Hits Different
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, as much as I wish I did. If it were up to me, we would have a full anime for decades to come.
Heads up: This story stands on its own, portraying the Vizards in the human world and in Soul Society. To be more specific, this story starts around 2005 after Lisa was promoted to Captain of the 8th Division.
Just a quick note: Brace yourselves for Hiyori's colorful language! And buckets of fluff for everyone! It might be a bit too much, so I suggest having something salty nearby. One last thing, please drink responsibly if you're of legal drinking age in your country, and don't steal other people's drinks
Chapter 4.5: Mess of You
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"I... I just can't believe you convinced me into this," Hiyori grumbled, her annoyance evident in her tone.
Shinji chuckled, his trademark grin playing on his lips. "Shhh... don't complain, you secretly love it."
"What part do I love more Baldy?" Hiyori shot back, her irritation bubbling just below the surface. "All those damn humans all over me, having to justify every 2 minutes that I'm more than 200 years old even when I look 17, or the fact that I even have to stomach you here? Aren't you ALL supposed to be in your beloved Seireitei? Why are you slacking here? Shoo!"
All seven Vizards were strolling through the streets of Karakura, making their way to a bustling club to celebrate. The Quincy war, a distant memory, had receded into the past, and after two years, even though life in Soul Society had largely not returned to normal. This newfound sense of normalcy had granted them the opportunity for some well-deserved time off. The cause for their celebration was Lisa Yadomaru, who had recently assumed the role of Captain in the 8th Division, a feat that had earned her the affectionate nickname "the new traitor" from Hiyori. With this change, nearly all the vacant Captain positions were filled, leaving only the 13th Squad unoccupied.
Rose placed a hand on Hiyori's shoulder, trying to suppress his laughter. "Come on, Hiyori, it's been too long since we did something like this. Let's just enjoy ourselves."
Hiyori scowled at him. "You're aaalll insufferable."
Mashiro, who was walking ahead with Lisa, turned back and gave Hiyori an innocent grin. "Come on, Hiyorin! Let's just have some fun."
The years had indeed left their mark, altered their appearances while preserved the core dynamics within the group. Mashiro's once wild hair had grown even wilder, falling onto her shoulders. Lisa's characteristic nonchalance had transformed into an air of authority befitting her position as captain, though her mischievous smirk remained intact. Rose, now sporting a neatly trimmed beard, strolled leisurely alongside Love, the two of them engrossed in the latest gossip from Soul Society. Kensei, on the other hand, seemed perpetually engrossed in his phone, his fingers flying over the screen as he mumbled a string of curses to his loyal Lieutenant stationed in Soul Society.
And then there was Shinji, the perpetual nuisance who, as usual, had attached himself to Hiyori's hip like a piece of gum stubbornly adhered to your shoe in the scorching summer heat. On that particular day, he had arrived ahead of everyone else, eager to showcase his newly styled hair, a decision that Hiyori had mercilessly ridiculed for hours. She couldn't resist mocking his uneven fringe, dubbing it the result of a cow chewing on his hair while he'd been sleeping. However, instead of getting annoyed, he had rolled his eyes at her and promptly silenced her with a kiss. Hiyori begrudgingly responded to the kiss, though her trademark scowl still lingered at the edges of her lips.
Hiyori's thoughts snapped back to the present, and as they reached the club, the blonde couldn't help but remember the last time they had been here. The memories of that chaotic night had blended into the past, and she couldn't deny that she had grown closer to Shinji since then. Their romantic relationship had blossomed over the years, even though they often had to maintain it at a distance due to his responsibilities as a captain.
Shinji tugged at Hiyori's black sleeve, his mouth dangerously close to her ear as he whispered, "Ready to go, brat? Don't worry, I'll make it fun." His proximity caused a faint flush to rise on her cheeks.
"Yeah, yeah," she grumbled, her voice a mix of annoyance and nervousness. "Let's just get this over with."
Inside the club, the atmosphere was vibrant, the music pulsating through the air. Hiyori observed the humans around her, their carefree movements and laughter echoing through the venue. It was as if they had no worries beyond the next dance beat.
The members of the Gotei 13 and the rest of the Vizards wasted no time immersing themselves in the lively crowd, just as they had done in the past. Mashiro and Lisa's energetic dance moves drew attention on the dance floor, Rose and Love seamlessly mingled with a group of girls, and Kensei remained engaged in conversation with his Lieutenant over the phone, who Hiyori couldn't help but pity.
As they entered the club, Shinji took Hiyori's hand in his and guided her to the bar, not allowing her much time to feel detached or anxious. Leaning casually against the bar, he stood close to her as she took a seat on the stool next to him, his hand still holding hers.
"Do you want me to order you something?" he asked, his voice once again dangerously close to her face.
"I am not a child; I can order my own shit," she retorted, a hint of irritation in her tone.
He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You were just yapping about being carded all the time. I was offering, as the gallant gentleman I am, to aid a pretty lady in distress."
She glared at him, aiming to hit his arm, but her strike lacked real strength. "Oh, the chivalry," she muttered sarcastically.
Hiyori decided that a strong drink would indeed help ease her nerves and grant her the patience to deal with Shinji's incessant touching and flirting. As she ordered, the bartender, probably unfamiliar with her, asked for her ID. She shot him a withering glare, much like she had done in the past.
"ID? You want to see my ID? How about you go and screw yourself instead?" she retorted; her disdain fully intact.
Shinji, accustomed to her temper, simply massaged the bridge of his nose and reached into his pocket, producing her ID. "Here you go," he said, handing it to the bartender. "Please forgive her manners; she was raised on the streets with barbarians."
The bartender, somewhat taken aback but not wanting any trouble, quickly checked the ID and prepared her drink. Hiyori took the glass and downed it in a sip, her mood already improving.
