Chapter 2
"What's up with everyone?" Rangiku whined loudly as the music was drowning most of the conversations in the large great hall that is hosting the party. "I can't believe it's just you and me here."
Shuhei shrugged guiltily. "Actually Rangiku san…"
"Hi Hisagi san. I'm sorry to keep you waiting." Rangiku turns around and spots a young blonde girl smiling shyly at Shuhei, her mouth dropped. Shuhei has a date?
"I actually had plans to hang out with Rin here." Shuhei stood up and extended his hands towards the girl. "I'll see you later Rangiku san."
Rangiku quickly conjured her happy smile, "Shuhei. Promise to tell me all the details tomorrow?" she winked at him before he shyly walked away with his hand clutching Rin's.
Rangiku sighed and turned around to order another round of sake from the bartender. She just couldn't understand how she has been left alone, at a party, while everyone else has been either pairing up or doing something else.
I wonder where Taichou is. She muttered to herself while finishing her second bottle. To echo her thoughts a couple of young shinigami girls queued up to order drinks next to her.
"Oh my god! I can't believe I actually spoke to him. "
"I know. He is so dreamy."
Rangiku rolled her eyes at the young girls. They are probably new recruits, squealing about their crush on captains and vice captains. She wondered who they were talking about.
"They say Hitsugaya Taichou doesn't show much interest in girls."
"Maybe he's saving himself for his one true love."
Both girls practically squealed at that.
One true love? Rangiku smirked. Toshiro?
"If I ever get to kiss those lips of his, I think I would die and go to heaven."
His lips? Rangiku frowned first then smirked a little more to herself. If he knew what sort of talks around about him he'd be either angry or embarrassed. Most likely both at the same time.
"Hey do you think he has a thing for his vice-captain?"
Rangiku almost spat out her sake.
"He might. They are always together. Unless they are already… you know."
"Yes. And knowing Matsumoto Fukutaichou, bet she's stringing him around like a fool."
Rangiku cleared her throat loudly and turned around to face them. "Hey girls… "
Both girls looked at her and suddenly looked horrified. "Ma… ma… Matsumoto Fukutaichou!"
"You kids should watch what sort of gossip you spread around here." she spoke coolly despite of the alcohol in her system, her disappointment at being left alone and hearing gossips about herself. "You never know who's listening."
The girls stared at her clearly annoyed face with fear for a second before bowing in apology and scurrying away.
She gulped down another few cups of sake grumpily. Does Taichou know what these people are talking behind their backs?
She stood up and wormed her way through the crowd. Before long she found the head full of white hair on the 6 feet high tenth squad captain she was looking for.
"Tai… chou!" she stopped abruptly. Hitsugaya was talking to someone. He turned around and looked at her.
"Matsumoto. What is it? What have you done now?" he frowned. He usually never even sees a single flash of her scarf in any parties, unless something is wrong.
"Me? I was just wondering where you were." she pouted then smiled and locked his arm into a hug. He pulled himself away.
"I'm sort of in the middle of a conversation." She looked at the girl he was speaking to. Blonde, tall, curvy and has an air of superiority emitting around her.
He then turned around and introduced her to the girl. "Matsumoto this is Okura Shiyomi, one of academy's star graduates, looking to join our squad. She has some great new ideas about improving communications procedures. Very impressive for a young graduate."
"Pleasure to meet you Matsumoto Fukutaichou." She turned her face towards her robotically, as if her hair would mess up if she moves faster. Rangiku suspected from looking at her clothes that she's from a rich family.
"Likewise Shiyomi chan." She smiled at her brightly. For some reason the girl frowned after being addressed in such manner. "Pretty ribbons."
She noticed the expensive looking ribbons tied to a small lock of hair, next to her left earlobes. Shiyomi smiled and nodded. Something about smugness of her attitude infuriated Rangiku. But she ignored it.
"Taichou, would you come with me?"
Hitsugaya brushed her off. "Just a moment Matsumoto." He then turned towards the girl and continued, "... as I have said before, the reason why…. "
Rangiku suddenly felt completely invisible as her captain ignored her presence and continued his conversation with a girl he didn't even know existed until two minutes ago. The way the girl looked so smugly interested in his words, pissed her off even more.
