Chapter Seven: An Artist's Challenge

It was game time and Toshiro Hitsugaya was not looking forward to it at all. He was still replaying that nightmare over and over again in his head. The sounds...the sight of her...those hands around his neck. He gently traced where she was chocking him at and shuddered, why was she like that? Was this the desired effect she wanted the viewer to have?

"Stupid nightmare juice." Hitsugaya muttered as he stepped onto the field. He knew of one way to make himself feel better and that was by beating this team and moving up in the polls.

The game didn't take long to start, but it was the finish he was after. He passed, he kicked, he stole, and he roared at his mates to cover certain players. It was going well, the team before them nowhere near their skill level, but something felt wrong to the small boy, and he found it.

In the bleachers there was a figure dressed in an old time kimono wearing an overly large straw hat. He only knew it was a female by the coloring of the formal wear, but he knew nothing more. Was she staring at him? Was she the cause of his discomfort? He shook off the eerie feelings and focused back on the game.

~ One Hour Later~

"We were awesome!" Ichigo shouted as he threw off his shirt.

"They had nothing on us! I like to think it was my amazing skills that pushed the team forward to victory." Renji snickered as he kicked off his shoes and leaned against the lockers.

"You tripped over your own feet, dumb ass!" Rukia laughed as she saw him blush and then growl at her.

"Captain? You seem to be very quiet. Something up?" Rangiku asked as she noticed the white haired boy rub the back of his neck in thought.

"Did you see someone odd in the bleachers during the game? Wearing an old time kimono and a large straw hat?" He asked as he cleared his throat. He sighed as he saw everyone shake their heads. "Anyway, we played a good game. Go home and get some sleep. We have practice during the weekend." Toshiro watched them all sigh, but leave without a word of complaint.

The small boy sighed as he removed his shirt and then his shorts and boxers. A good shower will help him relax and forget about all the stuff he was seeing. Making his way to the locker room showers, he thought he heard a gasp. He turned around to see nobody there, though he stood for a minute or two more scratching his chest to make sure no one would pop out and try to scare him.

-o-

Why is he just standing there?! Why doesn't he just walk off like a normal person would when they were stark naked like that?! WHY CAN'T I JUST CLOSE MY EYES?! Momo thought as she hide in an empty locker. She didn't come here to see him like this (though the sight was one to behold), but to slip a note of sorts into his locker and be done with it.

Hinamori gulped as he finally turned away and headed toward the showers. Her breath left her in one short puff as she forced it out of her lungs. He started all this with his stupid smug self! Telling her that he wanted to know who Tobiume was and that he was going to find out. Sure, he was joking and yeah, they were flirting a little, but a challenge is a challenge and she was not going to lose!

A minute passed before she decided it was safe enough to slip out of her hiding place, her large hat wedged into the tight space holding her back for a few clumsy moments before she was freed, and began to look for his name tag above the lockers. She smirked as she came across it, locked with a simple pad lock, and bent down to press her ear against the small device. She slowly turned the dial, listening for the clicks of the tumblers, and smirked as she found the right code. Locks as easy as these were no match for her, her survival skills she learned long ago made breaking into things very easy...though...if anyone found out about her skills, they might not want her to hold their wallets. Not that she would steal from them or anything she would just- never mind...it's not important.

Hinamori shook her head of her rambling thoughts before opening the lock and locker to stick in her note. She smiled as she closed the locker, but left the lock wide open for him to see- a trademark if you will. Like a shadow, she waited for her prize to come.

-o-

Toshiro sighed as the hot water rushed over his body, he needed a nice shower after the long day he's had - sneaking into Hinamori's sketch book to see that horrible image, then having a nightmare about it (which still freaked him out), then having to play a lousy game of soccer, and to top it all off that strange person in the bleachers. At least he was able to talk to Tobiume some today.

