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

Author's Note: Thank you for your patience especially lil'sayuri-chan, anime16, j cloud xD, Ai Angel, serenity095, yumi-2121331, k a y - t h i, fayfan, Ebbie54, icyangel27, KnowledgeandImagination, monkeywinz, Neko-cheung (x2), HoneyFlower15, applestoapples, athfdrizzle, Kaye. Shirogane, becomeafan, maili-chan, Lil'EyeCandy, Ougon 22, Samantha, Miko, HyourinmaruIce, Rinka Tokmiya, sweet miracle 'michu 17, Ryu Eiyuu. Thanks for your reviews! Happiness is in the air! It's time to read chapter thirty. Enjoy!

LEGEND

"Talking.""Thinking." Flash Back.

The Healing Heart

Part II - Hardships and Love

Chapter Thirty: Family

She slowly gave him a nod of agreement. "Yeah, I'm awake now..."

He closed the door again, walked up to her bedside, and took his seat once more. In the meantime, the raven haired girl sat up from bed, took off her breathing mask, and turned her body to face him. Then, she lifted her arms into the air and began stretching. She placed a hand over her mouth and yawned.

"It feels like I just woke up from the long months of hibernation."

Unknowingly, her white haired friend let out tears of joy in his eyes. Without any warning, he stood up from his seat, leaned over, and wrapped his arms around her. His sudden actions of affection surprised her.

"Eh, what's wrong?"

He held onto her, refusing to let go. He didn't want her to see the satisfying and content expression on his face. With his mouth against her left ear, he whispered, "Thank you for coming back..."

She let out a soft smile. "It's no problem."

For a moment, he leaned back to look at her in the eyes. Just as he remembered them to be, they are glistening and shining with delight.

The girl noticed his tears. It is her first time seeing him like this. "Are you alright? Why are you crying?"

However, he wasn't listening. He missed her so much: her beauty, her happiness, and most of all, her smile. He missed her to the point that he closed his eyes and gave her a kiss on her lips. Though she was caught off guard at first, the sixteen year old teenager soon found herself closing her eyes, wrapping her hands together behind his neck, and kissing him back with equal passion.

They didn't need to hear one another say the three magical words. In their minds and in their hearts, they now understand each others feelings and desires. As a result of it, all they wanted to do right now is experience that special moment once more. It was paradise. By the time the two broke away, he told her, "I missed you so much. Please...don't do this to me again."

The peach girl let out a short giggle. "I'll try not to."

Three days later, Momo and Toshiro came out of Seireitei Hospital with their hands held together with one another. They stopped for a moment to glance at each other. With smiles on their faces, they leaned over and gave each other a loving kiss. After that, he handed her a bouquet of pink and white roses (1) in which she gratefully accepted. "Congratulations on your release, Momo."

"Arigato Shiro-chan."

At first, he raised an eyebrow at her, not liking that she called him by his nickname. However, he soon dropped it. Because he is so happy for her, he decided to let her get away with it. Toshiro gave her a smile. "Let's go home."

Just as he began walking ahead of her, Hinamori pulled him back and suddenly asked, "Home?"

Hitsugaya glanced over his shoulder, and replied, "Yeah, we're going home: the place where you and Obaa-san lives."

She blinked a few times before running to his side. Together, they resumed walking. "Eh, since when did you start living in my house?"

"I started living there for a few months now," he replied casually. "To tell you the truth, I find the place quite comfortable especially when it comes to your room. Your bed's very relaxing to sleep in."

"Since when did you have permission to sleep in there?"

"Obaa-san insisted that I did. She didn't want me to sleep on the couch in the living room. So, I was sleeping in there for a while because she and I were busy changing the spare room into my own."

"Mou..."

"Daijobou, I'm not sleeping there anymore since my bedroom is now complete."

"But still...it's hard to believe," Hinamori said as she pouted. "I missed so many things over the past three months!"

He let go of her hand, wrapped his arm around the back of her neck, and draped it over his shoulder. As he pulled her close, he replied, "Yeah, but there's plenty of time to catch up."

Momo let out a smile and nodded with agreement. "Are you still working at the dessert shop?"

"I still do, but I'm not working as often now since my personal life is stable."

"How's everyone?"

"When I told them the good news two days ago, they were overjoyed. They decided to throw you a party."

"I see..."

"It will take place at Matsumoto's house later in the day."

