Work Text:
Hitsugaya looked out of the Window from his Office, Snow was falling, people were in a festive mood in the Week between Christmas and New Years Eve.
…As well as his Birthday which was before these two
He sighed and decided to do some Paperwork altough this time, its not rushed than usual
"Captain! Are you seriously doing paperwork? In this time of the Year?" His Lieutenant Matsumoto said appalled, already having booze in her hand. "I have to, don't I? It won't do itself." he grumbled, but there was no real heat behind his words. He was too used to Matsumoto's teasing to really take offense. The 10th Division Lieutenant sighed "Wow…. Even the Head Captain is celebrating these festive times while you‘re being an Old Man just focusing on Work."
She paused while crossed her arms over chest "You‘re the Youngest Captain but act like an Old Man" A vein popped out on Hitsugaya’s forehead at her audacity. "And what should I be doing instead?" He shot back. His tone wasn’t exactly angry – more resigned than anything else. This was just one more argument he’d been having lately.
With a sigh, he put down his pen and turned towards Matsumoto, leaning back in his chair as if preparing for a long discussion.
"Hmmm i dont know….how about…you know, CELEBRATE WITH US!?" She exclaimed, sarcastically being clueless after hearing his question.
At the sound of her voice, Hitsugaya‘s eyebrows shifted slowly, his icy gaze landing on his lieutenant. For once, he didn't look annoyed or impatient - just...blank.
After a momentary pause, he spoke up. "Don't start with me today," he warned softly, his voice barely above a whisper. Matsumoto felt a chill around their office and knows she had angered him "i-i‘m Sorry, Captain. But it‘s just hard to see you just focus on Work instead of having fun, ya know?"
…
…
…
A heavy silence fell between them. The only sounds were the scratching of pens against paper and occasional distant laughter from outside.
Finally, Hitsugaya broke the silence, "It's not that I don't want to celebrate, it's just... different." He explained quietly.
Matsumoto grinned "You feel more comfortable when Hinamori is around, huh?" She said it as soft as a Mother would talk to her Child. Hitsugaya stiffened noticeably at her words, a flush creeping onto his cheeks. He quickly looked away, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"That's not..." he began, then trailed off. What could he say? It was true, after all.
"It‘s Decided then!" Matsumoto stated which made her Captain give her a confused look "You don‘t have to Celebrate with us. Sometimes…it‘s just okay to be around with a special someone and i know how much Hinamori means to you."
Hitsugaya blinked at her, taken aback. He hadn't expected Matsumoto to understand so quickly.
"You're right," he finally agreed, standing up abruptly and brushing off his uniform. "I'm going out."
"Make sure you hide your hickeys when you return" She teased with a smug look as she watched him leave
As soon as he heard her words, Hitsugaya froze in his tracks. His face flushed a deep red and he quickly glanced back at Matsumoto.
"I-I will keep that in mind," he muttered, before turning on his heel and continuing towards the door.
Hitsugaya walked around the Soul Society with his scarf covering his mouth
The Cold of the Weather wasnt his problem, he just didnt want to be seen as he headed towards the 5th Division Barracks. The festive Lights, the Small Markets and Soul Reapers just enjoying the Night was a sight to see, though the White Haired didnt like being in public to much.
Ever since The Rukongai days, Hitsugaya prefers to be left alone most of the time. Only people who were allowed to 'somewhat' bother him are his Grandmother and Hinamori. For his Grandmother it makes lots of sense but for the Girl who had wetted the Bed all these Years ago was a Solvable Mystery that he tends to remain Unsolved in the public Eye
As he arrived at the Barracks he noticed a piece of paper hanging at the Main Office‘s door. "What‘s that supposed to be" he questioned as he read what the Letter said
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝟝𝕥𝕙 𝔻𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝔹𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕜𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕕𝕦𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℍ𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕕𝕒𝕪𝕤.
…𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕄𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕆𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥𝕝𝕪 𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙, 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕖 𝕚‘𝕞 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝟜𝕥𝕙 𝔻𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝔹𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕜𝕤 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕟𝕠𝕨
-ℍ𝕚𝕣𝕒𝕜𝕠 𝕊𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕛𝕚:;(∩´﹏`∩);:
His eyes narrowed at the note, clearly not amused.