"Hiyori," Shinji used that stern, authoritative voice he had perfected over the years, a tone he reserved for moments when he needed her full attention. It was a low, commanding voice that he used when scolding her or, on other occasions, when he wanted to ignite a different kind of fire in her, typically reserved for the bedroom.
"Pace yourself, stupid. I'm not carrying your drunk little butt from here, understood?" he warned. "Remember you promised, after we are done here, we are going back home."
Her face contorted into a disgusted expression. "Oh, your home, you mean. Mine is here. In the warehouse. Don't mix me with your kind, Shinigami." she replied, clearly annoyed at the idea of being dragged into staying with him in Soul Society for the night, even though she had agreed in a moment of weakness.
"I'm serious," he repeated, his hand still gently holding her chin as he locked his dark brown eyes with her honey-colored ones. "Take it easy, baby," Shinji urged, his tone softer now, filled with genuine concern for her well-being.
Hiyori huffed, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She knew Shinji cared about her, even if he had an odd way of showing it sometimes.
"Fine, fine," she conceded, rolling her eyes playfully. "I'll take it easy, Captain Obnoxious."
Shinji chuckled, releasing her chin. "That's my girl. Now, let's enjoy this night. It's not every day we get a chance to let loose like this."
Hiyori couldn't resist a few insults under her breath, even as she agreed to pace herself. She playfully shoved Shinji away, as both watched Lisa and Mashiro on the dance floor.
Out of nowhere, Mashiro, ever the enthusiastic one, tried to coax Hiyori into dancing, but she stubbornly shook her head, preferring to stay at the bar for the time being. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Mashiro then latched onto Shinji's arm and practically dragged him into the center of the dance floor. Shinji, always up for a good time, didn't hesitate to join both ladies in their energetic dance. He moved with the rhythm, making silly faces and extravagant moves that had Hiyori chuckling from her vantage point. Despite her initial reluctance, she couldn't deny that watching Shinji's antics was rather entertaining.
As Hiyori sat at the bar, observing the dance floor, a bold young man approached her. With a confident grin, he leaned in closer and paid her a compliment.
"Hey there," he began, a touch of charm in his voice, "you've got the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. Can I buy you a drink?"
Hiyori's immediate response was a scowl that could curdle milk. She wasn't one to appreciate unsolicited advances, and she had a particularly low tolerance for it tonight. "Buzz off," she snapped, dismissing the stranger with a wave of her hand.
Before the guy could persist or react with frustration, Shinji returned from the dance floor. He didn't say a word as he casually placed his hand on Hiyori's thigh, a possessive gesture that sent a clear message. With a knowing glance at the intruding suitor, he ordered another drink for Hiyori.
The young man, not one to miss the hint, took a step back, realizing he was out of his depth. He muttered something about misunderstood intentions and made a hasty retreat.
"I thought you were dancing with Shiro?" Hiyori teased with a playful smirk, raising an eyebrow as she sipped her drink. "Did I miss something?"
A mischievous glint in Shinji's eyes, he leaned in closer, closing the space between them with his lips. His kiss was warm and tantalizing, a silent promise of what was yet to come. When he pulled back just enough to speak, his voice was low and husky. "Yes, you did," he murmured, his lips brushing against hers, "You missed me."
"You are an imbecile, Shinji, a mushy imbecile," she said, shaking her head. She should have been pushing him off or at least slapping his flat face, but the idea of losing his body heat was simply ridiculous.
The taller blonde chuckled, his breath tickling her ear as he whispered, "You're right, I'm a mushy imbecile." He nuzzled her cheek affectionately. "But I... I am your mushy imbecile. And your mushy boyfriend wants to dance with you today."
Shinji pulled Hiyori closer, his hand finding hers as he led her to the dance floor. The pulsating rhythm of the music coursed through their bodies, setting the tone for the night's festivities. The crowd's energy surrounded them as they swayed together, lost in the music and each other's presence.
"Don't use the 'B' word, idiot," Hiyori retorted with her trademark scowl, her cheeks faintly tinged with red. However, there was a subtle hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "And I do not dance."
Shinji, undeterred by her protest, began to sway with the music, their intertwined hands moving in harmony with the rhythmic beats. The club's neon lights cast a colorful and electric glow on their figures, making them seem like characters in their own vibrant world.
"All lies. I can see right through you, Sarugaki-san," he whispered in her ear, his voice low and seductive, sending shivers down her spine. Hiyori tried to maintain her defiant expression, but the playful glint in Shinji's eyes was impossible to ignore.
As they moved together, their bodies synchronized with the tempo of the music, it felt as though they were caught in their own little bubble of existence. The world around them faded away, leaving only the pulsing music and the electric connection between them, like two magnets irresistibly drawn to each other.
Lisa, Love, Kensei, Rose, and Mashiro sat at a large table in the bar area, openly watching the two blondes. For some of them, it was a surprise to see the usually stubborn and fierce Sarugaki Hiyori allowing herself to be swept into the arms of the one she had called a thousand colorful names for over a thousand years.
"We need to find out the exact date this all happened," Lisa said, scowling and directing her gaze at Rose. "We can't close the betting pool without an exact date. Rose, I thought you were in charge of getting it out of Shinji."
"Getting it out of Shinji? It would be easier to get the Hogyoku from Aizen," Kensei interjected. "We've tried, Lisa, but he just gives us weird cryptic answers."
Love crossed his arms over his chest. "And what about you and Mashiro? I thought you two were working on Hiyori."
Mashiro puffed her cheeks indignantly. "She's not saying anything. Usually, she just turns all red like a tomato and bolts out of the place."
Rose scratched his head, looking somewhat perplexed. "I've tried, really, but Shinji's a tough nut to crack. He's like a master of evasion when it comes to personal matters."
Lisa couldn't hide her exasperation as she let out a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of their unresolved bet. "We can't give up now, not when we're so close to settling this once and for all. I'm certain it happened before you first arrived in Soul Society."
