Disclaimer: Now is the time, tissues, toilet paper and ice cream.
Have a happy cry everybody!
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Last Kiss
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Yadomaru Lisa, the perpetually stern former Lieutenant, stood in the dusty training ground at Urahara Shōten with a slight scowl on her face. She watched Tsukabishi Tessai as he trained the two children that Urahara Kisuke had claimed as his own, Jinta and Ururu, in hand-to-hand combat. Seated next to her on one of the rock formations, Sarugaki Hiyori observed the battle with little real interest. With a casual tone, Lisa broke the silence, her gaze still fixed on the people in front of her, but her words carried a sense of concern. "You know, he's leaving tomorrow."
Hiyori's eyes remained fixed on the training session as she heard Lisa continue, "Rose, Kensei, and Mashiro left last week, and you decided to keep hiding here, not saying a word to them. That's fine if that's what you want, Hiyori. But I think with him, it's a bit different. You should go talk to him. Even when the deadline is still up, I don't think he can push his stay any longer." Lisa couldn't help but roll her eyes at Hiyori's stubbornness. "If you don't talk to him at all, you'll regret it."
Feigning ignorance, Hiyori replied, "I don't know what you're talking about. There's no one I have to talk to."
Lisa shook her head, realizing that there was no convincing Hiyori at the moment. "Suit yourself. But there'll be no crying or tantrums when you finally decide to take that cowardly ass of yours home."
"I ain't no coward! I just think the atmosphere of this place is better for my recovery." Hiyori defended herself.
Lisa ignoring how stubborn she was behaving, handed her a white piece of paper. "Another thing," she added, "You haven't filled your official statement, and the 30 days are coming to an end. You have to submit your response now." There was a small part of Lisa that thought Hiyori hadn't done it, because maybe just maybe Shinji would be able to reach her and the small vizard would leave with him. But that small part of her was washed away in the next action by the girl.
Hiyori accepted the paper as if it was poison, and with his index finger wrote: Sarugaki Hiyori not coming back to Soul Society. In an instant the paper consumed itself with a non-burning fire, "There, all done. Any other thing you want, or you find brats training with a shop owner very thrilling now?"
Lisa sighed, realizing that she couldn't convince Hiyori to leave. She decided it was best to let her be and respect her decision. "Well, Hiyori, you've made your choice," Lisa said, her tone resigned. "I'll leave you to your brats, your training and your shop. Just remember, if you change your mind, you know where to find us."
With that, Lisa turned and walked away, leaving Hiyori to her own devices. The younger girl watched her go, her expression stubborn and unyielding. She had made up her mind, and nothing was going to change it. She would remain here, where she was safe, away from the traitors who decided Soul Society was more important than their group, and especially away from the one whose name she should never speak again.
"Good morning, Hiyori-san," the sleepy voice of Urahara Kisuke made the scowling girl turn in his direction with a jump.
"Morning? It's practically noon. Honestly, Kisuke, you couldn't be lazier if you tried."
"I am not lazy, I am a night owl. I do my best thinking in the wee hours of the morning," the inventor said, and at that, Hiyori rolled her eyes.
"Besides, the only reason I am up at this hour is because I am guessing Shi-," Hiyori gave him a murderous glance, reminding him that the name was forbidden around her, "Our daily guest should probably be arriving any minute, if not I'll probably be resting my eyes a little bit."
Hiyori huffed and puffed. "You make it sound like me asking for one miserable favor for the first time in a hundred years is the hardest thing to do ever."
Kisuke, unfazed by Hiyori's reaction, continued, "Oh, no. It's my pleasure to be of service to you; you know that."
Hiyori scowled again, "Don't give me that look, Hiyori-san. I know you're not a fan of his at the moment, but it's still polite to greet our potential customers. As a penniless shopkeeper, it's necessary to be nice to all clients, whether or not they are welcome inside the house. That may be something different. But you can go take a nap of your own or remain down here until he leaves." He glanced in the direction of the approaching reiatsu. "And it seems he's right on time. Tessai! Kids! Come greet our visitor!"
