Starts with fluff, ends in angst, you have been warned. :(
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Lisa, Rose, and Kensei huddled together in the corner of the room. The trio stood in silence, each one of them wracked with anxiety. Lisa glanced at Rose, her blue eyes wide and questioning. "I am not looking, you do it, Rose," she ordered.
The wavy-haired man shook his head, gesturing with both hands in an X shape. "I did it last time, and I witnessed something I never want to relive in my life."
The fear in the room was palpable. Finally, Lisa mustered up enough courage to stand and take a few steps towards the hallway. She motioned for the others to stay in the corner as she tiptoed closer, her heart racing. When she reached the corner, it was empty.
Kensei took a deep breath, his fists clenched in frustration. He pointed towards their makeshift kitchen and living room. "These are common areas, why are they doing that in the common areas?"
"Damn Shinji, that's why," Love chimed in from behind. "He corrupted her within a matter of minutes."
"Well, I don't entirely agree," Lisa interjected, her glasses gleaming in the sunlight. "Considering all the pent-up sexual energy both of them have had for the last 100 years, this development isn't entirely unexpected. But it's safe to say that Shinji is most likely corrupting her."
"What are you idiots doing?" The group jumped as Hiyori's scowling face suddenly appeared among them, her irritation evident. "Where is Shinji, Hiyori?" Lisa inquired, intrigued by the situation.
"He's asleep, but I was hungry. What's for breakfast?" Hiyori asked, diverting the conversation toward food.
Lisa raised an eyebrow, amused by Hiyori's change of topic. "Well, we've got some food prepared. And to answer your earlier question, it seems like you've been keeping Shinji quite occupied," she added with a sly grin.
Hiyori's cheeks flushed slightly, and she averted her gaze and started to walk pass the group in the direction of the kitchen. "Shut up, Lisa."
Kensei grumbled, still clearly irked. "This isn't right, doing that in the common areas. Hiyori, you have two rooms; use those. Some of us are trying to keep our food in our stomachs."
Hiyori sighed, exasperated by the entire situation. "Look, I'm hungry, not in the mood for gossip or lectures. Just give me some food and take it up with the Baldy."
Lisa chuckled and gestured toward the kitchen area. "Alright, alright. We'll feed you. But I still want details later. You two seem very interesting, and I always wanted to write my own manga. Your will-they-or-won't-they story is going to sell like water in a desert, I'm sure."
Hiyori paid little attention to her companions' chatter as she settled into her spot at the table. She watched with a mix of anticipation and frustration as Kensei worked to reheat the leftover rice and pour her some miso soup. Meanwhile, the sizzling of bacon, sausage, and tamagoyaki filled the room, making her mouth water. She was in a stage of her recovery where she could manage everyday activities like walking, eating, and talking, but cooking and training on her own still lay beyond her capabilities. This helplessness grated on her nerves, and she bristled at the thought of relying on her fellow Vizards for everything.
The aroma of breakfast only intensified her impatience. As Kensei placed a plate before her, a genuine smile crossed her face at the prospect of finally digging into her meal. She was just about to reach for a sausage with her fork when her breakfast was snatched away by Shinji's long fingers.
"Hey, Baldy, that's mine! Get your own!" she snapped, clearly irritated by the theft.
Shinji, ever the flirt, leaned in too close for comfort and playfully winked at her. "Shut up. You ate my entire lunch yesterday, so you can spare me a piece of yours. Besides, remember, everything that's yours is mine," he said with a cheeky grin.
Hiyori huffed and averted her gaze, granting him access to her cheek, which he promptly took advantage of by planting a kiss there. "Good morning to you, Hiyori-chan," he teased.
"Don't call me that!" she protested, her cheeks reddening.
"Stop fussing, or the next one's going on your mouth," he warned playfully. That managed to silence her, but it earned them all disapproving looks from the rest of the group. Hiyori couldn't help but fume as Shinji chuckled and brazenly pilfered another piece of her breakfast.
Shinji's flirtatious advances were not lost on the other Vizards in the room, and they couldn't resist a good tease. Love couldn't hold back any longer and decided to voice their collective cheeky disapproval. He cleared his throat and, with a tone that was both teasing and caring, "Shinji, over the years, we've all seen Hiyori grow and change," Love began with a sly grin, teasing his friend. "I mean, she couldn't even reach the counter when we first arrived here, and now she's all grown up. She may look like she's fair game now, but it's hard to see her in a different light, you know."
