Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
ADDED: Song for the last scene. Love is waiting by Brooke Fraser. :')
A/N: You ready for another one? Yes, me too! I'm anticipating your reviews so I can go on to the next chapter. Woohoo! Thank you for reading and double thanks for leaving reviews.
WATASHI NO KOKORO
Chapter 44
Make it Count
...
It's become a common sight for officers on night duty to see the captain of the 10th division standing atop his roof, gazing up at the moon for hours at a time.
"Oi, someone is up there!" An alarmed guard whispered to the other officer, clearly his first time being on night watch.
"It's Hitsugaya-taicho. Leave him be, unless you want your ass frostbitten in the middle of July."
"Oh. Sorry." Feeling a little foolish for overreacting.
The other guard just shrugged, reverting his attention back to the shadowed figure on the roof. "It's the only time we see the taicho nowadays."
"Tsk...tragic how things turned out."
"Ah. Tragic indeed." Not able to imagine what the young captain has been going through.
... ...
Toushiro took a deep breath in and exhaled. Then stared at the moon one last time –as if it gave him more courage –before going in through the balcony. He slowly descended the spiral staircase; his eyes never leaving her form on the bed.
Matsumoto had taken it upon herself, without his knowledge, to have Hinamori moved from the hospital and into their home a week ago. Rendering him appalled and speechless when he first came into the room and saw his wife lying on her side of the bed. Forgetting about being angry at his lieutenant altogether.
However, not everyone took the news of Hinamori's move quite as easily. Toushiro recalled the incident that happened a few days ago when he addressed the loud banging on his office door.
"Tch." Ikkaku. What does he want? Discerning the man's oozing reiatsu. Just fucking careless.
Hitsugaya opened the door and was caught off guard. For he found himself pushed up against the opposite wall, hanging a foot off the ground. Books knocked off from the nearby shelves and hitting the floor from the impact.
Black eyes boring into his aquamarines. One of his brows twitching. "You did this. You wore your fucking heart on your sleeve. Aizen knew your only weakness from the very start...You made it so easy for him –child's play!"
Toushiro just let him talk, he couldn't retaliate. Why should he? When the man speaks the truth.
"What? You got nothing to say? Heh! The Ice Prince they call you. Always proud. I should just wipe that bored look off your fucking face. Tcheh!" Madarame spat on the floor. "And you killed her. She's dead because you're weak."
Dead?
"Oi! Madarame! Taicho! What's going on in here? And who's dead?" Matsumoto was by the door, her mouth open.
"Hinamori. Her hospital bed was empty when I came to visit today." Said the bald man, not breaking his eye contact with the captain.
"Heh...? Oi boke! It's because she's been moved from the hospital. She's here now. This is Momo's home after all... baka Ikkaku..." Feeling a little terrified for her reckless friend who was now slowly letting go of Hitsugaya's robes.
"Aheh!...My bad..." He said, while awkwardly dusting the captain's shoulder. "Eto...I just thought...eto... since the hospital bed was empty and all– "
"Leave us be, Matsumoto."
"Hai. Taicho." A worried glance back at Madarame before she scurried away.
Toushiro shrugged off the man's hands as they now tried to straighten the wrinkles on the front of his robes. "The bed, it was empty huh?" He asked, oozing with nonchalance.
"Hai, Taicho. An honest mistake-"
Ikkaku didn't have a chance to blink as Hitsugaya landed one hard reiatsu-concentrated punch on the man's stomach that had him flying across through the open door. "It won't be empty anymore...and that's," straightening his haori "for spitting on my floor."
... ...
Rangiku was now curled up on the couch in the loft area, stretching her arms and yawning when she heard him. "Taicho, you're here so I'll be heading out now. Oh, and your clean robes for tomorrow are in the office." Since she's aware that he doesn't keep his things in this room anymore.
"Thank you and good night Matsumoto." He sat on the chair beside the bed and continued on with his nightly vigil.
