Chapter Five: The Color of Hope

Toshiro sighed as he placed his pencil beside his finished worksheet and glanced around the room to see everyone still working. His eyes stayed locked on a single student, pencil between her full lips and eyes clearly focused on the task before her. He thought that maybe working on his own worksheet would keep him busy enough to where he wouldn't have to think of her, but...

His heart began to beat faster and faster the more he watched her struggle. Why wasn't she just giving up if this was too hard for her? Why put up with the headache? Why was nobody helping her when it was so plainly clear that she was struggling? Hitsugaya clenched his teeth together as he thought about it, thought about her, the sheer effort she put into everything and she wasn't going anywhere.

Toshiro grabbed his belongings and made his way over to her, sitting beside the still working girl. The fact that she didn't notice and everyone else did made him chuckle; which startled the young artist. "Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you, Hinamori." The blush she tried to hide made his palms sweaty and his nerves quiver. "I thought maybe you would like some help, if not some company."

"I...I don't want to be a bother to you, Hitsugaya-kun. I'm not very good company right now." She whispered to him, keeping her head down and eyes locked on the paper in front of her. Feeling him scoot the desk so it was against hers and him leaning over beside her made her blush more before she dared to look him in the eyes. Those eyes sparkled with caring and kindness that she had never before seen, well maybe once from Byakuya when he found her crying about her mother, but this was a tad...different?

"Let's just say I'm returning the favor then, huh?" He chuckled as he took a look at her work and smiled. She was always so close...all she needed was a small push.

He guided her step by step, told her small jokes or clever ways to remembering each problem formula and when to apply it. He would simply point out mistakes and then tell why she may have made the mistake. To say she was taken aback by this show of kindness was an understatement, but she was so happy that he came to help, maybe she could approach him more often?

"Thank you, Shiro-chan." Momo whispered to him.

Toshiro just smirked and whispered. "No problem, Bed-wetter Momo."

-o-

Momo Hinamori smiled as she walked home from school, her spirit lifted and soaring around her like an albatross around a boat. Her smile was bright and wide and her eyes shined like beautiful gems as she looked up at her home. She stepped up on to her porch had went to turn the handle when the door suddenly opened on its own. There stood Byakuya Kuchiki in her doorway, his gaze stern and commanding. She was shocked to see him there, for he was to be on a business trip and not due home for some time.

"Bya-Byakuya, Sir?"

"We need to talk, Momo."

They both entered the house and sat facing one another in the living room. One was calm and collected, the other sweating bullets and praying she wouldn't throw up. "I have received reports about your math grades and-!"

"I'm so sorry, Byakuya! I'm trying I swear! I'm not slacking off or not paying attention, please don't kick me out!" Hinamori begged as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I just have so much on my plate and I can't drop any of my classes or I would but-!"

"Hina-chan...it's alright." Kuchiki sighed as he reached over and patted her knee. "I'm just concerned for you, was all. I trust you, that is why I do not have servants here to watch over you." He smiled at the sniffling girl, then sighed. "Now, what was this about kicking you out? Don't tell me you took that small joke as a threat."

"'Joke'?" She asked.

"...I'm...not very good at them, am I?" He rubbed his chin in thought as he made a note to try reading that joke book Rukia bought for him years ago. "Anyhow, I think we have something else to speak about, as well. That locked door down the hall...what's in it?"

Hinamori froze, her heart was either pounding so fast it was numb or it had stopped on her- she just couldn't tell. He had found her gallery, it seemed, and now he wished to know its contents. This wouldn't be a problem, however, it turned out that Byakuya Kuchiki was a very big fan of Tobiume's work and bought her pieces regularly. Momo hadn't the heart to keep his money, so she had set it aside from all her other savings so she may one day return it to him. Looks like it was going to be now rather then later. "Ahem...Its..."

"No need to explain...I already picked the lock so I know what is inside that room." He glanced down at the stunned girl and just smiled. "You have a great talent, Tobiume."

Hinamori quickly lifted up a cushion on her couch and pulled out an envelope full of money and shoved it into Byakuya's large hands. "I swear I was going to pay you back! I was going to try and sneak it into your wallet or bank account but you monitor those like a hawk!"

Byakuya sweat dropped as he sighed. "Yes, well, with a sibling like Rukia you learn to overlook such things." He gently handed the money back to the girl. "I already knew that you were Tobiume, Hinamori, you always did have the most beautiful cursive writing I have ever seen. I must say, I'm a huge fan of your work and would love it if you would make me a request piece, so I may hang it in my office."

Momo smiled as she happily nodded, then a thought hit her. "Wait a minute...you picked my lock?"

"Yes, it was quite easy to do in fact. Why?"

