I seriously barely edited ANYTHING out of this one. Sorry, but I thought that it seemed okay...^^;
and more importantly: THANK YOU THOSE WHO MADE ME A REVIEW!!! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HAPPY I GET EACH TIME I READ ONE!!!
Dragon of Twilight: Nice to hear from you again!! I'll try my best on the spellings AND I got myself a beta reader! Believe it or not it's Arelissa!- but I'm an idiot so...hehe
Arin-chan: Thanks for your review!! And here's the next chappi!
Waterlily777: *sigh of relief* thank God, and here I thought the new version wasn't much...arigato!
KurokamiHaruhi: You didn't pester me at all!! I really am happy to have your attention! ^^ Don't feel bad, or I'll feel even worse TT^TT
Salem-chan: Thanks for the pat, it made me feel like a kid again!! Don't say things like that about your stories! They're so funny and well-written! haha^^ Yup, tazed, great way of goin' down, ain't it? XD and HELL YEAH, BEYBLADE!!
IkuXYori: Thank you for your review!! I've reviewed a story of yours, and I was so happy that you also have a Miyuki!! She's so kawaii! AND THAT NAME RULES!!
queenofspades19: I was trying my very best to make sure that it didn't go too fast or too corny...though I'm not too sure with the result, I'm glad that you liked it!!
AngelTenshi-chan (Amorny): Yup, extras...WTF, wait a sec! YOU were the one who nagged me NON-STOP about adding brand-new chaps!! You hypocrite!! Nee, but I love ya anyways~ btw, you better have the report done, or you're toast. If it still isn't done yet, go to do it RIGHT NOW, then read this.
rockbellrocksroll: I'm not that great, I was just lucky ^^ And thanks for the compliment, I really worked hard for it to not sound too confusing!
NeverEndingDreamEnds: Really?? Not moving too fast and not a mary-sue?? THANKYOU!!!! I'm so happy to hear that!!!
Inaugurate: I thank you for the compliments! I'll try my best to keep it as good as I can!!
Soulless Ghosty: He's not OOC?? What a relief! And here I thought people were just gonna roll their eyes and pick another fanfic because they thought that histugaya was being a softie-Thankyou for boosting my confidence!
XxXLIFEafterDEATHXxX: Arigato gozaimas! I have a weakness for cute things XD
Darkheart1992 (Paine): Is the title that bad?! Oh noes! Thanks for telling me, maybe I'll think about rewriting it...and you haven't done anything wrong! ^^ Okay! I'll add some more detail in the concept, because you do have a point XD
Lady Of Summer Haze: I'm teaching jap here! Haha Thank you for your words!
NAO-chan: Well, here it is! Enjoy! (I hope...)
histugayaXOX: Really? Thankyou!! And even I feel bad for Miyuki and I'm her creator! *gasp* What kind of horrible person am I?! XD
Orangesz: THANKYOU! I'VE UPDATED! XD FEAR NOT, MORE DETAIL IS COMING!
A very special thanks to my beta/editor, Arelissa. The author of the fanfiction: Riddles of Water. SHE ROCKS!! scary as hell, but rocks! Though I'm surprised she didn't rip my head off- If I had to handle with someone as hopeless as me I think I might just become insane XD
DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING BUT THE FANCONCEPT OF MY FANFICTIONS.
-x-X-x-
Failure to Communicate
Alone in the Darkness, I came to find the Reason for your Tears.
-x-X-x-
''Kimochi ii~'' I moaned as I slipped into the indoor springs of the onsen nearby. Matsumoto dragged me into it. I had put on my water proof gloves on so that I didn't have a replay of that tea incident. I took the bandages off a few days ago, since it's now healed up again. I pouted in annoyance as I thought about that short Taichou. I STILL can't find my sketchpad, and I know that he stole it! I bet it's in his room, but he locked the door to his chambers so that I couldn't go in...damn him!
''Why are you so sure?'' he asked that smirk on his face.
He saw the pictures, didn't he? I twirled a strand of my pink bangs, blushing and frowning before biting my lip. I always twirled my hair when I was uneasy. It was just one of my bad habits.
That jerk! First I pour my heart out to him, and now he's teasing me when I was vulnerable!
''I will protect you.''
That was the first time that I truly believed that someone would protect me. Many people from the government who were assigned to protect me pledged to keep me safe. But this was the first time I actually believed those words.
''Toshiro...''
''I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!'', My eyes widened as when Matsumoto crushed me to her.
''You were thinking about taichou, weren't you? I knew it! So cute!'' she squealed, I blushed and I looked up at her.
''N-No way was I thinking about that him!'' My blush darkened.
''You like taichou!'' She squealed as she hugged me tighter ''And you're in denial!''
