#kazehide

Hide groaned as he looked at what was left of his suppressants and cursed his terrible timing, he had planned to move in with Kazume just after his heat ended but now he was living here a week before it was scheduled to hit.

He cursed the tree that had gone through his apartment and quickly hid the suppressants when he heard footsteps, “are you settling in alright?” Hide nodded and rubbed the back of his head, “yeah, thanks again for letting me stay here.”

Kazume rose an eyebrow but smiled, “you were going to move in anyways. Besides I’m glad you’re here.” Hide smiled but felt a flash of guilt for hiding something from the man, he knew Kazume would never judge him for being an omega but he still couldn’t bring himself to say it.

After all, while omegas were being treated with more respect it was still seen as something to be ashamed of. “Thank you.” Hide surprised the half-ghoul with a kiss, though Kazume was quick to return it.

While kissing him, Kazume couldn’t help but notice the others scent was different, sweeter almost. When they withdrew he looked the man over but saw no reason for the change, so he didn’t say anything but made a note to keep a closer eye on the other.

Throughout the day he noted that the strange scent seemed to only grow stronger and that a strange flush was starting to form on the blond. After dinner he stood in front of Hide and was confused when he saw how dilated the others eyes were, “Hide are you ok?”

It took a moment for the words to sink in and the blonde suddenly realized that he wasn’t ok, and his heat had come early. “Ok, so don’t be upset.” The words instantly put Kazume on edge but he kept himself from saying anything, taking a breath Hide found he couldn’t meet the others eyes and instead stared at the floor.

“I’m an omega, not a beta. I’m sorry for not telling you before.” Kazume was shocked for a moment before he smiled, “it’s alright, I’m not upset. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.”

Hide smiled at how calm and gentle the other was acting but at the creeping warmth he felt he remembered why he told the man in the first place. “Just so you know, I’m in heat. It’s a little earlier than I thought but if you want to like, get a hotel that’s fine.”

Kazume noted that the air was filling with the oddly sweet scent and Kazume shifted slightly, “or I could stay in help you. Only if you’re ok with that though, please don’t feel pressured.”

Kazume wasn’t fond of Kaneki and felt he had no real reasonto be, but he tolerated the man because he was still Hide’s friend. However, that didn’t mean he would leave Hidealone with him, he trusted Hide with his life but Kaneki on the other hand.

EverythingKazume had heard about Kaneki led him to believe the man acted withoutthinking, and it was clear that Kaneki had feelings for Hide based on the wayhe stared at the pair when they did even the most minor of things such as holdhands.

Therefore, it stood to reason that Kaneki would do something to theblonde the moment his guard was down and Kazume didn’t want Hide to go throughthat. His plan to keep Hide safe from the other was ruined however, when Kanekiasked Hide to speak to him with him in private.

Kazume watched as Hide agreedand the pair went off into a separate room, sitting down close to the door incase it escaltated. A few minutes passed before he heard it, “Kaneki stop!” Onhis feet in an instant he kicked in the door, ready to kill if he needed to.

“Getaway from him.” His voice was deceptively calm as he stepped in front of Hide,Kagune on the ready. Hide gave his back a small pat, “it’s ok Kazume, I’m fine.Was just caught off guard is all.”

This did nothing to calm Kazume down but hedidn’t attack Kaneki off the bat so Hide considered that a good thing. “LookKaneki, I don’t know what’s been going on with you but you know that I’m datingKazume.”

For a moment Hide was worried that Kaneki was going to try to fightKazume, and he sighed in relief when Kaneki nodded. “I’m sorry for doing thatso suddenly, Hide, but please think about what I said.”

Kazume stayed in frontof Hide while Kaneki walked past them and the moment he was gone, Kazume pulledthe blonde into a tight hug. “What did he do?” Hide rubbed the others back, “hetried to kiss me but I shoved him off, then you broke down the door beforeanything else happened.”