"HEY! I always have reached the counter, you idiots! I ain't no child!" Hiyori's frustration was palpable in her response, but everyone seemed to enjoy the banter and continued to ignore her protests.
Rose and Kensei nodded in agreement, adding their own comments.
"Yeah, she's like a little sister to us," Kensei chimed in, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "We've all watched over her since she was just a kid."
The blonde girl interjected once more, "I am not a KID!" but her protests continued to fall on deaf ears.
Rose added, "We care about her, we may care more for her than for you, Shinji. Just don't break her heart, okay?"
Shinji poured his coffee and, with a deadpan expression, looked at everyone. "I have no intention of breaking her heart. It's not like I'm toying with the Chibi. We are in a relation–," he stated matter-of-factly.
Before he could finish his sentence, Hiyori couldn't bear to hear him say the word and interrupted him. "Shut up! Don't you dare say it, Shinji."
"Relationship," he repeated, unfazed by her reaction, and glanced at the blonde girl who was making faces at the word. He lightly tapped her on the forehead before taking another sip of his coffee. "Calm down, Hiyori. Get used to the lingo."
In a mocking voice, Hiyori echoed, "Get used to the lingo."
Shinji leaned closer to her, his tone playful but directed his words to the rest of the Vizards. "If you don't like me kissing the monkey, just close your eyes. She's my girlfriend now, and I'm entitled to kiss her."
Hiyori felt her face redden as she banged her head on the counter. She groaned, wanting to disappear from this place, at least for this moment. She had been subject to a variety of conversations within the group for the past fifteen days and it was all too much for her. What started out as a few shy kisses in his bedroom had evolved into full-on make-out sessions in practically every space they occupied together. It wasn't that she disliked it, sometimes she was the one who initiated it – but they had been caught by everyone in every situation. Unlike her, Shinji seemed to be enjoying the attention way too much. He seemed to relish having his friends watch them kiss, and occasionally he even winked at them when their lips were locked together.
Hiyori let out a heavy sigh, frustration etching across her features. She rubbed her temples with both hands to alleviate her exasperation. After a moment, she straightened up and arched an eyebrow at Shinji, signaling him to follow her. Shinji, in response, simply shrugged, wearing a mischievous grin. He took another leisurely sip of his coffee and then strolled after the petite girl as she led the way down the corridor.
She entered his room, which was now their shared bedroom, either temporarily or perhaps permanently. Upon entering, the two beds were immediately noticeable: her own mattress from her room placed next to his bed. The original idea was for her to use the bed to recover from injuries sustained during the battle, while he would sleep on the mattress next to her. However, this arrangement had quickly shifted to both of them sharing one bed. It had started slowly, with him touching her hand and caressing her arm as she fell asleep. Eventually, she began pulling him closer to keep warm during a snowstorm outside.
Their relationship deepened as they shared kisses all over their faces, from his forehead to her cheeks. They would intertwine their legs and just lie there together in a peaceful embrace. Sometimes, Hiyori playfully teased him by lightly tickling his chin or biting his lower lip, to which he responded with a smug smile. Just as Lisa had said, Shinji did not deny anything to her, ever. Everything she wanted, he would give without a second thought.
The most surprising thing for Hiyori was that she found herself so comfortable around him now. It wasn't that she wasn't comfortable before – they shared almost everything before they were together. But now, it seemed like the walls she had built around her were starting to crack. It was as if all her worries and fears had melted away, and she felt like she could do anything around him without any reservations. She felt so close to him that even the simplest things, like watching TV or brushing their teeth together, made her feel incredibly content.
And although these moments were often interrupted by someone else walking into the room, it never diminished the feeling of togetherness that the two shared with each other. No matter what happened outside those four walls, in there, Hiyori knew that she was truly with him.
His hands on her waist brought her back to the present, he had caught up to her so quickly and he backed her up against the wall gently. Their eyes met for a brief moment and Hiyori felt her heart race. She knew he was about to do something, and as she quickly tried to step away. She let out a quiet gasp at the sudden contact and felt a blush spread across her cheeks. She quickly pushed him away, "What are you doing, you idiot?"
Shinji laughed softly and shrugged. He leaned in closer until his lips were almost touching hers. She could feel her breath that smelled like coffee on her face and the rising intensity between them was palpable. "I wanted to kiss you in the kitchen, so bad. I had to restrain myself a couple of times," he replied in a hushed voice that was almost lost in the silence of the room.
She sarcastically rolled her eyes, "That was restraint, Hage? You were putting a fucking show for everyone."
