I managed to be more productive on this one.
It seems the more schoolwork I have, the more inspiration I get. Let's see what will happen during the exams shall we?
Chapter 13 – I have decided
Hinamori's POV
Hinamori was sitting by Toshiro's bedside, his hand was still held tightly in hers. She looks at her childhood friend's face, and was glad when she saw a small smile resting on his lips. She knows he needs sleep, and after she talked to him she feel a huge weight lift of her chest.
He is alright, Toshiro is alright. She kept thinking to herself, the difference now is that she actually believes it. She knows Toshiro will pull through.
Momo leans forward on her seat and presses her lips to his forehead and let them linger there a few seconds, before settling back in the chair. She let her thoughts wander back to earlier that evening, and a shy smile made its way to her lips.
Flashback
With those thoughts Toshiro leant in the last bit and connected their lips in a soft slow kiss.
They both sighed into the kiss; finally after all these years he had dared to do what his heart had wished for. They could both feel the cold reiatsu of the young taicho surge through the room, signalling that the boy had lost a bit of his control.
They broke apart, but Hinamori let her forehead rest against Toshiro's. The room was silent for a short while before Toshiro opened his mouth to speak. "Are you okay, Momo? You are not hurt are you?" To this she shook her head. "Good." He smiled. "I couldn't forgive myself if you were."
Hinamori gave him a little peck on the lips and smiled at him. He then settled back into the bed and once again fell asleep.
End of flashback
I cannot believe it, we actually kissed. I hope he can take a break soon so we can go and visit obaa-san. Hinamori thought and looked at her boyfriend. She then shook her head and looked over to his sword. But he won't, not without being assured that nothing will happen while he is away.
Momo sighed and shifted her gaze from the sword to Toshiro once more. It did not look too horrible, but she knew what was hidden under the blanket and hospital gown. Right before she entered the room Rangiku had told her about Toshiro's two months recovery plan, and she was afraid he would overexert himself.
Baka, Shiro-chan never goes into something he doesn't think he can handle. She thought to herself. There is no way he will let his recovery get the best of him.
She lifted one of her hands and trailed her fingers lightly down his face and neck, down to his collarbone. When Toshiro shifted in the bed to move closer to her touch, she had to smile to herself. He might me older now, but his little kid shines through when he's asleep. She laughed softly to herself to make sure she wouldn't wake him, and let her hand travel up to Toshiro's cheek once more. This time she let it rest there instead of taking it away.
She, herself, hadn't gotten much sleep the past couple of days, and she soon felt her eyelids grow heavy and her head dipping forward. She stifled a little yawn and moved her torso forward on the bed. She removed her hand away from her boy's face and rested it under her head instead. She felt all the tension leave her body, and soon she was taken over by a blissful sleep.
Hitsugaya Toshiro's POV
The first thing Toshiro felt when he started to drift out of his sleep was warmth centred on his hand. He opened his eyes and saw Hinamori resting on the side of his bed. Her face was buried in the crook of her arm and a little smile graced her lips. He lifted his hand and stroked her over her hair lovingly.
She is still so… so pure. He thought. How can she stand all this? How can she be around all this and still keep her childish and happy-go-lucky attitude? The dragon in his mind answered him right away. It just means that she's had good people to keep her from the horrors of the world. It does, doesn't it? Toshiro thought.
His next train of thought was interrupted by someone entering the room. He looked up to see Ichigo standing in the door way. The orange haired boy's eyes were fixed on Toshiro's hand patting Hinamori's hair. He approached the bed carefully, one hand half raised as if to greet him. "Yo, Toshiro, How're you feelin'?"
Toshiro wanted to correct the mistake, but didn't get a chance before the other boy continued talking.
"You know, words are spreading. The whole mess with your recovery and all." The taller boy leaned against the wall next to Toshiro's headboard. "Why do you want to stress so much? You have time to take it easy."
Toshiro shook his head. Out of all people, I thought he would understand my rush. Toshiro turned his head towards Ichigo with eyes like ice.