''CH-CHIGAU! (that's wrong)'' But she ignored me. She kept her arms around me, and I was beginning to feel very uncomfortable. For one, her breasts were hindering my breathing, second...you don't need a second for being uncomfortable if you can't supply your lungs with oxygen.
''Mastu-'' I said.
''Rangiku!'' she corrected.
''Rangiku-san-''
Rangiku!!'' she corrected again.
''Rangiku...chan?'', she squealed even louder, I mentally sighed.''I can't breathe...!'' she released me and I splashed back into the warm water. I sat up gasping trying to fill my lungs with that much needed air again.
''Ah! Gomen!'' she started to hold her arms together and fidgeted around, ''I couldn't help myself, you were just so irresistibly cute!'' I was beginning to ask myself if this woman was really an adult, or a kid in a far too old body.
''It sucks that I have to share you with taichou!'' she said as she sat back down next to me, acting normal again. My eyes twitched as my blush returned.
''W-What is it with you and always taunting me as if I like Toshiro?!'' I asked.
''I didn't say that you like him just now.'' She grinned. Dammit.
''Well, you said that earlier on!'' I said, she grinned wider.
''Whatever you say, Miyuki-chan, whatever you say'' she replied, oh man, did I want to get rid of that grin on her face!
''You're all going against me.'' I sunk down until the water reached below my nose. I blew out causing bubbles to fizz out.
''Ne,...'' Rangiku said, I looked at her ''How's your hand? Is it okay here?'' There was concern in her eyes as faced me. I also told her about my childhood as well, so she knew about my conditions...and it was downright annoying when she kept on treating me like a raw egg for a few weeks afterwards. I needed to give her a good whack on the head for her to snap out of it.
I smiled gently at her. ''Daijobou, daijobou! The water-proof gloves are great! I can't feel anything.''
''Yokatta,'' she said, relieved. I then remembered the thing I wanted to ask her for some time now and looked at face her.
''Rangiku-chan, are there any records of the souls that pass through to Soul Society?'' I asked
''Yeah, we have an archive of all souls that arrive in this world. It is automatically updated with a special kind of Kidou,'' Rangiku said as she turned to face me. My heart beat faster.
''Where is that archive?'' I asked, unconsciously raising myself higher.
''In the library,'' she answered ''Why?''
''There's something I want to find out. Would I have access to it?'' She tapped her chin with her finger, thinking.
''Well, the Soutaichou allows you to be present in the Taichou meetings. I'm sure that looking through those files shouldn't pose as a problem for you.'' she said before bringing her hand back down and looking back at me. ''Do you know why Yamamoto-soutaichou even allows you to be present?''
I shook my head. To be honest, I had absolutly no idea. In my oppinion it's extremely careless to just let some stranger be in a high-ranked meeting. Many Taichous have mentioned that a couple of times aswell. What if I was an evil mastermind wanting to take over the world? It makes me think that Yamamoto knows more about the Philosopher's Stone than he's telling me. That's the only reason which could explain these strange privileges.
''Could you take me to the library, Rangiku-chan?'' I asked, a slight tone of anxiety in my voice.
''Of course!'' she said, smiling, this time I was the one to hug her.
''Thankyou thankyou thankyou Thankyou!!'' I said ''You're the best, best friend I could ever wish for!!''
''I really am?'' she asked, I didn't catch the mischievous ring in her voice.
''Yes!''
''The best friend you could ever wish for?''
''Yes!''
''I'm that great?''
''Yes!''
''The best there is?''
''Yes!''
''Do you like Hitsugaya-Taichou?''
''Yes!'' My eyes snapped open as I realized what I'd just answered to, ''Chi-Chigau!!'' I said with panic clear in my voice.
''I heard it~ I heard it~'' She sang.
''That's because you tricked me and you know that that is not true!!!'' I said, again, I blushed and released her before I jumped away. I gave her an accusing look and she grinned.
''Souka? I think that we both know that that is not the case...'' she teased, ''You like him so much you can't stand it,'' she taunted, my blush intensified. I then, out of pure reflex of watching Toshiro doing it all the time, imitated his frequent line.
''MATSUMOTO!!!''
--------------
I was sitting by a desk in the library, a few piles of books next to me. All of them were light beige with black bindings, along with the years each one represents. I was scanning through them. Rangiku told me where the documents were, and I took out the ones which I needed. The time gap between when I was seven to nine years old, and I was surprised at how many people die in a year. That one died of cancer, this one was murdered, then old age... All 39, three inches thick books were full of those records in tiny writing. I had already spent 7 hours and I was only on the 30th page in my first book. Dammit...this is going to take a while.