Shinji's cherubic smile was tinged with mischief, his playful nature coming to the fore. "Can you imagine what life would be like if we didn't give them any material to tease us about?"
With a contented sigh, Shinji leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on Hiyori's forehead. "Sorry about that, Hiyori. They're just a bunch of meddlesome idiots." His hand tenderly brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, and he continued in a softer, more affectionate tone. "But I don't mind the teasing if it means I get to be here with you."
"You're such a moron; you play right into their games."
Shinji chuckled, his warm breath against her lips as he moved in to kiss her, effectively silencing any further protests. "You didn't wake me up, Hiyori."
She frowned at the kiss interruption. "Because I knew if I did, you'd stop me from moving, and I was hungry." She leaned closer to him, giving in to the warmth of his affection.
He held her even closer, savoring the sensation of her form fitting perfectly against his. "I like cuddling with you before starting the day. What's wrong with that? Anyway, are you up for a stroll? It would be good to get those newly attached legs of yours moving."
She snuggled in closer, her voice playfully tinged with annoyance. "How long are the 'cut in half' jokes going to last? I just want to be mentally prepared."
Shinji's laughter filled the room. "Hopefully, we can milk this to last a lifetime."
She rolled her eyes once more, a common gesture when dealing with Shinji, and headed toward the warehouse door. However, just as she took the first step across the threshold, Shinji Shunpō-ed and appeared abruptly in front of her, a sense of urgency in his eyes. A strange reiatsu filled the air in front of them, though it didn't seem to breach the warehouse's barrier, instead lingering outside. A Soul Society messenger had arrived, and the sight of the Shinigami made Shinji instinctively push Hiyori farther behind him.
"Hirako Shinji," the messenger, dressed in red and black, greeted them, his face hidden behind an orange mask typical of the Gotei 13's Messenger Unit. His voice was monotonous and devoid of emotion. He continued, "Sarugaki Hiyori." The words were stated in the same emotionless tone.
In a matter of seconds, the rest of the Vizards encircled the mysterious newcomer. But much like their previous encounter with the messenger from the Seireitei, he merely acknowledged each of them by name, offering no other information or conversation.
The messenger moved his lips in a manner that seemed to be a silent confirmation. Shinji's patience was wearing thin with this enigmatic visitor, particularly given Hiyori's vulnerable condition. He felt a growing unease. Before he could voice his frustration, Kensei's annoyed voice cut through the tension, addressing the newcomer, "What does Soul Society want? We're not interested in anything related to Shinigami."
The response came from another man, this one wearing a white haori that complemented his silver hair and serene expression. His words were accompanied by a calm demeanor, "I apologize for the ambush. We weren't sure how to best contact you, so I decided to pay a visit, I hope I am not intruding too much." He then spoke to the messenger, clearly a scout, who stepped aside, "You can return; I'll take it from here. Thank you."
Shinji tried to maintain an air of indifference, as if he weren't particularly interested in the conversation. "Seems a bit early for a visit, don't you think, Ukitake-Taichou?"
With a warm smile, Ukitake responded, "Is it? I actually think we might be a bit late. We wanted to give you time to recover from the battle. We also had to do our own recovering; many of us were injured as well."
Shinji persisted in seeking answers, his curiosity unabated, "You keep mentioning 'we.' Who exactly are you referring to?" His narrowed eyes revealed his suspicion. Hiyori, impatient as always, tried to push through Shinji to see what was going on. He did his best to hold her back, but Hiyori's stubbornness was a force to be reckoned with.
Ignoring Shinji's question entirely, Ukitake shifted his focus to the girl standing behind the Vizard leader, his demeanor growing even warmer, "Oh, hello there, Hiyori-chan. I'm relieved to see you're recovering nicely. We were all quite worried about you." But in a coordinated effort, all the Vizards closed ranks, positioning themselves protectively in front of their smaller member. Hiyori, on the other hand, was actively pushing her way through Shinji's arms to get a better view of the conversation.
Shinji swiftly moved to shield Hiyori from any further interaction. "Get inside, Hiyori." His protective instincts were in full swing, and he had no intention of allowing anyone to threaten her, especially in her current condition. In a more serious tone, he muttered to her, "Or at least stay behind me, idiot. You're not fully healed, and you can't use your reiatsu yet."
The 13th Division Captain smiled warmly again. "I didn't come here to fight; on the contrary, I'm here to deliver a message and an invitation," Ukitake's sweet voice declared.
Love chimed in with a sarcastic remark, "And Soul Society sends a captain-level Shinigami as an errand boy."
