Disclaimer: I Do not own BLEACH!! Or unfortunately, Hitsugaya...or Grimmjow...*Cries*
WOOT CHAPPIE 15 IS UP!!!
"Renji, wait up man!" yelled the lieutenant of squad three. The sky was just turning light and the smell of a new morning was swiftly blowing throughout the crisp air.
The said man stopped walking and shook himself out of his daydreaming stupor. He turned around and saw his pal Kira running towards him. "Hey Kira, what's up?" the red head asked idly.
It wasn't unusual for Renji to be up and about this early in the morning so nobody was really surprised to see him walking around. Kira shrugged, "Nothing really, I just returned from a mission, got bored and had two choices: either finish the stack load of paperwork that's been piling up in my absence…or come and bug you. Obviously I went with option two."
Renji frowned, "Gee thanks…I'll keep in mind to return the favor later on…" Kira laughed, "Actually Renji, that's not the only reason why I'm here. While I was back at my barracks, Ichigo came looking for you. He asked Captain Urahara and I where you were and as usual we didn't have a clue so he told us to tell you--"
Kira quickly unfolded a crumpled up piece of paper…that looked somewhat like an invitation.
"Aha! He wants you to know that the party for Rukia is going to be at her barracks after she returns from her patrol shift tonight. The party will start at eight, but he wants you to be there around six-thirty or seven-ish to set every thing up. You, Orihime, Uryu and Tatsuki are going to be in charge of decorations and--"
"Tatsuki's coming?! When did she get here?!" Yelled Renji excitedly before calming himself down and made it seem like no big deal. "Because Orihime must be so happy…I mean... I don't care or anything…"
Did the word obvious mean anything to Renji?
Kira raised a hesitant eyebrow and let a devilish grin overcome his face. "Looks like Orihime isn't the only one eh?" he mumbled under his breath. Renji scowled, "Shut up man, you don't even know her. Besides, it's not like that…she's just a friend."
Kira raised another disbelieving eyebrow, yeah right, this friend crap is a bunch of bull. Renji liked her, and Kira and was going to push on the matter even further until Renji did a clumsly fake yawn and a pretend stretch, "Wow, just look at the time, you'd better be going back to your office, you know they say that procrastination is very bad. Besides I know how antsy Urahara can get when he's really stressed so you'd better go see if he's okay and everything…"
Kira frowned, ignoring his friend but then sensing his discomfort with the whole Tatsuki situation, he decided to switch the subject by handing him the the piece of paper, knowing he'd finish reading it later on, and going on to a more important matter. A matter that has been bugging him for quite sometime.
"Has Momo come back from her mission yet?"
Renji's face became grave as Kira's sunk with disappointment. They missed their friend, and things were getting a little weird. It had been weeks since she set out on her mission and she has not once reported in or sent any updates as to how the mission was going. Renji knew that Kira was getting anxious, even more so than himself...Though Kira may not have voiced it out loud, Renji knew that Kira liked Momo a little more than he let on...maybe even loved her...and with what Renji was about to tell him...he also knew that this would be very upsetting.
"Actually Kira, though she hasn't returned, rumor has it that Soi Fon ran into her a few days ago." Kira's face brightened at the news, "Really? That's great! Hopefully it wasn't too far away." Renji looked towards the ground.
"Well, it wasn't exactly…good news. Soi fon came back badly injured…and said that…when she bumped into them…it seemed as though Momo was a prisoner…and that, that bastered of a criminal had overpowered her and was keeping her hostage…" Kira's bright face immediately fell, and in it's place, a more worried and apprehensive one shown.
"Well then why are we just standing here? We should be out there looking for her! Protecting her!" He shouted.
Renji's frown deepened, "There's also another rumor...I don't necessarily believe this one...but knowing Momo with the whole Aizen thing......it could be true..."
Kira raised an eyebrow, "And what exactly is it?"
Renji sighed, "Well, Soi Fon may have also said....that.....another reason why Momo hasn't come back by now is that...she has fallen in love with the criminal...and doesn't plan on coming back..."
