I almost do

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It had been exactly one year since the Vizards, or at least half of them, made their triumphant return to Soul Society. This anniversary carried special significance for all of them, a milestone marking their reunion with the realm they had once called home. For Hirako Shinji, however, the occasion was bittersweet, as it also signified the third time he had crossed over to the world of the living.

Each visit had been driven by a single, unshakable desire: to see and talk to Hiyori once more. Yet, despite the burning yearning that had consumed him, he had not been able to fulfill this deeply cherished wish. The ache of their separation had only grown more pronounced over time, akin to an open wound that refused to heal. Each passing day had weighed heavily on him, a relentless reminder of the gaping void in his life without her.

Shinji couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed in the past year. Their lives had taken unexpected turns, and he had committed himself to new responsibilities and duties in Soul Society. He had fought alongside old friends and rekindled lost alliances, all while carrying the heavy burden of his unmet yearning. As he stood at the threshold between the worlds, he knew that the upcoming visit would be different. He had to find a way to bridge the gap and make things right with Hiyori, no matter the cost.

The first time he ventured to the world of the living, it was around May, just before his birthday. He had held onto the hope that the significance of the date would work in his favor, believing that she would understand his genuine longing to see her again. It had been far too long since he last set eyes on her, and the ache of their separation was becoming unbearable.

Lisa, her new hairstyle making her look like a strict schoolteacher in Shinji's opinion, offered him some insight. "She's been spending an ungodly amount of time at the Shoten when Yoruichi is there," she pointed out. "Since Hiyori is so tiny, they decided it was a good idea to help her increase her speed, and they're training together."

Pride swelled in Shinji's chest at the mention of Hiyori's dedication and resourcefulness. Learning a challenging technique like shunkō was a testament to her unwavering determination.

"Alright, I'll wait," he replied, determined to see her no matter how late she returned.

Lisa, ever nonchalant, shrugged. "Do as you please, but she may not be back until midnight, or not at all."

Shinji had muttered a curse under his breath, realizing he couldn't wait indefinitely. After waiting for five long hours, hope dwindling, he eventually decided to leave, his heart heavy with disappointment.

The second time he had ventured into the world of the living, it happened to be around her birthday. He had carefully picked out a set of new ribbons for her hair, hoping to present them as a thoughtful gift. Despite having sent her presents through Lisa on previous occasions, he knew that most of his gifts ended up in the trash. Still, he remained eager to see her reaction and hear her characteristic tsundere response to his carefully chosen offering. He couldn't help but yearn for that connection with her, no matter how brief it might be.

That day, he went directly to Kisuke's place, where he could feel her reiatsu intermingling with Ururu's. It seemed that Hiyori had taken on the role of training the young girl. Ururu, who, as far back as he could recall, had always been the target of Jinta's antics, seemed to have found an unexpected mentor in Hiyori. Hiyori, evidently weary of the ongoing dynamic, had chosen to intervene in her unique way.. The barriers that had previously prevented Shinji from getting too close to her were gone, and he could now access the downstairs training ground as he pleased.

Shinji walked slowly, his hands crossed and hidden within the opposite ends of his haori. He positioned himself next to Kisuke, the one he barely acknowledged, and directed his gaze towards the blonde woman. It didn't take long for Hiyori to sense his presence. She glanced in his direction, but instead of the recognition he longed for, she walked past him, utterly ignoring him. In no time, she was standing beside the young girl, said something to her, and shunpōed away so swiftly that even Shinji was taken aback by her speed.

He had entrusted the ribbons to Kisuke, with the shop owner delivering the same warning Lisa had given him every time – he could ensure the delivery but had no control over what might become of the ribbons once they were in Hiyori's possession. Chances were, they'd end up in the garbage, like his previous gifts.

Shinji merely shrugged, thanking Kisuke for his assistance before departing for Soul Society once again, his heart weighed down by the recurring disappointment.