Ukitake responded, "Well, we thought you might be more receptive if a Captain came to talk, someone you knew from your time as a Shinigami. Additionally, since Karakura Town falls within my division's jurisdiction, I volunteered. I also wanted to inquire about how Hiyori-chan was doing. I was unconscious when the incident occurred, but Kyoraku filled me in on what happened, and we were genuinely concerned. I'm glad to see she's okay. I'm sure all of you took great care of her. Captain Unohana will be pleased to hear that she's doing well too."
Hiyori couldn't help but interject, "Of course, I'm okay. Who do you think I am?"
Shinji swiftly pushed her behind him again in a protective gesture, then directed his words to Ukitake. "Okay, I'll bite. Jūshirō, what's your message?"
The captain then explained, "The Soutaichou has been working closely with the new Central 46 for the past month. You've been granted a pardon, and if you wish, the details can be explained directly to you."
Upon hearing Ukitake's words, a palpable tension hung in the air. Hiyori and the rest of the Vizards had taken up fighting stances, ready to defend themselves against any potential threat. Their history with the Gotei 13 had been a tumultuous one, filled with bitterness and betrayal, and old wounds ran deep.
The older Captain raised the palms of his hands, signaling a peaceful intent. "No harm will come to any of you," he assured them, his voice calm and resonant. "We are allies. It may not look like that due to the history of the last 100 years, but we harbor no ill will toward any of you. We were once fellow captains, and our interests now lie in something different. We have no intention of causing harm to those who were once our own."
A tense silence followed his words as the Vizards exchanged wary glances, their muscles still tense, ready to react at a moment's notice. Shinji could feel Hiyori's anger that had started to simmer at his words, and she couldn't help but retort, "All forgotten like it was nothing."
Shinji narrowed his chocolate orbs at Hiyori's words but managed to keep his cool. "I have to say I'm curious," he responded nonchalantly, eliciting narrowed eyes from Kensei and Love. "So, I'll go. I assume that whatever the old man wants to discuss, I'll be able to return to my comrades afterward, right?"
"Yes, you have my word." the sickly Captain confirmed.
Shinji felt a tug on the back of his shirt, and he turned to Hiyori to find her eyes still filled with rage. "Hage…"
Turning around, he crouched to be in her direct line of vision, speaking very quietly, ensuring only she could hear. "Don't worry, Chibi. I'll be back before you know it," he reassured her with a warm smile, ruffling her untamed hair. "Be good while I'm gone, Hiyori." He wanted to kiss her but thought better of it, opting to pinch her cheek instead.
"Let's go," Shinji said, the anticipation visible in his eyes, and he confidently walked through the orange barrier.
Ukitake gave a courteous nod to the rest of the group, his reassuring smile never faltering. The Senkaimon was opened with a soft, rhythmic hum, and both males disappeared into the other side.
Hiyori's stomach wrenched as she watched Shinji vanish from sight. She couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions, a cocktail of worry, annoyance, and a hint of longing, all swirled together. The anticipation of his return and what the message might entail weighed heavily on her mind. She turned to her fellow Vizards and exhaled a deep breath, trying to put on a brave face. The warehouse loomed behind her, a place of comfort and shared history, but right now, it felt more like a cage.
As Shinji left with Ukitake to discuss the message from Soul Society, Hiyori couldn't help but feel uneasy. She had a million questions swirling in her head, and they all centered around what exactly the message from Soul Society meant. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she walked a couple of streets from the warehouse with Mashiro to find a public phone.
"Kisuke!" she barked into the phone as soon as he picked up, making his ears ring for a couple of minutes. "What the hell is going on? Why are they here? You better have some answers."
The light blonde's calm voice could be heard from the other side of the line, "Hiyori-san, I'm as in the dark as you are. They didn't share any details with me either. Ukitake only asked for your whereabouts, and you know I couldn't fake not knowing."
Hiyori replied with disbelief, "I hardly believe that you are as lost as I am. You always seem to know more than you let on. And I am not even going to comment on your cooperation."
Kisuke chuckled lightly, "I do usually have my ways of knowing things, but this time, I genuinely don't have any information. If I did, I'd tell you."
Hiyori huffed in frustration. "Fine. Keep me posted if you hear anything. I need to know what's going on."
Kisuke assured her, "Of course, Hiyori-san. I'll do my best to find out what's happening. Just stay put and take it easy while Shinji's away. We'll figure this out."
With a reluctant agreement, Hiyori ended the call and started to walk back to the warehouse with Mashiro in tail. Mashiro's big eyes filled with concern, centered her attention on her. "Everything okay, Hiyorin?"
