F U R A R E T Axx Chapter 35: Let It Snow, a bleach fanfic

B A Y O – B A Y O :

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, FURARETA! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TOUSHIROU! (AND ANYONE ELSE WHOSE BIRTHDAY FALLS ON DECEMBER 20TH!)

Boy, we've come a long way, haven't we? It's so hard to believe that Furareta is already a year old. I remember last year today I posted the first chapter, thinking that no one would like or review the story because it contained an OC and a canonxOC pairing (and with Hitsugaya Toushirou, of all canons!). But alas, I thought wrong! Never did I imagine that a year later I would be posting an anniversary 35th chapter and have over 1300 reviews! It's all thanks to you guys. I know I've said this before (and I know I've said that before, too), but you guys are the life blood of Furareta. Without your never-ending support and encouragement, Furareta wouldn't have lived this long. You guys are seriously the best readers that any author can have—I'm so lucky to have you all!

Hopefully together we can finally finish this story! We've made it this far—so please stick with me until the end and I'll gladly participate vice versa! I really love you all!

And now we finally delve into the 35th chapter of Furareta, written in Hitsugaya's POV in honor of his birthday! Some shocking things happen and whatnot, all to spice up the story in its climax! So grab a blanket and some hot cocoa, because this is where things get tricky!

PS: This is a longer chapter too! I'm on a roll, baby!
PS #2: In honor of Toushirou's birthday, I got myself a cell phone charm of him! Yes, I am obsessed, and yes again, I LOVE the charm. I have my own little Shiro-chan now! (heart)

. F U R A R E T A .
… "love hurts"… a bleach fanfiction

Furareta © b a y o – b a y o
Bleach © Kubo Tite

CHAPTER T H I R T Y – F I V E :
"Let It Snow"

Opening Theme: "Te wo Tsunaide" by Younha

( HITSUGAYA TOUSHIROU )

I was walking, meandering through a clearing that was blanketed under snow. Snowflakes rained from the sky, dancing in the cold breeze and clinging to the tree trunks briefly before condensing into moisture. Despite the howl of the wind and scratching of leaf-against-leaf, all was silent—and I was alone, lost in the mass of white.

There was laughter—faint at first, but gradually growing, gradually elevating into something soft, melodic…

Singing.

I could see something—someone—dancing in the distance, twirling beneath the shower of snow, singing at the top of their lungs.

It was an angel.

"Hitsugaya-kun! Hitsugaya-kun! Wake up!"

I was stirred from my sleep by means of obnoxious jostling. Upon prying open one groggy eye, I found large cocoa eyes staring back at me, along with a bright, cheesy grin. I grunted and tried to intensify a nasty glare. "Get out of my face or I will hurt you," I warned, shutting my eye again.

Of course, she didn't listen to me.

"C'mon, Hitsugaya-kun! This is no way for a captain of a Shinigami division to act! You don't sleep in!" Hinamori chided. I heard her step back and sigh. "Usually you're up way before me! Even Rangiku-san is up! Hitsugaya-kun! Are you listening to me?"

"I wasn't kidding, Hinamori," I seethed. "Get out of here or I will not be happy."

She huffed. "What else is new?" she challenged. "Why are you so grumpy?"

"Oh, I don't know," I murmured, sarcasm dripping from my tone, "It might be because someone decided to rob me of valuable and well-needed sleep."

"Oh, Hitsugaya-kun…" Hinamori whined. She plopped onto the foot of my bed, which had been the couch for the past couple weeks. "But it's your special day!"

It took me a moment to comprehend what she was talking about. When it finally hit, it hit hard. I groaned and rolled over, 'accidentally' kicking Hinamori off the couch. She squealed and she fell to the ground with a satisfying thump. "Ow! Hitsugaya-kun!" Hinamori moaned. I heard her stomp her feet as she climbed off the ground. "That was uncalled for!"

I ignored her and squeezed my eyes shut, trying to forget what she just said. I was tired, grumpy, and I didn't need to be reminded what today was. I could've gone through today without remembering it, and I would have been fine. Last night I had taken a tour all around Karakura, making sure that nothing was amiss and ridding alleys and streets of wandering Hollows. Out of all the Hollows, though, I didn't find Takara. I didn't know if she was hiding or what, but she knew how to disguise herself well and hide her reiatsu. I had been out all night and didn't return to my temporary home until dawn began breaking over the mountains.