"As a taicho I need to be ready at any time. I don't have any time to take it easy." The last words were said with venom, and Toshiro noted, to his satisfaction, that Ichigo looked a little frightened. "Besides," the taicho continued, "I have someone who needs me to be okay."
He looked lovingly down at Momo for a second, before returning his gaze to the orange-haired boy. "I would have thought that you would understand. You pushed yourself to get bankai in three days after all. Did not that have an important reason to do so?"
It seemed like Ichigo thought this over for a little while, really searching for an answer. "I guess I understand quite well why you are doing it." A little smirked crossed his face. "Then, there's no way I'll change your mind."
He tall man turned fully to Toshiro to deliver his next message. "Then I will help you!" He said finality in his voice. "Toshiro kept looking at him. What do you think, Hyourinmaru? Shall I let him help us? I wish to keep my road to recovery a secret from Seireitei. I do not want everyone to know where I am at, all the time.
The dragon was quick to answer. That is fully up to you little one, but I do think that you should tell him to wait if you wish to keep this a secret. He's trustworthy, but he does have a big mouth. Toshiro and the dragon laughed a bit together before Toshiro answered. "I will let you help me, but not now. When I am closer to where I wish to be, then I will let you, but not a moment earlier. Got it?"
Ichigo started at the taicho for a short while, and then answered. "Okay, if that's what you want. Just yell when I'm needed."
With that and a last words of "See you later, Toshiro" he left the room. Toshiro once again let his attention drift to the girl sleeping on his bed. He lent down and pressed a little kiss to her hair.
It is good to feel you so at peace little one. Especially in this situation, I know you do not like hospitals. Toshiro looked over to his sword by the bed and led one of his hands stretch for it so he could hold it for a while. He was feeling both the heat from Momo's body and the refreshing cold emitting from the sword. He liked having it really close while talking to the ice dragon, it always gave him a sense of really touching him, the real him.
I will get out of this prison soon and start my training. He felt the sword vibrate in his hand, the dragon was chuckling. And I will be with you every step of the way, and so will she. Toshiro knew who the dragon was referring to, and kept his eyes on the sword.
I believe in you, Toshiro. We both know that you can do what you put your mind to, just promise me that you will not lock any of your comrades out. Not everyone will understand it, we both know that.
Toshiro knew that Hyourinmaru was right, too much right for his own liking. I know, Hyourinmaru. I have gone through this many times before. Do you remember when I first entered the Gotei 13? The dragon and the boy decided not to go into details; they both knew it was a Pandora's Box. If it was opened to fully, it would not shut. Do not worry, little one. Just rest for now.
"I know your standing there, Kyuraku. You can come in now." He felt the sword in his hand vibrate once more, Hyourinmaru was amused. The door opened and there stood Kyoraku, hat and everything. "And here I thought I had hid my reatsu well." He entered the room and sat down on the bed, opposite of Hinamori. "We both know you can do better, Kyoraku. Now, what are you doing here? Is Ukitake-taicho alright?"
Kyoraku smiled at the younger taichio. He himself was so hurt, but he still worried about other's health. "No, Jushiro is fine. It is you I worry about, your body needs its rest now, Hitsugaya-taicho."
Kyoraku's POV
For a second Kyoraku could see ice in the younger man's stare, but it soon faded when a little shiver was elected from Hinamori-san. I see she still is his top priority. I would think that having her so close, and having Hyourinmaru near him is helpful as well.
"I do not mean any disrespect, taicho. I fully believe that you are strong enough to do anything you set your mind to, I just beg you to let others help you on your way." The older man got shocked when he saw the others reaction. He had expected Toshiro to get defensive and frustrated; he did not expect him to start laughing. "You are not the first one to tell me, Kyoraku. Nor will you be the last."
He is right, there are many who will tell him what to do now that he will starts recovery. "Do not worry about it. I have already promised that I will ask for help when needed. Besides, we both know that Ukitake, Matsumoto and Hinamori will not leave me alone."