He had missed her, every facet of her being, and as time passed, he found himself yearning for her more and more. Lisa, the cunning businesswoman she was, decided to exploit his longing by selling him pictures of Hiyori. They weren't high-quality photos; most were quick snapshots taken on the down-low while Hiyori wasn't looking with the camara function of the denreishinki. But one picture stood out. It had been taken at one of Kisuke's brat's birthdays when she was there, and the soft candlelight had bathed her face in a warm, gentle glow. There were two twin pictures, one showing her scowling at the scene, and the second, perhaps taken when she thought no one was watching, where her features were entirely relaxed, almost forming a smile. That second picture made it worth every penny Lisa had practically stolen from him. It was the image he turned to on nights when he missed her so intensely that it physically pained him. It was the picture he had shown Momo when she inquired innocently about Hiyori, and it was the one he had framed, sitting proudly on his Captain's desk.

After a year of separation, he had come to realize that having those golden eyes look in his direction with care was the most significant privilege he had ever known. He reveled in the idea of having those quick looks directed solely at him once again. Because even when he wasn't looking, she was always watching him, stealing glances and taking whatever she could get from him during all those years when they pretended they weren't perfect for each other.

How he wished he could reach back in time and smack the back of that younger Shinji's head. He would tell him to rush to her, not to waste time, not to deliberately make her jealous because her heart was fragile. He would encourage him to go to the room across from his and just talk to her for hours, to enter that club Mashiro had once dragged them into for her birthday, grab her tiny waist, pull her close, and reassure her that he was with her. Even though she despised being in a place filled with humans, he would tell her, he recognized the effort she was putting just to be with everyone. And then, he'd kiss her, a deep slow kiss to make her breathless while he made slow strokes on her back to soothe her.

He had had her for less than a month, and he couldn't remove her taste, her scent, her touch from his memory. He could only imagine the pain if he had had her for longer, the pain of him going unacknowledged had been torturous, and this year of separation was already taking its toll. It was as if her absence was slowly consuming him from the inside.

That would bring us to today, the third time he traveled to the world of the living. This time, he had schemed a plan because no matter what happened, this time he was going to see her and talk to her. He would travel very early in the morning, around 3 am, and catch her while she was asleep, probably having just gone to bed. Vizards usually went to that barbecue place on the 31 street for the last day of the year, and Hiyori loved to stuff her face with the food, ensuring her belly was full for a good night's sleep.

He planned to sneak into the warehouse and catch her by surprise. She wouldn't be able to run, making it a perfect plan.

So, that's what he did. He prepared for days in advance, finishing his paperwork and leaving everything ready in the 5th Division. At 3 am sharp, he opened the Senkaimon and practically shunpōed his way into the warehouse. However, when he arrived, he found her room empty. "Shit," he thought. Maybe Kisuke had invited her to stay for New Year's. He was about to sit on the bed when he focused and tried to feel her reiatsu. It was faint and very tranquil, but it was coming from the warehouse.

He opened her door and, with his long legs, crossed the space between her bedroom and his old one. He opened the door slowly, and there she was, in the middle of his bed, soundly asleep, wearing his black button-up shirt as pajamas. His stomach turned with excitement as he saw her. She looked so peaceful and beautiful, and he approached her without hesitation.

Shinji couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips as he watched Hiyori sleep so peacefully. It felt like a stolen moment, one he had been yearning for, and he didn't want to disturb her slumber. He decided to make himself as comfortable as possible, just being near her was enough for now.

Slowly, he removed his haori, placing it gently on a nearby chair, and then followed by his waraji and tabi socks. The room was dimly lit, and he couldn't see everything, but he didn't want to risk waking her by turning on the lights. The moonlight streaming through the window provided just enough illumination.

Shinji climbed into the bed, being careful not to jostle Hiyori too much. He lay beside her, their bodies just inches apart. He couldn't take his eyes off her, mesmerized by her peaceful expression. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of her golden hair away from her face.

He really tried to let her sleep, to give her some time to either wake up on her own due to his reiatsu being so close or the physical proximity to wake her up, but he couldn't. As his body acted on its own, Shinji leaned in slightly and softly placed a lingering kiss on Hiyori's forehead. Then, he let his lips travel down to her cheek, planting another delicate kiss there.

