Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Fluffometer: High
A/N: For some of those who wonder why Toushiro still calls Momo "Hinamori", this explanation is for you. Yes, it's out of habit but mostly because it just sounds sooo good when Toushiro says it in the anime with his deep voice: "Hinamori." Sigh. Kira and Madarame calls her "Hinamori-san"" because they're in denial that she's married and Renji just out of habit too. I intentionally have Hitsugaya call her "Hinamori" when he's really serious or if it's work-related (or dreaming like in chapter 34) and "Momo" when it's personal fluffy time. But what it all comes down to is that "Hinamori" or "Momo" or "Bed-wetter" –they're all the same person. Yeay! Glad to get that out of the way...Now, here's the new chapter. Please review! I love your reviews! Muah! Muah!
WATASHI NO KOKORO
Chapter 37
...
It was an hour past lunchtime when Matsumoto was alone in the division headquarters behind her desk, her head already nodding off to sleep when both the office and veranda doors swiftly slid open.
"Huh, wha-?"
A quick gust blew the golden locks off her face when she felt someone flash-stepped past and in through the private garden. Annoyed to have her afternoon nap interrupted, Rangiku got up and went to the veranda, searching for the invisible culprit. Becoming more curious when she heard a girlish squeal –"Oi, what's going on out there?"
But stopped when she saw –under one of the sakura trees –her taicho on all fours, with a playful smirk on his face as he pinned a squirming Hinamori on the grass. "Ayah! Kids..." She gestured to herself as if to say 'nevermind' and walked back into the office; closing the doors shut to resume her nap without all the noise.
"Give it back, Momo."
"No way! It's not fair, Shiro-chan!"
"What is?"
"That you can keep a picture of me on your desk while I can't." Although she's got tons hidden in her desk.
"I don't see you grinning like an idiot in it. Pick a different one."
"You don't look like an idiot in the picture, Shiro-chan! The girls always say that you're soo cute when you smile. And I agree! ..Umpf!" Trying to move her legs so she can kick him off, but to no avail.
"Cute. Yeah, because I'm all about cute." He snorted then nuzzled the ticklish spot on her neck.
"Ahahaha! Okay, okay I'll give it back –get off me then, geez..." Toushiro moved and rolled to lay on the grass right next to her, tucking his forearm underneath to prop his head up. He laughed to see his wife still trying to catch her breath.
"You never were able to outrun me, Bed-wetter."
A little upset at the comment, she petulantly stuck her tongue out.
"Oi, come here. I was just kidding." Chuckling as he slid his arm under her head and gathered her close, regretting the last thing he said.
"You were?" Hinamori looked at him expectantly. She was referring to the picture.
He sighed. "Fine. If you want it that bad then keep it on your desk."
"Thank you. You do look handsome Toushiro, the women all think so." Fishing out the picture from her robe and now looking at it like a prize worth the fight.
"Ah. I don't really care about that, baka."
"Then what's the problem?"
"I actually just wanted a reason to pin you to the ground –oi, don't start Hinamori." He warned when she started to poke his ribs at the jibe. Then continued when her warm brown eyes prodded, "It's just that...that I have to constantly prove to everyone that I'm not a naive little kid anymore. And I hate it every time I'm labeled this 'child-prodigy'...so yeah, that picture right there, makes me look like some snot-nosed kid." He shrugged indicating that it wasn't all that big of a deal as he now directed his gaze to watch the clouds; content to have his wife in his arms in this glorious afternoon.
Momo was studying his profile. Not too surprised at the confession, for his insecurities were similar to her own. The struggle to prove everyone wrong. "We're so similar, you and I..."
Yet... you treat it with indifference, a quick annoyed twitch of a brow then you brush it off. Since you had proved all of them wrong many times before. Hinamori turned, feeling a little somber as her eyes now far away...
Meanwhile, I'm here still drowning in all my short-comings, and hardly could I just 'brush them off' so easily. I'm not strong like you, nor I ever will be. So no, I take that back –we aren't that similar after all.
Toushiro felt the sudden plummet of her reiatsu, as he immediately changed the course of the subject. "Although there is one opinion from the female population that I think quite highly of –if indeed she thinks me cute or not." Grateful to have succeeded when she snapped out of it.
"And who might this lucky girl be?" Momo played ignorant.
His thumb and forefinger gently tugged on her ear lobe. "My beautiful wife."
