(Some part of Dirk wished he had a better place to spruce up. But he's still in his trailer while working on the ranch. There is lumber in neat stacks out in his front yard and husks of robots being worked on. At least it's easy enough to clean up the inside relatively quickly.
He even removes the swords from the kitchen cupboard and throws them...into his shower. For now.
He's cleaned up and styled and ready for their date. He even bought utensils as promised. Which turned out to be some pottery plates he picked up at the farmer's market. He mostly got stuff that reminded him of Kaneki since he had no real taste for stuff like that himself. He's got some music playing and had even gotten? Flowers? Flowers! They are in a small vase at his two-person dinner table in the trailer. Some red dahlias. They looked pretty, so.
He's trying! And now waiting for Kaneki to show up. Maybe he should have offered to go pick him up? He has no idea.)
Kaneki isn't late, he is not the type, and while he carries a smile, he also carries all the promised cooking utensils and the food he will be cooking for one single person (since kaneki himself does not eat; of course that will be suspicious, but he already has a good enough excuse that he hopes it will work for now).
While easily carrying everything with one arm - inhuman strength is very nice sometimes - he knocks with the other. naturally he takes the chance to look around Dirk's yard, glancing at the robots with some curiosity.
(He can move the swords...! Somewhere else...Back into the kitchen!
Dirk flies to the door probably in an embarrassing way and pulls it open, making it all too evident that he was pacing around waiting for Kaneki.)
Hey, sweets. Need some help? (He opens the screen door to his trailer, stepping halfway out to hold his arms out to help Kaneki with what he's carrying.
Definitely a genius of sorts, but sure as fuck not a genius when it came to boys and how to cope with how hard his heart thrashes at just the sight of Kaneki alone. Whoop.)
[ When the door opens, Kaneki quickly turns to look back at Dirk with a smile. His cheeks burn a little, but he will make no mention of it and instead hand a bag to Dirk so he can indeed help ]
Thank you. I see you have been busy outside. [ he already knows about the ranch and the robots too, of course, but still ] Are you really building everything on your own?
[ Ken steps inside to leave the food in the kitchen area by the counter, and that means he gets to see the dishes Dirk got. and the flowers.
They are pretty, indeed. ] It looks very nice. Dahlias, right? [ Ken reaches to gently touch one flower, smiling softly ]
(Ahhh. HHH. Why did Kaneki have such a cute face? Dirk silently takes the bag.)
Yeah. Got nothin' else to do, y'know? Plus then I can really make it mine.
(He slips inside ahead of Kaneki and sets the bag down on the counter.)
Thanks. It's probably the most domestic thing I've done in my life. (He's just being real, okay. There is also definitely a Kiss the Chef apron hanging off a hook attached to the front of the fridge.
He watches Kaneki touch the flowers, feeling unspeakably nervous for some reason.) Yeah, I think so. I'm uh. Not really familiar with flowers. I think that's what the lady said that I bought them from.
(He shrugs and adjusts his glasses.)
I should really be thankin' you. You're the one doing all the work.
[ kaneki looks back at the other and smiles wider. ] When you have your place, you will be doing a lot of domestic things.
[ but afterwards, Kaneki shakes his head, walking up to Dirk ] You should eat well, specially if you are working hard. So I don't mind making something for you.
But that also means I take no criticism. [ he is joking, of course, and Kaneki turns to the bags to grab the minced meat he got from the market. making hamburguers is easy, but it's all about spices and herbs added; naturally he knows more about Japanese cuisine, thus this hamburger will have a Japanese flavour to it.
Kaneki does spot the apron and can't help but to chuckle ] You really did get one of those, uh.
Only if you're around. (He ain't even trying to be romantic either. Dirk knew he wouldn't bother with these things without Kaneki.
And he thinks it would be nice to have Kaneki around anyway.)
You give me too much praise, dude. (But some part of him feels good at Kaneki thinking he was doing some hard work. Some part of him itches to touch Kaneki. They have slept together. Been on a date. He should be able to just - like. Kiss him or something, right?
But he's not so sure if that's really appropriate given their situation. So he's relieved by his own foresight to get that apron. He smiles sheepishly, shrugging.)
Hell yeah. I didn't know any other smooth way to land one on you outta the blue. (And for criticism, heh.) We're supposed to be meetin' our potential here. I think some criticism might be necessary. Luckily for you, I ain't got shit worth for brains when it comes to food criticism. You could feel me somethin' awful and I wouldn't know the difference.
