Disclaimer: I Do Not own Bleach.

Fluffometer: Effing high. That's right. This stupid machine has got something to measure once again! XD

A/N: Open Your Eyes by Snow Patrol. Zanpakuto's are now optionally worn. Some wear them, some don't. Thought I'd just add that.

This chapter starts where the last one had left off. Enjoy! And guys...please review. I can't beg enough. :'). Thank you for taking the time to read!

WATASHI NO KOKORO

Chapter 45

At Long Last

...

...

Why is he looking at me like that? And...

"Toushiro, your hair..."

Momo whispered as she slowly reached for his face. But he held her wrist, her fingers were frail, faltering inches away from his cheek.

"Shiro-chan your hair looks...different." It was a full sentence though her words were still hushed.

He finally blinked. "Ah... my hair?"

She smiled, her eyes curious. "Yes. The spikes have tamed a bit and you have...bangs."

Cognition finally came back from the shock; his senses returning as he looked at his hand that was holding her wrist. He could feel the prominent pulse against his fingers, her warm temperature. He glanced up –and that smile.

"What's wrong, Toushiro?"

"…"

Hinamori was studying his strange behavior then gradually took everything into a perspective as more questions started to arise. She laid her head back down on the pillow and stared intently at the ceiling.

This feeling again... the sensation that she'd been gone for a long time and her legs are numb.

"Whoa..." She said almost inaudibly. Her head slowly turned to study Toushiro's astonished face once more then withdrew her hand from his hold, to now feel her stomach. "Huh. I can't see my legs."

Another coma? It can't be. Mou, no...not again. "Oh wow." She had to close her eyes as it all became too much.

"Hey..." His deep voice broke through the momentary silence. Hinamori felt the cool touch as he tentatively held her face. She met a set of pleading aquamarine eyes. "I hate to ask this of you, love. But you can't go back to sleep... You cannot sleep –ever." The corner of his lips awkwardly quirked, hesitant to smile in case she doesn't quite grasp how serious he really is.

"How long was I gone this time, Shiro-chan?"

"Eight months, four days...seventeen hours." Twenty-two minutes.

Her bottom lip started to quiver. "The baby –"

His thumb settled on her lips. "Shhh...his heart thuds louder than ours put together these past months."

Momo nodded. Trying to hold back the tears that will keep her from asking all these important questions. "I-I'm so sorry, Toushiro. For what you must–"

He hushed her again. "Shhh, stop baka! Don't...I'm calling Unohana." He tried to move but she held the front of his shirt.

"No, not yet. Please. I need you to answer all my questions. Shiro...chan?" Concerned for his head was bowed and eyes were concealed by the shadow of his hair. Momo slowly raised herself up on her elbow, touching his face to tilt his chin up but stopped when she felt a small wet drop on her palm.

"Tch." Clearly embarrassed. He shook his head and turned away.

"Look at me, Toushiro."

For a moment she didn't really know how to react to this. Never has she seen him shed a tear, though she wanted to confirm and just watched as he forced himself to look at her. He swallowed the lump in his throat, uncomfortable for showing this sign of vulnerability. But he managed to pull it off as he met her gaze. The ocean-deep eyes now glistened, drowning in guilt.

My Shiro-chan, what you must have been through...

A realization that triggered her dam to break. Her sobs became uncontainable, making it worse knowing he wouldn't hear her apology.

But Toushiro didn't want to hear her cry either as he muffled them with his lips. It wasn't just to keep her from crying, this kiss was far too desperate and profound. Mindless of the salty tears that streamed down their faces; for this moment was much too sweet.

They held each other in the center of their bed for the next hour, hands buried in each others hair. He was cradling Momo in a tight embrace, loosening now when her sobs have turned into soft passionate whimpers. He had to pull away.

"Momo." At a loss for words and a little breathless when he said it.

She was dreamily smiling as she reached up, tenderly wiping the dampness from his cheeks and brushing the bangs aside. "Shiro-chan."

"...I'm ready."

"Hmm?"

