A/N: Dedicated to everyone who has reviewed my story this far!
Saffron- I always do my best to respond to my reviews but seeing how you're an anonymous (which is perfectly okay) I never have the chance to respond to you. Just wanted to say thank you so much for supporting my story for as long as you have and I'm so happy that you like it so much! Hope you enjoy this chapter as well; looking forward to hearing from you!
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Momo watched the scenery whiz past her; still unable to believe she was actually sitting in Rangiku's spicy red BMW dressed as she was with the windows rolled down and her hair blowing in the wind. It would probably be more accurate to say her 'extensions' blowing in the wind, as that is what her friend had given her. Upon entering Rangiku and Orihime's own personal salon Hinamori had gone through a rapid yet effective transformation from Masaki to Momo, all traces of her other identity lost in the make-up, outfit, and hair she now donned.
Matsumoto had pulled back some of the girl's longer strands before taking out a ponytail extension and securing it onto her head, making her hair seem much longer than it actually was . Momo had given up asking why Rangiku just happened to have hair extensions that were the exact same shade as her own hair because every time she did so the girl would just smile and wink mischievously at her. Clearly Matsumoto had been planning this for a lot longer than she had originally let on.
The older girl had applied a light shine of gloss to Momo's cotton candy lips as well as a faint pink eye-shadow to her eyelids, eyeliner to make her eyes pop, and mascara to enhance the effect. Upon hearing her victim's misgivings Rangiku had simply shook them off, stating they would just use make up remover before she had to return to school.
Seeing how Momo was new to the area, she took this time to stare out her window at the buildings and people flying past on either side of her, noticing that they seemed to be pressing further and further into urban districts as the cars and chaos of town was clearly increasing. When Rangiku had said she was taking her somewhere no one from Ryouta would be Momo had thought maybe they were heading towards more of a rural destination but it was rapidly becoming obvious that this was most definitely not the case. Her suspicions were only confirmed when Matsumoto pulled the BMW into the busy parking lot of the town's mall, a popular hangout place for youth of their age. Biting her lip Momo peered uneasily out the window, scanning the mobs of people for any familiar faces, prepared to dive under her seat if she did happen to see someone.
"Um Rangiku? I don't think this is the best idea," she squeaked, raising her eyebrows at the other girl. Matsumoto shook her head, letting her ginger hair flip over her shoulder as she opened the car door and stepped out.
"Don't worry about it; no one's going to see us. Besides you look completely different! The chances of anyone recognizing you are slim," she responded, flashing her friend a winning smile. Momo still hesitated; weary of taking that first step out of the car.
"I don't know…" she muttered, scanning the area again. Matsumoto let an exasperated sigh escape her lips and she marched determinedly over to Momo's side of the vehicle and yanked the door open, grabbing her friend by the arm and literally dragging her out of the car.
"Come on you promised! Besides it's not like we'll be here for a long time. Pop in pop out and bam! We're done," she told her, throwing her arms up in the air as though to emphasize her point. Letting her head droop in defeat Momo nodded, knowing she had come this far so there was no way Rangiku would let her back out now.
The two made their way forward, Momo pulling uncomfortably at her shorts. It seemed like forever since she had shown this much thigh even though, in truth, it had only been a couple of weeks. Rangiku, clearly catching her anxiety, smiled encouragingly at her.
"Relax Momo. You look super cute, no one's going to recognize you," she said to her. Momo nodded mutely, still unable to shake the ridiculous sense of paranoia that had overtaken her in the past couple minutes. She wanted to believe Rangiku, she really did, but she couldn't shake the sense that something was about to go completely and horribly wrong.
They entered the doors without any incident and Momo finally decided maybe it would be okay to relax a little. Taking a deep breath she attempted to ease some of the tension from her shoulders, rolling them back a bit and cocking her head to the side, trying to get the kinks out. Walking through the mall's tiled hallways she couldn't help but notice that she and Rangiku were attracting more than a couple stares, particularly from the male portion of the shoppers. Flushing a little she looked away, once more steering her vision to the floor beneath her feet and chewing on her lip. Matsumoto noticed her reaction and a tiny smile appeared on her lips. Her friend really was shy… Oh well, that would be something to remedy at a later date.