Love's interruption was swift and adamant, his tone laced with disbelief. "You're insane," he blurted out. "She despised Shinji when he left. There's no way they were together at that point. It had to be after the Quincy War. Everyone was on the brink of death, and when they survived, it was like something out of a Shoujo manga." His words hung in the air.
Kensei leaned casually against the table, ignoring Love's comments as he delved into deep thought. "Perhaps we've been going about this the wrong way. What if we confront them together, put them on the spot? Under the scrutiny of all of us, they might slip up."
Rose nodded in agreement with Kensei's idea. "It's a gamble worth taking. Hiyori won't be able to run if she's facing all of us in close quarters."
Mashiro chimed in, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. "And Shinji won't have time to craft one of his weird responses if he's forced to talk with us right beside her."
Lisa, her frustration momentarily tempered by the promise of an impending revelation, nodded approvingly. "Very well, let's set up this little ambush. Shiro, go and fetch them, and let's see what happens." The group's anticipation grew as they eagerly awaited the outcome of their well-laid plan. This bet was becoming more intriguing by the minute, and they were willing to go to great lengths to uncover the truth about Hiyori and Shinji's relationship.
Lisa watched with keen interest as Mashiro confidently made her way to the dance floor. With a playful yet purposeful demeanor, she gently unhooked one of Hiyori's hands from its place around Shinji's neck, as if breaking a spell that had momentarily ensnared both blondes. It was as if they had forgotten their surroundings entirely, lost in their own world.
The green-haired Shinigami skillfully guided Hiyori toward the rest of their group, knowing that Shinji would instinctively follow, his protective instincts kicking in. As Mashiro led the way, she couldn't help but wear a triumphant grin. The stage was set for their little surprise attack.
Once Mashiro had successfully reunited Hiyori with the rest of the group, Shinji two steps behind, his curiosity piqued by this sudden change in direction. As they all gathered around a table in a corner of the club, the atmosphere became charged with anticipation. It was clear that something was afoot, and both Hiyori and Shinji exchanged puzzled glances.
Lisa, the ringleader of this impromptu interrogation, wasted no time in getting to the point. She leaned forward, her eyes locked on Hiyori's and Shinji's, her tone determined. "All right, you two, we've got a little question for you."
Hiyori's scowl deepened, sensing that something was amiss. "What's this all about, you nosy asses?"
Ignoring her protests, Kensei spoke up next. "Here is the deal. We have been placing bets on when you two started dating for over 100 years. So, spill the beans. When did this sappy lovefest begin?"
Rose nodded in agreement, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Yes, and we're not leaving this table until we have an answer."
Mashiro, ever the instigator, leaned in closer, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "Come on, Hiyori, Shinji. Don't be shy. The suspense is killing us!"
Love crossed his arms, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "And don't think you can give us one of your enigmatical responses, Shinji. We want a clear answer."
Lisa, watching the two closely, added the final push. "So, what's it going to be? The truth or some very creative stories?"
Hiyori's temper flared like wildfire in a dry forest, and she couldn't contain her fury any longer. Her eyes snapped open, blazing with anger. "A bet? A BET?" she practically shouted, her voice cutting through the club's music, drawing the attention of nearby patrons.
Shinji, sensing the storm that was about to break, placed a cautious hand on her waist, but she shrugged it off. Hiyori's face was flushed with indignation, and her usual scowl had intensified to an almost terrifying degree.
Lisa, Love, Kensei, Rose, and Mashiro exchanged nervous glances, realizing they might have pushed their luck too far. Hiyori's anger was legendary, and they were now on the receiving end of it.
"What the hell is wrong with you lot?" Hiyori seethed, her hands balling into fists, she needed it to punch something or someone. "You think our relationship is some kind of joke? A source of entertainment for your bored souls?"
Mashiro tried to offer an apologetic smile but was met with another scorching glare from Hiyori. "We didn't mean it that way, Hiyori."
"Yeah," Love chimed in, "It's just a bit of fun, you know?"
Kensei attempted to diffuse the situation with his usual gruff demeanor. "Look, we're just curious. No harm intended."
But Hiyori wasn't having any of it. She stood up abruptly, knocking her seat over with a loud clatter. "Curious? You want the truth? Fine!" She pointed a trembling finger at Shinji. "We've been together for years, you morons! And it's none of your business when it started!"
Shinji's laughter cut through the tension, breaking the heated atmosphere like a cool breeze. "Besides," he chuckled, "if it's the money you're after, you're all out of luck. You all lost if you checked the chart. I have the winning date."
Hiyori's eyes widened in surprise, and she turned towards the other blonde. "You knew about this, Baldy?"
"Hiyori, everybody knew, it's practically a requirement to join the lieutenants or captains in the Gotei 13, even Momo is on it," Shinji replied with a mischievous grin, clearly relishing the situation.
Hiyori's anger seemed to dissipate slightly as she processed this new revelation. "Momo? That overly sweet lieutenant of yours?"
Shinji nodded. "Yep, she placed her bet on our anniversary date. Looks like some of your fellow shinigami have been keeping a close eye on us, baby."
The rest of the group exchanged amused glances, relieved that the tension had diffused, though they knew better than to push their luck any further. Hiyori's wrath was a force of nature, and even Shinji had to tread carefully.
With a huff, Hiyori crossed her arms and muttered, "Unbelievable. You guys are unbelievable."
Mashiro piped up, her voice lighter now that the storm had passed. "Come on, Hiyori, it was all in good fun! No harm done, right?"
Hiyori shot her a glare but eventually sighed, her scowl softening. "Fine, whatever. Just remember, if you ever pull a stunt like this again, I'll make sure your lives become a living hell wherever it's you live. I have dirt to spill on all of you to the shinigamis, so I'd watch my step, if I was you."