Rangiku's heart warmed at the scene. Knowing he had to have grabbed guilt by the horns in order for him to be this close to Hinamori again. But whatever he has to do, just as long as he makes it here every night...
"Goodnight, taicho." With a tender smile on her lips, she quietly slid the doors closed and leisurely proceeded to her sleeping quarters located in the other building.
"Mind if I walk with ya, fukutaicho?"
"Hmmm? Oh, hey Gin." Still walking on ahead. Mindless of anything else in her lighthearted mood as he caught up and walked beside her.
"Haven't seen ya smile in a while. I almost forgot how ya look with one."
"Hmmm...maybe because I haven't been drinking lately." She joked while she made her way up the steps and into the hallway leading to her room. Ichimaru still followed.
"Maybe I should take ya out for a drink one of these days." He suggested.
Rangiku's smile was coy as she's already behind her bedroom door; slowly closing it. Leaving a small opening to look him in the eyes and say, "Maybe in your dreams, Gin." Before sliding it close.
The former taicho just stood in front of her door even after he heard the lock click. Feeling elated despite the blatant rejection of his offer. Relieved to finally feel the buoyant reiatsu returned and to be able to walk beside her, Gin headed towards his own quarters knowing that he'll sleep much better tonight.
(A/N: Song: Hazy by Rosi Golan and William Fitzsimmons. =) )
...
She was sitting down on the bottom of a grassy knoll located on the fields next to the 10th division. Decided to pick this place so he doesn't have to go far to meet with her.
Her small fingers fiddling with a weed flower that she had plucked almost an hour ago.
He probably didn't see the note I left on his desk.
Momo dejectedly assumed. She needed to talk to someone, and not just anyone.
He's so important now. Demo...he's always been to me.
She heaved a big sigh and leaned her back against the steep incline of the knoll. Becoming lost in her troubled thoughts once again.
The line that separates life and death drastically thins once involved in this shinigami business. Life is so fragile. To make it out alive from each mission deserves a celebration. But that's far from what she wanted to do at the moment. Because all she really wanted right now was to be back home. It's also been a year today that Oba-saan had passed so Hinamori had just been feeling nostalgic and utterly lonesome. Getting more so as she realized that he's not coming, and somewhat embarrassed too.
He did just become captain a couple months ago. I'm sure he's extra busy. Why would he spend what little spare time he has with me? Tsk. Baka Momo. Let's go.
She stood up and straightened her blue hair bun ready to flash step out of there.
"Oi, Hinamori! I just got your message– "
"Shiro-chan! You made it!" She was so glad that she almost gave him a hug, but held back. Placing a fist over her heart instead.
My Shiro-chan isn't so little anymore. They're about the same height now. In fact he's taller than me if you count the hair spikes.
"Oi! That's Hitsugaya-taicho, baka." Scanning the area to make sure that no one was around to hear the stupid nickname.
"Right. Ano...I haven't seen you in a while. I just wanted to know how you're doing."
"Are you alright?" Noticing the dark bags under her eyes and sensing her heavy reiatsu.
She nodded and sat back down. "I don't want to talk about me Hitsugaya-kun, I want to know about you and what you've been up to." Patting the ground beside her and gazing up at him expectantly. Inwardly admitting how handsome he looks in the captain's haori and still getting use to the idea that her best friend is now a Gotei 13 taicho.
His eyebrow raised when she quickly dodged his concern, a sure sign that she's worried about something. So he sat down, determined to make her talk about it. It's been 2 months since last they spoke which was when she congratulated him at his inauguration. Well, three weeks really, if you count her childishly slipping into his bed during those stormy nights.
"Nothing interesting. Boring actually. Being captain is nothing new, it's just more paperwork that's all." He shrugged, then remembered something. "You just came back two days ago from that Okizaka mission, heard Aizen got injured. "
The town had an infestation of hollows, that a whole squad was deployed. But there was only one person that Toushiro made sure to make it back. A perk of being a captain that he didn't find necessary to tell Hinamori about; is that you can dispatch however many officers to do missions that fits your needs. Like my need to always know you're okay.