"Come on Momo, this way," she said to her, veering off down a right hallway and heading towards a very pink looking store titled Lily's in fancy cursive writing. Momo swallowed, wondering for the thousandth time if this was truly such a good idea. She didn't have much choice but to follow Rangiku however as she marched through the doors, her eyes immediately scanning the shelves for anything eye-catching. Momo, however, felt her face heat up as soon as she set foot within the store. It wasn't that she was unused to shopping for such things; it was just weird when she was supposed to be a boy.
"Momo, over here!" Rangiku called, beckoning her friend over towards her. Sighing the girl dragged her feet forward, hoping to get this over with as soon as possible. Matsumoto was standing next to shelf of rather cute looking delicates, gesturing to them model style, her face alive with amusement. Despite herself a small smile found its way to Momo's lips, and she let a tiny giggle escape her mouth.
"You're so funny Rangiku," she laughed, shaking her head at the busty girl. Matsumoto blinked at her, using her index finger to point at herself.
"Me? Really?" she asked. Momo nodded.
"Mm hmm," she replied, her grin widening. Rangiku merely shrugged her shoulders though Momo couldn't help but notice she did look a little pleased with herself.
The girls combed the store from top to bottom and finally picked out their selections. Rangiku refused to buy anything, saying she was doing this purely for Momo's benefit and not her own. It seemed a lost cause to try and convince her otherwise and so the younger girl gave up trying and instead accompanied her friend to the register. They made their purchases and were just stepping out of the store when suddenly someone called out to them.
"Hey Rangiku! You weren't planning to walk right past me were you?" The tone was teasing though Momo froze upon hearing it, recognizing the voice from earlier that morning. Matsumoto whirled around only to come face to face with Yoruichi, the other woman having clearly decided to do some shopping of her own that day. Rangiku's face immediately burst into a large smile and she wasted no time letting out a happy squeal and throwing her arms around the dark skinned beauty.
"Yoruichi! I haven't seen you in ages, how's the shop?" she asked before pulling away.
"It'd be better if you stopped by more often," she responded with a wink before her eyes roved to Hinamori who still hadn't turned around. "Who's your friend?" Momo winced, praying Rangiku wouldn't introduce her. She had yet to inform the ginger haired girl about Toshiro showing her Urahara's so Rangiku hadn't the foggiest idea that the two were already acquainted. Considering her friend's current naivety things could get bad really fast. Knowing there had to be some way to divert attention from herself she looked around desperately, trying to find some cause of distraction. Unfortunately she wasn't quick enough as Rangiku grabbed her friend's shoulders and whirled her around so she was facing the café shop owner. Instinctively Momo threw her hands over her face, peeking out at Yoruichi from between her fingers. Matsumoto raised an eyebrow while Yoruichi's mouth curved up in a small grin of amusement.
"Um this is my friend Momo. She's a little people shy as you may be able to tell," Rangiku said, elbowing said girl in the ribs.
"Nice to meet you," Momo squeaked, her hands still covering her face, eyes darting desperately around for some kind of escape route. Naturally the one female she had met as Masaki would show up the only time she decided to break cover and go to a women's lingerie store… Someone up there must really be getting a kick out of screwing with her life. Yoruichi crossed her arms over her chest and fixed her with a piercing look.
"Do I know you from somewhere?" she asked. Momo shook her head, taking a step back.
"Nope, no way, never seen you before in my life," she responded, barely paying attention to the words tumbling out of her mouth. Then, knowing it was rude but unable to find another way out of this predicament; she turned and bolted from the store, leaving the two confused women far behind her. There would definitely be some explaining to do later but for now she had to get as far away from Lily's as she possibly could. Knowing she was attracting stares the girl finally slowed to a stop, glancing around as she caught her breath. A large sign ahead of her read 'Food Court' with an arrow pointing to the left, a picture of a dancing hamburger next to it. Not feeling particularly hungry the girl glanced to her right and was pleasantly surprised to see a sporting goods store, the two glass doors open for business. Figuring now was as good a time as any to purchase a soccer ball she made her way inside, immediately feeling comforted by the familiar scent of rubber and new shoes.