Hiyori sighed, not entirely convinced by Kisuke's reassurances. "I guess, everything is as okay as it can be, Shiro. But something feels off, and I don't like it."
Mashiro nodded in understanding, her ever-present lollipop bobbing with her agreement. "Yeah, it's strange. But don't worry, we'll figure it out together."
Lisa was waiting half a block away, a present reminder for Hiyori that she was still in the process of recovery and shouldn't overexert herself.
"What did Kisuke say, Hiyori?" Lisa asked as soon as the smaller Vizard reached her. The blonde scowled, making her displeasure evident. "Jack shit. He claims he doesn't know anything. So, I guess he knows everything, but he can't talk."
Lisa frowned, her sharp gaze piercing. "That sneaky hat-wearing bastard. Well, we'll have to figure this out ourselves. Keep your guard up, Hiyori. We don't know what they're planning."
The green-haired Vizard chimed in with her characteristic enthusiasm, "We just have to wait for Shinji, right? He'll fill us in when he's back."
Hiyori let out a heavy sigh, her expression clouded with worry. "If he comes back…" she murmured. Memories of the Maggot's Nest and various other troubling incidents involving the 2nd Division rushed back into her mind. The uncertainty was taking a toll on her, and she couldn't help but fear the worst.
Mashiro, always one to maintain a more optimistic outlook ready to seize the moment, decided to tease Hiyori a little. She playfully nudged Hiyori's shoulder, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Come on, Hiyori, don't be such a party pooper. I bet you just can't wait to see your boyfriend again."
A faint blush colored Hiyori's cheeks at the playful remark. "Shut up, Shiro. Let's just get back to the warehouse." The combination of embarrassment and the need to change the subject made her eager to return to the others.
It was past lunchtime, and everyone was growing increasingly restless. Hiyori had been fidgeting impatiently while the others tried to carry on with their usual activities, all the while exchanging knowing glances within each other.
Then, finally, everyone felt Shinji's familiar reiatsu presence outside the warehouse. There was an audible sigh of relief from the group, and as they assembled in their living room, waiting for him to make his way inside. Hiyori, still a bit anxious and with a sense of foreboding, chose to stay a couple of steps behind the others. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, and it gnawed at her like a persistent itch she couldn't scratch. Lisa, ever observant, noticed the concern etched on Hiyori's face but decided to withhold her questions for now, respecting her friend's space and emotions.
Shinji finally stepped inside the warehouse alone, and the group's eyes locked on him, their expressions a mixture of relief and curiosity. Hiyori's heart pounded in her chest, and she waited for him to speak, her anxiety growing with each passing second.
"Don't worry, folks, I'm back in one piece, no need to start planning my memorial." This time, everyone shared a more genuine laugh, except the small blonde. "Gather round, I do have a bunch of things to tell you."
Shinji stood before his comrades, a sense of responsibility emanating from his every word. He had always been the natural leader among them, and it showed as he began to address the group. His voice carried weight, and he exuded a calm and collected demeanor.
"I met with the old man and a few other captains," Shinji began, making sure to emphasize the gravity of the situation. "As Ukitake already said, they showed me the official pardon issued by Central 46 and signed by Yamamoto himself. This isn't just talk; it's a done deal. There will be no prosecution, no punishment, absolutely nothing coming our way. All our names are cleared."
Pausing for a moment to let that information sink in, he continued, "But it's not just about us. The Gotei 13 is in chaos right now, especially Divisions 3, 5, and 9. They're not only missing captains; Gin, Aizen, and Tosen wreaked havoc on the very foundations of their divisions. The lieutenants are doing their best to hold things together, at least in Divisions 3 and 9, while the Lieutenant of Division 5 is remaining in the Yonbantai for observation, thanks to that elaborate illusion we all experienced."
Shinji couldn't help but shake his head at this revelation, avoiding eye contact with Hiyori, especially. "They are offering us a chance to return to fill those vacant roles. Everyone is welcome to come back, but there are only three positions officially open. For the rest, they'll try to find suitable places. However, considering our history, if we decide not to return, they'll be an officially discharged order, and there will be no Maggot's Nest retribution. We won't be forced to reclaim our old positions. For instance, Lisa is free to join the 3rd as a Second Lieutenant or Hachi could join the 8th," he used this example as a way to sidestep the uncomfortable fact that Mayuri would undoubtedly object to Hiyori serving as his Lieutenant, and vice versa.
