THIS MARRIED LIFE
CHAPTER THREE: First Dates
Thanks to everyone who reviewed!
Author's Notes: I may alternate spelling Toshiro as Toshirou and Shiro as Shirou at times though both can be correct, well, English-wise it's correct with the 'u' but Japanese wise it can be spelt both ways.
Houmongi (訪問着 ; ほうもんぎ): literally translates as visiting wear. Characterized by patterns that flow over the shoulders, seams and sleeves, houmongi rank slightly higher than their close relative, the tsukesage. Houmongi may be worn by both married and unmarried women; often friends of the bride will wear houmongi at weddings and receptions. They may also be worn to formal parties, such as galas.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any part of Bleach, anime or manga. I also don't own Chris Rock – the actor/comedian cos he's a real person, or whatever words that comes out from his mouth.
"You know the world is going crazy when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, the tallest guy in the NBA is Chinese, the Swiss hold the America's Cup, France is accusing the U.S. of arrogance, Germany doesn't want to go to war…"
Matsumoto, Rukia and Hinamori stared blankly at Chris Rock on TV as he talked. A moment later Matsumoto sighed.
"Rukia-san, why do you insist on watching these living world pop-culture things that occurred forty years ago that you know we won't understand on our girl's night in?" She asked exasperatedly.
"There's got to be something amusing about them. Ichigo always laughs when he watches them." Replied Rukia as she picked up the DVD cover and analysed it, brows furrowed in concentration. Matsumoto shrugged and turned her attention on Hinamori.
"So" she began, her voice light and devious, "how are things going with you and captain?" Hinamori blushed. Rukia looked up from the case.
"What's this?" she asked, curious.
"While you and Ichigo were away at the living world, little Hinamori here has been quite busy with my captain, haven't you Hinamori-chan?" She informed her, raising an eyebrow at Hinamori.
"What! Are you two together now?" Rukia asked. Hinamori nodded shyly.
"About damn time!" she exclaimed happily. "How did it happen?"
She told them.
"Aww, that's so sweet, when Ichigo confessed, it was like "I like you. So, what do you think?"" She mocked repeated him.
"I thought that was a pretty damn good confession" a voice protested behind them. The girls turned around.
"Ichigo!" Rukia exclaimed, startled.
"Hitsugaya-kun, Ichigo-san, what are you two doing here?" Hinamori asked. Ichigo sighed.
"No need to be so formal with me, Momo, and even with your own boyfriend! Now, repeat after me "Toshirou, Ichigo"" Hinamori threw a pillow at him and glared. Rukia narrowed her eyes at him.
"Ichigo! What are you doing here? It's Friday night – girl's night in, remember?" She scolded. Ichigo pointed to Hitsugaya.
"Toshiro wanted to know what was going on." He answered bluntly. Hitsugaya froze and felt his back crawl when Hinamori's gaze settled on him.
"What!" He glared at Ichigo, "You were the one who said "let's go spy on them""
"Ichigo, go home." Ichigo let out a deflated sigh at Rukia's command. Hitsugaya snickered.
"Listen to your wife, Ichigo." He teased. His smile disappeared in a flash when he felt Hinamori glaring at him.
"Hitsugaya, don't be like that." Hinamori scolded. This time it was Ichigo who snickered.
"Yeah Toshiro, listen to your girlfriend."
"You know, you two can join us." Suggested Matsumoto. Hinamori and Rukia looked at her. The only reason they didn't invite them to stay was because Rangiku would be left out, besides, the girls night originally started when Gin was executed in order to comfort Matsumoto. Both Ichigo and Hitsugaya knew this point. An idea suddenly occurred to Ichigo.
"Let's see if Kira wants to join."
A moment later the boys returned with Kira, Shuuhei, Ikkaku and Yumichika. Hinamori and Rukia gasped at the extension of their girl's night in. Matsumoto looked amused.
"Wow, two men for each of us, aren't we lucky girls?" She commented with a wink. Hitsugaya and Ichigo threw her a glare and both moved to their respective partners, guarding them protectively.
"Well, since we don't understand any of Ichigo's things, let's all play a game. Mmm, how about 'spin the bottle'?" Matsumoto suggested.