She moved and settled herself over on top of Hitsugaya, aware of how small she is compared to him. Her tabi-encased toes barely just reaching his knees as she did a once-over of his flawless face; holding it with both hands. "And she just happens to know that you're the most handsome man alive."
Toushiro's mouth slanted, burying his free hand into her hair as she leaned closer.
The sound of their kisses melded in with the chirping birds, along with the wind ruffling the branches above as stray white sakura blossoms fell all around them.
She pulled away five minutes later, wearing an expression like she was caught in a dilemma. Her eyes were staring at his mouth as she slowly licked her glossy lips –wiping his sweet taste off of them.
"Something I can help you with?"
"...Eto...I guess Abarai-taicho won't mind if I'm late."
He rolled over, trapping her underneath him as he nuzzled her ear. "Tell him I needed your help for a couple of hours on something very important."
She agreed, with a twinkle in her eye. "Hmmm...I suppose he'll understand."
...
...
A few days later...
After having an earlier-than usual breakfast, they headed to the healing division for a routine appointment. "Hello, Hitsugaya-taicho, Hitsugaya-fukutaicho. Nice to see you again." Greeted the 4th squad captain, always looking forward to seeing this patient's progress in particular.
"Ohayo, Unohana-taicho!" Momo cheerily greeted.
"Unohana-taicho." Toushiro briefly looked up to nod before reverting his attention back to a medical reference book –quickly flipping through a couple of pages before closing and returning it on the shelf. Then taking his usual post beside Unohana while she does the weekly check-up on his wife. Although, not too close to be a nuisance to the physician/taicho, but close enough to observe what's going on.
"You look marvelous Hitsugaya-san!" Completely satisfied that the mother-to-be reiatsu is free of stress, even excited to see some small visible changes on the girl. "It's almost June, four months since we last measured the size of your little fireball in there. So today, we'll be doing that too."
"Ahh! Really? I know she has grown but I'm excited to know by how much exactly." Beaming at her husband, who was standing with his arms habitually crossed. He winked back.
"We'll find out but let's get this ugly part out of the way, ne?"
"Hai." Momo agreed as she started to roll up her sleeve. Retsu started to move about the room, preparing the syringe and needle.
"When does the blood-drawing stop?" Toushiro asked, earning him a surprised glance from both ladies. Apparently not too fond of this part of the procedure, "With all the healing advancement these days, shouldn't there be a more non-invasive way to check her blood?"
Unohana is used to the young captain saving his questions for later, so she was somewhat caught off guard. "I'm afraid not Hitsugaya-taicho. I'll be needing her samples up until she's due. We're trying to take all precautions being that this is a rare case...it's been over a hundred years since the last shinigami pregnancy, so our facility isn't really well updated to accommodate such an occurrence. But we're doing our best."
"I understand. I apologize, didn't mean to interrupt."
"It's fine, taicho. Really."
...
They were holding hands when they left the 4th Division building. Hinamori's mind was in the clouds somewhere; even skipping a couple of times on their way to the 5th squad headquarters.
"Our baby is now almost 7 centimeters, she doubled in size from the last measurement four months ago!" Momo said brightly, glancing up at her husband who was studying the images that the machine generated. A furrow in between his brows as he tried to make sense of everything that was in the picture; which consisted of a prominent ball of purple reiatsu and that's about it.
She rolled her eyes and continued. "Unohana-taicho said that it's funny how I've been referring to the fetus as a female, even if we don't really know yet...but I just have this feeling, Shiro-chan. And in four months time we will definitely know for sure. I can't wait!"
"Ah. Me too."
"Geez Toushiro, you can try to sound just a little bit excited. If the needle-poking part still bothers you, then you should be rest assured because I'm used to it. Besides, I had a sword punctured through me before so a tiny needle doesn't bother me one bit." She tried to joke but his jaw visibly clenched at her remark and he remained even more silent.
"I'm sorry... that wasn't funny. But please, you're raining on my parade right now –lighten up." As she slid her office door open and tugged his hand so he can follow.
"Ohayo Abarai-kun. Shiro-chan is here...again." Hinamori grinned.
"Abarai-taicho." Toushiro acknowledged the redhead behind his desk, who was drinking coffee -a habit he took up from the real world.
"Ohayo Hitsugaya-taicho, Hitsugaya-fukutaicho." Not surprised, nor does he mind to see the white-haired captain in his office. A frequent visitor as of late; sometimes even staying for hours at a time.
