So I am sorry for the super long delay I had a lot going on the last couple of weeks, and it all came to a head over the weekend, so without further excuse making on my part CHAPTER 7! Also as always I dont own or the song that I used in this story. Send me a message if you can guess the song.


Chapter 7

With Momo laying peacefully in in his arms again, Hitsugaya felt it was time to finish his tale of loss and redemption. He was confident that she still had feelings for him, now all he had to do was tell her the truth. Cursing to himself he knew that was easier said than done considering the seed of doubt that constantly lived within him.

Loss in his daydream he couldn't help but admire her, laying there even in her state she managed to hold that ever constant smile on her face. He felt her warmth spread around him, at times he wondered if she was the living embodiment of fire, cuddling to himself he found it ironic that they had found one another.

"I guess opposites do attract." Whispering softly to himself.

"What was that Shiro?"Her words slightly muffled as she pushed herself to rest against his chest.

"Nothing Momo, just thinking to myself." He replied calmly

"Well if you are done daydreaming do you think you could finished your story please." He could see the pout begin to form on her face. Laughing to himself he knew he couldn't say no even if he wanted, with that face she had won and he was more than willing to give her her prize.


After leaving the 10th I felt like a ball of raw nerves, sensitive to even the slightest change. As I move towards the 6th I could feel the weeks of pent up emotions boil over me, the ignored words, pained thoughts, and rage filled moments all crashing against my mind like a tidal wave. I stumbled out of my flash step crashing onto the roof of the 8th Division. Realizing the damaged I had cause I was sudden very grateful that Shunsui was the Captain since he wasn't one to report these types of things, especially considering he was normally the one who caused it in the first place.

"Ohi Hitsugaya I see you have finally decided to stop acting like a small child, does this mean you are finally going to grow up and confess."

I turn to see the 8th Division captain slowly slipping sake from the roof I have just crashed into, his words hung in the air, confess I thought who can think of confessing when I can barely make it two steps without my past actions haunting me. I felt like a lost child turning towards him as I replied weakly.

"Shunsui, how can I even begin to confess anything to her after the pain and suffering I have caused her. I feel like I have been selfish with my feelings for so long that I only know how to guard myself against anything that even resembles romantic actions. How can I face her with so much to atone for?"

The man sighed softly and he took another slip of his sake, he closed his eyes and smiled.

"Hitsugaya there are no easy explanation or solution for love, it is an overwhelming power none of us can control. But I will offer you my own words of wisdom, I have always believed that we come to the soul society with a piece of us missing. Most go on not realizing it's gone, but those who do will spend the rest of their existence looking for that piece that can fill the void within them. You my friend have deep void, but luckily you have your piece within your grasp. Now ask yourself if she is indeed as important as you believe don't you think you can fight for those feelings just a little longer." He patted my back as he jumped away to leave me to my thoughts.

As I felt his presence diminish I smiled softly losing myself in a daydream. I remembered the day I nearly confessed to you, sadly the words ended up sealed to my lips after hearing you gushing over your new Captain. I felt so betrayed at that moment it knowing deep down the spot I had held in your heart for so long had been replaced by him, and while I never showed it I was truly jealous of your constant devotion to him. I decided after that day I wouldn't interfere if you were happy, and I would learn to ignore constant ache that plague my heart. It wasn't until the events leading up the Winter War did I realize that my actions were selfish. Frowning I became angry with myself as I pushed off the roof and continued on my way to the 6th my mind lost sea of forgotten emotions.


As I bounced between roof tops I could feel with each passing building my heart became lighter, as if I was leaving my doubt and fear behind me as made my way to you. As came to a stop outside the 6th I felt my heart in a panic fearful and excited at the possible outcome. Thanks to the festival most of the barracks were empty so no one could see terrified look upon my face as I made my way to the Kuchiki Estate where Byakuya had said you were. I sealed my reiryoku and pushed past the Sakura trees but stop upon seeing you outside the kitchen resting signing, I felt tears begin to fall from my eyes with each verse.

