Hide knows ghouls bow down to Kaneki. But he’s never witnessed such a spectacle before - until now.
Kaneki stands amongst his people, eyes surveying the ghouls as they kneel before him. Kaneki speaks, his speech is short but precise; voice determined and assertive. The very definition of a regal silver king.
Then his eyes flicker to Hide’s and the king’s gaze momentarily softens - as if the king is staring at something so reverently precious. Hide tilts his head down at that. Unused to such an open affection.
Later in his room, Hide sits on his bed, massaging his foot. It’s been a long, stressful day and it has not been easy to maintain the newly-built fragile peace. Hide hears someone enters his room and he looks up to see Kaneki closing the door behind him. He observes Hide steadily before his eyes fall on Hide’s foot.
Hide sighs. He carefully tries to conceal the scars behind his bandana. “You have no idea. Marude barely gave anyone a break. Especially me.”
Kaneki beams warmly at Hide. He moves towards the human and kneels down in front of Hide. The blond opens his mouth but the words are heavy on his tongue. Kaneki gently grasps one of Hide’s heels and applies soft pressure to it, eyes suddenly mischievous.
Kaneki rubs Hide’s toe playfully and the human chuckles a bit, ticklish, but no no no, this is wrong– Hide quickly grabs Kaneki’s shoulders and motions the king to stand up. Kaneki obliges, staring down at Hide, confused.
“What are you doing?” Hide asks ridiculously. “Kaneki, you’re a king. You kneel to no one. Ever.”
Kaneki blinks. Then wordlessly, he takes his previous position, kneeling down once more; eyes so affectionately tender as he looks up at Hide.
Hide inhales loudly. “Kaneki,” he reprimands.
“You’re not just anyone, Hide,” Kaneki states. “In your presence, I’m not a king. I’m your lover. I am yours. I am yours, Hide. There are no duties or titles between us.”
Kaneki reaches forward to pecks Hide’s forehead as quick as a wink. Hide’s face reddens and Kaneki seems to take pleasure in that.
Resigned, Hide links his arms around Kaneki’s neck and rests his head on Kaneki’s shoulder. Kaneki hums and puts his hands on Hide’s back, protective and warmth. Time stretches on and on.
At this moment, they are celestials, like gods without destinies and boundaries; the joy he feels is endless. When Hide chuckles, his cheeks hurt and his scarred mouth curls into a sincerest smile. He might as well be on the clouds, on the moon.
Hide might as well have the gentlest kind of epilogue in the palms of his hands.
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