A/N sorry everyone. I was going to update sooner but then I was forced (by the weather )to leave my place and I haven't been able to pull it together. Still not 100% but I'm gonna do my best to get these out.

Hide woke the following morning to find Kaneki asleep with his head on his chest. He wrapped his arm around the ghoul, careful not to wake him, using his free hand to check his temperature.

"A little better today." He whispered to himself. A wave of relief came over him. "It's only going to get better from here." The soft footsteps, now a familiar and welcome sound reached Hide's ears. When the dark haired ghoul apeared, Hide wasted no time in inviting her inside.

"Hey." Touka greeted. "How's it going?"

"Great. His fever's finally starting to come down. Thank you, that idea you had really seems to be helping him. I owe you."

"Just look after him and we're good. Did you give it to him?"

"Yeah. It was good to see him smile. Thanks again for doing that."

"I'm usually down there anyway, it's no big deal."she said casually. "Did you figure out what you're going to do about that guy that keeps calling?"

"I don't know, eventually I guess I'll have to let him talk to Kaneki, I'm not happy about it though. He's going to want to bring in something to protect himself with, probably more so now after he had that fight with him. He'll want to bring at least two other investigators in too." Hide turned his attention to the sleeping ghoul.

"It's your house. The CCG has rules too don't they, they can't just come into your house and do whatever they want. If you don't feel comfortable you have the right to say no."

"Yeah but it might make things harder for Kaneki if I protest too much. I already heard about giving him hell when he sent the team here. The furthest i could push them was out the door. For a couple days they were coming in and out. I can't afford to trust them with him." Touka nodded.

"I get it. Do you want me to be here when they come, it won't be just the two of you."

"I can't ask you for that. You're already risking your life to check in."

"Sometimes that's what has to happen. If you feel like you need someone else here, i will be."

"Thanks. That means a lot to me. It's good to know someone else is looking out for him too. If something ever happened to me, I feel better knowing he wouldn't be alone."

"Nothing's going to happen to you, I'll look after both of you. That's what friends do. You tried to protect us, it's the least I can do."

"If for some reason it did, I don't know if he could- I just need to know he'll be okay. After that night...I worry more about him than myself, you know?"

"Yeah. That's what it means to really love someone, I guess. To want to give them everything and make sure they're safe even if you're not." Touka scoffed. "Sounds cheesy doesn't it?"

"Maybe, but it's accurate. You seem to have a pretty good understanding..which probably means-" Touka's face began to turn an embarrassed red which caused Hide to grin.

"You know what it feels like. Can I ask?" The female ghoul turned her head and crossed her arms.

"N-No."

"Come on, We're all friends here, you can say it...Do they know you feel that way?" Touka sighed.

"No. They don't know and I'm not going to say anything so just drop it."

"Okay, if you don't want to talk about it that's fine. I just thought maybe you should give yourself the chance and see where it takes you. I was afraid to tell Kaneki at first. Almost losing him and all that time of not seeing him...I felt like he had to know."

"Not everyone has that option. Just because you love someone doesn't mean you'll get together." Touka said.

"You're right. But you definitely won't if you don't try. There's no guarantee when it comes to things like this, Kaneki can decide at any time he hates me and walk out of my life forever, but we've given ourselves a chance to be really happy...you deserve that too " Touka sighed.

"It's not that easy,Hide. But thanks for saying that." Kaneki stirred sleepily before opening his eyes. The white haired ghoul remained silent, shifting his head to look at Hide who smiled warmly.

"Hey, how's it going?"he asked.

"Better."

"Good. I'll bring you your drink in a second, okay?" Kaneki nodded.

"Do you still have some in the fridge, I can get it." Touka offered.

"If you feel like it I'd appreciate it." The female ghoul exited.

"Hide?"Kaneki called.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think at some point today you could fix the pillows so I could sit up for a little while.?"

"Feeling that much better?"

"Getting there. I'm just kind of tired of lying here."

"I'll do anything you want. If you think you really want to, then we'll make it happen. How about when Touka gets back?"

"Yeah. Sounds good."

"It shouldn't take long. Touka is usually quick when it comes to things like this. Do you-" Hide was interrupted by his cellphone ringing and shook his head.

The blonde picked it up and groaned.

"Just let him in." Kaneki said.

"Amon," Hide said into the receiver. "I'm sure we talked about-"

"I'm calling to let you know I'm on my way over. I'd like to talk to Eye patch."

"When he's-"

"I've decided not to files for an official order to enter your home, it's in the best interest of both of you. I'm doing my best to work with you on this. If we can gain a better understanding-"

"Fine. But you're coming to my house and you'll play by my rules." Hide said sternly. "Listen carefully cause this is how it's going to work."