the city
population, pollution, and crushed dreams


It wasn't so bad.

The city had it's charm. If she liked smog and metal. Everything was convenient. If she liked walking through throngs of parked cars for a carton of milk.

But Hinamori Momo hated it.

She missed the friendly greetings from her neighbours back in Rukongai. Nowadays, if she so much as glanced at the neighbours, they would evade her like she had the plague.

She missed the three-storey apartment. It had been a small unit but it suited her fine. At least it didn't feel like living in a hotel.

Most of all, Hinamori missed the previously low cost of living.

With all her savings, she could only afford to rent a small one room apartment in the outskirts of the city. On the tenth floor, without an elevator.

Not much longer, thought Hinamori grimly, only enough money left for another month's rent plus all the basic needs.

She slumped down on the beaten couch.

Was it really worth it?

She really wanted to say no, pack her bags, and leave the city before she went bankrupt. But the deceit still scarred her, affected all the choices she made.

It had been six months since she moved to Seireitei. She hadn't found a job. She was afraid to leave her apartment. She couldn't make any friends. The only thing that kept her going was the thought that she finally escaped her past.

But Hinamori knew it was a lie.

Aizen Sousuke haunted her nightmares. Whenever she watched a soap opera, his face would replace that of the main protagonist. After all that happened, she still couldn't move on.

Aizen spun her a fairy tale world that she just wasn't willing to leave.

Hinamori felt tears welling in her eyes.

Bring.

Ah, Renji.

Abarai Renji was the only person she kept contact with anymore. He offered she stay at his place after he moved to Seireitei. But she declined – there was no need to trouble him with her presence.

Renji had gotten accepted into the Sixth Division Law Firm almost immediately after he arrived at the city. After five months of gruelling work, he was one of the top lawyers at the firm. Second only to Kuchiki Byakuya. He was currently living in a dream.

Well actually, a penthouse suite in some uppity condominium near the central business district.

But Renji was living Hinamori's dream. Successful, happy, and void of the past.

"MOMO! I'm so glad to hear from you."

"Likewise," replied Hinamori, sans the vigour.

"Aww. Don't be a sourpuss. I have good news."

"I'm not coming to another one of your drinking parties. Last time you, Kira-san and Hisagi-sempai came over, I had to –"

"But you liked it," she could just imagine Renji smirking, "anyways, it's nothing like that this time. I found you a job interview."

Hinamori couldn't describe how she felt. She was embarrassed that she had once again dragged her friend into her troubles. She was grateful, and flattered, that he went to such lengths to help her. And scared. She was scared to face the world.

"Hinamori, you there?"

Renji's voice broke her out of her reverie.

"Uh, yeah. I'll think about it."

He gave her the information.

"Take some time," his voice was somber, "I don't want to pressure you."

"Thanks Renji. Really. I owe you."

Hinamori hung up.

She sank to the floor. Her shoulders shaking as she sobbed.


Hinamori woke up in a mess of tears, tangled hair, and wrinkled clothes. The clock flashed nine.

The interview was in an hour. And it took at half an hour to get there.

She was so not a morning person.

Hurriedly, she took a shower and changed into something presentable. Her old outfit back at her old job. The nostalgia threatened to send her into another bout of tears.

Slapping on some concealer, she grabbed her keys and bolted out the door.


This is it, thought Hinamori, sucking in the air, my future.

Checking her watch, she had little less than ten minute left. She broke into a run. In high heels.

Bad idea, especially when she tripped and knocked someone over.

Consequently spilt all her coffee on the said person and potentially would get her in trouble with local authorities.

But she couldn't worry about that now.

Without even sparing a glance at the man, she continued towards the towering edifice. She silently apologized.


"Welcome to the Financial Department of the Shinigami Corporation, more commonly known as the Tenth Division."

Upon her arrival, Hinamori was greeted by a glamorous woman with strawberry locks. Her most – uh, apparent feature – was her rather prominent breasts.

Hinamori had never felt more self-conscious.

"I'm Matsumoto Rangiku," the woman continued, beaming, "Senior Advisor to the Head of Finance. And I assume that you're here for an interview. The position of secretary, no?"

Hinamori hadn't really heard what Renji had said on the phone the other day. She didn't think she was applying for secretary again. Not after what happened. She couldn't. But it made sense, she didn't have experience in any other fields. And she refused to let Renji down after all he's done for her.

"Yes, Matsumoto-san," she replied weakly.

Matsumoto was giddy, "I'll show you to the office. The boss man is running a little late today. Seems like he was caught in an accident on the way here."

Hinamori's natural concern for the well-being of others was roused, "is he alright? It's not serious, is it?"

Matsumoto laughed, "aren't you cute...anyways, it didn't sound like anything serious. He was mad though. Insulting the fool who crossed him. He's so adorable."

Hinamori thought it was an odd comment to make about one's employer.


She was left inside a spacious office as Matsumoto went out the door, waving like a lunatic. The decor was simple. It was tranquil and cool. Like winter, yet more like summer.

Hinamori smiled.

She was already starting to like this place.

So peaceful –

"MATSUMOTO YOU BETTER GET ME SOME STAIN REMOVER STAT. IF I –"

The door opened.

Hinamori gasped.

She stared at the man with his head partly turned towards the doorway, shouting. There was a large coffee stain on his jacket and his attire seemed dishevelled.

Must be the guy I knocked over on the way here, Momo cringed, hope he doesn't remember me. Or I can kiss this job goodbye.

Then something caught her attention. The man had snow white hair. Her eyes drifted towards the name plaque on the oak desk.

Hitsugaya Toshiro.

"Shiro-chan," she said, more to herself than anyone else, "is that you?"

The man at the door stiffened. Slowly he turned around.

With an appropriately annoyed, albeit mildly surprised face, he groaned, "just my luck. Bet-wetter Momo."


Author's Note: This one's almost twice the length of the other chapter. My way of apologizing for the long wait. It's exam week - lots of free time. I'll update again when this story gets at least twenty reviews. I need motivation.

On another note, I want a beta reader because I no longer have Microsoft Word to double check my chapters. I need someone who can beta quickly and effectively. Three days maximum of wait from the time I send the unbeta'd copy to the time I receive the beta'd copy. Preferably someone who does well in English Literature. Drop me a PM or include it in a review if interested. Thanks.