Title: The Winter Tales
Summary: HitsuHina
Author's Notes: Spoilers Chapter 100 – 180 Continues from where the manga left off from soul society. This is my first fan fiction ever so any constructive criticism, opinions and after thoughts are very welcome.
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Bleach.
Part One
"Where are you going taichou?" asked Matsumoto once she saw her captain retreating from the office in a melancholy yet determined way.
"The bathroom" Hitsugaya answered without bothering to turn. In truth he wasn't actually intending to go to the bathroom at all. Matsumoto's drunken ramblings about Ichimaru Gin had inadvertently caused him to think about Hinamori – something he did quite a lot of already, even before the shinigami days. And as always since the day Hinamori was critically injured and fell into a coma, the sudden but irresistible urge to check up on her – every spare moment he has – arose again.
Matsumoto knew very well that her captain was lying. Though Hitsugaya had perfected the art of concealing emotions, it was crystal clear to all the other twelve captains and vice-captains that Hinamori Momo held an important place in his heart, perhaps the most important. However, she wisely decided to go along with it. Judging on his melancholy behaviour since Hinamori-chan's critical condition it seemed inappropriate to uncover the emotions he so carefully tries to hide.
So when Hitsugaya taichou said he was going to the bathroom she answered in a carefree, drunken voice; "Come back soon!"
He leaned against the door frame and looked at her. She was still lying on the bed in the same position as she was in a week ago. He slowly walked up to her until he reached the side of the bed and examined her face. Anyone who did not know her condition would have thought she was just sleeping. She had a peaceful expression on her face – one Hitsugaya knew she would not have for a long time when, if, she woke up.
The events she was put through was just too much for a gentle soul like hers. First it was the death of her much adored captain, then the false revelation that it was her treasured childhood friend who killed him. She had broken down then, emotionally shattered from having to hold the tip of her sword against him. She had looked at him, so lost, confused and betrayed. I don't know what to do anymore, Shiro-chan. Her hands had bled from holding her zanpakuto too tightly, physical strength being the only force that kept her sword pointed at him. The final blow came from her captain himself, he had no doubt given her a second of hope, happiness and completeness – no one was killed, her captain was alive, Toshiro did not betray her – only to take it all away in the next when he thrust his sword through her chest.
Hitsugaya clenched his fist. He would never forgive Aizen, nor Ichimaru, but mainly Aizen. Aizen, I will kill you. A sickened feeling came over him. He could not protect her, and even more, he was not able to avenge her. His bankai, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru, was stopped even before he was able to release it fully.
He looked at her again and brushed a stray strand of hair off her face.
"Hinamori" he whispered, his voice full of regret and worry.
"Come back to me, bed-wetter Momo"
Night fell. The winter wind howled and the rain poured down.
In the recuperation room of the fourth division, Hinamori Momo slowly awakened.
To be continued…