~ Flashback~

/Oh? A soccer player, are you? You don't seem like the typical jock to me./ Tobiume

/Nah, nothing about me is typical. That would just be boring, don't you think? What do you do besides art? Got any other hobbies?/ Hyorinmaru

/Well, I like to climb trees and dance a little. I work out some too, but I wouldn't say I'm athletic or anything. Are you interested in what typical artists do, Hyorinmaru?/ Tobiume

/ I didn't think you were a typical type of girl. So you dance, huh? How about we make a bet then? Prom is a good two months away. If I find out who you are before then, will you go to the prom with me?/ Hyorinmaru

/...*blushes* Not a typical way of asking someone on a date, Hyorinmaru./ Tobiume

/ * lightly kisses your hand* Is that a no?/ Hyorinmaru

/ * blushes deeper* ...I...I accept your challenge. However, if I find out who you are beforehand, what do I get?/ Tobiume

/ Well, how about...I let you steal a kiss from me. Blindfolded of course. ;P It could be at the soccer fields locker room so no one can see you either. Sound like a deal?/ Hyorinmaru

/ * Smirks at you* Deal./ Tobiume

~ End of Flashback~

Hitsugaya smirked as he replayed the memory over and over again. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out who she was, he was a genius after all and if he played his cards right, she could easily give herself away by trying to find him. It was a brilliant plan if he had to say so himself, and the reward would be just as sweet.

He turned off the water and wrapped his towel around his waist before stepping out into the locker room. The air was cold to his heated skin though the escaping steam licked at him from time to time, just enough to keep him warm. His eyes scanned the empty room before they widened at the sight of his locker. His lock was hanging open, but the locker closed.

Toshiro quickly made his way to the storage unit and opened it with caution. Everything seemed fine, his ipod and laptop were still there, but something was added. A small, folded up note and a...piece of cloth? He reached for the note and opened it. It was a picture of a beautifully drawn snow leopard done in black and white save for the sapphire eyes it wielded. He then noticed the beautiful writing at the bottom.

I found you, Hyorinmaru or should I say...Toshiro Hitsugaya? ;P Tobiume

Toshiro spun his head around to see if anyone was there before he gulped and nervously began to tie the silk cloth in front of his eyes. He let out a large huff of air before he spoke. "Okay...it's on." He waited for a few moments, his ears straining to hear any sound that would be approaching him, he heard none, but felt a soft hand gently glide across his tense shoulders. The sudden action caused him to jump and the delicate fingers pull away. It seemed that she was just as nervous as he was with this whole thing. "Aren't you going to talk?" He asked, but only felt her fingers began to play with his damp hair.

This was sheer torture! If she didn't do something- say something, he was going to lose it! His cheeks were on fire and his head was swimming ( due to lack of blood flow or nerves he couldn't tell). All he wanted was to go home and sleep, but now - ! Lips. Soft, feather light lips were gently pressing against his. His thoughts broken, his skin on fire, his heart racing...she was good at this! It was gentle and sweet and so addicting that he couldn't help but respond to her. It seemed she liked that too, for she now pressed against him more firmly and her fingers gripped his hair lightly.

His hands ached...how he wanted to touch her, press her against him and kiss her deeply, taste her like she had never been tasted before. Wait...there was no rule against touch. They had never spoken about it so...

She pulled back suddenly, more then likely startled when he wrapped his arms around her hips. He still held her though and he could feel the silk of her kimono, the warmth her body gave off. He wanted that warmth, since he now found himself so cold without her, but he didn't want to force her or scare her away, so he spoke softly to her. "You...you knew who I was before we even made the bet..." He wanted her to speak back, but he knew she wasn't stupid having proven that by shutting down his plan before it even really began. A gentle kiss was placed upon his neck, then on his cheek, then on his slightly swollen lips before she gently removed his hands and disappeared.

Toshiro sat there, his mind numb and his body shaking. He had never experinced anything like that before and was still so star struck by the whole deal. He could still feel her on his lips and fingertips, perhaps the lack of sight heightened his sense of touch, he could still feel how lean she was...how small she was. His tongue slowly dampened his lips, greedily searching for a trace of her sweet taste before it too, vanished. He pulled away the blindfold and stared at the floor, noticing that his body had reacted to her and hoping it was not that which caused her to leave so soon. He needed another shower...a cold one.

- Hinamori's House-

Momo replayed the kiss over and over again, her heart was thumping so fast she was afraid she would faint. And the sight of him! He was a master piece! A wonderful work of art made from flesh and blood that she got to experience first hand! The day just couldn't get any better. She sang out loud as she painted in her private studio, her voice clear and bursting from her in sheer joy.

It had been a good two hours before she decided to go check her account. Byakuya was to be sending his request to her soon so she wanted to monitor her mail box to make sure she received it in a timely manner, and a mail from Shiro-chan wouldn't hurt however. In fact, it seemed that she had one!