For the most part the younger taicho would just sit on the long white couch and listen to his wife chatter behind her desk. Or would just quietly watch her fill out reports like some lovestruck puppy –heedless that he has a whole division to run for a change, and forgetting to wear that scowl that made it seem as if the whole world was strapped on his shoulders.
Renji keeps to himself, minding his own business while the couple would be in the opposite end of the room. Though he couldn't help but look their way that one time when he first heard Hitsugaya laugh –Abarai had almost slid out of his chair!
The redhead smiled to himself after recalling the memory, feeling a little envious. Can't blame the prodigal fucker for putting his guard down. He's got everything.
"Momo." Toushiro was absentmindedly tapping his fingers on the couch's armrest when he interrupted his wife, who was busy shuffling through a stack of reports on her desk.
"Yes, Shiro-chan?"
"Your birthday is coming up in three days."
"Hai...tsk. Where did I put that expense sheet?"
"So what did you want to do?"
"Do with what?"
"Your birthday."
"Oh. Nothing in particular, what did you want to do?"
Beat you on the head until you tell me what you want. Baka. "Nevermind."
"No more elaborate gifts though, or parties either."
"Right."
...
Two nights later...
It was 11:45 P.M.
Toushiro woke up next to an empty bed, but instantly felt at ease when he sensed her reiatsu nearby. He found Hinamori in the kitchen, dressed in her pajamas that constituted of a pink 'boyshort' which had SEXY written on the back with its matching gray tank top that Rangiku had bought for her from the real world.
She was barefoot, and on the tip of her toes with her arms stretched. Her fingers adorably wiggled as she struggled trying to reach a box of crackers. "Tsk. Why is it kept so high..."
Momo felt his bare chest against the back of her head as he easily got the box for her. His reach far surpassing her own.
"Here let me, before you hurt yourself." Kissing her shoulder before moving away.
She turned and smiled guiltily. "Sorry, didn't mean to wake you."
Hitsugaya crossed his arms and leaned his hip on a counter. "You didn't wake me."
She sheepishly grinned. "I was just so hungry!" Pulling a cracker out and shoving it in her mouth.
"I can see that." He observed, while she gobbled another piece. "Put your robe on –I'm waking up the cook."
"No, don't do that Shiro-chan! Geez. I can do it myself."
"So can I. What did you want?"
Hinamori said the first thing that came to mind, her stomach agreeing noisily. "Some nabeyaki udon soup...maybe?" One speculative eyebrow raised as she watched her husband automatically get a pot and the ingredients for the soup. "How...did you learn to do that?" Momo perched herself up next to the stove and studied him nimbly preparing her food.
"From watching Oba-saan, and from the sleepless nights when I find myself rummaging through here looking for a snack. Didn't want to bother Hisao [the cook] either."
"I see..." Amazing.
...
40 minutes later...
"That was delicious, Shiro-chan! Thank you." They were sitting side by side on the kitchen island as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
"You're welcome. Now let's get to bed, it's late."
"Demo...I'm craving for something sweet."
Is she serious? "What in particular?"
"Uhmm...it's okay, I'm sure I'll find something. You go back to sleep Shiro-chan, I'll be there in a sec." Her face already hidden behind a cupboard door as she started to search.
Toushiro looked at the clock, a corner of his lips slanting. "Oi, Momo. Come sit back down, I got it."
"What? You're going to whip me up some dessert too?" Her head slowly peeked to look at him.
He gestured with his head, telling her to 'just come and sit, then you'll see.'
"Fine..." She sat on the counter with her legs dangling.
Hitsugaya opened the refrigerator door, rummaged through and pulled out a square white box. He walked towards her and gently placed it on her lap.
"Happy Birthday, Bed-wetter."
"Kyaaa! It's a chappy cake!" With a 'Happy Birthday Momo' written in red over the white frosting.
"Matsumoto will kill me for this..." But it's all for a worthy cause. He grinned, content to see his wife's face brightening like she just opened a treasure chest.
"I told you guys no parties." A little hesitant to touch the cake.
Toushiro handed her a spoon. "Dig in. I'll have it replaced tomorrow so don't worry." He almost laughed when she giddily clapped and reached for the utensil.
"Mmmm... it's peach and strawberry-filled –with custard! I'm going to get so fat!"
He chuckled. "Ah. And there's nothing wrong with that."
Momo slowed her pace, her eyes doleful. "Mou...I'm going to look hideous...and I'm so old." Her voice muffled as her head slowly bowed –the spoon forgotten in her mouth.
