Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Song This Year's Love by David Grey for the last scene. I love it :').
Fluffometer: Extremely high. Be still my racing heart!
A/N: Review. Please! And re-read after a couple of days...I update almost every hour until I'm content. Reviews please. I need them like the air I breathe!
WATASHI NO KOKORO
Chapter 47
Miscalculations
...
"Suuuugoiii! I want one!" Gushed the pink-haired lieutenant.
"You can have it if you want, Yachiru-chan." Momo said.
"Really?"
"Uhhm...I don't think that's how this works, guys. That's why it's called a 'shower' – to shower the mother-to-be with gifts." Rukia explained.
"And besides, Yachi-chan, Zaraki-taicho will just get you your own if you ask." Isane quickly added when Kusajishi looked disappointed.
"And I looked everywhere for that damned rocking horse. You can't just give it away!" Renji stopped when he felt Hitsugaya's glare at the escalation of his voice. "Uh...damn. Sorry. Didn't mean to yell at ya, Momo."
"It's okay...eto...why is your face red, Abarai-kun?"
"Ahaha! It's because I put sake in the bottles. Ken-chan said that it'd be a good idea." Referring to the game that she was in charge of; of who can suck the contents in the baby bottles the fastest. And these aren't normal sized bottles either, they were the kind used as coin-banks that could easily hold five to six sake pitchers.
Abarai came second to Hisagi and Yumichika who both passed out on the large breakroom floor just when Momo began opening the presents. The two champs were already sporting cute puppy features complete with black life-like whiskers, courtesy of Kusajishi's face-painting kit.
Toushiro couldn't help but raise an eyebrow when Matsumoto walked past and took a couple of up-close pictures of his face, as she overzealously clicked away. In case a second is spared without a photograph –otherwise defeating the whole purpose of having this lavish party for Hinamori.
He inwardly sighed. Didn't really plan on being a part of this circus show until that false alarm a week ago. Which consequently gave him the need to be right beside her at all times.
Momentarily recalling that trip to the 4th division...
"It's a signal that it will be in any day now –when we least expect it. So keep a much closer watch." Unohana had advised.
Hitsugaya suggested to have his wife stay in the hospital which Retsu have easily agreed to. But that didn't really go well with Momo. Feeling trapped from voicing out her objections in front of the two captains.
She didn't speak to him for the next two hours as she's now in the middle of the bed with an opened suitcase, sulkily packing her things for the upcoming stay. Toushiro was moving about the room, bringing her things that he knew she would need. He closed a drawer, with more force than necessary and just stood there with his back facing her.
"Don't make this difficult, Momo."
"I didn't say anything...baka." She said it so low, determined not to make eye contact.
"We can't be too cautious, do you understand?"
"Hai. As you wish...it's not like I haven't been locked in that place before."
Another drawer slammed shut. "Tch."
It was quiet for a while as Hitsugaya massaged the twitch on the bridge of his nose.
"Stop packing."
"Hmm?"
He turned now, his eyes seemed remorseful yet calm. "You heard me."
Toushiro didn't even have a chance to blink when Momo used shunpo and ended up in his arms, bridal style. "Oi, baka. You can't be moving like that."
Her sentences breaking in between as she planted kisses all over his face. Passionate from being so grateful. "Thank you...thank you!... I really would hate to be stuck in there again...and I'm sorry Shiro-chan, I didn't mean...to sound like a spoiled child...but I am spoiled!... It's all your fault."
The smile on his lips disappearing, however, when Momo took advantage of the moment. She clutched on the hair just above his nape, pulling him closer and slid her other hand into his shirt, spanning her fingers over his sculpted chest. At the same time her tongue grazed his bottom lip, slowly sliding its way inside his mouth. He groaned. She moaned.
Hitsugaya gulped and tilted his neck up to look at the ceiling. Praying for some self-control.
Hinamori was undeterred as she opened his robe wider; nipping on his earlobe and trailed kisses down his neck. "Toushiro..."
He had to say something when her warm tongue glided over his collarbone. "Hey, stop."
"Noo..."
"Enough. Please Momo."
She reluctantly pulled away. Biting a finger with a coy and guilty smile on her face. "Sorry."
He chuckled shaking his head. "You should be. Taking advantage of me like that, baka...I was literally unarmed." Gently setting her on the bed but she didn't let go just yet. Making sure that he can see her pout.
"I miss it, Shiro-chan. To be close to you again... that I dream of it."
Her confession didn't help his cause in any way. Decided that leaving the room was his only reprieve.
"In time...we will." He winked and chucked her chin before quickly heading for the door. Instructing Matsumoto to not leave her side until he gets back (back from swimming in an ice-cold body of water that is...).
