(A/N: A bit short, but enjoy this Toshiro/Shōri Chappy!

Alright, so I’ve had a few revelations in the past few weeks about what I want to do for the future of my fanfics. I’ve got two others besides ‘Strive’ that are published, but definitely not as developed as this one, so I’ve decided. Starting now (24/09/2013; 6:05pm, EST), the order of updating my fanfics are (if anyone cares, really)…

1. Strive  (Bleach)
2. This Is Your Story (KH//FF//OTHER) (Duh.)             
3. Back To Back (Naruto)

If I decided to post anymore fanfics, I’ll let you know.

Oh, and by the way… thanks for the reader who gave me all those likes!!! <3 I’m very grateful, and I hope you enjoy this!

And for the other readers who read this story and DiDn'T fan/vote/comment… boo :'''C

Anywhooo, back to da story!

OH, P.S >>>>> The picture on the side (that will hopefully be there) is of Shori after using her Kisuato!! I've got a couple of her and Toshiro, but I don't think the story is too in-depth for them yet XD

Shōri’s POV~

I haven’t been able to shower at all this week. Why? Try asking Captain Unohana. She’s had me working in Squad 4 to heal the remaining injured Soul Reapers from the incident with Aizen, leaving me with no time to keep myself sanitized. Most of the unseated officers had been cleared from the infirmary with only minor injuries that required no more than a less than significant amount of rest in order to be completely healed.

Izuru had popped in now and then. I had my suspicions that it had nothing to do with him wanting to visit me. And how did I know that? Because he kept asking me to check his head for him; he was convinced that he was still delusional after his manipulation by Gin, in order to stall us when we were back at Central 46. I was glad to hear that he was back on good terms with Rangiku again. It probably would’ve been awkward for them while working together if they hadn’t.

The Captain had me overseeing Renji’s recovery. His surgery had been a success, so all that was left was to remove his stitches. Unfortunately yesterday, when I was supposed to remove them, his wound got infected, landing him back in the infirmary.

During Rukia’s attempted execution, Shūhei and Ikkaku had gotten a little scraped up, so there wasn’t much to do for them, really, though Shūhei had gotten the short straw when he fought against Yumichika. All of his spiritual energy had somehow been sucked out. It was difficult, but I managed to restore it by restarting the circulation in his soul chain.

Rukia was in a similar predicament to Shuhei. Since she gave all of her powers to Ichigo, and when Urahara had given her that illegal Gigai, the process of returning hers was slightly different. But I swore on my life to her that I would do everything I can to get those powers back to her—and beat up Kisuke for being such a secretive ass.

They had all gotten off lucky. Momo and Toshiro were a different story.

When Aizen announced his betrayal to us and stabbed Momo, her internal organs were gravely ruptured. If it hadn’t been for Orihime, who used her Sōten Kisshun to replace what was lost inside of her, then she would’ve died. And I know for a fact Toshiro would never forgive me if I let that happen.

Unfortunately, after the completion of her treatment, she slipped into a coma, giving her plenty of time to fully recover. In two months’ time, she would be up and on her feet again—and this time, out of trouble.

She had made it through. I can’t even begin to explain how grateful I am to Orihime for what she did for Momo. I don’t even think I was able to properly thank her. So the next time I see her, I’ll make sure I do thank her. She sure is amazing— for a human girl, I mean. And… I knew that Toshiro would never forgive me if I just gave up. Not that I would give up. Never in a million years.

In the end, they had all made it through alive. It was at my expense, but honestly, I didn’t care. Consequences were something that I never really considered when I help the people I love. Their lives were safe again because I used that technique. It’s not that I regret it, but…

Turning my head to the left, I paused in my tracks and stared blankly into the reflection of the black tinted window, taking in my new and permanent appearance.

Because of my success in sealing up the wounds of the others, the progression of the effects from using Kizuato just keep getting worse. I really was a sight for sore eyes—or, grey eyes. They weren’t bright and brown anymore. They were dull and lifeless, holding no color in the irises whatsoever. And my hair, it really wasn’t any different. It was just as white as Captain Ukitake’s, which means that, soon enough, I’d be looking like his younger daughter, or something. And to be quite frank, that’d be pretty weird.

