Sky of Glass - Tokyo Ghoul [Reader x Hide]

Chapter Twenty-Four: I'll Bleed Red for You

~from Kaneki's POV 2nd person~
You stood in the shadows, watching (y/n) as she single-handedly warded off an attack from two CCG members before killing both of them with quick, efficient strokes of her kagune. When they fell, she watched them, her gaze lingering on their sprawled bodies before looking back up towards the transport vehicle, bringing her focus back to the mission.
Aogiri wants (Y/n) because she has some power. She's a useful tool for them. The only reason I'm allowed to stick around...
You caught movement out of the corner of your eyes and pivoted, leaping out of the shadows and landing somewhat nimbly behind (Y/n), spreading your arms wide as one of the fallen CCG members lifted his gun. With a bang, his gun recoiled, and it fell from his limp hand, the gun landing half a pace away.
...is because I help keep this little butterfly safe.
You turned to make sure (y/n) was all right, and her eyes first met yours, then were drawn to the blossom of red that stained the chest area of your shirt. Then her eyes met yours again for a second longer than previously before she turned and looked away, focusing, yet again, on her assignment.
Although it may have seemed callously harsh of her, you were getting better at reading her "new" self. She rarely talked, shrouding her thoughts in mystery, and used subtle glances to convey her feelings. While she hadn't said as much in words, you were sure that (y/n) had asked if you were okay and thanked you for jumping in to protect her back even though one bullet probably wouldn't have killed her. But what's an older brother for? Please...rely on me, (y/n)...
You returned to the shadows, your eyes still following (y/n)'s every move, and waited for her to finish up. Once she was done rescuing an Aogiri prisoner or whatever it was that she was helping Ayato with (you weren't high enough on the chain of command to be given any details; you just got thrown into it and tried to manage), you walked over, talking her hand and holding it for a moment. You're not alone...
"Hey, if it isn't Twig," Ayato said, turning and smirking at you.
Ah...Ayato. How did I almost miss him? you wondered, hating him more deeply than you'd ever hated anyone else before. All he did was belittle you, calling you every variation of the word "weak" and treating you like the annoying tagalong sibling of a close friend. Which, now that I think about it...You paused. Am I an annoying tagalong sibling? No! No...But I wouldn't call Ayato and (y/n) friends exactly...
You frowned at Ayato, letting go of (y/n)'s hand. As expected, she didn't give any sign that she'd noticed your gesture, but you hoped that she felt it on some level. "Please stop, Ayato," you said, slightly upset as always, and, also as always, Ayato just smirked.
"What's that I hear? A bird? No, you're lower than a bird. You're a worthless stick. You don't make any sounds. Don't think that you can talk to me, you lowly-"
"Please stop, Ayato," (y/n) whispered, placing her hand on Ayato's wrist, and he looked over at her in surprise, all of the inherent evil sliding off his face and being replaced with a look akin to...understanding? Holy crap, are they friends? Did I miss something?
Then Ayato made an annoyed sound and snatched his wrist away, crossing his arms as he faced away from the two of you. "Whatever. You think I'll stop just because you told me to, Princess?" Despite acting all miffed, he didn't insult you for at least another ten minutes, which was an all-time record for him, giving you time to get back to Aogiri's main branch's new location in glorious silence.
Once there, however, (y/n) had to leave you to go talk with some creepy guy named Noro. As soon as she was gone, Ayato turned on you, slamming his hands on either side of you against the wall as he leaned in. "I can't believe I have to work with such a weak wuss like you. You need your sister to protect you, huh? Can't survive without her to save you?"
"Stop it," you implored yet again, but Ayato was relentless in her verbal attacks.
"You're worse than Aogiri. They're using her, but she knows that she's being used. With you...you're using her as a shield, but she'll never think anything of it because you're her blood. You'll just keep growing like a parasite on her side-"
"Hang on," you interrupted. "What do you mean, worse than Aogiri? If you don't like them, then why are you here?"
Ayato gave you an exasperated look. "Yeah, because I'd ever tell a maggot like you anything?"
You frowned at him, having to tilt your head up a little bit. "Why are you concerned so much about (y/n)? And I am not using her as a shield."
"Concerned about her? Who, me? Get real, kid."
"Ayato, I'm older than you by at least four years."
"And you're still nothing much a twig." The two of you stared each other down until Ayato noticed (y/n) watching the two of you.
"What is it?" he asked, sounding almost defensive. "Are you going to tell me to stop?"
"No," she said softly, and you could have sworn you saw a flicker of a smile. You tried to imagine the scene from how she saw it. Ayato, his arms placed on either side of you, looking angry or passionate. You, tilting your head up and watching him with close eyes. "It just looks like you're confessing to Kaneki, Ayato."
With sudden surprise, he looked at you and swore, taking a hasty step away and...was he blushing just a little?
"Um, please...Ayato," you said, scratching the back of your head. "I'm sorry I didn't realize. It's just that...how do you say this...As far as I know, I'm straight. So I'm sorry-"
"IDIOT," Ayato said, glaring at you at he insulted you through bared teeth. "YOU'RE SUCH AN IDIOT, KANEKI. GO AND DIE."