"Well isn't this a delightful surprise." He muttered under his breath, crumpling up the paper and tossing it aside. "I suppose I should have expected something like this from Him..."
As he headed out to exit the 5th Division, Hitsugaya's mind drifted to memories of his childhood, before he became a stern and disciplined captain. Thoughts of Momo Hinamori, his childhood friend, filled his thoughts. Back then, he had harbored feelings for her that he never dared to voice. Even now, those emotions lingered deep within him, though he tried to suppress them.
He shook his head, dispelling the nostalgic reverie. As much as he might wish otherwise, their circumstances were vastly different now. They couldn't simply revert to carefree children playing in the snow. Not when he carried the weight of his duties as a captain, and she held a position of importance in the 5th Division.
Still... A wistful smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he recalled the simple joys they once shared.
Back in the Past, On a Rainy Early Spring Day in Rukongai
Hinamori and Hitsugaya as kids had walked around a nearby forest to explore various things and areas for fun but due to the sudden rain they have found shelter in a small cave that managed to fit both of them in
"I seriously didnt know it would Rain this hard, Shiro-Chan! It was so bright and Sunny few Minutes ago!" She said baffled and confused with the clearly upset White Haired boy sitting next to her.
Hitsugaya huffed, his white hair plastered to his forehead from the rain outside. He glared at the dripping cavern ceiling, clearly irritated by the unexpected downpour. At Momo's words, he turned to look at her, turquoise eyes flashing with annoyance.
"It's called a spring shower, Momo," he explained, his tone clipped. "The sun comes out again soon after."
Despite his grumpiness, he made no move to leave the relative dryness of their makeshift shelter. Instead, he crossed his arms over his chest.
"You're the one who insisted we take this shortcut," he reminded her, a hint of accusation in his voice.
She looked back at him while smiling apologetically "seriously thought we would be faster than the clouds. Guess i was wrong hehe…"
Hitsugaya rolled his eyes at her cheerful apology, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward ever so slightly. He knew better than to expect Momo to change her carefree nature, even if it sometimes led to trouble.
"Well, you got us stuck here," he said, trying to sound stern despite the warmth spreading through his chest at the sight of her smiling face. "But I suppose it could be worse. At least we're not drenched to the bone."
He glanced around the small cave, taking in their surroundings. The air was cool and damp, carrying the scent of earth and moss.
"So what do you propose we do now?" Hitsugaya asked, his gaze returning to Momo.
"Hmmmm" She puts her thumb on to her chin before she lifts her index finger up
…"We‘ll Wait!" she said as she nodded with confidence.
Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow at Momo's enthusiastic declaration, a faint sigh escaping from his lips. He leaned back against the cave wall, stretching his legs out in front of him.
He watched her intently, studying the determined set of her features. There was something endearing about her optimism, even if it sometimes bordered on naivety.
"If we're going to wait, we should at least make ourselves comfortable," Hitsugaya suggested, gesturing to the space between them. "There's barely room for both of us to sit, but we can try to share."
…
…
…
…
…
…tsugaya
…"Captain Hitsugaya!"
The White Haired captain snapped back to reality in the present at someone calling him, it was none other than the 5th Division Captain Hirako Shinji
"You were spacing out as you headed here, is my presence that boring to you?" The Blonde haired Captain replied teasingly…
Hitsugaya's eyes narrowed as he took in Shinji's teasing remark, a flush creeping up the back of his neck. He cleared his throat, trying to regain some semblance of composure.
"I wasn't spacing out, I was just... lost in thought," he corrected, his voice a bit too sharp. He glanced around the 4th Division headquarters, searching for any sign of Momo.
"And where is Lieutenant Hinamori, anyway? I thought she would be with you."
His gaze landed on a nearby officer, who quickly averted his eyes. Hitsugaya's suspicions grew. Something wasn't right.
The Taller Captain sighed "Makes sense why you were looking for me here then…" Hitsugaya's confusion deepened at Shinji's words, his brow furrowing. He stepped closer to the taller captain, turquoise eyes narrowing as he searched for answers.
"What do you mean,'makes sense'? Where is Hinamori?" His voice was low and urgent.
