Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
A/N: I kinda changed Kira's approach on Hinamori. They were in the Academy together so they are comfortable around each other. Conversation-wise. Please, please, please review.
Chapter 18
Wings
The engagement party was coming near its end when captain Kyouraku drunkenly stumbled around the place looking for his "Nanao-san". Who probably left the party already once the sake toasting begun; adamant to take Yachiru home so that the underage fukutaicho doesn't partake in these 'adult' gatherings.
The toasting had increased twicefold when Rangiku announced that the wedding will be in three weeks.
Kenpachi, Ikkaku, Iba and Renji were in a deep conversation about their bloodiest fights. Yumichika edging slowly away as he was trying to eat and not vomit at the same time. Meanwhile Hisagi and Matsumoto still trying to outdrink each other.
"Joo know, Matsumoto-shan, joo know how I know when I'm...hic...drunk?"
"Mm? How, Hisagi-kun?"
"When I ...hic... start sheeing things with both my eyesh!" He indicated his ears, when he referred to the said facial features.
And a slightly sober Ukitake was talking to Toushiro, "You think about growing your hair Hitsugaya-taicho? Although your hair looks like it would be hard to manage. It's the same color as mine, but the texture is much too different..."
Toushiro's trapped expression showed that he didn't know how they got into this topic in the first place, nor does he want to rudely just walk away in case he offends the amiable captain of the 13th division. A vein invisibly appearing on the back of his head as he continued to listen.
Everyone else had left the party. It is afterall, already one in the morning...
Momo was sitting outside the veranda, looking out her garden. My beautiful garden.
She tucked a wisp of her now loose hair behind her ear, and smiled to herself.
"What's so funny, Hinamori-san?" Kira sat down next to her, holding an extra steaming cup of tea and handed it to her. His hands hidden underneath his cloak.
"Kira-kun! Thank you...I thought you left...or already faced down somewhere." She giggled while she took a sip of her tea.
"I did drink, just not so much. I gotta haul Hisagi and help Ukitake-taicho with Kyourako-taicho. He's plastered."
She laughed. "Rangiku-san threw a great party, ne? She's amazing."
"Hm." They were silent while they gazed at the luminous moon.
"You think we're going to be alright, Kira-kun...when they return?" Referring to their former captains.
"Why are you worrying about such things Hinamori-san? You're getting married in three weeks..." Three weeks. He somberly smiled.
"The more I worry about it..." she turned around, glancing through the open doors searching for Toushiro, "I now have so much more to lose. I can't have it taken away." Momo sighed, troubled as she glanced back at the moon.
Kira nudged her shoulders to shake off the serious topic. She nudged him back.
"I wish you would hurry up and find someone Kira-kun, make you smile once in a while..."
"I'm too serious, they say."
"And Toushiro isn't?" Momo snorted.
That's the thing. She's already taken, and I never had a chance.
He smiled. "I loosen up when I have a drink or two...but seriously, it's been so tense around here that we all deserve to have a celebration. Especially you, Hinamori-san. We were so close to losing you."
"Not just me Kira-kun, everyone else. Rukia-san...what she must have been through! Ugh...I never got to thank Kurosaki-kun for his help. You and Rangiku-san, betrayed by Gin. Komamura-taicho and Hisagi-kun..." Her tears are flowing freely now.
"Hinamori-san. Please stop. See what happens? Look forward. Remember why we were all here today."
Baka Izuru, making her cry like this. He was about to place his arms around her shoulders but stopped...not taking the chance to even touch her.
She laughed and wiped her tears. "Damn...I've been so emotional lately. Sorry, maybe because I'm just so...happy." She grinned.
"Momo..."
They both looked up to see Hitsugaya leaning on the doorframe with his arms crossed. Looking calm. Probably heard the whole conversation too.
"Yes, Shiro-chan?"
"Come inside, it's cold."
Kira stood up. "I think Kyourako-taicho is about ready to keel over. I have to go now. Congratulations again, Hinamori-san. Hitsugaya-taicho. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Kira-kun."
"Thank you for coming, Kira."
Toushiro held out his hand so she can use it to stand. "Whoa..." Her legs were a little wobbly from sitting too long and she stumbled. He caught her.
"I didn't see you drink tonight. So you're just being plain clumsy."
"Or I just wanted an excuse to be held like this, did you think of that tensai?" Hitsugaya kissed her nose, and wiped the remnants of her dried tears as she stifled a yawn.
"Let's get you home, baka."
