TWO

"Don't forget to pick up Hinamori-chan at seven!" Matsumoto's words kept echoing in Hitsugaya's mind as the day went on, even as he met with associates to do his daily rounds. Now, close to that hour, he was back at the office hallways, creating pandemonium, as it seemed. One look at him and the people scurried to the sides, providing a clear path for him. It could have been attributed to his status as captain, but it was more like the very dark expression on his face.

How could he forget, he gritted his teeth. Now even Matsumoto was making a big deal about his relationship with Momo.

Cut the crap. You're absolutely thrilled to be escorting her. You haven't had something this big for the past…

He slapped himself. The growing heat in his cheeks was evident. Oh, shut up.

Weren't you disappointed when you showed up for the meeting, and she wasn't there? It's a good thing you stayed, didn't you? Otherwise, Aizen wouldn't be able to hand her over.

That's just the point. I'm not exactly the first choice, you know.

Who cares?

I do. Didn't you hear her? "Taichou, taichou!" God, sometimes her dedication to him makes me sick.

Too bad for you. At least tonight it's your moment, huh? Go and make the best out of it. Give her a night she'll never forget…

Startled, Hitsugaya shook his head frenziedly. What the hell! Where did that come from!

He was grateful when the voice in his head didn't reply anymore. He had reached the Fifth Division office, and he knocked swiftly.

"Come in," a soft voice answered. Aizen's. He entered.

The faint light in the room was even made dimmer by the piles of reports scattered around the room. He could hardly see Aizen as the Fifth Division captain was hidden by a rather large one on the desk. "What the"

"Oh, it's you, Hitsugaya-kun."

He looked around. "Is Hinamori here?"

"She just left to prepare herself. I think she will be back soon."

Prepare? He looked at himself. He was still wearing his uniform which he wore the whole day. He ran his fingers through his white, uncombed hair. Great. How come I never think of this stuff before?

"Please, do take care of her tonight."

Hitsugaya knew it was irrational of him, but he felt indignant at the older captain's request. Of course I'll take care of her! I've been doing that longer than you, at least. Not trusting his eyes not to betray his emotions, he focused on an isolated pile of papers on the left side of the room. "Of course."

Did Aizen just smile?

"Would you like a comb?"

He would've liked to punch the wall.

"Uh…that would be nice, I guess." He accepted the comb and tried to tame his hair, brushing it self-consciously.

"You'll be back before midnight?"

What is this, a date? Aizen was eerily fitting into a fatherlike character. Well, it's better than…hell, I don't know. "I'm really not sure when the party's going to end. But I'll bring her back," he assured. So stop with the weird questions already!

"Ah."

Ah? That all?

"I'm back," a pleasant female voice spoke up behind him. He turned around.

She stood at the doorway, looking at the floor shyly, her hands clasped together. She was wearing a well-worn pink kimono, which made her look even more delicate, and immediately sent memories rushing to his mind. She had let her hair down from her usual bun, and tied them in pigtails.

And she was beautiful.

"You look beautiful, Hinamori-kun."

Shit! He wanted to say that! And Aizen just beat him to it.

As expected, Momo flushed with embarassment - and Hitsugaya presumed, extreme happiness. "T-thank you, taichou." Then she finally turned to look at him. "Oh, you're here already, Hitsugaya-kun? I'm sorry for making you wait…are you wearing that - are you ready?" She asked him pointedly.

He sighed, and scratched the back of his head. So much for my moment. "Yeah, well, sorry. There wasn't enough time to look for something better."

"But don't you have that very nice suit that Obaachan gave you?"

"What?"

"That dark blue suit that she made for you, when you told her you didn't have anything nice to wear."

He scowled at her. "Are you mad? You still remember that? That was years and years and years ago; do you think I'll still be able to fit in that?"

"I-I guess you're right…" A sheepish smile appeared across her face. "How silly…I'm silly, aren't I?"

The sound of a throat clearing brought their heads up. "Do have fun at the party, Hinamori-kun. And don't forget to give my apologies and regards to Ise-san." Aizen reminded her.

"I won't forget. I'll help you when I come back," Hinamori promised. She inclined her head towards Hitsugaya. "Let's go?"

Flooded with memories of the past, he almost expected her to take his hand and pull him with her, like she always did when they were still living in Rokungai. But of course, she didn't. He followed her out on a clear moonless night. The shadows on her face unmistakably reflected her disappointment, that she tried to hide by pasting a forced smile on her face.

As they walked, he felt himself grow frustrated. He had to say something, just to break the annoying silence. He couldn't retort if she didn't speak first. He raced through his so-called genius brain for any smooth remark. Something that would make her forget his absence…

She beat him to it. "Oh!" She paused in her steps. "What about Rangiku-san?"

"What?" He was taken aback, having to reply when his head was not yet clear.

"Are we going back to your office to fetch her?"

"Oh, yeah…" He recalled telling Matsumoto earlier not to wait if he wasn't back yet at six. The smile she returned him was too indulgent for his own liking. He frowned. "I don't think so. I told her not to wait for me if I return too late."

"I see…"

The tone was enough to get on his nerves. "What? You don't want me to escort you alone?" He blurted out irritably. Then the meaning of his question dawned on him. Shit!

"What?"

"Forget it," he muttered and walked on, leaving her standing in the middle of the dark hallway.

He heard the sound of running footsteps, and something caught his sleeve. "Shirou-chan…"

"I told you not to call me that." But his heart was beating twice as fast.

"I'm sorry," she said in a soft voice that pierced through his anger. "Of course I want - I don't mind being escorted - I mean, I should be thankful you even agreed to accompanying me."

Oh, hell. Now she was apologizing. If there was one thing he hated, deep in his guts, it was Momo apologizing for something that was obviously his fault.

"I'm sorry…"

March 7, 2005 - Edited to reflect plot twists on the recently released Bleach chapters. Grrr...I sure wish I didn't have to do this.