And I didn't want to wake up until the afternoon, but unfortunately someone had to answer the urge to rouse me…

"Hitsugaya-kun!"

I ignored her.

"Hitsugaya Toushirou!"

I still didn't respond. When was she going to give up already?

"That's it!"

I felt hands grab my blanket. Before I could respond in any form, I was unraveled from it and I found myself flying onto the ground in the same manner Hinamori had just a minute ago—only in a less graceful manner. My head hit the ground first before my body did, receiving most of the impact. I didn't say anything for the first second or two as I tried not to shout anything inappropriate or absolutely throttle the girl, but I did manage to sit up and produce the iciest glare that a grumpy ice-element captain could muster. She didn't back down.

"I'm up," I spat.

"Happy birthday," she snapped back, and she stomped away.

"I swear I am going to kill her one day," I murmured. I stood up, folded my blanket, and tossed it on the edge of the couch.

As I wandered into the kitchen to grab a cup of water, I winced as the sunlight streamed through the window, warming my chilled face. It looked a little warmer outside today, to my surprise. It was cold last night, even for me. "Hinamori!" I shouted as I turned on the kitchen faucet. "Where's Matsumoto?" I didn't sense her reiatsu in the house or anywhere near.

"Soul Society," I heard her call back, apparently still mad at me. "She decided to get up earlier for you since it was your birthday and went to pick up assignments from Yamamoto-soutaichou for you."

I cupped a handful of water and splashed it onto my face, waking me up. "When did she leave?"

"Around five."

I glanced at the clock. It read eight o'clock. That meant I received a total of three hours of sleep. "Darn it, Hinamori…"

"What was that?"

I bit my tongue to keep from snapping. "Nothing," I muttered. "I hope you had a good reason for yanking me out of bed."

She came strolling into the kitchen, a purse in hand. "I just didn't want you to waste the day away with sleep on your birthday."

I turned to glare at her, almost incredulously—or, more specifically, at her purse and clothes. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going…" She perked up suddenly and a big smile stretched across her face. "… to take you on a shopping spree!"

I stared at her blankly. "No, really," I pressed. "Where are you going?"

Hinamori giggled and ran to the mirror to fix her hair. "Hurry and get into your gigai, Hitsugaya-kun! We've got no time to spare!"

"Hinamori, please don't do this," I pleaded as the girl literally hauled me through the streets of Karakura. "Just give me a bed and I'll be happy for the rest of the day."

"Don't be a party-pooper, Hitsugaya-kun," Hinamori said, her grip on my arm unwaveringly strong. "It's your birthday! You honestly can't expect to be happy lounging around and being a lazy bum! That's Rangiku's job!"

"I can and I do," I snapped as she pulled me into a clothing store. "Do I look like I'd choose shopping over sleep? You've known me for how long? You know I hate these kind of… activities!"

"Hey, you'd better be grateful," Hinamori said as she grabbed a shirt from the rack and held it up to my torso. She inspected it for a while as I stood there with narrowed eyes. She compared the arms and the width before shoving it back onto the rack. "Some people would love a shopping spree on their birthday! Free stuff!"

"I'm not one of those people," I argued. I knew it was futile—why did I even bother?

"Here we go," she declared, holding up the same shirt she had grabbed before. "This one's smaller. You really need to grow, Hitsugaya-kun—you can't stay a runt forever!"

"Oh, shut your mouth," I retorted. "I can't believe you woke me up to go shopping at eight-thirty in the morning when I could be curled up on the couch sleeping—"

"Be a good sport!" Hinamori said, pouting. "Rangiku and I are trying so hard to please you on your birthday and you're being a grump about it!"

"You're trying too hard," I mumbled. I glanced at her as she went through the rack of clothes again, a frown on her face. Was she about to cry? I rolled my eyes, biting back a sigh as I grabbed the shirt she had picked out for me. I tried not to glare as she stared questioningly at me. "I'll try it on," I said, not giving her a second glance as I walked towards the dressing room—or, where I assumed it to be.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

I didn't hear her following and turned back to her, my brow lifted. "Why are you just standing there? I want criticism. Let's go."