Kira's eyes widened as he felt a little piece of his heart lurch. Anger immediately flooded through him as he stared disdainfully at his red-head pal, "No way! Momo would never abandon her duties again! Not after what happened with Aizen, She promised to stay loyal to Soul Society and she proved that when she killed him! you're an idiot if you actually believe that crap! Now you never answered my previous question, WHY aren't we out there looking for her? You could have been saving her before I even got here! She could have been her safe and sound by now if--"
"Do you honestly think I haven't tried that?! If it was up to me, I'd be out there right now hunting down that damn criminal! But my Captain is away on a mission and that technically puts me in charge of the squad. I've tried to take leave but according to Captain Yamamoto, I can't leave the Seireitei until my captain has returned. Otherwise I would be guilty of leaving my squad unattended!!"
Kira looked at his red head friend incredicuously, "Well then why didn't you tell me!! I could've been out there, looking for her!"
Without giving Renji time to answer, Kira ran off.
Renji rolled his eyes but none the less followed after his blond haired friend. He knew that as soon as he got back from his little escapade, he'd be in a heap of trouble...But instead of dwelling on the horrible torture that stood pending for him when he returned, he pushed the reasonable voice out of his head and hoped that his captain would understand.
Afterall, Hinamori was his friend, and a dear one at that. He had a very close relationship with her, almost as close as Rukia's. He'd be damned if he let that prisoner scum harm her. So defying all logic and reason he swiftly caught up to his friend and together they made their way out of the Seireitei.
---------------
Momo slowly opened one eye and yawned. A tiny shiver rippled through her body as the chilly morning air sunk in. Thank goodness she remembered to pack a blanket when they were at the city. The other one, as well as most of her stuff, was lost during her dramatic fight with Gin.
Suddenly she stiffened as someone beside her stirred. Turning slightly, she relaxed as her whole face became ten times brighter. Because right beside her lay her sleeping white haired friend. Well, boyfriend now. A smile spread across her lips as a small but very noticeable blush swept over her features.
He looked so peaceful, like he had nothing to worry about. His usually guarded features were gone without a trace. She noted how his arm lay limply around her middle, as if protecting her from anything that might dare come near and disturb her. Her smile grew bigger as she continued to study him some more. She never really had the opportunity before because he was always up before her. But now--
"Are you going to continue to stare at me all day?"
Momo blanched, surprise written all over her face as she now stared into those penetrating teal eyes. "I-I wasn't- I mean--I uh...I thought you were asleep..." She mumbled finally.
Hitsugaya smirked and grabbed her hand, pulling her down towards him so there faces were mere inches apart. "I don't mind...truth is, you're beautiful when you sleep too."
Momo blushed, completely lost for words. Hitsugaya kissed her forehead, "I love you." He mumbled. A small smile playing on his face.
Momo felt herself relax in his arms and laid her head on his chest. "I love you too." she replied and listened to his heart beat. Yes, today was going to be perfect.
----------------
"I told you to let me ask for directions!"
"Be quiet! I know what I'm doing!"
"The hell you do! If you did, then we'd know where we are!!"
"Shut up! You've been here longer than me so you should bloody well know this place by now!"
"Oh don't turn this around on me! It's not my fault that this place is so massively huge! I mean, this place is like...really big!"
"Oh that's right, I should have known that someone so small would have trouble walking around in a place like this...even though she's been here for MOST OF HER LIFE--OW!! THAT WAS MY KNEECAP MIDGET!!!"
"SHUT UP YOU DESERVED IT JACKASS!!"
*Someone clears throat*
The arguing figures stood stock still. They knew that sound. It was arrogant, agitated, and it had Byakuya written all over it.
"Trouble in paradise?" He asked stoically, though Ichigo could swear he heard something like amusement.
Rukia started shaking her head violently back and fourth, "N-no sir! We were just--"
"Dammit Byakuya! Don't sneak up on us like that! There's a reason why it's called personal space! And weren't you on a mission or something?!"
