Remembering Winter

Chapter 26: Please, Don't Let Me Go.

--A/N--

Sorry, Sorry. I know I promised this chapter to be out weeks ago. But, alas, school started, and my writing time was reduced to weekends. So, for getting this chapter out and the inevitable lateness of future chapters, I made this one extra long and quite delightful!

I've been studying Shakespeare lately, and I hope that he has left an impression on me and my writing! Please let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading, yo!

Song of the Chapter: Meteor Shower – Owl City

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

–

"So... can you tell me again why we're standing outside, in front of our building, on a very busy sidewalk, in the middle of winter? My ass is frozen. I swear it is, Toshiro. Isn't yours? You aren't wearing anything except your shirt! What's the matter with you?"

"Akito." Hitsugaya muttered tiredly. "Never go a day without talking again."

"What?" Akito said, in a tone a few octaves higher than his usual voice.

Hitsugaya scowled in preparation to tell Akito that if he ever came to work with a hangover again, he would be thrown out a window, when he heard the faint murmur of a powerful engine. Akito seemed to take no notice, only stood there and looked at Hitsugaya with a very puzzled look on his face.

Soon enough, a sleek bike came into view; speeding through the traffic, weaving between cars at a dizzying speed.

Dizzying to anyone other than a Shinigami, that is.

Hitsugaya leaned against a mailbox on the sidewalk casually. Yesterday when he took Hinamori to the dealership she was very intent on buying something that was made for speed. Which, of course, was insane.

However, the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he, too, enjoyed vehicles that allowed him to fly at a rapid pace. And they were not the only two with this similarity, as other Shinigami were intrigued with these inventions. It was rumored that Kenpachi once raced a bullet train, even.

And then it finally made sense. Shinigami were so used to flying everywhere using Shun-po, that even while they were in the living world they thrived on speed for their traveling. Hinamori was no different, she just preferred a dangerous motorcycle over a Ferrari.

Sighing, he dug into his pocket as the black and silver bike pulled up to the curb, the rider in a full-faced helmet, and head-to-toe in tight riding clothes. "Here." He murmured to Akito, handing him back his credit card. "Don't worry- she insisted on paying for most of it herself."

Numbly, Akito reached over and took the card, not taking his eyes of the rider. "Are you saying...?"

"Yup."

"Oh... dear."

The rider, still straddling the bike, reached up and pulled the helmet off, letting long waves of auburn hair fall to their shoulders. Turning, she beamed at her two friends. "What do you think?"

Hitsugaya was over the shock of it all, however Akito simply stood there, his mouth partly open before leaning over to Hitsugaya. "What part did I pay for?" he whispered, still not taking his eyes off of her, "Please tell me it was those skintight pants."

Smirking, Hitsugaya followed his eyes, "No... I bought those."

Akito turned to him incredulously.

"What?" he whispered defensively, "Safety purposes. I'd say you paid for the engine."

Akito silently slumped at his side, knowing that he had forked over the cash willingly for the speed of the bike, whereas Hitsugaya had paid for her to look pretty damn good while on it. Originally, it had been for safety. It just so happened that the tight black pants made her look, well, pretty sexy. Kind of an added bonus.

"Well?" Hinamori stood in front of them, her hands on her hips.

Hitsugaya scowled at her in his usual manner as Akito slid his hands into his pockets, still looking at her slightly perplexed.

"I... uh-excuse me." Akito muttered and quickly turned away, hurriedly walking into the building. Hinamori's eyes followed, confusion etched in their depths.

"Don't take it personally." Hitsugaya muttered in his usual husky voice.

"Did... did he not like it...?" Hinamori's voice was soft with a hint of hurt in her tone.

Shaking his head, Hitsugaya took a step closer. "No, that's not it. In fact," he paused, letting a killer smile spread across his face, "I think he liked it a bit too much."

Innocently, Hinamori looked up at him with a very confused face. "What do you mean?"

Choking back a throw of laughter, Hitsugaya only shook his head. "Never mind. Now let's get inside. We have a lot to do today."

–

And did they.

Hinamori quickly changed out of her riding pants and slid on a pair of gray slacks before she was taken over with work. She spent most of the day in Hitsugaya's office with him to personally take care of many things on the spot, however there were so many papers she found herself sitting on the floor surrounded by them. She was thankful for the incredible amount of work she had so she didn't have time to ogle at him as usual. Not that simply being in the same room as him didn't naturally raise her body heat, but she was able to avoid the heart-fluttering situation she was put in by simply looking at him.

"Hinamori?"

Jolting, she turned to her boss who's annoyed look was laced with a teasing smile. "Hai?"

"You were staring off into space."

"N-No I wasn't! I was just thinking about..." She glanced down at the paper beside her, "about... Harvard!"

"Harvard?" He questioned, a brow arching wickedly, "The school in the United States?"

