"What did they say?" Hide asked quickly. Touka remained silent, as if choosing her words carefully.

"Ghouls aren't really supposed to get sick. There are rare occasions, but our bodies are different. Kaneki isn't all ghoul. Sometimes it leads to them contracting an illness that is normal for humans. When that happens, the condition is harder to overcome. The ghoul side doesn't work with the rest of the body like it should because it's not really something we go through."

"Kind of like it doesn't know what to do?*

" something like that. Then there's...after seeing him throw up all that blood, I think that somehow, the ghoul part of him is actually turning on his human side. We don't understand how it happens exactly some think it's triggered by illness but others say it could be because it's kind of like organ rejection,only it's the organ doing the rejecting. it just happens slower. If that's what's happening to him, there's not a lot we can do." Hide felt his heart sink.

"Then it has to be wrong."

"I could be. I hope I am, but from the symptoms he's shown-"

"You said there's not a lot, but that means there's something right, I mean you didn't say there wasn't anything."

"Hide, please don't be upset. I never liked to see you hurt." Kaneki said, placing one of his hands on top of Hide's.

"How can you be so calm, she-"

"I know. But Hide, even if that's what this is, You've loved me so unconditionally and completely for so long-'

" I've always loved you. Since we were kids." Hide sobbed.

"I know, and I think some part of me knew it then, but I was so afraid to lose you that I just didn't acknowledge that feeling. You've always been precious to me. I know you're always here when I need you, no matter what. You put yourself through a lot to find me and then-" Kaneki began to cough harshly, specks of crimson appeared on the sheet that had been placed over him for more warmth.

Hide rested his head on Kaneki's shoulder. It would take the ghoul several minutes to continue.

"Y-you brought me here with no intention of sending me back, You could've just left me there, went on with your life but here we are. That's why...I can't just leave you. I won't." Kaneki vowed.

"Good. I'm going to keep you here, just like I promised. I'll always keep you close to me,that way you can hold onto me too."

"I'll do what I can to help." Touka added. "I'm not sure what that is yet, but we'll figure it out. In the mean time, it's so important that we keep you strong. That leaves you with two choices, eat something or drink."

"I can't eat, I can't keep taking from Hide either." Kaneki said.

"I told you, you can take whatever you need from me." The human insisted.

"You know I won't. I'm not going to hurt you."

"You don't have to, I'll-"

"No." Kaneki said sternly.

"Then what's your idea?"

"I don't know, but that's not happening. Maybe after I sleep a little, I can think." Hide nodded.

"Sleep if you need to. Are you comfortable like this?"

"I think you should worry about your own comfort for a while. You've been having to sit against the headboard for who knows how long, I'm sure you-"

"I'm fine."

"I don't want you to-"

"Dude, sleep. I'm fine."

"You won't be if you stay there, eventually it'll hurt, if it doesn't already." Kaneki said, shifting slightly.

"Tell you what, if I'm uncomfortable and it starts to hurt, I'll move."

"No you wouldn't." Kaneki countered. "we both know it."

"I- you're right. I wouldn't."

"I know. I know you better than that."

"You wouldn't either if I was the one that didn't feel good."

"I never said I would." Touka shook her head.

"You know what the two of you sound like, an old married couple arguing." She teased.

"We're not that bad." Kaneki said, gasping at the sharp pain coursing through his body.

"Take it easy."

"I feel sick." Kaneki announced. Hide helped him shift onto his side but made no motion to leave his position as Touka rushed over to hold the wastebasket.

"Y-you should-" the white haired ghoul said before beginning to gag.

"I'm not going anywhere, just do what you have to do." Hide said, rubbing Kaneki's back as he vomited. occasionally, a soft whimper would escape the ailing ghoul. The sounds were devastating to Hide who wanted nothing more than to take the illness away from his friend.

When at last it was over, Hide carefully wiped Kaneki's face with a cool cloth, helping him to lean back while Touka replaced the bag containing the mess.

"It's okay," the blonde human whispered. Kaneki didn't have the strength to respond. He closed his eyes and began to drift in and out of consciousness.. He felt himself being shifted and heard the sound of muffled voices, unable to make out any words.

A warm liquid filled his mouth. The sweet, metallic taste was both soothing and heartbreaking. He knew where it had come from. When he had swallowed the last of it, he was lowered back against his pillow.

"Are you okay, you might want to lie down." Touka said, her voice though slightly distorted was now more clear.

"I'm good, just a little tired." Hide replied, the fatigue audible in his voice.

Hide,I told you to stop, my life isn't worth giving up yours. Why won't you listen?

"You need to take a break. I'll go get you some juice,you'll feel better." Touka set off to find the required item.

"Listen, Kaneki, I know you're not happy about this, but I love you and if this is what you need,I'll never say no to 'll get through this together."

Hide laid down next to him,their foreheads lightly touching.

"I know you think you're cause trouble, but the truth is, I'd take any trouble in the world for you. Thing is...it's not a chore, I do it because you're precious to me too." Hide brushed back a few strands of white hair from his friend's face, kissing him softly.

"Maybe now we can finally get some idea about how to help you. In the meantime, try not to be too upset with me." Hide pleaded. Kaneki however was not ready to make such a promise.