Fearless

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, as much as I wish I did. If it were up to me, I would have put Hiyori in the same plain of existence than Shinji, whatever that means.

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 on Oct 31st, 2001, when the Winter War (Fake Karakura Town Battle) is about to start and ends and expands until January 2002. All Captains positions in Soul Society are filled that point, so…. you know.

And just a quick note: Brace yourselves for Hiyori's colorful language! Fluff and Angst because the fricking story are just that, well canon is less fluff and more angs IMO. Super mild NSFW scene in future chapters because almost dying by bifurcation can do things to people libido.

This is taking inspiration from Taylor Swift's "Fearless" song. Apparently, all my fanfic are Taylor Swift song fics now. Well, you stood there with me in the doorway


My hands shake, I'm not usually this way

But you pull me in and I'm a little more brave

It's the first kiss, it's flawless, really somethin'

It's fearless


October 31st, 2001. 18:06 pm

Halloween was always a big deal for the humans of Karakura Town. The streets would come alive with hordes of people dressed up in colorful costumes, and the cheerful atmosphere would be infectious. It was a time of joy and festivity.

For the group of exile Shinigami, this annual celebration was a chance to indulge in some lighthearted shenanigans. They would eagerly dress up in costumes and drag along the smallest member of their group against her will, to partake in the human festivities.

However, this year was markedly different. Urahara Kisuke had delivered some grave news to them. It wasn't just another Halloween; it was the eve of a battle that could make or break their century-long quest for revenge against Aizen Sousuke. Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto had planned to defend Karakura Town from Aizen and his Espada. To ensure the safety of the Gotei 13 while fighting with their full power, Kisuke and the Shinigami Research and Development Institute had implemented a drastic measure. They used Tenkai Kecchu to replace Karakura Town with an abandoned facsimile, a strategic move to protect the human world.

This revelation had sent shockwaves through the group of Vizards. In response, they decided to hold a vote to determine whether they would join the Shinigami in the upcoming battle. Shinji, casting his gaze towards Hiyori, had been especially vocal in his support for participating "alongside Ichigo." His words had carried a weight that irritated Hiyori deeply.

The results of the vote came in at 7-1, with the majority in favor of joining the war alongside the Shinigami. It was official; the Vizards were drafted for the battle that would commence the next morning. The calm before the storm had settled over them, and hidden emotions and unspoken feelings lingered in the air, waiting to surface amidst the chaos of the impending conflict.

So, every member coped with it the best they could. After all, they were seasoned soldiers, well acquainted with the grim reality of war. They had faced countless battles, but they also knew that the tranquility that settled before the actual fighting was often the most challenging part of it all.

Kensei had his fists tightly clenched, a familiar scowl etched on his face as he meticulously inspected his combat equipment. Rose, on the other hand, strummed his guitar softly, the melancholic melody serving as a temporary escape from the looming threat. Lisa pored over tactical scrolls, her sharp mind seeking any advantage they could gain in the coming battle. Mashiro, always the bundle of energy, attempted to lighten the mood with her antics talking to Hachi, though her forced laughter barely concealed the anxiety lurking beneath the surface. Shinji, their enigmatic leader, appeared lost in thought as he leaned against a wall. His trademark hat obscured his eyes, but there was an uncharacteristic gravity to his demeanor. He knew that the battle ahead would be like nothing they had faced before. It wasn't just about defeating Aizen; it was about reclaiming their stolen lives and identities.

But two members were unconsciously absent from the common areas.

.

As the orange hues of the late afternoon began to fade into the encroaching darkness of the night, Shinji couldn't help but notice the unusual silence that had settled over their warehouse hideout. The absence of their usual tiny spitfire did not go unnoticed. He knew her well enough to understand that losing the vote to join the battle against Aizen must have ignited her fiery temper. Her outbursts were typically swift and explosive, leaving no room for ambiguity, and he half-expected to find her in the midst of one of her signature rages.