''Why, hello there, Higurashi-chan.'' I looked up from my book and saw a taichou with brown hair and glasses, giving me a kind smile. He actually really suited the library. That scholar hairstyle, glasses, mature kindness...yup, definitly a bookworm.
''Konnichiwa, Aizen-taichou'' I said. He walked over to me, his smile never fading. His steps echoed in the large room, and I felt goosebumps erupt on my arms as it became closer and closer. Once again I was intimidated by the 5th Division Taichou. It doesn't make any sense.
''What brings a young lady like yourself to a library when the weather is so pleasent?'' he asked, I smiled at him slightly, suppressing the little voice in the back of my head telling me to run for it.
''I'm looking through some files,'' I answered, turning to face the pages again. If I couldn't see him, maybe I wouldn't be so scared. I could hear him walking closer, nope, no change, I'm still scared. Great.
''About what?'' he asked, ''Are you looking for someone?''
''Hai...'' I said, ''I want to find my parents, even if it's unlikely.''
''...You do understand that they will have no memories of you or of their previous lives, even if you do find them'' he said.
''Wakatta (I understand)...but I ...really want to just see their faces again,'' I said. I didn't care if they wouldn't know me, all I want is to wipe off their rotting corpses as my last memory of them.
I widen my eyes when I felt Aizen's hand patting my head, I looked up to see his smile still there. ''You're by far the most intriguing girl I've ever met,'' he said. Though his expression was kind, I couldn't help but feel that I couldn't trust him. He was so kind that it was...scary.
But more importantly...It was like I knew him from somewhere...
...somewhere I don't want to even think about.
I mentally shook my head. Don't be stupid, Miyuki.
''H-Hounto ni?(really) Arigato!'' I said, putting on a fake smile on my face.
---------------------
I quickly grabbed a few notes from my room and ran out to the office of the 10th Division. I saw Toshiro and Rangiku looking at me as I put my black, Chinese shoes on like SoiFon- I find them far more comfortable. I've been getting along with her very well, much to everyone's amazement which I couldn't understand, the 13th Taichou Ukitake, 4th Unohana and 8th Kyouraku.
SoiFon was harsh at first, but she is actually a really sweet girl...but that's only showed if you dig really, really deep and ignore a lot of comments coming out of her mouth.
''Are you going to the library again?'' Rangiku asked me. It's been three days since I started looking through the records.
''Yeah,'' I said nonchalantly as I quickly picked some books which explained terms and codes. ''I still have a lot of things I need to go through,'' I said with the same, distracted tone as I grabbed an empty notebook of mine out of my shelves.
''We're going to get some breakfast now,'' Toshiro said ''Don't you want to come?'' he asked.
''No thanks, I'll grab something later,'' I answered as I passed him by.
''You haven't been eating right since you've been in this working mode of yours! What the heck are you working on? A plan on world domination?'' he asked, I glanced at him.
''No, but it's a good idea. I'll work on that next time'' ignoring his question, and his ''Oi!!'' when I ran out the door, carrying the items in my arms. That Toshiro never wants me to do anything without his supervision, and I knew that if I told him it has something to do with 'Wahrheit', then he'll definitly not let me out of his sight, which will be frustrating.
-----------------
''Kuno Nabiki, Hoshino Utau, Tanaka Tsubasa, Tou Shinji...'' I mumbled as I looked through the book. The ones I was looking for were Kazuma Higurashi and Ayano Higurashi, but I haven't come across either of those after even nearly 57 hours of going through names. I sighed as I rubbed my temple, I was getting a headache.
''Oi'', I jumped at the voice, but sighed in annoyance. Dang it, he found me.
Without looking back I returned eyes to focus on the pages. ''Toshiro? What are you doing here?'' I asked.
''Checking up on you, I've been assigned to take care of you, remember baka?''
''Does 'taking care' also mean that you have to insult me?'' I said, looking at him over my shoulder and seeing him crossing his arms with his trademark scowl. ''Don't you have paperwork to do?'' I asked in genuine curiosity, he sighed and walked over to me.
''Forced Matsumoto to do the rest,'' he said as he stood next to me. I gave him an incredulous look.
''You left Rangiku-chan ALONE in the office, giving her the opportunity to make off with the wind?'' I asked.
''I confiscated her alcohol stash, and told her that she won't be getting it back until the work is done'' he explained, I chuckled slightly at the image of Rangiku, miserable without her sake. I opened my eyes at the sound of paper rustling and I looked at him to see that he took a brown, paper bag out of his sleeve and threw it to me. I frowned in confusion.
''Here'' he said simply, I caught it and realized that it was warm. After opening it I saw that there were a few meat buns inside, I looked back at him with a surprised expression on my face and he looked away.