The children immediately perked up and followed Tessai, who had been training them, as they headed to the entrance to give a customary welcome to the newly appointed Gobantai Taichou, Hirako Shinji. Leaving Hiyori down in the training area, they all made their way upstairs to the shop, where all the official and unofficial products, the shōten offered were located. As it had happened from the first day she arrived, the female Vizard had come into the store teary-eyed, with anger and desperation in her voice. Kisuke had ordered Tessai to create a specific barrier in the area where Hiyori would be, to prevent Shinji from descending to the lower level and confronting the former 12th Division Lieutenant.
In less than 2 seconds, Shinji entered the shop, his long legs carrying an elegance that was customary for the former leader of the Vizards. His clothes remained the same as on other days, with just the color of his attire different. As he crossed the threshold, the atmosphere became charged with mixed emotions.
Tessai greeted him with a courteous nod, and the kids offered a polite welcome. Shinji returned the nod and ruffled Jinta and Ururu's hair. They were no longer the children he remembered but looked more like delinquent teenagers.
The tension in the room was rising, even when Shinji's gestures were welcoming. Despite this, Kisuke maintained his genial smile and asked, "Shinji! It's good to see you. How's everything on your end?" He tried to keep the conversation light and friendly, though the strained atmosphere was undeniable.
"It is not good to see you, Kisuke. As handsome as you can be, I am here to see Hiyori," Shinji remarked, his tone laced with irritation.
"Always so hurtful, my old friend," Kisuke retorted with his trademark fan-opening flourish. "Unfortunately, Hiyori-san is still indisposed, as I mentioned to you yesterday, the day before, and the day before that."
Shinji's frustration was palpable as he retorted, "And as I mentioned yesterday and the day before that, I am not leaving until I talk to her. I have to be on the 5th very soon, and I haven't been able to catch even a glimpse of the Chibi from the moment she arrived here. I honestly don't think she would appreciate you fighting her battles. Now, let me pass."
Kisuke maintained his calm demeanor, continuing to hold his fan and responding, "Oh, Shinji, you're more than welcome to come in. Our barrier may keep you from accessing specific places in the Shōten, but I can't deny services to a customer. And yes, Hiyori-san is a very capable warrior. Right now, she's not at 100%, but she's getting there. However, this specific non-combative fight is something she did ask me to handle. As a fellow who admires and cares for her, you know I cannot deny her."
The determination was clear on Shinji's face as he replied while massaging his temples to keep his temper in check, "Kisuke, I understand your concern, but this is something between me and Hiyori. Do not meddle. She and I need to talk, and it can't wait any longer. I won't push her, but I won't leave without seeing her."
The inventor sighed, his fan lowering slightly. "I know you care for her. But please trust that I'm doing what I believe is best for her right now. Give it some time. We're making progress. She will see you when she's ready."
"I do not have the luxury of time," Shinji insisted, frustration hanging heavily in the air.
At that moment, a melodic laugh cut into the tension, and the beautiful face of Yoruichi arrived in the shop at just the right moment. She quipped, "Men and their chatter. Are we fighting over the 'ironing board'? Is the little runt in trouble again?" Yoruichi, although feigning a lack of knowledge, was well aware of what had been happening over the last month.
Silence reigned over everyone in the room, and an unspoken understanding passed between Kisuke and Yoruichi, born of years of friendship and mutual respect. They had a way of communicating without words, a connection that transcended spoken language. It was a dynamic that those who knew them well recognized instantly. Yoruichi, with her vibrant and assertive personality, was often the one who kept her old friend Kisuke in check, balancing his unconventional antics with her own straightforward approach.
Kisuke sighed, conceding to the situation at hand.
"Honestly, I don't understand how the world is ruled by men. Maybe that is the reason everything is so fucked up," she admitted with a chuckle. Then the former Shihoin princess delivered pretty much mandates to the people in the building. "Kisuke," she started, "you should stop babying her. We all know you feel guilty for what happened a billion years ago, but that's no reason to do everything she tells you all the time. Hiyori needs to fight her own battles, well, maybe not all, but at least this one is one she has to fend for herself. Not sure you have noticed, but that tiny terror is an adult; don't disrespect her like you usually do." Yoruichi's words carried a sense of authority, making her point clear.