[ Dirk is sweet. He says the sweetest things. Some (maybe a lot) of people would argue with that, but Kaneki can't help but to feel that.
And it makes him smile, cheeks warm, and chest squeezing because there is a type of happiness growing inside of him that is hard to explain. But Kaneki does remember not to fall in too deep, he does remember that he and Dirk aren't like that.
Just friends. Friends who have sex.
Kaneki reaches for the apron to put it on. It will be needed, after all.] I'm sure you can tell if something tastes good or not. You must have preferences for what you like and dislike, you just haven't figured them out yet.
Don't worry, I'm not going to cook anything bad on purpose. [ he grins a little] But we might try some Wasabi. [ it's spicy and not for everyone.]
(Dirk was really only as sweet with Kaneki because - Kaneki kind of made him sweet. It was hard to be anything but sweet with Kaneki. Who the fuck could be a dick to that face?
Oh yeah. Totally. Just that. Because Dirk isn't stumbling all over himself for Kaneki either. These guys-.)
Maybe. I'm pretty good at shoving weird stuff into my mouth and swallowing it whole.
(There's some sexual innuendo there.)
I do think I like sour stuff. Citrus. (He watches Kaneki. He hovers by him, winding up playing with the ties at the back of the apron because what the fuck's personal space?)
I'd be down. I feel like Texans ate spicy food a lot back in the day. (It's in his blood or whatever. Probably not, but he's open to exploration.)
I did like that thing you ordered for me on our first date. And I've liked pretty much everything you've fed me since.
[ Kaneki pauses again. Right, right, innuendos - and of course Kaneki feels embarrassment. But- ] Are you? [ he says that, almost like a challenge, before Ken quickly turns around towards the counter and promptly pretends he said nothing at all.
(He may not be someone who knows how to seduce his crush, but kaneki can try and these are his very small attempts).
But of course he will pretend he said nothing of sorts! Just an innocent question, and instead Kaneki will start preparing the hamburguers. He doesn't even mind Dirk's proximity, feeling him behind his back almost touching, before Kaneki tilts his head back a little to press it against Dirk's shoulder while he looks back at him ]
So you like everything I've given you so far? Then I'm very lucky. Or you aren't very picky, which is good. [ says the pickiest person ever because Kaneki can only eat one thing! But he refocus on the food once more ] We have some sour foods because we use a lot of fermented ingredients.
Mmmmmhmmm. I'm a very open-minded guy and I'm pretty sure I have no gag reflex. (No, he knew he didn't. Or rather he had an impressive one. He's smiling like a dork though because he picked up on that, Kaneki, thank you very much, you little surprising minx.
Kaneki didn't need to try that hard. Dirk was thoroughly seduced and rendered fucking stupid as hell. It's why he can't even pretend to be cool or disinterested. Look at this fucking boy.
Who could be chill around him? Dirk keeps on smiling like a lovestruck dumbass and twists those apron ties around his fingers. At least he's being polite and doesn't actually get in the way of his cooking.
But ahhh fuucuuukkgkhngkj
---
His smile drops out of sheer surprise when Kaneki tips his head back against his shoulder and looks at him like that. His hands automatically flicker to Kaneki's wrist and he feels like he's sixteen again the first time he met up with Jake in person - except this is so much more intense? Maybe it was because he knew without a doubt that at least Kaneki was attracted to him too. That there was some sort of organic, real mutuality between their attraction.
It makes him blush like an idiot.)
Yeah, I have. (He mumbles this before he gives a very light shrug, careful not to disturb the shoulder Kaneki had his head pressed against.)
Or you're just a bitchin' chef. I should get some generic shit from the convenience store and use it as a comparative basis. (At some point his hands have settled on Kaneki's hips and the only useful thought chugging through his brain is BOY HIPS BOY HIPS BOY HIPS.)
Japanese food always looked good to me. I'd see it in anime and movies and shit and it always looked more appetizing than like...the shit they ate in Lord of the Rings.
[ In the end, Dirk still managed to cause Kaneki such embarrassment that leaves him with no comeback. He will learn one day, and one day he will be able to play with the innuendos and dirty talk the way the other does - for now, kaneki just blushes, and smiles a tiny little bit under all that shyness.