"Your questions... baka." Smiling now as he leaned down to kiss her again.

"Mmm...oh yes. I have tons."

"Ask away."

...

...(A/N: Magic by Colbie Caillat. It has to be the itunes session version. :'))

…

Toushiro had decided to take a whole month off to be with his wife but Momo insisted that he doesn't need to since it's pointless when she'll just be staying in the house. For indeed, even her daily health check-ups were done at home –right in front of him.

Although he did take a full week off to spend some uninterrupted time with her. Or so he thought, for he constantly would find himself being veered off to the side standing against the walls as friends, healers and well-wishers would surround her for the most part of each day.

…

It was early in the evening as they now gathered in the large open break room by Matsumoto's living quarters. Hinamori was sitting on one of the high chairs, hands maternally holding her rounded belly. Tilting her head up to laugh at what Abarai had just said when she suddenly felt something missing –peeking over the redhead's shoulders to search the room.

"...Toushiro?"

"Yes?"

The crowd became quiet but easily parted and intermingled with one another as the captain made his way to his wife. Making the space in between them smaller when he reached and caressed her face. Gazing deeply as if they didn't wake up almost glued to each other that morning.

Everyone else's attention were presently focused on Rangiku who had a blueprint of the upcoming nursery laid out on the table by the window. Taking opinions on what the room's theme should be. Yachiru was heard suggesting multi-colored dragons, Orihime of heavy-armoured robots, and Rukia (with a straight face) of baby-blue chappy bunnies. Momo had to bite her bottom lip to hold in a laugh.

"How are you feeling?"

She leaned her cheek unto his palm and kissed it. "Hmmm...fine. I thought you left."

"Now why would I do that?"

She shrugged. "Bored, maybe? You really don't have to be here, Shiro-chan."

"I don't mind." Containing the urge to kiss her in front of all these people.

"I'm serious. I'm sure you have plenty of things to do."

It was his turn to shrug. Getting distracted when his thumb grazed over her pink bottom lip; matching the healthy tinge on her glowing cheeks.

Hinamori had to clear her throat as a blush crept up her face. Embarrassed for being aroused out in the open like this. "Oi, Toushiro..."

"Huh?"

"You really don't have to stay here. Rangiku and I will be done by 8:00. I'll see you in the office." She insisted and smiled up at him reassuringly.

"As you wish." Softly kissing her forehead before leaving.

Momo was dreamily sighing as she watched her husband walk away. Her usual expression as of late.

I don't know if it's possible...but he looks even more gorgeous than ever.

He has gotten more muscular, especially in the shoulders. Rangiku had mentioned that he'd been relentlessly training for days at a time when he wasn't in the office or sitting beside her during the coma. Unsurprisingly. But this new hairstyle still catches her off guard.

Just so...sexy.

Her lips twitched. Recalling when the pretty girls from the 4th division would come over and help with Isane. How they would blush and watch him from the corner of their eyes when he's in the room –there were a few of them who actually gawked. Completely heedless that she, his wife, was right there with them. Once, she even had to say something to get the girl's attention before she poked the needle into Momo's arm, as she seemed to have forgotten that she had a syringe in her hand while wistfully staring at the captain.

Meanwhile, aside from a slight nod to acknowledge Isane, he doesn't notice anyone else but me. Her heart palpitating at just the thought.

Utterly clueless at how handsome he really is. Those beautiful turquoise eyes focused only on me. I mean, they've always been but they now held so much more in their depths...

"Yeesh! Will you look at her? I'm taking in bets people, that once she gives birth in the next two months – she'll be knocked up again in no time!"

Momo almost doubled-over at her friend's announcement. "Rangiku-san!"

…

Toushiro could already sense the other taicho's overflowing reiatsu inside before he opened the door to his office. He was standing in front of the window by Matsumoto's desk with his hands clasped behind his back. The small trademark bells now gone from the ends of his hair giving him a more serious rather than maniacal appearance.

"Yo. Hitsugaya."

"Zaraki."

"Thought I'd wait in here for Yachiru."

"Ah. Fine with me."