/ A sneaky way to steal a kiss from poor, defenseless me./ Hyorinmaru

/ You didn't look all that defenseless to me, Hitsugaya-kun, in fact...you look as though you could handle yourself well in a fight. ;P/ Tobiume

Momo snickered at her small jabs and his flirty pouts. Seemed like he didn't like being out-done in his own games. Well, she was an expert when it came to hiding and he was still a novice. If she thought about it, it did seem like she stole candy from a baby...or a kiss.

/ So, you won the overall bet, but I'm still looking for you. I have to know though...how did you find me? And breaking into the locker room and my locker? I had all those locked and only me and my manager know the codes./ Hyorinmaru

/ Oh? You didn't like me coming to see you? Well, maybe I'll give you a hint...next time you have a game and you're all alone. ;P Good night, Hitsugaya-kun/ Tobiume

Toshiro's House~~

That woman! She was...she was a seductress if he ever met one! Teasing and taunting him with the chance of another kiss! How he wanted to see her again, well see her period, and wrap his arms around her again. Now that he thought about it...she was very lean and small, so she had to be short. Did he know any short girls? Two, both which she could not be; Rukia would sooner die and it was far to clever (plus she would have spoken to him) and then there was Momo. She was too shy for such a bold act. It was as plain as that, the girl didn't even show people her artwork for goodness sake.

He logged off and went to over to his bed. He was going to sleep on it and hope that tomorrow wouldn't be so weird, but then again...it was a Friday and Fridays are always weird.

~ Literature Class~~

Hinamori sighed as she struggled to keep herself awake. She could hardly sleep last night due to a horrible headache brought on by her paints and their fumes. The texts in her book just seemed to be running across the pages in a mocking fashion as she tried to chase the laughing letters with her throbbing eyes. At least today she was able to put up another piece in the hall this morning. She glanced over to it, but her eyes lost what focused they had and her vision blurred. It seemed this was no headache, but a migraine.

Toshiro sighed as he noticed the beauty to be a bit flat today. He had an odd dream that he was chasing Tobiume, but when he caught her, she had turned into Hinamori. The idea was a pleasing one, but if it were true...then wouldn't she be happier, they did share a wonderful kiss the other day ( if she was indeed Tobiume), but she seemed...off while he was on cloud nine...was he a bad kisser?

"Class! I have a new idea for a great project!" Mr. Songston called out as he clapped his hands together.

"What about that report?" A student asked, others nodding in wonder.

"Drop it. Now, I want you all to pair up into a group of two and make me something that screams 'romance'! You all have to do equal parts and I don't care about how bad it looks so no worries!"

"The hell!? What does that have to do with literature?!" Another student bellowed as he stood up from his desk. "You just want something to give to a girl without paying for it!"

"That's not true." Mr. Songston pouted as he crossed his arms. "I wouldn't trust any of you to make me something of such importance, however, it does have a connection to literature." He smirked as he watched everyone's eyes widen. "Remember how I said art is the most basic way to describe something? Well, now I want you all to describe a word and then we shall see how different everyone's take on that one word is. I could have you all write an essay about it, make you all type out thousand of words to tell me how you feel about it. Want that assignment instead?" He smirked as everyone vigorously shook their heads. "That's what I thought. You have the rest of the class to find a partner and work on an idea!"

Students swarmed to friends and girls's begged for Hitsugaya to choose them as a partner, swearing their undying love to the boy, but he already had plans. He turned them down, swimming through a sea of whining females in search of that one he truly wanted; Hinamori. He was relived to find her in her seat, head down and eyes closed but more importantly, alone. He shook her shoulder and smirked at her when she glanced up at him.

"Wanna work together?" He asked, but snorted when she just rubbed her eyes and yawned. "You were asleep through the whole thing, weren't you?"

"I'm afraid so, Shiro-chan. What is our assignment now? Wasn't it an essay?" She asked as sat up and scratched her cheek.

"You're hopeless. You better pair up with me so you don't fall behind." He snorted, avoiding her direct question in case she out right refused him. Thankfully, she was too tired to ask further and agreed to be his partner. It was a grave mistake on her part.

They walked out of class, side by side as they headed for the art room. Toshiro pointed out the newest piece of work on the wall to the sleepy girl. It was of a woman, but she was not like that of a human, it seemed as though she was made of the very Earth herself. Her hair was made of what seemed like spun gold with many different colorful flowers sprouting from it. The dress was formed by vines and branches which seem to climb up her slim body like fingers. She was walking to a running creek which later ran into a small pond.