Hearing this Kazume captured his lips almost possessivelyand when he withdrew Hide smiled, “I’m all yours, don’t worry.” Kazume smiledat him an after another kiss remembered something, “what did he mean? What didhe say to you?”

It was no secret that Hide loved physical affection, and usually a hug from his boyfriend Kazume would make him happy and content. However, since Hide’s release from the hospital Kazume had been glued to his side and it was becoming a problem.

It had started simply enough with Kazume hovering around and Hide was quick to chalk that up to the other man not wanting Hide to stretch his stitches. That had changed at some point and now Kazume was always touching him at some point, whether it was wrapping the other blond in his arms or just holding his hand.

It was sweet, but it was only getting worse as the days went by and Hide missed being able to go to the bathroom without the other waiting for him outside of the door. His musings were cut off when a gentle kiss landed on his shoulder and arms wound around him, “are you alright?”

As Kazume said this his hand went to Hide’s side, where the stitches were and Hide could feel the others arm tighten. “I’m good. Are you though?” Hide pulled away from him and turned to look into blue eyes, “look we haven’t really talked about what happened and it’s obviously bothering you pretty bad.”

Hide watched as the others face clouded with emotion before Kazume broke the gaze, “I-I failed you, I wasn’t there when you needed me and you almost died.”

Hide wasn’t prepared for the raw emotion in his voice and felt a little guilty for being annoyed earlier, “that’s not how I remember it. I seem to recall walking alone at 2 am and being stupid enough to take a shortcut through a dark alley. I then remember being impaled and some ghouls began eating me, but I also remember you came out of nowhere and rained down hell on all of them. I lost consciousness after that but I know you brought me to a hospital, I know you came to save me when I needed you.”

Kazume shook his head, “I should have been with you-.” Hide cut him short, “you were asleep and I was the one who messed up. Once you noticed I was gone you booked it over to me when you had no reason to think I was in trouble. Kazume, you saved me, I don’t rember if I said it before but thank you.”

Something seemed to crack in Kazume and he pulled Hide close, ducking his face in the other neck. “I thought I was too late, there was so much blood I thought you were going to die.”

Hide returned the embrace and gently rubbed the man’s back, “I didn’t, I’m alive because of you so please don’t forget that. I love you.” Kazume held him tighter, “I love you too, Hide. I love you so much, I won’t let anything bad happen to you again. I promise.”

“It’s perfect!” Hide beamed at his boyfriend and after a beat Kazume realized he was expected to say something as well, “I’m honestly surprised it fits.” He tried in vain to wipe away the sap that now clung to his hands but couldn’t help but smile at the blond.

“You did an excellent job picking it out.” Kazume hadn’t really known what to look for in a Christmas tree but Hide had seemed excited about the whole thing so he let him make the choices. Hide rubbed the back of his head before realizing his hands were still covered in the sap as well and hastily removing them from his hair, “thanks again for coming with me.”

Now it was Kazume’s turn to shrug and steer the conversation into a different route, “so what now?” Hide grinned devishly and seemed to pull out tinsel from nowhere, handing it to the other he scurried away and came back with a box. Kazume recognized as the same one that Hide had received form his mother some weeks ago and when Hide showed him the contents he smiled.

It was only fitting that Mrs. Nagachika would sent her soon ornaments to adorn their new apartment, he looked up when Hide took some of the tinsel from his arms and smiled. “First we dress them up, then the fun stuff.” Kazume helped with decorating the tree in silver tinsel and string lights, after they finished he took a step back.

“It actually looks like a Christmas tree now.” Hide nodded, “well almost. There’s still the most important part, here you take that end I’ll tackle this end.” Kazume chose not to mention that the tree was hardly large enough to warrant a divide and conquer method and instead started to grab ornaments.

Some were simple green and reds balls while others were far more precious. He couldn’t help but smile at all the one of a small Hide eagerly reaching out to a Santa Clause, “you were a cute kid.”