It took me a little while to get over the fact that none of this was reversible. But I would never put my own feelings and wants above the lives of my friends, especially Toshiro’s.

It’s—well… a little complicated. It’s because of Rangiku that I’ve felt this way, and though it’s strange to admit this, I’m glad that she’s lazy. Whenever she suggests that I should come over to Squad 10, it just results in me having to do the uncompleted paperwork that she stuffs behind the couch in hers and Toshiro’s office. I actually don’t mind, though, because I get to work with Toshiro himself, whenever Rangiku is overly intoxicated or missing in action. I never knew anyone who could be even more idiotic, irresponsible, and obnoxious than Abaron.

Where was she, anyway? I haven’t seen her for a while. She dropped in to see how I was doing about three days ago, but since then, she hasn’t returned. I really wish she would. I miss having other people around. I miss freedom.

“Captain Unohana, why are you doing this to me?” I slumped against the nearest wall and groaned. Coincidentally enough, the door on my right just so happened to lead to a certain white-haired captain’s room. I went stiff, but under the realization that he was still sleeping, I relaxed.

It was risky, but ultimately, I had no say in the matter, as it was under Captain Unohana’s orders that I had to put him to bed with my Zanpakutō. If I didn’t, then he would’ve had to suffer through the sharp, burning pains that came from using Kizuato and Gyakuten to close and dispel the areas where he had been wounded.

And when I said it was risky, I meant it was risky for me, because he’s gonna be one pissed off bundle of snow when he finds out I tricked him like that.

Oh, man. This is really gonna suck.

I’m just glad I took the necessary precautions and finished all of the paperwork that he had piled up on his desk since the beginning of the Ryoka Invasion. And he had a lot of paperwork. I mean, I have a lot too, I’m almost positive of that. And that means that, as soon as I’m relieved from my duties here in Squad 4, I have to finish it all.

Oh, man. That’s sucks even more.

I suppose I should go and wake him up now, though. He has been sleeping for an entire week. All he has to do now is just recover and relax.

I pushed myself off the wall and reached into my shihakushō. I pulled the small silver key from my pocket and inserted it into the key slot. The door swung open automatically, and the light in the hallway spilled into the dark room. I turned on the light and shut the door behind me.

Aside from the fan I brought in for him, since I know how much he hates the heat (considering that he’s in a room without air conditioning and it’s the end of August), it was just a simple-looking hospital room, with a few trays with silver tools, a large silver sink with several cupboards underneath it, a small nightstand, a wooden chair, and a large, two-pane window on the right side of the bed that Toshiro was sleeping in. And what a compromising position he was in; I had to put my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

It was pretty obvious that he was enjoying his little nap. Instead of his head being on his pillow, it was at the end of the bed, his feet in its place, which were twitching. His arms were thrown up over the sides of the bed as his snoring became deafening. Something tells me that he hasn’t had this good a sleep for years. Maybe that’s why he’s so short. Wait, then what’s my excuse?!

I walked over to the nightstand and picked my zanpakutō up from off of it. Resheathing it, I leaned over Toshiro’s semi-conscious body.

“Captain Hitsugaya,” I called, putting my mouth near his ear. I kneeled down beside the bed, as I was tired from standing up. Except for flipping on his side to face me, he was verbally unresponsive. “Captain, you have to wake up, sir.” He grunted before taking his left hand to scratch his backside. Is he really sleeping…? I didn’t care about how cute and peaceful he looked; he needed to wake up.

I pushed myself off of my knees. Cupping my hands around my mouth, I leaned over the bed again and took a deep breath.

“Captain Hitsugaya, wake up!”

His lips twitched but his eyes didn’t open. That’s when I got an idea; one that was foolproof. Leaning over the bed once again, I screamed it out loud.

“Captain Hitsugaya, Rangiku spilt her tea all over your paperwork!!” What happened next was something that I hadn’t anticipated. His head shot up so quickly I didn’t even see it coming. It slammed into my nose, possibly breaking it. I stumbled backwards, tipping my head up so the fresh flow of blood that streamed from my inner cavities.

“Dammit,” I cursed, falling back into the sink’s countertop. “What the hell was that for, Toshiro? That hurt!” I rubbed my temples, feeling a possible headache coming on.

