishes he could tell Hide to stay away from him, but that's impossible. Hide would be angry at him for saying that. He knows it's wrong. His mind is so conflicted.

Hide steps away and peers at the door. "Maybe…I should try looking for him…"

Kaneki's eyes darken, and his hand snatches Hide's wrist. His fingernails pierce through his skin and Hide's eyes widen when he notices how hard Kaneki is holding onto him.

"No. Don't even think about it. That's crazy! I'm not letting you go wandering the streets in the middle of the night!" Kaneki scolds him.

Hide's mouth drops slightly at his boyfriend's harsh tone. He sees the sharpness in Kaneki's eyes and he sighs. "Yeah…I guess you're right."

Kaneki feels a fire in him and it won't calm down. "I'm sure he's okay. Just give it a few more days, and if it's been too long…" He pauses. "I can help you look for him."

Hide smiles at his words. "Really? You would?"

The ghoul side in him protests, clanging against his ribs like an enraged prisoner.

I want you for myself. Who cares about anyone else? You're mine!

Kaneki takes a deep breathe. His chest still hurts, and he has to remind himself not to break Hide's wrist on accident.

"Hide, how can you even ask that? Of course, I would! When you're sad, I'm sad. I'll do anything for you," Kaneki tells him. His heart is honest.

He notices Hide giving him the long look, the one that studies him and tries to figure out how he really feels. Kaneki allows him to do it. He wants him to figure out how he's drowning in jealousy. He wants him to forget everyone else. He wants him to grab him. Take him down. Own him.

Hide smiles, this time a genuine one. "No, you're right. I think he'll be fine. But thank you for saying that, Ken."

Kaneki loosens his grip on Hide's wrist and feels his lover brushing past him. When he turns around to watch his man, Hide doesn't look back at him as he heads towards their room.

Kaneki lifts his thumb to his mouth, his teeth gnawing at his flesh.

It doesn't matter how I feel.

His fangs break his skin. Blood taints the tip of his tongue. The ghoul side of him laughs in his head.

Liar. Such a fucking liar.

Ikuma plops down on his usual bench, his body completely depleted of energy. He can hardly move a muscle, let alone try and play any of his music. He leans back against the bench, breathing in and out slowly and trying to ease the intense pain he feels gnawing at his insides.

"Have you been eating well, son? Are you okay?"

His mother's voice echoes in his head, taunting him, reminding him of his lies.

God, it hurts so much. Just kill me already.

He thinks he hears his name getting called in the air. Everything coming through his ears is muffled though and he passes it off as one of his hallucinations. He's been having those quite frequently the past few days.

I wonder if my own body will consume me…

The muffle in his ears grows louder, however, and his brows furrow in irritation. He tries hard to remind himself to keep control. He keeps his eyes shut and focuses on deep breathing.

"Ikuma!"

His eyes snap open when his senses finally catch up with him. His vision blurs at first but as it clears in seconds, the first thing he sees is him. The one he'd been trying to avoid over the last week.

Hide is panting, his eyes filled with concern and his mouth open as he takes in air. He's bent at the waist so that he's talking face-to-face with his friend. "I thought I was dreaming at first. Where have you been, buddy?"

Ikuma doesn't answer. He's scared to say anything. If he tries to open his mouth, he thinks he won't be able to control himself. To his dismay, a swift wind blows past them and right away, his nose picks up on the delectable scent of the human standing before him. Hide's scent overwhelms him completely, driving every nerve in his body on edge and his stomach screeching in agony.

Hide notices fear in Ikuma's eyes and he places his hands on the ghoul's shoulders, frowning when he sees the ghoul flinching under his touch.

"What happened to you? You really scared me for a minute there. I thought someone had kidnapped you or something."

Ikuma trembles and it only worries Hide further. His mouth opens and closes several times.

"H-Hide…I…"

"What's wrong? Talk to me!"

"I…I need your help…" Ikuma manages to choke out and he grasps his throat.

Hide narrows his eyes, and studying Ikuma's frigid body language, he thinks of a solution.

"Come on, I'm taking you to where my boyfriend works," Hide says in a firm tone.

Hide goes to help Ikuma stand despite the ghoul's hesitance. He wraps Ikuma's arm over his shoulders and once he is sure he has a strong grip on his friend, he guides them towards his intended destination.

Hide listens to Ikuma's heavy breathing and he glances over the musician's body. He doesn't see any obvious injuries.

"You haven't been taking care of yourself, have you?" Hide states gently.