"Our responses are entirely independent of one another. Each of us can choose to come back or stay away. This, as Ukitake mentioned, is an invitation, not an obligation. They understand that they wronged us in the past, so if we decide to remain here, they'll respect that choice. Yamamoto gave us 30 days to submit an official answer." Shinji revealed some papers he had kept out of sight of the group, seven blank pages, one for each individual present. "When we are ready to give our response, we'll inscribe it with our reiatsu, and the official answer will be submitted to the 1st Division. It's also something we can change over time; we can say no and come back in a couple of years. They are giving us carte blanche in deciding what we want to do."
He continued, "One more thing to note, Yoruichi, Tessai, and Kisuke are not included in this ruling. It was decided, given that our situations were similar but not the same, to have different sentences for the cases. Gramps decided to expedite our case due to the openings, as you can imagine, he's very eager to hear our answer. However, they will wait, so there's no need to make a decision today."
Shinji took a deep breath and fell silent, signaling that the discussion had concluded. The warehouse was filled with a heavy silence, as everyone contemplated their choices and the implications of this unexpected offer.
Hiyori narrowed her eyes, her sharp intuition catching the discrepancy. "There are only 7," she pointed out, glaring at him from the seat fartest from the group, "Why they are only 7 pages to give them an official answer, Shinji?"
His hopes of a private discussion shattered, he sighed deeply, recognizing that he had to address this now.
"You're right, Hiyori. There are only seven pages because..." He hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words. "I've already agreed to it. But I wanted to discuss this with you in private."
Her ochre eyes flared with fury as she locked her gaze onto Shinji. The intensity of her anger was palpable. Hiyori's voice was laced with venom as she spoke, not moving from where she was, but making her words show how serious her question was. "What's there to discuss if you've already accepted their offer? Shinigami."
"Hiyori, it's not that I've accepted without considering the options," Shinji explained. "It's just that I've had some time to think it through, and I believe it's the best choice right now." He paused, struggling to find the perfect words. "But that doesn't mean it has to be the same for everyone. I know you're upset, and I want to talk to you about it privately because your opinion matters to me."
Hiyori's eyes blazed with anger as she shot back, "Bullshit." Her frustration was evident as she crossed her arms, her face contorted with irritation. "You didn't just 'think it through.' You made up your mind on the spot. Basically, you couldn't wait a day to give us the middle finger and come running to those people." Her voice was laced with hurt, and it was clear that she felt abandoned by his decision. This morning, they had shared an intimate connection, and she had felt closer to him than ever. They were together, inseparable, and she couldn't imagine waking up without him by her side. But now, in the span of a few hours, he was making arrangements to leave, to never come back. The idea of him rejoining the very organization that had betrayed and abandoned them stung like a fresh wound. The thought of Shinji willingly walking away, leaving her and their newfound connection behind, was unbearable.
Shinji felt the weight of Hiyori's words, and he knew she had every right to be angry and hurt. He had been too quick in his decision, and it had blindsided her. He wanted to explain, to make her understand his reasons, but he also understood that her anger was justified. "Can you give me a second to explain? I have my reasons, Hiyori." Shinji pleaded; his voice tinged with desperation.
Her frustration erupted, and her voice crackled with hurt and anger. "I don't care about your reasons," she shouted. It was perhaps the loudest she had raised her voice since her injury. "I'm done with this conversation." Without hesitation, she executed Shunpō and vanished outside, determined to escape the suffocating tension inside the warehouse.
Shinji was left standing there, facing the others, his face a mixture of uncertainty and regret. Lisa, who had been observing the tense exchange, stepped forward and looked at Shinji with a stern expression. "Love, you better go after her. She's going to hurt herself."
Shinji interjected, trying to make amends for the decisions that had led to this situation. "I'll go."
But Lisa's gaze remained unyielding. "No, you've done enough," she insisted, the frustration evident in her eyes. "Not sure what you were expecting, but given her temper, you got off lightly."
Shinji felt a heavy weight of regret pressing down on him as he stood in the kitchen, looking at the official papers he had left on the table for everyone to use as they pleased. The sight of those blank pages served as a reminder of the turmoil he had unintentionally caused within the group.
Kensei and Rose approached him, their presence offering some solace in this moment of unease. Kensei placed a comforting hand on Shinji's shoulder and reassured him, "She'll understand, don't worry. Just give her some space."
Rose nodded in agreement, adding, "The news came out too soon; it's normal for her to be upset."