"She said she didnt feel so Good. It could be the Cold or the Flu that she has but she certaintly isnt well. I‘m at the 4th Division because i brought her here since she couldnt head there by herself" Shinji admitted. Hitsugaya's expression darkened further at the news, anger and guilt warring within him. He clenched his fists, the fabric of his uniform straining against his knuckles.
"Why wasn't I informed sooner? If I had known she was ill, I could have--"
He cut himself off, realizing the futility of his words. Nothing could change the fact that he hadn't been there for Momo when she needed him most.
"I need to see her immediately," Hitsugaya stated firmly, already turning towards the door. "Make sure no one disturbs us until I'm done checking on her condition."
With that, he strode out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway as he hastened to find Momo.
"If you want to know where she is, she‘s in Rom 106…He paused before continuing …"before you enter make sure to knock or else you‘ll startle her."
Hitsugaya's jaw clenched at Shinji's knowing tone, a flicker of jealousy igniting in his chest. He pushed the emotion aside, focusing instead on the task at hand.
"I appreciate the warning, Hirako." he said curtly, already making his way to Room 106. "I wouldn't want to startle her either."
As he approached the door, Hitsugaya took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. He rapped his knuckles against the wood twice, announcing his presence.
"Lieutenant Hinamori, it's me, Captain Hitsugaya. May I come in?"
The door opened slowly…revealing a very tired and Bedridden Hinamori "O..oh, Good Evening, Shiro-Chan.." she gave him a weak smile. Hitsugaya's gaze softened at the sight of Momo's weakened state, concern etching lines on his face. He quickly moved inside, closing the door behind him.
"Momo...you shouldn't have gotten up. Go back to bed," he instructed gently, approaching her bedside. "How are you feeling?"
Despite his attempts at calmness, a note of urgency crept into his voice. He couldn't bear the thought of her suffering alone, even for a moment longer than necessary. The 5th Division lieutenant layed back in bed as instructed by her Childhood friend before answering "Wor…worse than it Looks but…i‘ll be fine…i-i know i will"
Soon as she finished her sentence she coughed a bit. Even after all these years Hinamori‘s optimism was still active. Hitsugaya's eyes narrowed, his brows knitting together in concern as he watched Momo cough. He reached out, placing a hand on her forehead to check for fever.
"You don't sound fine, Momo," he chided softly, trying to hide the underlying worry in his tone. "And I won't accept anything less than your complete recovery. We'll get you the best treatment available."
Leaning over, he carefully brushed a strand of hair from her flushed cheek, his touch gentle yet firm. In that moment, the protective instincts he'd harbored since their childhood days resurfaced, urging him to shield her from harm, no matter the cost.
Momo looked with weak and tired eyes at her Childhood friend‘s sharp and determined one‘s "You‘d really be here with me on a Festive Week Instead of celebrating with the others?"
Hitsugaya's expression turned stern, his eyes flashing with indignation at the suggestion. "Celebrate while you're lying ill in bed? Don't be ridiculous, Momo."
He sat down on a chair beside her bed , taking her hand in his own. "Of course, I'm staying right here with you. That's what friends do, isn't it? Be there for each other in times of need?"
A hint of warmth crept into his voice, betraying the depth of his feelings for her. "Besides, I much prefer your company to any festive gathering."
"Ahh…how could i have forgotten?" Hinamori chuckled slightly, her sore throat makes it painful to giggle properly
"…Shiro-chan…doesnt like to be around people"
Hitsugaya's cheeks burned at Momo's words, his gaze darting away in embarrassment. He cleared his throat, attempting to deflect the subject. "That's…that’s not true! I just...prefer quieter environments," he insisted, his voice rising slightly in defense.
The 5th Division lieutenant chuckled again "There‘s…no need to Lie, Shiro-Chan. Ever since our days in Rukongai, you never really liked being in crowded places." She coughed before resuming. "Even that one time when we had to find shelter in a cave as it rained. At the End you said that you didnt dislike it."
Hitsugaya's blush deepened, his lips pressing together in a mix of discomfort and nostalgia. He glanced at Momo, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite himself.
"I suppose you're right," he admitted grudgingly, his tone softening. "But that doesn't mean I dislike people. It's just...crowds can be overwhelming sometimes."
