Notes: Let's just pretend that everything after chapter 60 didn't happened. But that Hide found out Kaneki was a ghoul and confronted him about it, but didn't care and they lived happily ever after... That was what happened in canon right? RIGHT!?

*inhales deeply* Smells like desperation.

For my Christmas Trade with Renee. Enjoy.

"You do realise that mistletoe is a very American decoration right?" Balancing precariously on the top of a cupboard with a grunt, Hide glanced down at his friend with a pout.

"So is hamburgers and yet I seldom hear you complaining." Shaking his head as he braced ready in case the blonde should fall, Kaneki sighed.

"Yeah, but we have tinsel and snow globes shouldn't that be enough. Mistletoe seems a little over the top." Hooking the small, green offering over the light fixture and grinning, Hide gave him the thumbs up.

"It's super important, you know what happens under the mistletoe." Waggling his eyebrows as he took the hand his friend offered and jumped down from the cupboard. Frowning up at the sprig, Kaneki wasn't following his friend's train of thought.

"No, what? Do we dance?" Laughing a little at his friend's innocence, the blonde tapped the other man on the forehead.

"You wish. No people kiss."

Pulling a face as he took a huge step back and glared at the offering plant, the dark haired man shook his head.

"Oh my god, no. Why?" Shrugging as he went about the other collection of Christmas decorations for their party, Hide couldn't help but laugh at his friend's disgust.

"Don't be like that, it's cute. It's what young people do. You know, young people, like us." Careful to step around circle and shadow created by the mistletoe, Kaneki joined his friend in their small kitchen.

"It sounds like a great way to get Ebola." Scoffing as he popped the cork on a cheap bottle of wine, Hide couldn't believe his ears.

"Don't be like that, it'll be fine. Hey, even Touka-chan will be here." Nudging him gently, the blonde grinned. "Maybe you can lure her under the mistletoe and get some sugar." Jumping up onto the bench and watching his friend mix and stir a large jug of punch, Kaneki shook his head.

"I don't think so." Even just the thought of luring Touka-chan anywhere was enough to make him laugh and count his teeth. The steely eyed beauty would break his face for just having the mistletoe in the house let alone actually meeting her under it.

"Never say never. One day you'll creak that icy exterior and then she'll be all smiles and kisses and if you don't then I will. Chicks dig me and they'll be plenty here tonight to confirm that." Blushing lightly as he ignored the other man's ramblings, Kaneki swung his legs back and forth under the kitchen bench as he thought over the blonde's words. Hide was indeed popular, especially with the majority of their university friends, many being female. But Touka-chan was no normal female and no normal friend. But then, neither was Kaneki.

He was happy to try his best to be normal, especially for Hide. Normal enough to host a Christmas party at their small, but neat little apartment. It was nice and domestic and he knew Hide appreciated it and the effort he was making. Not that it was hard to be around humans these days, this past year at Anteiku had served him well and with entering their second year of university, things were certainly looking up. And this mixed party of humans and ghouls would be a hopeful success, not only for Hide, but also some of his other friends of the more supernatural nature.

"Can you mix this for me please? I want to go check the snacks." Hopping off the bench and stirring the jug of cheap wine and juice, Kaneki thought about adding some fruits just for flavour, but pulled a face as he sniffed the pitcher. "Do you think it'll be okay, you know serving food and stuff with your friends over?" Waving off his concern, Kaneki set the jug on the table before helping the other man dish out the small, oven baked processed food Hide had picked up at the supermarket before hand.

"It'll be fine. I can stand being around you while eating and these guys have been doing it for far longer." Smiling at him over the bench top, the blonde reached out and bopped his friend on the nose.

"I hope so. Thank you." Unable to stop the blush that leaked into his cheeks, the dark haired man bent over the tray and focused on plating the spring rolls and sauce. It was nice when his friend acknowledged him, acknowledged who he was now and didn't turn away or run. In fact he did the complete opposite and it made his heart beat that little bit faster every time. The love and support the blonde offered him made everything just that little bit easier, social events included.

"Hey you phasing out or something?" Waving a hand in front of his friend's face with a chuckle, Hide poked him in the cheek. "Come on, people will be arriving soon and we still have to order the pizza." Following him automatically, the smile on his face hard to shake, Kaneki set the steaming plate down on the table, straightening his shirt as he caught his reflection in the mirror.

His hair might need a cut sometimes soon and Hide likewise would need his hair dyed soon. "Are you going to be okay tonight? You keep staring off into space, having a divine moment of clarity?" Snapping back to reality as the taller boy shook him gently by his shoulders.

"I'm fine, just thinking."

"You must be thinking pretty hard," his friend teased. Leaving his hands on Kaneki's shoulders, he squeezed gently, "you haven't even noticed yet." Frowning as he tried to focus on something other the heat coming from Hide's palm clasping his shoulders, the dark haired man stared down his friend expectantly.

"Noticed what?" Jerking his chin up and directing Kaneki's dark gaze upwards, the shorter man immediately blushed as the bright green of the distinct mistletoe hung overhead. "Oh that."

"Yeah that." Watching Kaneki blush made him weak at the knees. His best friend was so handsome in his own soft, plain little way. More handsome then anyone who had held any interest in his heart for any period of time. He loved him so much and the trials and pain his friend had suffered just helped him to grow and develop as a being. He admired that, loved that and he would do anything to prove it.