Hinamori smiled. "I can't wait to see everyone."

It is when Toshiro gave her another kiss in which she happily accepted. Together, they continued their journey home.

"Tadaima," the two teenagers called out after they entered the house and started taking off their shoes.

By the time they exchanged footwear for their slippers, the elder Hinamori came to the door. Obaa-san wrapped her arms around her granddaughter and gave her a loving hug. "Okaeri Momo; you're finally home."

"Hai Obaa-san..."

Once they let go of one another, the two female Hinamori members went deeper into the house as Toshiro closely followed behind. As they are catching up, they went to the kitchen to put the bouquet of white and pink roses in a vase.

"So ka? Toshiro's officially adopted into our family?"

The older woman nodded with agreement. "Yes."

The peach girl then turned to the white haired teenager who is sitting at the round table, listening to the conversation. "Sugoi Shiro-chan, we get to see each other everyday now!"

Hitsugaya then let out a content smile, showing that he is happy of the way things have turned out on his side. Momo smiled back.

As they are giving each other teasing looks, the grandmother let out a content smile, happy to see her two grandchildren have gotten their feelings realized. She is completely supportive of their decision to go out with one another. Besides, they're not blood related.

All of a sudden, the house phone started ringing. Hitsugaya extended a hand out to the other side of the table and picked up the phone. After pressing the talk button, he held it against his ear and answered the call. "Hinamori Residence; this is Hitsugaya speaking."

"Yo Hitsugaya! Guess who it is?"

He let out a sigh of defeat. It didn't take him long to figure out who is on the other line. "What is it, Matsumoto?"

"Is Hinamori home yet?"

"Yes, she's home. Right now, she's talking with Obaa-san."

"I see; well, I'm calling just to let you know that the preparations are done. You can come to my place now."

Toshiro raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that?"

"Don't worry about it! Besides, the others came over early to help out."

"Even though we came over to offer some assistance, you didn't do anything at all!" Renji, who was speaking in the background, commented.

"Yes, I did! I offered the party to be at my place," she snapped back.

Hitsugaya sighed with defeat, not the slightest surprised of her actions. "I'll see you later."

"Okay, see you!"

He pressed the end talk button and placed the phone down on the table. During this time, Hinamori pulled up a chair and sat next to him. "What's up?"

"It's nothing; Matsumoto just called saying that we can go to her house now. The preparations for your welcome back party are ready."

"I see." Momo smiled. "In that case, I'll go and take a shower."

With a nod of agreement, he watched the peach girl happily walk out of the kitchen, humming a random tune. Grandmother Hinamori walked over and placed the vase of roses on the center of the table. Noticing her presence, Hitsugaya stood up from her seat and began assisting her. Once she sat down on her seat, he returned to his own. "Arigato Toshiro."

"You're welcome, Obaa-san."

"Be sure to take care of her," she suddenly said.

Knowing exactly who she's talking about, he placed an elbow on the table. Using his hand as a support for his chin, he kept his attention at the door where Momo walked out of. With a faint smile on his face, he replied, "Daijobou, I won't let her out of my sights or make her sad ever again."

"That's good to hear."

A few minutes later, Hinamori came back into the kitchen, she found her boyfriend sitting in the room alone. She is dressed up in a pair of blue jean pants that is folded up to her knees and a magenta coloured T-shirt with violet lined floral designs on it. Her hair has been blow dried and tied up in its usual bun. "Okay, I'm ready to go now."

However, Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow at her.

"What's wrong?"

He didn't reply back. Instead, Toshiro stood up from his seat, walked up to the raven haired girl, and showed a grin. She blinked a few times, trying to comprehend what he's thinking until she felt his lips on hers. Easily fallen for his actions, she draped her arms over his shoulders and started kissing him back. Somewhere in the process, Hitsugaya used this opportunity to remove the bun cloth, allowing her luscious and soft hair to fall down, and changing her hairstyle into a ponytail. When the kiss ended, he replied, "Now, you're ready to go."

Momo giggled over the clever trick he has done. "Okay then, let's go."

With their hands joined together, they left the kitchen, walked through the living room, and headed to the front door. After changing to their outer footwear, they saw their grandmother sitting at the kotetsu (a low table with a built-in heater underneath), drinking some herbal tea in the living room. They gave her a short bow. "We're going to Rangiku-san's place for a while," Hinamori said. "We'll be back soon!"