It is something he enjoys because he feels wanted, regardless of how jokingly it is said. And in moments like this, with the two of them together and just being silly - and dirty - it is something Kaneki can't help but to love because it feels so real to him. And even though they are not a couple, this is what Kaneki feels that couples ought to do: enjoy each other's companies, talk about silly nothings, and just share the moment.
Their attraction is there, for sure, and Kaneki has learned it doesn't need to be like the scenes in romantic books where grand gestures are involved and every moment is intense. Despite the two of them being on different wavelengths - so Kaneki believes - this is still happiness to him, and perhaps that's why he is so accepting of a relationship that is so foreigner to a romantic like him.
The blushing is adorable, though. kaneki will commit it to memory.
Those hands are allowed to remain at Kaneki's hips because of that same blush, too, although the half-ghoul is intent on making a proper meal. He won't get distracted, he has iron will! (sort of...) ]
Hm... humanity always had a deep connection to food. It's an instinctive need, of course, but it also connects to us on an emotional level. It is not just about eating but also about preparing, creating, discovering. [ and sharing. but Kaneki can't do that part, so he skips it ] Food is love and memory and connection. [ and all of those are happening right now. Kaneki cooking for Dirk, food that his mother used to cook, and with that they are closer to one another. ] That's why we pay such attention to it.
That's why I want you to try it, too. [ and that's why he is taking it seriously, too
While Kaneki isn't a "bitching chef" but he is good enough! Hamburguers steaks are easy to make, and don't have a lot of ingredients, thus they will be ready soon enough, along with the white rice. There is some wasabi too, as promised, although Kaneki leave sit to the side just in case Dirk doesn't like it. ]
(It's a good thing that he finds Kaneki's shyness and blushing to be goddamn adorable. It never failed to get a smirk out of Dirk and now is no exception. It's cute enough that Dirk has to help himself to Kaneki just a teeny...tiny...bit. He leans in and kisses the side of Kaneki's neck, leaving his mouth there for a moment before tipping his head away.)
That right? (He knew all about the importance of food and gatherings around food. But maybe he just liked to listen to Kaneki speak intellectually about things like this. He liked his voice, liked the depth of his knowledge about everything. It felt good to be on a similar playing field as someone.
When Kaneki says that food is love and memory and connection, he can't help but get this dumb flipping feeling in the pit of his chest. He presses his face briefly against the back of Kaneki's head, feeling a bit worked up by that one. He wasn't totally delusional. He didn't think that Kaneki was madly in love with him...Yet...But he...liked the idea of Kaneki having something similar to the shape of love within him towards Dirk. Something that maybe with enough attention and patience could one day evolve into love.
He was getting ahead of himself. Fantasizing about romantic futures kind of the way Kaneki was. They were both giant idiots.)
I'll have to learn to cook something special for you one of these days too.
(Because that's fair, right? That's what you did. His food would have no memory but it would be filled with the other two. Dirk does eventually give Kaneki some breathing room, moving to chill against the small booth that served as the dining table in his trailer. He rests an arm and observes Kaneki, legs sprawled apart in front of him, long and without care of taking up too much space.)
See. (Oh no.) This shit is exactly why I married you. You're like a goddamn trophy wife and we ain't even hit our one year yet.
[ Those kisses just stir him up inside and Kaneki almost holds his breath. It crosses his mind to remind Dirk he is meant to behave while kaneki cooks, but it's such a sweet gentle thing that he doesn't dare. How could he? When he wants to melt into those small gestures and get lost in them.
The kiss on his neck, Dirk's breath on his skin, his weight against kaneki's back, and jo, pressing against Kaneki's hair... how could he not feel like this towards him? How could anyone keep things casual like this? How would anyone want to?
Kaneki is still trying to cook, although it's hard to focus. When the other moves away, ken smiles a little. he wouldn't be able to eat any of the food Dirk were to make, but he doesn't say that. In a way, he hopes the other won't remember to do it because it would break kaneki's heart to refuse anything Dirk cooked. ]
Hmm, and I know how to mend clothes too. [ he says with a grin on his face, still focused on finishing the meal ] And you? What can you offer? [ he glances back at Dirk ] I'm a really demanding wife.
(It's absolutely true. Even friends with benefits didn't do this kind of thing. They hung out like friends and then when they got horny if they got horny, they fucked. End of story. There were no fleeting touches.
