A Budding Rose

Ken's Birthday

~"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ken!" Hide shouted, standing over Ken's bed. He rubbed his eyes, and realized his bed was empty.

"Where's Touka?"

"Touka and Ichika went to Yoriko's. She's letting us have a guys night, old man!"

"I wouldn't say 25 is old."

"With that white hair, and your scars you might as well be 52. Now come on, get ready. I have a big day planned."

Hide waited in the living room as Ken took a shower, and put on Jeans and a grey sweater. His best friend practically pulled Ken out the door.

"Where are we going?"

~"That would ruin the surprise."

"Everything is a surprise with you."

~ "Surprises are fun."

"I've had enough surprises for one life time."

~ "No need to go all emo on me." Hide punched his shoulder. "You look like shit. Has Ichika been keeping you up all night."

"Well, not exactly."

~"Oh God! Do you just watch her while she sleeps?"

Ken blushed. "She's just so small. I don't want anyone to hurt her."

~ "Please, you were a light sleeper even before you were a ghoul. You're fine."

Ken shook his head. He had no idea the stress and loved involved with raising a kid. But even Ken knew he was being a bit too over-dramatic.

~"Here we are!"

The shop they stopped at, had a few broken windows, no sign, and chipping paint. But he undoubtedly knew that this was RE.

They took a step in, and the caring aroma of delicately crafted coffee filled their lungs. Yomo was at the front counter.

They took a seat in front of Yomo. He handed them two iced coffees. One almost a pure black, the other more milk then coffee.

~"Thank's man." He pushed the darker drink towards Ken, and took a sip. 

"This is amazing." Ken awed. Maybe it was just his sleep deprivation, but this was the best cup of coffee Ken had ever tasted.

~ "It's cold brewed coffee with those brown sugar cubes infused in it."

"Thank you so much, Yomo."

♟ "How's Ichika?" Renji asked.

"She's a little angel." He took another sip. "She loves that stuffed blue elephant you got her. She won't let go of it."

Yomo smiled. 

"You should stay with Touka and I for Christmas Eve."

♟ "Sounds good."

~ "Ichika's first christmas!"

It wasn't a question, but Hide still looked at Ken like he wanted an answer. "Umm...yes?"

♟ "You should have Hide, Yoriko, Ayato, and Kimi spend Christmas with you guys too." Yomo offered. "... You know... have our small pathetic family together."

"That sounds perfect." Ken finished his coffee. 

~ "Let's go I have more stuff planned." He pulled Ken off the stool he was sitting on. "Let's go, Ken."

As they were about to pass the threshold of the door Hide shouted "Thanks again Yomo! See you in four days." (A/N ken's birthday is December 20th)

"Now where are we going?" They only took a few steps away from Re before Hide stopped.

~"Ta-da." He gestured towards the quaint bookstore that looked in good shape considering that a 'dragon' destroyed half the city only several months prior. 

They spent two hours looking at different books. Hide purchased seven books for Ken and three for himself. 

The two young men paid farewell to the kind old lady running the shop.

~"I totally bought you books because I totally knew what you wanted, and defiantly knew exactly what to get you," He said sardonically. 

"I already have everything I want."

~ "You are so sentimental that it's almost nauseating. But that's why I tolerate you." They continued walking down the street, passing half torn down buildings, with only a few places offering business.

~ "You should dye your hair, you know to look younger."

"I tried. But the dye just fades from my hair in a matter of days."

~ "That's odd. Maybe Kimi could help."

"Eh, it's fine. If I feel different, it seems fitting I look different, ya know?" Ken smiled. His pace began to slow.

Hide couldn't help but smile too. "You never change do you." He looked to his side, but Ken was several paces behind him.

~ "Ken, are you alright?"