Ikuma doesn't answer, his head lowered. It's even harder for the ghoul to focus now, especially when his body is touching the human. His eyes peer to the side and at his current angle, he can see Hide's exposed collarbone. His skin looks so soft and smooth. As he examines his upper neck, he can see Hide's carotid pulse beating faintly, pumping the juicy red blood he knows is right under there.

Please…I can't…no!

"I should have taken you there in the first place. There's some awesome people there who can help you. Trust me."

Once again, Hide's voice is muffled in his ears and Ikuma tries holding his breath.

I won't hurt him. I won't.

…

Kaneki paces the floor back and forth while Nishiki watches him at the front counter of Anteiku.

"Would you stop doing that? It's getting on my goddamn nerves!" Nishiki exclaims.

Kaneki chews on his thumb and when he looks down at the bite marks, it heals in the next second. He goes to gnaw at his own flesh again.

"Why are you so nervous?" Nishiki asks in irritation.

"Hide said he would stop by after class but he's late. It's been two hours. I think he's going off to try and find that other ghoul," Kaneki rambles and he doesn't stop pacing.

"Other ghoul? You mean your man stealer?" Nishiki says with a smirk. He leans against the counter, now thoroughly amused at what could happen.

"Yes! I-I mean, no!" Kaneki shouts quickly. He stops in his tracks and looks at the grandfather clock for the trillionth time.

"Oh boy, I smell drama. Y'all gonna tussle?" Nishiki asks, grinning wide. "I've been craving some violence. It's been a while."

Kaneki walks over to the window. Anteiku had just closed for the day a half hour ago and still, his lover has not appeared.

"Please, don't be reckless…" Kaneki mumbles. Still dressed in his work uniform, he grasps the front of his shirt over where his heart lies.

He is damn near ready to storm out and find him.

…

Hide smiles, sweat crawling down his face from dragging his friend under the setting sun. He can see Anteiku in the distance.

"We're almost there. You doing okay?"

Ikuma hadn't said a word to him the whole time but after he speaks, the ghoul suddenly stops dead in his tracks.

The streets are vacant around them. It is quiet and peaceful in this stretch. But in the ghoul's mind, there is chaos.

"Ikuma?" Hide calls for him.

Everything else happens in a blur through Hide's view. Next thing he knows, Ikuma lifts his head, his dual kakugan activated and before Hide could even gasp, Ikuma's hand grabs his throat and he loses footing. He collides with the ground, his head knocking against the concrete and shocking Hide with shooting pain.

Hide groans at the harsh contact and his breath is caught in his throat as Ikuma's hand tightens on his neck. The ghoul is now pinning him to the ground, his legs straddling his core. Hide's eyes are wide, meeting with red irises that stare down at him like a vicious predator.

Ikuma's mouth begins frothing, his saliva dripping onto Hide's chest.

"Do you know how delicious you smell? Let me taste me! Let me bite you!" Ikuma shouts in a voice that doesn't sound like him.

Ikuma's face draws near and the ghoul's fingers dig into his neck. Hide's expression loses all emotion and he stares at the ghoul with blank eyes.

Ikuma's maniacal laugh echoes all around him.

…

Nishiki can't stop Kaneki when the half-ghoul charges out as soon as he smells his lover in the vicinity. Kaneki feels relief washing over him, knowing that Hide is nearby. He walks fast and when he sees the head of blond hair, his eyes widen in horror at finding his lover lying on the ground. The one keeping him down is none other than his new friend.

Just like that, the raging monster inside of him breaks free and his left eye changes. He runs towards the boys and right away, he throws himself at the ghoul pinning Hide. Their bodies smash together and skid a few feet away. Hide gasps in shock and he lifts himself to a sitting position. He sees Kaneki now reversing the situation as he has the upper hand over Ikuma. The older ghoul struggles like a wriggling worm under Kaneki's enraged grip.

"Ken, wait! Stop!" Hide shouts.

Kaneki doesn't hear him, his mind clouding with numerous ways to murder the ghoul that thrashes under him. His hands are choking the ghoul and his teeth are clenched in anger. All he sees is red. His heart hammers in his ears.

"Snap out of it, Ken! He's starving! He can't think straight and that's why he attacked me!" Hide raises his voice. He reaches for the half-ghoul, noticing the way Kaneki's shoulders tense up and his muscles harden.

Ikuma is gasping for breath and his struggle weakens the longer Kaneki is choking him. When Hide manages to touch Kaneki's back, the half-ghoul slowly lifts his head, looking up at him with eyes that are cold and full of malice.

