Kaneki is woken up by the loud crack of thunder. He could hear the rain pouring on the roof and the wind slamming twigs against the windows. Then, it came. Kaneki heard sobbing from the other room and immediately took action.
The white haired man springs up from the bed and rushes out of his bedroom. As the thunderstorm grew louder and more violent, the cries from the other room gradually became more panicked.
Kaneki barges into the bedroom where a small blond toddler is huddled in the middle of the bed with the duvet cover wrapped around him like a cocoon. Kaneki could see the red streaks left from the tears. Each time lightning danced across the sky, Hide curled into himself more.
“Hey, it’s okay. Shh Shh Shh. Hide, it’s okay, I’m right here.” Kaneki coos while cradling Hide in his arms and swaying side to side. One hand is holding Hide by his bottom and the other is securing Hide’s face against Kaneki’s shoulder.
“Neki…” Hide whines followed by a few sniffles.
“Shh. Shh. Shh.” Kaneki feels Hide relax in his arms and smiles. “Come stop your crying, it will be alright. Just take my hand and hold it tight. I will protect you from all around you. I will be here, don’t you cry.”
Hide seems to enjoy Kaneki’s singing and nuzzles into Kaneki’s neck. Kaneki is forever grateful for Hinami forcing him to watch Tarzan with her all the time. Kaneki walks around the room a bit but makes sure to stay away from the window. Kaneki takes in a deep breath and continues singing.
“For one so small, you seem so strong. My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm. This bond between us can’t be broken. I will be here, don’t you cry. Because you’ll be in my heart. Yes, you’ll be in my heart. From this day on, now and forever more. You’ll be in my heart. No matter what they say. You’ll be here in my heart…” Kaneki kisses the sleeping blond’s forehead gently and sits down on the floor. Kaneki’s back is leaning against Hide’s bed, and Kaneki grabs the bed cover to wrap around them. The storm outside has become gentle and less threatening. Hide mumbles in his sleep and tugs on Kaneki’s shirt as he snuggles closer to the white haired man. Kaneki chuckles and hugs Hide closer to him.
“…always.” Kaneki whispers.
Kaneki closes his eyes and let’s himself drift off to sleep.