"Y-Yeah...?" Hinamori found herself confused, as she had thought Harvard was a person. She found out moments later that Harvard was, in fact, the school, and a current lawyer had graduated from there and was now applying to work under Hitsugaya himself. Or so his resume said...

Frowning slightly, she glanced out of the corner of her eye at Hitsugaya. His eyes were focused his laptop in front of him, his fingers clicking away at the keys. He indeed looked very powerful, she easily admitted that, and yet...

His eyes rose and met hers. Feeling her face flush, she turned back to the papers that were scattered on the floor in front of her.

"Hinamori?"

"Hai?" She allowed herself to turn and face him.

A slight grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "What were you thinking about this time?"

For a brief moment, Hinamori considered making up a pitiful excuse again, but decided her question was in need of an answer.

"I... well, I was just curious about something."

"What might that be?"

"Well..." She shifted slightly, "I'm not trying to insult you or anything, of course. But I was just wondering... what exactly do you do? Here, that is."

At first she had been worried that she had overstepped a boundary as Hitsugaya leaned back in his chair, his face shadowed. But as his eyes met hers, she could see the hint of a smile hiding in his eyes, only for her.

"I used to be a lawyer myself." he started, his eyes focusing on a spot on the wall over her shoulder, "I was known for having a sharp mind, and always knowing the best and most efficient way to approach a case and, inevitably, win it."

That didn't surprise her. "How did you decide to become a lawyer?" She asked, and his eyes lowered to hers.

Shrugging, a slight smile brightened his eyes. "I didn't. Akito did. He was a lawyer when I met him and he told me to take some classes and apply to work here, which went under a different name at that time."

"Before you and Masahori-Sama took over the company?"

Nodding, he continued, "We always liked to take on cases together. I was always better at figuring out the facts, while Akito was able to use his charismatic nature in court. It was easy to win over a jury with some solid facts and a smooth talker."

Hinamori knew just how easy it was to be won over by the words of Akito.

"So," He continued,"when the head of the firm decided it was time for him to leave, he wanted to leave the company to us. I guess he felt that by having the both of us lead it, each with our own skills, the company would be in good hands. Which, to this day, I would assume it is."

Hinamori nodded, "Yes, I would have to say he made a good choice."

"Thank you, Hinamori-San."

Inwardly, she twitched slightly. Somehow, he had gotten in the habit of simply calling her 'Hinamori', and she found that 'Hinamori-San' felt like a slap in the face. A reminder of their professional relationship.

"But anyway, to answer your question, I do much of what I used to. Lawyers of our firm are always able to contact me whenever they need assistance on a case. I also take care of the business. Investors, foreign relations... those are all my work as well."

"And Masahori-Sama?" Hinamori questioned, wondering what Akito could possibly accomplish between his flirting and barging in Hitsugaya's office.

"I like to tell myself that he's simply keeping his charismatic skills sharp by practicing on his secretaries daily."

Hinamori had to laugh at that. He was deadpanned serious, yet she managed to find humor in it. It was simply... Hitsugaya. She didn't know how, but she just knew it. Looking up at him, she found him sitting up high behind his desk, his being and aura claiming authority and respect. There was great familiarity in him; his actions, his way of speaking... even the way he held himself.

A sharp intake of breath escaped from her lips as something in the back of her mind clicked. She stared, wide-eyed up at Hitsugaya who returned her look with a concerned brow.

"Hinamori?" His voice was quiet, "Are you-"

"Wait here." She said steadily as she stood and quickly ran from the room, nearly running into Akito as she flew the door open, leaving him rather surprised.

His eyes looking after her briefly, he looked at Hitsugaya questioningly. "What... was that?"

Hitsugaya's own eyes were wide with surprise as he looked at his friend. "No idea."

–

Moments passed and silence formed between the two, each silently wondering what on earth came over her.

Hitsugaya could feel his heart pick up in his chest. Something had definitely dawned in her mind, he saw it flash in her eyes and he felt her riatsu sharpen briefly. Was it something about... him? Could she possibly have remembered something?

He was on the edge of his seat when she calmly walked back into the room, determination burning in her eyes.

Walking right up to his desk, he could feel her eyes cutting into his. "Can you do something for me?" She asked, her voice soft, slightly shaky.

"I... yes." He murmured, finding his own voice unsteady.

It was then that he noticed that there was a scrap of white fabric in her hand. She held it out to him over his desk, determination still flaring in her eyes. "This may seem kind of odd, but can you please put that on for me?"

Finally tearing his eyes away from hers, Hitsugaya glanced down to her outstretched hand clasping the fabric, not overlooking the slight tremble emitting from her hand. Curiously, he took the fabric from her and held it out in front of him to a heart-stopping realization.

It was a captain's haori.

"Hinamori," He started, trying his best to sound unaffected, "what is-?"

"-Please." She cut him off, her eyes very serious.