She swallowed and continued, "Shinji, you are no better. You expect her to be whatever you want her to be, to be at your beck and call, and at the same time, you do whatever is convenient for you. So, you are a team until you are not. Be a man and stand by your decisions. If she does not care for them, she is not yours to keep." Her words were firm but devoid of venom.
"Tessai," she ordered. "Release the barrier. I'll go downstairs and talk to her myself. I'll bring her to you, Shinji." She narrowed her cat-like eyes. "But you have 10 minutes to make your case. If she does not wish to see you after that, you're out of luck. You'll respect her decision, just as she has respected your decision to go back. If you keep pushing, I'll be the one showing you the door."
Shinji nodded, deeply appreciating the opportunity Yoruichi was giving him after a long month of frustration and missed chances to talk to Hiyori. All he wanted was a chance to explain; he hadn't had the opportunity to speak with her since she had found out about his actions. She had confronted him too soon, before he could provide an explanation for what he had done.
Yoruichi's footsteps clacked rhythmically on the stairs as she descended to the training room. The elegant Shihouin walked gracefully down the stairs, heading towards Hiyori. After what felt like an eternity for Shinji, but in reality, was only a couple of minutes, and some muffled voices, Yoruichi returned with Hiyori, who was putting up quite a fight. Hiyori was screaming and cursing, and in her typical style, she didn't hold back. Yoruichi had her by the collar of her tracksuit, not letting her feet touch the ground. With both women being close in height, it was quite a spectacle. Demonstrating her strength, Yoruichi simply picked up the girl without difficulty and tossed her onto the floor at Shinji's feet.
Hiyori hit the tatami with a thud and immediately started rubbing her tailbone. The pain didn't seem to deter her from continuing her tirade. She pointed an accusing finger at Yoruichi and, still wheezing, muttered, "How dare you pick me up like that, you old cat?"
The purple haired woman looked down at Hiyori, her expression stern but caring, and her eyes glinting with a knowing resolve.
"Hiyori, you're not a child," Yoruichi said, her tone holding a hint of disappointment. "You've faced far worse challenges than the one you're experienced the last month. You're stronger than this, stronger than you give yourself credit for. Running away won't solve anything; it never has. You've always been the kind of person who faces problems head-on. That's what I've always admired about you."
Yoruichi leaned down a little, making sure her words sank in. " You've been through so much, and you've always emerged stronger. This, too, is just another challenge, another step in your passage. Running away from Shinji won't make the issue disappear. You need to face it, confront it, and find a resolution. It's time to stop hiding, Hiyori. Remember, men do not define our worth or our journey. Men are just another color on the rainbow of a woman's life. If the one in front of you can't see your value, you turn the page and move forward. It's his loss, not yours, regardless of your history. Despite any good actions he may have taken towards you, you owe him nothing. But you owe it to yourself and whatever feelings you may have towards him to give him a chance to explain. Do not dismiss him without a word." Her unwavering gaze underscored the strength that resided within Hiyori.
With that, she ousted everyone else out of the room, directing them to the downstairs area. As they walked together, Kisuke couldn't help but express his doubts. "Are you sure this is the right thing to do?"
Yoruichi's response was somewhat uncertain, "No, but it may be the only way for them to talk."
Kisuke, seemingly expecting more conviction given her earlier words, commented while hiding his eyes behind his hat, "After that grandiose speech, I was expecting more certainty."
In response, Yoruichi, with her enigmatic sense of humor, simply laughed.
"Geez, if that was what she was going to say, I'd have saved on the thank yous," Shinji muttered, his eyes narrowed and his expression slightly lopsided. Despite the tension, he extended his hand, offering to help Hiyori stand up. However, she swatted his hand away in a gesture of disgust, making it clear she wasn't in the mood for a friendly reunion.
Shinji decided to try breaking the ice with their usual banter. "I've been coming to see you daily, stupid," he quipped, but Hiyori remained unresponsive. She stood up, crossed her arms, and deliberately looked away, refusing to acknowledge his presence.
Undeterred, Shinji persisted, his concern evident in his voice. "Come on, Hiyori. Do you honestly think this childish act of ignoring me is going to work?"