Dirk's swooning flat out as he watches Kaneki and he thinks for the first time in his life that maybe he's actually lucked out. Even if Kaneki didn't like him back the same way...but...maybe he did. He certainly didn't mind Dirk's constant attention. Didn't look uncomfortable or unsure.
He smiles a lot. Dirk wonders if he has ever actually made anyone smile this much and he realizes that no. It's Kaneki. Kaneki's the first and that-.
His own face is carefully flat now, as it often is, but there's a structured rigidity because he's realizing that he's on an inevitable path of falling for this guy Hard. That he's probably been falling.
But then Kaneki is asking what he can offer and glancing back at him and Dirk feels goddamn slammed. So he just answers with his immediate instinct:)
I'd offer you everything. (Literally.) Anything you wanted and I'd make it happen.
Oh? My husband really is amazing, I guess I lucked out too.
[ while Kaneki is of course just playing along, he doesn't really realize Dirk might be very serious and mean the words he said. Kaneki is paying attention to the food, after all, and not to words most would assume it's just playful talk.
But the food is eventually ready. Ken reaches for one of the plates Dirk got where he places the hamburguer steak along with sauce and rice, with a bit of wasabi on the side, and after offers it to Dirk ]
It's done. Let me know what you think. [ but before anything: ] The green paste is wasabi. It's... pungent.
(WHY...WHY IS IT SO MUCH...To hear Kaneki refer to him as his husband even in jest...! He's just gonna...be...burning up over here trying to ignore the fact that he's blushing like a fool.
One day Kaneki will find out just how absolutely extra Dirk really is. And how intense he is. Today's not that day (maybe). He takes the plate from Kaneki, noticing that Kaneki hadn't made anything for himself, but he doesn't question it. He was theorizing at the back of his head at this point, but...For now.)
Okay.
(He turns about in the booth and digs in. The hamburger is...fucking heavenly and that's transparent on his face in seconds.)
Dude, seriously? (...No this might be his favorite thing so far. Whoa. He gingerly dips the burger in the paste and takes another bite. He doesn't make any face right away but then he perks up.)
Oh hell yeah. That's fuckin' incredible. Oh my god.
[ Less questions mean less lies. Kaneki doesn't want to lie, but he knows he has to - it's part of his nature now. He is still not able to properly pretend he enjoys human food and gets sick extremely fast if he has any, but specially now that he is cooking for Dirk, he knows he has to train his acting skills and get better at it. That's how ghouls share meals with their human friends, they pretend they enjoy it.
Because of love, memory and connection.
Kaneki can't help but smile wider as he watches Dirk eat. he is proud of himself for being able to make him look like that, for being able to cook something he enjoys that much. That expression is worth it, completely. ]
Really? I'm glad. [ he leans back against the counter, still watching Dirk ] That's my signature dish. Or rather, my mother's.
It's incredible. I actually think this is my favorite so far that you've made. (And he's not blowing smoke up his ass either. It really was delicious. He adds a bit more wasabi to his next bite to see if more would be too much. It wasn't and so he gets used to figure out the quantities.)
I love it. (Seriously.)
Your mom's got good taste. (Which...He rubs at the corner of his mouth.)
I will make it more often, then. [ Kaneki grins wide.
He is happy. Happy that Dirk is enjoying himself. Kaneki knows he never tried many foods before, so if he can show him this much he will be very glad for it.
When Dirk mentions his mother, Ken smiles softens]
She was my pride and joy. Hardworking, kind, gentle. It was just the two of us when I was young. [ they were close, yes. And Kaneki loves her deeply] I hope to be as kind as she was, one day.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
If you end up wanting me to cook you dinner more often, it'd be easier.
no subject
Okay, yeah. I can do that then. Maybe I'll get you an apron too.
no subject
no subject
(See he's getting that for the irony and the fact that he does indeed want to kiss the cook.)
no subject
I will see you tomorrow then.
-> skipping to tomorrow annnd an action tag
He even removes the swords from the kitchen cupboard and throws them...into his shower. For now.
He's cleaned up and styled and ready for their date. He even bought utensils as promised. Which turned out to be some pottery plates he picked up at the farmer's market. He mostly got stuff that reminded him of Kaneki since he had no real taste for stuff like that himself. He's got some music playing and had even gotten? Flowers? Flowers! They are in a small vase at his two-person dinner table in the trailer. Some red dahlias. They looked pretty, so.