"Hell no!" protested Ichigo as he sat up straight, crossing his arms and shaking his head with a scowl. Hitsugaya, who was sitting next to Ichigo, nudged him and asked what it was about. Ichigo leaned over and whispered his explanation just in case the other men got ideas.
"Everyone sits in a circle with a bottle in the centre, and then someone spins the bottle. Whoever the bottle points to has to kiss or perform some favour to the spinner." Hitsugaya got the image of Hinamori kissing someone else and sat up straight, crossed his arms and shook his head with a scowl.
"No damn way." He retorted. Hinamori and Rukia looked confusedly at Hitsugaya and Ichigo, who were both sitting in the same uptight position. A moment later, they both stood up at the same time.
"As a matter of fact, I'm pulling rank as captain of the fifth squad and commanding you to come home, Kuchiki Rukia!" Before she could protest, Ichigo had dragged her out of the room with him.
"Hinamori, you're coming with me." Hitsugaya ordered in a voice that would brook no refusal.
"H…Hai" she replied, standing up just in time for Hitsugaya to walk past and grab her hand, pulling her out the room with him.
Matsumoto stared at the door where the couples had just exited a second ago and smiled. Mission accomplished. She turned back to the group.
"Now that the couples are gone, we can start the game now." She smirked.
Ikkaku suddenly got an idea, "Can we invite Nemu?"
"You're serious!" Hinamori exclaimed. Hitsugaya nodded. After he had pulled her out of the room, they had decided to spend the rest of the night at their favourite spot – the roof.
"I'm glad you pulled me out then, what kind of a game is that?" Hinamori was incensed; if we played that game then he would have…ugh! Hitsugaya observed her reaction in an amused manner and smiled to himself, I know what you are thinking.
Hinamori moved from annoyed to contemplative.
"Umm, Shiro-chan, what happens when the spinner is a boy and the pointed at is a boy, and same with girls, would they still have to kiss each other. I mean, if you spun it and it pointed to Yumichika or Shuuhei or Ichigo…"
Hitsugaya stopped himself from vomiting.
"Stop, please." He pleaded. She laughed at his reaction.
"If we weren't together, and Matsumoto suggested we play that game and you knew you couldn't get me out of the room, would you have played just to have a chance?"
Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow and teased her, "chance to what?" She shot him a "don't go down that road" look.
"I would stay, but I would have gotten Hyourinmaru to control the wind." She smiled sweetly at him.
"That would cheating, Shiro-chan" she scolded in mock sterness.
"No it wouldn't, and don't call me Shiro-chan" he answered in mock annoyance. Hinamori laughed.
"Oh? Then what should I call you, Shiro-sama?" Hitsugaya smiled and nodded approvingly, causing Hinamori to laugh and give him a playful, soft smack on the head.
"Keep dreaming, the day I use 'taichou' or any title of the like on you in a serious manner is the day you should be really worried."
They looked at the moon for a moment before Hinamori broke the silence.
"Think Rangiku-chan is playing the game right now as we speak?" She asked, curious.
"Of course, that kind of thing is just down her lane, baka vice-captain of mine." He scowled disapprovingly. An idea popped into Hinamori's head and she inched closer to Hitsugaya, who looked at her with a "what are you up to now" expression.
Hinamori smiled deviously and inched her face closer to his until it was only a breath away.
"Wanna play?" She asked innocently. A small smile played on Hitsugaya's face as he leaned in closer, their lips almost touching, and Hinamori could feel the faint stirring of his breath against her cheek.
"Absolutely." He replied before closing his lips over hers.
Saturday finally dawned on the couple as they prepared for their all day date. Hinamori yawned and turned in her bed, noticing a small ribboned box situated on her pillow. She smiled and reached to get it, sitting up in the process. She flicked her overflowing hair back over her shoulder and opened the box to reveal a beautiful hair ornament made out of gold and glittering gems – a bun cover to be exact but a beautifully crafted one at that. Hinamori smiled to herself, examining it for a moment longer before getting up to prepare herself.
