Okay, it's been a long time since I've updated, but hey, I'm not a regular writer at all. Anyway, this is about the closest thing that I'll ever write next to a lemon.

NOTE: Heavy implications.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Chapter 4

Soft to the Touch

Words: 912

As he lay there, taking in her beauty, he never would have thought that such a time would ever come. She lay there on her stomach, her back exposed. She was sleeping serenely and Hitsugaya was staring, wondering. Lusting.

He didn't plan for it, one thing led to another as their passionate kiss evolved into something more. Something more than want, it went beyond the lines of desire, of need and into love. Hitsugaya did not know when it all began. When did he start to see her in another perspective? When was the time when he began to want to hold her and kiss her, not out of desire but of need. When did he start wanting to be more than just friends but lovers?

As Hitsugaya's fingers danced across Hinamori's back, as if playing a symphony, every part of his body emanated the need for her. He tucked a lock of her dark hair behind her ear, doing it ever so gently so that he wouldn't wake her up. The petite girl shifted slightly, causing the white sheets to slide down her body a little.

He couldn't resist. She was much too alluring. Hitsugaya buried his head in her exposed neck, taking in the scent of her which intoxicated him. He took a deep breath and kissed the flawless skin. His lips ran over the nape of her neck, nibbling and licking as he went. How did she manage to make him feel this way?

Hinamori stirred in her sleep. She was soon aware of something wet tickling her neck. A low sound emitted from her throat and she turned, facing Hitsugaya who was hovering above her. She remembered about their previous activity and smiled at him. Her eyes kept him locked in place and he leaned in, kissing her soft lips. The kiss deepened as Hitsugaya slipped his tongue into her mouth, tasting her. Hinamori responded with as much passion and ran her fingers through his hair, keeping their lips locked together. When they finally parted, Hitsugaya said, "Sorry I woke you up."

"It's okay, I don't mind," she replied with a smile which was soon replaced by a tired yawn. To him, she looked adorable. Hitsugaya kissed her neck and she closed her eyes, savouring the moment, Hinamori wrapped her arms around his well-toned body as he mapped out her body with his tongue. Hitsugaya kissed her flawless skin, sucked on every sweet spot he knew and finally, hovered above the scar that marked Hinamori's skin. That indelible scar that never failed to cause his heart to ache.

But not this time. It no longer made him feel guilty, nor did it make him feel that he had let her down. This time (and for more to come), the scar was a reminder of what they had gone through, of how he had protected her and kept her safe. It was a seal; a promise to be kept and never broken. One which he will protect her no matter what. The scar would linger on, like a stain that can never be washed away. She was alive and here with him, and that was all that mattered.

Hitsugaya placed his mouth over her scar, kissing his gently. He swirled his tongue around it and Hinamori's breath hitched at such sensitive contact. He then slowly brought his head up, planting light feathery kisses onto her soft skin. Oh, how the taste of her skin drove him over the edge, craving for more. He wanted to taste every inch of her soft skin and inebriate himself with her scent. Upon reaching her neck, he gently kissed the skin there and nipped it, causing a red mark to appear, marking her as his.

Hinamori moaned softly at the delightful contact and the pleasure she was receiving. His sweet torturous actions were enough to drive her crazy. She gasped when he bit into the skin just below her ear. He noticed this and smirked, satisfied with the reaction he was getting. Hitsugaya continued licking at her sensitive spot, all the while sliding his hands up and down her sides.

As much as Hinamori wanted to return the favor, she couldn't. She was tired. She loved the feeling of his mouth hot on her skin, and simply relished the sensation that coursed through her but their love-making not too long ago had rendered her exhausted and even sore. Hinamori just wanted to go back to sleep but Hitsugaya was keeping her awake. She couldn't help it, and just allowed him to do whatever he wanted. After all, she wasn't really complaining. Hitsugaya seemed to sense her lack of action and pulled away. He stared at her. When Hinamori was finally aware that Hitsugaya had stopped, she opened her eyes, only to be met with his teal ones. Her russet eyes told him everything.

"You're tired." It wasn't a question, but a statement. He knew, heck, he was the one who had worn her out.

Hinamori nodded, closing her eyes once more. Hitsugaya suddenly felt guilty; she was weary and yet, he had kept her up.

"Sleep."

Hinamori gladly obeyed. She shifted to her side, sleep taking over her body now. "Toushirou…" she murmured softly, cuddling up to him. Hitsugaya brought her close and draped an arm around her waist loosely. He pressed his lips on her forehead and pulled the covers up. Before sleep completely overtook him too, he caressed her scar lovingly, glad that he could finally claim Hinamori as his.

-Owari-

It's short, but I encountered much difficulty while writing this. Mainly because I kept thinking while writing: "Shit, this is going to turn out into a lemon." I can't write lemons, I'm not good enough yet. So yeah, hope you all enjoyed that. See you.

Oh, and HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY MOMO!