Shinji leaned in and kissed her cheek. "You heard her, guys. We're safe as long as we don't cross the line."
Lisa's mischievous grin widened as she couldn't resist teasing Hiyori further. "So, it's too early to start guessing the sex of your firstborn? I have it in good authority that most of the captains want in on that one."
Hiyori rolled her eyes at Lisa's comment. "Don't even think about it, you nosy idiot. The day I let any of you meddle in my personal life is the day pigs fly."
Shinji grinned and draped an arm around her shoulder. "You heard her, folks. This is strictly off-limits territory."
"Pipe down, you traitor. If you knew, you could have told me or stopped them."
Shinji chuckled, his arm still comfortably around Hiyori's shoulder. "Well, maybe I wanted to keep it a surprise, Hiyori. We are now the winners of a considerable sum of money. Besides, where's the fun in telling you everything?"
At that moment, a new round of drinks arrived at their table, courtesy of Rose. The beverages were a vibrant array of colors and looked enticing. Hiyori raised an eyebrow at the colorful concoctions, feeling the effects of the alcohol from her previous drinks. She wasn't one to turn down a free round, though.
Shinji chuckled as he picked up one of the drinks, examining it with curiosity. "Looks like Rose went all out with these. Let's see if they taste as good as they look."
The group raised their glasses in a toast, and the clinking of glass against glass filled the air. It was a moment of camaraderie and celebration, a chance for old friends to come together and enjoy each other's company.
As the night continued, laughter and conversation flowed freely, and Hiyori found herself caught up in the joyous atmosphere. Despite her initial reluctance, she couldn't deny that she was having a good time. The memories of their past were still fresh in her mind, but the present moment was filled with happiness and the warmth of friendship.
As the hours passed, Shinji couldn't help but notice that Hiyori was knocking back her drinks at an impressive pace. He knew her well enough to recognize that she could become quite a handful when she had too much alcohol. So, in his typical playful fashion, he decided to step in. With a sly grin, Shinji began to sneakily sip from Hiyori's drinks one by one, all the while engaging her in conversation and distracting her with his witty banter. The former Lieutenant, fully immersed in the festivities, didn't seem to notice his little act of drink-swapping. She carried on with her animated discussions, occasionally taking sips from her seemingly never-ending supply of beverages.
Shinji discreetly kept count of the number of drinks he had "borrowed" from Hiyori's collection, ensuring that she stayed well within her drinking limits. It was his way of looking out for her, even if it meant resorting to a bit of mischievous fun.
As the night continued, Shinji's strategy began to take its toll on him. The combination of his own drinks and those he had covertly taken from Hiyori started to have an effect. His usually sharp wit began to blur, and his movements became a bit unsteady.
Hiyori, still blissfully unaware of his actions, chatted away, thoroughly enjoying herself. She noticed a change in Shinji's demeanor but attributed it to the festive atmosphere. Little did she know that his mischievous plan to keep her from getting too drunk had inadvertently led to him guzzling more than he had intended.
As the night wore on, Shinji's antics grew even sillier, and he couldn't help but let out an occasional laugh that echoed through the club. He became even more affectionate and tender toward the pin size girl. He couldn't resist stealing glances at her and showering her with sweet compliments. Despite his playful nature, the alcohol had unlocked a more sentimental side of Shinji. He couldn't help but express his love for Hiyori openly, whispering sweet nothings in her ear and planting gentle kisses on her forehead and cheeks. His usual teasing and sarcastic remarks were replaced by heartfelt words that made Hiyori blush beyond the color red.
"You're so pretty, little Hiyori" Shinji's words were slurred, but the sincerity in his voice was unmistakable. He held Hiyori close, gazing into her eyes with a drunken adoration that made her heart flutter.
"Did you hit your head or something, Baldy?" Hiyori replied, her cheeks flushed from both the alcohol and Shinji's compliments. She was doing her best to refrain from hitting him, but his touchy-feely and sentimental behavior was making it quite challenging.
"No, seriously," Shinji continued, his speech a bit more slurred now. "You're the prettiest girl I've ever seen. I'm a lucky guy. You're such a catch." He planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek, starting a trail of kisses all over her jaw, making Hiyori burst into laughter.
Shinji's drunken compliments continued to flow as he held Hiyori tightly. His words were becoming more and more endearing, and he seemed determined to express his affection for her in every way possible.
"You're so smart and so brave. And you're so little, so tiny tiney." He chuckled at his own words, clearly finding them amusing. "Your fiery spirit is what drew me to you. You're like a wild, beautiful flame. I can't believe I'm lucky enough to have you." he mumbled, nuzzling her hair affectionately.
Hiyori couldn't help but giggle at the ticking sensations Shinji's breath was having on his drunken ramblings. The way his voice softened, and his laughter echoed in her ear made her heart swell with warmth and a sense of closeness that only alcohol-induced candidness could bring about.
"Shinji," Lisa interjected, a mischievous glint in her eye, "Look at the camera and say that again. I'm going to be so rich tomorrow." She had already started recording with her phone.
The man in question turned toward Lisa, his eyes a bit unfocused from the alcohol, and gave her a goofy grin. "You got it, Lisa!" he said with enthusiasm, clearly oblivious to the fact that she was aiming for blackmail. With a tipsy determination, he faced the camera on her phone.
As Lisa captured Shinji's affectionate and somewhat drunken declaration on her phone, the rest of the group couldn't help but laugh. It was a lighthearted moment in the midst of their celebration, and it would undoubtedly become a cherished memory among the Vizards.
Hiyori, sensing potential disaster in the form of either Shinji proposing marriage at the rate things were escalating or Lisa gathering even more blackmail material, wasted no time. She decisively seized Shinji's arm and pulled him forcefully, asserting, "Time to go, Baldy," as she looped his hand through his own.