Kenpachi reverted his attention back to the gardens. While Toushiro started on a stack of paperwork. ...

"It's fortunate you know."

"What is?"

"That your wife is back. Had me worried for awhile."

"...yeah. Me too."

"Yachiru. Heh. That girl was moping around half the year that I ran out of things to do to cheer her up. She's quite attached to her, you know."

Hitsugaya stopped and slowly peered up at the man. His white eyebrow raised towards Zaraki's attempt at this small talk.

"Yes. I'm quite aware of that."

"Heh! Consider yourself lucky, Hitsugaya."

"How so?" The young captain leaned back in his chair. Curious at how long this civilized conversation will continue.

"That you're having a boy. Girls are a little trickier –moody. Fuckin' harder to handle." Kenpachi explained.

Toushiro couldn't resist a proud smirk. "Ah. Thank you." Amused to finally have heard something insightful coming from this brute man; who was speaking as a concerned parent. A knock interrupted, "Come in."

"Back from my break." Gin stretched upon entering and leisurely headed to Rangiku's desk. "My, my ain't we just havin' all sorts of a reunion today." His wily smile back for the time being to address his former peer.

"Tche. Ichimaru. Found yourself a home, I see."

"Zaraki. Ah, yes. Actually it found me –though I can't really complain." He grinned before diligently working on the reports. It was silent for the next two hours...

Toushiro was very much thankful for the man's help as Ichimaru prepares the documents the exact same way that he does and it wasn't surprising since the former-taicho is much too overqualified for the task. However, there's just something meticulous about how he does things. Such attention to detail –innate almost that Hitsugaya doesn't bother double-checking for errors knowing it would always be flawless. Which consequently saves him plenty of time to spend with his wife.

Too bad it's temporary for he knows of Ichimaru's application for a sensei position at the Academy. Although it's still under review considering his grimy history.

But then he didn't mull on it for long as the door abruptly slid open to reveal a giddy Yachiru who was followed by Rangiku. Indicating that their little gathering have now come to an end.

"Ken-chan! Look what Ruki-chan brought back for me from the real world!" Fanning six large rainbow-colored suckers.

Rangiku flopped on the couch, making herself comfortable by stacking the cushions behind her so she can lie down while writing notes on her clip board. "Hmmm...a rocking chair, three lamps, the changing table...what else, what else..."

"Matsumoto, where's Momo?"

"Oh, I almost forgot! Preggy told me to tell you that she'll join you once she's done taking her bath."

"Tch. She's not suppose to be alone in there." Taking into account the hazards of the wet slippery surfaces in the bathroom (especially with his now much clumsier wife), Hitsugaya immediately vanished from the office.

…

"Shiro-chan is that you?"

Momo was already in the large soaking tub with a thin layer of foam on the steaming water. Her long hair tied up in a loose chignon with some escaped tendrils plastered wet on her nape and temples. Her head leaned against the tub's rim; languid as she closed her eyes inhaling the aromatic lavender and extremely happy to finally get to relax.

"Oi, you have to let me know before you start your bath, Momo." He had already removed his haori and was adjusting his sleeves so it won't touch the water. In his haste he forgot to be careful on where he focuses his eyes on. Disgusted at his thoughts every time he finds himself ogling his very pregnant wife.

"Geez, Toushiro. You act like I can't walk or something –" She giggled.

"What?"

"My belly, how it comes out of the water like that. See?"

She laughed and slowly sat up to playfully cover the exposed porcelain mound with the foam. Toushiro swallowed that awkward lump in his throat and set his attention away from those voluminous breasts under the clearing bubbles. He reached for the body sponge and sat on the chair behind her to start their nightly bath routine. Lathering her back and shoulders...

"Mmm...you spoil me Shiro-chan."

She tilted her neck up as he slowly worked his hand over her collar-bone. Momo then immersed herself lower to rid of the soapy lather.

The small content smile on his face turning serious. Entranced as glistening beads of water slowly dripped from her nape down to that graceful ridge of her back. She sighed...his hakama becoming even more uncomfortable at the sound.