Momo bowed her head, her eyes obscured by her bangs. "He's fine but we lost two officers..." And it was weird because it felt like she was being followed the whole time she was there but didn't want to say anything, for it'll just make him worry. She took a deep breath in. "And I really don't want to talk about it, Hitsugaya-kun."
"Fine, we won't. But come here, baka. Your foul reiatsu is making my eyes water." He draped an arm behind her so she can lay her head on his shoulder.
Toushiro was surprised, however, when she took it upon herself to scoot onto his lap and rest her cheek on his chest, one of her hand placed over his heart under the haori.
Momo closed her eyes... Home.
"Thank you, Hitsugaya-kun."
"Uhh...sure."
"Geez, will you relax? No one can see us."
He's not so worried about that as much as how his body reacts to her being this close. Though he did what he's told and leaned his back against the soft grass and tried to 'relax.'
She smiled. "Always so uptight, taicho. But please, let's stay like this a little while longer...hmmm..." as she snuggled closer, her forehead now touching his chin. Then sighing again when Toushiro instinctively enclosed her in his arms.
He thought she smelled heavenly; of freshly picked flowers and candy...? The hell? Regardless, it was distracting since there was something important that he wanted to tell her... What was it? Oh, right.
"Hinamori."
She tilted her head up; much too comfortable to open her eyes. And was already starting to drift off to sleep.
"Hmmm...yes, Hitsugaya-kun." She sighed his name.
Toushiro lost his train of thought the second her face turned mere inches away from his. Her mouth slightly open, lips so full, soft and pink...
He couldn't seem to stop himself as he slowly leaned down to give her a kiss. Their lips were a perfect fit, making a faint audible 'smack' when they pulled away. It was silent for awhile.
Toushiro couldn't believe that he finally pulled it off. And...she was kissing him back!
Her eyes fluttered open with a furrow in between her brows. The cool tingling sensation lingered on her puckered lips as Momo touched her mouth.
"Did you just...did you just kiss me, Shiro-chan?"
"...Yeah and so what Bed-wetter? I've kissed you plenty of times." He shrugged despite the blush on his cheeks; knowing that this is something that cannot be undone.
"Yes. But not like this..." Momo insisted and sat up, for she clearly remember those kisses would mostly be aimed on her forehead and even only once on her cheek. This new sensation somewhat confused her that she was at a loss for words.
"Oi Hinamori, I'm sorry. I won't do it again." Inwardly kicking himself as hard as he could.
"...I didn't say I didn't like it. I was just surprised that's all. Because...because this kinda counts as my first kiss." Her turn to blush.
"You were half asleep so it didn't really count, baka." He grumbled, yet so relieved to know he's her first.
Although it started to get weird when it was silent once again. Toushiro crossed his arms and focused his attention at the clouds. Wishing she'll just forget about it and go back to her afternoon nap. Awkward.
He felt one of her small hands rest on his shoulder while the other turned his face, forced now to look into her pretty brown eyes...
"What if I wanted it to count?"
"…"
"Life is much too fragile not to let anything count." Momo said as she gazed into his eyes.
She slowly licked her bottom lip and bit it back; hesitant. "May I, Hitsugaya-kun?"
Too caught up in the moment to utter a word, Toushiro just gulped and nodded. He lost it the minute she wanted it to count.
Momo gently pulled his face closer, nervous in case she'll do it wrong. Her eyes remained half-open to make sure she'll do it right but closed them when she felt that cool tingling of his soft lips again. Causing her heart to flutter as it now spread to her stomach and to the tips of her toes –making her warm all over. She slightly pulled away and kissed him again...and again...and again.