''You haven't eaten all day, so I brought you something,'' he said ''Making sure that you don't pass out also falls under the category of 'taking care of someone','' he said as if I was an idiot. I smiled at him.
''I can't eat in here, it's against the rules of the library,'' I said, amused by his behavior and he looked at me.
''Screw the rules, I'm a taichou,'' he said, making me laugh. I took a bun out, tore it in half, bit into the one half and held out the other for him to take.
''I don't want it.''
''Eat it, ya shrimp.''
''WHO ARE YOU CALLING A-Hmpf.'' I cut him off by stuffing the meat bun in his mouth.
''Oh, just shut up and eat.'' I let my hand come back down after securing the bun in his mouth. I looked at him, holding in a laugh because I would choke since I'm eating. He just stood there, arms crossed, and with an annoyed look on his face while chewing the bun. After he swallowed it, he eyed me grumpily.
''This is the last time I'm being this nice to you,'' he announced in a tone that matched his expression. I laughed after I swallowed my bite. His attention was caught by the books and he scanned through the covers quickly.
''Death records from 1999 until 2001?'' he asked, looking at the titles, his eyes bore into mine as he snapped his head up, intending to find the anwer.
''That time span is within the one of your torture'' he said firmly ''Are you looking for you parents?'' he asked. I sighed, that's the problem when you hide stuff from smart people. They always find out, always, no exceptions, all the damn time.
''That's right.'' I sighed as I stretched in my chair. ''Even if I don't find them, it's worth a shot.''
''But it's a really long shot,'' he told me, ''There are so many records that you could very well miss a few names. And no matter how efficient our archives are, we don't have everyone on the list. And if you do find them in the records and find out in which Rukongai they reside, you still have to find them within a whole district.''
''I know that,'' I said quietly, and somewhat sadly. ''There's also a very high chance that they have become Hollows because they wandered around the real world for too long, which is very possible considering how they died.'' I turned to look at him.
''But I owe them at least that much effort,'' I said, he frowned at me.
''What happened to them wasn't your fault,'' he said in a firmly.
''I may not be the one who killed them, but it was because of me that they died,'' I said and smiled sadly ''That's enough of a reason.''
--------------------------
It's been two days since then. I looked at the clock and saw that it was 9pm. After sighing, I marked down where I was in the book and closed it. Five days and not a thing of my parents. I laid the book on the table. Was it really this hopeless?
I sighed again and stood up, instantly regretting it as I slumped to my knees due to the sudden blood rush. I held my hands out front to support my upper half, and soon shifted the weight on my left as I looked at the ground. With my right hand I kneaded my closed eyes before scoffing in irony. I didn't need a mirror to know that my eyes were red and had black bags under them. My hair was starting to get oily and tangled. My head throbbed in pain, along with my eyes, forehead and temple. Both mentally and physically, I was exhausted.
''You're a mess, Higurashi Miyuki'' I said to myself, still with that ironic, self-pitying, sick smirk on my face.
----------
I opened the door to the 10th division and saw Toshiro sitting on his desk and a fukutaichou with brown hair in a bun sitting on the couch, wearing the insignia of the 5th division. The fukutaishou of the 5th division, Hinamori Momo. The two of them were having a very friendly conversation, I looked in and smiled.
''So...should I drop by later?'' I asked, smirking. But somewhere in my heart, I didn't like Hinamori.
I pushed that thought away immedietly, she was a kind and hard working girl who deserved every bit of kindness of the world! ...That was the impression I got from Toshiro. He told me what he thought of each taichou and fukutaichou in Soul Society, but he had such a gentle expression on his face when he talked about Hinamori Momo. She had been on a mission recently, which is why I have never seen her before. So I guess she came back and wants to catch up with Toshiro.
The Taichou looked up at me, and smiled. I raised my eyebrows, he must be in a really good mood to be smiling.
''So this is the famous Higurashi Miyuki-chan, Shiro-chan!?'' Hinamori asked as she stood up to greet me. Shiro-chan? He'd have my neck if I called him that. I looked at his face, he looked like he would have her head. God, he's so childish about these things.
''Hinamori!'' he yelled out, embarrassed. She completely ignored him and walked over to me. I looked up at her and smiled, ''I'm Higurashi Miyuki. You must be Hinamori-fukutaichou, Toshiro has told me so much about you.''
''Really?'' she asked with wide, disbelieving orbs.
''Yeah, about how clumsy and child-like you are,'' Toshiro retorted, she then turned to him, pouting.
''Hitsugaya-kun! How mean!''
''Hitsugaya-kun ja ne! Hitsugaya-taichou da!! (It's not -kun, it's taichou)'' he corrected, annoyed.