Rukia stared wide-eyed at the idiot in front of her. 'That-that dumbass! What the hell is he trying to do get himself killed?!' Byakuya raised an eyebrow, "Actually Kurosaki, with me being Rukia's legal guardian, I can do whatever the hell I want. As for the mission...I returned early. And if you would have given me enough time rather than shout at me with your childish antics and rude behavior, you would have known that I came here for specific reasons."
Byakuya gave him a pointed stare while Ichigo looked confused for a moment. As realization sunk in, he frowned. He had forgotten that he had asked Kuchki (As soon as he returned from his mission) to keep Rukia on a wild goose chase until her patrol shift while Renji and the others could cook everything up and decorate her barracks.
Pouting at his own embarrassing mistake (a mistake that Byakuya would be sure to hassle him about) Ichigo poked out his upper lip and frowned deeper, "Oh." He muttered, almost inaudibly before mumbling to himself about how arrogant and condescending Byakuya was.
Rukia, unaware of what was really going on, rolled her eyes before bowing in an attempt to switch the subject, "I'm sorry, Onii-sama, please excuse Ichigo's idiocy for we both know he cannot help it. I hope your return to Soul Society was pleasant enough and if I may ask, brother, what it is that you need my assistance of?"
Byakuya fought hard to keep a straight face as Ichigo blew up with aggrivation towards his sweet little girlfriend. He loved it when Ichigo was insulted. It pleased him.
Byakuya stared at her, a well kept stoic expression plastered itself onto his features. "Well Rukia, before Kurosaki interrupted me, I was going to say that Captain Yamamoto has sent me to ask a favor of you and I."
Said girl blinked twice before giving an answer, "O-Oh? Um What kind of favor?"
"He wants us to go down to the world of the living and patrol there for a few hours. He apologizes for the abruptness and knows that our shift isn't until next month but it seems that the shinigami who was supposed to be patrolling is running late due to another mission. We head out now."
Rukia nodded and turned to Ichigo and smiled softly, "Sorry Hon--I mean--Ichigo. B-but uh, duty calls!" She stuttered self-consciencely, quite aware that her brother was standing next too her.
With her face the color of a tomato, she quickly kissed Ichigo's cheek and ran off with Byakuya.
--------------
"Uryu!" Yelled our orange haired captain. Said person turned around, a scowl evident on his face, "Quit yelling and flapping your arms! You look like an idiot!"
Ichigo scowled back, "Yeah well you're one to talk-"
"--What do you mean by that--"
"--Here I come to tell you that Rukia's gone so we can start getting ready and you--"
"--I mean honestly why tell me when I'm one to talk when I never act like an idiot! You're always the one who does something out of impulse or irrationally--"
"--Call me an idiot, that's not very nice, in fact I should just un-invite you to Rukia's party but then that would just piss her off--"
While the boys continued to talk over each other, they did not seem to notice that a third person had come to join in.
She stared blankly at them, her eyes traveling back and forth every so often.
"--And lastly, I think that with my brief explanation I have come to the conclusion that you are the idiot, my friend!" they yelled simultaneously.
That's when they caught a flash of red hair and stopped dead in there tracks.
"Orihime?!" They said together, yet again.
Both were excited to see her, yet were also a little weary on how quietly she had made herself known. Looks like training with Yachiru for a couple hours actually paid off...
The girl smiled, "Hey guys! what are you doing here?"
Uryu's puzzled eyes bored into hers as confusion nestled it's way to the surface.
"I thought I wasn't going to see you until this afternoon because you were training with Yachiru...did something happen?"
Orihime's smiled broadened as she shook her head from side to side. "Nope! While we were training, Ikakku and Yumichicka came and said that Captain Kenpachi was looking for her and so she said that we'd catch up later. That's when I decided to get some ingredients for this really cool birthday cake that I plan on making for Rukia!! I was thinking a bean-paste icing with mustered and mayonnaise and sweet strawberries and--"
Both Uryu and Ichigo paled at the thought of Orihime's cake. They sustained themselves from shuddering and forced a smile onto their lips. "Sounds great!" They mused while secretly making a mental note to warn Rukia and the others not to eat it.
"Oh! and by the way, before Yachiru left she said that you would have to come around more often, Uryu. She says Kenny misses you and wants to finish the training session! Isn't that great!!"
