Title: Glassy Sky aka 17 Plans to Delete and Comeback
Category: Anime/Manga » Bleach
Author: TarthEyes
Language: English, Rating: Rated: T
Genre: Romance/General
Published: 09-23-10, Updated: 12-13-10, Re-master Version: 09-04-2018
Chapters: 02: Lovers, Words: 3,442

Music: Lovers (Naruto) - Amalee (English Ver)

Glassy Sky

a.k.a.17 Plans to Delete and Comeback

Disclaimer: Bleach does not belong to me, unfortunately.

My previous fanfic was betaed by Chancewriter and there are some excerpts of it, so credit is in order.

Warning: This story is an alternative version of my original fanfic 17 ways of Erase and Rewind (no need to read to understand), but I have decided to update the story trying to follow the original Bleach manga now that has ended… well, it ended in 2016, but I just read it. So just as a heads up: SPOILER of all 685 chapters below.

Also, some warning on Hiyori's language, because you know, Hiyori.

We've been through the worst of it, you and I

I look back on long and lonely nights

From this moment on,

You don't need to hide away

When you are afraid,

Not anymore

Like a child, I held you tightly

Let me near, holding your hand in mine

I decide, then and there,

Although it's unclear what awaits

I yell out today into the summer sky

Chapter 2: Lovers

The sky was running high and low with the passing of the days… sunrise and sunset. The sun was high in the sky a second and in the next, the moon was lighting the dark night of the Seretei.

Hirako Shinji usually didn't think about such frivolous situations as the weather, but it has been a week since the battle in Karakura ended and the so-facto leader of the Vizards had been stranded in this room in the 4th Squad Medical building, and frankly, he was driving himself mad.

He sighed loudly still looking towards the sky and the Blonde tried his best to escape the ruckus he heard in the very packed room behind him, that was supposed to be a recovery room.

Tch if Hiyori were awake she'd be barking and hitting these people high and low all over the place for the noise they are making. Well, on a second thought if the monkey was awake, I'll be getting my ass kick for having brought her to Soul Society

The girl in question had been sleeping at the same time he had been stocked in this place. Never leaving her side for more that it was necessary, even when all the Vizards and some medical staff had tried their best to make him rest, eat or sleep. After her injury and Urahara's "procedure" he couldn't ignore this weird feeling on his chest that made his heart ache. Every single day that passed, he could feel his growing unsettlement getting stronger. As it was to be expected he wasn't the only one in this situation, he could feel Lisa's concern, Love's anxiety, Roses' melancholy and even Kisuke's guilt just to mention a few.

So, Shinji did what he did best in situation such as this, no that the literal bifurcation of the woman he loved was a common occurrence, but every single time in his life when he had encountered a crossroad that he couldn't easily overcome, he usually decided to get the fuck out of the road: Denial, best defense mechanism. That was one of the reasons why it took so long for him and Hiyori to become a thing; Both blondes were horrible at confrontation when it came to deep routed feelings.

Basically, the ex-Captain's plan was to play the role of host and use all the incoming visitors as a particular distraction of what was really happening. Obviously, the gossip about them, the Vizards, hadn't taken long to divulge in the entire Soul Society and old acquaintances and strangers alike were very eager to know more about this falsely accused group of Shinigami/Hollow hybrids, that translated in high traffic into the "Severe Injuries" room.

Some guests were more welcome than others; Ukitake Jūshirō was a glass of warm milk on a stormy afternoon. The highly respected Captain was apologetic and kind to all the Vizards, introduce his squad member Kuchiki Rukia, a raven-haired pretty little thing that was trailing behind him, he offered his division barracks as dormitories to the group and he stayed talking to Shinji about the positive prognosis he was expecting of Hiyori. The sickly man actually made the ex-Shinigami feel at home, as the time hadn't really passed, and this was just another Taichous meeting, business as usual.

On the other hand, there were visitors he had loaded. Biggest example: Kyōraku Shunsui. His antagonistic feelings were a shock to Shinji, he had always liked the curly haired man while he was in the Gotei 13, but the old Captain had come to visit at the same time as Ukitake bringing a singular gift that made his blood boil: flowers, more specific roses.

Hiyori hated roses and Shinji; Shinji hated Kyōraku for bringing it.