...
...
...
Hitsugaya presently appeared to be bored, yet on high alert under that serious surface as he watched Momo excitedly rip open another gift. Becoming amused as her expression reminded him of their childhood days.
Like that joy on her face when he discovered a family of rabbits housed underneath Oba-saan's house. He devised some small holes on the tatami floors so they would be able to observe the animals. Indeed, they observed everything. It was considered their introduction to sex education since the little shits were just relentlessly active.
"What are they doing, Shiro-chan?" Momo asked, not sure why she's blushing.
"I don't know. Making flowers, I guess." He shrugged.
"Oh. I see. Mou...how terrible!" Vowing never to pluck another flower again, seeing how it seemed like a grueling and even painful process.
"Oi, relax Bed-wetter, geez. It couldn't be that bad, if they keep doing it right?"
"...hai, you're right."
Toushiro couldn't hold in a smirk at the memory. Which Rangiku made sure to zoom in and capture with the camera, clicking until the smile disappeared. She secretly snickered behind the crowd.
Hehe. You think you're so invincible underneath that scowl of yours, eh taicho? But I have proof! Tcheh. The lovesick fool...
"Look at all these presents! I may have to dig myself out of here! You guys, you really didn't have to..." Momo beamed, tears of gratitude glistening in her chestnut brown eyes.
"We'll go to the nursery and help you put it all away, Momo-chan. But first...cake!" Orihime announced, at the same time Yourichi wheeled in a table with the said treat.
It was large, artfully decorated befitting for a baby boy. Resembling a teetering stack of gifts with a blue-bowed rubber ducky as a topper. Baby Zennyu lettered in white chocolate.
"Owaah...kawaii!" Gasped Momo and Rukia in unison, with fists covering their mouths. Both their faces stuck in pure adoration, in turn causing Renji and Toushiro's eyes to roll.
…
...
Later that night...
They were in bed, about an hour before going to sleep. Momo's expression still dazed as she absentmindedly traced the well-defined lines on his bicep.
"Wasn't the party amazing, Shiro-chan?"
"Hm." Toushiro was too absorbed reading a book on parenting.
"Did you see what Kuchiki-taicho gave as a present?"
"I lost track after Ukitake's third bag of toys."
Momo laughed, playfully flicking his nose. "It's a miniature replica of Hyourinmaru, with the baby's name engraved on the blade."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
"Nice. You have to show it to me tomorrow."
"Hai...and it's funny how Kuchiki and Ukitake both are fond of you. Like a son almost –expressing it in their own peculiar ways, that I should consider myself lucky to be your wife."
"And why is that?" He closed the book, setting it aside and turned to meet her eyes; giving her his undivided attention.
"For having such great male role models."
"And you know what else you should be considering?" He asked while holding her face, gently tilting it up as he leaned down to give her a kiss.
"Hmmm...mmwhat?" She mumbled against his lips.
"Going to sleep. It's getting late, love."
"Ano...I meant to ask you something before I forget, Shiro-chan."
"So ask, Bed-wetter."
"I was wondering...if I can borrow some money to go shopping after the baby is born. I know I received a ton of gifts from the party today and I really am grateful. But...but it's not what I picked for the baby. I want to be able to get something that I myself have selected. Eto...so if it's not too much trouble –"
Toushiro slightly pulled back. "Momo, when was the last time you checked your funds?"
"Uhmm...a while now. I know there isn't much in there since I haven't been back to work."
"Tch. Our accounts are joined. And there's no reason for you to ask my permission every time you have the need to use it. I thought I've explained this, Momo. What's mine is yours, remember? It gets tiresome having to repeat that baka."
"I didn't know, okay? Geez. So...I really have free reign over your funds?" She teasingly asked.
He shrugged, reaching to turn off the bedside lamp. "As far as I'm concerned; you don't have to go back to work at all. And it's yours, spend it however way you please."
"In that case, I'll just buy the moon. So we can have it to ourselves." She joked. Softly yawning then habitually turned her back towards him so he can hug her from behind. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips when she felt him kiss her stomach before draping his arm around her waist.
"If it has a price, I'll buy you the stars too...Goodnight love."
"...goodnight." Momo was thoughtful for a moment before drifting off to sleep, realizing that she still has so many things left to do before the big day.
...
...
...
Hitsugaya's eyes opened when he felt her hand touch his cheek. He immediately sensed her and the baby's reiatsu; they were both calm. A little too calm for his peace of mind.
"Ohayo, Shiro-chan."