Hide looked at him with a raised eyebrow, “I was an adorable child, and I’m still pretty cute even now.” Kazume chuckled at that and nodded before continuing to decorate the tree, he stopped when he noticed how still the other became.

“Hide?”

Hide blinked when his name was called and gave the man a slightly guilty look, “sorry I just realized something.” Kazume continued staring, waiting for him to continue.

“I realized you don’t have any ornaments. Then I realized how hard I’ve been pushing this Christmas thing, I just got excited ‘cause it was our first one together as a real couple in our own apartment. I haven’t really been taking your thoughts and feelings into this, I’m sorry.”

Kazume looked at down at the ornament in his hands and thought for a moment on how to say what he felt, “I’m happy. Christmas has never really been important to me before, but now I’m glad that I get to spend it with you. I liked picking out a tree with you and I like decorating the house with you.”

Kazume finished and hung the ornament up before being enveloped in arms, “you’re too sweet sometimes!” Kazume didn’t know why the other would hug him over something like that but he wasn’t about to turn down a warm hug from the one he loved.

Hide glanced over at the driver’s seat and took note at how tense Kazume appeared, he sighed and rubbed his swollen stomach. It had been a good group but once again his bump caused them to get kicked out, guilt seeped into the pit of his stomach and he looked out the window and watched the passing trees.

“How are you doing?” Kazume blinked at the question and glanced over at the blond before facing the road once again. "I’m fine. Are you alright?” Hide noticed that the other didn’t sound normal and shifted in seat, “little sore, back hurts. Normal stuff.”

 His stomach chose that moment to growl loudly and Hide winced at the sound, “I guess I’m also a bit peckish.” Kazume nodded and looked up at the sky, "It’ll be getting dark soon, we should find somewhere to settle down for the night.” Hide nodded and began looking for a place to stay.

After another hour of driving there was finally an old gas station, “that might work.” Kazume nodded and pulled in, he looked around briefly for any biters before getting out and grabbing his modified axe.

“Stay here.” Hide gave him a look and he fully realized who he was talking to, “please be careful.” Hide nodded and grabbed his crossbow before exiting the car and following Kazume into the building, there were a few biters but nothing to be concerned with and were dispatched quickly.

After a final check, the two began to move some of their things into the old store starting with the sleeping bags and other sleeping items. After their small fortress was created they scoured the store for any and all food and drinks they could find, they added what they found to their rations supply and after Kazume helped Hide sit down they started to divide up the food.

“How long are we going to be on the road?” Kazume frowned at the question, “we should hit another landmark in a week, but Aurora will still be awhile.” Hide nodded but frowned at the thought that presented itself in his head, “I think we should talk, about me mostly.”

Kazume knew the moment they broke from the other group this would come up, “Hide, they were wrong.” Hide rubbed his stomach and smiled sadly at the other before sighing.

"Were they? You have to admit that I’ve gotten slow and clumsy, it’s only going to get worse the closer I get to that nine-month mark. When that happens- I don’t even really know what will happen, if we don’t find a doctor then it’ll be just us and that freaks me out. Also, Aurora, what if they’re like everyone else and don’t want the baggage of a pregnant person? Babe, all I’m saying is that maybe Ryan’s group had a point. There’s no need for you to die because of-”

He was cut off by being wrapped into a tight hug and felt the all the emotions leak out into a pitiful sob. “Hide, please I can’t do this without you and I don’t want to. I know that it’s hard right now and I don’t know if it’ll get easier, but I know that we can face anything as long as we’re together.”

Hide nodded and let out a sad chuckle, “I know, I’m sorry. Stupid hormones.” They stayed intertwined until both felt fulfilled then separated when Hide’s stomach let out another growl.

Kazume sighed and let out a huff, it was too hot to be outside even if it was nighttime and it was getting irritating. The irritation dissipated when he saw how happy Mei looked as she showed him the fish Hide one for her, “look daddy! I’m going to name him Bubbles!”