Glancing back at the haori in his hands, he recognized the Fifth Division's number on the back and concluded that it was Hinamori's own haori. She must have ran off to retrieve it from her shinigami form. Staring at the haori in his hands, his mind raced to try and decide how he should approach this. It was obvious that she hadn't figured out who he was, just had a thought that he resembled someone who would be a captain naturally. If he put it on... there was a possibility that she could recall him for who he really was.

But was that what he wanted?

He had erased her memories of himself from her mind willingly, or so he had thought. Never mind the fact that it didn't work, she still didn't remember him. And that had been what he had decided for the both of them. He had forcibly accepted the fact that it was the best option for her. And now that she stood before him, he knew that she was happy. A new life belonged to her now, a life that fit her perfectly and let her be … herself. A life that had never been available to her before, back when he was in her life.

It was difficult, but he had given it up, accepted it, and now it was time to strengthen his resolve that never seemed to cease to crumble.

Turning back to her, he set his face firmly into an annoyed scowl. "What is this?"

"It's a haori."

"And why should I put this on?" He narrowed his eyes at her.

"Because it would ease my mind."

"Ano..." Akito's voice timidly joined in as he stood to the side of Hitsugaya's desk, between the two of them, "Hinamori-San... I could put it on if it means that much to you..."

Her eyes flickered towards Akito before directly staring back at Hitsugaya. "Thank you... but it has to be him."

"Toushiro..." Akito calmly spoke to his friend, "Just do it. I know you're a stubborn ass, trust me. But this isn't a very big deal."

If only he knew how big of a deal this really was... Hitsugaya couldn't help but think in direction to Akito, who was most certainly, very confused at this situation.

"Please." Hinamori's voice cut through his thoughts. Her brows were furrowed in deep thought and concentration, as if something had come to light in her mind that she was desperately trying to not loose. Determination that had once been in her eyes had faded into desperation and disarray. The deep amethyst of her eyes pleading with him to give her this.

With a strangled sigh, he slid the haori over his black shirt and pants and instantly, a feeling of belonging came over him. It had sleeves and was slightly shorter than his own, but the same feeling of strength and authority emitted potently from it. A feeling that he was very accustomed to.

That feeling, however, weakened as he allowed himself to turn and face her. Instead, anxiety claimed his nerves as her eyes regarded him.

Neither said nothing as they simply stared at each other, each dwelling in their own thoughts. He could feel her eyes burn into him as she looked him over, searching desperately for an answer. Not even allowing himself to blink, he watched her every emotion that crossed her face, not sure what to expect, or what he wanted to see.

Raising her eyes, she looked up into his own, a thousand questions in her violet depths. She swallowed hard and looked down before her eyes widened briefly and she quickly reached for a chair behind her, resulting in both Akito and Hitsugaya rushing towards her.

"Hinamori-San?" Akito questioned in panic as he kneeled before her as she sat on the chair, "What happened? Are you okay?"

Her breathing was hard and labored, her eyes dazed, staring straight ahead.

"Hinamori-San?!" Akito continued to cry as she didn't answer him before turning to Hitsugaya who was standing slightly to the side, "What happened?!"

Hitsugaya's own eyes were wide as he looked at Hinamori, her rapid breaths escaping her mouth at an insane rate. What happened? She almost fainted again, but why? He glanced down at the haori still on his body. Was it this?

"Hitsu-..." Hinamori choked out, causing Akito to look at Hitsugaya, questions in his eyes.

Before he even had time to think, he was beside her, sliding the haori from his shoulders. "I'm right here, Hinamori." He spoke calmly, defying the fear that had risen inside of him. Surely Hinamori's fear was greater than his own; he needed to be solid for her. Kneeling, he lowered himself to her side as Akito still sat in front of her. She reached a trembling hand out to him and he clasped it between two of his own. Instantly, her breathing slowed and her eyes slid closed.

"Hitsugaya..." She murmured so quietly, Hitsugaya wondered if he had imagined it.

"I'm here."

Her eyes slid open and looked at him, a dazed coloring in them. A brief smile lifted the corners of her mouth tiredly. "I know you are. You always are."

Not sure what she meant by that, Hitsugaya signaled for Akito to leave. Reluctantly, his friend obeyed, moving to leave as Hitsugaya claimed the spot in front of her. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. "Yes. I am. I'm sorry... I don't know what came over me..." Her eyes grew brighter and color flooded her face once more.

"Don't be sorry. Does this happen often?"

She shook her head, "No, not really. The last time that it happened was... was the first time I met you, Hitsugaya."

He would have to be a moron not to see a connection there. Frowning, he stood, letting her hand drop from his. "Is there anything I can get you?"

She shook her head again, lashed covering her eyes as she looked at her lap.

"Are you sure you aren't hungry?" He asked her as he slipped a menu out of his desk and held it out to her.

She bit her lip briefly before taking the menu from him and reading it through, her eyes bright at the gourmet food listed before her. "But it's all so expensive." She murmured, her eyes scanning the prices, no doubt.

"Do you seriously think that is an issue here?" Hitsugaya asked her, arching a teasing brow.