Shinji observed Hiyori's stubbornness with a mix of frustration and concern, fully aware of the walls she had built around herself, walls that had been reinforced with iron over the last month. He took a deep breath and chose to speak honestly. "I know you're angry and hurt. But honestly, your attitude has also been pissing me off. You know me too well not to realize there's more to this. After last month, do you really think I would just pack up and leave you? Are you a complete moron?" His words were tinged with exasperation but also laced with genuine concern for her.
He took a step closer to her but kept a respectful distance, not wanting to invade her space without her permission. "I have been thinking, not only for the last month, but after the battle with Aizen, if I should tell you something. I think it's the right thing to do, to let you know about it, but could you please at least look in my direction while I speak because what I am about to tell you is important." At his words, she gazed in his direction for a second and then turned completely around to show him her back, her way of showing her reluctance to engage in this conversation.
He let out a bitter laugh. "How in the actual fuck did I fall in love with such a stubborn, headstrong woman?" With determination in his voice, Shinji continued, "There it is, Hiyori. I said it, and I hope you heard it for what it was. I love you." His declaration hung in the air, waiting for her response.
Shinji observed her shoulders shaking, and for a moment, he thought she might be crying. But as he looked closer, he noticed her clenched fist.
"And you think the right moment to tell me is right now?" She finally had turned to face him, but the look on her face was beyond anger.
"Hiyori," Shinji started, frustration creeping into his voice. "I get it, the timing's not perfect, but when is it ever with you? I couldn't hold it in any longer, and I needed you to hear it." His words, now less angry, took on a more hopeful and determined tone. "Even if you don't say it back, I know you feel the same. I've known it for what feels like forever. That's why I believe that we'll make it through this. If I go back and you stay here, we'll find a way."
He could hear her heavy, ragged breathing and see her shoulders trembling as she struggled to contain her emotions. Her eyes narrowed, her face mirroring the expression she had worn that day in the fake sky.
"You said you had reasons," she hissed, her voice strained. "You had to explain all your big list of fucking reasons, and yet I've only heard fake apologies and sad excuses. But you haven't had the brain cells to explain anything to me!"
Shinji bristled at her accusation. "You don't let me!"
She angrily waved her hand, signaling him to continue, her impatience and frustration palpable.
Shinji took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to match her anger with his own. He couldn't afford a rage-fueled argument. It was clear that the last couple of weeks had been a missed opportunity. Instead of spending it together, creating memories, and cherishing each other, they had grown apart. She had run, and he had tried to chase her, but without success.
"The past month has been hell for me," he confessed, his voice heavy with regret. "I wanted to be with you, to talk, to work things out. But every time I tried, you pushed me away. Do you have any idea how much it's torn me apart?" He glanced at Hiyori, his face a mix of frustration and sadness. "Hiyori, I love you. I messed up, should've waited, talked to you first, and then decided. But you need to understand that, in my heart, it was the right choice."
Taking a deep breath, Shinji fixed his gaze on Hiyori, not letting her eyes escape his own. "Before Soul Society even approached us, I'd been thinking about going back. And before you say anything, It's not just about duty or responsibility as a captain. It runs deeper than that."
His voice was earnest while he looked for the right words. "You know how I feel about Aizen and what he did. The guilt I carry for not stopping him, for not realizing his true nature sooner, for not acting before he struck. It gnawed at me for a long time. I think it still does. I need to return to Soul Society to make amends, to undo the damage he's caused, and contribute to the rebuilding and restoration efforts. It's not about an organization; it's about people we once knew and those we didn't, all of them suffering due to his actions." Shinji's thoughts drifted to the faces of those affected, especially to the pained expression of the sweet Lieutenant he had met during his short visit.
"It's about me standing before the Shinigami I let down in the 5th Division, facing everything, healing, and finding closure for myself." he continued, his voice determined, "Also, going back will help send the right message about integrating everyone, letting others understand that what happened to us was a tragedy, but we overcame it."
He sighed, "Finally, Hiyori, we are souls, and our true place is there. As good as Kisuke's gigai is, our real place is in Soul Society, whether we like it or not." He tilted his head, trying his best to convey the importance of what he was saying. "I know it's not fair to you, and Yoruichi might be right, perhaps I am the most selfish person in the universe, especially considering you're the most giving, loyal, and sweet person I know. You've stood by me during the worst of times, and you've always been there for me, even when I didn't deserve it. I also know you trust me with your life without a second thought. So, Hiyori, could I ask you one more time to trust me now?"