However, as he scoured the various areas of their hideout, from the training grounds downstairs to their communal spaces, there was no sign of Hiyori. Even cautiously opening the door to her room, he braced himself for a possible sandal attack, but she was nowhere to be found. His growing concern prompted him to ascend to the rooftop of the warehouse, a tangle of cables and tubes that served as an eerie backdrop to their secret lives.

Upon opening the door that connected the rooftop to the warehouse, Shinji's keen ears picked up on muffled voices engaged in a hushed conversation. The low tones reached his ears, and he instinctively moved toward the source, his curiosity piqued by the clandestine meeting taking place in the darkness.

With only the moon to illuminate the scene, Shinji could discern Hiyori's silhouette on the rooftop. She sat on the floor, her back resting on an old square box, her legs drawn up, arms wrapped around her knees, and her chin resting on them. Her face was shrouded in darkness, and her eyes seemed fixed on nothing in particular. She appeared lost in her own thoughts.

Beside her, Love sat in a butterfly stance, his hands in motion as he faced the petite Vizard. As Shinji approached, he strained to catch snippets of Love's words amid the low murmurs of their conversation. Phrases like "adult emotions," "keeping in check," and "impulsive" floated to his ears, but the full context eluded him in the moonlit obscurity.

The scene before him seemed charged with an unspoken intensity, an atmosphere he couldn't quite decipher. Hiyori's uncharacteristic silence and Love's cryptic advice left Shinji with a sense of unease. It was as if something significant was transpiring, something that involved emotions and decisions that transcended the impending battle.

Shinji's cautious steps brought him nearer to Hiyori and Love, though he remained in the shadows, and he could hear Hiyori's response, the uncharacteristic softness worried him immediately. Her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability that Shinji rarely witnessed. "I know, Love," she admitted quietly. "It's just... it's frustrating. All these years, and we're finally on the brink of settling the score with that bastard Aizen and I am just…."

Shinji's heart sank as he realized the depth of Hiyori's feelings. The past century had been a constant battle for all of them, and confronting the trauma of their hollowfication was no small feat. He had always admired Hiyori's tenacity, but he also knew that beneath her brash exterior, she carried wounds that ran deep.

Love's response was empathetic, his words carrying the weight of shared experiences. "We all carry our scars, Hiyori. It's what makes us who we are. But we can't let those scars define us or dictate our actions. We have a chance to make things right, not just for us but for all those who suffered because of Aizen's actions."

The moonlight cast long, revealing shadows on the rooftop, and as Shinji approached Love and Hiyori, he realized that neither of them had sensed his reiatsu until he was nearly upon them. Love let out an exasperated sigh, while Hiyori turned her face away from him, attempting to ignore his presence as if he didn't exist.

Shinji, ever the master of nonchalance, spoke up casually, as though he hadn't spent the past twenty-five minutes searching for Hiyori. "There you are, brat," he remarked, addressing her by the usual nickname. " Downstairs was so quiet that I thought you left already to help the Shinigami."

Love shot a knowing look at Shinji, his expression silently questioning why Shinji was needling Hiyori. Shinji merely shrugged in response and moved to sit next to the golden-pigtailed girl with the fluid grace of a cat.

Hiyori's response remained true to form, her tone sharp as she retorted, "Fuck off, Shinji. I don't need anyone babysitting me."

Love rose to his feet, dusting himself off as he prepared to leave. "I'm going to go. I still haven't finished this week's Shonen Jump, and I have no desire to go into battle without reading the Prince of Tenis chapter," he remarked. "Hiyori, try to behave. And Shinji, you too."

"You don't need to leave just because I showed up."

Already halfway across the rooftop, the tallest man chuckled and called back, "You know what they say, 'three's a crowd.'"

"Moron," Hiyori muttered to herself as she watched him go.

As Love made his exit, Shinji settled beside Hiyori on the rooftop. The moonlight continued to cast long shadows, and an unexpected sense of closeness filled the air. It was as if the world had momentarily slowed down, allowing them to find solace in each other's company.

