Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bleach in any way! All copyrights of this series goes to Tite Kubo.

Author's Note: Well, here's another update from me! Yay! Special thanks goes to my supportive reviewers: King of Heroes, Lil'EyeCandy, serenity095 (x2), Samantha, Epoch95, Ai Angel, DestinedDuelist893, MoonLightView, icyangel27, Kaye. Shirogane, michiHitsugaya, Neko-cheung, j cloud xD, applestoapples, athfdrizzle, KnowledgeandImagination, chococat450, lil'sayuri-chan, and monkeywinz. They're greatly appreciated to the bottom of my heart. Anyway, it's time to get the storyline moving. Here is chapter seventeen of The Healing Heart. Enjoy!

LEGEND

"Talking."

The Healing Heart

Part II - Hardships and Love

Chapter Seventeen: Unpredictable

Momo scrambled throughout the house, frantically trying to get everything ready for their arrival. Because the winter exams are right around the corner, she and her friends have decided to meet for a group study session. "I have tea, coffee, cookies, and crackers," she said. "I hope they're enough for everyone to eat."

Suddenly, she heard the doorbell ring. The peach girl glanced at the alarm clock on her night table to check the time. She exclaimed, "Someone's already here and I haven't changed yet!"

Because her grandmother told her last night that she isn't going to be home for most of the day, she has to take care of all the house matters herself. Hinamori dash to her closet, picked out a few clothes, and quickly got changed into a pair of white jeans, a cyan coloured shirt, and a purple zipper hooded sweater on top. Then, she ran downstairs, through the kitchen, and in front of the door. After taking a few breaths, she regained her composure, unlocked, and opened it to see the white haired teenager standing on the other side.

Seeing him dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans held up by his blue silver belt and hooked light steel chain at the side, a dark blue sweater jacket worn over his black shirt, and a pair of black footwear, Momo found herself keeping her eyes fixated on him. Immediately, she mentally shook the thought out of her mind and greeted, "Hey Hitsugaya-kun, you're here early."

He didn't respond verbally. Instead, he gave her a stern look. After a few moments, he finally said, "Let me guess, you just woke up."

"Mou, do you always not greet your friends like that?" Momo pouted.

"No, I don't always do that. By the way, your hair doesn't appear in its usual condition than it is now. It's all messed up."

After placing a hand on her head, she gasped. Immediately, running deeper into the house, Hitsugaya stepped in and closed the door behind him. He soon found the peach girl standing in front of a nearby mirror in the hallway, looking at her reflection. "I can't believe it; I totally forgot about my hair!"

"There's still time to look nice," Toshiro replied as he is taking off his shoes.

Suddenly, Momo gave him a pout. "That still doesn't change the fact that someone has already seen me in this state."

When the sixteen year old teenager retreated to her bedroom upstairs, Hitsugaya let out a sigh of defeat. Being a boy, these are one of the things he may never understand about girls. With that in thought, he decided to wait for her in the living room.

By the time Hinamori came back with her hair tied up in a bun, she found her white haired friend lying on the couch with his legs up and his hands behind his neck. She asked, "W-What are you doing?"

"What does it look like? I'm taking a nap," Toshiro replied while he closed his eyes. "Wake me up when Abarai and Kira has arrived."

"Did you work again last night?"

"Yeah, but that's not the problem. The stupid neighbours were too noisy."

"Oh..." Once again, she is reminded of his hardships. In her mind, she imagined his neighbours to be having a drinking party while playing music from their stereos on full blast. Feeling the need to assist him, Momo suggested, "If you want, you could sleep in my room for a bit. Besides, it's more comfortable to sleep in a bed rather than the couch."

Toshiro opened his eyes to take a look at Momo. After thinking about it, he sat up and turned his body so that his feet are touching the floor. "Are you sure?"

She nodded with agreement. "It's totally fine; I don't mind at all."

At first, he wanted to protest. However, after considering his current health, he could use the rest. No thanks to work and annoying people living next door, he has not been getting enough sleep. He stood up from his seat. As he walked past her, Hitsugaya whispered, "Thanks...Hinamori."

Momo let out a smile, glad that she is able to help out. She then went back to the kitchen to finish making preparations for the arrival of the rest of her schoolmates.

"Ohayo Hinamori-kun," Kira greeted as he and Renji entered the household.

"Morning Kira-kun," Momo replied.

"Yo," Abarai said as he and Izuru are taking off their shoes.

Once they were done, they slowly made their way to the living room. The pale blond haired teenager said, "Thanks for letting us come over."

"Iie, it's really nothing," Hinamori replied.

Kira took a look at the watch on his wrist. "By now, study session for Matsumoto-san and Hisagi-san already started."

"Yeah, with Ichimaru-san helping them, they shouldn't have any problems."

They put their bags down aside and sat on the couch. "Hn, Hitsugaya's late."

Renji placed his hands behind his head. "Now that's a first."

"Actually, Hitsugaya-kun is already here," Momo corrected. "He's just taking a short nap in my room."