The older man smiled. "Yes, I do worry that Ukitake will stress too much, we both know about his condition. We would not wish to have two captains in this ward, now would we?" Toshiro moved the sword to stand next to his bed again, before he answered. "No, I do think one at a time is enough."
"I know, Unohana already have visited you once and told you about your condition, but I do wonder. If you want to be a 100% after two months, when do you expect to be out of here?"
This question put a pondering look at Toshiro's face, but he was still quick to answer. "I will talk to her later, maybe I can convince her to let me go soon."
Kyoraku could see determination shine in his companion's eyes. I hope that he is not planning something stupid. We all know that he has no problem with pushing himself to reach his goal.
"Hitsugaya-taicho, I hope you do remember who you are dealing with. Unohana does not like to let a patient go before she is absolutely certain that they have reached a certain strength level."
The white haired man carefully repositioned himself on the bed so he sat more upright. Kyoraku could see the discomfort in his face as he moved. "Then I just have to reach that level fast then." He said. "I hope to be able to move freely around the room soon, maybe tonight or tomorrow. Then it will be easier to convince her to let me go."
"I really hope what you are doing, Hitsugaya. You have been badly hurt." Kyoraku wished to say more, but the other taicho cut him off there. "I really appreciate it, Kyoraku-taicho, but I ask you. Can we talk about something else? I am tired of discussing and analysing my condition."
The older man moved a bit closer and he also let his hand graze Hinamori's hair. "Well then, we can discuss this here." He said, letting his hand rest at the girl's head for a bit. "I know that she has been really stressed because of your injuries."
The taicho with the hat was a bit surprised to see a loving and warm smile spread on the other man's face. "She has, has she not?" He shakes his head. "She has always been that way. No matter how strong I get, or how much I protect her, she continues to worry about me."
"That is a true way to show ones affection." Kyoraku replies, but the other man's attention is back at the sleeping girl, so he does not notice that the statement was directed at him. "I know,'' he answers, ''She has always been there to make sure I do not freeze too much." He says. And you will always be there to make sure that the pressure of the world is off her shoulders. And that she can sleep safe and sound.
"I sense quite a difference in your approach to this subject, taicho. May it be that a status has changed?" Toshiro lifts his head again and gives the man a smile. "You would not ask, if you did not know the answer." He answers, and Kyoraku must laugh.
"Pardon me, but it seems the hospital makes me forget who I am talking to. I do have a feeling that you have gotten closer, I just think it would be nice to hear it from you." He winks.
A childish look cross the younger man's face before he answers. "Troublesome." He mutters to himself, then straightens and answers the man with a hint of pride. "Our feelings towards each other are mutual, yes."
"Even while sick, you still have such a mature way of answering questions. Do you never wish for a break?" The look on the white haired man's face falters and turns cold. "I have already discussed this with our friend, Ukitake. I wish to take Hinamori with me to a trip to visit Obaa-san, but I cannot. I have no time for rest, and if I do not begin with the paperwork soon I am afraid I never will be able to finish it all on time."
"I have a feeling you will see her sooner than you think." The man muttered before rising from his seat and walking towards the door. "Do you wish me to send Unohana-taicho in?"
Toshiro thought for a moment before answering. "Yes, I will need to discuss things with her. And I need Momo to know as well."
Kyoraku nodded, but Toshiro could not see the smile spreading across his face.
Unohana's POV
Unohana was walking in the hallways of the medicine building, when she saw Kyoraku walking towards her. "Good evening, Kyoraku-taicho. What are you doing wandering around in these halls, are you ill?" She asked her signature smile in place.
"Oh, no, no, Unohana-taicho, I am quite well, I was just visiting Toshiro. And I was in fact looking for you. Hitsugaya-taicho wishes to speak with you. It is about his training."
Unohana shakes her head, and start to walk again. He will never learn to rest properly. "I will go and see him at once, thank you for finding me Kyoraku-san." The man smiled and bowed his head.