He's trying! And now waiting for Kaneki to show up. Maybe he should have offered to go pick him up? He has no idea.)
no subject
Kaneki isn't late, he is not the type, and while he carries a smile, he also carries all the promised cooking utensils and the food he will be cooking for one single person (since kaneki himself does not eat; of course that will be suspicious, but he already has a good enough excuse that he hopes it will work for now).
While easily carrying everything with one arm - inhuman strength is very nice sometimes - he knocks with the other. naturally he takes the chance to look around Dirk's yard, glancing at the robots with some curiosity.
He... really is a genius of sorts, isn't he? ]
no subject
Dirk flies to the door probably in an embarrassing way and pulls it open, making it all too evident that he was pacing around waiting for Kaneki.)
Hey, sweets. Need some help? (He opens the screen door to his trailer, stepping halfway out to hold his arms out to help Kaneki with what he's carrying.
Definitely a genius of sorts, but sure as fuck not a genius when it came to boys and how to cope with how hard his heart thrashes at just the sight of Kaneki alone. Whoop.)
no subject
Thank you. I see you have been busy outside. [ he already knows about the ranch and the robots too, of course, but still ] Are you really building everything on your own?
[ Ken steps inside to leave the food in the kitchen area by the counter, and that means he gets to see the dishes Dirk got. and the flowers.
They are pretty, indeed. ] It looks very nice. Dahlias, right? [ Ken reaches to gently touch one flower, smiling softly ]
Ah- thank you for having me.
no subject
Yeah. Got nothin' else to do, y'know? Plus then I can really make it mine.
(He slips inside ahead of Kaneki and sets the bag down on the counter.)
Thanks. It's probably the most domestic thing I've done in my life. (He's just being real, okay. There is also definitely a Kiss the Chef apron hanging off a hook attached to the front of the fridge.
He watches Kaneki touch the flowers, feeling unspeakably nervous for some reason.) Yeah, I think so. I'm uh. Not really familiar with flowers. I think that's what the lady said that I bought them from.
(He shrugs and adjusts his glasses.)
I should really be thankin' you. You're the one doing all the work.
no subject
[ but afterwards, Kaneki shakes his head, walking up to Dirk ] You should eat well, specially if you are working hard. So I don't mind making something for you.
But that also means I take no criticism. [ he is joking, of course, and Kaneki turns to the bags to grab the minced meat he got from the market. making hamburguers is easy, but it's all about spices and herbs added; naturally he knows more about Japanese cuisine, thus this hamburger will have a Japanese flavour to it.
Kaneki does spot the apron and can't help but to chuckle ] You really did get one of those, uh.
no subject
And he thinks it would be nice to have Kaneki around anyway.)
You give me too much praise, dude. (But some part of him feels good at Kaneki thinking he was doing some hard work. Some part of him itches to touch Kaneki. They have slept together. Been on a date. He should be able to just - like. Kiss him or something, right?
But he's not so sure if that's really appropriate given their situation. So he's relieved by his own foresight to get that apron. He smiles sheepishly, shrugging.)
Hell yeah. I didn't know any other smooth way to land one on you outta the blue. (And for criticism, heh.) We're supposed to be meetin' our potential here. I think some criticism might be necessary. Luckily for you, I ain't got shit worth for brains when it comes to food criticism. You could feel me somethin' awful and I wouldn't know the difference.
no subject
And it makes him smile, cheeks warm, and chest squeezing because there is a type of happiness growing inside of him that is hard to explain. But Kaneki does remember not to fall in too deep, he does remember that he and Dirk aren't like that.
Just friends. Friends who have sex.
Kaneki reaches for the apron to put it on. It will be needed, after all.] I'm sure you can tell if something tastes good or not. You must have preferences for what you like and dislike, you just haven't figured them out yet.
Don't worry, I'm not going to cook anything bad on purpose. [ he grins a little] But we might try some Wasabi. [ it's spicy and not for everyone.]
no subject
Oh yeah. Totally. Just that. Because Dirk isn't stumbling all over himself for Kaneki either. These guys-.)
Maybe. I'm pretty good at shoving weird stuff into my mouth and swallowing it whole.
(There's some sexual innuendo there.)
I do think I like sour stuff. Citrus. (He watches Kaneki. He hovers by him, winding up playing with the ties at the back of the apron because what the fuck's personal space?)
