Hide sat in front of the television, not really paying attention to what was on. It seemed as if a million and one thoughts were going through his mind. He looked down at his cell phone, the display showing Amon's number. He remembered the walk home that afternoon, they had talked extensively about the possibilities both good and bad that could come from Amon's project.

"I don't think we should. " Hide said as they made their way down the street.

"You wanted to help all of us, you told me that night inside the coffee shop, do you remember telling me that?"

"Yeah, I still do, but I also said I don't want to see anything happen to you. We can find another way." Hide insisted.

"If we have even a small chance to make life better, don't you think it's worth trying. I'm-" Hide stopped turning to him.

"It's not all you, I don't know if that's how it felt after you disappeared, but it's not. This isn't my life or just yours its ours. I'm involved too. We're in this together. You are my whole world. When you hurt, it hurts my heart. "

"Things can't stay this way." Kaneki replied softly.

"If this was the other way around, if our roles were reversed, can you tell me you would be okay with me going through all that, look into my eyes and tell me you'd allow that and I'll call him right now " Kaneki remained silent, choosing to turn his gaze to the ground.

"I can't." He admitted at last. Hide nodded.

"I know. You wouldn't even consider it. I said I'd think about it because you want this. The truth is my answer has been no from the first time he brought it up. I'm just getting you back."

"I'll still be here. If this works, we could make things better for Touka and H-"

"Let's just get home,okay?" They reached their home in silence. Hide sat down on the couch grabbing the TV remote.

"Do you want to watch our show with me?" The blonde offered.

"I'll have to catch the rerun, I'm kind of tired." The ghoul said, Hide turned to him instantly.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just need to lie down. I'm feeling a little drained, that's all,like you said it takes time. We walked there and back today."

"Do you want me to...come in too,in case you-"

"Only if that's what you want." The ghoul answered,disappearing into the bedroom. Hide followed and their conversation began again.

Hide drew in a deep breath, clicking the green button on his phone and holding it up to his ear. He waited for the investigator to answer.

"Hello?" The familiar voice said.

"Amon, it's Hide. I have an answer for you." The younger man announced.

"Are you sure you don't need more time?"

*yeah. I'm sure. "

"I appreciate you getting back to us so quickly. What did you decide?"

"My answer is definitely not,I don't feel comfortable with the arrangement at all." He paused. "But I have no right to stand in Kanei's way. As much as I want it, I can't stop him from living and he's not my prisoner. I can't tell him what to do or not to is so important to him and it's also one of those times that he needs me behind him. So officially we'll work with you. I do have a few conditions."

"Of course you do, let's hear it." Amon said with a sigh.

"You keep the teams away from him, only the people we saw at the meeting, you don't provoke him, don't let your guys mess with him, no weapons. You respect Kaneki, he'll respect you. No matter what I'm going to be there, there's no asking me to leave or step into the hall, none of that."

"Fair enough. I'll have arrangements made and we'll be in touch." Hide ended the call without another word.

The soft click of the bedroom door reached his ears and Kaneki was suddenly beside him, leaning into Hide. The human wrapped an arm around.

"Hey,Beautiful, I thought you were trying to sleep." He said softly.

"I was, but I don't sleep well without my favorite pillow."

"Feeling better?"

"I'd feel a lot better if I had you with me, I guess I got used to you being in the room, now when I'm alone it's just too lonely." The ghoul explained."would you mind if I stretched out over here?"

"Doesn't bother me, I'll be your pillow any day. You know I love you,right?"

"Yeah, I love you too,why-"

"I just talked to Amon. I told him we'd do it."

"You're okay with this?" The ghoul asked,snuggling closer.

"No. I'm not okay with with this at all. But I trust you so..."

"Thank you." Kaneki replied.

"Yeah. Just promise me you you'll stop if you need to."

"I promise."

"Good. Try to sleep, it's been a long day and there's more to come when we start."

"I'm pretty sure we can handle it together. Hide forced a smile.

" yeah, we got this." Kaneki rested his head on Hide's shoulder. "I just wish I was as confident as you are about it."