Hinamori stared at me for another second before her cheerful grin returned. "Hold on," she said, and discreetly flash-stepped all around the store. In about ten seconds, she was back with a pair of pants, a belt, a pair of shoes, a scarf, and gloves. "Okay, let's go!"

( NAGASUKI MEGUMI )

"Okay… Ichigo, Rukia, Orihime, Kisuke, Tessai, Ururu, Jinta, Yoruichi… Did I get everyone?" I asked, fingering my list a second time. "Yes, I did. What about you?" I turned to my companion, who was eying her list very carefully as well.

"Ikkaku, Yumichika, Hanatarou, Renji… I think that was everyone I got from Seireitei," Rangiku replied. "And I think that completes our attendance list!"

"Great," I checked, pocketing the paper. Upon doing that, I brandished another whole list. "Now for supplies. We've got to get plates, forks, cups, drinks, a cake, a few tables, a CD player… and of course, gifts!"

"This is so fun!" Rangiku cheered. "I love surprise parties. Do you think taichou suspects anything?"

I thought for a moment. "I hope not. I think Hinamori's doing a good job of distracting him from anything I may be doing. If all is going according to schedule, they should be having lunch soon."

Rangiku laughed. "You've got this all planned out, haven't you?"

"Oh yeah," I said, grinning. "I've been planning this for the last week! It's gonna be perfect!"

Rangiku smiled a sly smile. "Have you thought about a present yet amongst all this planning?"

I glanced up at her with a shy grin. "I already have it."

"Really? What is it?"

"You'll see." It was something that wasn't exactly expensive, but I put all of my heart into it. "Let's just focus on supplies for now!" Rangiku stared at me, mystified, but didn't pursue. I think she knew I wasn't going to tell her anyway. That reaction satisfied me. "Where's Toushirou now?"

"Um…" Rangiku thought for a moment. "He's on the west side of town."

"Then we're going shopping in the east," I replied, grinning.

"Megumi-chan," Rangiku said as we started walking towards our next destination. "How much do you like taichou?"

The question caught me off guard, and despite the cold weather, I grew warm. "Um… enough to go through all the trouble to plan a party for him," I replied, wrapping my arms around myself. When I looked up at her, she was staring in the distance, her eyes somewhat narrowed and thoughtful. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"Megumi-chan…" she said again. "Listen."

Uh-oh.

We paused at a bench on the sidewalk and she made me sit down with her. The serious tone in her voice alerted me. "What?" I pressed. That solemn look didn't suit her at all. I knew that something had been bothering her ever since I asked her to help me with this party a couple days ago. She'd been less loud, less energetic, less enthusiastic, and I had a feeling that she knew that I knew something was up. Apparently she was about to spill the beans, and by the sound of it, I had something to do with her problem.

"You know I love you," Rangiku said after a second. She took my cold hand into her warm lap. "You're like a sister to me now."

The words touched me, but I was sure not to be too sentimental. "Yeah, I know. You're the big sister I've always wanted, Rangiku."

She smiled. "Thanks. Before I start… I just want to remind you that I'm only saying this to look out for you. You don't have to take this to heart or anything, but I just wanted to warn you before anything happens—if anything does happen—and if it does, then I could rest knowing that I've done my part."

I could sense bad news hanging in her tone. "I understand. What's bothering you?"

Rangiku held her breath and let it out very slowly. "You like taichou," she stated.

Puzzled, I nodded.

"You know that a Shinigami-human relationship is forbidden in the spiritual realm," she continued. She was playing with my fingers as she searched for the right words to say. "If emotions get out of hand and decisions and standards become warped, the results will be messy… maybe even permanent."

So this was it. I should've known I'd get the talk from her sooner or later. "I know."

"… Be careful, Megumi-chan," she pleaded softly. Her eyes were piercing, boring into mine. "You're not a Shinigami. You haven't seen the things I've seen, you haven't experienced the things I or others have experienced. It'll be hard for you to understand, but something as unheard of or as unnatural as this is not welcomed by Yamamoto-soutaichou or by parties even higher than him."

I listened on silently, wondering what she was getting at.

"If your emotions for him continue to build, more than likely… you'll be hurt," Rangiku said, continuing to hold my gaze. "No matter how strong your feelings may be or how powerful your resolve is, chances of getting out of this in one stable state of mind is very little."

Ah, I see now.

"So you're saying that I should stop liking him," I whispered. The words almost impossible to say, and they slipped right off my tongue and erased from my memory.