Continuing to pepper her face with these light, loving kisses, he gradually moved closer to her lips. When he reached his destination, he paused for a moment, allowing her to wake up at her own pace. And when she did, their eyes met, and he gave her a small, reassuring smile, letting her know that he was there.

"Hi, Hiyori."

As the girl slowly stirred, her eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, they were met with a mix of confusion and disbelief. She wasn't sure if this was a dream or reality. Their faces were so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath against her skin. "Sh-" She began to say something, but then realizing what was going on, she stopped herself from saying his name. With a sudden and explosive surge of energy, she scowled and shoved him backward. Her tiny frame was surprisingly strong as she forcefully pushed him off the bed and onto the floor.

"How did you... when did you...?" Hiyori's words were a jumbled mess as confusion and disbelief washed over her. She was struggling to process the fact that he was here, standing in front of her. She despised him and wanted nothing to do with him. How had he managed to infiltrate the barrier without her noticing? She had explicitly ordered Hachi to set up an alarm system to alert her if he ever entered, and it was clear that the pink-haired man had failed to do so.

"Good morning, I guess," Shinji said from the floor, his tone a mix of light humor and acknowledgment of the awkward situation. He pushed himself up and sat on the floor, looking at her with a small, understanding smile.

"I didn't mean to startle you, Chibi. I'm sorry," Shinji said, his gaze locked on her eyes. "You just left me without options. I had to come up with something, and dropping by unannounced at first light was the best I could come up with. I'm not waiting another year before seeing you again. But I promise I won't intrude if you want me to leave. I'll leave." His voice held sincerity, and he made no move to get back on the bed.

As their eyes locked, he could sense some progress. She shifted, now sitting on the bed, her hair cascading around her face. Her black shirt had slipped slightly to the left of her shoulder, revealing a glimpse of her collarbone. Shinji's gaze lingered on her bare skin, and she noticed. Quickly, she grabbed the bed sheet to cover herself, a subtle gesture to regain her composure and control over the situation.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, recalling a conversation she had with Yoruichi. The cat woman had asked her what she would do when she saw him again and couldn't run away. At that time, Hiyori had given her a very "Hiyori" answer, saying she would punch him in the face and then leave. But the truth was that now, with him actually here, she was having difficulty resisting the urge to run to him and hug him. Opening her eyes and taking another deep breath, she finally decided to break the silence. "What are you doing here?"

"I told you before I left a year ago," Shinji said, emphasizing the passage of time. Hiyori rolled her eyes at him, "That I will come to visit. I know you know I've been here looking for you already. So don't play dumb; you may be a lot of things, but dumb is not one."

"Great. You make your way here as if you own the place, you waltz your way into my bedroom, while I am sleep, like a pervert, and insult me. Want me to make you a sandwich too?"

"I just want to understand how you've been, what you've been up to. It's been too long since we last talked," he said, ignoring her sarcasm. Then he backtracked, paying closer attention to what she had said, "And… I didn't sneak into your bedroom. This is actually my room. Did you lose your sense of direction in the time I was gone?"

Hiyori couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "Your bedroom, huh? You've really got some nerve, shinigami." She felt a strange mix of emotions at his return, and sarcasm helped getting her feelings out as much as she could, "The one with a broken sense of direction is you. Your bedroom is on the 5th Division of the Seretei."

"Hiyori, I'm really not here to pick a fight with you. I saw you, at least glance in my direction this time. So, I'll leave, go back to sleep, moron. It's still early," he said as he stood up and went to the chair to grab his haori. However, he felt a tug on his hakama.

Her eyes were low, and her small hand was holding onto the piece of clothing as if it were for dear life. "I didn't say…."

Shinji paused, his hand on his haori, surprised by her unexpected response. He turned back to her, a mixture of confusion and hope in his eyes. "You didn't say... what?"

She kept her gaze low, her cheeks slightly flushed, but her grip on his hakama remained firm. "I didn't say get out."

