Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bleach in any way! All copyrights of this series goes to Tite Kubo.

Author's Note: Gah, an early update! Special thanks goes to my awesome reviewers: King of Heroes, yumi-2121331, michiHitsugaya, serenity095, AznInvasionGirl, icyangel27, Epoch95, Samantha, HoneyFlower15, MoonLightView, Ulquipopx, chococat450, tanithhh, Kaye. Shirogane, Neko-cheung, monkeywinz, KnowledgeandImagination, applestoapples, athfdrizzle, DestinedDuelist893 (x12), cool!, Little riding hood, and j cloud xD. Without any further adieu, here is chapter fifteen. Enjoy!

LEGEND

"Talking." "Thinking." Flash Back.

The Healing Heart

Part II - Hardships and Love

Chapter Fifteen: Supporter

The next few days went along fairly quickly and smoothly for Toshiro. Just as he planned, he is able to balance his work time, school time, and his time with his friends nicely. What's even more better is that his secret with Momo has not been found out by Rangiku or anyone else. "Hitsugaya!"

The fourteen year old teenager raised his head and noticed the soccer ball heading toward him. Upon capturing the spherical object with his foot, he scanned the area to see the locations of his allies and his opponents. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Renji running towards the goal. "Take this!"

Sensing danger, he lifted the ball into the air and over his head. Figuring out that he's backtracking, Toshiro's opponent ran the other direction. Letting out a smirk on his face, the young prodigy heel kicked the ball back over his head and landed right in front of him. With no one in his way, he ran toward the goal.

"Abarai!" Toshiro shouted as he kicked the ball high across the field and above everyone's heads.

The red headed teenager let out a grin. Once he went into the crowd of two other soccer players, he leaped into the air and headbutted the ball toward the net. However, the goalie has already anticipated the move and punched it off course. Just when he thought he is able to relax, Hitsugaya got in the way. "Shit!"

With a single hand to support his weight on the ground, he kicked the ball into the lower left corner of the net. The referee whistled, calling the goal valid. "Yosh, that's the way!" Hisagi exclaimed as Renji and Toshiro glanced at one another. They gave each other faint smiles, congratulating each other of their teamwork.

"There's still some time left until the game is over," Hitsugaya said.

"Let's keep up the pace!" Renji said.

Just as he walked off, the white haired teenager let out a sigh. "Somebody has it way over his head."

Hisagi let out a hesitant laugh. "Hey, at least his head is into the game."

"More or less..."

The practice game ended on a positive note for both sides. There are still a few improvements that needed to be done, but they're generally ready for the district tournament. "That was a good game," Kira said to his companions who are in the middle of changing back into their school uniforms.

"Oh hell yeah!" Renji exclaimed. "I can't wait for the tournament to start!"

"If he continues to act all energized, you're not going to have anymore energy to use by then," Hitsugaya stated as he closed his locker.

As he is fixing his red tie, Abarai replied, "You should learn how to let loose. You're always making moves as if they're not hard to do at all."

"Hn, really now?"

"Don't act so modest; it's obvious that you're a genius at everything you do."

"Now settle down Abarai-kun," Kira said.

Hitsugaya gave the red headed teenager a short glare. Shortly, he walked over to the door and said, "Well it goes to prove that I've been working hard to get where I am now."

With that said, the white haired teenager left the changing room, leaving the other teenagers behind. "Oi, what was that about?" Renji asked.

"He's probably just pointing out that he works hard," Kira said.

"He does work hard," Hisagi agreed. "I've seen him a few times practicing with his soccer ball during lunch or on his way to school."

"So, that's why you invited him into the team."

"Not only that; I heard from the teachers that he's been getting very good grades despite being a few years younger than his classmates."

"Come to think of it, Hinamori-kun has mentioned that Hitsugaya is the type of person who doesn't think of himself as a genius."

Renji scratched the back of his neck. "He's one strange kid."

Kira closed his locker. "Let's hurry up or else we'll be late for the morning lecture."

The other two teenagers nodded with agreement. Hisagi said, "Yeah, let's go."

Toshiro took his seat behind the desk and let out a sigh. Morning soccer practice has definitely exhausted him mentally and physically. He wondered why did the coach had to set up early morning practices like this? But then again, there is no use complaining about it. Besides, he's in the soccer team for the reason of having some fun and relaxation. "Morning Hitsugaya!" exclaimed a cheery voice.

"Oi Matsumoto, shouldn't you be at your class?"

"Now that's mean to say," she replied, pulling up a chair to sit down on. "Is that how you're supposed to behave to your old friend?"

"Uruse, just leave me alone. I'm tired."