The expression in her eyes was unsure. "Yes."

"I… have thought about it on occasion," I started, looking away. "About not liking him, that is."

She was quiet, listening to me.

"But then I realized that… I know that this is selfish and a little proud of me, but…" I paused to gaze at her. "I like him too much to give him up. I have no physical strength whatsoever, but I'll do whatever it takes to keep him—to keep you guys. He has become too big a part of my life to just stop. It's impossible. I can't, Rangiku. Besides, if anyone gets hurt, it'll just be me."

She held back a sigh. "You may be wrong, Megumi-chan," Rangiku replied. "Taichou knows the line he's treading, and he's guarding his steps… but as stable-minded as he is, and as high as his standards are, he may be rethinking some things, maybe even subconsciously."

There she was, talking in riddles again. "I'll take full responsibility," I firmly said. "I can't turn back, Rangiku. Not when I've come so far."

She sighed and gave my hand a little squeeze. "Well, at least I can say I tried."

"I know you did," I replied, wrapping my arms around her. "Thank you."

She held me for a second or two before gently pushing me back. "One more thing." Her hands fell on my shoulders, forcing me to look into her eyes. "I care about you, but if anything does happen… I'm going to be faithful to my captain."

I smiled and patted her hand. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

We both grinned and Rangiku jumped off the bench, exhaling loudly. "Well, now that that's finally off my chest, let's continue our mission! Hinamori-chan can't keep him entertained forever!" she exclaimed, causing the passing crowds to look and stare.

The Rangiku I knew was back.

"Taichou won't know what hit him!"

( HITSUGAYA TOUSHIROU )

"Hinamori, we've been out for the whole morning," I said. According to the clock tower, it was about to ring two o'clock. "I appreciate that you want me to enjoy my birthday, but I can't just abandon my duties. I need to go back."

Hinamori was skipping ahead, seemingly ignoring me. I sighed, about to repeat myself, before she unexpectedly spun around to face me with a bright grin. I nearly ran into her. "I understand, Hitsugaya-kun," she replied. "Let's have lunch before we go back though. I'm starving!"

I glanced at the tower again and held back a protest. It was always hard to argue against Hinamori. "Fine, but let's make it quick." I was kind of hungry anyway.

"That can be arranged!" Hinamori cheered just as we approached a restaurant. "Let's grab a bite here!"

I hovered before the doors, reading over the signs. There was an Italian restaurant in Karakura. Why have I not seen this before? I blinked. "Sure."

The hostess inside led us to our table. After our orders were taken (I decided on pasta, although I don't really know what it is), I sighed and shoved our ten bags of junk to the side. I don't know why she took me shopping, considering that I wouldn't be using any of the things we bought when we got back to Soul Society. Whatever pleased her, I suppose. "Matsumoto's back." I could feel her reiatsu. It wasn't nearby—why was she in the east…?

Hinamori was stirring the iced tea the waitress had brought for us. "Um, yeah. She probably got distracted by shops and stuff and probably wanted to pick some things up for you, too…"

"Hm." Why was I so anxious right now? "I need to check on Nagasuki." Oh yes, that was why. I haven't seen her all day, and that was making me jumpy. Usually I saw her in the morning and at noon. That stupid girl has become a habit to me.

Hinamori continued to stare at her drink. "You've been seeing her a lot lately," she commented, sipping on her straw.

"You know her. Leave her alone longer than you should and she gets into life-threatening situations," I scoffed. I eyed her suspiciously for a moment. Suddenly quiet, suddenly avoiding eye contact—something was bothering her. "What's wrong?"

"Hm?" She glanced across the table at me. She looked like I just snapped her out of a trance. "Oh, uh, nothing."

I sighed. "You're a terrible liar, Hinamori."

The girl nervously tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You caught me," she admitted. "… Do you want the truth?"

I scoffed. "Well, I don't want a lie."

"You always make me sound stupid."

"You always ask stupid questions."

She giggled lightly before her expression became solemn once more. The look didn't suit her—I didn't like it. She took a few seconds staring at her drink again before looking back at me with utter determination in her eyes. "I love you."

My jaw clenched. That caught me off guard. It took me a moment to find words to respond with. "That's what's wrong?"

Her chocolate eyes were focused hard on me. "Do you love me?"