What the hell was he thinking to give that kind of present to his girl? The good part was that the little blonde in the bed will never have to know about it since his tall protector was going to shred every single one of them in the second the 8 Division Taichou left the building. The bad one was the racy comment the old Captain had said to him in a very matter of fact tone.

"Hiyori-chan looks so grown up and she's become such a beautiful young woman." He said looking at her sleeping form as he raised a wiggling eyebrow. Shinji thanked every god he knew that Lisa had hit him first before he had the opportunity to grab his zanpakutō and run it through Kyōraku's alcohol-soaked body. Those words were NOT meant to describe Hiyori, especially not voiced by another man.

The nerve he had to talk about her in that way in front of him. If any of his fellow Vizards had ever dared to call him a womanizer, they did not have an accurate memory of Kyōuraku Shunsui. Red roses for a sick person… how idiotic. For a sick person, there were lilies or daisies. Red roses were for lovers, and that Captain wannabe Casanova was not Hiyori's lover. That job was already occupied by him.

"I haven't seen this little girl in so long. I'm very excited to catch up with Hiyori-chan. We should definitely try to wake her up" He said approaching the bed.

"Aho!" both Lisa and his current Fukutaichou – a mini Lisa – hit him for his lack of tact, "About what exactly do you needed catch up with her?"

"No need to be so cold Nanao-chan, Lisa-chan." and a very loud argument broke out, with Ukitake apologizing in Shunsui's name to a rose-carrying Shinji.

"Good night, everyone." A sweet voice came from the door. Unohana Retsu approached the room followed by Kotetsu Isane. "I'm afraid you guys are a little crowded and too festive." Her motherly eyes completely closed and a smile that could kill an army stretched across her pretty face. "I think that if you are interested in seen Hiyori-san you'll have to wait until she's awake, and not come by all at the same time."

Shinji could swear he notice a triumphant smirk on Hiyori's sleeping face, but when he did a double take the expression wasn't there anymore. He approached the bedside table and left unceremoniously the bucket of roses behind, paying attention to the Medical Captain at the door as she continued

"I'm glad to see many people care for her well-being, but now is time to say good bye." The Taichou said, moving her arms to indicate that people should get out. Nobody moved a muscle.

"We are thankful for your concerned Unohana-san," Love pointed out to the female Captain, "But we'll be fine, we don't need the rest. Hiyori comes fir– "

"Everyone… out." The healer sweetly said. "Please." Everyone who was steating down came to their feet and the ones standing up were heading towards the door in a matter of seconds. "Thank you, have sweet dreams." She spoke charmingly.

All occupants of the room had complied with the request except for Shinji, Urahara and the 4th division Taichou and Fukutaichou that still remained at the door. The light blonde who wore a green hat got up from the chair he was sitting on, put a hand on Shinji's shoulder and spoke to the air.

"Let me know when she wakes up," he whispered very low. Shinji knew Kisuke was troubled by Hiyori wellbeing, but if it came to the two of them, even if he felt bad for the inventor, he would be the one who'd be staying in the room to watch over the unconscious girl.

Isane crossed the threshold and approached Shinji.

"I'll let Lemura-san know you'll be staying tonight again. Is it okay to bring you a blanket or do you prefer a bed?"

"A blanket will be nice," Shinji said looking directly into her eyes, "Thank you for everything." He finished.

Both women smiled sympathetically towards the man and walked away leaving the door closed.

For the second time tonight, he did a double take on Hiyori's face. Was she frowning in her dreams? Nah! He was openly losing his mind from the exhaustion, he was sure.

He pulled the chair that was to the side of the bed and placed it closer to the sleeping girl. The blonde male sat down and tousled his hair. He was very tired and even if he could deny it to everybody, his body ached with exhaustion. Shinji moved his neck to ease the pressure of those very tense muscles, while he closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair. He could feel the sleep deprivation dragging him into a world of dreams and nightmares.

But remembering where he was and the fact that he was there watching Hiyori recover, he re-opened his eyes and looked at the object of his love in the face. She was lying down facing the ceiling, with no expression on her closed eyes, her blonde hair all down with no pigtails in sight, a white kimono the 4th squad used for injured and a couple of sheets covering her now attached body. She'll be pissed when she wakes up. Shinji thought to himself. A Shinigami kimono, even if it isn't the typical shihakusho still smells like the Shinigamis. She will be furious, but the Chibi had it coming for not listening to me.