Shinji tried to nod along with them, acknowledging their support. He wanted to believe their words, to have faith that Hiyori's anger and hurt would eventually subside. But he knew Hiyori better than anyone, and he knew that her feelings ran deep. She didn't act impulsively when it came to emotions; her feelings were well-rooted and persistent. He feared that if he let this situation linger, her anger might mix with the love she felt for him, corrupting it in a way that might be irreparable.
In the depths of his heart, he knew that when he accepted the offer to return to the Gotei 13 and help with the 5th Division, he had set in motion Hiyori's disappointment and anger. He had concocted an elaborate plan to win her over, but he was painfully aware that all his machinations were likely to fail. Yet, he refused to give up without a fight. He was resolved to give her a few hours to cool down, to let the initial storm of emotions pass, and then he would corner her and force her to hear him out.
His decision to accept the offer was not about status or the importance of being a captain; it was about restitution and making amends for all the damage Aizen had caused. This was his chance to make things right. Taking advantage of this opportunity didn't have to be mutually exclusive with being with Hiyori; he just needed her to understand that. He was not leaving, and he was most certainly not leaving her. He would never abandon her; he was determined to make that clear, no matter the cost.
.
A couple of streets away from the warehouse, Love hurriedly followed the enraged girl through the streets of Karakura. He panted slightly to catch up with her. "Hiyori," he called out, concern in his voice, "Where are you going?"
"The hell do you care?" Hiyori snapped, her voice sharp and biting.
Love sighed, trying to keep his tone patient. "Well, considering I have to follow you, I care very much."
"Hiyori," he called again, his tone softening as he caught up to her. "Slow down, bokke."
She ignored him for a moment, walking faster than her current condition allowed. Eventually, she stopped abruptly and turned to face him. What he saw took him by surprise. Love had expected her to yell and curse at Shinji for the informal announcement he had given about taking his old position. He had expected her to call him names, and maybe even to hit him harder than she usually did in retaliation. But Aikawa Love, in all the time he had known Sarugaki Hiyori, was not prepared to see angry tears cascading from her eyes.
Concern etched on his face, Love reached out and gently touched her cheek, brushing away a tear. "Hey, why are you crying?" His voice was softer now, full of genuine worry as he gazed into her eyes, searching for answers.
Tears still flowed from Hiyori's eyes, but her expression had shifted from anger to a mix of sadness and frustration. "He's leaving, Love," she muttered, her voice quivering. "He's just leaving, just like she did."
The tall man massaged his temples; he should have imagined this was going to be a tough one. Hiyori was thinking of Kirio.
Love sighed, patting her back gently, his hand a comforting presence on her trembling shoulders. "Hiyori," he began, his voice low and full of understanding, "I hardly think this is the same scenario as when Kirio left. You can't compare Shinji to her; they're different people. People make choices for different reasons, even when those decisions hurt."
She turned her head to look at Love, her teary eyes locking onto his, the fury from before giving way to a sense of desperation. "And what about what's right for us, for me?" Her voice wavered with the weight of her emotions. "Why is it always the right thing for everyone else? Always 'for the sake of the Seireitei,' right? That's what Kisuke says, but apparently, it's the law everyone lives by."
Love allowed her to shake with tears for a moment, fully comprehending the depth of her anguish. When he finally spoke, it was with a soothing and understanding tone. "You know, Hiyori, Shinji can be an idiot sometimes, most of the time, to be honest, but he's not heartless. I'm sure he has his reasons. You should talk to him, hear him out."
She shook her head in frustration and despair, her eyes filled with hurt.
"I am going to deny I ever said this if you tell anyone else," Love remarked, his dark shades glinting in the afternoon sun, "But I've seen how he looks at you, Hiyori. He loves you, and I'm guessing he might have some idiotic plan to take you with him or something like that."
He gently nudged her head, a hint of a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Remember, he's not Kirio. And he also knows what happened to you after she left. I hardly think he wasn't thinking about you when he accepted the offer." Love let out a sigh, his gaze focusing on her with calm and understanding. "Let's go back. I want to finish my Shonen Jump before Rose steals it."
"I am not going back," Hiyori stated firmly, her voice still laced with a mix of emotions.
He raised an eyebrow, his concern for her still evident.
"I am going to stay with Kisuke."
"Hiyori…"
"I am going to stay with Kisuke."
He huffed, realizing that Hiyori's determination was unwavering. "Okay," he conceded, "but you're not walking all the way there. Tessai will kill me if that happens." Love wanted to make sure she got there safely, no matter what her decisions concerning the other blonde would be. His job right now was to look after the small girl.