I'd be down. I feel like Texans ate spicy food a lot back in the day. (It's in his blood or whatever. Probably not, but he's open to exploration.)
I did like that thing you ordered for me on our first date. And I've liked pretty much everything you've fed me since.
no subject
(He may not be someone who knows how to seduce his crush, but kaneki can try and these are his very small attempts).
But of course he will pretend he said nothing of sorts! Just an innocent question, and instead Kaneki will start preparing the hamburguers. He doesn't even mind Dirk's proximity, feeling him behind his back almost touching, before Kaneki tilts his head back a little to press it against Dirk's shoulder while he looks back at him ]
So you like everything I've given you so far? Then I'm very lucky. Or you aren't very picky, which is good. [ says the pickiest person ever because Kaneki can only eat one thing! But he refocus on the food once more ] We have some sour foods because we use a lot of fermented ingredients.
no subject
Kaneki didn't need to try that hard. Dirk was thoroughly seduced and rendered fucking stupid as hell. It's why he can't even pretend to be cool or disinterested. Look at this fucking boy.
Who could be chill around him? Dirk keeps on smiling like a lovestruck dumbass and twists those apron ties around his fingers. At least he's being polite and doesn't actually get in the way of his cooking.
But ahhh fuucuuukkgkhngkj
---
His smile drops out of sheer surprise when Kaneki tips his head back against his shoulder and looks at him like that. His hands automatically flicker to Kaneki's wrist and he feels like he's sixteen again the first time he met up with Jake in person - except this is so much more intense? Maybe it was because he knew without a doubt that at least Kaneki was attracted to him too. That there was some sort of organic, real mutuality between their attraction.
It makes him blush like an idiot.)
Yeah, I have. (He mumbles this before he gives a very light shrug, careful not to disturb the shoulder Kaneki had his head pressed against.)
Or you're just a bitchin' chef. I should get some generic shit from the convenience store and use it as a comparative basis. (At some point his hands have settled on Kaneki's hips and the only useful thought chugging through his brain is BOY HIPS BOY HIPS BOY HIPS.)
Japanese food always looked good to me. I'd see it in anime and movies and shit and it always looked more appetizing than like...the shit they ate in Lord of the Rings.
no subject
It is something he enjoys because he feels wanted, regardless of how jokingly it is said. And in moments like this, with the two of them together and just being silly - and dirty - it is something Kaneki can't help but to love because it feels so real to him. And even though they are not a couple, this is what Kaneki feels that couples ought to do: enjoy each other's companies, talk about silly nothings, and just share the moment.
Their attraction is there, for sure, and Kaneki has learned it doesn't need to be like the scenes in romantic books where grand gestures are involved and every moment is intense. Despite the two of them being on different wavelengths - so Kaneki believes - this is still happiness to him, and perhaps that's why he is so accepting of a relationship that is so foreigner to a romantic like him.
The blushing is adorable, though. kaneki will commit it to memory.
Those hands are allowed to remain at Kaneki's hips because of that same blush, too, although the half-ghoul is intent on making a proper meal. He won't get distracted, he has iron will! (sort of...) ]
Hm... humanity always had a deep connection to food. It's an instinctive need, of course, but it also connects to us on an emotional level. It is not just about eating but also about preparing, creating, discovering. [ and sharing. but Kaneki can't do that part, so he skips it ] Food is love and memory and connection. [ and all of those are happening right now. Kaneki cooking for Dirk, food that his mother used to cook, and with that they are closer to one another. ] That's why we pay such attention to it.
That's why I want you to try it, too. [ and that's why he is taking it seriously, too
While Kaneki isn't a "bitching chef" but he is good enough! Hamburguers steaks are easy to make, and don't have a lot of ingredients, thus they will be ready soon enough, along with the white rice. There is some wasabi too, as promised, although Kaneki leave sit to the side just in case Dirk doesn't like it. ]
no subject
That right? (He knew all about the importance of food and gatherings around food. But maybe he just liked to listen to Kaneki speak intellectually about things like this. He liked his voice, liked the depth of his knowledge about everything. It felt good to be on a similar playing field as someone.