He watched her give Matsumoto a big hug. They were beaming into each others' eyes.
"You know I love you right, Hina-chan? So don't worry about it. Three weeks is plenty of time."
On the verge of tears again, Hinamori nodded. "Thank you, Rangiku-san. Thank you."
On their way out Hitsugaya reminded, "Matsumoto, I'm going to be late coming in tomorrow. This place must be clean by then."
"Yes, taicho." Rangiku said, yawning. Already planning to have the lower seated officers earn their keep.
... ... ...
The weekend was a blur! Toushiro wanted to spend as much time together. Almost like he knew that they won't be seeing each other as much once the new week started. He was hardly in the office while Hinamori was so busy trying to help Rangiku.
This might be the only time that Matsumoto was ever excused for not being at her desk for a whole week, and maybe until the wedding. Meanwhile Momo was seen mostly at the 10th division office, productively helping with the paperwork. Even bringing some friends to help.
Rukia was now propped up on the office couch along with Isane, finishing the last of the envelopes for the wedding invitations.
"I can't tell you how much this means to Toushiro and I. Thank you, again." Momo said before she opened Yamamoto-soutaicho's congratulatory card, honoring them his blessing.
"Hinamori-san. You can't possibly imagine how glad we are to be a part of this. It's the first wedding I've ever been to!" Rukia beamed.
"But are you sure to have Yachiru-chan deliver these, Hinamori-san?" Isane asked.
She laughed. "Yes, Isane-san. And besides, everyone who was invited already knows where and when it's going to be."
"But these things are so beautiful just so they could get lost! " Referring to the dark blue cards with elegant cursive gold lettering.
Yachiru's head peeked in, "Hello everyone!"
"Thank you...see? She's already here!"
... ... ...
"Ohayo. Hitsugaya-fukutaicho." Toushiro said with a smirk, holding her chin as he leaned to capture her lips, lingering before their lips parted to savor it some more.
"Ohayo, Shiro-chan." She whispered. They were in their secluded training grounds. Not even aware - -nor did they really care - -that Akihiro witnessed their display of affection.
"I barely saw you all week...this is the only time we see each other." She pouted. Even their sleepovers had been put on hold.
"I know, it's just been so hectic. They're having me do research along with Ukitake and Kyourako. Sorry." He didn't want to worry her with the facts of what they're finding out. About Aizen's true motive. Not yet.
"It's fine. I tried doing most of the paperwork as much as I can, hope it helps."
She noticed the dark circles under his eyes. It must be pretty serious, what they have him doing.
"Are you ready to start?" He asked.
And he's trying to avoid me asking about it. Aizen...is closing in.
"He's getting close isn't he, Shiro-chan?" Her voice cracked.
"Shhh...Hinamori, no he's not. You think I won't tell you if he is?" Immediately trying to calm her, holding her distraught face.
That sobered her up. "No, of course not. I'm sorry, I overreacted." She said and turned to slowly walk thirty feet away.
It reminded her why she was here in the first place. To become stronger so she can protect what she holds close to her heart. Strengthening her resolve even more.
"I'm ready now, Toushiro. Let's start."
Hitsugaya felt her pressure getting heavier, faster and stronger. It felt...familiar. She flipped high up in the air before clashing her katana against his. He had to dig his toes on the snow-laid ground so that he won't slide back.
An hour later, the sound of their swords clashing was still relentless. It was too difficult to follow their moves. Her fireball would disintegrate a boulder once in a while, or it would crack to little frozen pieces. The only other indication that they are dodging each other's attacks.
Hinamori skidded back from one of his powerful blows that she blocked. But suddenly dropped down on her knees as they buckled. Her head was down and eyes closed; she was hyperventilating. While Tobiume was still tightly grasped in her hands, her tip was touching the ground. Her reiatsu enveloping her in its orange-red glow; although a bit of a darker shade than before.
She remained that way for more than five seconds.
"Momo!" He stood in front of her. She looked up and opened her eyes, revealing her bright orange irises.
"Toushiro...what is this I'm... feeling? Tou...shiro?" She stood up; unsure at first. She was looking at her hand, turning it over. Perusing the new color that's radiating from her body.
He understood now. Astonished.
It can't be.
"You've reached bankai, Hinamori...say it!" He backed away and waited.
Momo took the stance, pointing Tobiume vertically straightforward with one hand on the hilt, the other stabilizing her wrist.
"Bankai!"
