illusions- hidekane (kaneki x hide)

Chapter 2: H-U-G

Chapter 2: H-U-G

Kaneki could really use a hug. Kaneki could really REALLY use a hug. As his tears run down his face in an unrelenting stream, Kaneki involuntarily clenches his fists. If only he had noticed sooner...

If only he had smelled the sweet, intoxicating smell of Hide's blood sooner.

If only he had noticed the crimson spot that continued to grow, that continued to stain Hide's pale skin...

If.

IF.

I-F.

If only he had noticed the brilliant gleam in Hide's eyes was gradually fading...

If only he had noticed Hide's slumped shoulders...

If only he had noticed that Hide was struggling to stand...

If only he had noticed that Hide was dying...

IF HE HAD NOTICED IT ALL SOONER, HIDE MIGHT BE ALIVE TODAY.

If.

IF.

I-F.

If only there was someone to comfort him. If only there was someone who could repeatedly tell him that Hide's death is not his fault, even though it is, even though it DEFINITELY IS...

Kaneki suddenly feels a familiar warm sensation around his torso. Lowering his gaze that had been focused on the dark night sky, Kaneki is surprised to see yellow. He is greeted by the sight of yellow sleeves and yellow hair.

"It DEFINITELY isn't your fault. How could it be your fault? I'm not dead!" Hide mumbles into Kaneki's shirt, making his words nearly inaudible. Upon feeling Hide's lips brush against his torso, Kaneki involuntarily emits a small, happy sigh. If only they could stay like this... I've only life had a pause button... "Don't you see I'm not dead?" Hide adds, soon tilting his head up to look Kaneki in the face.

To Kaneki's surprise, Hide's face becomes warped. His face becomes wide, then narrow, then as pale as snow. In fact, his face has been replaced by a skull. "I'm not dead, I'm dying!" The skull exclaims, as scarlet liquid pours out of its mouth. The liquid falls from the skull's mouth to Kaneki's hands, staining them. "Help me, Kaneki," the skull adds, somehow still using Hide's voice. If it is using Hide's voice, does it mean that the skull is Hide? But Hide is alive! Hide is... Hide is...

Kaneki rapidly blinks his eyes, and finds himself clutching onto a random light post. Thankfully, due to it being late at night, there is no one present to witness him behaving strangely. If he is clutching onto a light post, where did the skull go? Where did Hide go?

Hide IS dead, right? Hide is...

"I'm dying, Kaneki," a familiar voice whispers from somewhere behind him. Spinning on his heels, Kaneki finds himself face to face with a mouse. The mouse lets out a few squeaks that sound similar to laughter.

Silly Kaneki, Hide is dead! Kaneki thinks to himself. He ends up shivering, even though there is no wind.

"I'm dying, Kaneki..."

Kaneki, desperate to both warm and calm himself wraps his arms around his torso.

"Hug," he says aloud.

"HUG."

"H-U-G."