With Hiyori's assistance, Shinji labored to his feet, the considerable difference in their heights accentuating his struggle. His drunken state made it challenging for him to maintain balance, so he leaned heavily on her as they navigated their way out of the club, his arm draped over her shoulder. The rest of the Vizards watched with amusement as the pair stumbled away, fully aware that Hiyori would take care of her inebriated partner.
"Honestly, for a lanky-ass man, you're way too heavy," Hiyori grumbled good-naturedly, her tone a mix of exasperation and affection.
"Oh, shhh, you love my lanky ass," Shinji replied with a tipsy grin.
"Definitely not what I meant," Hiyori retorted, rolling her eyes playfully as they continued their slow but steady journey away from the club.
As they stepped out onto the street, Shinji suddenly stopped and leaned over, clutching his stomach. Hiyori looked at him, puzzled for a moment, but then quickly realized what was about to happen. Sure enough, he emptied the contents of his stomach onto the pavement, all while Hiyori stood by, unimpressed but not entirely unsympathetic. The smaller blonde approached him and rubbed his back affectionately.
Once Shinji had finished, Hiyori sighed and muttered under her breath, "You're such a mess, Baldy."
He looked up at her with a sheepish grin, wiping his mouth. "Guess I overdid it a bit."
"Overdid it a bit? Shinji, you've been drinking your order and mine all night. Don't you think I haven't noticed? The only reason I let you do it was because I knew you'd get what's coming to you tomorrow. Pfff, I'm going to be so loud in the morning." She smirked devilishly.
Shinji chuckled weakly, still feeling the effects of the alcohol. "I can handle a hangover, Hiyori. But I think we should change our plans and stay in the warehouse tonight."
Hiyori rolled her eyes, feeling a mix of amusement and annoyance at his carefree attitude. "Oh, don't even think about it, Baldy. We had an agreement; we're going to your stupid quarters, and you'll have to face the consequences of your actions like a grown man. I hope your mousy Lieutenant is super disappointed in you tomorrow." Hiyori then playfully imitated a sweet, cutesy voice, her expression exaggerated. "Oh, Hirako Taichou, I can't believe you did this. You're the worst example of a Captain for our Squad."
"Definitely not the worst example the 5th has ever had; the bar is set pretty high," Shinji chuckled, despite the queasiness in his stomach and the fact that he knew he'd be dealing with a massive hangover the next day. "You're enjoying this way too much, Hiyori."
With her arm still firmly supporting him, they continued down the street, making their way towards Urahara's shop. Hiyori couldn't help but grin. "Damn right, I am. It's not every day I'm on the right, and you're clearly in the wrong – well, I am always right, but not everyone sees it that way."
As they approached it, Shinji leaned on Hiyori for support. "You're lucky you're so damn cute when you're angry and so adorable when you're right." And he squeezed her shoulder.
Hiyori scoffed at his comment but couldn't hide the faint blush that crept onto her cheeks. "Don't think a little flattery will get you out of this one, Baldy. Also, I am adorable all the fricking time."
.
.
They reached Urahara's shop, and Hiyori let out a sigh of relief. She assisted Shinji inside, where Kisuke Urahara was waiting with his fan open, concealing what, in Hiyori's opinion, could only be the biggest smirk in the history of humanity. "I hope you have a good excuse for this," he muttered to Shinji as he wobbled unsteadily.
Shinji flashed him a lopsided grin. "How about... love? I did it all for love."
Hiyori shook her head in exasperation but couldn't suppress a small chuckle. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"
Disregarding both men, Hiyori swiftly moved past her former captain, outpacing Shinji in his current state and nearly causing him to stumble. After some effort, she managed to get Shinji back on his feet. "Thank you, Kisuke. I certainly didn't need your help turning this giraffe right side up," she commented sarcastically.
"Hey! I am hardly that tall, Hiyori. You're just so chibi,"
"My apologies, Hiyori-san," Kisuke interjected. "You usually are so carefree and independent that I thought it would offend you if I offered some help."
She shot a withering scowl at the lighter-haired blonde, her annoyance more than evident. Hiyori made a point of tossing Shinji aside, causing him to crash onto the floor with a thud. She then snatched the soul candy that the shopkeeper had slyly extended to her.
"I am, usually, not carrying this drunk idiot on my back," she grumbled under her breath, her irritation palpable. Hiyori's voice carried a note of exasperation. With a swift motion, she popped the soul candy into her mouth, her soul detaching from her gigai with a distinctive pop.
With a mixture of frustration and affection, Hiyori couldn't resist a jab at Shinji. "C'mon Baldy, you're next." Her movements were deliberate and determined as she seized another green soul candy. Without giving him a warning, she firmly shoved the candy into Shinji's mouth, prompting him to sputter and cough as the connection between his soul and gigai was instantly severed.
Shinji, now in his ethereal form, shot her an annoyed drunk half-glare. "Could you at least give me a warning, Hiyori. You almost choke me to death."
Ignoring the current captain once again and turning her attention to Kisuke, Hiyori instructed the chappi soul to follow the shop-owner. "Kisuke, take good care of my gigai. I'll know if you mess with it, you bum. As for Shinji's, do whatever you want with it. I don't care." Her gaze lingered on Shinji, who was still recovering from her abrupt actions.
Kisuke's sly smile reached his eyes as he responded, "Have a good time in Soul Society, Hiyori-san."
She snarled at him.
Hiyori, without further ado, opened the Senkaimon with the Soul ticket she had in her pocket, causing two Jigokucho to appear. These Hell Butterflies stood beside both blondes, ready to guide them back to Soul Society. Hiyori grabbed Shinji by the hand, her annoyance from earlier now tempered by a hint of amusement, and forcefully pulled him through the portal.
As the two Vizards disappeared into the swirling vortex of the Senkaimon, Urahara Kisuke couldn't help but wonder what favor Shinji had pulled off with Captain Kyoraku to secure Hiyori her very own Hell Butterfly, completely separate from any Shinigami titles attached to her name.