Her arms now wound their way around his neck while his hands were holding her waist, gradually moving their way down-
"Ahem. Hitsugaya-taicho...ahem!" An officer interrupted.
"Huh? Hai, what is it?" Toushiro abruptly stood up, dropping Momo to the ground.
"Kyaah! Ow!...Ittai..."
"Oh shit, Hinamori –"
"Hitsugaya-taicho, forgive me. But you instructed me to let you know once we're all set to go, sir!"
Toushiro was crouched on the ground hovering over a blushing Momo when he addressed his officer. "Very well. I'll be there shortly. Make sure to find Matsumoto-fukutaicho. I have a feeling that she forgot about the mission."
"Hai, taicho!"
Hinamori's hair bun was haphazardly hanging as Toushiro helped her up. They were now seeing each other in a different light. Both feeling a little awkward, red in the cheeks and giddy from this new found moment. He remained holding her hand as they just stood there.
"Tch. I'm sorry for dropping you like that. And I meant to tell you that we're headed to a mission today but...ah...it kinda slipped my mind." He placed a hand behind his neck and grinned.
Momo smiled. "It's okay...demo... for how long will you be gone?"
"Two months."
"Oh. I'll see you in two months then, Shiro-chan."
"It's Hitsugaya-taicho, baka." Making light of things, for he didn't want to say goodbye just yet.
"Right." Momo managed to smile again.
"I'll be back, Hinamori." His tone strongly implied 'and back to where we left off.'
"Please becareful, Hitsugaya-kun."
He didn't hesitate to kiss her this time... "Would you mind if I bring something that belongs to you, for the trip?" He whispered against her lips.
"Hmm? Like what?" Still reeling from the kiss.
"This." Twirling her haircloth around his forefinger.
"Shiro-chan, give it back!" But it was too late for he had already disappeared.
...
Toushiro went off course for a brief moment before arriving at his division. He wanted to marvel at what he and Momo just shared; to let it all sink in as his heart felt like it was going to explode. He was delirious.
Needing proof that the incident was real, he looked around to see if there were any witnesses and was satisfied when there wasn't a soul nearby. Hitsugaya took the opportunity to grab Momo's haircloth from his pocket, then brought his fist up to his nose and inhaled. Closing his eyes...
But the eyes that opened back were dull, as they focused now on his wife's cold limp hand placed on his palm.
Toushiro fell asleep again, however uncomfortable his position was. He was sitting down on the chair with his head and arms on the bed. Weird, for he's been getting some decent amount of sleep lately.
He straightened a bit and brought her hand up, holding it against his lips as he just stared at her unconscious face. Getting lost in his thoughts... Finishing his side of the memory from where it left off before he fell into a slumber.
He remembered coming back from that two-month long mission. Ecstatic to be home. Recalling how he couldn't pay much attention to that captains' meeting as he was too busy masking his own jubilant reiatsu, discerning Momo's reiatsu (which was so conveniently close by) and also keeping track of the sluggish time.
But fortunately enough, the meeting indeed came to an end.
Toushiro saw her then. She was outside farther down the hallway leaning against the wall; waiting with a clipboard hugged against her body. He headed towards her.
She looked up and saw him, her face instantly brightened. He almost used shunpo to get to her but he had to contain it, not sure if Momo wanted their new relationship to be made public. He was much closer now. "Hinamori."
"Oh hey, Hitsugaya-kun." She greeted but her eyes reverted back up to her taicho, who was right behind him.
"Hinamori-kun, you really didn't have to wait for me." The amiable Aizen spoke.
"But I had to taicho! You see, I forgot to tell you that our division was the only one that didn't go over the budget..."
Toushiro just stood there and watched as the two went on their way. Aizen was speaking while Hinamori hung on to his every word.
Like it didn't happen.
Of course now he knows that she was under Aizen's spell back then, but that's besides the point. For what it comes down to is how she always manages to slip away from his grasp. Whenever he feels like he has got a firm hold on her, she somehow falls through the cracks.