''Hmpf!'' She turned away from him, crossing her arms and sat back down on the sofa. I must admit that I was expecting their relationship to be a bit more...um...'mature'? I sat down on the sofa next to her and listened to their conversation, their teasing and mocking. I felt my heart become more and more constricted as their chatting went on. They spoke of their childhood, how she always brought watermelons back as a treat for him when she was in the Academy.
''You had more or less 20 of them in one go!'' she said, he grinned at her. ''Yeah, but you ate a whopping total of 50'' he said.
''I didn't, Hitsugaya-kun! And you know it!''
''Who knows...'' he answered he looked up in a non-caring manner.
They looked so happy together...a perfect couple...
I mentally shook my head, what was I doing? I was acting as if I had hoped that, that he...
''Miyuki? What's the matter?'' I snapped my head up to see that both Shinigami were looking at me. ''You haven't said a thing yet,'' he said. I waved my hands slightly in defense as I put on an apologetic smile on my face.
''Warui, warui! (my bad)'' I said, standing up. ''I'm just tired. I'll leave you two for tonight,'' I said as I walked around the sofa, supporting myself ever so slightly on the couch head.
''Are you're sure you're okay?'' he asked when he looked at me with a skeptical glint in his turquoise eyes.
''If you count hammer-pounding like headaches, dizziness, wobbliness, fatigue and having a grumpy perspective of the world 'fine', then yup, I'm absolutely peachy!'' I replied sarcasticlly, smirking, he chuckled. I was mentally thanking Mr. goverment-head-social-profiler-whoes-name-I-can't-remember-because-it-was-too-darn-long for teaching me how to act and lie so convincingly. As I walked over to me room I didn't see the shocked expression on Hinamori's face because my back was to her.
''I'll be hitting the sack'' I slid my doors open.
''Night'' Toshiro said, I looked at him over my shoulder.
''Good Night'' I turned to Hinamori whose expression was that of disbelief ''Oyasumi nasai, Hinamori-fukutaichou,'' and slid the door closed.
As I got changed into a lighter kosode I heard the muffled voices of Toshiro and Hinamori. Both voices filled with happiness, well, Toshiro also sounded annoyed, but in his fond way. I went into my bathroom, and slid the white kosode off as I turned the shower on. I couldn't stand the greasy build in my hair any longer, and applied the hair wash and massaged it to a thick layer of bubbles. After cleaning myself, I stood out of the shower, grabbing a white towel to dry myself off, but halted as I looked at myself in the mirror, at the reflection of my face.
My eyes. I could see bitterness in my dark violet orbs as I laid my wet, black gloved hand on the mirror. I was so tired that I didn't even notice the pain on my finger-tips.
Why do I dislike Hinamori? She's never done anything to upset me, heck, this is the first time I ever met her, yet I dislike her, why? She's such a kind and sweet girl...
I widen my eyes when I saw Toshiro's smiling face appeared in my mind when he was looking at Hinamori.
My heart twisted and I laid my hand on my chest, as if holding the area might ease the pain. What's wrong with me?
I then remembered the night I told him about my torture, he held me so tightly against him. I felt so safe, so warm...I wanted to return to that embrace again. I wanted him to hold me close...
''Toshiro...'' I trailed. I widen my eyes when I heard Toshiro yelling in his annoyed tone.
''URUSEI, HINAMORI!!!''
''You're blushing, Shiro-chan, blushing!''
''Will you quit calling me that?!''
I curled the hand on the mirror to a light fist, it trembled slightly. I saw tears forming in my eyes as I heard Hinamori's happy laughs and Toshiro's retorts, this time inaudible and muffled.
''Uso da...(it has to be a lie)'' I said out loud, the tears still gathered ''Masaka...! (it can't be)''
Was I...jealous of Hinamori? Because I...Toshiro...?
I shook my head, hoping to shake out all those thoughts out in the process as the tears slid down my pale cheeks.
''The fatigue and steam are getting to me...'' I muttered to myself in reassurance, rubbing my forehead. All I need is a good night's sleep. Yeah, everything will be fine after that.
-----
The next few days I spent avoiding Toshiro, only talking to him when I needed to. If I felt his reiatsu nearing when I'm in the library, I'd take the books I need and go hide somewhere.
I was about to leave the 10th Division's Captain HQ when a strong voice halted me.
''Sokomadte da (hold it, feeze)'' I did as commanded and froze in place. Not turning around to face Toshiro, not doing anything to face Toshiro.
''What is it with you?'' he asked me, ''Are you mad at me or something? Why are you always avoiding me?'' he asked, I could hear him walking towards me.