His heart raced with hope upon hearing her words, and a sincere, warm smile graced his face. "Alright, Hiyori. I'll stay." He positioned himself sitting beside her on the bed. Together, they stared at the wall ahead. Her legs dangled off the bed, not quite touching the floor. Their thighs were close, and her hand rested on hers. He gently reached for her hand and interlocked his fingers with hers. That gesture triggered a quiet, peaceful moment that slowly settled between them.

Without a conscious thought, Hiyori tilted her head in the direction of his shoulder. She leaned into him, her exhaustion from the past year and the emotional roller coaster of the last few minutes finally catching up to her. Shinji instinctively put his arm around her, pulling her closer, and she didn't resist. They sat like that in the quiet room, finding comfort in each other's presence.

"I missed you, baby. Hiyori, I have missed you so much." Her big eyes looked at him, pleading for something, her hurt still evident. She opened her mouth and then closed it, as if struggling to express the real feelings his presence had stirred.

He spoke for her, "I know you missed me too." His hand came to caress her face, his thumb making gentle circles on her cheek, "It's okay, baby. I know you're still angry at me. It's okay." And he pulled her closer into him, and she melted into his embrace, holding onto him with her arms around his neck.

Their silent embrace spoke volumes, the unspoken words hanging in the air. The weight of their year apart, the pain, the anger, and the longing, all melted away in that moment. Hiyori clung to Shinji, letting herself feel the warmth of his presence, and the tears that had been held back for so long finally fell.

She buried her face in his shoulder, her muffled sobs shaking her small frame. Shinji held her tightly, rubbing her back in soothing circles, whispering comforting words. The unspoken apologies and the unshed tears flowed freely, a cathartic release that had been a long time coming.

As Hiyori's tears subsided, she slowly pulled back, her eyes red-rimmed but her expression softer.

He spoke, trying to keep his desperation in check, "Can I kiss you? Reio, I have been dying to kiss you."

Hiyori's eyes locked onto Shinji's, her earlier anger and hurt fading away slowly. She bit her lower lip, a mixture of hesitation and desire in her gaze. She wanted to kiss him as badly as he wanted to kiss her.

Without speaking, she leaned in closer, closing the gap between them. Their lips met in a gentle but passionate kiss, as if rekindling the connection that had been strained for far too long. It was a kiss filled with longing and promises, a kiss that marked the beginning of something new and profound.

As they pulled away, Hiyori whispered, "You better not disappear again, shinigami."

Shinji chucked and got up with Hiyroi still on his lap. He carefully carried her to the bed, where he laid her down gently. Then, he joined her, their bodies fitting perfectly together. As they wrapped their arms around each other, they both knew that this time, they wouldn't let go.

Their lips remained locked together, barely losing contact as they explored each other's faces with fervent kisses. Shinji was especially eager, tracing a fiery path down Hiyori's neck, nuzzling the space next to her ear, and softly nibbling her earlobe. He continued his journey to her collarbone, each touch of his tongue on her skin evoking soft, sultry moans from her. Her fingers cling to his black kosode, gripping it tightly.

Sucking on her tender, unmarked skin felt like treading on dangerous territory, but the intoxicating pleasure they were sharing made it hard to stop. Shinji took particular pride in the melodic noises he coaxed from her as he lavished attention on her neck, leaving a passionate red mark as a testament of his need for her.

"Brat," he called out to her between tender kisses, his voice laced with playful attention, "let's go to sleep. It's still early, and if you don't get enough sleep, you get all grouchy. Well, more grouchy than usual."

She paused for a moment, their lips still lingering in sweet connection, and his eyebrow arched in surprise that his comment didn't earn him a playful hit to the ribs or a slap to the face.

"Wait, what time is it?" she asked as she untangled herself from him, and he responded with a low, displeased sound. She moved to all fours across from him, aiming for the nightstand where the alarm clock was supposed to be, but the missing clock only deepened her scowl.