Leaving him empty and insecure...every fucking time.
A soft knock disrupted the course of his dismal thoughts. He stood up and looked at the clock as it read 6:44 am.
It's Saturday, so they're here later than usual. Familiar with the routine and the reiatsu behind the doors. Toushiro slid it open.
"Inoue. Kusajishi."
"Uhmm...Ohayo Hitsugaya-kun! Sorry to wake you up." Orihime immediately apologized.
"Whitey-chan! Look, I brought new books to read to Peachy-chan!" Yachiru greeted.
"Ah. It's fine, I was already awake. And thank you for coming." He gestured for them to come in as he was on his way out.
...
...
Toushiro was thankful for the two hours worth of quiet that somehow made its way into his office, despite the constant bustle of the weekend. Especially with his wife's visitors and flower deliveries. The persistent interruptions didn't get him to do the amount of work that he's used to finishing. Finally instructing what's left of his staff (since most have taken off for the weekend) to cut the visiting hours to 3:00 pm.
It also helped that he sent Matsumoto out on an errand along with his fourth seat officer as a distraction. Rangiku had been getting more adamant lately. Nagging Toushiro to figure out a name for his son who's due out in the next four months or so. A task that he's been avoiding.
It just doesn't feel right. For he knows he cannot raise that child alone.
What do I say to him when he finds out who put his mother in that condition? He dropped his pen and buried his face in his hands. Falling back into that dark abyss.
"Fucking hell..." What am I doing here?
"Yo, Toushiro. Can I come in?" Said a familiar voice. His orange hair longer from last Hitsugaya saw him.
"Ah. Might as well." Grabbing his pen and resumed his work. Ichigo removed his large zanpakuto then made himself comfortable on the yellow couch.
"Can I help you with something, Kurosaki?" Noticing that for someone whose powers are dwindling the boy looked content.
"I'm here to pick up my Hime." He nonchalantly said with a smile.
"I was told that she'd be done by 8:00pm it's only 6:00." A little annoyed to have his wife's healing schedule disrupted.
Ichigo shrugged. "I know. I could wait." Looking up the ceiling like he has all the time in the world.
Toushiro predicted that all he needed was to start whistling to complete the picture. And sure enough; the boy started to whistle a tune. The captain put his pen back down, hanging on to his last thread of patience as he massaged the bridge of his nose.
"You came here to tell me something. So tell me."
Ichigo was inwardly cringing, regretting to have agreed to do this for Hime. He's not known to be good with words and also aware of how stubborn this particular taicho could be. Huh. It's a tie between Kuchiki and this dude. It's beyond me how he and Karin are friends. He sighed and straightened up. Tch. Here goes.
"You ever been accused of wearing your heart on your sleeve, Toushiro?"
"…"
"Well, I have. Constantly. And 'so what' I tell them. I've got nothing to hide."
"Is that so? Then why am I still trying to guess where you're going with this?"
Geez. Like freakin' talking to Ishida... Ichigo inwardly grumbled as he continued. "Nowhere spectacular. Just trying to make a point that I don't consider it a weakness to wear your heart on your sleeve. I think it takes guts to put it out there. It gives you all the more reason to be stronger and fight for what you believe in."
"To put it there so the enemy can use it to their advantage? My wife, has been in a coma for the past seven months because Aizen knew exactly where to strike at me. How else can I not see it as a weakness?" The captain contributed, matter-of-factually.
"Ah. Hime was also kidnapped because of me. But she's here because I knew I had to get her back, no matter the consequences."
"That's irrelevant. Inoue was unharmed."
That hit a nerve. "Oi, how are you sure that she was unharmed? What if she's just telling everyone, including me, that she was unharmed so they wouldn't worry? If I don't even know, what makes you so fucking sure?" He was leaning forward now.