''I'm not avoiding you'' I answered as I looked at him over my shoulder, and gave him a small smile ''I've just been very busy'', his eyes widen in mild surprise. It's been a while since I looked at him in the eye, much less given him a smile. I used the opportunity to escape out of the door, again ignoring his ''Oi!''.
I was somewhat angry at Toshiro. I don't know why, but I'm ticked off at him enough to regard my unreasonable grudge as justifiable treatment.
After going through the files for 5 hours or so, I realized that I had left the dictionary for the complicated codes in Toshiro's office. Dammit. That means I have to see him, so I'll have to make it quick. I sighed and stood up from my table, thinking of where I put the book to avoid to spend more time in his presence while aimlessly looking for the bloody thing.
I once again stood in front of the 10th Division door, inwardly sighing, I opened the door, and to my surprise, saw Toshiro, all mighty, work-a-holic Toshiro, leaned face-first onto his table, still sitting on his chair. Paperwork still piled on his desk. Okay...this is seriously NOT what I had expected. I looked around and saw Rangiku nowhere, but spotted my book in the coffee table, ran over to it and grabbed it. I felt really awkward for walking into the Taichou while he was having a...a nap? Though it looked like he passed out, his light snoring convinced me that he was alright. I turned to leave, but nearly jumped out of my skin and dropped the book when he suddenly sat up.
''OOIII-...Wheeree do..you tthhiiink yoou're goiinn'?'' he slurred. My eyes were wide as I tried to figure out who this imposter was. He stood up and staggered around the table, and I was about to make a run for it when he used shunpo to pin me to the wall. His face was only a few centimeters from mine, his eyes were half-open, and his expression was really so...seductive. Curse it, he always has that effect when his lids are half-open. And that he had such an unaware look on his face didn't exactly make the situation any better. A blush tainted my cheeks when I realized what I was thinking about.
''Hitsugaya...san?'' I asked, smiling nervously.
''Neee, Mi-chaaaan...'' he slurred, I blushed even deeper at that nickname, he leaned his forehead on mine. ''Whyyyy arrrreee...... yoou always ouuut...?'' he asked, frowning. His face has never been this close to mine before, and this was the first time I could actually...smell his scent. I could smell the aroma of watermelons and would've chuckled if it wasn't for the position I was in now. My nose wrinkled when it detected sake in his breath, though it wasn't much.
''A-A-A-Ano, Toshiro...'' I said ''I didn't know that you drink...''
''Whaat are yaa...talkinnnn' abbooout...?'' he slurred ''Answeerree mmeee...whhhyy arree yyoou alwwaayys gooonne?'' he asked again.
''You know, fresh air...going out...studying?'' I said as I tried to free myself from his grasp, but he then held me in place with his hands on my arms, and pinned my body with his own. My blush intensified as I held in a moan, damn hormones...
''Buut youu're alwaays avoidddin' meeee...'' he slurred, he leaned in closer ''I miss..youuu...''
By now my heart was beating so fast it felt like it was going to explode, he isn't planning on...kissing me, right?? My fear was realized when his lips were mere millimeters from mine. A thought ran through my mind that surprised even myself.
I didn't want him to kiss me...under these circumstances...
I pushed him away ''No, Toshiro, not like this!'', but before I could escape he pinned me to the ground, his legs cradling my hips and he pinned my wrists on each side of my head. I looked up at him, and noticed that during the struggle his kimono shirt was slightly apart, showing off his tanned, muscular chest. He looked at me with that seductive look again, I bit my lip and blushed intensively as I had to look away, trying to get all these images out of my head.
''Why aarre yoou avooidin' mee...pleeasse, tell meee...'' he slurred but I could hear the plea in his voice, I looked back at him, his eyes held genuine hurt. I widen my eyes at that. I gave him an apologetic smile, and opened my mouth to tell him my thoughts. He was drunk, right? He won't remember this conversation when he snaps out of it.
''Gomen ne, Toshiro, I'm really no good'' I apologized, he seemed to have widen his eyes at that ''Even though I promised myself to keep you happy no matter what, all I have done is hurt your feelings...''
''Forgive me...'' I looked away ''I'll be happy for you and Hinamori...'' my voice trailed off.
''Mi-chaaaan...Are youu...jealous...?'' he asked, trying to stop his slurring, which failed quite miserably. I closed my eyes tightly. I thought that maybe, just maybe, if I couldn't see him he couldn't see me either.
''Youu...thiinnk thaat...Hiinamorii annd mme..?'' he slurred, I nodded feebly, for someone's who's stark drunk, he's still very sharp. I turned to look at him when he sighed heavily.