After she was ready, Hinamori slid open her main door to find Hitsugaya already there, leaning against the wall. For a moment the two observed each other – trying to get familiar with each being in non-shinigami uniform. Hitsugaya was wearing a navy blue, three-kamon kimono without his zanpakuto at his hip. She had to admit, he looked very good.
A small blush appeared on their faces when they realised they were staring at each other. Hitsugaya looked away.
"You look nice" he complimented, face growing redder. Hinamori smiled broadly at the rare compliment and took his arm.
"Should we go?" She asked. Hitsugaya nodded.
They arrived at the first district of Rukongai and casually strolled the side markets, occasionally buying sweets and varying trinkets.
Hitsugaya's stomach growled. Hinamori looked at him and he smiled widely, rubbing his stomach. Hinamori's eyes widened.
"You're hungry again?" She asked, "but we just ate?"
But Hitsugaya was already looking absentmindedly into the distance.
"Shiro-chan?" Hinamori called out to him, unsure of where he's at.
"Ever thought about revisiting our old house?" he asked distantly before returning his gaze to her.
"Our old house?" She repeated.
The house was still the same as it was all those years ago though more weeds had sprouted and dust had gathered. It seemed lonely and abandoned but emitted a sense of belonging - of home in the two previous owners' hearts.
Hinamori picked a flower and played with it as she approached the porch.
"It's been such a long time but nothing has changed" she commented, taking in every inch of her surroundings until her eyes settled on Hitsugaya. Hinamori chuckled, earning a confused look from him.
"The only thing that has changed is that you're taller than the garden post" she remarked, stifling a laugh at Hitsugaya who was, ironically, leaning on the stone garden post. Hitsugaya noticed this and straightened up, sending Hinamori a glare that caused her to laugh harder. The height difference between now and all those years ago was absurd – Hitsugaya was now around Ichigo's height but just forty years ago, he was even shorter than Hanatarou. It's strange how we are back here, in the same place we met, but so different than the people we used to be. Hinamori mused. It was until Hitsugaya walked past her that she snapped out of her thoughts.
"Hitsugaya-kun, where are you going?" She asked.
"To check the watermelon patch" he replied offhandedly. Hinamori rolled her eyes and followed.
Hitsugaya was ecstatic – there were so many watermelons! Hinamori observed Hitsugaya's reaction with a raised eyebrow. Heh, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. But…his reaction towards watermelons is quite cute. She thought with adoration.
They settled down on the porch and ate watermelons like they did so long ago – and in the same manner too. Hinamori took small bites out of her first watermelon while Hitsugaya drilled through his twentieth.
"You look so cute when you eat watermelons like that, Shiro-chan" teased Hinamori in an I-adore-you-so-much voice as she reached up to ruffle his hair.
"Don't treat me like a child, and it's Hitsugaya-taichou" he corrected gruffly, his word followed by a torrent of watermelon seeds directed at Hinamori.
Hinamori laughed and deflected the seeds easily with a shield.
"Oi, that's cheating" Hitsugaya scolded.
"Oi, Hitsugaya! Come on!" called out Hinamori, turning to face the endless ocean and letting the waves wash over her feet. Hitsugaya looked sceptically at the water with a frown. Hinamori walked up to him and dragged him towards the water. Hitsugaya was strong – but the girl had a death grip on him. He managed, however, to stop just at the borders of wave and sand, refusing to go any further.
"Mou" Hinamori exclaimed exasperatedly, standing knee length in the water and holding the hem of her robe up. An idea occurred to her and she fastened the hem into a knot and drew her sleeves up.
SPLAT! Hitsugaya stood there, stunned, as the water dripped off him. Hinamori tried to stifle her laugh but was unsuccessful. Hitsugaya's stunned expression suddenly changed from stunned to playful vengeance, causing Hinamori to back away slowly. A foot slowly touched the waves, followed by another one until the owner stood knee length in water, staring daringly at his challenger.
SPLASH! Hitsugaya found himself covered once more in water.
"Were you going to stare at me all day?" Hinamori teased playfully then yelped as a torrent of water charged at her. She let out a bout of laughter as she dodged it and bent down to splash him again.
A long while later, Hitsugaya and Hinamori were both soaked but still going as both were unrelenting. By this time the sun was just about to set, casting an orangey glow over the horizon.