Hitsugaya was about to get up and get the towel but she held his hand in place. Planting a kiss on his arm before leaning back to rest her head on his shoulder, guiding his hand lower. The sponge forgotten as he carefully cupped an ample breast, thumb grazing her nipple, over the now hardened pink bud. His lips automatically sought that spot just beneath her earlobe; running his tongue against it. It tasted of her and lavender...

Momo turned to face him. The beautiful brown eyes mirroring his own need as she scanned his face. "I love you, Toushiro." She whispered, not needing to hear his response before closing the space in between them. Her hands coming from under the water to pull him closer, his robe now soaked.

All reservations completely abandoned as Hitsugaya was about to carry her out of the tub and onto the bed.

"O-oh my!" She gasped, sitting up straight with her hands around her stomach.

"Momo, what is it?"

"Baby Zennyu..." She laughed then becoming quiet. Her expression of wonder and anticipation. "There it is again! Toushiro, do you see it?"

"What's wrong? Shit, I'm sending for Unohana-"

She grabbed his sleeve. "Hold on, not yet! Look closely, Shiro-chan. Just wait –I can feel him wiggling...owaah!"

And sure enough, an imprint of a tiny hand pushed its way up against the smooth surface on the top of her stomach. The moment took but a second while the amazed smile on Momo's face lasted on to the next hour.

...

"So the reiatsu barrier didn't break?" Toushiro wanted to make sure when he asked the 4th division captain; his arms crossed. Apparently not on the same cloud that Hinamori was on. Whom was presently perched on the table in the examining room, dangling her legs and already dressed in her peach sleeping yukata.

"No it did not, Hitsugaya-taicho. It has an elasticity to it. The baby is just taking up more room that's all. However, Kurosutchi-taicho is still working on a much efficient machine that's able to decipher through the barrier. It's become very thick, almost impenetrable that we can't get a proper image anymore."

"Tch. Kurosutchi needs to hurry up." Toushiro had offered to help with the development of this said machine a few months back but the door was rudely shut in front of his face.

"It's okay Shiro-chan. I'm not feeling uncomfortable or anything. It's just that he's become more... active in there." Hinamori grinned to assure her husband.

"As expected, ne? We are just but a couple months away. Oh, which reminds me. In two weeks you are to meet the mid-wife. We finally found her. She's very much experienced in handling shinigami births you see, and I'd you like you to meet her before the delivery."

"Hai, Unohana-taicho." Momo eagerly nodded.

Retsu sighed, also relieved to find that everything was just fine. "Hm... In that case, I really don't have to tell the two of you to keep a close watch on everything, ne?" Regarding the young father from the corner of her eyes.

...

…

…

The change that took place in the 10th Division household was unquestionably welcomed by everyone, especially the staff. All the window drapes remained open until sundown; basking the whole place in light. Smiles and 'ohayo's' were generously exchanged in the mornings. The temperature now warm and birds from the nearby trees chirped boastfully; thankful for each passing day.

And not one can help but stop what they're doing when the beautiful and glowing wife of the master passes by, happily humming a tune. Her long dark hair swaying as she airily walks without a care in the world. Her peaceful reiatsu was comforting and overall contagious.

They look away however, when the captain follows suit about ten minutes later; searching for his always wandering wife. Holding in their smiles to see him annoyed. His scowl is still the same for the most part, though his reiatsu isn't as oppressive.

Thank the heavens for that.

…

Hitsugaya was back to sitting in his desk, unable to concentrate. Perturbed as he blankly stared at the document in front of him. Hinamori had been insistent on helping with the house chores and he'd been inclined to give her whatever she wants, so he couldn't really refuse.

It was three days ago when she was helping out in the kitchen that her stomach accidentally nudged three stacks of porcelain plates and bowls to the floor. Causing the cook's face to sweat drop when the captain came out of the office to see what the ruckus was all about, and to find his wife on the floor trying to clean the shards of glass.

He had her stay inside the office after that and help out with paperwork but she complained because she couldn't sit down for long periods of time. Said it was uncomfortable. So she was back to helping around the house again and tried her hand at gardening.