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Upon their arrival in Soul Society, Hiyori skillfully maneuvered the drunken Shinji through the intricate streets of Seireitei. She couldn't help but shake her head at the sheer absurdity of the situation. Here was Hiyori Sarugaki, the self-proclaimed hater of Shinigami, the Vizard who swore never to return to this hell hole, now voluntarily opening a Senkaimon and escorting this idiot to his barracks. All the while, the so-called idiot, in his drunken stupor, continued to mumble about a Rukongai house and four blonde brats. It was the kind of nonsensical talk that only seemed to make sense to him in his intoxicated state. The fact that she refrained from tossing him off the Sōkyoku Hill for uttering such things spoke volumes about how much she cared for him, despite her tough exterior and tendency to hurl insults his way.
Finally, they reached the 5th Division barracks, and Hiyori led Shinji to his room, silently praying to every deity she knew that they wouldn't encounter anyone on the way. Shinji was too plastered to explain anything, and her patience was hanging by a thread. What started as a joke had now become a test of her patience. They entered his room, and he collapsed onto his futon with a contented sigh, sleep slowly overtaking him. Hiyori couldn't let him off that easy.
"Hage, no, get up," she insisted sternly, her annoyance evident in her voice. "You need to change before bed and wash your face; you still smell like puke." He responded with a muffled noise as he snuggled deeper into his pillow.
Shinji groaned but managed to push himself up into a sitting position. He rubbed his eyes, trying to clear the drunken haze that still clung to his thoughts.
"Alright, alright," he muttered, his voice heavy with fatigue. "I'll do it." With a great deal of effort, he managed to stand and stumbled towards the small bathroom in his quarters. Hiyori watched him closely, making sure he didn't fall over. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of exasperation and fondness for the man she was helping.
Once he had changed into fresh clothes, washed his face and teeth, Shinji flopped back onto the futon. "Happy now, Hiyori?" he mumbled, his words slightly slurred.
She gave him a wry smile. "Yeah, I am. Now get some sleep, Baldy. You'll need it to face the consequences tomorrow." As she began to stand up with the idea of coming back to Karakura, she felt Shinji's arms wrap around her waist, pulling her back down gently. His grip was surprisingly firm, considering his inebriated state, and he clung to her as if afraid she would disappear if he let go.
"Are you going to leave me alone?" Shinji's voice carried a hint of vulnerability, a stark contrast to his usual carefree demeanor. In that moment, he sounded more like a grounded child seeking comfort and assurance.
Hiyori sighed inwardly, coming to terms with the fact that walking away from Shinji, especially in moments like these, wasn't as easy as she'd like it to be. In truth, it had never been easy to distance herself from him, whether it was during her visits to Soul Society, his visits to Karakura, or even their casual encounters. With each passing interaction, the bond between them seemed to strengthen, making it increasingly difficult for her to maintain her tough exterior and keep her distance.
Shinji had become an integral part of her life, much like the sun that brightened her world. When he wasn't around, everything felt gloomy and devoid of joy. She couldn't help but feel irritated with him for making himself so indispensable to her, even though she knew deep down that she didn't want it any other way.
She settled back down beside him, her hand reaching up to brush a few unruly strands of hair from his forehead. His brown eyes, typically filled with mischief, now held a touch of uncertainty.
With a soft, understanding smile, she replied, "No, Baldy, I'm not leaving you alone." Her fingers gently traced the contours of his face, soothingly. "You're stuck with me, even when you're a drunken mess."
Shinji's grip on her waist relaxed slightly, and a faint, relieved smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He nestled his head against her shoulder, finding comfort in her presence. And there they remained, locked in an unspoken embrace, as the night continued to pass by.
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The morning sun burst over the horizon, casting its golden rays upon the Seireitei and abruptly rousing the Gotei 13 members from their slumber. It was a moment that usually marked the beginning of a new day of training, missions, and responsibilities for the Shinigami. However, for a severely hungover Hirako Shinji, that familiar touch of sunlight felt more like a bullet to the skull and the queasiness of his stomach. His head throbbed relentlessly, and his mouth felt as dry as the sands of Hueco Mundo.
Groggily, he attempted to roll over on his futon, a futile effort to escape the merciless sunbeam assaulting his closed eyelids. His hand, moving with the sluggishness of someone who had overindulged in spirits the night before, instinctively reached out for the small girl who was supposed to be sleeping next to him, only to find himself alone in his room. She probably went back to the warehouse, he thought, his mind struggling to piece together the events of the previous night.
However, his disoriented thoughts were quickly overtaken by the noise that had interrupted his uneasy slumber. A deafening noise, loud enough to shake the very foundations of the Seireitei, pierced through the air. It was a relentless, grating sound that seemed to emanate from all directions, echoing off the walls of the barracks and bouncing back into his room. Shinji was no stranger to unusual occurrences, but this was unlike anything he had ever heard.
Shinji's ears rang with the discordant symphony of noise. It was as if every Shinigami in the Seireitei had collectively decided to unleash pandemonium upon their normally serene world. The walls of his quarters seemed to vibrate with the sheer volume of the clamor.
What could possibly be causing such chaos throughout the entirety of the Seireitei? As his senses sharpened further, Shinji couldn't help but wonder if he was the only one hearing this infernal racket.
He got to his feet too quickly, and the nausea rushed back in a wave. After a while, he managed to keep it under control. Shinji chuckled to himself, amused by how sick he felt. It had been so many years since he'd last drunk this much. He quickly placed his haori over his Jinbei, muttering something about needing sunglasses. With unsteady steps, he made his way outside to investigate the source of the noise.