His gaze drifted off, lost in memories of their time together in Rukongai. "That cave...it felt safe, somehow. Like we were the only ones in the world." A wistful note entered his voice.
The Short Silence with the thoughts of Nostalgia got interrupted as Hinamori started to cough roughly than before. The sore throat made it painful whenever she did. Concern flashed across Hitsugaya's face as Momo's coughing intensified. He quickly rose from the bed, moving to fetch a glass of water from the nearby table.
"Here, drink this," he instructed gently, holding the glass to her lips. "It might help soothe your throat."
As she sipped the cool liquid, he rubbed her back soothingly, his touch comforting and reassuring. She was breathing heavily after finishing her glass "T-thanks, Shiro-chan. I didnt intend to ruin the moment"
Hitsugaya set the empty glass aside, his expression turning gentle as he regarded Momo with concern. "Don't worry about it, Momo. Your health is more important than any moment."
He sat back down beside her, taking her hand once more. "Just rest now. I'll stay right here until you feel better." Momo was wheezing slightly whenever she inhaled. The whistling in her lungs was loud enough for the 10th Division captain to hear
Seeing Momo struggle with each breath, a fierce protectiveness surged through Hitsugaya. He gritted his teeth, wishing he could somehow absorb her illness into himself.
"This flu has some nerve, daring to make you suffer like this," he muttered darkly, his turquoise eyes flashing with barely contained anger. "If it were a Hollow, I'd freeze it solid and shatter it to pieces!"
…
"Pfft…~"
Hitsugaya tilted his head quizzically, confusion evident on his youthful features as he watched Momo attempt to stifle her laughter. Her amusement seemed at odds with her obvious discomfort.
"W-What's so funny, Momo?" he asked, his brow furrowing slightly. "I wasn't trying to be funny. I was just..." He trailed off, realizing how intense his previous statement had been. "...expressing my frustration with your condition," he finished lamely, a light blush coloring his cheeks at the realization of how he must have sounded.
Momo‘s chuckled with a mix of coughs in between "i..i‘m sorry…but…You sounded like a Kid…" She continuted to laugh. Hitsugaya's blush deepened to a vivid red as Momo's laughter continued, punctuated by her coughs. He crossed his arms, looking distinctly uncomfortable with the comparison to a child.
"I do NOT sound like a kid!" he protested, his voice rising slightly in pitch. "I'm a captain of the Gotei 13! I have responsibilities and-"
Momo chuckled with coughs in between "it‘s okay…im really sorry for laughing. I‘m just glad you visited…" Hitsugaya sighed, his posture relaxing as he faced Momo again. He offered a small, apologetic smile, his earlier irritation melting away.
"It's alright, Momo. I know you didn't mean to upset me," he said gently. "And of course I came to visit. We're friends, aren't we?"
His expression softened, a hint of his usual protectiveness returning. "I just hate seeing you sick like this. It worries me." Momo smiled as she closed her eyes and let out a relaxed sigh" i get it. I feel bad for turning ill at such an important festive event. I cant be with everyone when the New year approaches"
As he gazed at Momo's features, her flushed cheeks mirroring his own, Hitsugaya felt a flutter in his chest. The tender moment, combined with her lingering illness, stirred long-buried emotions within him.
"Momo... I-" He paused, struggling to find the right words amidst the turmoil of his feelings. His hand lingered near hers, yearning to hold it, to offer more comfort and support than mere touch could provide.
"Just rest now, okay? I'll stay here until you fall asleep," he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper. In that quiet instant, the depth of his affection for his childhood friend shone through, unspoken yet palpable in the air between them.
The 5th Division Lieutenant nodded before turning in her Bed for a more comfortable position.
Memories flooded back as Hitsugaya sat there, alone with his thoughts. He recalled the countless adventures he and Momo shared as children, carefree and innocent in the streets of Rukongai.
One particular scene stood out - a spring rain shower. Momo was drenched as they raced through the downpour, her laughter echoing off the damp buildings. Hitsugaya had been right beside her, his own clothes soaked through, white hair plastered to his forehead.