The ex-captain dedicated her a look of adoration. Nothing worked out the way they planned the night before, but it worked out in the end and that was all that matter. He stretched his right hand lazily to put in check, one of her rebellious bangs that had escaped the rest of her hair and he noticed it again. He was tired, he had already established that, but he wasn't completely bonkers. This time she had twitched her nose, her mouth and had scowled for a moment. What in the hell was the little shit doing?

Without a sound, he raised himself from the chair and walked towards the exit. He grabbed the handle and locked the door completely.

He re-faced the bed and spoke with a hidden laugh.

"You know, it's one thing if you think I'm bald and an idiot, but to take me as a blind man is a painful insult to my eagle eyes, Hiyori." He was talking to the air because no one answered to anything. "I know you're faking, stupid, so open those eyes".

Nothing, only blissful silence.

Shinji made his way back to the bed, but this time he stayed at the foot of it, not to the side where the bedside chair was positioned.

"Okay…If you're not listening to my good cop, you'll have to answer to my bad one."

He grabbed the sheets that were covering her tiny feet and pulled them gently to the side. He couldn't avoid a big smile when he caught the sight of her legs attached to her upper body, and with his long index finger, he started to tickle her feet.

Shinji looked at her face that was red for trying to hold out the laughter and after a couple of seconds she couldn't endure it anymore, so she gave in and began laughing.

"Cut…hahaha…It…Hahaha…hahaha, out…you dipshit…hahaha." Hiyori said in a hoarse voice moving her feet to the side trying unsuccessfully to run from his fingers. She was talking, laughing and moving, but her eyes weren't opened yet.

"Okay, I'll stop the moment you admit that you're faking." Obviously, he had already won this argument, but after everything the crazy blonde had put him through he deserved the recognition of the fact that she was wrong, and he was right.

"Drop dead!" She was really trying to run from his fingers, but she knew her normal strength wasn't there, so moving more than she was doing right now or even attempting to hit him would be virtually impossible, even shouting took a toll on her, but she didn't care. "Let me alone Shinji. I mean it."

He stopped his playful game the moment he heard her tone. "What crawled into you, Hiyori?"

Shinji chuckled, and her scowl went deeper between her eyebrows, but still, those eyes were tightly shut. "I don't want you here, get out!"

"Stop saying nonsense and open those eyes." He ordered, moving to sit in his chair to the side of her bed.

"Bite me."

"Keep going at it and I may do it" He taunted. Blushed freckled her cheeks. Well, at least he was getting somewhere.

He got it, he understood. Hiyori was angry and ashamed, it wasn't a surprise, this is who she was, and he was actually ready for her temper. Her recovering status would definitely be a challenge for her since this could be seen as a sign of weakness. It was a ridiculous notion, but he was sure it was going to be the natural state Sarugaki Hiyori would be having after waking up from something as serious as what happened and the only way for him to deal with her would be to stay at her side even if she didn't want to. "I made you speechless. What an honor, so open those eyes already, you're clearly awake."

"Go to hell! I am still comatose. Have more respect for a convalescing patient and fucking leave." She said rearranging the bed and the sheet to simulate she was indeed still sleeping.

Shinji sweat-dropped.

"I'm sure you're close to dead." He replied in a sarcastic, matter-of-fact way. "Stop being an immature brat and open those eyes, I want to have a conversation with you. Why don't you be a civilized person for once and act like a normal girl."

Shinji noticed her expression. Ok he overdid it, he could see it now, he had screwed up at the first opportunity with that 'normal' comment, but why couldn't she understand that he was dying to see if she was actually okay, that he wanted her and nothing else, that her being awake meant his world was awake and he didn't care if she thought she had screw up on the battle field and there was no need to hide from him even if she felt weak. He will have her and stand by her, no matter what.

She kept quiet again, but this time she wasn´t blushing, she was tightening her tiny fist in rage. Hiyori kept forgetting that he was a bastard, a dumbass and inconsiderate bastard.

"No response, eh? I guess I win again. Two out of two. I'm on a roll!" He bragged, trying to sound casual and making her talk again, as long as she was insulting him, she was doing fine.

More time pass and she wasn't moving or replying, so he would have to take more drastic measures.

"So, you are technically sleeping, right monkey?" If he was going to undo the damage he did, it would have to be fast, so his mind made up a simple, but effective plan.