–

They ate and talked over their luxurious dinner that Hitsugaya ordered from a cafe down the street. Hinamori chose some spicy tuna sushi and after she mentioned it, Hitsugaya ordered the same for himself. Except without the spiciness. He had never liked spicy food.

Over dinner, Hinamori mostly chatted away as Hitsugaya listened, occasionally responding. Mostly, he was concentrating on her. She had nearly fainted for the second time... It was a very brief spell, yet- it was very traumatic. Her riatsu had fared briefly before she collapsed, and then practically disappeared while she was regaining consciousness. It was now back to normal; very faint, but detectable from a close distance, and she seemed back to her normal self again as well.

"Hitsugaya-Sama?"

"Hmn?" He jerked his head up from his plate to find Hinamori looking at him with a smile on her face.

"Now who's staring off into space?" She teased briefly before standing and collecting their dishes from the take-out. "I just asked how long I was expected to stay here tonight."

Hitsugaya stood and took the dishes from her, handing them to a maid waiting outside the door. "You have plans?"

"No." She said, shaking her head, "I was just curious. It's already seven and it looks as though we still have a bit of papers to go through." She motioned towards the piles on Hitsugaya's desk and on the floor.

"Well then," He said as he walked back behind his desk, "We had better get started."

–

By nine-thirty Hitsugaya insisted that Hinamori not sit on the floor anymore.

She hadn't been complaining, but she didn't disregard the idea of sitting in a chair, proving to Hitsugaya that she must be aching somewhere from the hours spent on his floor.

"Maybe we should just move my desk in here..." She offered quietly, shyly.

She had even seemed somewhat surprised when Hitsugaya nodded briefly and agreed.

So Hinamori kicked off her stilettos and Hitsugaya rolled up his sleeves as they began pushing and pulling the desk into Hitsugaya's office. Thankfully, they caught Akito on his way out, and he offered a hand almost instantly.

Somehow they managed to squeeze Hinamori's wide and heavy desk through the smaller-than-usual door frame and into Hitsugaya's roomy office. It took three sets of hands, lots of wiggling and shifting and pushing, and forty minutes- but they did it.

"Never make me do that again." Akito said, glaring at the desk menacingly.

"So my desk is permanently in here now?" Hinamori asked, looking from Akito to Hitsugaya, who stood to the side, slightly scowling.

Hitsugaya shrugged, "It would be rather convenient. We can leave this one in here, but we'll get you a new one to put out in the main office. Thankfully you have a laptop instead of a desktop so you can just transfer it from where you're working."

"Mou..." Akito pouted, "If Hinamori-San is in here all the time, I wont be able to get away with flirting with her anymore!" He sent her a wink which she rolled her eyes at.

"Hinamori's time is much to precious to be wasted on a fool like you." Hitsugaya retorted, much to Hinamori and Akito's surprise.

"Okay..." Hinamori cut in before something else would be said, "We have work to do. Care to help, Masahori-Sama?"

–

Around midnight, Hitsugaya looked up from his laptop.

Akito, who had been at the feet of Hinamori like a dog all night was no where to be seen. Glancing down at the floor under her desk, Hitsugaya expected to find him sleeping there.

Instead, he traced Hinamori's legs up to her face which he couldn't see very well under a blanket of auburn.

A small smile fell on Hitsugaya's lips. She was beautiful when she slept.

Her head was rested on her arm, and as she shifted slightly in her slumber, he hair fell from her face, exposing her dreaming eyes.

With each breath, Hitsugaya inhaled deep, satisfying nostalgia. He had held Hinamori as she slept many times, and she still had the most beautiful, angelic face as she dreamed.

Not being able to resist, and not wanting to, Hitsugaya stood and softly walked over to her. Gently, he stroked her silky hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. A lulling smile caressed her sleeping lips as his hand then traced down her jawbone and gently grazed down the intoxicating skin of her neck. Her gentle scent of peach and warm vanilla wrapped itself around him, forcing Hitsugaya to breathe it in deeply.

With a groan, Hitsugaya closed his eyes and out of pure strength, turned away from her, nearly running into Akito who was leaning against his desk. His arms were crossed against his chest, but his eyes were soft and knowing. His mouth saying nothing, his eyes said it all.

"Akito." Hitsugaya whispered, not wanting to wake Hinamori, but his eyes were slightly wider than usual, revealing his surprise and embarrassment.

"Toushiro..." It was somewhat uncommon that Akito spoke Hitsugaya's first name, proving that Akito was very serious with what he was about to say. "You're going to need to tell me someday."

Glancing over his shoulder at the still-dreaming girl, Hitsugaya turned back to Akito, knowing his face held more emotion than Akito had ever seen.

Something flickered in Akito's eyes before evaporating as he nodded. "It's okay. I'm not asking for you to tell me everything right now, and I don't need you to. But I know that there's more here than you are telling me."

