Chapter Four: Lost and Found

Toshiro sat in literature class staring at the thick book in front of him with disdain. Waking up early in the morning and listening to a teacher who just rattles on and on about how this work would influence their lives was a drag; especially when he would stop suddenly and start talking about his date last night with some new girl he was 'head-over-heels' with.

"...And look at that new painting over there! See it, Class? That is love right there if I ever seen it! The movement, the lines, the very colors all express my Heart's desires! Poetry, that is! Emotion captured in the most basic of ways!" Mr. Songston sang out loud.

Toshiro looked across the hall and was amazed to see another painting where Tobiume's was just the other day. He didn't see anyone change it, so when did it happen? Did she take so much care in hiding her identity that she came before anyone else could see? If so, then why?

"It looks like another work by that Tobiume. Wonder why they won't show themselves or use their real name?"

"Don't you know? She's on Deviantart too and makes a lot of money selling her pieces! Probably doesn't want people like us to beg her for free works or money."

"Now, class." Mr. Songston cleared his throat as he gathered everyone's attention. "Maybe they don't want to here all your negative comments. Just because she can make things others want doesn't make them a snob or beneath you. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there like that, after all."

"Why?"

Everyone turned to stare at the owner of that question, like it was an unspoken law not to ask such a thing. He didn't mean for it to come out the way it did though, so maybe that was why everyone was staring at him.

"Well, Toshiro...You heard all the things that was just said right? Can you imagine having that said to your face? Imagine people hating you for a talent instead of getting to know you? Many authors and artist have to deal with that sort of thing all the time! It takes courage to be yourself and show the world your colors...at least that's what I say on the matter anyway." He smiled as he clapped his hands together. "Which brings me to your assignment! I want you to write an essay about something that inspires you! It must be two thousand words and I don't want a whole bunch of filler! You have until Monday! Good luck!" He called out as the bell rung.

Toshiro sighed as he made his way over to the new painting that hung on the hall. He grumbled as he stared at the thing, trying to find ways to blame the artwork for his dismay, but found that he simply couldn't.

It was a beautiful scene of flowers that ranged from all sorts of colors and heights; making some appear as they were floating. The further his eyes traveled up the canvas, the more the flowers changed and began to become more surreal, it appeared as they were moving and forming some sort of structure; a bridge maybe. What was it supposed to mean? What could of inspired her to do this? Who was she... this beautiful creature which hide behind the canvas?

"Staring again, I see."

"Matsumoto..." Toshiro snorted as he turned to she her grinning face. "What do you want?"

"For your information, I'm going to class, the same place you should be heading to." She puffed as she glanced at the oil painting. "For someone who doesn't like art so much, you seem to like staring at her artwork."

He snorted before he turned his head to hide his upcoming blush. "I...I talk to her online."

"WHAT?! REALLY?! Who is she, do you know? Wait...is that a blush? You're blushing!" Rangiku gasped as she jumped up and down in sheer joy.

"It's not a blush and no I don't know who she is yet!" The small boy barked at the happy girl. "We...we just talk is all. I ask her questions and stuff."

~ Flashback~~

/A snow leopard, huh? They are very beautiful creatures, but I assume that's not what draws you to them since you're a boy. What makes you like them more then any other creature?/ Tobiume.

/I guess...They just caught my eye, I don't know. I guess maybe because it has white fur like me and it likes the cold like me./ Hyorinmaru.

/I see. A Winter man are you? Well, is there anything else that you like about it besides its looks? Something deeper?/ Tobiume.

/...How it moves. I like how it stalks stuff and how it doesn't need others to survive in such a harsh climate./ Hyorinmaru.

/XD that's it! Right there! You are inspired by its strength and grace! See? Not so hard, huh? Anyway, how are you today? If we're going to talk we might as well be friendly! ;P/ Tobiume.

End of Flashback~

"Even though you guys are just talking, I assume you are starting to like her due to that blush you're still wearing."Rangiku pointed out with a sly grin on her lips. "Don't worry, Toshiro...everyone starts somewhere."

-o-

Momo hummed to herself as she worked furiously on her new piece. She was so happy and inspired by last nights event that she could barely contain herself. Who knew he was such a sweet guy deep down?