When Kaneki says that food is love and memory and connection, he can't help but get this dumb flipping feeling in the pit of his chest. He presses his face briefly against the back of Kaneki's head, feeling a bit worked up by that one. He wasn't totally delusional. He didn't think that Kaneki was madly in love with him...Yet...But he...liked the idea of Kaneki having something similar to the shape of love within him towards Dirk. Something that maybe with enough attention and patience could one day evolve into love.
He was getting ahead of himself. Fantasizing about romantic futures kind of the way Kaneki was. They were both giant idiots.)
I'll have to learn to cook something special for you one of these days too.
(Because that's fair, right? That's what you did. His food would have no memory but it would be filled with the other two. Dirk does eventually give Kaneki some breathing room, moving to chill against the small booth that served as the dining table in his trailer. He rests an arm and observes Kaneki, legs sprawled apart in front of him, long and without care of taking up too much space.)
See. (Oh no.) This shit is exactly why I married you. You're like a goddamn trophy wife and we ain't even hit our one year yet.
no subject
The kiss on his neck, Dirk's breath on his skin, his weight against kaneki's back, and jo, pressing against Kaneki's hair... how could he not feel like this towards him? How could anyone keep things casual like this? How would anyone want to?
Kaneki is still trying to cook, although it's hard to focus. When the other moves away, ken smiles a little. he wouldn't be able to eat any of the food Dirk were to make, but he doesn't say that. In a way, he hopes the other won't remember to do it because it would break kaneki's heart to refuse anything Dirk cooked. ]
Hmm, and I know how to mend clothes too. [ he says with a grin on his face, still focused on finishing the meal ] And you? What can you offer? [ he glances back at Dirk ] I'm a really demanding wife.
no subject
Dirk's swooning flat out as he watches Kaneki and he thinks for the first time in his life that maybe he's actually lucked out. Even if Kaneki didn't like him back the same way...but...maybe he did. He certainly didn't mind Dirk's constant attention. Didn't look uncomfortable or unsure.
He smiles a lot. Dirk wonders if he has ever actually made anyone smile this much and he realizes that no. It's Kaneki. Kaneki's the first and that-.
His own face is carefully flat now, as it often is, but there's a structured rigidity because he's realizing that he's on an inevitable path of falling for this guy Hard. That he's probably been falling.
But then Kaneki is asking what he can offer and glancing back at him and Dirk feels goddamn slammed. So he just answers with his immediate instinct:)
I'd offer you everything. (Literally.) Anything you wanted and I'd make it happen.
no subject
[ while Kaneki is of course just playing along, he doesn't really realize Dirk might be very serious and mean the words he said. Kaneki is paying attention to the food, after all, and not to words most would assume it's just playful talk.
But the food is eventually ready. Ken reaches for one of the plates Dirk got where he places the hamburguer steak along with sauce and rice, with a bit of wasabi on the side, and after offers it to Dirk ]
It's done. Let me know what you think. [ but before anything: ] The green paste is wasabi. It's... pungent.
no subject
One day Kaneki will find out just how absolutely extra Dirk really is. And how intense he is. Today's not that day (maybe). He takes the plate from Kaneki, noticing that Kaneki hadn't made anything for himself, but he doesn't question it. He was theorizing at the back of his head at this point, but...For now.)
Okay.
(He turns about in the booth and digs in. The hamburger is...fucking heavenly and that's transparent on his face in seconds.)
Dude, seriously? (...No this might be his favorite thing so far. Whoa. He gingerly dips the burger in the paste and takes another bite. He doesn't make any face right away but then he perks up.)
Oh hell yeah. That's fuckin' incredible. Oh my god.
no subject
Because of love, memory and connection.
Kaneki can't help but smile wider as he watches Dirk eat. he is proud of himself for being able to make him look like that, for being able to cook something he enjoys that much. That expression is worth it, completely. ]
Really? I'm glad. [ he leans back against the counter, still watching Dirk ] That's my signature dish. Or rather, my mother's.
no subject
I love it. (Seriously.)
Your mom's got good taste. (Which...He rubs at the corner of his mouth.)
Were you really close with her?
no subject
He is happy. Happy that Dirk is enjoying himself. Kaneki knows he never tried many foods before, so if he can show him this much he will be very glad for it.
When Dirk mentions his mother, Ken smiles softens]
She was my pride and joy. Hardworking, kind, gentle. It was just the two of us when I was young. [ they were close, yes. And Kaneki loves her deeply] I hope to be as kind as she was, one day.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)