Hide has never seen Kaneki look like this before and once more, he is shocked to the core. He steps back from his lover when the half-ghoul moves to stand up, grabbing Ikuma while he does. Hide doesn't try to intervene as Kaneki drags the older ghoul like he's a rag doll towards Anteiku, avoiding Hide's intent gaze the whole way.

…

Nishiki and Yoshimura aid Ikuma as soon as Kaneki brings the ghoul over to them. The tension between Kaneki and Hide is obvious and it cuts straight through the room like a sword. Knowing this, Yoshimura ushers Nishiki and the now unconscious Ikuma to the kitchen, leaving the couple alone.

The grandfather clock ticks and it sounds incredibly loud in the heavy silence. Kaneki has his back turned to Hide, his arms holding himself in a way that shows he's on the defense. Hide knows he made a mistake.

"How could you do that?"

Kaneki's voice is fragile and sounds like it could break like glass. Hide carefully walks closer to Kaneki.

The half-ghoul turns around, and when he does, Hide sees angry tears collecting in his eyes.

"I know you, Hide. You were going to let that man bite you. You were going to let another ghoul bite you!" Kaneki's voice shakes with his rising emotions.

Hide's brows furrow and he keeps his composure as calm as possible. "I was trying to help…"

"Trying to help? Hide, you don't have to sacrifice yourself for people like that. One of these days, you're going to get yourself killed! How could you do that?" Kaneki finds himself repeating, but he doesn't care.

"I'm only willing to sacrifice myself for people I care about. Of course, I wouldn't be so stupid as to do that with just anybody," Hide tells him, his tone serious.

"Do you care about him more than you care about me? You would've let him bite you and leave a scar? You would really do that?" Kaneki shakes his head, his eyes glazing over with more tears.

Hide takes another step closer. "I care about you, Ken, more than anyone in this world! You know that…"

"But that doesn't change the fact that if I hadn't stopped him, you would have let him eat from you," Kaneki states coldly.

Hide doesn't say anything, only a heavy exhale leaves him.

Kaneki's chest hurts more than ever. "Hide, listen to me. I don't want you letting another ghoul feeding from you, ever. Never."

Hide looks his lover in the eyes when he listens to those words.

"You're mine. If a ghoul tries to bite you next time, I'm killing that ghoul, friend or not," Kaneki tells him. His voice doesn't tremble.

Without another word, Kaneki turns away from his lover and aims to head to the bathroom, so he can let go of his tears alone. But Hide doesn't let him.

Kaneki feels Hide pulling him, his back meeting with Hide's chest as the blond wraps his strong arms around him from behind. Hide tightens his hold, his warmth flowing into Kaneki. One arm wraps over Kaneki's upper chest while the other grabs around his waist. Kaneki doesn't move away from him. He feels his throat constricting the longer Hide embraces him.

Hide's chin hovers over his right shoulder and he shifts so that his lips press onto the delicate skin under Kaneki's ear.

"I'm sorry."

Hide whispers and it hangs above them.

In the next second, he hears Kaneki sniffling and wet droplets landing on his hands. He feels Kaneki gently holding onto his wrist and his breathing is ragged with his quiet tears. Hide only strengthens his hold on his lover, drinking in Kaneki's emotions that flow out of him like a broken dam.

…

"How's your head, my love? Does it hurt?" Kaneki asks him. His hand reaches up to run through Hide's hair.

Hide looks up and he rubs the back of his head. He winces, and Kaneki's eyes grow concerned. "I think I may have a bruise, but I'll be okay. My mind is still intact after all."

Kaneki holds onto his hand and Hide grips it back as the two head to the kitchen. When Hide opens the door, they spot Nishiki seated across from Ikuma. The musician has a plate of fresh, bloody human meat in front of him and it's nearly finished. One could tell he had scarfed it down as the musician's mouth is covered in blood. His fork is up in midair and there is an awkward silence as all four boys stare at each other for a minute.

As his mind awakens, Ikuma drops his fork with a huge clatter and he gets down to the floor in an instant, much to Nishiki's surprise. He has his head to the ground, bowing to Hide and Kaneki.

"I am so sorry! There are no words to describe how ashamed I am! I can understand if both of you despise me. Please, if you wish to punish me, do so now! I deserve it!"

Ikuma doesn't lift his head as he spouts his apologies. Nishiki sighs in exasperation.

"He really means it. He couldn't stop talking my ear off about how sorry he is," Nishiki states to back up Ikuma's words.