The question stung me. Why was she asking me this now? "… You're my best friend," I answered.

She stared at me for a second, scrutinizing my face, before finally letting her gaze drop. "I know."

"You're not telling me what's wrong."

"Shiro-chan." The pet name slipped, seemingly without her knowing it. "You're my little brother and my best friend. I love you." She paused and stared at her cup again. "That's why… I want to put my word in, for your sake, because I don't want to see you get hurt."

I furrowed my brows. "What are you talking about?"

"I want to give myself a clear conscience so that if something happens, I could say that I warned you."

"Hinamori—"

"As much as I love Megumi-chan," she interrupted me, her eyes firmly holding mine. The name startled me speechless. "You can't, Shiro-chan."

Involuntarily, I flinched. I didn't know how to react. I just stared at her.

"You know the consequences," she continued. She didn't look at me. "Not for relationships only, but for emotions."

In my anxiety, I scoffed. "You think I—"

"You may not realize it, but you do," she cut me off again. The grip on her cup was tight. "The night of the winter dance…" She paused. "You should have seen your face when you saw her."

It was getting harder for me to breathe, and I ended up staring unwaveringly at the table even as the waitress came to deliver our food. I stared at the pasta quietly, suddenly without an appetite. My mind flashed back to that star-filled night. It was going to be 'the most uneventful and boring night of my life,' or so I thought, as I leaned against the light post waiting for them. I remember complaining to Hyourinmaru that I was wasting my time and didn't need to be present as a gigai—and that I regretted forcing Nagasuki to come with me, especially in the unstable state that our relationship had taken. When I could finally make out Matsumoto's orange hair in the distance and I approached…

I found out that, with one single glance at the girl walking between Matsumoto and Hinamori, I would never forget that night as long as I continued to exist.

That was the night that I realized that I was straddling the defined, bold line between my standards and my desires. On my standards was Gotei 13, my friends, my allies, my authority, Hinamori. On my desires was… Nagasuki.

I couldn't decide between the two. What had once been firmly my standards over all else was now an undefined. My love for Hinamori had turned to familial love.

"I'm not…" I said weakly. I couldn't finish.

( Master. ) He had been silent the whole day. ( She is right. )

Great, even the dragon knew.

"It's my business," I replied weakly.

"Shiro-chan, you are my business." Hinamori retorted. "You know what could happen if this continues…"

"I'm aware of it," I snapped. I took a deep breath to calm myself down. What was this—was I feeling panic? "I'm not a child anymore. I'm able to take responsibility."

"Shiro-chan," she whispered. "Please be careful."

Her voice didn't mask anything. She was worried, concerned about me—all for the right reasons. We both knew the dire consequences of something as uncontrollable and irrational as our emotions. The heart is a dangerous thing; it could be your ultimate weapon or your key weakness. As a captain, I knew full well what would happen if any of my authorities caught wind of my uncertain thoughts. It could cost me my title, my reputation, and my future.

( Yet you still risk it. )

I looked at Hinamori, and my voice grew soft. "Thank you."

"I can say I warned you," she sighed, the tone in her voice relieved. "Well then. Let's finish this Itali-whatever and get going. I'm going to take you to one more place before we see Megumi-chan!"

I blinked, and groaned.

In the distance, I could hear the clock tower strike five.

We had been out for three more hours. I honestly don't know how the time passed so quickly; all we did was eat, shop more, and visit the house to drop off our things. Ultimately I wanted to check on Nagasuki and make sure she was still safe before letting Hinamori drag me off to do whatever she wanted to do again. But in the end, she never did let me get anywhere near Nagasuki's house and she led me, of all places, into a forest. What had somewhat caught me by surprise was that I didn't sense Nagasuki's reiatsu in her room. I had wanted to ask Hinamori about it, but there was the possibility of her bringing up that topic—the topic that I didn't dare approach again.

Hyourinmaru was persistent about it if Hinamori wasn't and wouldn't leave me alone until I completely tuned him out.

I couldn't let myself think about it—I didn't want to think about it, or her, or what kind of bond we shared.

"Hinamori, where are we going?" I asked for the tenth time as leaves crunched beneath us.

"You'll see!" she answered for the tenth time as she continued on her merry way across whatever path she was following. What in the world could be out here that she wanted to show me?