"A nap?" the red head asked, raising an eyebrow. "He shouldn't be doing that in other people's houses."

"Oh no, I don't mind."

Abarai then turned his attention to Izuru, mentally asking for his assistance. Kira faced Hinamori and said, "We completely understand that you want to help others, but...it worries us. If you keep doing these things to others, eventually there will be a time where someone could take advantage of your kindness."

Momo lowered her head. "I know, but Hitsugaya-kun is not like that. He'll never take advantage of me. You've seen how he's like after hanging out with us for about three months. He's not the type of person to do so!"

It is when she realized she just strongly defended for her former roommate from Seireitei Hospital.

She quickly apologized, "Sorry for yelling like that."

"It's alright for you to raise your voice at us. Besides, you know him better than any of us. As his friend, we shouldn't be questioning him."

"The thing is Hinamori," Renji said. "Hitsugaya appears to be...hiding something and we're worried that it might have something to do with you."

"Don't worry about it." Momo smiled. "It's not serious."

"So it does have to do something with you."

"I-I'm sorry...but I-I can't say anymore. Hopefully in the near future, I'll be able to tell you exactly what is going on."

Kira then sighed with defeat. For now, they will trust her and let the girl do whatever she wants. He said, "Alright then...we won't ask you anymore."

"Arigato Kira-kun, Abarai-kun..."

Renji scratched the side of his head. "But if things get any worse, you have to tell us, okay?"

She nodded with agreement. "Hai."

"Well, let's start studying then," Kira said.

"I'll go and wake Hitsugaya-kun up."

Before either teenager could say anything, the peach girl already left the living room and ran upstairs. "Hey Kira," Renji said. "Do you think the secret those two are hiding is that they're...you know dating?"

"Hinamori-kun dating Hitsugaya? I don't find it a far fetched idea, but...I don't think that's the case."

"What makes you so sure?"

"I guess...you could say it's a feeling."

Abarai folded his arms over his chest and gave him a stern look. "I think Rangiku-san has been rubbing too much on you lately."

It is Kira's turn to give him a strange look. "Well, I'm not the only one who has been influenced by her."

"Hitsugaya-kun, it's time to wake up." After feeling a short nudge on his side, he stirred in response. He tilted his head off to one side and opened his eyes to see the raven haired girl in his presence. "Hey, Abarai-kun and Kira-kun are here."

He groaned for a bit before slowly sitting up. Placing a hand over his mouth, he yawned. Using the same hand, he started rubbing the sleepiness from his eyes. "I'll be there."

With a short nod, Momo said, "I'll see you downstairs."

Soon after, Hinamori left the white haired teenager alone in the bedroom. Letting out a sigh, he stood up from his seat on the mattress and followed her to the living room. "Hey Hitsugaya," Kira greeted.

"Yo," Renji said.

Toshiro took a seat next to Momo. "Morning."

"Now that everyone's here, let's start studying," Hinamori said.

Without any warning, Hitsugaya's cell phone started ringing. Taking the electronic device from his pants pocket, he flipped it open to see the person who is calling him on the LCD screen. He then let out a defeated sigh. After pressing the talk button, he held it against his ear and answered the call, "What is it Matsumoto?"

"Ah Hitsugaya!" exclaimed the familiar voice of his former neighbour. "You have to save me!"

"There is no way I'm going to do that. Besides, I'm in the middle of a group study session with Hinamori, Abarai, and Kira."

"Bu-"

"Just deal with it; at least be thankful that Ichimaru is offering his help."

"He's nothing compared to you! That idiot is just plain strict. He has no mercy!"

"Stop complaining and get back to studying!" Toshiro commanded.

"You're so stingy!"

"Shut up..."

As Hitsugaya is on the phone, the others were quietly listening to the conversation. Kira let out a sigh while Renji merely shook his head. "It's probably Matsumoto-san on the other line," the pale blond haired teenager said.

"After hearing her loud voice on the phone, it's not a surprise," Abarai replied.

Momo slowly nodded with agreement. "Yeah..."

"Don't you dare hang up on me Hitsugaya!" Rangiku exclaimed.

"I have studying to do. So, leave us alone," Toshiro replied. "You can complain all you like after your study session with Ichimaru and Hisagi."

"Oi Hitsu-"

"Ja ne."

"Oi!"

Toshiro ended the conversation with a single press of a button. He let out a defeated sigh before closing his phone cap and stuffing it back into his pants pocket. "Sorry about that," he apologized. "It's only Matsumoto on the phone."

"It's alright," Izuru said.

"Now, let's start our studying session," Hinamori replied.

With nods of agreement from the other teenagers, they opened their books and began the group studying.

Arms were stretching up into the air as Renji, Kira, Hitsugaya, and Hinamori are finished their studying for the day. "Finally, we're done!" Abarai said. "I was beginning to wonder if it's ever going to end."

"After looking at our notes a few more times on our own, I think we're ready for the mid-terms," Izuru said.