Huh. Sounds familiar. "I apologize, Kurosaki. For I apparently didn't put much thought before saying that. However, my wife is incapacitated while Inoue is actively healing her as we speak. I was just pointing out the obvious difference in their condition."
It was quiet for awhile as Hitsugaya picked up his pen and started on a report.
Ichigo sobered up. "Momo is still breathing, Toushiro. Don't give up on her. Is what I really came here to say."
"I figured as much."
…...
...
Inoue was humming a tune while her bright Sōten Kisshun barrier surrounded Momo. They had just finished a one-sided conversation about the new recipes that she had cooked up, and Yachiru had already gone home but not after finishing a book that she read to the baby about how to train a pet dragon, which was delightful.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts and found Momo's husband sliding the doors open.
"Inoue, Kurosaki is waiting for you in the office."
"Oh. Hai."
Toushiro was about to head out to the training grounds. "Uhhmm...Hitsugaya-kun?"
"Yes?"
"I need you to see this." As she removed the barrier from Hinamori and gently parted her friend's dark blue yukata by the chest area.
He closed the doors before standing next to Orihime who was sitting on the bed. He was hesitant for he had tried to avoid looking at that scar. Inoue felt his uncertainty so she held his hand. "Please sit down, Hitsugaya-kun." Then placed it on his wife's chest where the scar was suppose to be. "See? It's gone."
"Yes, it is." He confirmed although he couldn't leave his hand there for long. She felt cold and her reiatsu faint. He stood up and headed to the door. "Thank you, Inoue. For all–"
"All this time you regard her to be this empty shell. But you need to see that she isn't. It takes more than just a squeeze of the hand, a touch... You need to reach out further. Read to her, talk to her. Don't let your guilt be the obstacle from bringing her back." Orihime stood up with fists tightly clenched to her sides. Her eyes now welled up in tears. Remembering the scene in Hueco Mundo when she called out to Ichigo, despite his heart being blown away. "I don't know how else to explain it, Hitsugaya-kun, but you just have to believe. You just have to." ...
"Oi, Inoue don't cry." He instinctively reached for the girl as she cried in his arms. Feeling like a total ass. And also worried, seeing how overprotective Ichigo is towards this girl. Not really looking forward to explaining why he made her cry.
"I'm sorry Hitsugaya-kun. I ruined your haori."
"It's fine. I got extras." That's a lie.
She took a deep breath in and looked up to meet his eyes; the gray glistening pools determined and a little angry. "Do you understand?"
Hitsugaya was speechless for a moment, disarmed by the change in the girl's usual timid behavior; the gravity of her voice. He gulped.
"Hai, Inoue."
…..
…..(A/N: Love is waiting by Brooke Fraser. Perfect. :'))
…...
…...
For the next three weeks Toushiro abided by Inoue-san's instructions. He read to Momo until he would fall asleep, waking up in the mornings with an open book as a pillow. He read her classics, fairytales, mythologies, and even a few pages from that book of baby names.
Matsumoto was on a high to see her taicho so inspired that she's been doing almost all his paperwork so he can retire early every night.
Okay fine, I bribed Gin to do most of it. One date for a week's worth of work. A fair exchange.
She flicked her hair back and shrugged, though becoming pensive as she's on her way to her room to change and meet with Kira, Hisagi and Iba for drinks since her nights have been ending early too.
Rangiku mused. I'm impressed, three dates with the guy and he hasn't tried anything funny yet.
Hmm...what's that hanging on my door?
It was one of those intricate origami roses that he would always use to make for her back when they were kids. One of the petals looked detached so she adjusted it but instead it came off. The petal turned out to be a half folded heart that opened into a note. Her own heart skipped a beat.
Rangiku,
Come meet me at the roof once you're done.
I suggest wearing something comfortable to the festival.
Gin
Festival? ...Oh yes, it's the Tanabata festival!
When the townspeople would throw sparkling trinkets or gold and silver covered candies from the roofs while the children would catch them down below. Star shaped lanterns illuminating the whole town... She was getting excited just thinking about it. Awakening her inner child.