"Eh, you're tired? Now that's a first."

"No really?" he asked. Even though he said that, there is no way he is going to let her know about the hardships he's experiencing. "Everyone have to go through through this one way or another."

"Ohayo," said a familiar voice. "Ah Rangiku-san, should you be in your class right now?"

They turned their heads to the side to see the raven haired girl standing in between them. "Morning Hinamori," Matsumoto greeted. "How are you today?"

"I-I'm doing fine." She then turned to Toshiro. "Ohayo Hitsugaya-kun."

He slowly gave her a nod. "Ohayo..."

As she watched the two teenagers exchange a few words, a smile crept up on her face. Seeing them get along with one another, gave the strawberry orange haired woman an impression that it's possible for things to appear more than meets the eye. Suddenly, the school bell rung. "Well, it's time for me to go. I'll see you later."

"Okay, ja ne Rangiku-san," Momo said.

"Later."

Once she left the classroom, Hinamori resumed her attention to the thirteen year old only to notice he's yawning. "Are you alright?"

"Hn, oh...yeah," he sleepily replied. "I'm just tired."

Momo got worried. "By any chance, did you work late last night?"

"I did, but it's nothing. Besides, I have to work or else I won't have enough money to pay for my debts."

Then, she remembered about the handkerchief. After taking her seat at her desk, she placed her bag on the desk and opened it. Taking out the blue cloth, she held it out to him. "This is yours. I forgot to give it back to you the other day."

He extended his hand out and accepted her offer. "You didn't have to wash it."

"Iie, it's the least I can do for you. Also...if it's alright with you, I-I packed a lot of food to eat. So, would you help eat some of the food with me?"

Toshiro gave her a stern look. "You just had to go through such lengths for me, didn't you? I already told you that I can take care of myself!"

"But Hitsugaya-kun, I am only trying to help! Besides, you can't do everything on your own! It's only going to wear you out over time!"

"That doesn't matter; just say out of my business!"

"Hitsugaya-kun, Hinamori-kun," interrupted a voice.

They turned their heads to the front of the classroom to see their teacher and their surrounding classmates staring at them. "Ah sensei!" the peach girl exclaimed. "W-We're sorry for disturbing the class."

The teacher let out a sigh of defeat and said, "It's nice to see that you two are getting along with one another. However, talking to the point where you completely forgot that you're supposed to be paying attention to the front, it's unacceptable. With that said, stand outside the classroom and listen to the rest of the lecture."

Momo lowered her head and replied, "Hai."

Quietly leaving her seat, Hinamori began walking across the back of the class and headed towards the back door. At the same time, Hitsugaya put his hands into his pants pocket and did the same. Soon, the two students walked out the classroom together, hearing their classmates giggling at them.

When they leaned against the wall outside the class, the peach girl let out a sigh of defeat. "That was embarrassing..."

"Isn't that obvious?" Toshiro asked. "You practically got me in trouble."

"What does that supposed to mean?" She then folded her arms over her chest. "You're the one who raised your voice."

"But it's your fault for getting me distracted!" he snapped. "Now, the other students in our class probably thinks the both of us are dating or something!"

The two friends shot each other glares before their eyes finally turned away from one another. They didn't exchange words for the next few minutes, busy reflecting upon their actions. He should have just accepted her offer rather than push her away. It's normal for a girl to worry after he explained his current situation to her. He let out a silent sigh, mentally frustrated over the fact that he snapped at her. Why did he go that far to reject her offer like that?

As for Momo, she felt guilty for getting in his way. She should have known better that Hitsugaya is not a child anymore. She keeps telling herself that he's old enough to take care of himself, yet she doesn't swallow her words. She should respect his decisions and let him do whatever he wants. Besides, he's living the way he wants to live.

"Sorry, I just overreacted," Hitsugaya apologized. "You were only trying to help."

It is when she too said sorry, "It's alright; I'm sorry too for being such a worrywart."

"About lunch, I don't mind eating some of yours. Besides, I didn't really have the chance to pack my own for today..." Toshiro let out a smirk. "...as long as you keep a lookout on the teacher while I sleep in during the afternoon lectures."

Hinamori let out a smile. "It's a deal."

By the time the lunch bell rang, students of Seireitei High School started leaving their classrooms to do their own thing during their free time. While Hitsugaya is packing his notebooks into his bag, Hinamori turned her body to him and suggested, "Let's go eat lunch outside. It's a good day today."

Taking a look at the weather through the window, he found it to be exactly what Momo says. He closed his bag and hung it on the side of his desk. Upon resuming his attention to the older teenager, Toshiro stood up from his seat to put his hands into his pants pockets. He said, "It's fine with me."