Fine then. She frowned and disappeared back within the crowds. She'll enjoy her own company tonight. At least the bartender looked happy to see her back.
Next time she saw her captain was when she opened her eyes to find herself lying on the dirty floor of the empty great hall, next to the equally empty bar, with a tower of sake bottles around her.
"Matsumoto." he was kneeling next to her. "How many times do I have to tell you to stop drinking like this." There was clear irritation in his voice. She tried to say something then she felt him tugging her and pulling her into a sitting position then she found herself being carried in his arms.
Hitsugaya kept his eyes forward as he carried her outside the great hall and emerged under the cool night sky.
He flash step. She groaned, "… don't …"
She felt her head spinning further, which made her queasy. He landed quickly and continued walking towards the tenth squad.
"Why were you hiding in that corner?" he was still irritated and kind of cross. "I was looking for you all night."
"…why?" she closed her eyes and mumbled with her head on his shoulder.
"Cause you has something to talk about?"
"...talk about? I wanted to hang out with you." She felt her heavy head weighing down on his neck. The crook of his was perfectly shaped for her to rest her head and close her eyes in ease.
He paused for a second. "With me? Since when do you want to ... 'hang out' with me?" he sounded confused.
She was silent for a moment. "I felt so… lonely."
"Lonely?" he was surprised.
"Everyone was busy… you're with that smug little girl… shuyoo… something." She nuzzled her head on his neck. Toshiro felt a tug inside his chest.
"Shiyomi? We were talking about work."
"Hmm... Maybe she likes you… "
Toshiro frowned, "Matsumoto, you're drunk."
"Do … you like her?" she opened her eyes slightly and looked up the side of his face. His frown deepened.
"Matsumoto. You need to sleep. You're almost home." he shook his head disapprovingly.
"You are quiet popular you know. And I've heard some girls talking … saying things… about… us."
"Us?" he stopped in front of her apartment then put her down on her feet.
She wobbled a bit but fell on his chest, grabbing his collar. He balanced her by grabbing her arms.
"Yes…." She locked his eyes in her intoxicated gaze. Then standing on her toes she reached up and kissed him on his lips. Her lips were on his for only few seconds before she pulled back and stared into his eye intently. As if to see his reaction.
What? Toshiro's breathe caught in his throat. His turquoise eyes turned wide as his brain frantically tried to register that kiss.
"Us…" she continued speaking softly. "You… and… me." All muscles on his body stiffened, she felt his grip on her arm tightened, slightly painfully.
Toshiro forgot to think. His brain started rejecting most of his rational thoughts out and every brain cell focused its concentration on the sky blue of her eyes.
A very slow and long moment passed by as they silently stared at each other.
What is this? Is this the moment Matsumoto finally becomes his… only his? Her lips felt so very soft on his. He felt sweat beads popping on his forehead.
"Matsumoto…" his voice was heavy with unknown emotions and confusion. Her hand clutched the collar of his haori. "…what are you doing?"
"Toshiro…" she leaned forward again. "You have nice lips."
Nice lips? What? His heart skipped a beat and it skipped another. With his mouth slightly gaped open he flustered. "Matsumoto …". And stopped abruptly when he found his face inches from hers. He could see the cloudiness of her half closed eyes.
"Matsumoto." He almost stuttered out the next words. "I…I have to go… now…"
"… Do you?" She leaned forward and softly muttered with her face buried on his neck, then she looked up through her eyelashes.
Her lazy smirk sent a wave of adrenaline through his veins and kick-started his brain and body into action. He pushed her against the wall to attack her lips. And this time it wasn't just a peck.
"Toshiro…would you…" She pulled out first as his kiss started trailing down towards her jaw and neck. She whispered, "Stay with me…" she paused, he suddenly thought he saw her face darkened for a split second. "…tonight?"
This time he picked her up and unlocked her door. Soon, she was on her bed and he had her hands pinned down on her side with his own. He towered on top of her, on his knees, forming a shield around her. His deep voice resonated. "For so many years, I thought you'd never ask, Matsumoto."