"Oi, says who?"
"I'm older than you, Toushiro."
"Not by much, baka." Taking the half-eaten cake and putting it aside as he now stood in front of her –gently removing the spoon while he goaded, "Look at me."
Her frown was heartbreaking.
Hitsugaya held in a smile when she finally gazed up, with white frosting on her chin and on the corners of her mouth.
"Must I always repeat myself, Momo? You're perfect no matter what...mood swings and all."
She softly laughed, wholeheartedly, as her dismal demeanor now completely forgotten.
He grazed his thumb across her lower lip, "But you're even more beautiful when you smile, love. And you don't look a day older than when we use to sit on Oba-saan's porch, holding a contest on who can spit watermelon seeds the farthest."
She smiled at the childhood memory.
"Happy birthday."
"Thank you, Shiro-chan."
He held her face, Hinamori expected a kiss but instead was surprised when his warm tongue slowly licked the icing off her chin.
Toushiro smiled that boyish smile that always made her heart skip a beat before leaning in to seize her mouth, and he was taken aback at how much more sweeter she even tasted. He groaned when she opened her lips, welcoming his urge to get a better taste. His hand glided from her shoulder to her arm, pulling down the gray strap of her top to reveal one perfect breast.
"Tou...shiro. Ah...we're in the kitchen."
He smirked while nuzzling the underside of her jaw, "It's our kitchen. As far as I'm concerned, we can do whatever we want in here." He whispered, already lowering his head and planting soft kisses on her collarbone.
"But Shiro–"
Hinamori was abruptly silenced by his lips as he grabbed her buttocks with both hands and lifted her off the counter. With her legs wrapped around his waist, she clung to him; deepening the kiss even more while Toushiro was in charge of getting them safely into the bedroom.
...
The moon made the room bright enough to decipher their naked bodies in the dark, as Momo was sprawled on top of him lightly tracing the scar on his shoulder. Her other hand just underneath her chin, keeping her head erect.
"Shiro-chan."
"Hn." His mind was a little muddled as sleep started to replace the exhaustion from just finished making love.
"I have a confession." She was feeling brave and wanted to take advantage of his relaxed state. And he can't get mad at me. It's my birthday.
"Can't it wait until tomorrow, Momo?"
"No, it can't."
"Very well. Out with it."
"Remember during our honeymoon, how I promised not to use that calming bakudo on you ever again?"
"...Yes."
"Well, I sort of did...use it again."
"...when?"
"It was during that time when we were...separated and Unohana-taicho was worried that I haven't been getting any sleep. She was very upset..."
It got really quiet, almost like he was dozing off. "Toushiro, are you still listening?"
"I'm all ears." And presently wide awake.
"She didn't care how but just told me to get some rest right away–"
"So you snuck into our room and placed the bakudo then, knowing it's the only way you can sleep –right next to me."
"...Hai."
"That would explain a lot."
"It never really fully works on you though, the effects seem to wear off and you'd wake up."
"How many times did you come here?"
"A few. Especially during those stormy nights...we even had sex once."
"What the hell?" He didn't mean to say that out loud. It was silent for a moment as Toushiro absorbed all the information in...
"You're not mad at me are you?" ...
"No. I'm actually relieved. Thought I was losing my mind..." He ran a hand through his hair, curious now. "So...how was it?"
"How was what?"
"The sex." Imagining how awkward it could have been.
"It was...mind-blowing."
Her answer gave rise to some concerns. "Better than having me fully awake?"
Momo had to laugh. "No, of course not! Baka!"
"Huh. I remembered it to be very explicit, but so convinced that it was just all a dream...like some withdrawal symptom from not having you with me." Inwardly flinching as he recalled waking up to an empty bed every morning, then to realize that his own wife couldn't stand to be near him. He hated that word: separated.
"I'm sorry...I took advantage of you."
"I deserved it. I deserve much worse for what I did to you. So please, don't apologize Momo."
"Always so hard on yourself, Shiro-chan."
He shrugged. Not wanting to talk about it anymore, "So are there any more heinous crimes you committed that I should know about?"
Hinamori sighed and shook her head. Thankful that he didn't even scold her once and very glad that she finally got that out of her system.
Hitsugaya kissed the bridge of her nose. "Then goodnight, love. Let's not waste a very important day trying to catch up on lost sleep."
...
...
A/N: Please Review.