Obaa-san gave them a nod of approval. "Enjoy yourselves."

"Hai, we will!"

With that said, the lovers left the Hinamori residence and headed their way to Matsumoto's house where the party is taking place while leaving their content grandmother behind. The elder took a sip from her cup of tea and turned her head to see the beautiful weather outside from the window. She noticed a nearby sakura tree and the sign that Spring has finally arrived. A soft smile crept up from her lips. "They have finally blossomed."

"Hinamori! You're finally all better and awake!" Rangiku exclaimed as she gave her an embracing hug.

Trapped in her bear hug, Momo struggled to keep herself away from her large bosoms. "Y-Yeah, I-I am."

"Oi Matsumoto, let go of her before you suffocate her to death," Toshiro ordered, obviously concerned for his girlfriend's well being. The last thing he wants right now is for the peach girl to return to the hospital.

When she finally did, Hinamori turned to the side. With a hand on her chest, she gasped for breath. "I'm alive."

Hitsugaya closed his eyes and let out a sigh of relief. After taking off their footwear, Rangiku lead the teenagers into the living room where the others are waiting. Izuru is the first to stand up from his seat. "Hinamori-kun!"

"Kira-kun, Abarai-kun, Hisagi-san! It has been a while!" Momo replied, walking up to her familiar comrades.

"Aw, I'm hurt," Ichimaru over exaggerated upon entering the room, holding a bowl of chips and a large bottle of pop. "Hinamori-chan has forgotten about me."

After he put it on the low table, the raven haired girl shook her head. "No, I haven't forgotten about you, Ichimaru-san."

Matsumoto then started handing out drinks to her friends. Once she is done, she took hold of hers. "Now that everyone's here, it's time to start the celebration!"

She held her cup up high.

"To our dear friend, Hinamori: thank you for coming back to us and congratulations on your hospital release. Cheers!"

"Kanpai!" Everyone else cheered as cup clashed into one another.

Once they returned to their respected owners, they all took a short sip. "So, when are you coming back to school?" Kira asked.

"Actually, I'm coming back tomorrow," Hinamori replied. "Besides, I have a lot of catching up to do."

"If you need anything, we'll be here to help."

She nodded with agreement. "Thank you."

"I would help, but I don't think I'm the most appropriate person to turn to for academic help," Rangiku said.

"I'm glad you completely understand your limitations," Hitsugaya said.

"That's so mean to say!"

Momo placed a fist over her mouth and giggled. She is happy to see that her friends hasn't changed over her three month absence. In the meantime, Hisagi and Renji are eating some of the party food such as chips and crackers. "Mmm, nothing tastes better than party food before we have to write out exams."

"You said it," Shuhei agreed. "Ichimaru, Rangiku, and I really need the enjoyment before we write ours."

"Oh yeah, your tests are entrance exams for University and College," Renji said.

"No kidding."

"Ah, don't remind me about those pesky exams!" Matsumoto exclaimed. "All I want to think about is partying with Hinamori and everyone else!"

"Alright, stop belly aching already," Toshiro said.

"Yosh, let's have another toast!"

Though the party started in the early afternoon, it continued all the way into the night. Rangiku took a large gulp from her drink before she slammed it on the table. Appearing all red faced, she let out a satisfying loud yell. "Umai! Nothing tastes better than a sharing a nice drink of sake with your buddies!"

"Oi Rangiku, can we go home now?" Hisagi said as he sluggishly rested his head on the table. He has no energy to move especially from all the drinking they've consumed.

"No way! The night's still young!"

He groaned.

"Now Ran-chan, Hisagi has a point," Ichimaru said. "Besides, we all have school tomorrow."

Matsumoto pouted. "You're so stingy, Gin!"

"By the way, where are Hitsugaya and Hinamori-kun?" Kira wondered.

The five teenagers merely looked at one another. The pale blond haired teenager serves a good point. Where did Toshiro and Momo wander off to? "We should go look for them," Renji suggested.

With nods of agreement from the others, they all stood up and began looking around for their two missing friends.

"Toshiro, you wanted to show me something?" Hinamori asked.

The lovers are sitting together on the steps in front of Matsumoto's house and away from their companions. The fourteen year old teenager nodded with agreement. Taking his hand out of his pants pocket, he showed her a small gift wrapped bag. She glanced at it first before raising her head to see him. She accepted his offer.

"Can I open it?"

"Yes, you can."