"Hmmm...I guess they could drink without me just this once." Biting down on the paper rose with a smile on her lips.
…
...
"Shhhhh! Baka Rangi-chan. It's late you know, people are asleep." They were on the rooftops, on their way back from the festival.
Matsumoto couldn't remember having this much fun while sober (Gin made sure she didn't drink a lick of alcohol).
She was carelessly laughing when she recalled some of the events from this wondrous night. "You should have seen your face when that little boy reached in between my boobs to grab that candy! It was classic!"
"Ya planted it there to tempt the little shit."
Her laughter pealed. "Gin, I swear! I didn't know it was in there!"
"I noticed that ya keep a soft spot for the white-haired ones." He said grinning. Remembering how she picked out that little runt among the litter of kids.
"I do don't I?" Rangiku winked over her shoulder before gracefully jumping onto the next roof. Her movements slowed. She gestured for him to be quiet, tiptoeing now...
"What are you doing?"
"Shhh! Ayah! ...I want to hear what book taicho is reading to Momo-chan..." Carefully lying down on her stomach as she listened over the open window. It was quiet for a while as she avidly eavesdropped.
She gasped. "Pride and Prejudice –her favorite!"
"If you fall off Rangi-chan don't say I didn't warn ya." He said before sitting down. He was behind her just watching as she had a leg raised, slowly moving it back and forth. Content, as he now fixed his gaze to the stars. Thanking his second chance at life.
"Hm... You should have been here to see their wedding, Gin. This whole garden looked like it came out of a dream..." She inhaled deeply and slowly sat up. Tears started to sting her eyes. "A heavenly dream."
Ichimaru felt her reiatsu dimmer and her shoulders slumped. "Oi, Rangiku. Come now, lemme walk you home."
She sighed the tears away. "In a minute. Taicho only has a couple of pages left...it's my favorite book too."
…(A/N: Love is waiting by Brooke Fraser. Perfect. :'))
…
Toushiro paused after he read the last paragraph to kiss Momo's hand, before closing the book.
He got up from the bed to return it on the shelf, and see if he could find something that he hasn't already read twice.
"We're all out of literature, love. Time to hit the bookstores." Actually looking forward to taking the trip.
So he grabbed the Book of Baby Names and lied back down on his stomach next to Momo. Feeling a little silly every time he reads the pages from this piece since there isn't a story to follow through. And some of these names are just plain stupid!
He sighed and started flipping through.
"Let me see...boy names, boy names, boy names...ah, here we go:"
"Kaede...meaning: maple." No.
"Kenshin...modest." No.
"Kira –" Flipping to a different page altogether.
"Mika…beautiful smell." The hell?
"Naoki...honest tree." Sure.
"Oki...open sea."
"Riku..."
Toushiro yawned and read through two more pages when he started to doze off. Though determined to just finish the book to prove to his wife that there aren't any good names in it.
"Yutaka." Yawn.
"Yuuki."
"Zaraki." Right.
"Zennyu."
"Zhao."
"I like that." A small voice interjected.
"Zora."
"I like that name. " She said it again.
"Huh? Zora?" A yawning Toushiro answered back. His eyes closed and head already on the pillow.
A warm hand touched his cheek. "Zennyu. I like it." Her voice was the barest of whispers.
This is a good dream, Toushiro thought. "Hmm. I like it too..."
Her finger slowly traced the bridge of his nose.
Toushiro's eyes suddenly opened. Backing away until he fell off the bed.
She giggled.
His head slowly peeking up from the floor; face in disbelief as he gawked..."M-Momo?"
"Shiro-chan."
….
A/N: Please Review.
I know their first kiss scene was kinda mild. They were just kids back then, so I tried to make it PG rated. :) Review peoples! I see my status 'eyes' reaching 200+ readers everyday...I would really like to hear from you too. :)