Nervously, Hitsugaya glanced down at the ground. "Why would you think that?"

Akito let out a breath of laughter and Hitsugaya looked up to witness a soft smile tease at the corner of his mouth. "It's in the way you look at her."

–

An hour or so later, Hitsugaya did just that as he looked over at her half-asleep form nestled in the passenger seat of his car. Curled into the soft black leather of the seat, she looked serene and soft enveloped in Hitsugaya's suit jacket that he had draped over her shoulders. Creamy light from the passing streetlights blotted her luminous skin as they flew past. A deep sigh escaped her lips as she opened her eyes slowly and turned her head heavily to look at Hitsugaya.

"Remind me, why are you taking me home?" She asked sleepily, her voice hiding a hint of husky dreaminess behind it.

Hitsugaya stared straight at the road in front of him as he replied, "Because you are exhausted and I will not permit you riding your bike home like that. This exit?"

"Yes." She replied, swallowing the sleepiness that lined her throat. "I could have taken a taxi. Or the subway."

"Being on the subway this late is probably more dangerous than riding you motorcycle sound asleep." He replied, his hands tightening on the steering wheel at the thought of the people who she would be putting herself in the direct path of.

"What makes you say that?" She asked. She was much to innocent for her own good.

Hitsugaya allowed his eyes to roll over to her ingenuously curious face before looking away quickly. "Never mind," he muttered, quite happy that he had decided to drive her home safely.

"Oh. Okay." She murmured as she turned her head to look out the windshield once more. "Well, thank you for taking me home. It's very kind of you."

"Sure."

The intimate interior of the Lamborghini made Hitsugaya feel as though he was suffocating. Trapped, he had no choice but to inhale her addicting scent, to listen to her stirringly sweet voice, or to grip the steering wheel so tight in fear that he might touch her. Stealing a glance out of the corner of his eye, she seemed unaffected, curled up in the seat and looking out the window at the city passing by.

"Do you live near here?" She asked, curiously. Her face turned to his once more and a flicker of surprise waved over her eyes as she caught him already looking at her.

Quickly, his eyes darted back to the road. "Not really."

"Okay..."

He could tell that she was getting slightly discouraged at the lacking of his answers, or his resistance to hold a conversation with her. However, there was only so much he could think about at once, and combining a conversation with the threatening tension in the car would be nearly impossible. Her scent alone tied up a side of his brain with it's poison.

"Turn left here." Hinamori directed as Hitsugaya came to a stoplight.

Glancing around at the buildings, Hitsugaya could already tell that this wasn't the best side of town. Small shops lined the street level, most tagged with graffiti or gang symbols. The sidewalk was cracked and bits of litter had wedged themselves in the sewer grates. As they slowly passed down the street, Hitsugaya glanced up at the height of brick above the small shops, the apartments. The brick was faded and dirty, windows were cracked, and air conditioners leaned forbiddingly out of some. As his eyes drifted back to the street, he swerved quickly to avoid a beat-up and rusty Buick who's driver was most likely drunk.

"Turn right into that alley there." Hinamori pointed out the window to a dark pathway, lit only by a flickering street lamp.

Hitsugaya wasn't sure he really wanted to go in there. Questioningly, he glanced over at Hinamori, who seemed to be unaffected by the horror of her alleyway.

In a quick and swift motion, he swung his sleek car into a parking space and began to get out of the car when he noticed Hinamori wasn't.

"Why are you getting out?" She asked, her body frozen in the position of unbuckling her seat belt.

"Because I said that I would take you home, and you aren't home until you are inside your apartment."

She stared at him for a moment before laughing. "You're silly!"

"No," He corrected, "I just like to do a job fully and correctly."

As they got out and were walking to her building, a man stood nearby smoking a cigarette. He was leaning against a beat-up car and couldn't tear his eyes off of Hitsugaya's Lamborghini. Once he noticed Hitsugaya's deathly stare, he quickly mumbled "nice car" and disappeared into his own.

Hinamori laughed as she witnessed the exchange. "Protective of your cars, are you?"

Hitsugaya shrugged. "I don't like other people touching what's mine."

"Oh I see!" Hinamori teased, "we have a Mr. Possessive over here!"

You don't know the half of it, he thought, inching closer to her as a shadowed man caught his eye across the way.

–

Hinamori was definitely not disappointed with her service. She had been tempted to teasingly tip him as he said goodnight at her door, but decided against it. He had enough bloody money.

"Well, this is it." She murmured, suddenly nervous as she slid her key in the lock and pushed open her door, revealing her small apartment. Stepping aside, she let him in.

Watching his every movement, his every expression, she tried to understand what he was thinking as he examined her apartment. Surely, he was used to a more luxurious style palate.

Turquoise eyes met hers, a lustrous smile hidden deep within them. "It's nice."

"You like it?" She felt herself beaming.

He turned his body to face hers. "Sure."