"Where the fuck is that damn clock?" she muttered as she moved closer to the edge of the bed while still in that compromising position, inadvertently giving Shinji a full view of her behind, clad only in her cotton panties. He instinctively raised his hand as if to caress her smooth backside but quickly thought better of it, burying his face in the pillow. He mumbled, "Hiyori," and her head whipped in his direction, even though her body remained almost entirely out of the bed.

"Dumbass, be more aware of what you're doing. That little butt of yours is in my face."

Hiyori shot him an annoying look. "Don't be such a prude; it's just an ass. You've seen mine plenty of times."

This time he couldn't resist and gave it a firm squeeze, just to prove his point. Something inside of her seemed to melt.

"No, it's not. Now pull that shirt down and don't do it again," he said, and then he moved his hand away from her, much to his own displeasure.

Why did he find it so challenging to restrain himself when she was around? It wasn't a struggle he remembered from before, but perhaps the distance had taken a toll on him, leaving him feeling like he was on the edge even at the slightest provocations. The anticipation had built up over the year, creating an eagerness that made the most innocent gestures seem incredibly enticing.

Hiyori, ignoring him completely, found the alarm clock on the floor. "It's still early."

"I told you that."

"Shut it. I thought it might be closer to 6. I wanted to see the hatsuhinode. But it's still like 3 hours away."

"Did you set an alarm?" he asked, mildly interested.

She nodded in affirmation. With those words, Shinji gently grabbed her small waist and moved her closer to his body. "Then let's go to sleep. I'll wake you as soon as it rings."

Hiyori blinked several times, her surprise evident in her wide eyes. In response, he offered her a genuinely warm smile, not a smirk or a chuckle. Before going to bed, Hiyori had approached Lisa, Hachi, and Love, inviting them to watch the hatsuhinode with her. However, the three Vizards had categorically denied any interest in witnessing the first sunrise of the year, even as Hiyori had raised her voice and stamped her feet in frustration. She had passionately explained how the hatsuhinode represented hope and renewal, and following this tradition was important.

"I know that, Hiyori," Lisa had replied. "I just don't care, and I don't want to freeze to death watching a sunrise." Despite Hiyori's persistent protests, the two men and the woman, well-acquainted with her antics, had chosen to ignore her. Now, this person she hadn't spoken to in a year, someone she had insulted in every way imaginable, was easily indulging her every whim, making it hard to believe.

She grabbed the sides of his black kosode and crashed her lips onto his, kissing him with intense fervor, pulling his entire body closer to hers. Her passion demanded access to his mouth, and she eagerly met his tongue with hers, exploring, tasting, and savoring every sensation in her path.

He reluctantly broke the kiss, realizing he needed to be the voice of reason in this heated moment. Hiyori seemed to be swept away by emotions, and he doubted she was even aware of the effect she was having on him. "Sleep now, brat."

"Don't order me around; I am not one of your lackeys."

He brushed her hair away from her face and gently rested his palm against her cheek. "Go to sleep, Hiyori," he whispered, planting a slow and tender kiss on her lips. "Let's rest, baby. I'll be here when you wake up." His lips then graced the tip of her nose, the space between her eyes, her forehead, while his hand continued to caress her back slowly. In just a few minutes, the drowsiness overcame her, and she fell into a peaceful slumber.

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She didn't hear the alarm but felt his lips on hers, a reassurance that the night's visit had been real, and he was keeping his promise. "Time to wake up, my little monkey, or we'll miss the hatsuhinode," he urged.

Stirring, Hiyori sat up, rubbing her eyes to dispel the remnants of sleep. Shinji had left the room momentarily but returned with a thick winter coat that belonged to her. "Put this on, and let's go."

Hiyori gave him a narrow-eyed look but complied, already planning in her mind the physical revenge she'd inflict later onto his flat face. She watched as he went to a nearby chair and retrieved something long and white. As he put it on, she realized it was his Captain's haori with the kanji of 5 emblazoned on the back. Hiyori stopped in her tracks, stunned by the sight of him fully dressed in Shinigami attire. When she'd seen him briefly at Kisuke's a couple of months back, she had been doing her utmost to ignore him, and she didn't get a good look at what he had been wearing. Now, she couldn't avoid it even if she wanted. He looked, well, much the same as he did back then, minus the long hair dragging on the floor. He was still handsome, elegant, and charismatic, a perfect embodiment of a Gotei captain.