Shinji couldn't believe his ears as he stumbled upon the scene. The unbearable noise that had awakened him was the collective chaos of no less than 25 Shinigami from the 5th Squad cheering and exclaiming as Hiyori, Momo, Rangiku, and Hitsugaya engaged in a game of Go Fish. Toshiro and Hiyori were particularly intense, battling it out with a fervor that surprised even him.
"Hiyori, what the hell is going on here?" Shinji shouted over the cacophony; his voice groggy but filled with irritation, most people at the sight of their captain fell into silence.
Hiyori glanced at Shinji, a mischievous grin on her face. "Afternoon, Baldy! We're just having a friendly game. How's the head holding up?"
The older blonde rolled his eyes and pinched his nose. "How's the head, you say? Not good with all the noise you lot are making."
Toshiro, the young emerald-eyed captain who had been locked in a heated argument with Hiyori about the rules and her supposed cheating just two seconds before Shinji walked in, shot him a glare. "This is a matter of life and death, Hirako. You stay out of this!"
Shinji's hangover intensified as he tried to comprehend the situation. He rubbed his temples and muttered, "You're all insane. Momo, what is going on with all these people here?"
The brunette lieutenant glanced at her captain, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Well, to be honest, Taichou, everything started as a way to entertain Hiyori-san since she was bored. Me and her were playing a friendly game, and then Rangiku-san and Shiro stopped by, and suddenly this escalated, hehe." She shrugged in resignation.
Shinji let out a long-suffering sigh. It was shaping up to be one of those mornings. "Wait, are those members of the 10th?"
Rangiku interjected, "Clearly, if Hinamori-kun and Hiyori-chan were going to have a cheering squad from the 5th, we needed some reinforcements ourselves."
Shinji turned his attention to the chaos in front of him. "Hiyori isn't with the 5th, though."
At the same time, the aforementioned girl, ignoring what Hitsugaya was saying to her, chimed in, "I wouldn't be caught dead being a Shinigami, even worse, a member of Baldy's squad. No offense, Little Miss Politeness!"
Momo replied, "None taken."
Shaking her beautiful yellow hair, the 10th Division Lieutenant laughed, "Potato, potahto."
Hitsugaya grabbed Hiyori's arm firmly to bring her attention back to him, his face filled with seriousness. "You've been cheating Sarugaki! This is an insult to me and the 10th Division, and I'm not going to put up with it."
Hiyori's eyes twinkled with amusement upon feeling his grip on her arm. "Is this just a ploy to touch me, Shiro?"
Toshiro's face turned an even deeper shade of red as he attempted to clarify, stammering, "Wh-what? No, that's not what I meant... I..." His explanation only seemed to make things worse, eliciting laughter from those around them. "I did... not mean to."
Shinji, sensing an opportunity for mischief, smoothly inserted himself into the situation, his grin widening. "But you haven't let her go yet."
The younger captain quickly released Hiyori, as if she were made of fire, and his embarrassment was palpable. "Hirako, you cannot think that I... I-I would." His eyes darted nervously between Hiyori and Shinji. ""Y-yes, of course, I apologize. I shouldn't have touched her."
"Why are you apologizing to the Baldy? It's me you touched without permission, if I may add," Hiyori retorted with a tone that was beyond sardonic.
"Because he is your..." Toshiro, desperately seeking assistance, turned to Shinji for support but found only a mischievous grin on his face. "Y-you are his…" he finally managed to stammer out.
The situation seemed to amuse Shinji even further. He chuckled and gave Toshiro a friendly pat on the back. "No need to worry, Toshiro-chan. Hiyori likes to mess with everyone. It's just her way of spreading the love."
Hiyori, her mischievous grin never fading, leaned back in her chair, clearly enjoying the captain's embarrassment. "Apology accepted, Shiro. But don't think you're getting off that easy," she teased before returning her attention to the card game.
Toshiro cleared his throat; his voice was more composed this time. "Hitsugaya Taichou," he corrected, addressing both blondes properly. He gave Shinji a sheepish smile and continued, "I... I didn't intend to offend her or anything. It's just that this game was getting out of hand, and she was clearly cheating on the last one."
"Nah-ah. You can't justify being terrible at cards by accusing me of cheating," she said, her left fang jutting out and a smug look on her face. "Besides, who cheats at Go Fish?"
"YOU!" he exclaimed, losing his temper. The heated exchange continued, with Hiyori and Toshiro locked in an argument over the fairness of the card game, their voices growing louder and more animated.
Shinji leaned closer to his Lieutenant; his voice hushed. "Was she cheating?"
Momo suppressed a chuckle, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Openly, some of our members were giving her the answers from behind Shiro." She nodded subtly towards the members of the 5th Division who had gathered around Hiyori during the game.
Shinji raised an eyebrow, casting a bemused glance at Hiyori, who was deeply engrossed in her card game. Leaning in closer to Momo, he whispered, "What am I going to do with this Mini Mayhem?"
The brunette laughed heartily, her lips curving into a sweet smile. "You should be very proud of her, Taichou. She behaved quite civilly today. She even had breakfast with me, Hanaka and Ito, and she didn't call us any names—well, at least not too offensive ones."
Shinji chuckled softly, a mix of exasperation and affection in his eyes as he watched Hiyori's spirited card game. "Well, I suppose she has her moments. It's good to see her getting along with others, even if it's just for a little while."
As the card game continued, the tension between Hiyori and Hitsugaya escalated. They argued over rules, accusations of cheating, and various other matters that only fueled their rivalry. Eventually, the game reached its climax, and with a triumphant grin, Hiyori declared her victory.
"Go Fish!" she exclaimed, placing her last card on the table. "I win, Shiro-chan!"
Hitsugaya let out a frustrated sigh, realizing he had lost to the fiery Vizard once again. "Fine, you win this time, Sarugaki. But I am going to win next time."
"I welcome you to try," Hiyori replied triumphantly, her competitive spirit undeterred.