He sat up. "Why are you up so early?" Noticing that her hair is tied up in a tight bun. Hardly a hair out of place, indicating that she's been awake much earlier to put effort into accomplishing the task.
"It's time."
"Hai." Was all he could say as he dressed within a second, heedless that Momo had to straighten his haphazardly-donned robes before they headed to the 4th Division.
…
Toushiro was trying to make something out of the clouds, as it would usually help clear his thoughts in the past. But it isn't doing shit today. Opting to stand up and cross his arms, keeping his unsteady hands from pulling his hair out.
The door to the room where they had wheeled Momo in about two hours ago opened. Revealing the elderly midwife, Kama Chinen, who he once thought, could have been soutaicho's older sister. She was a small scrawny woman with dark gray eyes that were always boldly scrutinizing –at Toushiro anyway. Making him inwardly squirm; like what she's doing right at the moment.
"Hitsugaya."
"Hai, Kama-san."
"I understand you planned on being here for the whole birthing process?"
"Hai."
"I advised your wife that it's not a good idea. But she said that it's really up to you... You're a taicho if I'm not mistaken?" Skeptical from seeing one so young.
"Ah. Kama-san."
"Now that the barrier is broken, your reiatsu will be fatal when around the infant. The mother's reiatsu is pressure enough. It will be too overpowering –heavy. You can't even be in the vicinity."
"I'll mask it. Completely." He assured.
"As you wish. But let me just warn you as a first time father –it gets pretty ugly in there."
"I'm sure I've seen worse."
"Oh?" One of her wrinkly eyebrow mockingly raised. "Then come with me."
The doors slid open. Hinamori was in a light blue gown with her legs pried apart by some ghastly contraption attached to the bed –barely can he even get a full view of her form.
She was wet with perspiration, knuckles white from grasping the handles. There were five women healers tending to her upper body. Wiping her face, rubbing her back and giving her encouragements while another six huddled around her lower half.
Momo was writhing in pain. She was heaving and then started to pant; whimpering at the same time. And as if his eyes couldn't get any wider –she screamed a blood-curling scream.
Knowing exactly what the old lady meant as Toushiro felt his control drop at the excruciating sound. His feet went cold.
"Ah...I'll be outside."
"And be far away. We'll send for you." The midwife didn't even blink at his sudden decision, already focused at the task at hand.
...
...
She promised. She did, right?
That's right, master. Hyourinmaru assured for the sixth time within the last two hours.
It felt like days that he'd been standing there, under their tree by the river. But realistically, it had just been a total of six long hours. Toushiro was holding in the urge to go back to the 4th Division. But his zanpakuto would put some sense into him every time he lost hold.
He can't remember how many times he'd called Unohana and Matsumoto. Neither one answered. Cursing as he froze and crushed the phone in his hand. Then regretted it once it shattered, realizing that they might be calling him back.
Fucking hell...
Hitsugaya was about to summon a hell's butterfly when he spotted Rangiku. She was breathless, her eyes in a state of shock and wonder when she flash-stepped right in front of him. "Taicho!"
"Matsumoto...Tell me–"
"Momo-chan did it. They said she was incredible–" Rangiku didn't even have to finish.
...
...
Toushiro rushed back, only to be re-instructed by the midwife to mask his reiatsu completely and some more added bullshit that he's sure he had already read about. He could only watch as the healers were busily working, going in and out of the room.
Getting even more irritable that he had to wait another hour, and what's with all the fucking knowing smiles at his direction?
Becoming more concerned too because the older woman didn't really go into much detail on Momo's condition, and he didn't want to ask either since he was just about to barge in and see for himself.
But his annoyance slightly ceased when the doors slid open to see Inoue step out. She cheered when she saw him. "Hitsugaya-kun! Congratulations!"
The auburn-haired girl held her tongue when the midwife glared at her for interrupting. "...as I was saying, Hitsugaya, no and I mean NO intercourse for the next four weeks."
He heard it but he wasn't really listening as he felt the first rush of relief; knowing that Inoue had been healing Momo. Toushiro tried to peek through the opening. His scowl getting darker when the doors closed again as a blushing Orihime quickly apologized, "Sumimasen." And quietly scooted herself out of the waiting area.
The midwife cleared her throat. "Is that clear, Hitsugaya?"
"Huh? Ah."
There was a slight crinkle in the corners of her eyes. Amused for this supposedly boy genius didn't listen to a word she just said. She sighed out of resignation. First time fathers, I swear...though this, is the youngest one by far. And one of the most arrogant I might add.
"Perfect. Then you may see her now."
...
…Song: This Year's Love by David Grey for the last scene. :').
...