Hiyori smiled, a hopeful smile that felt like a refreshing splash of cool water to Shinji. She then adopted her cheerful yet sarcastic tone. "Everything always goes back to Aizen, doesn't it? I wish you crazy kids all the happiness in the world. Him locked out in Muken and you breathing the same air as him." Her tone took a cruel turn as she continued, "I told you on the first day, I'm done with this, and I'm certainly done with you. Yoruichi did say I only had to listen to you for 10 minutes, and your time is up." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Shinji standing there, the weight of her words heavy on his shoulders.
He knew her well, and he'd be damned if she thought he wasn't going to fight for her, even if he had to fight her. Shinji extended his arm to grab her, but as his hand reached out, a yellow barrier shimmered into existence, blocking his way. Yoruichi, true to her word, had set the ten-minute limit, and there was nothing he could do to breach the protective ward that was erected. Shinji watched Hiyori walking away.
"Hiyori!" Shinji called out in desperation, but his voice echoed in the empty space between them. He could only watch as she moved further away, the distance between them growing with every step. The yellow barrier remained unyielding, sealing his fate for the moment.
"It was a good speech, those are pretty good reasons; I would have gone with you, if you'd ask." Kisuke's voice was lighthearted, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. He strolled into the room; his hat low over his eyes.
Shinji couldn't help but chuckle at the timing. "Thank you Kisuke. You weren't by any chance, eavesdropping, were you?"
The shop keeper winked and replied, "Eavesdropping, or just conveniently overhearing a heartfelt conversation? You decide." He then raised an eyebrow. "So, what is the next step in the plan? Kidnapping?"
With a sad laughter in his lips, Shinji replied, "I guess giving up would be the next one."
Kisuke could see the disappointment and sadness in Shinji's eyes, and he felt a pang of sympathy for his old friend. "I know it's not easy, Shinji, but sometimes we have to make tough choices for the greater good. I'll keep an eye on Hiyori and make sure she doesn't get into too much trouble. You focus on what you need to do, and when you return, you'll have a chance to make things right with her."
The now Gotei captain nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Kisuke. I don't know how long I'll be gone, but I trust you to watch over her. Keep an eye on those pesky kids of yours too."
Kisuke grinned. "You know I will. I am honestly very happy the two of you are together. Well, kinda together, I guess. Being the only simp that cares for a headstrong, independent woman who has a life of her own is lonely. I'm glad I have company now."
Shinji gave him a deadpan expression.
Kisuke playfully slapped his back. "In other words, welcome to the club."
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After leaving Urahara's shop, Shinji wandered aimlessly through the city without a real destination. His affairs had been in order for more than ten days, and to be honest, there was nothing holding him back from leaving Karakura except for the small blonde still residing in her old captain's home. So, he decided to return to the warehouse, repack the few clothes he was taking to Seireitei, and watch the hours pass by. He was planning to leave early in the morning anyway.
The hours moved agonizingly slowly, and as the night came, something caught him by surprise. It was late, likely very close to midnight, and Shinji had barely had a chance to get any sleep. Hiyori's reiatsu gently stirred him from his restless slumber. Though she tried to mask it, he could sense her presence as she moved quietly through their shared common spaces in the warehouse. Shinji lay still in his bed, his senses keen, waiting for her. He didn't make a single sound, allowing her to come closer on her own terms.
He heard her cautious footsteps as she entered the room. Hiyori moved with utmost care, trying to avoid any disturbance, but he could perceive her proximity. His breathing remained steady, and he kept his eyes closed, offering her the space and silence she needed.
The soft thud of her sandals hitting the floor signaled her intent to remove her shoes. He also noticed the rustling of her jacket as she likely placed it on the nearby chair. Then, there it was—the familiar sensation of the mattress sinking beneath her weight. Shinji continued to feign sleep, knowing that the next move was entirely up to her. In this fragile moment, he was determined to let her take the lead. Whatever was to happen now, it would be on her terms.