"I already told you, stupid Shinji. I am unconscious and do not need people in here asking me questions. Read my lips and get out!" Her tone was annoyed and heated. She was getting madder by the minute.

He got up from the chair and moved somewhere. She knew he had moved because of the noise that furniture did when it was dragged, but because he hadn't spoken she couldn't guess where he was going.

Silence.

.

.

He had left her. Good, she thought feeling even more hurt in her heart that in her entire body. Selfish morons were not the kind of people she wanted in her life anyway. "Asshole," This time the offence was not being voiced in her head, but actually left her lips. A big, long list of things Shinji was, started to form in her mind when his voice made her jump.

"To be honest I don't think I deserve that last insult…" He told her bending next to the bed and a couple of inches apart from her face, his voice was low and filled with emotion "…I told ya once didn't I? You're stuck with me Chibi, I'll never ever leave ya. Even if I must fight you about it." he moved closer and captured her lips softly with his.

Even with the overwhelming feeling of him, she didn't open her eyes. On the contrary, Hiyori made a mental note not to open them ever again if it meant that he'd kiss her like that. A thousand of emotions passed between the two.

"I'm glad you're okay." He broke the kiss but stood inches apart from her face.

She didn't have enough, not of his kisses or his stupid touch.

"Shut up, Shinji," Hiyori said at him in an irritated tone and she grabbed the sides of his black kosode still not opening her eyes and pulling him into a second kiss.

The kiss broke off again after a few seconds, but he remained close by, with one leg in the bed and the other in the ground. His arms had encircled her tiny body with the most utter care and even though his position couldn't be more uncomfortable if he tried, Shinji wouldn't change this sensation for the world.

Out of nowhere, he felt a weak but well aimed slap was on his cheek. "That's for your name calling and your bossiness, stinking Baldy" Her eyes remained shut.

Shinji deadpan at her words, "That is the pot calling the kettle black".

She tried unsuccessfully to hit him in the head.

Yes, she was herself again.

They remained in this embrace for what it felt like hours, she nuzzled in his body and him caressing her hair and her back.

"You scared me once more, Hiyori." He whispered thinking not only about the events that transpired a week ago, but also the first time the girl was critically injured and transformed into a Hollow. He meant it as a statement, not as an accusation and the blonde only realized what he had said once it was out of his mouth.

"I know..." and she let the words trailed off as she pulled him closely hiding her entire face in his chest. Shinji pulled her even closer if that was possible.

She spoke as low and muffled as it was humanly possible "Umzoly"

He knew what she said and also knew better than pushed the subject. Shinji has known this brat for a long time and he wouldn't love her as much as he did if she wouldn't be wearing her heart on her sleeve in the least conventional way imaginable.

More time passed, and a comfortable silence and darkness ruled the barely lite room. None of them wanted this time to end, but Shinji could feel his body resenting the weird position he had chosen and with no other choice, he moved away from her to the chair, placing one of his hands in her lap.

"Baldy?" Hiyori uttered is a very sweet uncharacteristic manner and finally decided to open her honey looking eyes, and not only her mouth was smiling, but also her entire being.

"Mmm," He barely acknowledged, enjoying her calmness and intertwining his fingers into hers.

A very visible vein appeared on her forehead and her entire expression switched "Why am I dress like a useless Shinigami?!"

Shinji gulped.

"AND WHY IN THE NAME OF FREAKING GOD AM I IN SOUL SOCIETY OF ALL PLACES?"

He would have to think of a way to deescalate this situation fast because she had to take it easy and not to overexert herself, but it would be definitely a challenge since Hiyori was screaming her head off and didn't seem to be close to stopping.

This might be the only time he was grateful for her injuries because otherwise his poor hand that was meant to be holding hers would be even more broken that already was.

.

A/N:

Lovers: two people that will be together until the end of time, who love and cherish one another feelings and thoughts. Two people who are truly and deeply in love and can't stand being apart for so long. Two people who need each other every day, every minute, and every second.

Very difficult chapter for me to write, I am so eager to write the chapters from the Lost Shinigami Arc and the War with the Quincies, that chapters that go a little bit before are being very difficult to write.

Song from the beginning of the chapter: Lovers by LeeandLie, original song 7! (Naruto Shippuden Op 9).

Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter 😊, see ya in the next one

XOXO