After about five more minutes, I was gathering the breath to voice another complaint with an order to take me back to civilization until it hit me.

The reiatsu, that is.

It was like a barrier had been broken down and the reiatsu from within began pouring out, as if there was a dam holding it all back. All sorts of reiatsu—not hostile, as far as I could tell—bombarded me as we ventured further into the forest. Large bodies, small bodies, those in between—I could feel all of it. Hinamori kept strolling without even a pause, which alarmed me. Did she not sense what I was sensing? That was impossible—of course she would. Then would that mean that I was imagining things?

But I could feel it as if it were a breeze…

And then the reiatsu became familiar.

Kurosaki, Kuchiki, Yamada, Madarame, Yumichika, and a few more—the bombardments of reiatsu belonged to them. In curiosity I reached Hinamori's pace. What in the world were they all doing out in the middle of nowhere? I didn't sense any Hollows or Bounto in the vicinity. What caused them to all gather? Especially with Madarame and Yumichika—they weren't even in the human world to begin with.

We came across an opening to a clearing—the clearing where they all were congregated. I glanced at Hinamori once more, who was leisurely continuing her walk. "We're here," she announced as soon as we reached the edge of the foliage. "Though, I guess you can already tell what's going on…"

"What is going on, Hinamori—" She allowed me to enter first.

When I saw the shadows of the bodies approach, I thought I was being attacked.

"Happy Birthday, Toushirou!" they shouted.

My eyes widened and I froze in mid-step.

Kurosaki, Kuchiki, Yamada, Madarame, Yumichika, Inoue—there were more people here than I thought. It took me a second to register their presence, and then what they were saying. Happy birthday?

Before I could say anything, Kurosaki bounded up to me with a large grin on his face and looped his arm around my shoulders. "I didn't know it was your birthday, Toushirou! You're lucky I didn't go out of town today with my family!" he exclaimed.

"Kurosaki, what is this?" I murmured, too shocked to react.

Near the middle of the clearing there were tables, chairs, and blankets set up. Food, drinks, plates, cups, plastic-ware and other random items were scattered along them. A CD player sat on the corner of one table and was softly playing some sort of music that I couldn't recognize over the voices and another table harbored boxes and bags that I guessed were presents. Kurosaki and the others led me over to the table in the middle which held nothing but a gargantuan cake that read, in bright green icing, 'Happy Birthday, Toushirou.' I stared at it for a while before it all clicked.

I had been set up.

Hinamori waking me up and keeping me up and out in her sight the entire day—it was a plot that they made to set this all up for me. A surprise party—just like what I did for Thanksgiving. Why didn't I suspect this sooner?

"We wanted to get you candles, but we weren't sure how many to buy," Inoue admitted sheepishly, sticking out her tongue. "It's chocolate, though, so I hope you like it!"

I wasn't even thinking about the cake.

"Everyone…" I murmured, suddenly aware of circle that had enveloped me. "Thank you."

Someone leaped onto me from behind, and judging from the size and build, I could easily make out Matsumoto. "Oh, don't thank us, taichou!" she said, latching herself around my neck. She pulled me backwards to let everyone gain access to the cake; apparently they knew I wasn't going to be eating it after just having lunch.

"What?" I questioned.

She leaned down to whisper, "Megumi-chan planned it all for you."

I blinked. "Nagasuki?"

Matsumoto just giggled, patted my back, and dove in to join the others in their feast, leaving me bewildered. Nagasuki had planned this? She wasn't even here. Her reiatsu wasn't anywhere… oh.

Just as I was thinking that, a familiar burst of reiatsu appeared from the edge of the clearing and I turned to see Nagasuki tumbling into the scene, her huffing audible even from where I was standing. At the sight of her I could feel a strange sensation building in my chest… what?

( Happiness, master. )

"Sorry I'm late," she puffed as she jogged over to me. Her cheeks and nose were red from running and, with the addition of a smile on her face, she looked like a little child. "I forgot your present so I had to run back home to get it." In her grasp there was a box no bigger than her hand, and she slipped it to me. "Happy birthday, Toushirou."

I accepted the gift silently, wondering what to say. "… You idiot," I huffed, pocketing it. It was small enough. "Do you know how early Hinamori woke me up this morning?"

The girl simply laughed.