"You got that right."

Renji took a cookie from the snack tray that Momo set up a while ago and ate it. The pale blond haired teenager did the same. "Thanks for the snacks Hinamori-kun."

"It's no problem," she replied.

Hitsugaya picked up his cup of green tea and took a sip from it. He watched the two males pack their belongings into their bags. "Both of us have to get going now," Kira said. "We've made arrangements with some of our other friends to hang out."

Momo nodded. "Okay, we'll see you later."

"After Renji draped his bag over his shoulder, he and Izuru stood up from their seats. At the same time, Hinamori and Hitsugaya did likewise. They headed toward the front entrance. While they are putting on their shoes, Renji asked Toshiro, "So, are you sticking around here longer?"

He merely shrugged his shoulders. "It's not like I have anywhere else to go after this."

"Okay, see you two," Kira said after opening the door.

"Later," Abarai said.

"Bye Kira-kun, Abarai-kun!" Hinamori said.

"Ja ne," Hitsugaya added.

Once they are gone, Momo closed the door and then turned to the white haired teenager. Once again, they are together and alone in the house. Retreating back to the living room, they began cleaning up all the snacks. "Thanks for helping me study for the exams."

"Thanks...I guess," he replied. "However, it really took a bit out of me to make you understand that last part of the mathematics review."

"If you were me, you would be confused too."

"Then, you should pay a little more attention next time," Hitsugaya commented.

"Mou..." Hinamori picked up the tray and left it on the kitchen counter in the next room. When she returned to the living room, she found the thirteen year old packing his books and writing utensils into his bag. "You're leaving already?"

"I'm going back to my place." Toshiro stood up and draped his bag over his right shoulder. "I seem to have forgotten to bring that notebook I borrowed from you the other day."

"In that case, I'll come with you," she said.

Hitsugaya wanted to say no to her, but there is no point trying to resist her any longer. She practically knows almost everything that has been going on in his current life. "Fine."

With a smile on her face, Momo let out a short cheer. Together, they headed to the front entrance. As he is putting on his shoes, Hinamori put on her outdoor jacket, white scarf, and mittens on. After putting on her shoes, the two friends left the residence and started walking to Hitsugaya's apartment.

"Don't expect too much from it," he said.

"I won't," Momo replied.

When they arrived at their destination, the first thing they heard is the loud sound of music being played from his neighbour. Toshiro let out a sigh of defeat. "That's what happens when you're living in a dump like this."

Taking the key out from his pocket, the white haired teenager put it into the doorknob and turned it. After the door is unlocked the two friends entered the place. He closed the door behind him. As he is taking off his footwear, Hinamori took a moment to look around. Despite him living with such a terrible neighbour, the place isn't so bad to live in at all. The room's fairly roomy while everything is tidy and clean. Just as she expected from the young prodigy, he has learned to take care of himself. "This place looks pretty nice," she commented.

"I guess so," Hitsugaya replied as he put on his slippers. "The landlady has been generous to let me live in this place."

"I see."

"Anyway, you can come in if you want."

With that said, Hitsugaya entered deeper into his home, eventually leaving Hinamori behind. Still curious about the environment her friend is currently living in, Momo took off her shoes and put on that extra pair of slippers that are left out from him. She walked through the hallway and into the small living room. Since it only has a low table, four seat cushions, and a small television, she found it to be simple. The raven haired girl sat down on one of the cushions and took a look at the kitchen. It had all the necessary things that one needed to make a meal including a rice cooker, a kettle, a frying pan, and a few other things.

Suddenly, she heard the sound of a slide door opening. Hinamori turned her attention to the side to see Hitsugaya step into the room and walk up to her. He extended his arm out, showing a green notebook he has in his hand. "Thanks again for letting me borrow it," Toshiro said.

After accepting his offer, Momo replied, "It's nothing; I'm glad I was able to help."

The white haired prodigy let out a faint smile. "Anyway, you should go home now before it starts getting dark outside."

Hinamori then nodded with agreement. "You're right; I should get going. If Obaa-san comes home and finds me not home, she's going to get worried about me."

After seeing him holding a hand out to her, the peach girl held onto it with her own. With some of his strength, he pulled her back up on her feet. Slowly, he led her to the front door.

"Take care of yourself, Hitsugaya-kun."

Toshiro replied, "Yeah, I will..."

Just as he is about to open the door for her, there was a knock. Wondering who it is, he placed his hand on the doorknob and turned it. Once he opened the door, Momo noticed a shocked expression immediately came into effect on his face. However, it soon changed into a dangerous look as if he's ready to murder someone. His eyes narrowed at the guest.

"What are you doing here?"

Japanese Word Translations

Ohayo - Good Morning, Iie - No, Arigato - Thank You, Hai - Yes, Ja ne - Good Bye (informal/casual)

Author's Note: O.O Who is at Toshiro's door? What will happen next? Gah, please review with your guesses and you may just earn yourself a nice and yummy HitsuHina cookie! Thanks.