She gently settled her petite frame next to his, pulling the covers from his body and draping them over herself as well. Her feet, as cold as ever, pressed against his warm skin, creating a comforting contrast. Shinji welcomed the feeling of her body against his, finding solace in the close proximity despite the turmoil that had unfolded between them. It was a silent yet profound connection, a testament to the complex emotions they shared.
He lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling, while she nestled herself on her side, her face resting against his chest. He was almost certain that she could hear the rapid thud of his heart, echoing the unspoken emotions that hung heavy in the room. The closeness was comforting, yet it also carried the weight of unresolved tension between them.
He was sure she knew he was awake, and he could feel her body pressed against his, sharing the warmth of their proximity. However, neither of them spoke. The silence in the room felt heavy.
He couldn't stop himself any longer. It had been almost a month of truly seeing her, touching her, and being close to her again. As he felt her body nestled against his, Shinji knew that words alone couldn't bridge the gap that had formed between them. Actions spoke louder, and he needed to show her how much she meant to him.
Gently, he shifted his body, turning onto his side to face her. Hiyori, still pressed against him, felt the movement but didn't pull away. He reached out, his fingers tenderly tracing the curve of her cheek. She didn't resist his touch, and her ochre eyes remained locked onto his.
Shinji could see the turmoil in her gaze, the pain, the anger, and the fear that he was going to leave her like Kirio did. He leaned in, closing the distance between their lips, and kissed her softly. It was a kiss filled with all the unspoken emotions he couldn't convey with words.
Their kiss was gentle yet filled with desperation. It felt as if the dam holding back their emotions had finally broken, as Shinji wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. His heart ached with love and regret, and he hoped that through their physical connection, he could convey his commitment to her.
Hiyori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She could feel the warmth of his embrace radiating through her body, and for a moment all the hurt and anger disappeared. She felt safe in his arms, secure in the knowledge that she could trust him.
The intensity of their embrace grew until it seemed as if neither of them wanted to let go. They continued to kiss deeply and passionately, each trying to show the other how much they truly loved them without needing words.
It wasn't until Hiyori gasped for air that they realized how long they had been embracing each other. They pulled apart slowly, both of them still wanting to stay connected but knowing that they had to let go eventually.
Their lips parted, but their foreheads remained pressed together. Shinji whispered against her skin, "I'm not leaving you, Hiyori. I'll be back to you, every time I can. We don't have to break up because of this. I love you, and nothing will change that. Please, believe me."
He held her close, waiting for her response, hoping that this intimate moment had mended some of the damage caused by their recent turmoil.
She looked straight at him, but her eyes were still not her usual self, but without hesitation she declared: "I want you to fuck me Shinji."
Hiyori's words hung in the air, heavy and full of emotion. Shinji couldn't believe what she was asking of him - for them to make love. His heart raced as he stared at her in shock, his mind spinning with a million different thoughts. "Hiyori, a-are you sure about this? It's a big step and I don't want to do it if you're not sure. We can wait, baby, we should wait."
She met his gaze with a fierce determination. "I didn't ask you to make love to me. I asked you to fuck me. I don't have any love for you, but I do have lust and I think this is the best way to get over it."
Slowly, he reached out and placed his hands on either side of her face, gently caressing the soft skin beneath his fingertips. "Hiyori, those are lies."
"They are not. You want to know how I feel. That's how I feel. You want to make up for being an egocentric asshole. Fuck me."
Shinji hesitated, his eyes locking with hers, "But, how about the virgin bride, Hiyori? That was your dream."
Her resolve shone through as she spoke, her words laced with something he couldn't quite place. "That was the dream of an idiot girl who thought her life in Soul Society was a dream of itself. That thought she had found a mother who cared for her, friends that would support her no matter what, and someone who would love her unconditionally. All that were illusions."
"Hiyori, don't be ridiculous!" He continued to look at her through the darkness, losing his temper a little, as he grappled with her response. "No, I am not going to do it. I want to make love to you for the right reasons. This feel-"
"It feels like goodbye."
"That is not what I meant. It feels wrong."
"Are you so taken aback by your pretty new Lieutenant that the idea of touching me feels wrong?"