Almost imperceptibly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Shinji adjusted his head and leaned it against Hiyori's shoulder, using her as an impromptu armchair. In response, Hiyori shot him a narrowed look, but she didn't say anything. Neither of them spoke for the longest time.

"Are ya pissed that you got outvoted?" Shinji asked quietly, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

Hiyori hesitated for a moment before responding, trying her hardest to suppress her ever growing impulse to hit him until his flat face was mush, "No."

Shinji wasn't convinced. He turned his head slightly to look at her. "Are ya mad at me?" he inquired, his eyes searching hers.

This time, Hiyori took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly before answering, "Always, but what else is new."

Shinji continued to study Hiyori; his gaze unwavering. "You're hiding something," he stated with a hint of knowing in his expression. His words hung in the air for a moment, and then Shinji added, his voice tinged with a mixture of amusement and frustration, "If you think that after more than 100 years, I cannot read you like the palm of my hand, Sarugaki-san, you are dumber than you look."

"Piss off Shinji," Hiyori's response was immediate. She pushed him off her shoulder, the irritation evident on her face. She stood up abruptly, clearly intending to leave. However, Shinji, well accustomed to her antics, acted swiftly. He reached out and grabbed her wrist just before she could shunpō away from the rooftop, effectively halting her escape. "I want to be alone, you dipshit! I mean it, let go off me."

Shinji wasn't about to let her go so easily. He pulled her closer, using her caught wrist as an anchor, effectively preventing her from escaping. His tone was teasing, and he couldn't resist gnawing at her further. "Love was just here, and you weren't clawing at him like a crazy cougar," he remarked. "Be a normal girl and stay in place."

Hiyori huffed in annoyance, her cheeks flushing slightly at Shinji's teasing. She tried to yank her wrist free again, but his grip remained firm.

"Normal girl? Fuck off! This is no way to treat a lady!" she muttered, her irritation giving way to a hint of vulnerability. "You really don't get it, do you? Why wouldn't I want to be alone right now, with all this... impending shit over our heads?"

Shinji's expression softened as he looked at her, his teasing tone replaced by something more genuine his hand still unmoving. "Because sometimes, it's easier to face the impending shit when you're not alone," he said quietly.

At his words, Hiyori stopped fighting against his grip and was immediately drawn closer into Shinji's hard chest. It was an unexpected contrast to the typically lanky appearance he had, and it reminded her of the hidden strength beneath his exterior. The countless hours of training and battles had sculpted his body into a formidable force, and she couldn't help but feel the solid warmth of his frame against her.

He enveloped her in his embrace, drawing her as close as possible, feeling her against her small frame. Her body was soft, supple, and every part of him wanted her closer. He could feel her heart beating against his chest, her breath coming in slow measured breaths.

The truth was, fear gnawed at him, and the thought of losing anyone tomorrow, especially her, was too terrifying to contemplate. But would he voice these fears to her? Absolutely not. Such vulnerability would only stoke Hiyori's temper. With her, he knew he had to be patient, give her time to come to terms with everything between them. He understood that eventually, she would realize the depth of their connection, but for now, he couldn't risk jeopardizing it by laying bare his emotions. So, he told himself that a simple hug or a lingering gaze would be enough, anything more might drive her away. Of course, that was his own excuse, a way to shield Hiyori from the knowledge that every time she looked at him, his heart skipped a beat.

And tonight, tonight was not the night for deep heartly confessions. All he wanted was to hold her for a little while, to find solace in her presence, and to temporarily forget that tomorrow they would face a narcissistic sociopath intent on making Shinji's life as miserable as possible.

He continued to hold her close, his touch gentle and reassuring as he stroked her back and hair, trying to offer her comfort. His lips lightly brushed against her forehead as he whispered softly, "I dunno what is going on with you, but if this has anything to do about tomorrow, I don't want you to worry about me, I won't die. I'll be here with you for years to come, annoying you for being a stubborn little monkey."