"Are you still sleepy?" His voice snapped her back to reality, and he grabbed her hand, pulling her along. "Let's go, idiot. The sun doesn't wait for anyone."

He led the way, his memory guiding them as they navigated the familiar path. Sidestepping cables, boxes, and other obstacles that had never been cleared, he eventually settled in one of the cradles, pulling Hiyori onto his lap so they could watch the sunrise together. He wrapped his arms around her small frame, protecting her from the chill of the morning. Hiyori nestled herself against him, taking in his warmth and his familiar scent.

They didn't have to wait much longer; the rising sun heralded the arrival of the new year.

"Hinnen omedetô gozaimasu, Hiyori," he said, pressing his cheek to hers, much like a cat nuzzling its owner, and he placed a small kiss on her jawline.

"Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu, Shinji," she replied, touching his face.

"Oh, so you do remember my name. I was suspecting I would have to start wearing a name tag so you would remember."

She playfully hit his shoulder without real force, and he beamed at that. This was his Hiyori.

"Shut up, Baldy. You keep it up, and I'll go back to calling you 'Shinigami'.'"

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The enchanting aroma of sizzling bacon filled the air, working its magic to rouse Love from his deep slumber. Kensei wasn't supposed to be at the warehouse until late afternoon, which was the plan for their yearly Hatsumōde outing. So, Love was left wondering who could possibly be cooking at this early hour.

With haste, he dressed and exited his room, curiosity piqued by the savory scent. Upon stepping into the kitchen, Love's eyes fell upon the last person he expected to see at the stove: Hiyori, the tiniest and often most vocal member of their Vizard group, was standing there with a spatula in hand, expertly flipping bacon in a sizzling pan.

His voice tinged with surprise, Love exclaimed, "Hi-hiyori, are you making breakfast?"

Cooking wasn't something that Hiyori shied away from. In fact, her culinary skills were renowned among their group, influenced by Hikifune's teachings. However, it was a rare sight to witness her voluntarily taking charge of the kitchen. Typically, their group resorted to takeout or simple meals prepared by Hachi.

Turning around with an annoyed expression, Hiyori retorted, "What does it look like I'm doing? Are you still drunk from last night?" The irritation was evident on her face as she gestured with her hands to emphasize her point.

"I didn't even drink yesterday," Love began to respond but was quickly interrupted by a startling sight on Hiyori's neck. He pointed inquisitively and asked, "Hiyori, what happened to your neck?"

"My neck?" Startled by Love's comment, Hiyori left the kitchen in a hurry, heading toward the shared bathroom to check herself in the mirror. After a brief examination, she unleashed a furious yell. "I'm going to kill that bald asshole!"

Love raised an eyebrow, curious. "Is that a hickey?"

Hiyori returned to the kitchen; her face still flushed with embarrassment. She vehemently denied, "Shut up, shut up, shut up. No, it's not."

Love couldn't resist his curiosity. "Who gave you a hickey?"

"She has a hickey?" At that moment, Lisa entered the kitchen, greeted by the commotion. Love extended his palm, indicating Hiyori. By then, Hiyori had already turned off the stovetop burners and placed both hands on her neck to conceal most of her skin. Unfortunately, she missed the exact spot where the reddish mark was. She fumbled to find an excuse. "No, I don't. This is a rash, allergies."

Lisa chuckled. "Allergies don't look like that. That," she pointed directly at Hiyori's neck, "looks like a freshly made hickey."

Hiyori was growing more flustered with every passing second. "Stop saying hickey!"

Lisa continued her teasing. "Who's the lucky lover, Hiyori? I hope you're in the mood to defend him because I'm willing to bet Shinji won't be pleased when he sees that hickey on you this afternoon."

"Why would he be here this afternoon?" Hiyori questioned, genuinely puzzled.