Momo's infectious giggles had drawn him in, making him forget his initial reluctance to play in the rain. Together, they'd splashed in puddles, chasing each other in a joyful game of tag. The thrill of the wet elements mixed with the pure delight of Momo's company had created an unforgettable experience. After being stuck in a Cave, waiting for the Spring Shower to end, they just decided to dash through it
Momo couldnt run anymore, they were Inches away from the House of Toshiro‘s grandmother "i cant….cant run anymore…,W-wait Shro-chan…"
Hitsugaya slowed to a stop, glancing back at Momo with concern etched across his youthful face. Her labored breathing and exhausted expression tugged at his heartstrings.
"Hurry up then, Bed-Wetter Momo!" he teased lightly, trying to mask his genuine worry. As they drew closer to his grandmother's home, he offered Momo a steadying hand. "Just a little further, okay?"
"O-okay…" As Momo wanted to accept his Hand, The Young Toshiro teasingly dropped his hand, making her miss his hand "HEY! Why did you do that!?" With a mischievous grin, Hitsugaya darted ahead, leaving Momo momentarily grasping at empty air. He laughed, the sound carrying through the rain-soaked alleyways as he continued toward the warmth of his grandmother's house.
"Too slow! You should've taken my hand when you had a better chance!" he called over his shoulder, already reaching the door. With a quick knock, it swung open to reveal his grandmother's welcoming smile.
"Grandma, Momo's here too! We got caught in the rain," Hitsugaya explained, ushering Momo inside before the chill seeped deeper into their bones. "Sorry….for the Intrusion…" She said to The Elderly Woman while still catching her breath. His grandmother's warm gaze settled on Momo, a gentle smile softening her features. She beckoned Momo closer, enveloping the shivering girl in a comforting embrace. "Nonsense, dear. You're always welcome here. Come, dry off by the fire and have some hot tea," she instructed kindly, guiding Momo toward the cozy living room. Hitsugaya followed, his eyes never leaving Momo as if ensuring her safety. "I'm sure Grandma has some of those cookies you love so much too," he added, knowing how much Momo adored her baked goods. As they settled in, the soothing aroma of tea and the crackling flames chased away the remnants of their chilly adventure, replacing them with a sense of contentment and belonging.
…
…
Minutes passed, Momo had to excuse herself to the bathroom. After the downpour she wanted to bath since she didnt like being sticky after being to long in the rain, which leaves the living room with only Toshiro and his Grandmother.
"So, Grandma, what have you been up to lately?" Hitsugaya asked, genuinely interested in hearing about her life. He leaned back in his chair, hands clasped behind his head as he waited for her response, the warmth of the fireplace casting a comforting glow on his face. "Nothing to big i suppose" She said happily
Hitsugaya nodded, a small smile playing on his lips as he listened to his grandmother's simple yet contented reply. There was a peaceful quality to her words, one that resonated deeply within him.
The Elderly woman leaned back and looked at her Grandson "You seem to have something on your mind."
"I... I don't know what you mean, Grandma," he muttered, his voice tinged with a hint of defensiveness. Yet even as he spoke the words, he knew they were a poor attempt at deception. The truth was, his thoughts had indeed been elsewhere, consumed by the emotions stirred up by Momo's presence. She sighed "You know that i notice all of your patterns, Toshiro. Whenever you hide something you avoid eye contact and start to mumble around. Hinamori will notice these patterns as well one day"
Hitsugaya's gaze faltered, meeting his grandmother's piercing stare for a fleeting moment before dropping to the floor. A deep blush crept up his neck, betraying his embarrassment.
"W-Well, maybe I do have something on my mind, but it's nothing important!" he protested weakly, trying to salvage what remained of his dignity. He fidgeted with with his fingers, avoiding direct eye contact as he struggled to find the right words to explain the complex mix of feelings swirling inside him.
She stood up and patted his head "Nothing to be ashamed of Toshiro. Its normal for a Boy to fall in love with a girl at that Young Age." Hitsugaya's ears burned at his grandmother's casual remark, his face twisting into a scowl. He jerked his head away from her touch, suddenly feeling exposed and vulnerable.
"I am NOT in love with Momo!" he snapped, his voice rising in indignation. The denial felt hollow even to his own ears, but he clung to it fiercely, unwilling to acknowledge the truth lurking beneath the surface. "She's just...my friend!"