It reminded Toushiro of the Sokyoku blade's release. Her hair now free from its restraint, fluttering about her. Her giant wings of flame spanned upwards as she looked up, studying her brand new form. They slowly moved at her command, like limbs she never knew she had. It melted all the snow in a 10-mile radius.
"Akihiro! Shield yourself!" He shouted at the man. Her reiatsu felt so unstable, and undeniably powerful.
Hinamori hesitantly moved to touch her wing when it suddenly disappeared. And that was all she remembered as darkness engulfed her.
"Momo!"
... ... ...
It was rather slow in the 4th squad building. Some of the division members were in conversations or reading the Sereitei Journal.
The doors suddenly swung open with Hitsugaya-taicho carrying in a limp Hinamori in his arms. Akihiro following behind.
"Unohana. Where's unohana-taicho?" The young captain demanded, his aquamarine eyes lacking its usual cool composure.
"Hitsugaya-taicho. She's not here-" Isane immediately checked Momo's pulse and breathing.
"I need her here."
Isane dispatched a hell's butterfly.
"Yes, but let me stabilize Hinamori-san. And please mask your spiritual pressure taicho, it's disturbing the patients...thank you. Now, tell me what happened..."
...
Momo woke up to the familiar white walls of the room. Her hand aimlessly reached out and grasped the first thing she touched. It was the front of Toushiro's haori. She pulled him closer to her face.
"Hinamori! Wait don't get up, Unohana-taicho is on her way."
"I don't want to be here. I hate it here." She whispered shaking her head; her eyes brimming with desperate tears.
"No, we can't leave yet, love. I'm sorry."
"I feel fine. Please, Shiro-chan...please."
"Are you sure?" He looked so distressed, that Hinamori had to force a smile.
"Yes. It's okay. I'm okay." She wiped the perspiration off his forehead, brushing his unruly bangs back.
His eyes searching hers as if he can find an answer to make her stay. Then finally lifted her off the bed; she wanted to stand.
"Hinamori-san. You shouldn't leave just yet. We're still not sure of why you fainted." Isane pointed out.
"Ill be fine Isane-san. You know how I hate being here. I really have to go." She gave her friend a reassuring smile and left, with Toushiro following behind her.
... ...
It was quiet except for the sound of the gentle sloshing and trickle of bathwater. He was using his hand to cup the warm water and slowly pouring it on her back. Momo was deep in thought, with her chin on her knees.
Hitsugaya didn't join her in this time. He was sitting outside of the large soaking tub, rinsing her soft skin. Still much too wary of her condition. Also still in awe of her bankai form and how fast she achieved it.
It was nothing short of beautiful, and the reiatsu that emanated from it was almost up to par with his. It was very impressive.
"You act like I'm going to shatter any minute now, Toushiro..."
"How are you feeling, Hinamori?" He tucked her damp hair behind her ear.
"Fine. Just a little shocked, that's all. But I'm fine."
"I'll have Unohana-taicho come by today."
Momo knew he didn't leave any room for an argument. She didn't want to make him worry even more either.
"Sure, Shiro-chan...thank you. And thank you for I wouldn't have achieved it without your help. It felt wonderful, Tobiume and I on top of a precipice like that..."
"Let's slow down, Momo. Rest. " Knowing full well the exhilaration of first achieving bankai. And you scared the shit out of me, fainting like that.
"You didn't faint when you first achieved it, Shiro-chan?" She asked. Extremely curious.
He smiled and shook his head. "No, but I didn't know what was going on at first either."
"You were so young..."
She remembered how the whole city murmured of a "Child Prodigy", the youngest to take a captain seat. He was so cute, the little rascal. Her lips twitched when she glanced up at him...he's all grown up now.
"Your bankai is magnificent, Momo. It is almost exactly what I pictured it to be."
She blushed and a little surprised. "Thank you...so you already knew?"
"Yes, but not this soon...you never thought you could achieve it?" It was his turn to be surprised.
"Nope. I just thought...I'd be too weak after the coma." She meekly smiled and shrugged.
"You were never weak, Hinamori."
You will die for this, Aizen. For all the scars you left her with. He had to shake off the violent thoughts of murder.
She smiled.
"What?"
"We both have wings...isn't that just too coincidental?" She beamed.
"We should compare whose wings spans out wider, that is, if you don't melt mine first." They both chuckled. Then was silent once again...
"What are you thinking about, Hinamori?"
"Food...I'm starving!"
... ...
A/N: Please Review. I need motivation, I need more reviews. I gotta finish this fanfic, I can't leave it hanging. I can never do that to you guys.