"Hiyori! You are taking everything I'm saying and twisting it."
"Did her eyes sparkle when you went to talk to her about how you could save her from Aizen?" She spat out the words with venom in her voice. "Lisa showed me her picture, she is so pretty, Shinji. Cute and kind, probably well-spoken and sweet. A prime candidate for one of your first loves, am I right?" In moments like this, Shinji would have given anything to turn back time and remove that idiotic joke he always liked to play with Hiyori. Then she added a kick to the gut. "Nothing like me."
Shinji tenderly brushed a strand of hair from her face, refocusing on what was important, really trying not to take her bait. "Hiyori, it's not like that. You're you, and that's why I love you, no one else, I thought that has been clear for a while now. And for the record, you're the most beautiful woman in the world to me. I'd rather have your fiery spirit than some cookie-cutter Shinigami."
Her face scrunched in a revolting look, "I hate you."
Shinji looked at her with a mix of surprise and hurt. "Hiyori, why are you saying that? I don't want you to hate me. I love you."
"You do not love me, if you'd love me, you will not leave. I don't want you to keep saying it. Stop." she spat.
Hiyori's words cut like a knife, and Shinji could feel the depth of her pain. He knew that her anger was an outlet for the pain she was experiencing, but he also understood that arguing or getting into a confrontation with her wouldn't help.
He took a deep breath, struggling to keep his own temper in check. "I understand that you're hurt, Hiyori. I can't change how you feel right now, but I need you to understand that my decision to go back to Soul Society doesn't mean I'm leaving you for someone else. I'll be visiting you, and we can be together whenever we want. This doesn't have to be the end of us." He reached out to touch her face gently, trying to convey the sincerity of his words. "I love you, Hiyori. I don't want to lose you. We'll make this work, I promise. Just give it time."
"I don't want visits, I don't want time, I don't want you. And I won't repeat myself, this is done."
Shinji's heart sank as he heard Hiyori's blunt rejection. He wanted to make her understand, to ease her pain, but it seemed that for now, she wasn't willing to listen or accept his words. He respected her decision, even though it pained him.
With a heavy heart, he nodded and said, "Alright, Hiyori. I won't push you. Just know that I love you, and I'm not giving up on us. Whenever you're ready, I'll be here for you."
"Your 'here,' it's a place I would never, ever put a foot in my life, Shinigami. If you leave tomorrow, I'll never forgive you, and I'll never speak to you again. You don't have to worry about anything, there is nothing you have to give up."
"I understand," he replied, his voice tinged with sadness.
"Have a good life, Hirako Shinji," she whispered, a note of finality in her voice. Hiyori started to move the covers, preparing to run away from the situation, but Shinji was not willing to let her escape this time. With determination, he grabbed her from behind and used his entire weight to keep her in place.
"No. I can have you for at least one more night," Shinji insisted, his arms holding her firmly.
"Let go of me," she demanded, her voice still filled with anger and pain.
"I won't let go of you, Hiyori," Shinji declared, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and love. He tightened his grip on her, holding her close. "I won't let go of you today, tomorrow, in a year, or in a hundred years. I told you that there was no turning back. I gave you an out, and you laughed and said you wanted to be with me."
He turned her around gently, so they were face to face. Shinji looked into her eyes, his own filled with sincerity and emotion. "Hiyori, I meant every word of it. I love you, and I'm not giving up on us. You can be as stubborn and angry as you want for as long as you want, but you are staying right here with me, at least tonight. Just give me tonight."
And she kissed him.
Their lips met in a passionate kiss, the intensity of their emotions pouring into the moment. Hiyori's anger and frustration mingled with Shinji's deep love and desire. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, a kiss that expressed what words could not.
In that moment, they found solace in each other, seeking comfort and connection. The outside world and their uncertainties melted away as they clung to each other, two souls entwined in the darkness of the night.
Hiyori's hands slid up Shinji's chest as they kissed, fingers curling into his hair, holding him close. Shinji's arms wrapped around her, pulling her tightly against him. It was a declaration of love, a promise to hold on to each other, if only for this night.
As they broke the kiss, their foreheads rested against each other, and Shinji repeated his previous statement like a mantra, "Just for tonight, Hiyori."