Toshiro was stunned by the vibrant colors, never seeing them so bright before. He turned to Momo and pointed to it again. "What did see do to make them so vivid?"

Hinamori yawned again before she answered him. "Pastels. Pastels are really nothing more then pigment and a small amount of binder, that's why the colors are so pure."

Toshiro nodded as he thought of something. Wasn't Hinamori using this 'pastels' just a short time ago? Then this picture shows up using the same material? He eyes her hands then the piece before he pulled her along to class before the bell rung.

"Hey you two! I already turned your piece into the teacher, Toshiro...since you left it in my care." Rangiku smiled as she saw the young boy growl.

"You took it from me, there's a difference." He spat as he then noticed the small table and some small stools. "These for us?"

"Yeah. The teacher said it was bad for our backs to be sitting on the floor so she moved this table in here for us." Ichigo wobbled in his seat before he sighed. "To bad she couldn't get us better chairs though."

Momo and Toshiro both sat down, Hinamori burying her hand in her arms as soon as she could. She could feel someone poke her arm, but she didn't care. The sun light and all the noise was killing her and all she wanted to do was hide in a dark room and sleep.

"Uh, oh, Momo's got a headache." Renji sighed as he gave up poking the girl. "She'll eat you if you bother her too much." He warned Hitsugaya. "Last time she had one, I didn't let her sleep and she glared at me before she had me in some arm lock and made me beg for mercy."

"I still have that on my phone! Wanna see?" Rukia snickered as she had everyone gather around her.

~ Video~~~~~

Renji, Rangiku, Ichigo, Rukia, and Momo were in the back of the class goofing around, well, except for Momo who was hiding her face in her arms.

"Hey, Momo! What are you doing in there? Hiding in the sand?" Renji laughed as he poked the small girl. "Come on and have some fun with us! You know you want to."

"I got a headache, Renji." Was the muffled reply of Hinamori.

"So?"

"I think that means 'No.' Don't bother her." Rukia sighed as she punched the hyper male in the shoulder.

"Ahhh! You know the best way to cure a headache, don't ya? It's with sex, but you can also just clown around! Come on, Hina-chan!" Renji pestered, poking her all the while.

" Sex? Really? Is that true?" Ichigo asked, looking toward Rangiku.

"Don't ask me, you idiot! I wouldn't know! Just because all the guys want me doesn't mean I sleep around. I have my check list to go by." Matsumoto humphed as she crossed her arms.

Renji continued to poke Momo until she slowly lifted her head up, her eyes burning with anger. Renji just smiled and went to poke her again, but in a flash his arm was captured. He was forced to his knees as she held it out straight, one hand gripping his wrist pulling up while the other was on his elbow pushing down. He had never felt a pain like this before and it was all he could do to manage a small cry out of his lungs.

"Beg."

"Wh-what?!" Renji asked before more pressure was applied to his arm.

"Beg for me to let you go." Momo snarled, her eyes blazing as she head pounded. The others sat there shocked and to be truly honest, too scared to help pull her off him.

"Like I'd do that!-! I'm Sorry! Let go please! I'm SORRY!" Renji whined before she loosened her grip and held her head in her hands. Renji rubbed his arm and went to yell at her when he noticed how much pain she was in. He threw her over his shoulder and then the video cut out.

~ Video End~~~~~~~~~

"What happened after that?! Why did you carry her?!" Toshiro asked, but was quickly hushed. He followed Rangiku's finger to the stirring girl before he got the message.

"We took her to the school clinic. Apparently she was having a sever migraine that day and was in a lot of pain. The nurse said that everything hurts: lights, sounds, moving, everything. Seems like she's having one today." Renji explained.

Rangiku then leaned over to him with a wicked smirk on her lips. It was the kind of smirk one gets when they think of something equally wicked. "Why not rub her shoulders some? Ease some of that pain, Toshiro?"

"Wha-what? You...you can't be serious...oh God, you are." The white haired boy gulped as she pushed him closer to the slumbering girl.

"Yep, and while you do that, we'll go get some aspirin from the nurses office!" Rangiku quickly shoved the other teens out before Hitsugaya could object to the horrible idea.

His eyes laid upon the small girl. He gulped, but slowly stood up and walked behind her, hoping he wasn't going to be placed in a hold like Renji was.