“It’s Captain Hitsugaya,” he grumbled, rubbing his own. He groaned before sitting up in his bed and turning to me. He blinked in confusion. “Sho-Shōri? What are you doing here?” He looked around the room. “Where am I?”

“It’s Third Seat Kakaku,” I retorted icily, still annoyed by him head-butting me. “And you’re in Squad 4, to recover from surgery.”

“Surgery?” he repeated in bewilderment. “Why did I have su—Aizen…” Toshiro slammed his fist against his headboard.

“Yes,” I said, walking over to the chair and sitting in it. “You were badly injured after he stabbed you. You flat lined, and it was almost impossible to bring you back. You almost died, Toshiro. I almost lost you.”

Whoa. Oh, no. Did that really come out of my mouth? I really have to tell the difference between my thoughts and feelings. I just can’t believe that it was that thought that just had to slip through.  

He stared at me for a few moments, trying to find something to say. He shut his open mouth, along with his eyes.

“Were you the one who performed it?” he asked. I nodded, incapable of forming a sentence. “Thank you.” And suddenly, I wasn’t all that speechless anymore.

“H-huh?” I think this was the first time he ever thanked anyone. “O-oh, it’s fine, don’t worry about it!” The honest truth was that I was extremely grateful to Captain Unohana for allowing me to be the one to heal him. “I’m just glad that you’re safe again.” His eyes widened.

“What about Momo?” I was glad that I actually had some good news to tell him.

“She’s out of harm’s way,” I answered. “But because I was able to treat her right away, her life force is now stable. She’s currently in a coma, but she should snap out of it in no time.” I had another idea. “Would you like to see her?” His eyes brightened slightly.

“I—“ Pushing myself up from the chair, I didn’t wait for his answer. I walked over to the door and pulled it open. Stepping out, I looked both ways down the hall, searching for a pink-hatted nurse. Luckily, one had just stepped around the corner, and saw me almost immediately. She rushed over to where I stood, clutching her clipboard under her arm.

“Is there something you need?” she asked, her lips curled into a permanent smile. If I had to smile like that, I think I’d prefer to die.

“I was wondering where I could get a wheelchair for Captain Hitsugaya,” I said, pointing at him from over my shoulder. “He wants to get out for a bit.”

“I never agreed to that.” The nurse laughed.

“Of course,” she said, still smiling. “There’s a storage closet just down the hall.” “Thank you.” She walked away, leaving me standing in the doorway. “I’ll be right back, Toshiro.” I heard him groan as I began walking toward the direction of the storage closet. Twisting the handle, I pulled the door open, and sure enough, there were around ten wheelchairs, lined up in a row. I grabbed the nearest one and steered it back to Toshiro’s room.

“Alright,” I placed it beside his bed and held out my hand to him. “Let’s go.”

“What?”
“We’re going to see Momo.” He stared down into his lap. “Toshiro, what’s wrong?” He didn’t answer. I had hunch that his silence had something to do with the fact that he couldn’t protect her. He’s mad that he let her get hurt. I know he is. I know that… because I feel the same way.

“Don’t worry about it.” I was trying my best to be as sympathetic as possible. I’ve never been good at sharing emotions with people. I’m used to being solitary and straight with them. This is a whole new kind of territory for me! “Momo doesn’t blame you for her injuries. And I know you know that’s true, Toshiro.” He was still soundless. I sighed in frustration. This was getting annoying. “Well, say something, then!”

“I can’t face her,” he whispered. “I can’t.”

“But, Toshiro—“”Don’t you understand? I swore that I’d always protect her, no matter what! And I broke that promise. She got hurt because I wasn’t there.”

“It’s not your fault!” I snapped, already sick of hearing the same words come out of his mouth. He was definitely surprised at my outburst, but didn’t say anything about it. “What matters is that she’s safe now. She isn’t mad at you, Toshiro. So, come on. Let’s go see Momo.”

***

A lot of shouting, and several deep and painful nail scratches later, I finally managed to get Toshiro into the wheelchair and off toward Intensive Care, where Momo was waiting. I just wish she was awake. It’d be wonderful to speak to her, under nicer circumstances.