Ichigo busted out laughing while the Quincy's eyes grew wide with fear. There was no way in hell that Uryu was ever training with Kenpachi Zaraki again...
"Aw, relax man, You're first training session didn't go so bad. You got out there alive right?"
Uryru glowered at Ichigo, "Didn't go so bad?! That psycho chased me around for four hours and didn't even care whether he killed me or not!"
Ichigo rolled his eyes as the laughter settled down, "So, training is nothing...it's when he's really fighting....that's when he's at his scariest."
Uryu nodded in agreement, there was no way he argue with that...but that didn't stop him from huffing and glaring at his best friend.
Orihime cleared her throat and wrapped her arms around his middle, kissing his neck in the process.
"Well, don't let Ichigo get to you, afterall, it's time to start decorating!!"
Quickly grabbing his hand she pulled him away from the fifth-division captain, "C'mon, We have a party to start!!" She yelled excitedly while they all went in search for the others.
-------------
It wasn't long before noon came rolling around. The only people missing now were Renji, Kira, and Tatsuki....
"Hurry up guys! Tatsuki will be here any minute!"
Chad, Uryu, and Ichigo trudged up tiredly behind her, all were heading towards the Senkai Gate. The place where Tatsuki would be appearing from.
"Gosh! I can't believe it!! It's been so long, well actually it's only been a couple weeks but still! There's so much to tell her, so much to show her!" Orihime let out a squeal of delight while everyone stood diligently in front of the doors.
Tatsuki first found out about Ichigo and Co. a couple of months ago and she was, of course, angry and upset. As any normal person would be. She refused to talk to anyone of them until a certain Red-headed shinigami forced her to break even and work it out with her friends because he was 'Sick and tired of seeing there solemn, stupid and pitiful faces'
Afterwards though, Tatsuki became accustomed to the life that they had lived. She had kept there secret and promised not to tell anyone. She even helped them out with their fights and was currently being trained by Yoruichi and, occasionally, Soi Fon.
Five minutes went by as everyone waited anxiously. Then suddenly, the doors opened and before anyone knew it, Orihime had already enveloped her best friend into a bone-crushing hug.
With a smile, Orhime looked up at Tatsuki before moving aside and saying, "Welcome Tatsuki, to the Soul Society!!!"
-------------
Laughter rang throughout the trees as two playful shinigami raced through them.
"You'll never catch me!!" Yelled Momo excitedly.
Two arms immediately engulfed her waist, "I already did!" smirked Toushiro before stealing a kiss from her soft, pretty lips.
Momo kissed him back and Hitsugaya pulled her closer to him while she drove him back against the tree trunk.
With a smile that played devilishly on her lips she kissed him on the neck and one more time on the lips. Then she dashed off leaving a semi-surprised/confused Hitsugaya.
Toushiro blinked, his confused features soon faded away as he narrowed his eyes, "That wasn't fair! I accuse you of fowl play!" He pouted.
Momo rolled her eyes before sticking her tongue out at him and shun-poed her way to a different branch. "Catch me if you can!" her voice rung playfully throughout the forest.
Toushiro smirked at the challenge, oh he would...and he would have plenty of fun doing it.
Momo laughed, there was no way he would catch her, hell, there wasn't a doubt in her mind that he couldn't even find her!!
"Gotcha!"
Momo jumped, turning around she scowled at the irony, "NO fair. It's against the rules to mask you're spiritual pressure!"
Toushiro smirked, "We're even then."
Momo half smiled, "Heh, I guess we are."
Helping her up, Toushiro looked at his surroundings for the first time in the last several hours. They had been having so much fun that neither of them noticed the nightfall approaching. It was almost dark.
"We'd better head back to camp..." He mumbled
Momo nodded.
------------
"Man, how long are we planning on staying out here? It's getting dark and I have a squad to look after."
Kira felt himself sigh for the millionth time, "So then go back!" he snapped.
Renji stopped walking, a look of disdain clearly marked upon his features, "Hell no! Momo's my friend too and I'll be damned if she gets hurt! Besides, you're going to need back up if that Criminal puts up a fight...you know he's wanted in most if the districts..."