Hide releases Kaneki's hand to kneel to Ikuma's level. His hand touches the ghoul's back, causing the man to flinch.

"We're not going to punish you, Ikuma. We only want to help you. Isn't that right, Ken?" Hide says, looking back at his lover.

Kaneki smiles and nods his head. Ikuma hesitates and then slowly lifts his head. He wipes the blood off his mouth with his sleeve and his face shows distress and sadness. Hide pulls Ikuma into a hug, rubbing his back with soothing strokes. Ikuma is unsure about returning the embrace, his eyes trailing up to meet the half-ghoul. Kaneki doesn't react negatively, and he also gets down to his knees.

"We want to help you, Ikuma. Tell us what we can do," Kaneki reassures him.

The four boys settle themselves at the kitchen table. With his plate empty and his mind clear, Ikuma explains the truth.

"Ever since I came here to Tokyo, I told myself that I'd be able to fend for myself. And that includes getting food for myself, without having to fight or kill anyone. I want to avoid conflict as much as possible, and I know it's hard to do when we're like this…"

Ikuma grabs his head and the three boys listening wait for him to continue.

"But now I got myself into trouble because I so happened to cross into another ghoul's feeding territory while he was still there. Ever since then, that ghoul has been trying to track me down to kill me and I've been too scared to cross into any other feeding grounds. Yes, I'm a coward, but that's why I've been starving myself and living off coffee for over a month."

Nishiki shivers at that. "I couldn't do that. No way. You know what a ghoul's hunger can do to you."

Kaneki thinks back to his younger years when he and Nishiki would hunt on the feeding grounds and he completely understands Ikuma's situation.

"That ghoul is still hunting you down?" Hide asks him.

Ikuma nods and his lips form a thin line.

Hide and Kaneki exchange glances and they make their decision.

Kaneki stands up from his chair. "Let's go then."

Ikuma looks to the half-ghoul in fear. "What? Right now?"

Kaneki smiles. "Now is the perfect time to catch that ghoul. It's the time to feed after all."

The half-ghoul points towards the outside and they see that it is now dark. The preferred setting for monsters to prowl the streets.

…

"I've been noticing there's a lot of rogue ghouls going insane recently… The news has been reporting attacks during broad daylight, like that one time. Remember, Ken?" Hide states while he, Kaneki, and Ikuma head to where the feeding grounds are.

Kaneki nods, his mind serious and alert. He stays close beside Hide while Ikuma leads them to where he first met the stray ghoul.

"A-Are we sure we should do this? Maybe the ghoul forgot about me by now," Ikuma tries to convince himself to no avail.

"We're settling this once and for all! You can't keep living with a crazy ghoul on your tail," Hide replies.

The closer they get, the more Ikuma trembles and his heart gallops into his throat. But hearing his friends' footsteps behind him, he reminds himself to stay strong and face his fears. Once the boys meet the start of the feeding ground, a desolate area in the darkest alleyways of Tokyo, Kaneki tells Ikuma to walk in alone to draw out the ghoul.

Ikuma complies and steadily steps out into the open. A dim lamplight flickers above him and to calm himself, the musician hums a song he'd been working on. Meanwhile, Hide and Kaneki are not too far from him, ready to help him at the right moment.

Ikuma stops when he's standing in the middle of an open space behind the buildings nearby. He can smell remnants of old blood and flesh clinging to the walls and the ground. A rat passes by his feet and he gulps, his humming changing to whistling as he continues to look around him.

"So, you finally showed up, chicken boy?"

Ikuma's whistling comes to a halt when he hears a loud thud behind him and he whips around to see the tall ghoul had landed behind him.

Immediately, the ghoul grabs Ikuma's shirt and lifts him up in the air. The musician's legs swing helplessly, and he grits his teeth as the ghoul stares up at him with a menacing grin and his dual kakugan in full view.

"I have been waiting far too long to sink my teeth into you. So, you're finally ready to die, huh? Have you said your prayers?" the ghoul spits at him.

The tall ghoul's expression falters and his nose twitches when he catches onto something new. "Wait a minute. I smell something. And it smells so delicious! Better than you!" He drops Ikuma to the ground harshly, causing a small dust cloud to pick up.

The musician rubs his sore bottom and then he looks up to see the ghoul surveying his surroundings.

"Oi! Come out, whoever you are! I know you're there!" the ghoul demands.

Ikuma doesn't realize he's holding his breath when the ghoul is suddenly struck in the face with a tin can. In the next second, Hide comes racing towards him while the ghoul is momentarily distracted.

