“Not gonna lie, bro, you’re a terrible ghoul and a terrible human.” Hide shakes his head as Kaneki turns down dinner again. “A great person, though.”
Kaneki laughs. “You’re welcome to try the meat.”
“I’m actually curious, but I prefer hamburgers.” Hide scowls. “Someday, I’ll figure out a way to help you eat cheeseburgers again!”
“It’s really okay if I never can.”
“It is not!” Hide sounds scandalized. “Food and meals are one of the best ways for an introvert to talk to people! Half the time you can just focus on food!”
“You wouldn’t know anything about introversion other than what you’ve read,” Kaneki teases back. He’s been sassy more often lately. Hide likes it.
Kaneki sidles up behind Hide and runs his hands along his boyfriend’s sides.
Hide chuckles. “That tickles, Kaneki.”
“Good.” Kaneki goes straight for Hide’s feet, and soon Hide is rolling on the ground, screaming.
Hide pins Kaneki to the floor. “You know, I couldn’t have survived what you did. Especially since I can hardly bear your ticking. I admire you.”
Kaneki’s heart flutters. He’s still not used to being admired or loved.
But here, with Hide in his arms, he’s willing to accept it.
Mercy and Magic 