"Hitsugaya" Hinamori let out breathlessly, pointing at the building in front of them. Hitsugaya followed her gaze. It was the infamous water top restaurant. The restaurant was relatively new, constructed ten years ago by some elite family, and was the only Western styled fine diner in the whole of Soul Society.
Hinamori sighed. "If only I had something to wear there." She said dreamily as she stared at the luxurious building.
"Yeah" Hitsugaya replied, his gaze also focused on the restaurant.
The couple decided to go home first to get cleaned up before going out to dinner. Hinamori looked at the time: quarter past six, Hitsugaya was coming at seven thirty which left her about an hour and a half or so to get ready. With that in mind she stepped into the bathroom to take a shower.
When she came out of the bathroom she let out a loud yelp at the sight that was awaiting her. A beautifully designed houmongi was spread across her bed. Hinamori drew her breath and walked towards it, running her delicate fingers across the soft fabric. She felt something hard hit her fingers and discovered a note. She opened it and was surprised to find it completely blank except for a signed Hitsugaya at the very bottom. Hinamori giggled to herself, Hitsugaya obviously had some trouble expressing himself.
"So, where are you taking me?" Hinamori asked.
"You'll know when we get there" Hitsugaya replied. Hinamori raised an eyebrow at him with a smile then turned back to face ahead. Hitsugaya observed his surroundings for a moment.
"We turn right here" he said, steering her towards the path on the right. A light breeze passed them, it was light and salty. Hinamori stopped in her path and caught her breath.
"W-Wow" she exclaimed breathlessly. She had never seen the water-top restaurant at night. It seemed so happily situated in it's location. The lights illuminating from it seemed to cast an enchantment on those who saw it, drawing them to it. She turned around to face Hitsugaya.
"Hitsugaya-kun" she breathed. A small smile contoured his lips as he nodded towards the restaurant.
Hinamori's mouth hung slightly open as she marvelled at the interior of the restaurant. She had never seen anything like it in her life – only a representation of what it would be like from the DVDs Ichigo brought back with him. But this was far from a box screen, this was real.
The tables were dressed with cloths and each of them had candles, glasses and five different pieces of silverware per setting. The couple were seated next to a window. Hinamori noticed that the windows were so large that they completely lined the wall so that when you looked through them, you could watch the moonlight reflecting off the slowly moving water.
This was definitely a memorable experience – it felt like something out of a fairytale. Everything was different; the setting, the food, and the customs. For the rest of the night, the couple chatted away about everything and anything. After the meal, they took a stroll on the beach then headed back to Seireitai.
Hitsugaya stopped just right outside Hinamori's room where they chatted for a while longer.
"So, I guess this is goodnight" sighed Hinamori.
"Yeah" replied Hitsugaya. Neither of them moved.
After a moment of silence, Hinamori broke eye contact with Hitsugaya and smiled before going into her room. A second later, there was a knock on her door. She smiled and slid open the door.
"Yes?" She asked with a small laugh.
"Forgot something" Hitsugaya replied before leaning down and giving her a quick but passionate kiss on the lips. He broke away and smiled before turning around and disappearing into the darkness like all captains do.
Hinamori stood there stunned for a moment then smiled. She poked her head out of the door to check if he was really gone, her fingers autonomously tracing her lower lip as if the action would retain the feeling. She thought back on his sudden kiss and she smiled wider as she closed the door.
On Monday morning, Hinamori walked into her office to find an assortment of roses everywhere. She picked up a bundle and headed to Hitsugaya's office.
"Toshirou!" She called out as she walked into his office. Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow at her.
"Thanks for the flowers" she said, expressing her gratitude with a quick kiss on the cheeks. Hitsugaya stood up at once and stared at her.
"What flowers!" He demanded. Hinamori was taken aback.
"You…didn't give me the flowers?" She asked confused. "Who else could it be then?"
"Someone with a lot of nerve" replied Hitsugaya as he hastily moved past Hinamori.
"Where are you going?" Hinamori asked.
"To your office" he replied.
Hitsugaya crossed his arms after examining her office, which could now compete with a florist.