Hiyori closed her eyes, allowing herself to be enveloped in the warmth and security of his embrace. It was a feeling she had never experienced before, filled with tenderness and care that touched her deeply. A single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek as she finally let go of the fear and pain that had been weighing on her. She desperately wished for his words to be true, for him to stay by her side and never fall in battle. But the intensity of her emotions overwhelmed her, making it difficult to comprehend how deeply she cared for him.

In a hushed tone, she confessed, "If you do die tomorrow, Hage, I'm going to go wherever you are and kill you again." She spoke quietly, her gaze fixed downward, unable to meet his eyes.

Shinji chuckled softly at her words, "Geez, Hiyori thanks." His thumb brushing away the tear on her cheek. Gently, he released one hand from their embrace and lifted her chin with his fingers, making their eyes meet.

She felt her heart racing in her chest, and the intensity of his gaze was enough to make her blush and look away. A warmth spread through her body and a desire to be closer to him, it was clear she didn't understand her own feelings and the way he was looking at her. She looked at his lips and wetted her own.

Shinji, too, was struggling to restrain himself. The desire to kiss Hiyori consumed him, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to resist. He knew this was a crucial moment, that if he kissed her now, there would be no turning back for either of them. This decision would determine their future together, and it scared him more than facing the incoming forces tomorrow ever could. He had been with several women before, but none of them had captivated him quite like Hiyori did. So, instead of leaning in for the kiss, he gently cupped her face with both hands and rested his forehead against hers, letting out a deep sigh as if all the worries of the world had suddenly evaporated into nothingness. He was a patient man, if he had waited more than 100 years for her, he could wait more. They stayed like this for what felt like an eternity – just breathing each other's air, feeling each other's heartbeats and relishing in the warmth their embrace.

Finally, impatient as always and unable to bear the tension any longer, Hiyori made her move. She leaned forward, closing the gap between them until their lips met. It was a quick, tender kiss, not exactly what Shinji had envisioned, but it was a start. He responded in kind, their lips moving slowly together. His lips were salty and bitter at the corners, yet smooth, soft, and full. A hint of mint lingered in his breath, adding to the intoxication of the moment.

As the kiss ended, Hiyori felt a rush of emotions, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. What had possessed her to take the initiative and kiss him like that? And even crazier, he had responded – or at least, she thought he had. Doubt gnawed at her, leaving her unsure of what had just transpired.

In a moment of self-doubt, Hiyori couldn't help but second-guess herself. She knew Shinji to be a good man, a noble man, and a great friend. Perhaps he had kissed her back to spare her feelings, to not make her feel like an idiot for her impulsive action. Her mind raced with these thoughts as she desperately tried to make sense of the situation.

With all these uncertainties swirling in her head, Hiyori quickly broke the embrace, putting as much distance between them as possible. Her eyes were wide with shock and disbelief as she stared at him, unable to articulate her thoughts. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she managed to stammer out a shaky apology.

Without waiting for his response or further embarrassment, Hiyori unleashed her Shunpō and bolted down the hallway in a mad dash, not daring to look back. Her heart raced, her mind in turmoil as she put as much distance as possible.

Shinji stood there, watching as Hiyori disappeared around the corner. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease and regret wash over him. This was the exact situation he had been trying to prevent from the beginning. His thoughts raced, contemplating all the possible outcomes of what had just transpired. Would this lead to a deeper understanding between them, or would it drive a permanent wedge in their friendship? The uncertainty weighed on him.

"Guess now that the cat is out of the bag, there's no putting it back again," he muttered to himself, his words lost in the empty rooftop. With a resigned sigh, he stood up, dusting off his jeans from the filthy floor they had been sitting on. He knew one thing for sure: he wouldn't follow her. Pushing her further in this direction might do more harm than good. If Hiyori felt comfortable enough to talk about it later tonight, she would come to him. If not, for her sake and to maintain their focus for the impending battle with Aizen, he would act as if nothing had happened.

There would be plenty of time for them to talk and figure things out after they had dealt with the threat of Aizen and his machinations. For now, they both needed to stay focused on the task at hand and put their complicated feelings on hold.