"Love," she asked in a calm tone, a stark contrast to her usual fiery demeanor, "Are you going back?"
"Fuck no," he laughed, a hint of his trademark cheerfulness breaking through. "I like this place too much to come back to Soul Society and live by a bunch of ancient rules." Love had found a comfortable life in the human world, and he had no intention of returning to the stringent structure of the Soul Society.
"Yeah," she replied dryly. "Me either. Ever."
.
.
30 minutes later, Shinji felt Love's reiatsu, and he practically bolted towards the door, his heart pounding with worry and anxiety. As he looked towards the entrance of the warehouse, he found the track-suited man walking in alone, his expressions a mix of understanding and concern.
"Where is Hiyori?" Shinji's voice trembled with tension and unease.
Love let out a weary sigh, running a hand through his hair. "She's at Kisuke's. She refused to come back."
Shinji's frustration flared. "And you just let her go?" The words came out sharper than he had intended, a reflection of his own turmoil.
Love crossed his arms, his voice tinged with a hint of annoyance. "Well, considering I'm not the one who upset her, I wouldn't use that tone, Shinji."
The tension in the room was palpable, and it was clear whose side both Lisa and Love, and probably Kisuke, were on in this matter.
Shinji's heart sank at Love's response. He had been hoping to find Hiyori and talk things out, to explain his reasoning and try to make her understand, but now she was at Kisuke's, she would probably be sulking or even angrier than she was by the time we would be able to talk to her. His desperation to talk to her and mend the situation was palpable.
"Love, you have to understand," Shinji began, his tone more pleading than accusatory. "I didn't mean to hurt her. I made the decision to go because there are reasons for me to be there and fix things. But she has to know that it doesn't change how I feel about her."
Love shook his head, his annoyance with Shinji was still evident. "Shinji, I get that. But you know Hiyori, and you know how she is. Sometimes, she needs more than just words. Give her time to cool off. She's been through a lot lately."
"Ain't we all?" Shinji replied with a heavy sigh, recognizing the truth in Love's words.
He turned and began walking toward the door, his face etched with concern and determination. But before he could take another step, Love placed a firm hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks.
"Don't go there, Shinji," Love cautioned. "She won't talk to you, and Kisuke probably won't ever let you inside the shop. I shouldn't say this, but I care too much about that tiny pest." The taller man exhaled deeply. "She is having some flashbacks, you know, about the time Kirio left. She believes you're leaving her just like Kirio did."
Shinji's eyes closed tightly, and he cursed himself under his breath.
Fucking Hikifune Kirio.
He vowed to himself, "I'll never do that."
Love's gaze bore into him, his voice stern. "I know, but she doesn't. And that's on you."
.
AN
Well, the number of chapters grew exponentially without me trying. Not a big shocker, to be honest. And with this one, I declare the start of them not being together, just sad, I tell you. SAD. SAD. Because the worst part is this is just the beginning.
Please do enjoy that breakfasts interaction; it has to hold on for the next few weeks.
Hiyori at the beginning of the chapter may sound a bit softer than we are used to, and Shinji a bit more demonstrative than we're used to. I consciously did this for a couple of reasons:
1) It's the first couple of weeks of their relationship, a phase that is usually all love and rainbows and is very hard to be away from each other.
2) Trauma bonding; these two have been through the ringer, and that makes you closer to your significant other.
3) 100 years of pining.
4) Most of the lovey-dovey stuff is in thoughts. Hiyori is grappling with her romantic emotions for the first time in her entire afterlife, so let's cut her some slack.
The desire to make Ukitake offer some candy to Hiyori was SO strong, but I contained myself. For those who don't know, there are multiple omakes in the anime where Ukitake gives plenty of candy to Toshiro and Yachiru. So I am guessing (headcanon) that he has a soft spot for shinigami who look like children. Not that Hiyori is one, but you know.
Also, Hiyori going to a public phone instead of having a denreishinki (at least until after the Fullbringer arc) is, I am afraid, canon. The only interaction we have in the anime of Shinji/Hiyori after Farewell Swords episode 310 is the ending credits where she is on a payphone and Shinji is talking through his own Denreishinki in the 5th division.
I do hope everyone is in character. I do feel like I am pushing Shinji out of character just by the fact he is discussing his personal life with everyone, but I guess, or I want to justify that the occasion kinda guaranteed it.
For the next chapter, I tried to figure out what is worse than having a really bad fight with your boyfriend, and that is silence. So, let's see what happens, and let's see if this fic doesn't end up being 26 chapters total.
Thank you for reading!