Leaning in close and gauging whether his friend would allow it, Hide's whole body trembled as he pressed the smallest kiss to Kaneki's lips. Feeling the lightest push back he angled his head to the side, deepening the kiss. Listening to the soft moan vibrate against his lips, Hide grinned, looping his arms around the smaller man's shoulders and bringing him closer. There was no resistance, nothing but soft, loving acceptance and it made his heart melt.

Pulling back slightly for a breath, the blonde felt his cheeks burn as he chuckled slightly, leaning his forehead against the smaller man's. Watching Kaneki smiled was so worth it, his heart skipping a beat as the other man leant into his touch and even went back for another kiss. Eagerly meeting him half way, the pair jumped as the bell to their apartment rang. Stepping back and automatically wiping a hand across his lips, Kaneki tried in vain to cool his burning cheeks as Hide went to open the door. Staring up at the low hanging mistletoe, his heart pounding his chest, the dark haired ghoul licked his lips, savouring the taste of his best friend and hiding his face in the kitchen when a flock of guests arrived. Maybe he wouldn't get to kiss Touka-chan under the mistletoe tonight but at least he knew he wasn't alone. At least Hide would always be with him.

Focusing on the party was a struggle. Kaneki knew some of those attending, but most were part of Hide's classes at university. He was not surprised that Touka didn't come and while he wasn't annoyed at the lack of her presences someone could have at least brought Hinami. She'd been so looking forward to this, having stated multiple times that she had never experienced the awkward social event and she had an intense desire to. Kaneki would make it up to her, somehow. There was a light display in the city, maybe he could sneak her away for that.

Watching as Hide bid goodbye to their final guest, he waved half heartedly as the door closed.

"No Touka-chan." Pouting as he leant back against the door, Hide sighed. "No cuddles under the mistletoe for you." Blushing as he remembered the accursed sprig and their earlier encounter, the dark haired man shrugged.

"I didn't think she would in truth, too many people," It was a polite lie, much better then she hates everyone, especially humans. That would not have gone down well.

"Nishiki-senpai bailed on us as well. He's great with people and social events. What's his excuse?" Kaneki doubted there was one, Nishiki tended to do as he pleased and generally listened to no one. Beside Christmas was a prime time to spend with lovers, so the older ghoul would no doubt be boarded up somewhere with Kimi.

"I wouldn't get too worried about it, he's probably with Kimi." Pushing off the door and crossing the room with a sigh, Hide came in close to his friend, wrapping his arms snugly around the other boy's waist as he made a noise of protest.

"I can't blame him for wanting to be locked away on a night like this. Have you seen the weather outside? It's terrible."

Trying in vain to untangle himself from Hide's embrace, Kaneki nodded.

"I saw the weather report saying it was going to get worse before it gets better. You'll have to thank your friends for coming out at all." Hands linked around the smaller man's middle, the blonde snuggled in closer, refusing to let go.

"Oh we were just the first stop on a long line of Christmas parties tonight. Yumi was telling me before. They wanted me to go out with them." Stopping mid squirm, Kaneki cocked his head to the side, confused.

"Why didn't you go with them then?" Looking thoughtful, Hide shrugged.

"Why would I go out with them when I could be home with you." He stopped as he watched his friend pull a face. "And I'd feel really guilty if I left you with all the clean up."

Laughing, his cheeks still red, the dark haired man tried for a final time to pull away, only to receive a sudden kiss for his troubles. Stiffening immediately as shiver ran through him, Kaneki knew he should pull away, push Hide away and go running out into the wet, cold weather to cool off but mostly just to get away from this not so ideal development in their relationship. They'd kiss before, but none of it had been on this level. Previous kisses could be blamed on emotion and desperation depending on the situation. But their kiss before had been without reason, other then just Hide doing it to make him uncomfortable. He was a pain yes, but cruel he was not. So their kiss now was surprising if not very welcome.

"Don't do that, you've made your point." Hissing at him, his face twisted in a frown, Kaneki pulled away with a shake of his head. "There isn't even mistletoe." Shrugging as he let go of his friend's waist, Hide looked anything but sorry.

"I don't need an excuse to kiss you." Blushing as he focused on cleaning up the mess littered across the table, the dark haired man tried not to look too embarrassed.

"I didn't see you using it much tonight. None of the girls to your liking?" Waving him off as he joined him in packing up, the blonde didn't look too concerned.

"The girls were nice, even without Touka-chan." He paused rubbing the back of his head. "But it wasn't really for them, not really." Staring up at him with wide eyes, Kaneki's mind raced. Surely he didn't mean...

"Then why-"

"You know why." Leveling him a stern stare, Hide's dark eyes gleamed with mischief and heat. Deer in the headlights, the ghoul was ensure how to reply.

"Yes?" Laughing at him as he finished the final clean up of the table, the blonde pinned his friend to his spot, hands on his shoulders.

"Smile please. And don't worry about it."

Leaning into his touch, Kaneki awaited another taste of Hide's lips and was shattered when it didn't arrive. Struggling not to pout as the taller man pulled away, the ghoul was somewhat put by his sudden coldness. "I'm going to go take this out to the bin, can you tidy up the seats and chairs?" Stunned and very confused the dark haired man watched his friend leave leave with a quiet slam of the door and the pounding footsteps down stairs.