College's starting in three days, so I guess updates will be slower now; no more holidays to laze around and type out stuff on the laptop. But I'll still keep producing these Kisses until the big three-oh is reached, and maybe even after that, so be prepared:D

In the meantime, here, have this one and enjoy! Criticism is much appreciated, while flames will be used on too many work assignments.

Deception

#12 In a good mood

"What do you mean, I can't go in?"

Matsumoto crossed her arms and stared straight at the red-haired vice captain. "I mean, you aren't allowed to enter the tenth division office at the present moment." She lowered her voice. "And a good thing too. Hitsugaya-taichou and Hinamori are inside and from the sound of it, they're fighting."

"But I have an important message to deliver from Kuchiki-taichou! Surely it's more important that some silly little argument?""

"No can do, Renji. It's been going on for the past hour. Can't you hear that?" Matsumoto slid the door ajar very slightly and gestured at the small space. Both of them listened carefully as the sounds of raised voices arguing heatedly filled the still air, yelling over one another.

"Dammit Hinamori! Can't you be more reasonable?"

"Tell me the truth, Shirou-chan! Did you or did you requested it to be executed?"

"Look, I had my purposes-"

As if on cue, a vase smashed against the door, several small shards escaping through the small opening and narrowly missing Matsumoto's head as they shattered upon the floor. Eyes wide, both vice captains stared at each other wordlessly.

"Maybe you're right...I'd better leave the message with you to pass on to your taichou later..."

"Gladly." Matsumoto whipped out a notepad, already covered with notes and scrawls of messages from other messenger shinigamis. "Alright, your message is-?"

-

Inside the Tenth Division office, Hitsugaya and Hinamori sat holding each other close on the large sofa, both snuggled against one another comfortably.

"Do you think this deception is really effective, Shirou-chan?"

Hitsugaya shrugged casually as his arm draped around Hinamori's shoulder lazily tangled itself in her dark hair. "Well, so far no one has had the courage to interrupt us yet. I think you scared Matsumoto quite a bit there when you ordered her out and 'warned' her not to interfere." Then, raising his voice for said vice captain's benefit, "Hinamori, will you stop being so childish already?"

Hinamori laid her head against Hitsugaya's chest, shaking slightly as she tried to stifle her laughter. "How could you do such a thing, Shirou-chan? I HATE YOU!"

"Oh, I am deeply hurt now." Hitsugaya buried his face in her hair, inhaling the sweet scent of her shampoo as his fingers kneaded her shoulder gently. "But I don't think you would still call me 'Shirou-chan' when you're mad though, Momo."

"I think I would, whether I 'm mad or not, Shirou-chan." Momo stretched luxuriously in Hitsugaya's grasp. "Do you think we should throw something again?"

"Something non-breakable please. That was a rather expensive vase just now."

Hinamori smiled teasingly up at him, running her fingers through his silver hair. "Ah, gomen. How can I make it up to you?"

Hitsugaya bent slightly and brushed his lips against her cheek gently. "Too late: you're already forgiven." He chuckled suddenly. "I wonder what Matsumoto would say if she knew exactly what we were doing."

"She'd probably be mad. After all, she is under the impression that we're both in the foulest mood possible at the moment."

"Which I suppose is the furthest thing from what we are at the moment. To be honest, I feel exceptionally good right now." Hitsugaya kissed the tip of Hinamori's ear lightly. "But this is the best way to divert all disturbances and unwanted attention."

"I'm afraid so." Hinamori's fingers reached up to trace the line of Hitsugaya's strong jaw. "You know, we might have to pull this more often."

Hitsugaya's eyebrow rose in mock surprise. "You do know we'll have to supply a reason for our so-called 'fights'? And we haven't even figured out the source for this one."

"We haven't?" Momo feigned surprise, her hand pausing its travel across Hitsugaya's chest beneath the black shinigami uniform. Hitsugaya leant his head back unto the cushions, a faint smile flitting over his features.

"You should consider situations more carefully next time, Momo."

"Oh really?" Hinamori sat up to face him. "You can be rather dense and mule-headed yourself."

Hitsugaya's arm encircled her waist and drew her nearer to him. "Was that an insult or just for the benefit of those outside?"

Her breath warmed his face even as his laughing eyes locked onto hers. "What do you think?"

Hitsugaya shook his head slowly as he laughed softly. "I really hate you, Momo."

And before her lips met his, she whispered, "I really hate you too, Shirou-chan."