The passage of time in those early morning hours felt both swift and sluggish. They kissed, and as they dozed off and woke up multiple times, their lips and embrace conveyed unspoken emotions. Shinji tasted the salt of her tears as she clung to him, her whispers of "Don't go" barely audible but filled with desperation.
In that half-lit world of half-sleep, it was as if the boundary between dreams and reality had blurred. They held each other, finding solace in the closeness they shared, but the weight of what was to come hung heavy in the air. The intensity of the moment was undeniable.
Shinji felt the unspoken yearning in Hiyori, the desire for more, and it mirrored his own feelings. But there was so much at stake, too much uncertainty and chaos that already threatened to engulf their worlds. Adding a physical element to their relationship felt like another layer of complexity that could either bring them closer or further apart.
So, they remained in that half-awake, half-asleep state, sharing tender kisses and the warmth of their embrace, holding on to each other without crossing the line that might lead to regret. The dawn approached, casting a pale glow through the window, and it felt like the weight of his departure was growing heavier with each passing minute.
The last time he felt him was as his lips pressed gently against her forehead, Shinji left a lingering kiss, and his hushed words fell upon her ears. "Be good, Hiyori. I'll see you later," he whispered. Hiyori kept her eyes firmly closed, not wanting to face the reality that he was likely leaving. No other words were exchanged, for in that moment, silence held the weight of their unspoken emotions, and she did her best to try to fall sleep again.
.
AN:
Apologies for the abundance of 'I love you's; you have no idea how many I deleted, hehe.
We've got Protective Urahara Kisuke x 100 here. I couldn't help it. Could anyone say no to her crying? No, you could not. There's also a brief, easy-to-miss ship interaction between Yoruichi and Kisuke.
I thoroughly enjoyed writing Yoruichi's speech to Hiyori. I channeled my inner feminist to make it as empowering as possible. I believe it's an important lesson for Hiyori to understand that her value isn't determined by whether she's with him (in a literal or non-literal sense). Men do not make us more or less important.
I added a subtle hint about their heights when Yoruichi brings Hiyori to the shoten. I think it conveys Yoruichi's confidence and swiftness. Yoruichi may not look it, but she's actually quite short at 156 cm (5'1½").
As for the first fight (the one at Urahara's Shoten), I tried to capture the frustration in his voice. Most of the time when you're in a conflict with your significant other, even if you're at fault, there's a point when you get angry. It's just part of the fight. So, I aimed to show that he was losing his temper a bit while remaining apologetic. I had him use her name frequently because he knows her name in his voice is like a call for her attention, a way to bring her closer.
I'm not sure if I achieved what I wanted with Hiyori's bluntness, but I aimed to make her sound as mean and hurtful as possible. She wants to hurt him, to make him suffer as much as she is suffering. After all, hurt people hurt people, am I right?
Shinji's whole speech about his reasons was challenging to explain because, for the most part, he's returning because of Aizen. We needed to convey this, though.
Kisuke's line about returning with him was hilarious if I may say so myself.
As for calling her "baby," this is indeed the first time he has done it. I didn't even realize it until I proofread. It might play a role in later chapters but remember that by the time "The Other Side of the Door" rolls around, she's still not comfortable with the pet name.
There were a couple of lines that really got to me, such as "I want you to fuck me, Shinji" "That was the dream of an idiot girl who thought her life in Soul Society was a dream of itself," and "Have a good life, Hirako Shinji."
I'm aware that in the last part, when they're fighting, she's saying both "stay" and "leave" in different ways. She's confused and hurt, unable to communicate her feelings properly. He knows this, but since there wasn't a chance for him to stay (rolling my own eyes), he didn't point out this discrepancy.
There isn't much more to say at this point. We've hit rock bottom, so the only way is up from here. Thank you for coming along with me. I hope the angst fic wasn't too bad or was at least comfortably bad, as angst fics tend to be.
If you're looking for an alternative version of this fight, a shameless self-plug, I'd suggest go over chapter 6 of Glassy Sky, there he even goes as far as ask her to be his lieutenant, and there is a fight scene (real fight, not only words) that took me 2 weeks to write :P
As always, thanks for reading, and I'll see you in the next one.