Taking a deep breath she walked trancelike down the aisles, looking at the various soccer balls available and trying to decide which one she would bring home with her. She had a lot of options and, being rather indecisive, was hard pressed to find one that really stood out. Chewing on her lip she let her gaze wander from one to another, completely oblivious to the brown haired young man coming up behind her.
"Excuse me ma'am? Can I help you?" Momo jumped and whirled around, this store employee taking her completely by surprise.
"Er uh no, that's alright; I'm just browsing," she responded, smiling nervously before turning back to the task at hand.
"I see…" the young man replied though he made no attempt to move or take his business elsewhere. "You come here often?" he asked, taking what he thought was a stealthy step closer. Momo frowned, trying to ignore this guy's failed attempts at flirting.
"No," she responded shortly. An awkward silence followed this comment and the girl was finding it increasingly difficult to focus on what she was attempting to do. The brown haired employee continued to follow her from row to row and she would be getting a little freaked out if he wasn't so pathetic looking. Right at that moment her cell phone rang and, grateful for the distraction, Momo pulled it out of her pocket and flipped it open.
"Rangiku?" she asked, recognizing her friend's name flashing across the caller I.D. At the mention of the girl's name the employee's ears perked up and he aimlessly poked at one of the soccer balls, clearly attempting to appear disinterested in the conversation.
"No I'm in the sporting goods store… Don't worry about that I'll explain later… Okay see you soon!" With those parting comments she flipped the phone shut and put it back into her pocket, scanning her eyes once more over the selection of soccer balls.
"Soo…can I treat you to dinner tonight my lovely lady?" The boy asked nonchalantly. At this comment Momo whirled around, her eyebrows furrowed, scowl on her face, cheeks tinged slightly pink.
"No you may not! Thank you for your help but I believe I'll take my business elsewhere," she snapped before turning on her heel and storming out of the shop.
"Oh come on, don't be like that!" the boy called after her, taking two steps forward before giving up and sighing dejectedly. He stayed somber for a moment before his expression suddenly lightened again and he reached for his cell phone, rapidly punching a number into the device and bringing it to his ear.
"Hey Ichigo its Keigo! I just met the most amazing girl who's obviously totally into me and get this… she's friends with Rangiku! Next time we get the gang together be sure to invite me so I can find out more about her! Seriously she was ama-Ichigo…? Ichigo you there? Hello…?"
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Momo met back up with Rangiku in the food court near the mall's front entrance, slightly out of breath, her cheeks tinged pink thanks to her latest encounter.
"So, mind telling me what that was all about?" the busty girl asked her, placing one well manicured hand on her hip and raising her eyebrows. Momo grinned sheepishly, falling into her usual nervous habit of biting her lip whenever she was uncomfortable with the situation.
"Well actually Hitsugaya brought me to Urahara's this morning for breakfast and I met Yoruichi there as Masaki. It would have been a little problematic if she recognized me," she answered quietly.
"Not to rain on your parade or anything but you weren't exactly stealthy with your escape," Rangiku told her coyly. Momo winced and nodded her head.
"I know," she murmured. "But I couldn't think of any other way out of the situation!" Matsumoto shrugged, the smile returning to her lips.
"Well either way it was an adventure. Now I suppose we'd better get you back to school before you start to be missed," she said to her before heading in the direction of the large front doors. Momo was only too happy to oblige.
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By the time the two girls got all of Momo's make up off, her clothes changed, and extensions removed, it was about 8:30 p.m. Rangiku said she could drive her home but Momo politely refused, saying she would rather not have to explain anything if someone saw her and asked what she'd been doing with Matsumoto all afternoon. The ginger haired girl had given her a different bag to carry home her purchases in as people would probably have more than a few questions to ask her if she came back carrying a bag from a lingerie store. To cover up the bras, Matsumoto had given her two towels to put over them so if anyone got a glimpse of what was in the bag they wouldn't be too weirded out.