He crossed his arms, glaring at the fire as if it held the key to his stubborn refusal to confront his feelings. "Besides, what would you know about it? You're old and out of touch!" the harsh words slipped out before he could censor them, a cruel jab born of his own insecurity and fear.
"Hahahaha…! That may be true, i may be Old." She wholeheartedly laughed and brushed off his comment "…But i‘m not Blind to these things, Toshiro"
Hitsugaya's silence stretched taut, the weight of his grandmother's knowing gaze heavy upon him. He avoided looking at her, focusing instead on the dancing flames, as if trying to lose himself in their mesmerizing dance. The sound of her laughter, once warm and comforting, now grated against his nerves, a constant reminder of his failure to conceal his true emotions.
After a long, uncomfortable moment, he finally broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. "Grandma... can we please just drop it? I'm tired of talking about this."
His words carried a note of finality, a clear indication that the subject was closed as far as he was concerned. With a huff, he turned away, his shoulders tense and his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to regain control over his turbulent feelings.
The Elderly Woman understood, he was still young and didnt know anything about Relationships yet "We can drop this topic…after you‘ve answered my final question, Toshiro. Will you be willing to answer it?"
Hitsugaya hesitated, his curiosity piqued despite his reluctance to continue the conversation. He glanced back at his grandmother, her expression unreadable in the flickering firelight. With a sigh, he reluctantly nodded, steeling himself for whatever probing question she might pose.
…
…
"Are you in Love with Hinamori-chan?"
Hitsugaya's gaze drifted from Hinamori's pale face to the sterile hospital walls, the reality of their situation weighing heavily on his heart. Years of suppressed emotions bubbled to the surface, threatening to overflow. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the admission he'd been denying for so long.
"Yes...I am in love with Momo," he whispered, the confession hanging in the air like a fragile snowflake, delicate and ephemeral. It felt like weight has lifted of his shoulders within him as he acknowledged the truth, finally giving voice to the feelings he'd kept hidden for so long.
He reached out tentatively, his fingers brushing against Hinamori's hand in a gentle, reassuring touch. In that moment, he vowed to cherish and protect her, no matter what challenges lay ahead. Hitsugaya's thumb traced slow circles on the back of Hinamori's hand, a soothing rhythm meant to calm her feverish restlessness. As she slept, oblivious to his revelation, he allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability, pouring his heart out in a soft murmur. "I've loved you for so long, Momo... ever since we were kids. I tried to hide it, told myself it was foolish, but the feelings never went away. Even now, seeing you like this, weak and sick... it only makes me want to take care of you more." His voice cracked, a telltale sign of the emotion he fought to contain. He swallowed hard, blinking back the stinging moisture in his eyes. With a shaky breath, he continued,
Hitsugaya's grip on Hinamori's hand tightened imperceptibly, a silent vow echoing through his thoughts. No matter what the future held, he would always stand guard over her, shielding her from harm with every fiber of his being.
"I won't let anyone come between us, Momo. Not now, not ever. You're mine to protect, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe." His voice was low and resolute, a promise spoken not just to her, but to the part of himself he'd long suppressed – the tender, loving side that yearned to blossom fully.
"In your dreams, in reality... however life unfolds, I'll be right here beside you, always."
Hitsugaya's gaze remained fixed on Hinamori's peaceful slumber, her delicate features illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. The distant cheers and laughter of his fellow Soul Reapers faded into the background, irrelevant compared to the precious intimacy of this private moment.
"It's alright if they celebrate without me," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the quiet hum of the hospital equipment. "Being here with you is all the celebration I need."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he recalled the countless times he'd skipped festivities and gatherings to stay by Hinamori's side. Her health, her happiness – these were the only triumphs that truly mattered to him.
"As long as you recover quickly, Momo... nothing else will bring me greater joy."
With a weary sigh, Hitsugaya settled into the chair beside Hinamori's bed, his own exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the face of her vulnerable state. He kept a firm grasp on her hand, unwilling to relinquish the physical connection that anchored him to her presence.
Despite the looming threat of infection, Hitsugaya's resolve remained unwavering. He would brave any illness, suffer any discomfort, if it meant sparing Hinamori even a fraction of the pain she endured.