Without waiting for her response he kissed her again. Suddenly His body was on autopilot as he trailed steamy kisses down her neck and throat. He felt her squirm under him, trying to pull her hands away from his clutches.
"…let me hold you" she mumbled in her voice heavy with alcohol and what he thought, desire.
He ignored her as he continued with his kisses down her neck and lowered himself towards her chest. She squealed and faintly giggled.
He wants her. He has always wanted her.
He let go her hands and started fumbling with the knot of her obi only to realise that the rush of adrenaline and ardour has left him unable to execute a normal task like untying an obi without difficulties. With his long cold fingers he pulled and twisted the material for which felt like an eternity.
The success of untying her cloths only came with the realisation that she has fallen asleep. He couldn't believe it. Now?
He reached up and kissed her neck again. "Matsumoto?"
She let out a hum like noise in her sleep. He pulled away and sighed loudly in frustration.
Just when, it was finally happening, she falls asleep. He's definitely going to ban her from drinking now.
He sat up and pulled her clothes back with a darken face full of longing and disappointment. He covered her under her sheets before silently closing the door behind him with deep sigh.
…
Hitsugaya Toshiro slept in today. This is definitely not normal. He woke up disorientated since the last nights tossing and turning has left him with only a couple of hours of sleep. The warm memories of his moment with his vice-captain crept into his mind and he felt his lips twitching into an unusual smile.
He was happy. There were butterflies inside his stomach doing summersaults and the sunny day outside couldn't even place a dent on his bubble of secret happiness.
He picked up an extra donut on his way from the shop with two take way cups of coffee. He wondered what Matsumoto will do when she sees him. Would she blush or be awkward or make fun of him? He suspects the last one. But he's a grown man now, he can handle whatever she throws at him.
Or so he thought.
Outside the door of his office Hitsugaya Toshiro stood in silence as he heard the voices coming from his office. He perked up his ears and realised it was Rangiku and Nanao.
"…my head is going to burst."
"God, look at the state of that face, when did you get home last night?"
"… I don't know… I don't even know how I got to my bed. I have no memory of it. The last thing I remember was… Taichou ditched me for an annoying perfect pompous pretty girl. I think I was drinking… a lot, then nothing."
"Well I guess that means you didn't walk home."
"Someone must've carried me home. Oh god. Did I sleep with some strange man? I hope it's not that bartender. He was kind of cute though… but damn it, it wouldn't be the first time I've done something like this." she groaned. "I have to stop drinking this much…. where were you guys I was by myself all night...! "
The fluttering feeling in his stomach was suddenly gone and he looked at the extra donut in his pack of breakfast with distaste.
He should've fucking known this would happen. She would never kiss him when she's sober. She has never looked at him like that. And he played right into her game. It made him feel angry and hurt.
He picked up his bruised ego and threw the breakfast in the bin. With hardened facial muscles he pushed open the door to his office.
"… Taichou." Matsumoto looked up in surprise to the extent of force used to open the door. "Good morning."
Hitsugaya wordlessly approached his desk and glared at his vice-captain and her friend Ise Nanao. "What is this chit chat early in the morning? Have you forgotten the amount of work you have left from yesterday Matsumoto?"
Her eyes widen a little and Ise Nanao instantly excused herself.
"Taichou. What's wrong? Are you…."
"Nothing. If you don't finish the paperwork by the end of the day be sure there won't be any field duties or training tasks for you. You're going to be here for as long as it's needed to finish these paperwork." His voice could send a chill down anyone who's present.
But it's Matsumoto. She laughed out loud, "oh Taichou. You and your threats I know you don't care…."
"MATSUMOTO!" he raised his voice in anger. "I will say this once and if you don't listen be ready to face the consequences." He stormed out of the office and closed the door shut loudly behind him.
Rangiku started at the door dumbfounded.
Toshiro arrived at the corner of the tenth squad training ground and gripped Hyorinmaru tight.
'…It wouldn't be the first time…' her voice echoed inside his head.
He muttered to himself. "It was only another moment of her drunk amusement."
He slashed his zanpaktou at the air.
…
To be continued.