The sun had just vanished beyond the horizon as Momo made her way across the grounds, passing a few students hurrying to their dorms to do homework or run to the library to make a quick last minute addition to their notes before it closed. Seeing how she didn't have much other homework to do she decided that once she got back to her dorm room she would read a little of the English book Aizen had assigned so as to not fall even further behind.
Walking up the steps Momo pushed open Dorm 2's heavy front door and slipped inside, smiling slightly at the couple of boys sprawled out in the lounge. They paid her no mind for which she was grateful and she wasted no time hurrying down the hallway, wanting to hide her purchases as soon as possible. She could only pray that Hitsugaya wasn't in the room. Yet once again fate was cruel for upon opening her door the first thing she saw was the white haired boy laying back on his bed and reading the thick novel she planned to devour later.
"Oh! Er, hi," Momo stammered, biting her lip and wondering what in the world to do now. She supposed she could just set the bag down and wait until he left the room. Knowing him he probably didn't care one way or another where she'd been that afternoon and as such wouldn't ask. There were some perks to having the stonily silent boy for a roommate…
"Where've you been?" The question caught her off guard and she stared at him, having to completely change her train of thought from what she'd been telling herself seconds ago.
"Me?" she squeaked, pointing to herself. Toshiro rolled his eyes.
"No, the other idiot standing in the room," he responded. Momo flushed and mentally smacked herself. She deserved to be called an idiot after that stupid statement.
"Um, well actually I was out," she said to him. "I still don't really know the neighborhood and so I figured that since I had a bit of spare time I would do some exploring."
"By yourself?" he proceeded to ask her, looking more than a little bit skeptical. Momo opened her mouth to lie then decided it probably wouldn't make a difference if she told him she'd been out with Rangiku. After all Ichigo and the others were friends with them as well so it wouldn't be strange that she was spending time with people other than Ryouta students.
"No, Matsumoto was with me," she responded simply. At this Hitsugaya's eyebrows shot up and he immediately looked a lot more interested in the conversation.
"You hung out with Matsumoto??!!" he spluttered, an incredulous expression on his face. Momo nodded, a bright smile on her face as she went to sit down on her bed. Unfortunately right at that moment several things happened at once. Her foot caught onto the edge of the wooden dresser and she tripped forward, her hands flying out to stop herself and momentarily losing grip on the bag which promptly sailed through the air directly at Hitsugaya, dropping its contents all over the place. Momo could only watch horror stricken as the two pink bras Matsumoto had purchased for her fell out as well…directly onto Toshiro. There was a stunned silence during which time Momo's face heated up to never before seen temperatures while Hitsugaya's turned a bright tomato red.
"What the hell!!??" he exclaimed, scampering backwards and throwing the bras off him. Momo opened and closed her mouth several times, trying to think up an excuse as to why in the world she was in possession of something so obviously girly. Panic was rapidly overtaking common sense and she knew she had to say something fast.
"U-um I can explain!! Er Matsumoto and I wanted to…we wanted to um…play a prank on…on Ikkaku! Uh, the other night, at the bar I mean, he was…uh well he was being really obnoxious and so we um, we decided it would be r-really funny to um, hang bras all over his dorm room… just to, you know, see what he'd do," she stammered, praying harder than she ever had before that he would buy her excuse. Toshiro stared at her and she felt her face grow even hotter.
"You're playing a prank on Ikkaku?" he finally asked and Momo couldn't help but notice he didn't sound the least bit convinced.
"Yes!" she responded firmly, figuring that since the story was out of her mouth she might as well stick with it. The longest silence of Momo's life followed after this comment and she waited with baited breath to see what he would say.
"…Okay," was his only response before he stood and walked by her, exiting the room without another word.