''Bakaa...'' he slurred, but softly this time. I looked at me with such intensity and tenderness at the same time with his piercing turquoise eyes that I nearly trembled, what did he mean by that? Maybe, he...? My blush intensified again when he started to loosen my robe-belt. I pushed him off and pinned him on the ground, and gave him an annoyed glare. He was drunk, it's not his fault to act like this, but still, I'm a girl who has a girl's heart so I was naturally annoyed. We were in the exact same position just switched.
''Oi, you! I just poured my heart out to you and you go off with your perverted thoughts!'' I said. ''And who are you calling baka, baka?!'' He grinned goofily, definitly out of character.
''Mi-chaan...I didn't knnoow that you likked to be oontop'' he said. My face became flustered, but I narrowed my eyes at him.
''Don't make me hurt you,'' I warned and he put a sexy smirk on his face.
''Youu're soo cccute whennn you're angryy,'' he said, my mouth was agape and my blush felt like would burn my face off, he used that opportunity to pin me back down. I looked up at him, I really felt like the rabbit here and he's the wolf.
''How mean, you always take advantage of me...'' I said, his face softened.
He bent down, closing the gap between us. I didn't have the power to push him off or even to stop him. I just looked up at him with soft, wavering eyes.
''Miyuki...'' he whispered, it was the first thing he said so far which didn't slur... My heart was beating so fast I thought it was going to burst. I had the energy to run away. Physically I had all the power in the world to push him off me...but emotionally I was too weak. My rational mind told me to run. My heart told me to stay where I am.
I didn't care that he may very well be acting on impulse, I didn't care that this was because of the alcohol, I didn't care that these may not be his true feelings. Why?
I looked at him as he came closer and closer to me, our eyes never wavering from each other's gaze. Why am I feeling this way?
My eyes soften further as it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Why I'm always so eager for him to be happy.
Why I'm so happy when he laughs and smiles.
Why I adore his smirks and pouts.
Why I always have him on my mind.
Why I take all his words so to heart.
Why I'm so jealous because of him.
Why I'm...enjoying this.
All these confusing questions...yet the answer was so painfully simple.
I was in love... with Hitsugaya Toshiro, Shinigami, Captain of the 10th Division. The stubborn, genius prodigy... whose lips were mere millimeters from my own.
''OH MY GOD, TAICHOU, MIYUKI-CHAN!!''
We both turned our heads to face the door where Rangiku stood, shocked beyond words.
''I didn't know you two went this far!'' She said, grinning from ear to ear. I blushed bright red and bashed Toshiro off me, making him sprawl out of the ground, unconscious. Rangiku paced over to me with a confused look.
''Whaddya do that for?'' she asked, seemingly disappointed that she didn't see anything more 'juicy'. I sat up and glared at her.
''You!'' I said, then pointed at Toshiro's unconscious form ''Were YOU responsible for this?!'' I asked, she laughed nervously.
''I just spiked his tea with a little sake...I didn't know that he was this bad at holding his liquor'' she answered meekly, becoming small under my furious aura.
''That's the only answer you have after I thought I was gonna get raped?!?!''
''But you enjoyed it...''
''MASTUMOTO!!!!''
''He was so grumpy and upset that you were ignoring him the whole time I just had to do something to loosen him up!'' she explained, clenching her eyes shut and using her arms as if to brace for impact.
I sighed. ''Go get some asprin for Toshiro, he's gonna have one heck of a hangover,'' I said as I stood up and walked over to the Taichou.
'' 'Aspirin'? What's that?'' she asked. I sighed and waved it away.
''Nan demo nai, nan demo nai (nothing, nothing)'' I said and looked at Rangiku again, ''Uh...a little help here?''
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Rangiku had helped me tuck Toshiro into bed, and I got a glass of water for him. The strawberry blonde had left after saying: ''You can moan as loud as you want when you two are making passionate love- The walls are very thick!'' I suppressed a blush when I remembered her words. I'm so going to get even with her...Seriously! That woman only has perverted thoughts in her head!
I then looked at Toshiro's sleeping face. I was mildly surprised at how defenceless he seemed. It's hard to believe what a seductive look he had a few minutes ago, yet now he looks...adorable. Before I knew it I was gently caressing his cheek and frowned when I realized that I wasn't able to feel his skin beneath my gloves.
I just sat there on the floor, next to his futon bed, softly stroking his face with my thumb.
Oh, crap, am I a sucker for falling this deep after just three months... I guess I have no right to call all my girlfriends from school wimps anymore, do I? He stirred, I withdrew my hand, and slowly his eyes opened. He blinked a few times as he saw me, sitting next to him.
''Miyuki...?'' he asked ''What am I doing in bed?'' I mentally sighed, in both relief and disappointment. He's sober.