Speaking of nice, the fact that the Intensive Care ward was the cleanest and most functional of all the relief stations in Squad 4 made me pretty happy this past week. It was a good feeling, knowing that Squad 4 was just as proficient as ever. That was where I did surgery on Momo and Toshiro.

And speaking of Toshiro, I think he was giving me the silent treatment. He didn’t exactly appreciate the fact that I was taking him somewhere against his free will. I swear; he’s such a child sometimes. But while he’s in my care, I can do whatever I want, and he can’t object to it. I grinned, knowing that I had full control over him.

What sucks is that he, too, will be cleared to leave tomorrow. He could walk with no problem, but I wanted him to take it easy. He lost two pints of blood, so I don’t understand how he can think that he’d be fine in no time. What an idiot. Of course, I kept those thoughts to myself.

Another thought came to mind seconds later. How many times had I called him by his first name without him scolding me? Five times, I think. I sniggered, and steered him around the corner to the Intensive Care Hall. Momo’s recovery room was the second last door on the right, right beside the Equipment Room.

“Here we are,” I announced, gently pulling back on the handles of the wheelchair. Looking over Toshiro’s head, I saw that he was staring at a dirt mark on the floor. His expression was flat and implicit, suggesting that I hadn’t been able to fully get through to him. “Toshiro?”  When he didn’t respond, that’s when I got mad. Without hesitating, I smacked the back of his head. He reeled around in his chair.

“What was that for?!” he yelled, gritting his teeth in anger. I smacked him again. “Hey!”

“It was for your pathetic face!” I shouted, getting more frustrated by the second. “I thought I made it clear to you before we left; I won’t tolerate any more of this miserable behaviour of yours.” I was surprised at how talkative I’ve been today, and at how free I’ve been acting toward a Captain. “Now, come on. We’re going inside.”

I pushed on the door and propped it open with my left hand. I steered him inside with my right and let the door swung shut on my heels. Another hallway awaited us, this one being unlit and completely doused in shadows, and at the end of it, a doorway shaped light reflected off the wall.

Now, I’ve never liked the dark, so I was especially glad when we reached the room. Strangely enough, Momo wasn’t there alone. Captain Unohana occupied the wooden chair placed beside Momo’s bed, where she laid, fast asleep. She was surrounded by several machines, and an air mask was placed over her mouth and nose. She looked so peaceful. Seeing us in the doorway, Captain Unohana sent us a feeble smile.

I looked down at Toshiro, whose eyes were still focused on the floor, filled with regret. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to bring him here. Not yet, at least. I tightened my grip on the handles of the wheelchair.

“Before you go,” I froze in my attempted steps at Captain Unohana’s interruption. “Could… you talk to her for a few moments? She’s waiting. She’s waiting for someone who is closer to her than I am to sit and talk to her for a little while.” Would he comply with her request? The silence was growing more unnerving.

“Unfortunately, right now, I don’t have anything to say to her.” His shoulders stiffened.

“Right now?” she repeated, clearly just as shocked as I was at his response.  

“If you’ll excuse us…” I didn’t take another second to steer Toshiro out of the room. I knew that if I did, I’d only even more hell than for taking him here.

***

“Are you sure you’re okay to walk?” With my eyes closed, I handed him a fresh pair of robes and undergarments. Did he really have to change with me in the room?

“My wounds are healed, thanks to you,” he said. I peeked through my fingers to see if he was finished. He had just slipped his black shihakushō overtop his white one. Tying it at his waist, I gave him his haori. As he shoved his arms through the open sleeves, I walked to the other side of his bed and grabbed his zanpakutō.

Images of when he released it back at the Seijōtōkyorin flashed through my eyes. Hyourinmaru sure is one-of-a-kind. The feelings I get from just holding on to him is unexplainable. Not even with my zanpakutō, Azamuki, have I felt this way. It was just so inviting, whatever “it” was.

“Shōri?” I jumped at the sound of Toshiro’s voice. Looking over at him, I saw that his eyebrows were raised in question toward my holding his zanpakutō to my chest. I flushed and swiftly shoved it towards him.

“So, are you ready?” I asked, trying my best to dismiss his confused expression by changing the subject as he hooked his zanpakutō up onto his back. Tugging on the strap that held it in place, he nodded.