The blonde grumbled, "So then shut up and keep helping me look for her dammit!"
Renji rolled his eyes, "We don't even know if she's even near here...the best way to search for her would be to try and find her reiatsu...which I clearly don't sense."
"So then leave!! I really don't need you for back up...I have the Stealth Force whistle in my pocket...So if I'm wasting you're time just go. I know that the real reason why you really want to go back is so you can spend some time with Tatsuki!"
"S-Shut up! You don't know anything!"
Kira didn't respond, instead he put more effort into finding his friend. For some reason he had a feeling that she was here, in this forest...he would find her, he had to...
As Renji continued looking from side to side he didn't realize that his friend had stopped.
"Oomff!" Renji muffled as he bumped into Izuru's back.
Rubbing his nose and glaring, he didn't see the log laying right beside him and tripped...yet again.
"Geez! What kind of grudge does this forest have against me!! I'm sorry for whatever I--"
"Shhh!!!! Do you hear that?" Kira whispered.
Renji stayed quiet as he strained to hear for anything unusual.
It was laughter. And...he sensed something...a reiatsu...it was so familiar...
Kira and Renji looked at each other in shock, "Momo!!" They exclaimed simultaneously before quickly running after her spiritual pressure.
---------
Momo stifled a squeal as Toushiro wrapped his arms around her waist and swung her around. They were having so much fun...and she never wanted it to stop...she was so glad that she had convinced him to have a lazy day...no traveling, no running, just relaxing and having fun. Afterall, with everything they've been through, he needed a break.
However, that all stopped when Toushiro suddenly swung her protectively behind him and raced to get his zanpaktou, which was prompt up against a tree.
Momo looked at him in shock, she hadn't heard anything. Hell, she hadn't even sensed anything. But there he stood right in front of her, hand on sword, his stance was rigid and his eyes and ears, acutely aware.
"What's wrong?" She asked quietly, but Toushiro just signalled for her to be quiet.
She watched as his hand gripped his sword tightly and his stance becoming even more rigid, "They're coming..." he mumbled.
Momo's eyes widened in fear, the last thing she wanted was another confrontation like she had, had with Soi Fon...Quickly moving her eyes to Hitsugaya's shoulder she bit her bottom lip, his arm was all better now thanks to her kido...but...what if this time...it wasn't his shoulder...what if this time it was a more vital area. Would she be able to heal him then?
Shaking her head she forced that thought out of her head, she would not allow herself to think like that...no matter who these people were, they wouldn't stand a chance against her Shiro-Chan...
Well, that's what she would have believed...until the two strangers finally emerged from the shadows.
Momo stared at them for what seemed like forever before mumbling the two names she had almost completely forgotten.
"R-Renji, K-Kira..."
Kira's face brightened at the sight of his dear friend, "Momo! I'm so glad we found you! Are you okay?!"
Renji smiled from behind, "Hey Momo, We've come to take you home okay?"
Kira took a step forward and Hitsugaya drew his sword as he got ready to strike. "If you come any closer, I won't hesitate to strike."
Kira smirked, "I wouldn't do that if I were you..."
Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow, "And who exactly is gonna stop me?"
Kira's smirk turned into a smile, "I'm so glad you asked."
Quickly taking out the whistle, Kira blew it. All of a sudden there were thousands upon thousands of members of the Secret Mobile Corps. surrounding them.
That's when Soi Fon jumped down from a tree, "You called Lieutenant?"
Kira nodded and pointed to Hitsugaya.
Soi fon turned around, the frown that was very recently on her face turned into a smirk, "Heh, So I finally get payback eh?"
Hitsugaya quickly shun-poed over to Hinamori, Soi Fon glared at her, "Ah, so I see you two have become quite smitten with each other...anything I should know about Hinamori?"
Momo gulped, now was the moment of truth...the moment where she would admit everything...the moment where she would have to fight her two best friends...
She had no regrets though...no matter the fact that they were out numbered...infact she'd do it all over again if it meant being able to stay Toushiro...