"Who would give me all these flowers without leaving a note?" Hinamori asked, baffled.
"Yo! Hinamori-kun!" yelled a voice from the door. A man about Renji's height and wearing shinigami robes was coming towards them now. With eyes that were only for Hinamori, much to Hitsugaya's distaste.
"Kaemon-kun!" exclaimed Hinamori, her face changed from surprise to delight.
"Kaemon-kun, what are you doing here?" She asked happily.
"I just graduated from Shinigami School and," he moved past Hinamori and picked up a piece of paper off her desk and passed it to her, "if you scroll down the list of new Death Gods then you will find that I have been assigned your division, Hinamori-fukutaichou." Hinamori quickly searched the list and yelped when she found his name.
"You're in my division!" She exclaimed, extending an arm out for a handshake.
"Welcome to the fifth division!" Kaemon took her hand and shook it.
"Did you like the flowers?" He asked.
"The flowers are from you?" She asked, a small blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Yeah" he replied.
"They're nice" she smiled back sweetly at him.
Meanwhile, Hitsugaya stood there observing the two with his arms crossed, his eyebrow and ears twitching uncontrollably throughout the whole conversation. He cleared his throat.
"Ah!" Hinamori exclaimed when she realised that the two haven't met yet – and ironically not realising the other situation she was in.
"You two haven't met yet! Hitsugaya-kun, this is Mr. Kaemon Takahashi, Kaemon-kun, this is Hitsugaya Toshirou, captain of the tenth division." She introduced proudly.
"Nice to meet you, Hitsugaya-taichou" greeted Takahashi warmly.
Hitsugaya was unmoved.
"How did you two meet?" he asked with his arms still crossed.
"You know how it's compulsory now for a vice-captain and a few of their selected squad members to accompany the students to their hollow training?"
Hitsugaya glared at him. Of course I'm aware of that, I am a captain. Takahashi, unaware of Hitsugaya's glare, continued his story.
"Yeah, well, Hinamori-kun was the assigned vice-captain for our group. She's very good."
Hinamori shifted uncomfortably at the compliment.
You don't need to tell me that Hinamori is good, I know that already. Hitsugaya retorted inwardly. I don't need some Doraemon guy to tell me about Hinamori.
"Well, as you know I'm new here so I'm not familiar with the place. If you have time, can you show me around, Hinamori-kun?" Takahashi asked, scratching his head as though embarrassed about asking. Hitsugaya glared at him.
"It's Hinamori-fukutaichou for you since you're her subordinate." He informed him coldly.
"Maa, my bad, my bad. But you're a captain aren't you? And Hinamori-fukutaichou always calls you Hitsugaya-kun does she not, Hitsugaya-taichou?"
The room temperature dropped by fifty degrees. Hinamori could have sworn she saw some furniture become ice just a second ago. She glanced from one to another and laughed nervously.
Hitsugaya's eyes had narrowed to the point where he could have compete with Ichimaru Gin. Hinamori saw this and quickly dragged Hitsugaya out of the room.
"Wait a moment, Kaemon-kun, I'll be right back." She yelled behind her shoulder as she pushed Hitsugaya out.
"What's wrong?" Hinamori asked.
"I don't like him, he should learn to respect his superiors." He spat out.
"Hai, hai, but you don't have to be so cold towards him – he's new, he just needs to get used to the system here. You weren't exactly that polite either when you first came here, remember?"
"Oh, so now you're comparing me to him?" He retorted.
Hinamori sighed.
"I'm not comparing you to anyone, I was just saying." She amended.
"Besides," she leaned in and hugged his waist, "no one can compare to you." Hitsugaya scoffed and crossed his arms but Hinamori could see his resolve softening.
"Now go and do your work and I'll come find you after."
Hitsugaya looked at her.
"Pft, and now she's shooing me away" he thought out loud, shooting Hinamori a smile before walking away.
Hinamori looked at his back as he walked away and shook her head gently, smiling to herself before returning to her office.
END OF CHAPTER THREE
OOC and stuff but oh well :P Sorry for the slow update, I had a lot of work and issues to go through. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Please review. Thanks to the people who do.