Wondering what's inside, the peach girl began unwrapping her gift before a happy smile appeared on her face. "Oh Toshiro, they're so lovely!" she exclaimed. "You got me peach hairpins."

"It was supposed to be your Christmas present, but...you know what happened."

"Thank you; I'll make sure to take good care of them." Talking about holiday presents totally reminded the girl of hers to him. "Oh yeah, your Christmas present. I forg-"

"Daijobou, Obaa-san delivered them to me on your behalf," Hitsugaya replied. Taking out of his other pants pocket is his cell phone with its strap attached. "As you can see, I've been taking good care of it too."

Momo giggled. "You sure did."

Just as they closing the distance between one another and was about to give each other a kiss, an all too familiar voice said, "Well well, what a pretty sight do we have here?"

The lovers froze and turned their heads to see Rangiku and the others watching them. She and Ichimaru are grinning with amusement while the others are either flustered, surprised, or blushing with embarrassment. Hitsugaya then closed his eyes and let out a defeated sigh, having a very good idea what is going to happen next. On the other hand, Momo blushed with sudden timidness and lowered her head.

The strawberry orange haired student of Seireitei High folded her arms over her chest. "After so long, you two have finally found each other. How cute..."

Toshiro gave her a stern look and retorted, "Uruse Matsumoto..."

She smiled. "Don't worry; I'm not here to tease you. I'm just happy for you two that things have turned out like this."

"Thanks...I suppose."

"Now, we just have to wait patiently until you two get married and have Hitsugaya babies!"

Hinamori's and Hitsugaya's faces turned red. "MATSUMOTO!"

"R-Rangiku-san! I-It's too early for that!" Momo exclaimed. "B-Besides, it's not certain that we still have feelings for one another by then."

"Knowing Hitsugaya, he will stay with you no matter what. He even wasted a good portion of his life just to sit by your bedside and wait for you to wake up." The older female student raised her hands up into a double guts pose. "Ou, if only Miyuki was here to see to witness all this! She would totally fawn all over you!"

Hearing her mention his sister's name, Toshiro let out a soft sigh and a small content smile. She did have a point. If his older sibling was here, she would totally be happy for him by no ends. "Yeah, I can imagine her congratulating me with her bear hug. After that, she would keep nagging at me to describe how much I really love her."

Listening to what he just said, Momo realized that he isn't too upset anymore about the loss of his family. He is able to talk freely about them in front of his friends. Renji blinked. "Miyuki? Who is she?"

"Miyuki was my older sister," he explained. "She died in a car accident three years ago with my parents."

"Oh..."

"We're sorry about your loss," Hisagi said.

"It's alright; after so long, I feel like I have finally got over the trauma."

Kira smiled. "That's good to hear."

"Urgh, I don't feel so good," Rangiku groaned. All of a sudden, she lost her balance. Sensing danger, Gin took hold of her arms and caught her from falling.

"Ara, she fell unconscious."

"Well, that's what she gets for drinking too much," Hitsugaya commented. "She's definitely going to get a hangover when she wakes up tomorrow morning. Most likely, she's going to be late for class again."

"That's somewhat expected," Hisagi said.

"Well, party's over," Ichimaru said. "Don't worry everyone; I'll deal with the cleaning. Besides, that's what happens when you're living with someone you've known for so long."

"Iie, it's alright Ichimaru-san," Izuru said. "We'll help you clean up."

As the others re-entered the household once more, Hitsugaya and Hinamori took a look at one another. He let out a sigh of defeat while she merely smiled. "It's never a dull moment when you're friends with Rangiku-san," Momo said.

"Tell me about it," Toshiro agreed. "Try living next door to her while growing up."

The peach girl raised a fist over her mouth and giggled. "Point taken."

With a content smile on their faces, he and his girlfriend entered their friend's house while holding hands with one another.

Japanese Word Translations and References

Arigato - Thank you, Obaa-san - Grandmother, Daijobou - It's Alright, Tadaima - I'm Home, Okaeri - Welcome Home, Hai - Yes, So ka - Really/Is that so, Sugoi - Amazing, Sakura - Cherry Blossom, Kanpai - Cheers, Umai - Delicious, Uruse - Shut Up, Iie - No

(1) Pink and white roses' flower meaning is I still love you and always will.

Author's Note: The End. No, I'm just kidding. There's still the epilogue to write before the story is truly complete. So, please review and stay tuned. Thanks.