At the end of the day, sweat is wiped

Resting my slightly tired body

In that quiet moment I remember the times

Wonderful times, regretful times

Looking up at the sky all alone

Feeling my heart break

One and two are almost joined

In order to reach tomorrow

I recall memories and smile

Shining brightly, the world shone

Tenderly and graciously blooming with pride

With a smile as high as the sky

I will always be one step in front of you

Because I want to protect you

I want to bloom without fail

Even in those overly rainy days

Even in those frozen windy days

The pink flower petals sway

At the beginning of the day, a deep breath is drawn

Tidying my hair that was messed up a bit from sleeping

In that early moment, I wonder

From now on, what else can I do to visit you?

Looking at the sky all alone

You're always inside my heart

Getting stronger and stronger to the extent of overflowing, because of bravery I've gained

I vow never to fail

In order to reach tomorrow

I remember those words

I'll Tenderly and graciously bloom with pride

With a smile as high as the sky

Even if I get all the power

And lose it while I protect

Inside the strong rainstorm

Inside the frozen winds

I dimly watch your valiant back

The scattered flower petals pass forth

Looking up at the sky all alone

Feeling my heart break

One and two are almost joined

Shoulders are gently touched [with the] warmth of kindness

Shining brightly the world shone

I'll Tenderly and graciously bloom with pride

With a smile as high as the sky

Even if I get all the power

And lose it while I protect

Amidst the strong rainstorm

Amidst the frozen winds

It felt like my heart had stopped beating, hearing you sing those words one thought kept repeating in my head had she finally remembered me. I couldn't hold myself back any longer with so many unanswered question screaming in my mind I raced out the trees to your side.

"Momo!" I shouted

Your song cut short, panic filling your eye as you turned towards me unsure I was friend or foe.

"Yes Captain Hitsugaya?" Your head dropped slowly as you spoke hiding your eyes. Realizing that I had probably overstepped my bound by calling you by your name. I felt crushed thinking that the song could mean nothing and you still had idea who I was, but I had to know if nothing else than to satisfy my curiosity.

"Lieutenant Hinamori did you write the song you were just singing?" I asked as calmly as I could manage as my mind continued to scream for answers my body tensed as I saw a soft smile come across your face.

"I wrote it sir, I am sorry you had to hear that I was taking a break from baking and I thought no one was around. But did you need something, if you are looking for Captain Kuchiki I saw him leaving earlier."

"No I am not here to see him, I am actually here to see you, there is something I need to ask you." As you looked up at me with your warm brown eyes I felt the anxiety roar back into my mind, questioning whether what I was doing was the right thing or not. But I knew I had to ask you even if it meant I would spend the rest of my life without you.

"I see well Captain Hitsugaya what can I do for you?" You asked nervously

"I wanted to know if you had any plans this evening, Matsumoto has decided to have a fair before the festival and is using my Division as a fairground. And I was hoping you would accompany me."

"And remember me." I whispered quietly to myself as I saw your face light up for a moment before you replied.

"I would love to, I'll meet you at your Division a bit before sun down so I can get ready, sound good."

"That sounds wonderful Momo I mean Hinamori, I will see you then." I cursed myself for forgetting again but however this time you didn't seem as fazed by it and smiled softly before saying goodbye.

"I'll see you later Hitsugaya." She waved as I walked towards the willow trees again stopping briefly to watch her return to the kitchen.

"Did she just call me Hitsugaya" I asked myself as I started my journey back to the 10th.

"No I just must have missed her saying Captain."

"I don't know Master it sounded like she just called you Hitsugaya, which means there is reason to have hope."

"Let's not jump to conclusion I haven't spoken to her in weeks. I know I need to tell her why I was acting the way I was, but I can't risk just tell her outright I have to play this smart and wait."

"Very well Master but I feel that she is ready to hear the truth especially if it's coming from you."

"I ignored his words, I wasn't ready to accept the fact that you might remember me, and made my way to the 10th. Silently I was mentally preparing myself for the verbal assault my Lieutenant would most likely give me, I also planned to ask her if she had heard anything about you regaining your memories."


"Sadly I wouldn't be receiving any questions since I discovered her drinking with Izuru and Renji, she had managed to drink both of them into a stupor.

"Matsumoto!" I shouted at the top of my lungs

"How is this suppose to be a fair if you get everyone drunk before it even opens!"

"Oh ho Captain, you're back did things go well with your raven-haired Lieutenant?" she squawked in a mocking tone.