I couldn't help but reveal a small smile. It seemed that whenever I was around her, there was always something to smile about. "Thank you, Nagasuki." The pounding in my chest increased. "This wasn't necessary."

Her smile only widened and she playfully slapped my shoulder. "You're retarded," she simply stated. "It's your birthday! Of course it was necessary!"

I didn't say anything and only kept that small smile. Behind me I could hear the others shouting and laughing as they began a game. As much as I didn't like acknowledging my own birthday, I found myself enjoying the company. They all made me feel as if I was something special, as if this was a day of importance. I didn't really see what they saw in it, but the joy that came with the knowledge that people found it significant enough to celebrate it was overwhelming. Who would've known that a simple surprise party could make me feel this way?

The warmth within me spread, as did the happiness; and for once in my life, I didn't feel like working. The most I felt like doing was sitting around and relaxing…

"Hey, look, everyone!" Hinamori shouted. "It's… snowing!"

I didn't realize it until she yelled it. I looked upwards and, sure enough, there was snow as big as cotton balls drifting from the overcast clouds, drifting in the frigid wind and clinging to the oaks and the bushes below. Cake and games were forgotten as everyone plunged into the snow like children, cheering and playing in the unusual weather.

Wait. Did I…?

( Yes, that was you. ) Hyourinmaru affirmed. ( Happy birthday, master. )

I stared in awe at the scene. I couldn't remember the last time I made it snow…

In just minutes, the entire clearing was covered in several inches of snow, thus initiating snow balls fights and certain idiots jumping into the snow and making snow angels. Not wanting to be included in their 'fun,' I made my way over to the near edge of the clearing where I could see everyone. Hinamori and Matsumoto playing in the snow, Kurosaki starting snowballs fights, everyone else joining in; everyone, that is, except one.

Like a true child enjoying a white Christmas, Nagasuki was in her own secluded area of the clearing, twirling around like the idiot she was. She didn't strike me as the type to particularly find fun in snowball wars, and I doubt she would survive in one anyway.

As I stood there, alone, familiar flashbacks bombarded me from last night's dream. It was so similar that I thought I had fallen asleep again.

The more I tuned out the other noises, the more I could hear it—hear her… singing.

There was laughter—faint at first, but gradually growing, gradually elevating into something soft, melodic…

She was twirling, singing.
"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful;
And since we've nowhere to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
It doesn't show signs of stopping, and I've bought some corn for popping,
The lights are turned way down low; let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

Singing.

I could see something—someone—dancing in the distance, twirling beneath the shower of snow, singing at the top of their lungs.

She continued her carol.
"When we finally kiss good-night, how I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight, all the way home I'll be warm!
The fire is slowly dying, and my dear, we're still good-bying,
But as long as you love me so,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

She stopped to look over towards me, despite me being at least twenty yards away. With a smile large enough for anyone anywhere to notice and warm enough to melt glaciers, she waved me to come join her.

It was an angel.

( Master… )

Despite the warning tone from my partner and my own mind, I found myself walking towards her, although unsure of what I was going to do once I reached her.

"Isn't this awesome, Toushirou? It never snows in Karakura and here it is, falling enough to fill buckets! And on your birthday!" she exclaimed. She held her palms up, trying to catch individual drops. "You know, I used to hate snow. Rain and snow—I absolutely loathed them. I've always known snow to be cold, bitter and solemn… but this snow, for some reason, feels… warm."

I tried to hold back a scoff. "That makes no sense." My snow was warm?

Nagasuki stared upwards for a second longer, and finally laughed. "Yeah, I know it doesn't. But I like this snow."

I rolled my eyes. "Idiot."

Nagasuki hit me again and suddenly fell on her knees, beginning to scoop up snow in her palms. "Hey, let's build a snowman, Toushirou!"

I watched her quietly. "I'll pass."

She pouted up at me. "Aww, come on! It's snowing! We have to make one while we can—we don't know how many more years will pass until we get this much!"

"It's already snowing. Can't you just be satisfied with that?"

She paused, thinking about my question, before flashing another bright grin at me. "Oh, I'm more than satisfied." I held my breath.

The heart was a dangerous tool that could either be your strongest weapon or your key weakness.