"Actually, there is something you should know...I--"
"She has nothing to do with this Soi Fon! I thought you had come to understand that!" Snapped Hitsugaya.
Momo's eyes widened, "Toushiro what are you doing?! You said we were in this togeth--"
"This is all my fault Soi Fon, I've been keeping her hostage, trying to talk her into leaving Soul Society....See, I have her sword now."
Momo stopped arguing and looked down at Toushiro's hands, it was true, she didn't know how but he now had two swords in his hands.
Soi Fon looked over towards Momo, "Is this true...Hinamori?"
Momo looked over at Toushiro, his eyes pleading her to go along with it...but this time...she didn't. She would not let him take the wrap this time. Not alone. They either lived together, or they died together.
Momo shook her head, "No it's not true! None of it's true, I love him!! I-"
"Don't listen to her!" Shouted someone from the back ground, Everyone turned their heads around to see Kira, stepping foward and walking over towards her. Htisugaya drew his sword but was immediately held back by some of Soi Fon's subordinates.
Momo ran over towards Kira, meeting him half way, as tears flowed down her face she looked him straight in the eyes, "Kira, please, don't blame Shiro-chan, it's all my fault! I'm to blame not him! He's innocent!"
It wasn't long before Renji was running over towards her, quickly enveloping her into a hug, he glared at Hitsugaya, "You bastered! You've brainwashed her!"
Momo suddenly pushed Renji away as well as Kira, "NO HE HASN'T!! This isn't his fault!!"
Renji ignored her, "You've made her so distraught that she doesn't know who to believe! How dare you!! She looks worse than she did with Aizen--"
"SHUT UP BOTH OF YOU!!" She screamed as loud as she could. She was about to go on full force attack mode when one single voice stopped her.
"Don't." it said quietly.
Quickly turning around, she saw Toushiro looking at her, her brown eyes locked themselves into his beautiful teal ones.
"It's no use Momo, you'll just wind up being killed...So please....save me that much trouble..."
Momo didn't say anything as her body started to shake violently, She was scared, but not for herself, for Toushiro...he looked so hopless. So hopless and lost. Turning back to Renji and Kira, she stared at them, her eyes begging them to let him go.
"P-please, let him go...please, do it for me, not as a colleague...but as my best friends....please....let him go...I'm happy with him..."
A silence swept over them as Momo continued to beg. Finally, a hand was placed upon her shoulder.
"I-I'm sorry Momo, but we can't, he's obviously done something to you...and he's a criminal...we're so sorry, especially since you have to find out this way...but he's obviously using you..."
Momo's breath caught in her throat, so many emotions ran through her at those words. How could he say that! Toushiro was NOT like Aizen, not in the least..She took a few more steps back, she was scared. She was scared, stressed, confused and most of all, angry.
Angry at Kira and Renji for not believing her, angry at Soi fon and her stupid grudge against Toushiro...angry at herself for being so useless...and convincing Toushiro to stay, even though he said it would be wise to move...She felt like her heart had been split into, She hated this.
She suddenly came back to reality when she felt a comforting arm being placed around her shoulders, "Lets go home honey, You look like you need some rest." Said Renji.
She looked up to find both Renji and Kira by her side while Soi Fon's men started to drag Her Shiro-Chan away...it made her blood boil.
Momo stared in complete hatred at the people she once thought of as her colleagues, and as her friends.
The poeple that she had once fought along side, like comrades should have...the people that had just made the biggest mistake of their life.
Throwing their arms off of her shoulders she stared at them in complete and utter disgust.
"I. Hate. Both. Of. You!" She spat violently, and walked off. Leaving behind to shocked former friends.
Hey guys!
It's ME again!! I'm back with another update!(Finally!)
I was going to make it a cliffy back when Kira and Renji first sensed Momo's reiastsu but I figured...You guys have been so patient with me, I couldn't possibly do that...So I decided to make it a full lengthed one! Also because it's CHRISTMAS!!! well, almost anyways...so consider this your christmas gift...from me to you...even though it has absolutely NOTHING to do with Christmas... ^_^
Please R&R
Happy Holidays:p
xoxoxo
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