Before her question could be answered, Lisa's teasing and Love's observation were rendered irrelevant as if summoned by their conversation, the Gotei Taichou of the 5th Division strode into the warehouse with a gigai, wearing a goofy grin on his face. "Oh, almost everyone is awake, good," he began, but his sentence was abruptly cut short as Hiyori's furious kick sent him careening into the nearest wall. He groaned in pain as he rubbed his probably bruised ribs.

"What in the actual hell, Hiyori?" he protested.

"Look at what you did to my neck, you stinking Baldy!" Hiyori seethed. "These idiots had to tell me! You could have at least said something before you went to get your gigai at Kisuke's."

Shinji stuck his pinkie inside his ear and replied, unfazed, "I do not have a death wish, thank you very much."

"Oh, you do, you very much do," Hiyori retorted as she advanced toward Shinji, her sleeves pushed up to her elbows. However, Love interjected and stood between them.

"Wait, what's going on?" Love questioned, bewildered. "Are you two talking to each other now? Can we say his name without you throwing a fit?"

Hiyori crossed her arms and gave a begrudging nod, replying with a gruff, "Whatever."

Lisa shifted her gaze between Shinji and Hiyori, clearly seeking an explanation. Shinji, for his part, shrugged and managed to pick himself up from the floor.

"Let's just eat," he suggested. "I'm starving, and we need to take advantage of the rare occasions when this idiot cooks."

With that, Shinji placed a hand on the small of Hiyori's back and guided her to her usual spot at the table. Surprisingly, Hiyori complied without any objections.

Love's jaw dropped, and Lisa stared intently. Ignoring their reactions, Shinji picked up two plates and carefully arranged the datemaki and bacon Hiyori had prepared on them. He placed one in front of Hiyori and the other in front of himself. He also brought a cup of ocha for her and a freshly brewed coffee for himself.

The older Vizards continued to fixate on the couple. Shinji chuckled and spoke up, "Can you guys give it a rest? There's no need to look so surprised."

"We're just shocked. What... what happened?" Love finally managed to speak up.

"None of your business, that's what happened," Hiyori retorted as she swallowed her food. She was visibly irritated by their prying questions.

Lisa's glasses glinted in the sunlight as she commented, "Well, considering that hickey, we can fill in the blanks ourselves. Should I congratulate you on your newfound womanhood, Hiyori?"

"Shut up! Nothing happened!" Hiyori yelled, standing up in a huff.

"Hiyori, chill," Shinji said, placing his hand on her shoulder, although she was contemplating whether breaking his fingers was a good idea. "Nothing happened, Lisa. Relax."
Shinji considered a change in topic would be the best scenario, "Did you do the reservations for this afternoon? I bet even when it's high into the mountains it may be packed, better safe than sorry." He directed his question to Lisa.

"I did. You owe me money by the way. Those were not cheap." She said matter-of-factly handling a receipt.

"Hey, I'm only paying for mine and the munchkin. The rest you can take it up with Rose and Kensei," Shinji grumbled, clearly annoyed as he retrieved his wallet and counted out some money. He then handed the cash to Lisa.

Lisa, with a sly smile, shot back, "Well, you were the one with the big idea. I'm guessing it was your last hail Mary that you won't need anymore. So, pay for everything."

Hiyori was utterly confused, her curiosity growing by the second. She demanded, "What are you talking about?"

With a casual air, Shinji replied, "Nothing, Chibi." He placed his hand on her face, gently cupping it.

Hiyori's temper flared, and she warned him, "If I were you, I'd consider taking your hand out of my face before I break it! And I know there's something going on. What is it?"

Love, still grinning, chimed in, "I'm so glad you're here, Shinji. No more uncomfortable conversations and tantrums for me." He then grabbed his food and strolled out of the kitchen.

The current captain of the 5th Division sighed, then cast a glance at Lisa. She quickly grabbed her plate and left the kitchen, leaving behind a sense of tension. As she passed Hachi, she advised him to stay away from the blonde's location.