"By all means, and Unohana," He added as an afterthought. "Hinamori is there with Hitsugaya, just to make you aware of it." Unohana just nodded. "Have a good day." She said just before turning a corner.
With such haste he will be in here for longer than necessary. I hope he will come to his senses soon. A slight smiled grazed her lips as she reached the other taicho's door. But all of us know he will never do what is best for him. He is too selfless to take the easy way.
Unohana pushed the door open, and was surprised with the sight that met her. In bed sat Hitsugaya, straight and barley resting against the headboard. One of his hands held one of Hinamori's and his other rested on her check. Hinamori was slightly lent forward so that their noses were brushing, and it was obvious that the boy was whispering something to the girl.
Unohana could only make out a few of the words that he said. She heard care, leave, ready, strong and love.
She cleared her throat to make her presence known. When the two shinigami turned their attention to her, she expected them to jump apart, but instead she noticed Hinamori's grip on Hitsugaya tighten. Unohana smiled softly and made her way over to the bed.
"Kyoraku-taicho told me you wished to speak to me." She said, smiling a too sweet smile.
"That is correct." Hitsugaya answered. "I would like to know when I can start my training." He angled his body so it was turned more towards Unohana, and more away from Hinamori.
The sickening smile dissevered form Unohana's face when she heard the question. "There is a time that I would like keep you here, and then there is the time for how long you have to stay." She made sure to hurry on, before the other taicho could interrupt her. "When you are able to get up all by yourself it is safe for you to leave this hospital, but I would have preferred it if you stayed a week. At least a week."
The white haired man did not need long to answer. "And what would to qualify as getting up?" He asked.
I hope he understands that there is no way I am letting him out of here yet. He needs to wait a few more days before he can leave.
"You will have to get out of bed on your own." She answered, without missing a beat. The other seemed to think about this, to actually consider the options. "Thank you, Unohana-taicho. I have just one more question." The taicho said. "When will the next check-up be?"
"I would like to go through a new examination either tomorrow or the day after that." The woman with long raven hair answered.
She expected him to start trying to get up immediately, but instead he turned his body back towards Hinamori, and slid down in the bed so he was lying on his back. "Thank you, Unohana-taicho. Then I hope I will be able to do that soon."
Unohana took the hint and nodded at them both, wishing them goodnight, before she left the room.
Hitsugaya Toshiro's POV
"I am glad you decided to rest a bit longer, Toshiro. I don't want you to hurt yourself." Hinamori told him right after Unohana left the room.
"Baka, I need more time before I am able to keep myself up." After saying that his eyes softened and he raised his free and to run it down Momo's cheek. "Thanks for worrying about me, Momo." He smiled at her, and she smiled back.
Later the same night, after Hinamori had fallen asleep, Toshiro carefully let his hand slip out of hers and scooted towards the other side of the bed.
What are you planning on doing, little one. The dragon asked him as Toshiro carefully sat up again. I want to see if I am able to get out of this bed on my own. The dragon chuckled lightly, a hint of worry obvious in the sound. I knew you never would wait as she requested. The dragon spoke. I told her I would try later, this is later. The shinigami answered.
Very slowly Toshiro shifted his weight so he could move his legs to the edge of the bed and let them drop over it. He then carefully put more and more pressure on them, feeling the rest of his body protest at the action. Master I beg you, do not be rash. Let your body heal more.
Even though he felt exhausted Toshiro managed to straighten himself up. Do not worry, Hyourinmaru. I am well.
Just as he said this he felt his legs starting to shake and he supported himself again his sword. Feeling the dragon's cool presence surround him, easing the pain out of his muscles.
Rest now, little one. The dragon thought as Toshiro settled back in bed. We will try again tomorrow.
Toshiro's hand once again settled itself in Momo's before he drifted off to sleep.
Thanks for reading, and I hope to get more up soon
Reviews feed the muse and flames will be used by Sou-taicho Yamamoto for chores instead of Ryujin Jakka