It was then that she realized how close they were standing in the intimate room, illuminated only by soft yellow lights scattered, frighting away the twilight. The underlying darkness seemed to make his eyes enliven, setting something stirring deep in her stomach. A husky scent of pure male with a cool minty edge emitted from his body and into her lungs and through her veins. The scent enslaved her, forced her to greedily draw in more and more in a desperate attempt to quench her burning thirst.

As if having her lungs intoxicated by him wasn't enough, he soon took over her eyes, forcing them to glaze over as she burned the tall expanse of his body to her memory. Long, strong legs, white shirt casually unbuttoned at the neck and bottom, revealing tantalizing neck, hands coolly delved in his pockets... She knew that this was the desire of many women. And here he was, standing in front of her, in her apartment.

Just for one moment, she wanted to pretend that he was hers. That he could be hers.

He was human.

He was strong, demanding, resilient, beautiful, and the sight of him sent her heart offbeat...

But he was still a human. And she was still a Shinigami.

Not like he would want to be with her anyway, when he could have the pick of any supermodel or actress in the world, she couldn't help but think as a wave of awareness washed over her.

There was no point, clearly. He was a human, and a very gorgeous one at that. Those two reasons alone forbid her from him. (She wouldn't realize until later that there was one more reason: Adachi.)

Hitsugaya seemed to notice the drastic change in her mood from elated to depressed, and he sent her an inquiring glance, a gleam of worry in his deep eyes.

Forcing a small grin, she shook her head and was about to ask him if he would care for some tea, when a small silver kitten began weaving itself between her legs.

"Shiro!"

"What?!"

Her head shot up to Hitsugaya. His eyes were wide, his mouth partly open as though he was in shock over something. What is the matter with him...?

"Shiro..." She repeated slowly as she bent down to pick up her kitten, "is my cat."

The distress on Hitsugaya's face eased as he questioningly regarded the cat. His shocked eyes faded into amusement as the cat stared back up at him.

"You have a cat."

"I do. Be careful, he's got a temper. He bit the milkman two days ago."

Hitsugaya sent her a worried glance over Shiro's head as she held him out in front of her.

"I see." He was looking at her cat strangely, as if he was trying to analyze it. Shiro wasn't making a fuss over him, either.

"You can try to pick him up if you want," She said as she set Shiro on the floor, "He seems to be okay with you. You should feel really special!" She laughed as she righted herself in front of him.

"Thank you, but I'll pass. I should be going, I think." He looked at his watch.

Hinamori nodded. "It's late. I'm sorry you had to drive all the way down here, I'm sure you live nowhere near here."

"I insisted, there is no need to apologize."

"Well, I know that! But I feel bad!"

Hitsugaya rolled his eyes. "I think you are over-tired."

She scowled up at him. "I am not! I think I would know if I was!"

His eyes looked down at her, the deep turquoise shimmering in amusement.

"And don't give me that look!" She pointed up at him accusingly.

"What look?"

"That one!"

"This one?"

"Well, now you changed it!"

"You sure are hard to please."

"Oh, shut up!"

"Is that any way to talk to your boss?"

"You aren't 'my boss' at the moment!"

"Oh, I'm not?" He took a dangerous step closer to her.

"N-No...?" She was unsure of her own words at the nearness of his body to hers. The cool, minty scent that was only his seeped into her lungs, making her thoughts fuzzy.

Slowly but confidently, his hand reached out to her and cupped her face, lifting her violet eyes to his as he bent over her. Leaning down closer, his mouth hovered over hers so closely that she could feel his cool breaths tingling her lips. Softening, she let her eyes slide shut as she felt his other hand cradle the back of her head, loosing itself in her hair.

She ached. She ached so desperately for him. Yearning, her entire form desired to be crushed against him to be protected and claimed.

"Sleep well, my Hinamori." A cool whisper graced her lips, and then he was gone.

–

Driving home after leaving Hinamori like that was painful as Hitsugaya put forth every effort to restrain himself from turning around and going back to her. It didn't help that the casket of his car still held the sweet essence of Hinamori, threaded in the confined air.

Reflexively, his hands tightened on the steering wheel. He had seen the way she looked up at him, it wasn't the first time he had received that heavy-lidded glaze of desire, and he knew what it meant. Many times, he had received that desiring look from blonde models or aspiring actresses, and it had brought him slight amusement at the impulsive hunger in their eyes.

However, this time was different. Hinamori's eyes had revealed a deep, wine-colored thirst for him. Waves of crashing emotions had overwhelmed him as he grasped that there was more in Hinamori's genuine eyes than petty infatuation, there was something much more abysmal.

His heart wanted to tell him it was love.

No, no no no. Don't even go there. That was years ago... that part of Hinamori has died.

Or had it? Just because her memory lacked her past, that didn't mean that her body had forgotten. Could she still remember his touch, his lips?

Shaking his heat in a worthless attempt to rid himself of those weary thoughts, he did his best to concentrate on the road, finding himself going forty miles per hour over the speed limit. Mentally berating himself for letting her control him in so many ways, he lifted his foot off the accelerator until he was only a few over, setting his cruise control then so it wouldn't happen again.

