Me Notes: Sorry for taking long on continuing... I was going to continue this right away, but things got in the way and school began. sighs Oh well, I'll try to update every weekend or every other. Me no own Bleach. Hopes ya likes!

Ch. 5: Welcome Home

Kira's house was cleaned up in a matter of minutes. There wasn't really much for the girl to do to begin with. Usually, Momo would be outside and help all around the village. Today, she was terrified on going back outside. 'Eh, what if the prince came into town to find me and hang me? Or what if- No. If he finds me again, I'll go quietly. What's one less peasant to him anyways? If it's time for me to go, then I'll go.'

Just then, Momo heard footsteps. 'That can't be Kira; he's not to comeback in a few more days!'

Panicked, she ran and hid under Kira's bed. Hinamori listened closely and tried to recognize whose footsteps they were. 'I know for sure it's not Kira. It's…it's' "Hanataro! I'm so glad to see you!" Momo jumped out from Kira's bed and wrapped her arms around him.

"Eh… hi, Momo, how are you?" Hanataro didn't know why her arms where around him, but he didn't remove them. "Why are you hugging me?"

"Can't I hug a good friend of mine?" She released him.

"But you never hug me, unless…. What happened to you, Momo? Are you okay?" He touched her forehead and his own. "You don't have a temperature… Who, what, when, did you-"

Momo sat on the bed. "No, I'm fine, I'm fine."

He didn't believe her. "No, I know you too well. Something is up and I'm going to find out."

"Seriously, I'm fine."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"What is it?!" Hanataro sat right beside her. "Even if it's a girl thing I can still help." He saw that she wasn't going to speak so he guessed. "Is it a guy problem?"

The brunette tilted her head to right and looked up, "Something like that I guess."

"Awww. You miss Kira."

Momo was about to shake her head no, but realized it was true. 'If Izuru was here, then I could ask him for advice or if he heard the prince mention anything about a poor peasant's death. But most of all I miss hearing him talk about his adventures as a knight. He always had exciting stories to tell, even if some of them where fake.'

"I know that look, you are thinking of Kira!" Hanataro yelled; he was glad that he got something right for the first time.

"Shhhh! Not so loud! Yes, I miss him, now hush!" Momo lightly pushed him. "But that's not my problem. My problem is that I think I'm going to get hanged."

"Why? You haven't done anything. And nobody's accusing you of anything in this town. And why-"

Hanataro was cut off and was told everything.

"And he's right here in town! We need to hide you!" The boy moved quickly around the room looking for hiding spots.

Momo shook her head, "He has no reason to come here. Prince Hitsugaya knows that he's away. I don't think he's the kind of guy who would just barge in like-"

"Hey! I finally found you guys!" Loud, obnoxious, red haired and thick headed Renji appeared. "I knew I should have looked for you guys here first."

"-Renji," Momo finished. What are you doing here?"

"I was bored and since Izuru's not around I figured I'd hang out with you guys," Renji laid himself on Kira's bed with his muddy shoes on. "He get's over protective of you guys. Child molester, I swear he is," he couldn't help but chuckle at his little inside joke. "So what do you say Hanataro, you wanna go pick up ladies? Sorry, Momo you can't join."

"Uh, I still have work to do Sir," Hanataro was as straight as a pin. Even though they have known each other since birth, he couldn't address him casually. 'He was born into nobility and I was born into poverty. Kira worked up to nobility and was born a peasant; so I'm used to being around him, but I just met Abarai a couple of years ago.

Just then Kira's voice was heard along with other quiet footsteps that Momo didn't recognize. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Prince Hitsugaya. Come in, come in."

The two servants,as they called themselves, froze in place. "Quick, hide!" Hanataro lifted the bed sheets and Momo slid under. She was only able to see their feet, but could hear everything.

"Why is she hiding?"

"I'll explain it later," Hanataro grabbed a broom and started to sweep. "Pretend Momo was never here."

Renji nodded and strode out of Kira's room. "Good afternoon, Prince Hitsugaya and attended Ichimaru Gin and Kira! Welcome home! You're back so soon! I came to open the doors for Hanataro."

Kira put his jacket in the room like closet, "Why, where did Momo go? She's usually here; this is like a home for her."

'Damnit, what the hell do I say now?' Renji smiled, but it came out like a grimace. "She's out helping one of the elderly. Hinamori locked up the place and went to care for the dear woman."

The blond knight pulled out his jacket again, "Should I go get Unohana to help out?" The prince and his attendant took a seat and listened.

"No, no, she's doing fine. It was a couple days ago and she's recuperating, don't worry," Abarai waved the problem away with his hand. "Momo is an expert with the elderly… and everyone in the village for that matter."

Ikkaku, a guard that rode with the prince and Ichimaru, entered. "Prince Hitsugaya, I am sorry to say, but the only road back to the palace is blocked by a tree. Lightning struck it and the only way back is a long route that could take a day."

Gin stood up, "Gather as many people as you can and move the tree, the prince needs to be back before the end of the day."

Izuru blocked the guard with his arm. "I am sorry, Sir, but I cannot let you do that. Because there is lightning, I do not want to endanger the citizens. It would be safer if you stay the night, there is plenty of room for you all."

Hitsugaya walked over to the window. "Very well, we'll stay until the storm clears off." 'This cannot be a better excuse to not return.' As hard as he tried, he could not wipe the smirk off his face. "I am sorry to impose on you on such short notice, but is there a way to send a message to my father and brother? I am sure Ukitake will worry far more than my father."

"I'm afraid there isn't unless we endanger a life," Kira looked troubled. 'I hope Momo is safe in a house right now….' "The storm shouldn't take that long anyways."

Unfortunately for the Ichimaru, who looked like he was going to die, the storm did not leave. Instead it grew even more. Thunder roared and lightning collided with the ground. Both Yamada and Abarai were concerned for Momo, who was still under the bed.

It was getting late and Kira saw drowsiness in Hitsugaya's eyes. "Prince, you need your rest, why don't you go to sleep in my room. It's the biggest bedroom I have. I'm sorry I don't have any guards to watch over you. I find that I don't need any since I trust my village and there is no danger."

All Hitsugaya could do was nod. Gin led him to the room and closed the door, "I do not like this environment for you there aren't any guards except for Ikkaku."

"I don't want to argue with you Gin, now shut it before I make up some excuse to have you executed," Toshiro stripped himself of the torso and left his undergarments on. "He trusts this village and so will I."

'The prince is right above me!' Momo wanted to run out, but feared what new charges would be brought on her if she reviled herself. 'Not only did I knock out the prince, but I'm also in the room where he will sleep. And he barely has any clothes on! They're mostly all on the floor!'

Gin was talking to himself when Toshiro sent him outside the room. "If you fear my safety then stay out and watch the door from out there. That is my order." He did as he was told, but was not happy.

'No! Now I'm alone with him!'

Me Notes: Okay, I cannot go on! I am about to fall asleep on my keyboard. No clue on how late you guys stay up, but once it hits ten, my eyes usually give out. I will try to update sooner. Hope ya liked, I was/am half asleep doing this, so sorry for any confusion. Night-night!