"H-Hide! No!" Ikuma whisper-shouts at him.

Once Hide meets him on the ground, the blond grins wide. "Guess my aim isn't bad after all, huh?"

Ikuma smiles back but the moment is disturbed right away when the ghoul towers over them.

"A human? It must be my lucky day! So, you're the one I smelled, huh?"

Hide has no time to turn around as the ghoul goes to grab him but at the same time, Ikuma's eyes change to black and red and he shoves Hide aside. Hide watches in awe as Ikuma finally releases his kagune, a koukaku shield coming out and covering his left arm.

With his power, Ikuma blocks the ghoul's downward swing and they engage in a deadlock. Ikuma clenches his teeth, his koukaku pushing back against the tall ghoul. In turn, his enemy releases his own kagune, like his, and they continue to try and tip the other off.

"Get. Out. Of my way!" the ghoul bellows. He grunts and manages to kick Ikuma's waist, weakening the musician and giving him the advantage. Ikuma is thrown to the side, his body skidding on the ground. He looks down and sees his kagune cracking slightly.

I'm so damn weak. But I must protect Hide!

"Stay away from him!" Ikuma shouts and he lunges himself onto the ghoul's back, biting into his neck. The ghoul shrieks and he grabs Ikuma's head, hurling him hard to the ground from over his shoulder.

Ikuma groans, his head spinning too much and his ears ringing so loud. His eyes are blurry, but he can see the ghoul approaching Hide.

No! No!

Right then, Kaneki comes charging in and he knocks the ghoul to the ground with a powerful shove to his side.

The ghoul grows more and more frustrated with each interference, but when he catches onto Kaneki's distinct scent, something in the ghoul changes further. The ghoul's red irises dilate and his mouth bubbles with streams of saliva.

"You…you! It's you! Not the human! You're the one that calls for me!" the ghoul declares with a shrill tone that sends shivers down Kaneki's spine.

Kaneki narrows his eyes at his bizarre words.

This is not the first time I've heard this coming from another rogue ghoul…

"Ikuma, stand up. You can do this," Kaneki encourages Ikuma without keeping his eyes off the ghoul.

Ikuma hisses in pain but he forces himself back on his feet. Yet his knees give out and he falls to the ground again.

"Ikuma! You can do it! You're strong!" Hide shouts from the other side.

Kaneki's eyes stray to his lover when he hears his voice and that's when the ghoul takes his chance. With his defense down, the ghoul lunges his body on top of Kaneki. The half-ghoul falls hard to the ground and before he can react, the ghoul's long tongue hangs out of his mouth and his crazed eyes pierce through Kaneki's grey ones.

The ghoul's words become nonsensical the closer he is to Kaneki. When the ghoul's teeth are bared, and he goes to bite his neck, Kaneki blocks him with his left arm. He cries out when the ghoul's fangs dig into his forearm and rips out his flesh.

Hide's eyes constrict at the sight and he scrambles to his feet.

"Hide! Stay back!" Kaneki shouts. He winces, but he can sense his lover trying to come close.

The ghoul throws his head back like he is experiencing a drug-induced high once Kaneki's flesh coats his tongue and overwhelms his mouth. His laughs seem to shake the ground and it scares all three of the boys to their bones.

"SogoodsogoodsogoodsogoodsogoodAAAAAAHHHH!"

Kaneki breathes heavily and just as the ghoul goes for another bite, Hide comes up and strikes the ghoul hard with a large brick to the back of his neck. The ghoul is distracted by that hit and when Ikuma sees the ghoul getting off Kaneki to go for Hide, a surge of new found energy courses through his veins and he yells out, sprinting towards the ghoul. His kagune crashes into the ghoul's head and a loud, cracking sound emits.

Just like that, the ghoul stops moving altogether and his eyes show nothing but black. Ikuma pants hard and watches as the ghoul's body drops to the ground in a messy heap. No blood escapes him, but the ghoul doesn't say another word or move another muscle. Hide dares to step closer and examines the body. He finds the ghoul is no longer breathing.

"Did I do it? Is he unconscious?" Ikuma asks between ragged breaths.

"He's not unconscious. He's dead," Kaneki speaks up from behind him.

Hide and Ikuma turn around as Kaneki approaches them, holding his bleeding left arm.

Ikuma's eyes change back to normal and his mouth drops in horror. "I killed him? He's dead?"

Kaneki nods solemnly but gives a small smile. "It's okay, Ikuma. You did it to protect us, right?"