"Okay," he started, "Don't get upset, okay? Just try to listen, and then you can yell."

She scowled at him. "The last time you did something like this, you left this dimension! So just spill it, Baldy. I'll get upset if I want to. I'm not sure who you think you are, but your bossiness ends here."

He muttered under his breath, "The pot calling the kettle black."

"What was that, Shinji?"

"Nothing, baby." He cleared his throat, then continued, "I thought you know, since we all had a complicated couple of years, we might go to the Katsuragi Shrine on Mt. Kongo. I know, I know." He anticipated her protests and nuzzled her cheek. "I know you don't like it. You hate going where all the humans are. That's why I picked Katsuragi. I know you don't like all the stuffiness. But, don't you think it would be good to give thanks to the universe for keeping your little body in one piece? I would like that. I also would like to thank Reio for having you speak to me again. After all, last night was quite something." He purred into her ear, emphasizing the importance of the gesture and the shared experience of the night before.

She was flushed, and he was making her nervous – damn Shinji and the effect he had on her. "Fine," she grumbled, "but I am not wearing a kimono."

Shinji's grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, you're going to look fantastic in it, Hiyori. I personally chose one that I think will suit you perfectly. Shiro is bringing it."

Hiyori let out an exasperated huff, her arms still crossed defensively. "Absolutely not. I am not wearing a kimono, especially not a kimono you bought... there. No, I am not doing it and you can't force me."

"Do you wanna go watch a movie while we wait for the others? My treat, and I can even buy you that nasty popcorn you really like," he said, a playful twinkle in his eye as he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

She narrowed her eyes at him, refusing to let him divert the conversation. "Don't you dare change the subject, Hage."

"Come on," he urged, flashing her a charming grin. "Grab your coat and change out of those flip-flops; it's freezing outside. I want to make out with you in the movie theatre. We should pick a boring one. I promise it won't be too boring with me around." His voice was laced with a hint of seduction as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear.

"I'm not letting you distract me," she retorted, but the corner of her mouth twitched with a hint of a smile. "But I do want to watch that idiotic new car movie, I'll go grab my coat. But remember Hage Shinji I am not wearing that kimono."

Shinji chuckled, his charm oozing with every word. "You're right, Chibi, we'll save the kimono for a special occasion. Like, you know for tonight." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Now, go on and get ready. I'll be waiting right here."

With a reluctant grin, she headed off to fetch her coat, still grumbling about that kimono. Shinji watched her with affectionate eyes, knowing that, in her own way, she'd come around to his idea.


.

AN:

Everything's forgiven and forgotten now, right? Can you really resolve significant relationship issues with just a good cry and some kisses... (sarcasm)?

Now some housekeeping:
- This chapter was originally intended to cover the events of January 1st, 2003 in its entirety. However, it became excessively long, so I've divided it into two parts. Consider Chapter 6 and 7 as twin chapters. Chapter 6 concludes around 11 am, and Chapter 7 will commence around 6 pm.
- Chapter 7 will have a slightly more risqué tone, but I don't believe it will cross into the Explicit category, maybe just reaching an M rating. You'll understand when you read it.
- Was Shinji's behavior a bit stalkerish? Well, maybe a tad, but the poor man was desperate. Let's cut him some slack.
- In this chapter, we witness Hiyori's emotional barriers beginning to crack. Anger can be a cold companion, but beneath her disdain for the shinigami, she harbors deep and genuine feelings for Shinji.
-You'll encounter a bunch of babies; don't worry. Hiyori has been keeping track of them, and there will be an appropriate response later on. Remember, this section used to be a single chapter, but it's now split into two.
- Hatsuhinode is a Japanese tradition where people gather with family and friends to watch the first sunrise of the new year. As for the greetings exchanged by Shinji and Hiyori here - 'Hinnen omedetô gozaimasu' and 'Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu' - they are essentially Happy New Year responses.

There isn't much more to say, but it's crucial to emphasize that people need to communicate to resolve their problems. While longing can be a powerful motivator, bottling up emotions will likely lead to more issues down the road