He couldn’t help but smile at her, “well I guess we’re going to have to buy a house for Bubbles on the way home.” Mei nodded excitedly and was instantly distracted by another booth, Kazume went up to Hide and noted that the man was a bit out of breath.

“How are you?” Hide gave him a strained smile, “my back and feet are killing me, I’m tired, it’s hot, but none of that matters because look at how happy our daughter is.”

Kazume agreed that Mei’s happiness was something he would do anything to obtain, but Hide’s was as well. “Mei, sweetheart.” Immeaditly blue eyes met his and the girl bounded over, “why don’t I take you around some of the stalls and we let your papa rest?”

Mei Immeaditly turned to face Hide, concern evident on her small face. “Are you ok? Is the baby kicking again?” Hide smiled and patted her head, “I’m fine sweetie, just a little tired. I’ll be fine after I sit down for a minute, but I promise I’ll watch the fireworks with you. Now why don’t you go and show Kazume around?”

Mei seemed hesitant before nodding and entrusting Bubbles to the man, grabbing Kazume’s hand she began listing all the places she wanted to go. Letting Mei lead him away, Kazume took one final look back at the now sitting man and frowned at how the other was rubbing his stomach.

The worry persisted, though he did a good job hiding it and he went booth hoping with his daughter. However, when they were standing in line for sweets she seemed to realize something, “the baby’s supposed to come soon, right?”

Kazume nodded and her frown grew deeper, “what happens then?” Kazume had a bad feeling where this was going, “then you’ll have a sister.” Mei shook her head, “no, I mean how does the baby get out of papa’s stomach?”

Kazume gave her a small smile and was silently relieved when it was there turn, "I’ll tell you when you’re older.” Mei was obviously not pleased by this answer but forgot about it when faced with cotton candy.

They were about to head to the next booth when a voice called out to them. “Where are you guys going? The fireworks will start soon.” Mei Immeaditly lit up and Kazume chuckled, “I guess it’s time to head by the water then.”

The family found a spot and Mei began looking between them with a frown that had Hide smiling, “what’s wrong?” After a moment Mei answered, “I can’t see from down here.”

Hide didn’t just hate being sick, he hated the feeling of weakness that came after a serious illness caused. He could feel how gross and sweaty he was and could only imagine how he smelled, not that the man lying next to him and stroking his hair seemed to mind.

”Don’t know how you can stand getting all that grease on your hand.” Kazume looked briefly confused before smiling,"it’s not so bad.” Hide doubted that and formed his resolve, "I’m going to take a shower and hopefully enough hot water will completely wash away any lingering traces of vomit and sweat.”

Kazume shook his head, “you can barely stand, much less stand long enough to clean yourself. You just got out of the hospital, there’s no need to return for a broken bone.”

Hide huffed but found he couldn’t argue with the logic the other implemented, "then I’ll take a bath.” Kazume rose an eyebrow, “are you positive you’ll be able to lift yourself back out?”

Hide thought for a moment before flashing him a grin, “if I can’t then I’ll just call for you.” Kazume nodded, “or I could join you.” Hide couldn’t help but laugh before he realized the other was serious, “that’s really sweet but I am seriously disgusting right now.”

Kazume sat up and gathered the blond into his arms before standing, "I’d have to disagree with you on that.” Hide instinctively looped his arms around Kazume’s neck and let the other carry him to the bathroom.

Once there he tried to show that he was strong enough to take a bath alone, only for his arms to get caught in his shirt. Kazume was kind enough to free him and threw the item onto the floor before drawing the bath, “Hide, you were in the hospital just a few days ago. It’s going to take more than a day for you to bounce back.”

 Kazume turned off the water and helped the blond undress, once Hide had been eased into the water Kazume stripped down and joined him. The moment after he sat down Hide Immeaditly laid back into his chest and let the other begin cleaning him.