Toushiro was watching from the window while she was planting tulip bulbs. Moving flower pots and happily waddling her way from one end of their garden to the other. Harmless enough. He thought as he reverted his attention back to work. Engrossed for the next hour.

Momo was on her way to grab another pot when she tripped, "Kyaaah!"

Luckily, her quick reflexes prevented her from falling face first. Though she hissed from her hand getting scraped on the rough pavement. Her husband was instantly there, before the gardening staff could even blink –let alone rush to her aid.

"Momo. Tch. Are you alright?"

"Yes, Shiro-chan. It's kinda hard when I can't see my feet." She giggled but he didn't find it amusing. "What?"

"Do me a favor and stay in the bedroom. You can't be out here."

"Toushiro, put me down!" She tried to wriggle her way out but her bulky frame made it impossible. "Ugh!"

They were both unaware of the attention they caused. Some of the witnesses were smiling as they watched the couple. And if Toushiro wasn't so angry he would have found it funny too, to see her pathetic attempt at escaping.

She stopped and petulantly crossed her arms. "You can't just have me stay in here!"

He gently placed her on the center of the bed, then proceeded to remove her warajis. "Momo, enough of this. I can't do anything unless I know you're in here –away from trouble." He didn't even give her a chance to retort as she was left staring at the closed doors. And from his tone she wouldn't have been surprised if he had locked her in.

Bleh. This sucks. What's his stupid problem?

The baby kicked.

She sighed, her annoyed demeanor forgotten. "Fine. I'll do what he says...what book do you want me to read to you Zennyu-chan?"

...

...

Toushiro checked in on Momo two hours later to find her sleeping. Kicking himself for losing his temper but decided that he can't be too cautious as he had instructed two of his officers to keep a closer watch. He carefully sat on the bed to study her delicate features.

"Hmm...always so serious Shiro-chan." Her sleepy brown eyes opening, smiling up at him.

"Hey...sorry. For being an ass earlier."

She yawned, then shrugged. "I'm used to it."

He chuckled but it didn't quite reach the aquamarine eyes. "I won't be able to go with you to see Unohana tomorrow, love."

"Hm. Why not?"

"Some disturbance in the Precipice World. But I'll be back before the afternoon...it's nothing serious. The soutaicho has got nothing better for us to do." He added the last part when she looked worried.

Mou... "Demo, it's fine. I'll try not to stub my toes as much." She grinned and absentmindedly glided her hand over her midsection. Then knowing how much more keen he is to her every mood, she continued. "And I won't let anything get me down. It's like I'm in this all-time high, Toushiro. It's weird. For I'm just constantly... happy."

"Good." Hitsugaya couldn't help but forget about his worries for that brief moment to feel the same way.

...

...

And as if her reiatsu couldn't be anymore jubilant, he came back from the quick mission to see her eyes just gleaming.

Momo was already in the office. She immediately unclasped Hyourinmaru from behind him and then guided Toushiro to sit on the couch as she sat on his lap so to cover his face with kisses. Making Rangiku's eyes roll before becoming absorbed in a nursery catalog, trying to decide on the furniture.

"Was I gone that long?"

Hinamori giggled. "No, taicho. Just glad you're back." Biting her bottom lip; trying to hold back something.

Toushiro smiled and gently nuzzled her nose, nudging her to tell him.

"...I've decided to have Zennyu-chan's room colored green. Like your scarf Shiro-chan." Fiddling with the fabric.

"...okay." Thinking maybe that wall colors are one of those things that women find exciting, next to jewelry and flowers.

"Anyway, so what do you think?"

"Er...I like it?"

She laughed. "I knew you would!" Pulling his face for a long and suffocating kiss. It was quiet for a moment.

Gin, who was sitting in the captain's desk this whole time, had to clear his throat. "Yare yare Rangi-chan...if we didn't know how babies were made before, then we sure as hell do now."

…

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A/N: Teehee. Long enough for ya? ;) Please review. ... ...