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Toshiro made his way out of the dorm room before padding down the hallway, walking down the staircase, and exiting the building. He needed to get some fresh air after that rather awkward encounter with his roommate. He wasn't sure why it was bothering him so badly. From what he knew of him, Hinamori wasn't the type of person to secretly horde away women's lingerie items and Ikkaku had been kind of an ass that night at the bar… The explanation should make perfect sense so why was it that his face was still red and his heart still pounding? Hinamori's expression upon dropping his…bras…all over the place had been one of complete horror, not a reaction plausible if he really had been planning on pranking Ikkaku. Maybe his roommate really was a super perv? Somehow however, Toshiro just couldn't get himself to believe that the shy, quiet boy he was rooming with was really that much of a letch.
Hinamori had said something about hanging out with Rangiku. Maybe the girl had done or said something to convince the quiet boy to purchase bras for whatever reason; he wouldn't put it past her. Matsumoto was always doing crazy things like that. Maybe he would ask her about it later… On second thought, he probably wouldn't. Doing so would more than likely leave him open to several responses from the ginger haired girl that could go in multiple directions, none of them ideal. No, he would probably just do his best to push this strange experience to the back of his mind and forget about it as best he could.
Figuring he'd gotten as much air as he needed, the boy turned to head back to the dorms when a familiar shock of orange hair caught his eye. Glancing over he saw Ichigo making his way across the grounds towards him, his expression looking even more annoyed than usual. Unable to stop himself from feeling slightly curious Toshiro paused to allow him to catch up, raising his hand in a gesture of greeting.
"What's going on?" he asked casually once the other boy had fallen into step alongside him. Ichigo pulled a face and shook his head, rolling his eyes to the heavens.
"Nothing out of the ordinary; just Keigo being his usual crazy self," he responded dryly. Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow.
"What'd he do this time?" he inquired. The strawberry shrugged.
"Apparently he met some girl while he was at work," Ichigo responded with an exasperated shrug. Toshiro snorted but made no retort. Keigo was known for constantly gallivanting off after women and so information like this was already yesterday's news. "I guess she was friends with Rangiku though," the orange head continued.
"Really?" Hitsugaya remarked, not because he was actually interested but because he felt the need to say something.
"Yeah, Keigo said she was there shopping with her. What else do you think they'd be doing at a mall?" Ichigo responded sarcastically though Hitsugaya had stopped paying attention.
"Wait, this was today?" he asked, immediately stopping his slow stroll forward. Ichigo paused as well, fixing his friend with a confused look.
"Yeah, Keigo called me almost directly after that girl left the store to go find Rangiku. I don't see why it matters that much," he replied. Hitsugaya shook his head and gave Ichigo a strained smile.
"It doesn't. Uh I think I forgot something at the library so I'll see you tomorrow," he muttered before turning on his heel and walking the opposite direction, leaving a very confused strawberry behind him. Having no particular destination in mind Hitsugaya made his way towards the soccer fields, needing some place to mull his thoughts over in peace.
Ichigo had told him that Keigo had seen some girl with Rangiku and yet Hinamori had just gotten back from hanging out with the same girl all day. Either there were multiple people in the group or somebody was lying…but what reason would Keigo have to lie about something as stupid as that? The only logical possibility was that Hinamori hadn't told him the complete truth about what he'd been doing all day.
While it wasn't that big of a deal, his life wouldn't stop just because his roommate was being a little weird, this whole thing had him curious. Hinamori was desperately trying to hide something and he doubted it was anything as simple as being a closet pervert. Shaking his head Hitsugaya turned back in the direction of his dorm, figuring that at least for now he would continue to act normally and content himself to hope that everything would clear up eventually.
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Wow sorry that was as late as it was. I ended up spending a week w/ my best friend in Alabama and so wasn't able to update as quickly as I would have liked. Anyway here's chapter 10; wow it's been awhile. Thanks so much guys for sticking with Hinamori this long, things are going to get interesting in the next couple of chapters. :D Oh yeah, I just noticed upon watching the first couple of Bleach episodes the other day that Ichigo's mother's name was Masaki. Haha I definitely forgot about that. I promise I had no idea that was the case upon writing this, to be completely honest all I did to get Momo's boy name was look up male Japanese names on some website, scanning the names starting with the letter "M." Huh, oh well :P
~Phoenix