With that said, Hinamori walked by his side as they walked out of the classroom, out the school building, and into the great outdoors. When she appeared to find a spot, she stopped walking to take a look at it. Loving the idea of sitting under a large tree and having a small gathering, Momo turned around and smiled at Toshiro. "This looks like a good place to sit. Let's eat here."

The thirteen year old merely shrugged his shoulders feeling indifferent about the decision she made. The two friends sat under the tree shade. As Hitsugaya had his hands together behind the back of his head, he leaned against the trunk while watching Hinamori unpack her lunch. She held out a thin contain full of rice balls.

"Here you go."

Letting go of his hands, Hitsugaya picked up a rice ball and took a moment to analyze it. To him, everything appears to be normal. The only thing he has to worry about is the taste. He took a bite and began chewing on his food.

As she waited for him to finish swallowing his food, the peach girl asked, "So, how is it?"

Toshiro then raised an eyebrow at her. "The reason you're asking me that question is because you made it, didn't you?"

Once again, his guess is correct. "Well, yeah...I want to know what you think about it."

"It's...good," he replied. "At least it's better than the last batch of food you made me three years ago."

Momo made a face. "What does that supposed to mean? Were you worried that my cooking tastes the same or have gotten worse?"

Hitsugaya took another bite out of his rice ball, chewed, and swallowed his food down. "There's nothing wrong with considering that possibility to happen."

"Mou..."

"I'll give you this much; at least it's better than Matsumoto's."

Hinamori quickly placed a hand over her mouth and let out an almost suppressed giggle. "You have a point there."

Once they are done their meal, for the rest of the time, they relaxed. As she watched a few students talk with another, others are playing American football. She let out a content sigh, feeling good about this moment of stress relief. All of a sudden, she felt something lean against her right shoulder.

When her eyes turned its attention to what's there, Momo let out a smile. Leaning against her is the white haired teenager, who has suddenly fallen asleep due to exhaustion. He has worked hard to keep things under control. He deserves this rest even if it's only for a little while. With her hands on his shoulders, she gently moved his body carefully so that he doesn't wake up. She let him sleep on her lap.

From time to time, she caressed her fingers through his snowy white hair so that she can see his sleeping face. When was the last time she saw him rest so peacefully without any worries clouding his thoughts? The answer to that question would be never. He has never allowed any opportunity to let anyone see him like this. So for him to show this side to her, it proves their close relationship.

"Shiro-chan..."

"Wake up sleepy head," said a voice. "It's time for you to wake up."

He opened his emerald-teal eyes and blinked a few times to see his older sister's face close to his own. Seven year old Toshiro felt his cheeks heat up a bit and quickly jerked back. "M-Miyuki, don't do that!"

Giving him some distance to sit up, the brown haired nine year old girl let out an amused giggle. "That trick always works on you."

Hitsugaya folded his arms over his chest and frowned at her.

The older sibling placed an arm around the back of his neck and rested on his shoulder. After pulling him close, she said, "I'm sorry little brother for teasing you like that."

Fortunately for her, it didn't take long before he cracked a smile on his face. "How can I stay mad at you? You're my older sister; it's your job to pick on your younger brother sometimes."

"You got that right. Anyway, did you have a nice nap?"

After a short moment of thinking, he nodded with agreement. "Yeah, I did thanks to you."

She let out a smile. "That's good to hear. Now, let's go to the kitchen to see what Oto-san and Okaa-san are cooking up for dinner."

"Hai."

Just as Toshiro stood up from the sofa, Miyuki did the same only to soon loose her balance and topple onto the white haired boy. The two siblings came crashing onto the floor together. "It-t-te! What was that about, Onee-chan?" Hitsugaya asked, looking back at her.

The older Hitsugaya placed a hand on the back of her neck and let out a hesitant laugh. She replied, "Oops, my legs must have fallen asleep after letting you sleep on my lap. Are you alright, Itoto-chan?"

However, he didn't reply to her question. Instead, he burst out with laughter. "That's why you collapsed on me? Sheesh, you must be the most clumsiest sister a brother could ever ask for."

Thinking back to what she has done, Miyuki too started laughing. "Wow, you're probably right about that one! I really did look like a cults back there, didn't I?"

They turned their bodies around so that they can sit on their bottoms. "She sure did."

"Miyuki-chan! Toshiro-chan!" their mother cried out after entering the living room to find her children on the floor together. "What happened here?"

"Daijobou Okaa-san, I just tripped and fell onto Toshiro by accident which soon lead to the both of us falling onto the ground," the older sibling replied. "Don't worry; neither of us are hurt."