"I thought rich people didn't know how to pick locks!" Momo gawked.

"Well, I do have some tricks up my sleeve, Hinamori."

-o-

Toshiro panted as he wiped the sweat off of his brow. Soccer practice was finally over and he was beat. Everyone seemed to be in tip-top shape for their game tomorrow and he couldn't be happier, well, if they won he'd be happier but that would have to wait. A flash caught his attention and he turned his head to see Rukia's older brother drive up in his black limousine; wiggling his finger as a signal for him to come here. He did as told and stood at the side of the car, waiting for the man to speak.

"Toshiro Hitsugaya, I have a proposal for you. I am overseeing a peer of yours, Momo Hinamori, and I have come to notice she is falling behind in math. I was going to hire her a professor to tutor her but she spoke very highly of you; said you helped her today and she didn't feel stupid or uncomfortable around you. She didn't ask me to, but I wish to purchase your services. I'll pay you fifty dollars a session and if her grade improves I'll up your pay to hundred and fifty. Do we have a deal?"

Toshiro was shocked by the offer, but could not find the power to refuse it. "Alright, but I have some questions first."

The door of the car opened suddenly. "Get in."

Toshiro did as told and closed the door behind him. "How are you connected to Hinamori?"

"That is none of your concern."

Toshiro snorted as he looked out the window to keep himself from pulling his hair out. Was she a relative to him or what? Rukia never mentioned anything like that to him or the others. So how did he know Hinamori and her problem with math? What the most important thing...what did she say about him? "Does she know that you were going to hire a tutor?"

"We discussed it, her being totally against the idea. You see, she's very shy around those she doesn't know or she does not trust. When she spoke of you today, she seemed happy so I took it upon myself to hire you for her." Byakuya cleared his throat before he continued. "Be mindful that if she wishes you to leave or to obey an order you must do so and also be aware that she is quite capable of defending herself so I do hope you don't try to force yourself upon her; though I highly doubt you would do such a thing since Rukia tells me you can be very standoffish."

"Wha-!? I'd never do such a thing! I...I just met her a few days ago!" Toshiro spat out in alarm and disgust, earning a chuckle from the noble man.

"It does not take love very long to start working, Hitsugaya. Remember that."

The stopped in front of a small house that Toshiro couldn't recognize. It was plain but well kept with two small flower beds on either side of a clean porch. A single chair stood on the platform and looked out into the side yard were a single large oak tree stood. "This is the home of Hinamori. Treat her nicely, Hitsugaya...she's worth the wait."

Toshiro stepped out of the car and watched it drive off. What did he mean by that? What was he waiting for? Her? That didn't seem to make any sense. He shook the thoughts away and walked up onto the porch and knocked on the door, what greeted him made his heart stop beating.

There stood Momo Hinamori, but not like he had ever seen her before. She wore a cut tee shirt that revealed her tone, fit stomach but it hung loosely on her chest. Her hair was put up in a pony tail, showing her flawless face and those great, big eyes of hers. His eyes traveled down to her long, shapely legs that seemed to boast strength and flexibility. He noticed the thin beads of sweat slowly make it's way down of her body before he gulped and met her eyes once more.

"Shiro-chan?! Wha-what are you d-doing here?" She stuttered as she stepped aside to allow him entry. She was shocked beyond belief to see him here...and to see her like this?! In the middle of her workout session none the less!

"I uh...I was dropped off here by Rukia's brother. He hired me to tutor you so...here I am." He cleared his throat as he tried to look anywhere but her. He has never felt so nervous before, never so...normal and average compared to another.

"I knew it...I wish he would just listen to me for once." Momo sighed as she rubbed her eyes in annoyance. "I'm sorry he roped you into this, Hitsugaya-kun. You don't have to tutor me at home, I'm sure today was enough of a headache for you anyhow."

"N-no! I...I want to help you." He was speaking without thinking now, something he rarely does. "He doesn't need to pay me either. I...I had a nice time with you today so...yeah."

Momo stared wide eyed at the blushing boy that seemed to sway in place to try and calm his nerves. She smiled at him before she led him to her living room and told him to sit; that she would bring him some water or tea if he preferred. She didn't know if she skipped to her kitchen or floated there, though the reason was far more important then the how. She was happy to have Shiro-chan with her, but even more so when he said he had a good time helping her today! The clouds magically seemed to part right above her head. She made him a glass of water to drink and walked back into the living room. She giggled as she saw him look around the room in wonder.

Hitsugaya turned his head to see her giggling at him. The sound was light and bubbly, making him feel at ease more then embarrassed. He found himself liking the sound as he chuckled too. If only she would open up to him, but how can she do that if he was still so closed?