He was done trying to convince himself that it didn't matter, that he didn't care for her. The moment he saw her, every feeling she had ever awoken in him was resurrected and had not rested since. Gradually, he discovered that every nerve went ablaze when she was within touching distance, and that she occupied his thoughts consistently even when she was not around. He couldn't even escape her in his dreams! Slowly, he had lost control of himself to her, and even attempting to gain domination over it was draining.

Knowing he had fallen hard, he wondered if he would ever be able to pick himself back up again.

Suddenly, a shrieking ring echoed in the car from Hitsugaya's hollow radar that was in his pocket. By keeping control of the wheel with his knee, he dug in his pockets until he found it and flipped it open. A small, flashing red dot appeared on the screen briefly before disappearing.

Narrowing his brows at his phone, Hitsugaya snapped it shut and opened it again as if to reset it's brain. There was no way a hollow could be killed that fast, the alarm had just started going off. Unless a Shinigami was already transformed and had their sword drawn as the hollow appeared, there was simply no way.

Thankful that there was barely any traffic on the highway at two in the morning, Hitsugaya seldom glanced at the stretch of road in front of him as he stared at the blank screen on his phone. He had a bad feeling...

Suddenly, the red spot appeared again, quite a bit more south than where it had appeared before. Within moments, it had disappeared again.

"It's trying to hide it's riatsu." Hitsugaya concluded, murmuring at the blank map briefly before realization crashed into him. The hollow was headed south, right towards Hinamori.

"Shit!" With one rushed movement, Hitsugaya drove into the median and dove into the lanes of traffic going the opposite way, back to Hinamori. His foot found his friendly gas pedal and he floored it, ignoring speed limit signs and other drivers as he passed them. It had taken him half an hour from Hinamori's to get to where he was, but if he sped up... his foot pushed down on the pedal harder as his phone went off once more. Once again, the hollow had moved closer to Hinamori, and disappeared. However, this time it stayed long enough for his phone to collect statistics on the monster.

Hitsugaya paled as he read them, and prayed that Hinamori knew what was coming. From the looks of it, it was a Menos Grande. A Vasto Lorde at that. Was it one of Aizen's? Was he seriously trying to kill her again? Would Hinamori be able to take it on by herself?

Reaching for his phone, he froze. Even if he called Soul Society for back-up, they wouldn't be able to arrive for a while. There was no time. Feeling in his pocket, he found his Soul Candy and left it in there for accessibility.

He didn't want Hinamori to see him as a Shinigami, but he knew the choice that he would make if he was put in that situation.

Glancing in his rear view mirror, he was surprised to see that someone was going as fast as him on the highway. Then he saw the red and blue flashing lights and heard the siren.
"Fuck! Not now!", Hitsugaya desperately cried as he began slowing down. He knew he was guilty of speeding. Surprisingly, he had never gotten a ticket before, and of course his first one had to be now.

However, the lights and sirens flew past him as he pulled over to the side of the road. With surprise, he watched the parade of fire trucks and ambulances race past him and up the exit Hinamori had pointed out to Hitsugaya earlier as the one to her home. Dread overtook him as he numbly watched them for a moment before speeding after them, praying that he was over-reacting.

Once he followed them up to the front of her apartment, he realized he wasn't overreacting at all.

After haphazardly parking in the middle of the street, he got out of his car and looked up at the building. Flames lapped out of windows, illuminating the night with a fearful red overcast. Parts of the cracked brick had already crumbled, leaving the building unsteady. The entire scene reeked of Hollow, Hitsugaya realized with dread. Fireman began hooking up hoses in a desperate attempt to quench the hunger of the flames, and some grabbed axes and helmets in preparation to go inside and face the flames. People poured out of the front door of the building, screaming in fear and children crying. Everyone was shouting questions at each other, no one knew what happened. Fear hung heavy in the air as many searched in the sea of people for their family and friends, each one praying desperately that they were there.

Hitsugaya's eyes darted around as he forced himself into the mass of frenzied people. Hinamori had to be there somewhere. Dammit, she had to be.

Doing his best to block everything else away, he stood still and concentrated. A small trace of her riatsu was all he needed. His breathing was heavy and labored in panic, his heart threatened to beat out of his chest. All he needed was a shred of hope, something to hold on to.

Come on, come on, come on! Dammit, Hinamori! Don't do this!

There was no scent of her riatsu.

His eyes flew open once more in panic as he surged through the crowd of people, searching everywhere. Eyes never resting, they flickered to every face, every head that even resembled hers. Each time, a ray of hope rose in him, only to be extinguished at the realization that it wasn't her. His eyes darted back to the entrance of the apartment building. The stream of people flooding out had stopped, and a few brave firefighters had gone in. His only hope now was that they would bring her out.

Hopefully alive.