''I found you passed out on your desk, and dragged you back here'' I answered ''You were drunk as hell'' I added. He looked at me with an panicked expression before he shot up in a sitting position.
''Uh,..I didn't say or d-d-do...anything, did I?!'' He asked, I could've sworn I saw him blushing. Oh shit, don't tell me he remembers...
''Yeah,'' I said, ''You said something''
''W-What did I say?!'' he asked.
'' 'I swear to drunk I'm not God' '' I said, he looked at me, wide-eyed.
''...Nothing else?''
''Nothing else.''
He sighed in relief, I grinned, now I shall have revenge for my sketch book.
''Why? Did you dream of doing naughty things with me?'' I asked in the exact same tone and attitude as he did when he asked me if I drew pictures of him nude. He blushed bright red with panic in his eyes, desperately trying to say something in denial, but his words kept dying in his throat. I arched a suggestive brow at him with half-lidded eyes as I fixed a smirk on my lips.
''So I guess I'm right?'' I asked, he glared at me, but his spine-shivering glare didn't turn out so threatening since he was so flustered. I laughed.
''Revenge's a bitch'' I said with a lecturing tone. ''I WILL find my sketch book, Toshiro, you can bet your Zanpakto on it''
He started to recover from his blush, giving me his annoyed look.
''That wasn't necessary, you know'' he said.
''Who said I did it out of necessity?'' I asked as I took the glass of water before handing it over to him. ''Here, it's not much, but it'll help.''
He took it and muttered a thanks before gulping the water down. I took the glass and laid it on the floor beside me.
''When your headaches clears, you'll be 100%- but that will take a while'' I said as I stood up ''Have a nice, long sleep...and grow while you're at it.''
''At least I'm taller than you!!'' he ranted.
''By and INCH'' I replied ''Hardly noticeable.''
''Noticeable enough for me to rub it into your face!'' he said, I shrugged as I turned around.
''Unlike a certain snowman I know, I act mature on this and accept the reality that I'm short'' I said casually as I started walking towards the bedroom door. I could hear his mutterings of him not being short, and that he just lives in a big world.
''Ja (c'ya)'' I said before sliding the door open.
''Oi...'' I halted and looked over my shoulder at him ''Nani? (what)''
He looked up at me from his sitting position, with an unsure look on his face.
''Will you now tell me why you've been ignoring me these past few days?'' he asked. I raised my eyebrows then sighed and turned to look ahead of me. I could feel his eyes boring two holes in the back of my head.
''...I already told you why and apologized, what more do you want?'' I answered softly. I could feel his eyes growing wider, then stepped out of the room and slid the door shut. Not feeling the need to give him any more of a hint.
----
The weeks passed by, and I was disappointed to find no records of my parents, so I gave up on searching. There was also a big commotion because some ryokas have intruded, and a Shinigami, Kuchiki Rukia, was to face execution.
I'd managed to keep Rangiku's mouth shut, and being especially persistent about her under NO circumstances tell Toshiro. He's got an indirect hint, he doesn't bloody well need a direct one for Pete's sake!
Once again I was on the couch, lying down while the Taichou and Fukutaichou, yes, fukutaichou, were doing paperwork. Rangiku wasalways whining and Toshiro getting annoyed and telling her to 'shut up or I'll freeze your ass'. After looking through documents for so many days, my eyes stung every time I read anything.
I snapped my eyes open when I heard an announcement.
''Hitsugaya-taichou and Higurashi Miyuki, you are to come to the 1st Division headquaters now to discuss the matter regarding the Kenja no Ishi. That is all.''
I sighed. Three months, old man, three months. I'm interested to see what you've come up in that time. I heard Toshiro standing up.
''You heard, Miyuki.'' he said, then turned to Rangiku ''And don't you even think about running off- there's no escape,'' he warned, pointing at the paperwork. I could see the tears flowing out Rangiku's eyes as I stood up.
''You're cruel, Toshiro,'' I said as we made our way to the 1st Division grounds.
''She deserves it,'' he said as we walked side-by-side. I chuckled lightly.
''Speaking of her deserving something, what did you do as a punishment for spiking your tea?'' I asked.
He smirked. ''Oh no, you didn't-'' I started, his smirk only widened.
''I can't believe that you froze all her sake! No wonder she's been so depressed!''
''Never mess with a taichou, and especially not a prodigy,'' he said with a satisfied grin on his face. I sighed while shaking my head, he laughed.
''I wonder if Yamamoto Soutaichou wants to execute me now, too,'' I said, ''What do you think he's found out?'' I looked over at Toshiro.
''I have no idea...'' he said with a worried expression. I gulped, so the Soutaichou is the ruthless kind of guy? Aw, crud.
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End of chappi!!!
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