/You watch the sunset too? I thought I was really the only one nowadays. It just seems like people are too focused on other things to notice it./ Tobiume

/It's a beautiful sight. Nothing better then watching it with a big watermelon! I haven't told you about what I'm doing in art class, have I? I'm drawing a snow leopard, if you can believe it or not. A girl named Momo Hinamori is helping me. Do you know her?/ Hyorinmaru.

/No, afraid I don't. Good to hear you drawing something you like! It'll help you get better. So, is this girl nice to you? I know some artists can be a little snobby, so if she's mean you can always ask me! XD/ Tobiume.

/No, she's very nice to me about it. I will still accept your help, though! She never shows anyone her work so I don't know how good she really is, but I can see yours. You are very good! ;P/ Hyorinmaru.

Hinamori sighed happily as she remembered him calling her nice. It was still too early to really know for sure, but she felt attracted to him, even if she had to hide behind a computer screen to really speak to him.If only he knew she was Tobiume.

She shook her head of the fuzzy feeling and got back to work, she only had a few more minutes before she wanted to go out there and visit her friends. A loud knock shocked her from her train of thought. She quickly moved to open the door and gulped when she saw everyone standing there looking at her.

"Hel...Hello?"

"You're here already? What about your first class?" Renji gawked at the chalk-covered female in front of him. "And you're a mess! What are you using in there anyway?"

" I'm ahead in my class so he allows me to come here as long as I don't slip and come in once in a while." Momo took a small glance back at her work before she blushed. "And I'm using pastels."

"Can we see? Come on, please!" Rukia begged as she tried to push her way past the shy friend, but found that she was stronger then she looked. "Wow! You work out or what?"

"I used to take self-defense classes...remember?" Hinamori giggled as the friend just face palmed herself. "Even though that was years ago, I still train a bit."

"I didn't know that!" Ichigo pouted. "If you needed some muscle, you could have just asked me!"

Momo just giggled as she closed the door and locked it behind her before she clapped her hands together. "Alright now, let's get you guys started today, huh? If all goes well, you guys might finish today!"

"Huh? Really? But the teacher gave us til the end of this week to do it. How can we finish today?" Rangiku asked as she pointed to her work in progress.

"You guys already did the hardest part! Finding a reference and drawing a basic skeleton is tough and takes longer, but in the end, it speeds things up and helps prevent mistakes further down the road. Without that skeleton, you could spend hours trying to finish a mistake only to make it worse." Hinamori hummed as she washed her hands. "You could finish your line art today and maybe start color tomorrow."

"I can't wait to start color!" Rukia laughed as she danced around the room.

A yawn escaped the young girl as she tried to teach Renji that the color white may not have any colors, but reflected them instead.She was starting to get a headache when an idea hit her. "Just look at Shiro-chan's hair! See how it has different colors in it even though it's white?"

"Will you stop calling me that?!" Toshiro roared as he glared at her, or at least tried to. The more he sees her, the more he found himself attracted to the sweet girl, maybe because she was so kind to him even though he was so mean?

"Maybe next time, Hitsugaya-kun!" She giggled then peered over to see his work. "Hey! That looks really good!"

Toshiro blinked before he peered down at his work. He did have to admit... it was much better then what he normally does. He felt pride swell up in his chest and he couldn't help but smile at her. "Thanks. I...like it so far."

Hinamori, has well as everyone else, was shocked to see such a smile come from such a stoic boy. She couldn't help but smile back at him with a small giggle as her reply. She felt warm and happy after seeing his smile, but if it was because he was so happy with himself or that he was smiling at her, she didn't know.

It was a happy atmosphere as they worked on their pieces while still talking here and there. Toshiro nagged on Ichigo and Renji to train more for soccer and Rangiku and Rukia whined at Momo to dress cuter. They chatted and goofed around until it was time for the next class. Momo was first to leave, but as she left, she dropped a folded up piece of paper. Toshiro knew what it was instantly and quickly snatched it before anyone noticed.

It was her math test from the day before, he could tell by the type of paper and the red ink that marked it. He looked around to check to see if anyone was watching him before he opened the sheet. His eyes widened at the sight. The girl had barely managed a score on the entire thing but, she seemed to be close to solving the questions correctly on most, others it was wrong because she mixed up the two formulas.

Momo Hinamori wasn't as dumb as he thought she was...she was just lost...like him.