Shinji took this opportunity to intervene, standing up and addressing Hiyori. "Alright, Hiyori, you've had your fun. It's time to go."
Hiyori shot a defiant glance at Shinji. "Why? We were just getting started! I wanted to win all his money. Child as he may look, this is Captain's money we're talking about."
Shinji laughed, his fingers lightly encircling her arm as he spoke. "You've tormented Hitsugaya enough for one day. Plus, it's probably a good idea to give him some time to cool off. He looked like he was about to freeze everything in sight. And you promised we'd hang out, didn't you?"
Hiyori shot him a sidelong glance, her expression a mix of defiance and nonchalance. "What promise? I said I would be here; I am here. Now I am leaving."
Shinji raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You are playing, or are you leaving? Make up your mind, stupid. And also, why did you wait until I woke up to consider leaving?"
She huffed, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "Your fukutaichou fed me, that's it. Don't look into this more than what it is."
"Sure," Shinji replied with a smirk, his arm wrapped around Hiyori's waist as they strolled toward his room. The warmth of his touch and the closeness of their bodies provided a comforting contrast to his hazy memories of the night before. "Hiyori, can you tell me what happened last night? Last thing I remember, we were at the club."
Hiyori couldn't resist the opportunity to tease him further. She raised an eyebrow and playfully poked his side. "Oh, you were quite the character, Baldy. You had a lot to drink, especially after you downed my drinks along with yours. You started to love everyone and spilled sappy compliments for me like a maniac. When I finally dragged you to the street, you vomited your heart out. You even told Kisuke you got drunk out of love. It was quite a show, and you owe me big time for bringing you here in one piece."
Shinji's initial curiosity about the previous night had now turned to genuine concern as Hiyori continued her teasing. He couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease.
"I would also avoid Lisa like the plague, if I were you," Hiyori said with a smirk. "She has plenty of material to make you her slave for the next 100 years."
Shinji's eyes widened in alarm. "Wait, what? What did I say to Lisa?"
Hiyori laughed at his panicked expression. "Relax, Baldy. It's not as bad as I'm making it sound. You were just being your usual goofy self, but you might have revealed a few embarrassing secrets."
Shinji let out a sigh of relief, though he still looked a bit worried. "Well, that explains why I woke up feeling like I got hit by a freight train."
Hiyori's uncharacteristic giggle caught Shinji's attention, and he couldn't help but look at her. Her honey-colored eyes sparkled with an unusual glint, a familiar mischievousness he hadn't seen in a while. Her golden hair fell gracefully over her shoulders, glistening in the sunlight. In that moment, he realized just how relaxed and carefree she seemed. It was as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, and for once, she appeared genuinely at ease.
Shinji couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty in that moment, and the words spilled out before he could stop them. "You're so beautiful, Hiyori."
Her laughter abruptly ceased, and she looked at him with surprise. "So, you do remember last night?"
Shinji's hands gently cupped her cheeks as he looked into her eyes with a grateful expression. "I don't remember much, but that's what I think in general. You know baby, I appreciate you sticking with me last night. You didn't have to, but you did. It means a lot."
"Sh-shinji," Hiyori stammered, her cheeks flushing. "There are people around."
Shinji just grinned playfully. "So? Are you ashamed of me?"
Hiyori's entire face turned crimson as she glanced around, realizing that everyone who had been watching the card game was now directing their attention toward the two blondes in the hallway. She quickly swatted Shinji's hands away, though her eyes held a hint of amusement. "I'm not ashamed, idiot. Just... mindful of our audience."
Shinji couldn't resist a mischievous grin. "Well, then, let's give them a good show, shall we?"
Before Hiyori could formulate a retort, Shinji had already enveloped her in a tight embrace, pulling her close. His lips found hers in a passionate kiss that took her by surprise. She gasped at first but quickly melted into the embrace, her hands tentatively resting on his chest as their lips moved in perfect harmony.
The cheering and hooting of the onlookers broke through the haze of the moment, and Shinji reluctantly pulled away from Hiyori, leaving her breathless and blushing. He chuckled softly at her flushed expression before taking a step back and bowing to everyone present.
"Well, I think that's our cue for a dramatic exit," Shinji said with a wink, his playful grin never leaving his face. He turned around, grabbed Hiyori's hand, and with a swift Shunpō, they vanished from the hallway, leaving behind a crowd of amused and intrigued onlookers.
As they reappeared in Shinji's room, Hiyori couldn't help but punch him in the arm hard, though there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "You idiot! You just had to make a spectacle, didn't you?"
Shinji rubbed his arm where she had hit him, still grinning. "Hey, it's not every day we get to put on a show for the barracks, right?"
Hiyori huffed in annoyance but couldn't hide the smile that tugged at her lips. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just don't think this gets you out of repaying me for last night."
Shinji laughed, knowing that he had likely earned himself a few more bruises for his impulsive display. But for now, he was content to enjoy the moment with her.
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AN:
I really loved this chapter and their antics together in a very silly, non-problematic environment.
Now, onto some house cleaning:
Obviously, this is a bit of a mirrored chapter of "Mess of Me" (Chapter 1), but in reverse, because, you know, that's Shinji's specialty.
Not sure if it shows, but writing small Lisa interactions is my drug.
The bet is a super headcanon for me. How do you live with these people and not get a bet out of them?
It's always nice to add Kisuke/Hiyori interaction in a fic. Honestly, the manga should have had way more of it.
Also, chappy!
There's an indirect comment about Aizen being the Captain of the 5th and raising the bar on being a bad captain.
Momo mentions two Squad 5 members who had breakfast with Hiyori and her. Those are OC because I dug deep on the internet, novels, and lore, and I couldn't find any other member of the 5th besides Aizen and Ichimaru.
I do enjoy Hiyori visiting Soul Society more than I should, so there will probably be more fics directed towards that. I think that's all I can think of. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it!