A/N: This is an entry I wrote for the HitsuHina Week 2016, which is hosted on tumblr. The story takes place three years after the ending of the manga. The characters are older now.

28th December

Day 3: Protecting You

Title: I Will Always Protect You

Summary: Toshiro and Momo reflecting on the past events regarding Aizen's betrayal.

"Be careful!"

After hearing that warning, Momo Hinamori immediately looked-up to see a huge pillar standing tall in the direction she was blindly walking in. But it is not her fault that her mind is busy with excited thoughts about the supplies and extra things that she is going to buy today. Captain Commander Rukia Kuchiki has declared the day as a holiday for all the members of the Gotei 13 and what better way to spend the day than shopping? So Momo decided to head out of these four walls. On her way though she bumped into a very cheerful Rangiku Matsumoto and her equally irritated Captain. She asked the woman if she would like to join her on her shopping trip and Rangiku happily agreed. Sadly, the worst part of this trip (according to Rangiku) is that her Captain, Toshiro Hitsugaya also decided to accompany them for some unknown reason. Still, it is all thanks to Toshiro that she managed to change her path before she could collide with the heavy, stone pillar.

"Thank you, Shiro-chan." She smiled at him.

"Stop calling me Shiro-chan!", came his immediate response, "Besides..you must not get too lost in your excitement."

Momo thought about his words for a second and then replied with another confident smile, "I don't need to worry. You are always around to protect me…"

The words hit him straight on that periodically blood-pumping organ and he involuntarily clutched his chest. Does he…Does he always protect her? According to her, he does. But..when he takes a peek into his past life incidents, he recalls how he has always been so powerless.. He has been unable to save her time and again and yet, she trusts him! Why?! She must not rely on someone like him…Someone who has failed her in the most crucial of times… He couldn't save her from Gin's clutches..He couldn't keep her from Aizen's treacherous plans..He…he has never really protected her from anything…

"I have failed you more than once…" He muttered regretfully under his breath.

Surprisingly, his words reached Momo's ears and she flashed him an annoyed look, "Stop being so hard on yourself! You did try! You always tried, didn't you?!"

His eyes widened slightly and he nodded meekly in affirmation of her words.

"You must have heard: 'It's the thought that counts.' And what you did was more than just thoughts! So cheer-up now, will you?" She scolded.

He kept staring at her in shock. This girl..she never gives-up on him, does she? He will never admit it in words but he feels so damn lucky to have her around to brighten-up his sullen mood. He is grateful that she always manages to raise his spirit and boost his confidence whenever he needs it the most. Words aren't even enough to express how much her presence..how much her smile..how much..how much she means to him…And he will do anything and everything in his power to protect her…

I will always protect you…He vowed to himself.

"Come on, Shiro-chan!"

Her chiming voice pulled him out of his land of thoughts and he looked up to find her standing before him, giving him that endearing smile again— a smile that she curves upon her lips only for him…

Another thing hit him then, "Hey! You called me Shiro-chan again!"

She giggled at that, "Okay okay..hmmm…,yeah! So..from now onwards, I'll call you Shiro-kun."

"What?" He felt partly-stupefied and partly-pleased by this new nickname that she has come up with.

"Okay then, lets go Shiro-kun!" She brought her hand out and entangled the fingers of their palms together before happily taking-off in the direction of the market.

"Yes!..I will always protect you…Momo-chan…" He mumbled to himself with a strong conviction.

Rangiku, who had been watching the exchange from the sidelines also smiled, amused and happy at the same time.

A/N: I know..its really short XD

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~Manika