"Yes, and she will be here around sundown so GET TO WORK!" Matsumoto started to mouth off which I wasn't really listening to until she mentioned doing so such for us. Shocked I felt I had no better time to ask her if she knew anything about your memories"

"Say Matsumoto has Hinamori regained any of her memories?" Her eyes grew wide for only a second before she replied.

"No Captain not that I am aware of, I am sorry."

"It's okay, thanks to my foolishness I may have already missed the chance for her to remember me, for now all I can hope for is her happiness. Well I am going to get ready, since this suppose to be a date I should probably get her flowers or something right." I didn't jump at the thought of shopping but for you I was willing to make an exception.

"Okay I will work on sobering these two up since the plan all systems go."

"I sighed as I left the 10th, they really didn't think I would go through with it, those idiots."


"The next few hours passed in a flash, and before I knew it sunset was nearly here. Looking outside my office I could see our friends adding the few finishing touches to the fair. I had decided to wear yukata, the deep teal one you had given to me when I reached Captain rank I selfishly hoped seeing it would jog some deep seeded memory. As I finished tying the sash I felt you walking up to the entrance, cursing I should have known you would be early. Running out the door I jumped down to meet you, I was slightly flushed I look up at you and the red on face grew only deeper. You looked like an angel, you were wearing the yukata I had bought you two festivals ago, it was white with peach flowers painted around it, your hair was down with peach flower behind your ear. I couldn't help staring you looked amazing, and for tonight I could ignore being a Captain and just be Hitsugaya."

"Good evening Captain Hitsugaya I'm sorry I am early, I met with Ichigo and Rukia on the way here and they said the fair was already open."

"Its okay Hinamori, come let go play so games."

"Sure Hitsugaya." You replied while taking my hand.

"The evening passed into night and while I had learned much about your growth since my "departure" I hadn't discovered if you remembered me or not. And as the hour grew late I knew I would have to confess my actions sooner or later."

"Hinamori would it be alright if we sat and talked for awhile." I whispered to you hoping you wouldn't say no.

"Yes that's fine." Your voice was calm and relax but your warm eyes held a brief touch of panic.

"As I took you along the pathway I could feel the eyes of our friends burning into me, they all knew what I had planned to do, and now all they could do was hold their breath and wait."

"Momo could you close your eyes please. I have something I want to show you."

"Ummm sure Hitsugaya." Your voice filled with concern.

"I stepped behind as I guided you towards the willow tree, as I pulled your hands from your eyes I heard you gasp, you were surrounded by dozens of small daisies that I had hung in the tree, candles lit your way to the bench that was just big enough for you. I felt you go for my hand as you walked slowly towards the seat, I softly held your shoulders knowing the final surprise was still to happen."

"Hitsugaya I don't understand what is all of this."

"Momo this willow tree represents my heart and in it are all the things I love. See there is a picture of my grandmother and us, and there is first gift you ever gave me, My Captain's Coat and as I turned you slowly towards me looking deep into your eyes I whispered."

"This is the only woman I have ever truly loved."

"I felt your tears against my shoulder and came into hug me, your voice muffled as you cried softly I felt my heart break again thinking that I had caused you pain again."

"I'm sorry Hinamori I didn't mean to make you cry, I promise I will do everything I can to never hurt you again."

"No Shiro these are happy tears, I am happy not sad."

"It felt as if I had been struck by a 1000 fists to the chest. I couldn't breathe but I had to be sure I heard you correctly."

"What did you just call me."

"Shiro-Chan of course that is still your nick-name isn't it, or would you prefer I go back to calling you Captain Hitsugaya?"

"No Momo I think I have heard you call me Captain for long enough. I take it you regained your memories?" I said looking at you sternly wondering how long everyone had kept this from me.

"Yep, I did last week, Matsumoto felt you needed to wait to know the truth and now i can see why." You replied with a warm smile as took your face in my hands and pressed your lips against mine.

"I love you Hinamori Momo"

"And I you Hitsugaya Toshiro"

"OHHHHH LOOK AT MY CAPTAIN HE FINALLY GOT THE GIRL."

"MATSUMOTO!"

"The rest of the evening was spent with friends as we finally celebrated you regaining your memories, and we looked forward to finally being truthful with one another about our feelings."

"But sadly our happiness was short lived, as reality was rushing in to remind us of our duties."


OKAY ALL DONE NOW TO GO FINISH CHAPTER 8!

BYE BYE!