The high bed was horizontally placed across the big window; resembling a true place of rest instead of that torture mechanism that he last saw her on. The large spacious room had changed from its aseptic uninviting form to this new and welcoming setting. A miracle, what opened curtains and some flowers can do.
Momo was slightly sitting up under a blanket; a large white pillow propped behind her to make her comfortable. Her head leaned to the side with her long hair now undone as it delicately covered half her face. She was peacefully fast asleep.
Toushiro slowly slid the doors closed then hesitated, not sure if he should wake her up. Checking again to see if he got his reiatsu in tact, and sensed the presence all around him; aware that they're not alone in the room...
A coo interrupted.
Hinamori woke up at the sound and saw Toushiro by the entrance. "Shiro-chan. Finally." Her face brightening although her voice was a bit hoarse.
"Momo."
She held up a hand. "Wait. Just stay there for a minute."
And he watched as she easily got off the bed. Barefoot and dressed in a long-sleeved white cotton gown that looked two sizes larger, exposing a porcelain shoulder. She seemed much smaller too.
Hitsugaya remembered to blink as he scrutinized her new form. Mesmerized while she moved about with a tender smile.
Her face just glowing as she went to the other side of the bed, tucking her hair behind an ear before bending over a shallow box-like container. Daintily making adjustments on something that Toushiro couldn't see. She bit her bottom lip as something appeared to have made her laugh, but careful not to make a sound.
Momo finished with what she was doing then straightened up to look at the captain. Slowly making her way towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Ahh...finally. I could hug you again."
"So it seems." He kissed the top of her head, gathering her closer. ... "How are you?"
She glanced up with a grin, rolling her eyes to emphasize the word. "Heavenly."
He slightly pulled away to peruse her pink-tinged cheeks albeit focusing more on the underlying hint of fatigue. "You're just saying that."
"Ack Toushiro, enough about my health. Because right now, we need to talk about something important."
"Don't I get to see my son first?"
"Well, it's about that...remember the promise I made?"
He nodded.
"Well, since I'm here alive and unscathed. Thanks to Inoue, by the way. She did wonders Shiro-chan –like I was never pregnant! Although she couldn't do anything about these..." Momo indicated her much larger boobs, cupping the heavy things. Toushiro cleared his throat, getting impatient now as she was veering away from the subject. "Anyway, I was wondering if you can make me a promise too before I do anything else."
"Huh. Funny, how you made it sound like I have a choice when I really don't." He muttered before continuing, "But if I must...I promise to whatever you're going to make me do or say. Just let me see Zennyu already, geez."
Momo giggled. "Promise you won't get mad at me?"
"Must I repeat myself, Hinamori?" His brow slanting upwards but stopped when she squeezed his arm, letting him know that she was serious. "I promise, baka."
"Come on, then."
Tugging his hand until they stood in front of the crib and she lightly goaded him forward to have a closer look. Toushiro peeked over to find the smallest head of dark hair he's ever seen, and right next to it was another one of the same size except with white hair. They were both sound asleep, their little chests moving, breathing in unison...
"I knew all along. I just didn't want to tell you, for it would have doubled your worries Shiro-chan."
"..."
"Twins."
"Er...what?"
"Twins. Unohana was as ecstatic as I was! Kurosutchi-taicho and his invention team had finally finished devising the machine two months ago, on that day you went on a mission. The only day you couldn't make it, Shiro-chan! So I thought, hmm...maybe we should surprise Toushiro..."
Hitsugaya wasn't listening to her anymore. He was in a daze; his mouth left open. For the first time in his life he was unsure of his quantitative calculations. One. Two. Two right? What the hell–
Then the dark-haired one opened its large aquamarine eyes...
"Oh good, she's awake! Shiro-chan, I'd like you to meet Kokone. Hitsugaya Kokone...our daughter."
And as if the baby understood, she raised her tiny hands up and cooed. Momo laughed, tears of joy falling down her face as she watched Toushiro tentatively reach down. The baby grasping onto his index finger.
"Hello...Kokone."
He smiled. The wonder in his eyes remarkable. He didn't know that this could happen again; for this unmistakably, is love at first sight.
…
...
A/N: Zennyu was not neglected, I can assure you. We've known him since they gave him a name from the last three chapters. Kokone wasn't mentioned at all until now – owing her the spotlight. Oh, Kama Chinen was one of the oldest person that lived that recently died in Japan around May last year, she was 114. Hehe. Thought of paying her a tribute. Please review. Chapter 48 to come soon. People think that this is the end...I'm sorry to break your hearts –but it's not. It's a start of a new chapter in their lives as parents.