While Kazume was doing this Hide asked the question that had been in his mind for over a day, “so what was I like while I was in the hospital, I don’t really remember it. Did I say something weird?”

Hide had noticed that since they returned homes that Kazume had been acting rather strange and it would make sense if he said something odd while suffering from a fever. 

Kazume stilled before continuing, “you would call out for me at times, and when the fever was at its highest you didn’t know who I was. Oh, and at one-point you asked me if you were dying. You were having a rare moment of lucidity, I’m a little surprised you don’t remember.”

Hide heard how strained Kazume’s voice was and knew that if he looked like death warmed over now then he must have looked worse before. Hide turned around so he could capture Kazume’s lips with his own, “thanks for sticking with me.”

Kazume wasn’t expecting much when he tried to open the door and was surprised when it opened, “I guess it’s real now.” It was still disturbing to think that they were in some pocket dimension that changed frequently, just earlier the room they were entering hadn’t existed and had just been a painted door.

He looked back at Hide who gave him a bright smile, “guess it’s a good thing to check all of the door.” Kazume nodded and couldn’t help but feel how lucky he had been to have Hide by his side, sure the others were his friends but if Hide wasn’t by him.

He cut that thought off quickly and instead grabbed the other man’s hand, after receiving a small squeeze the pair entered the classroom. There was a solitary corpse in the room, and Hide was the first to search it.

“Kaede Okumura, 14.” He sighed and pocketed the student I.D., and Kazume rubbed his back reassuringly. “We’ll get out of here and tell everyone’s family what happened.”

Hide nodded and gave the man a small smile before freezing, his eyes wide. Instantly Kazume was on his guard and checking for ghosts but Hide grabbed his arm excitedly, “I can sense Hinami, she must be in this room but in a different dimension.”

The different dimensions still confused Kazume but he nodded, “should we try to leave a note?” Hide thought for a moment before shaking his head, “no, I’m going to try and contact her.”

Kazume bristled at the idea, “Hide, is that really a good idea?” Hide was already sitting down and trying to focus, “I’m sure it’ll be fine, besides Hinami’s alone right now and if I can help her then I need to try.”

Kazume wanted to argue but knew it would fall on deaf ears so instead he watched as the other became still, he jumped when the other gasped. There was little warning before Hide began to scream, no scream wasn’t the right word, it sounded as if the sound he was making was being ripped out of his lungs.

Kazume froze for a moment at the sound before jumping into action and trying to calm the other down, “Hide! Can you hear me?!” Hide curled into a ball on side and both hands grabbed chunks of his hair, and when the screaming started again Kazume tried to grab his hand.

“I’m here! You’re ok!” Kazume knew the other was not ok and when blood dribbled from the blonds nose he desperately called the man’s name repeatedly.

When Hide went still, Kazume felt panic rise until the man twitched on the ground and started muttering, Kazume leaned closer to hear what the other was saying when a pocket knife was lodged into his arm.

With a shout he fell back, he hadn’t even seen Hide pull out his trusted knife but now it was sticking out of his arm. The pain was put on hold when he saw the Hide had one of his hands wrapped around his throat and Kazume knew that the blonde next action would be to rip it out.

He grabbed the other arms and flipped him on his stomach, and the wailing began again. “I’ll die! I’ll die! You’ll kill me! Help me! I’m scared! Someone help!”

Hide writhed underneath him but Kazume kept his grip firm, after what seemed like hours Hide went still again. Kazume kept his position until he heard a hoarse voice call out to him, “Kaze?”

Immediately Kazume was off of him and pulled the other man into a tight hug, “Hide, are you ok?” Hide shook his head and found that it was hard to move his body, “everything hurts and ‘m tired.”

Kazume felt emotions choke him but he nodded and picked the other up, “let’s get you to the infirmary.” Hide felt oddly numb and cold even as he was being held, “what happened?”