With a ripple of fear spreading through his body, he reached for his Soul Candy as a hand rested on his shoulder. Spinning, he turned his head to see a man with a concerned look on his face. "Who are you looking for?" He asked, his tone sympathetic.

Hitsugaya swallowed. "Hinamori. Hinamori Momo."

"Hinamori..." The man murmured in thought, then his eyes dawned. "Hinamori. Apartment seventeen-ten." He looked up to where apartment seventeen-ten was, and Hitsugaya followed his eyes. It was on the top floor, and the roof was gouged out over it, flames leaping out of the open crevice.

Hitsugaya's heart froze in his chest. "...Hinamori"

"I'm sorry..." The man replied sadly ad he turned to Hitsugaya, who was still staring up at the flames, before vanishing to help someone else discover the fate of their loved ones.

It felt as though all the breath had been forced from his lungs, and that he had to demand his heart to beat. He felt heavy and weary as he turned away from the flaming building. He would go home and try to sleep. Hopefully, when he woke- this would all be a nightmare. It had to be.

Heavily, his feet carried him a few steps before he abruptly halted. Something flickered deep inside his heart, which began to beat wildly with hope as the aura of her riatsu wound itself around him, pulling him towards it's source. He swiftly turned around to face the building and moments later, Hinamori stumbled out into the night air, a fire fighter's hand resting on her shoulders to keep her steady.

It only took a moment for the sight of her to register in his mind before he ran to her and had lifted her into his arms.

"Hinamori! Oh my God... Hinamori!" He cried as he buried his face in her hair. Tears pricked at his eyes at his relief, and he didn't try to repress them. She was alive... alive. Setting her down on the ground, but not releasing her from his arms, he looked into her face.

"Toushiro..." She spoke his name as fresh tears streamed down her face, leaving white trails down her smoke-colored face. Her bottom lip quivered as the tears began pouring down and sobs choked from her lungs. "Toushiro! I was so scared... I don't know what happened! I...I..." Her knees gave out from under her and Hitsugaya caught her and instantly held her against his him, one arm cradling her knees up to his chest. Her head rested against his chest, cradled by his shoulder, and she quietly sobbed her fears away while clinging to him.

Hitsugaya turned to the fireman who stood nearby. "Thank you. I... I don't even know what to say..." He was well aware that any trace of his usual set face was gone, leaving himself exposed to any emotion that arrived.

The man shook his head. "It's my job, Sir. But, you are welcome. I think your little lady is going to be just fine once she recovers from the shock."

Hitsugaya felt very stupid suddenly for not thinking of any injuries that Hinamori might have had. Glancing down, he gave her a once-over, and despite for a few cuts and scrapes and a lot of soot, she seemed fine. He was very adept at finding injuries just by glancing.

"What... what happened to her?" He asked the man, wondering why Hinamori hadn't gotten out by herself.

The man shook his head. "I can't say I know the answer to that. I found her in the hallway outside her room. I thought she might've been unconscious, so I picked her up and carried her down the stairs. Once we got to the second floor she started squirming around before coming out of it. She was really scared, that one."

Looking down at Hinamori, many questions came to his mind, but none that mattered then.

"Thank you again." He said to the fireman.

"Yep. Oh," the firefighter pointed over to a ambulance, "They can take care of her over there and make sure nothing's seriously wrong with her. If she's all good, they'll give you a hotel voucher so there's someplace for you to stay."

"Thank you." Hitsugaya said softly as he turned and began walking to his car, "But I'm taking care of this one."

Gently, he carried her to his car and opened the passenger door and set her on the seat. She still clung to his shirt, and looked up at him with teary eyes that told him not to let her go.

"It's okay now." He spoke softly, kneeling on the pavement in front her. He brushed her hair out of her face and held her cheek in his palm. "I'm going to take you home."

"Your home?" She asked, wearily.

Hitsugaya nodded. "Yes. And I'm going to take care of you."

Tears welled in Hinamori's eyes as a small, grateful smile blossomed on her chapped lips.

Leaning forward, Hitsugaya pressed his lips against her forehead. "I promise." Briefly, he rested his forehead against hers while he blinked away the tears that threatened to claw down his face.

Having her alive was the greatest blessing he had ever known.

He stood, shutting her door, and walked to his side of the car. As soon as they began moving towards home, a small hand reached out in the darkness for the shelter of his own. Enveloping her hand within his, he brought it up for a slight kiss before resting them both in her lap, where they stayed, intertwined, for the entire ride.

--A/N--

Thirteen pages. Thirteen! I have been anticipating this chapter a bit, I think that is why I was so discouraged by last chapter's filler-ness. As always, reviews are loved, adored, sometimes cried over, and are always replied to. I really appreciate them, guys! (And I would say that for thirteen pages, I deserve 'em!)

The song of the chapter is one of my favorites, as I adore Owl City. (Concert in 7 days!)

Thanks again to everyone who stops by to read this! I love you!