Ikuma stares at the dead body in front of him, his kagune disappearing into his body. He falls to his knees and can't stop thinking about what he had just done.

"No, I can't have…no…I didn't want this…"

Kaneki's left eye reveals his kakugan and his arm begins to heal. Hide looks at Ikuma with sad eyes and then glances at his lover. Kaneki feels Ikuma's regret all too well and he steps closer. He rests his hand on his shoulder as Ikuma is frozen.

"I'm sorry…"

…

Nishiki comforts Ikuma on his bench, allowing the ghoul to let out his emotions after his first kill. While Ikuma stays silent and covers his face from the world, Nishiki tells him stories of his struggles in the past, along with stories of other ghouls who were like him.

Not too far from them, Hide and Kaneki sit close together on a separate bench. Hide washes the blood from Kaneki's arm with water from the drinking fountain nearby, using the ends of his shirt to wipe it off.

"You're ruining your shirt, you know," Kaneki tells him with a smile.

"Yeah, but you got your work uniform ruined because of that bite," Hide points out. The sleeve of Kaneki's uniform is ripped to pieces and blood stains everything else.

"It's okay. Yoshimura will just pull the expenses from my paycheck, I suppose…" Kaneki says, no hint of regret in his tone.

Hide pouts and Kaneki stares at his lover. "You said I shouldn't let another ghoul bite me. But look what happened to you…"

Kaneki smiles wider and he pecks Hide's cheek. "This is different, Hide. I can heal from this and I'm a ghoul, so it doesn't matter."

"It matters to me. Do you think I enjoy seeing you get hurt?" Hide tells him seriously.

Kaneki sighs and Hide looks down solemnly at the wound. Kaneki's flesh has already been restored, but the memory of his boyfriend getting bitten in front of him is still fresh in his mind.

When he looks back up, he sees Kaneki gazing towards where Nishiki and Ikuma are.

"I wanted to kill him, you know. When he was on top of you like that earlier…I was so close to doing it…" Kaneki says with blank eyes.

Hide furrows his brows and Kaneki regards his questioning stare.

"He's a better man than me. He's kind and peaceful. And me…" Kaneki's fingers brush over where his wound was. "I'm so cold and ruthless. Killing comes naturally to me now. I don't feel anything anymore."

Hide touches Kaneki's hand, his fingers intertwining with his lover.

"Hide…"

Kaneki leans in closer and his voice weakens.

"Are you sure you can care for someone like me?"

Their eyes meet in an intense stare.

"I'm no good…"

Hide grasps Kaneki's chin and his thumb runs over his lover's lip. "Ken, I don't care if there are other people who are 'kinder' or 'stronger' or 'better' than you. I don't give a damn whatsoever."

Kaneki's eyes shimmer under the moonlight and his mouth parts.

"You're the only one for me. No matter who comes along, no matter who I meet, no one has my heart but you. You have it forever. You own it."

Kaneki feels the annoying sting in his eyes as his heart fills with so much love for this man. "Damn you, Hide…"

The blond laughs when Kaneki throws himself on him, his arms wrapping around his neck. He kisses Hide all over his face and holds him so tight against his body. Hide finds it harder to breathe but he doesn't mind at all.

"Hide, I want you for myself. I don't want you to be with anyone else. Stay with me! Stay with me forever!" Kaneki spills his true feelings out. His fingers claw at Hide's back and he tastes the flesh on Hide's neck.

Hide's body shakes with euphoria and he presses hard kisses on Kaneki's arm. "You're such a greedy little ghoul, aren't you?"

"Yes, so no one can have you. You're all mine," Kaneki says proudly. He moves back and his fingers touch Hide's soft lips.

Hide's eyes don't break from his as he takes his fingers, biting them lightly. Kaneki grins at his action and he pulls his boyfriend's head against his chest where Hide can hear his heart calling for him every time.

Once Ikuma manages to gain some conscience, he looks over his shoulder to see the happy couple and he smiles lightly.

"They're so disgusting, aren't they?" Nishiki comments, his face leaning on his right hand resting on the bench.

Ikuma thinks back to how Kaneki avoided using his own ghoul power to fight against his enemy. He let Ikuma conquer his fear on his own. He gave Ikuma something he needed.

Strength.

"I'm glad to have met the two of them," Ikuma states. "They inspire me."

"Sure, sure. But if you get in between them, you won't live very long," Nishiki replies with a scoff.

Ikuma chuckles and looks up at the midnight sky. The stars gleam with the love that radiates from the human and half-ghoul.

"Then lord have mercy on the one who does."