The mother placed a hand over her chest and let out a sigh of relief. "Be careful next time, okay you two?"

They nodded with agreement. "Hai Okaa-san!"

Once the parent left the living room, the siblings looked at one another and soon giggled. With a smile on her face, Miyuki picked herself off the ground to brush the dust off her clothes. She then extended a hand out to Toshiro. "Let's go, Itoto-chan."

Smiling back at her, he accepted her offer by taking hold of her hand with his own. "Hai Onee-chan."

When he finally opened his eyes, the first thing that came to view is the face of the raven haired girl. Momo said, "Hey Hitsugaya-kun, you're finally awake."

Being so close to him, he couldn't help, but give her a stern look. Totally forgetting about the dream he just had, the white haired teenager commanded, "Get out of my face."

When the peach girl gave him some distance, Toshiro sat up and looked around. He saw students walking back inside the building. "The school bell just rung. It's time for us to go back inside."

He lowered his head for a moment before placing a hand on the grass and slowly stand up. After brushing some dirt off of his pants, he put his hands into his pockets. With him turned away from the girl, he mumbled, "Thanks Hinamori..."

Momo blinked, trying to make out what he just said. She asked, "Sorry, what did you say?"

Glancing over his shoulder, he gave her a staring look and replied, "I said let's go or else we're going to be late for class."

As he is walking away, Hinamori tilted her head off to the side. She could have sworn that he said something different.

"Oi Bed-Wetter, hurry up already!"

In response to her nickname, Momo quickly stood up and started catching up to him. With a pout on her face, she said, "Mou, stop calling me that! I'm not a bed-wetter!"

The bell rung, signaling students that the school day has ended. "Oi Hitsugaya! Hinamori!" Rangiku exclaimed, running up to the white haired teenager and the raven haired girl, who are changing their shoes at the shoe locker room. "Let's hang out together!"

Toshiro closed his locker and draped his bag over his shoulder. "Sorry Matsumoto, I already have plans scheduled. I can't hang out with you today."

"Eh, again?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "You do understand that you've been saying that way too many times these days."

"The reason I keep saying it is because you always seem to forget that I'm not available on weekdays."

"I completely understand that on some days, you have soccer practice, but what do you do on the other days?"

"He has work," Momo answered her question in thought, watching the two former neighbours interact with one another.

Hitsugaya lowered his head. Walking past the strawberry orange haired teenager, he lied, "My parents said that we're going to see my father's sister to celebrate her birthday."

"Oh...okay then," Rangiku said. However, she knew he's not telling her the truth. It's written all over his face. "I guess it can't be helped."

"I need to get going or else I'm going to be late."

"Alright, see you."

"Ja ne."

Once Toshiro left the two girls alone, Matsumoto turned to the younger teenager and asked, "Hinamori, do you know what is going on in Hitsugaya's life right now?"

It is Momo's turn to lower her head. She didn't want to lie to her, but she didn't want to break her promise to him. Noticing that she is having a difficult time replying back to her, she knew her answer is a yes. She placed a hand on the younger girl's shoulder, getting her attention.

With a smile on her face, the strawberry orange haired woman said, "He asked you to keep quiet, didn't he?"

"I'm sorry Rangiku-san..." she apologized.

"It's alright; I have a pretty good idea why he wouldn't tell me. He did not want me to worry about him, am I right?"

Hinamori slowly nodded with agreement.

She then let out a sigh of defeat and placed her hands on her hips. "Aren't you the lucky girl to find out the behind the scenes in Hitsugaya's life? Were you stalking him?"

Momo shook her head. "I-I saw what he was really doing. When he found out, he told me the truth."

Noticing that the seventeen year old is giving her a look, Hinamori raised her hands up in front and began moving them from side to side.

"D-Don't worry; he's not doing anything bad!"

Suddenly, Matsumoto let out a suppressed laugh. "I know he wouldn't do such a thing; he's not capable of stuff like that especially considering how his biological family has raised him. He won't easily loose himself thanks to your efforts years ago."

Hinamori let out a cracked smile. "I guess..."

"Please continue to support him."

"I will Rangiku-san. I will."

Japanese Word Translations

Uruse - Shut Up, Ohayo - Good Morning, Ja ne - Good Bye (informal/casual), Hai - Yes, Oto-san - Father, Okaa-san - Mother, Onee-chan - Older Sister, Itoto-chan - Younger Brother, Daijobou - It's Alright

Author's Note: Well, now I'm officially at the half way point of the story. (Gah, there's still fifteen more chapters to go.) It's time for me to pick up the pace with the HitsuHina fluff/love and the main conflict. Anyway, please review and thanks a lot!