"Oh, I know! I'll make a huge snowman! There's enough snow here…"

As I watched her indulge in the snow, I wonder which it was for me. With the throbbing sensation that I'm feeling now, I felt as if I could create a world-wide blizzard with no problem at all. But if the feelings I'm harboring are ever discovered by Yamamoto or any of the other captains…

"Toushirou? Are you okay?" Nagasuki murmured, now standing and staring at my face in bewilderment. The more she looked at me and the more I could look into her cobalt eyes, the more blurry my thoughts became.

My heart—it was consuming me. My thoughts, my actions, my movements…

Her eyes widened with confusion and alarm as I gently seized her arms, holding her gaze firmly. I was fighting the emotions within me—my heart was telling me to take the chance, take the risk, and don't fear the consequences. My mind was telling me to run away, never speak to her again, and abandon any feeling that I had for this human girl. My body wanted to listen to my heart; my logic wanted to follow my mind.

I was being torn halfway in between.

I could feel her pulse throbbing through her arms against my fingers, and I could tell she was wondering what in the world I was doing. She knew as much as I did—I had no clue. She continued to stare at me, and her lips parted as if she were going to say something—but all that was released was her breath, shaking with nervousness.

I couldn't fall in love with a human. It was illogical, illegal, and there were major consequences—or maybe 'punishments' would serve as a better term. When I became a captain, I didn't even give a second glance to that rule. I knew that would never happen. I had Hinamori—there was no way that human could come between us.

Yet here I was, questioning my emotions towards a stupid human girl and Hinamori wasn't even discussed in my thoughts. The line—my defined, bold line separating my standards from my desires—was gone. There was no more line. My only standard, my only desire… was Nagasuki Megumi. At the moment, nothing else mattered. Not the consequences, not the punishments, not the laws…

There was only her and me, standing in the fluttering snow with no one else.

( Master… the consequences—your consequences… ) Hyourinmaru's voice was stern.

But as her petite, frail body shivered with the cold breeze that swept by, all rational thought, logical feeling, and personal standards were swept with it; and despite the throbbing of my own heart and my mind and logic screaming no, as soon as I pulled her to me and my mouth fell over her quivering lips, every protesting thought disappeared into thin air and I was thrown into a cloud of emotions.

My fate—sealed.

Ending Theme: "Bon Bon" by Hey! Say! 7

A/N: Oh yeeeaaah baby. I've been waiting for this chapter for the last twenty chapters. AND NOW IT'S FINALLY HERE! I hope you all enjoyed it. A tribute to Toushirou's birthday and a puzzling moment between him and Megumi that leaves us asking "What next?!" Every chapter from here on will be a joy to write. I absolutely can't wait. I bet some of you are guessing what might happen next, seeing as how I tend to be predictable (much to my chagrin), but I hope you guys enjoy as the story will (slowly) come to an end. Depending on how lazy I am and how fast or slow I want to go, the number of chapters for the story may dwindle (from 60 to 50-55). Yes, I'm just a bottle of uncertainty.

But that's what makes stories fun, isn't it?

I don't know if I'm going to update by Christmas (most likely not. Sorry everyone!), but I will try to get a chapter up by New Years. No guarantees though. In case you don't hear from me again, I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Christmas and New Year! I really, truly love you all! Much love and appreciation to each reviewer and reader. You guys are the BEST!

Only you guys are capable of giving me 49 reviews in two days!

13Lulu's, erina destiny, haku fan1, Mina Luriya, Verbal Argument, viettvnt, aminea88, D R A G O N L I L I E S, Minako, pinkatailmon, Sakiru Yume, indigoia, , Normal-looking freak, dokuki, AkaMizu-chan, DustyDoll, Crunch Berry Baroness, RyuseiStreamGirl, Melodicxstar, Morbid Mello, I'm a Reader, Kosa Kinoshita, angiesecret89, Kukino3, -lazy llama-, SunsetRainbow, Hikari6007, KurokamiHaruhi, lill' goddess, hyourin-kusabana, Kouyan, NeferNeferi, littleva, Mika25, Eryn Goddess of Chaos, fanny-kun, haipa-chan, joster13, Fallen Angel 2115, iheart , shannaandlouise, Hiei's-Dark-Little-Phoenix, PennyArcadeFan2, NamineNasha, jazzmin92, The Elemental Alchemist Reyna, LadyAmazon, NiinaKyo, THANK YOU!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Peace to all!
- bayo – bayo!